June Film of the Month

Can you believe we are half way through 2014?
Only 6 months til we find out Ticket Stub's Film of the Year!

I've seen three films this month so let's see who will come out on top.

As always, here are my review ratings:

* = 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.

All movie titles link to their respective IMDB pages where you can find out more.

Do you agree? Let me know in the comments below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

22 Jump Street

After seeing 21 Jump Street and being pleasantly surprised at how hilarious it was, I was looking forward to seeing this sequel. Although it may not be as funny as the first, 22 still had me giggling throughout. The film was great in taking the mickey out of itself - mainly stating that the second time round is always more expensive and less funny. The bromance between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum is as strong as ever. Stay for the end credits - plenty of laughs to be had including a brilliant cameo by Seth Rogen. Recommended comedy choice.

Rating: ***

The Fault in Our Stars

Being a fan of the book by John Green, I was in full support of this film before it began - biased, I know! I'm thrilled that the comedy came across on screen as the book, as well as being incredibly sad, has plenty of wit. There were a few set backs though. Some of the lines are a tad too cheesy and that scene in the Anne Frank house? Terribly cringe-worthy. Despite this, the emotion of Hazel and Gus's story had me in tears, along with the whole cinema by the sounds of the sniffing. Bring tissues.

Rating: ****

Jersey Boys

Featured as Trailer Tuesday back in May, I was quite excited to see the adaptation of the Tony award winning musical. However, I was left slightly disappointed. The musical numbers, although were very good, fell slightly flat. Is it because Clint Eastwood isn't used to making a musical? It is certainly evident here. Subsequently, the film's pace dragged with unnecessary amounts of dialogue. It is only until the end credits that the pazazz I'm sure many cinema goers were hoping for comes alive. Too little, too late unfortunately.

Rating: **

So Ticket Stub's June Film of the Month is...

The Fault in Our Stars

What films have you seen this month?

Did you enjoy The Fault in Our Stars?

Best Tennis Scenes

Image: clothesonfilm.cm

My favourite time of year is upon us! Yes, Wimbledon starts today with Andy Murray coming on Centre Court as the defending champion. Sounds good doesn't it? Fingers crossed for him this year.

I'm super excited to watch lots of tennis over the next two weeks, so I thought Ticket Stub should look at the best tennis scenes in film.

Can you think of any more to add to this list? Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Strangers on a Train (1951)

"I beg your pardon, but aren't you Guy Haines?"

Alfred Hitchcock is the master of suspense and this sport lends itself to tension. Bruno and Guy are strangers who meet on a train (clue's in the title). Bruno persuades Guy, a professional tennis player, to swap murders. Bruno goes ahead but Guy is reluctant to his side of the bargain. Here, Bruno wants to plant Guy's lighter on the scene of his crime so he will get away with it before the police turn up. However, Bruno is delayed as he accidentally drops the lighter down the drain whilst we see Guy who is desperate to finish his match so he can stop Bruno. The tension of the two moments is excruciating and one of the most memorable tennis scenes ever.

Match Point (2005)

"I'd rather be lucky than good"

Chris is a former tennis professional turned instructor. In Woody Allen's film set in London, we see Chris and his wealthy pupil, Tom, start a friendship which changes Chris's life forever after he meets Tom's beautiful fiancee, Nola. This opening shot of the film shows the nature of luck in life and tennis - a theme explored throughout the movie. All the beginning tennis scenes were shot at Queen's Club, London.

Bridesmaids (2011)

"GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER, CAROL!"

Tennis is the best way to show rivalry between characters so this works perfectly between head bridesmaid Annie and Little-Miss-Perfect Helen. Plenty of hilarious body shots and Annie getting angry at Carol - makes me laugh every time.

Wimbledon (2004)

"We all start off in life with a dream, don't we? For a tennis player, it's being in the final of a Grand Slam, Centre Court, a high lob... a smash. Game, set and match. You're a champion. You're number one. But for most tennis players, that's all it ever is: a dream. 

The reality is another story."

Of course, there are a bunch of tennis scenes in this romantic comedy. It also shows the tournament's grounds in all its glory. I will link to the match where Peter starts to turn things around with Lizzie looking on.

