February Film of the Month

In a blink of an eye this month has flown by! And to end the month of February, it is inevitably time for the second Film of the Month.

I haven't seen as many films as January - three in total. So let me know if you have seen any other movies this month - whether they were awful or awesome.

As always, here is the all important rating system:

* = Poor. Why did I even bother?!

** = OK. Could have done better.

*** = Good. Recommended though don’t feel bad you don’t get to see this one.

**** = Excellent. Not quite perfect but highly recommended.

***** = Masterpiece. You’d be a fool not to see this film.

That Awkward Moment

That awkward moment where the outtakes are funnier than the entire movie (and even then it's not great). This was one of those silly 'edgy' rom-coms or guy-rom-coms. Zac Efron put in a fairly comedic performance however Miles Teller as Daniel steals the show. I maybe laughed out loud once where Efron's character turns up in some rather obscene attire for a sophisticated birthday party. The rest of the film? Meh. Don't bother.
Rating: *

Dallas Buyers Club

The performances in the movie are phenomenal. Firstly, Matthew McConaughey is brilliant. As widely reported, McConaughey transformed himself for the role losing over 40lbs but he should be commended for a terrific performance - well he is nominated for an Oscar this weekend so I guess that is praise indeed! And so is Jared Leto for that matter who is up for a Supporting Actor Oscar. The story was engaging though I wasn't completely swept off my feet. Would I have still liked it if there was a different cast? I'm not too sure. The performances carry this film and I'm sure it will do well at the awards this weekend. Definitely recommended, not quite a four star film for me though.

Rating: ***

Her

I loved the cinematography of this film. The colour palette and futuristic look of Los Angeles is visually stunning. I liked the setting of the film too - a not too distant future where technology has developed even further to the point where we can have personal relationships with our devices. It triggered questions on what it means to be human and our relationship to technology right now. I'd have been interested to listen to Samantha Morton's performance, who was originally cast as Samantha in the film. She was replaced by Scarlett Johansson in post production who puts in a pretty good vocal performance. I thoroughly enjoyed the film though I don't know if I felt so emotionally connected or invested in Theodore and Samantha's relationship - but I guess that's kind of the point? It's a computer device, not a human being, so is it ok not to feel as emotionally invested with the central couple? I'll leave that open to debate. Joaquin Phoenix puts in a heartfelt performance which I adore and I think the movie overall is very original. Again, this is a good recommendation. It was close to four stars but not quite.
Rating: ***

This month has been hard to pick as you can see with two films getting the same three star rating, but my personal February Film of the Month goes to...

Dallas Buyers Club

Do you agree? Or do you disagree?

What films have you seen this February?

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(All images from IMDB.com)

Top Ten Film Romances

From top left: When Harry Met Sally, Brief Encounter, Dirty Dancing, Beauty and the Beast, Brokeback Mountain, Casablanca and centre, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

With it being Valentine's Day, Ticket Stub is all loved up this week! To mark this occasion, I have picked my Top Ten Film Romances.

What are your favourites? Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog. 

1. Casablanca (1942) - Rick and Ilsa

"Here's looking at you, kid" 

One of the most iconic Hollywood romances starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. 

2. Beauty and the Beast (1991) - Belle and Beast

"Tale as old as time..."

This animated love story is enchanting and wonderfully romantic, showing the importance of inner beauty and not judging by appearances.

3. Dirty Dancing (1987) - Baby and Johnny

"Nobody puts Baby in the corner"

Starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, the sexy dancing and cute scenes between the two characters make this one of the best coming of age romances.

4. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - Joel and Clementine 

"Why do I fall in love with every woman I see who shows me the least bit of attention?"

Erasing the memory of their relationship, we see the sweet yet destructive romance between Joel and Clementine. One of my top favourite films of all time.

5. When Harry Met Sally - Harry and Sally

"You say things like that and you make it impossible for me to hate you. And I hate you, Harry. I really hate you"

What can I say? I had to include it! If you read Ticket Stub often, you know I adore this rom-com. Harry and Sally test out the theory whether men and women can just be friends. 

6. Titanic (1997) - Jack and Rose

"I'll never let go"

I grew up with this movie and loved the Romeo and Juliet nature of Jack and Rose's relationship. Not only are they confronted with objections from society, they have to survive a sinking ship. 

Certainly one of the top film romances.

7. Brokeback Mountain (2005) - Ennis and Jack

"I wish I knew how to quit you"

Ennis and Jack fall in love in a tragic romance based on Annie Proulx's short story which I highly recommend reading.

8. Brief Encounter (1945) -  Laura and Alec

"If you'd die, you'd forget me. I want to be remembered"

A classic black and white cinematic romance. Laura and Alec meet at a railway station and begin a romantic love affair.

9. Annie Hall (1977) - Annie and Alvy

"Love is too weak a word for what I feel  - I luuurve you, you know, I loave you, I luff you"

Another favourite on Ticket Stub, Annie Hall may not end in the perfect romantic fashion but it is one of the best takes on romantic relationships.

10. Sleepless in Seattle (1993) - Annie and Sam

"I don't want to be someone that anyone settles for"

Showing in cinema screens tonight, this is a cheesy rom-com with the glorious Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. The film also references the wonderful An Affair to Remember (1957).

I have missed LOADS of movie romances off this list. 

What are your favourites?

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Happy Valentine's Day <3

Quote of the Day #8

"The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love
 and be loved in return"

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Image: skymovies.sky.com

What is your favourite romantic movie quote?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog with your suggestions

Trailer Tuesday: The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

Image: hypable.com

On Wednesday, The Fault in Our Stars trailer was released racking up a total number of 3 million views in just 24 hours - and the view count is still growing (over 9 million at this point). If you have read the book by John Green then you'll definitely want to see this movie.

The Fault in Our Stars tells the story of Hazel, a 16 year old cancer patient who meets and falls in love with Augustus at a cancer support group. Although you may think this is a depressing story, and yes there are some very sad moments, the book is also witty and romantic. I hoping this will come across on screen.

Directed by Josh Boone, the movie stars some relatively new faces with Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort taking the lead roles. Yet there are some familiar faces too, including Williem Dafoe, Laura Dern and True Blood TV star, Sam Trammell.

If you'd like to know more about the making of the film, I suggest heading over to John Green's YouTube channel (he makes video blogs with/to his brother, Hank). He was on set for some of the film and interviewed a few of the stars of the movie.

The Fault in Our Stars will be released on 20th June 2014 in the UK.

What movies are you excited about for 2014?

Have you seen any great trailers?

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