Annie Hall (1977)

"La-di-da"

This is where it all begins for Annie and Alvy. They meet when playing doubles with their friends at the local tennis club. After the match is the adorably awkward small talk between the two characters. However, this leads to Alvy catching a ride in Annie's car and having a glass of wine on the balcony. The film then sees the blossoming and demise of their relationship. 

To find out more about Annie Hall click on the link to see the Sunday Classic post or have a look at the When Harry Met Annie post where I compare the brilliant romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally, with Allen's film.

The Squid and the Whale (2005)

"It's Mom and me versus you and Dad"

 This tennis match is the opening of the movie. It is the perfect setting to show the eventual separation, tension and anger between parents Bernard and Joan. The rest of the film sees the couple going through their divorce and the impact it has on their two sons. A highly recommended film starring Laura Linney, Jeff Daniels and Jesse Eisenberg.

Can you think of any more?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Throwback Thursday Trivia: The Wizard of Oz

Image: boktowergardens.org

This year sees the 75th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz (1939).

With the re-release of the film coming soon to cinemas, it seems appropriate that for this week's Throwback Thursday Trivia, I will lead you down the yellow brick road of facts which you may not know about the family classic.

Dark Side of the Rainbow

Image: hyperbole.es

Pink Floyd's legendary 1973 album, Dark Side of the Moon, and The Wizard of Oz are coincidentally linked. The visual aspects of the film and the album synchronized together create moments where the two appear to correspond to each other extremely well. Although dismissed by the band members, it is certainly amazing the amount of connections between the two works of art. Some instances include: 'Great Gig in the Sky' beginning when the first tornado arrives, 'Us and Them' plays whilst Dorothy meets the Wicked Witch of the West and as the Scarecrow sings 'If I Only Had a Brain', 'Brain Damage' plays. Not only this but the iconic artwork for the album reflects the transition of moving from monochrome in Kansas to the Technicolor, over the rainbow, in Oz.

The pairing of the two has been named Dark Side of the Rainbow, Dark Side of Oz or The Wizard of Floyd. Watch it on YouTube here:

Lion's Costume

The cowardly lion's costume weighed nearly 100 pounds and was made with real lion pelts.

Image: fallingintowonderland.wordpress.com

Jell-O Make-Up

To film the changing colour of the horse in Emerald City, Jello-O crystals were stuck to the animal. The scenes had to be shot speedily as the horses would quickly lick the crystals off!

Apple Juice Magic

When the Witch tries to take Dorothy's ruby slippers, she is stopped by the firey sparks which prevent her from taking them. The special effect was actually achieved by apple juice spewing out of the shoes. The film was sped up to make it look like fire.

Image: broadwayworld.com

Toto vs. Munchkins

Toto was paid more than the actors who played the Munchkins. The dog, Terry, earned $125 a week. 

Image: fixnation.org

Tin Man's Oil

The Tin Man's oil was in fact chocolate sauce as real oil didn't show up sufficiently on film.

Image: thenightride.wordpress.com 

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

The most iconic song was nearly out of the movie as it was deemed too melancholy.

Hard to believe, now that many artists have covered the song. Here are my favourite versions of the classic:

Eva Cassidy

Pomplamoose:

The Blanks - featured in the 100th Scrubs episode, 'My Way Home', which references the movie throughout:

Keep up to date with Ticket Stub posts by following my blog for free.

Follow on Twitter @TicketStubBlog

Trailer Tuesday: Interstellar (2014)

Image: wallpaperseries.com

It's Tuesday which can only mean one thing on Ticket Stub - it's time for another Trailer Tuesday.

This week's choice is a new film from Christopher Nolan - Insterstellar.

Nolan is back in the director's seat since finishing the Batman trilogy and the outstanding blockbuster, Inception (2010). Co-written with his brother Jonathan, Nolan's sci-fi thriller sees a group of scientists and explorers try and surpass the limitations of human space travel after a wormhole is discovered.

Starring recent Oscar winner Matthew McConaughey alongside Michael Caine, Anne Hathaway and Jessica Chastain, the movie certainly has a great cast. Hanz Zimmer is also back scoring the film which will surely be epic as ever. No doubt lots of special effects and advertising Nolan's name with the film will make this a popular choice at the box office. 

Interstellar is released in the UK on November 7th 2014.

Seen any good trailers that are worth sharing?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Quote of the Day #17

"I have to get out of here! I have to find my son! I have to tell him how old sea turtles are!"

Finding Nemo (2003)

Image: disneypicture.net

Happy Father's Day!

Who is your favourite movie dad?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Happy Birthday Johnny Depp

Image: deppimpact.com

One of my favourite actors turns 51 today! (I can't quite believe he is in the over 50 category now). Yes, it is Mr. Johnny Depp's birthday and to celebrate the occasion, I have picked my top five favourite Depp character costumes. 

Arguably one of the best character actors, Depp has worn many iconic costumes. Wardrobe, hair and make up are vitally important for an actor. Putting on any garment - whether it be a fancy hat or a restrictive suit -literally places the actor into the shoes of their character. They can start to feel the way their character moves and fully get into the mind set of their role. That is probably a key reason why Depp is notorious for keeping all his costumes after films have wrapped.

Check out my favourite designs below, but are there any I have missed? 

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog 

1. Captain Jack Sparrow 

in 

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

I was very lucky to see two of the costumes on the list at the V&A Hollywood Costume exhibition last year, and this is one of them. Probably on par with no. 2 as the most iconic of Depp's costumes, Captain Jack Sparrow's outfit oozes sex appeal whilst maintaining the classic pirate attire. Penny Rose who designed the costume worked collaboratively with Depp to achieve Captain Jack's 'rock 'n' roll' pirate look. 

'I must give 98% of the credit for this costume to Johnny Depp. It's the walk, the mannerisms, the asides - he created it, I just helped him a bit. Of course, I know what works shape-wise and whether we're getting the look of a character, but he arrived with Jack Sparrow in his head already as he does with all his characters. ...The hat is very special. I had six styles of hat made by Peroni in Rome. He came in, took a look, and picked up that leather tricorn hat, which I had made on a whim - you rarely see a tricorn in leather. 

I've never been able to prize it off him since.' Speaking in The Times, 'Meet Hollywood's Costume Gurus'. Oct. 2012

Left: Johnny Depp in Captain Jack Sparrow's costume. Right: The full costume display at the V&A Costume exhibition, 2012-2013.

2. Edward Scissorhands 

in 

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

The second most iconic costume from the first ever film Tim Burton and Johnny Depp worked on together. As you will see from the rest of the list, the duo have created some fantastical and distinctive character looks with the enormous help from designer, Colleen Atwood. Atwood's combination of Victorian elements and punk style hair, along with Depp's ghostly white face, creates a quirky mix of danger and innocence. This proves how important costume is to informing our understanding of a character. As despite the threatening exterior of his sharp hands and dark metallic suit, Edward is a gentle and innocent soul which you can see in his eyes. 

Left: Tim Burton's original design of Edward. Right: Depp in the Scissorhands costume. Not far different from the original concept.

3. The Mad Hatter 

in 

Alice in Wonderland (2010)

Colleen Atwood's design for The Mad Hatter costume is colourfully crazy. The bow tie had a mechanism that Depp could use to droop down when the Hatter was sad and perk up when he was happy. There are various layers and hidden components to his costume which are explained by Atwood in the video below:

The entire look is based on real hatters who went mad by their use of poisonous mercury in the trade. Atwood states that the mercury 'caused the hair to turn a very fried red colour and their skin to get very pale'. 

You can clearly see this result in the final picture below. 

Left: Burton's original drawing. Centre: Atwood's design. Right: Depp in the end result, complete with hare. 

4. Sweeney Todd 

in 

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

This is the second Johnny Depp costume I saw at the V&A. What I particularly love about the costume is how the hair and make up completes the menacing look. The music inspired Atwood for all the costumes in the film. 'It's the starting point of all of it. It's a moody piece, so I wanted a lot of texture in the costumes. I wanted you to be able to feel them on screen.' Atwood speaking in USA Today. 

Here is another costume design video from Coleen on the set of Todd:

Left: Atwood's Sweeney Todd design. Right: Depp in full costume

5. Willy Wonka 

in 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

The final choice was created by designer Gabriella Pescucci. Johnny Depp's Willy Wonka may be nothing on Gene Wilder's, but the costume certainly takes inspiration from him - with the top hat, cane and brightly coloured coat. The bob haircut also adds comedic value to the look. I saw this costume back in 2009 when I went to the Warner Bros. VIP Studio Tour in LA. They have a museum full of costumes from Harry Potter to the Batman series. Well worth the visit if you get the chance.

Left: The full Wonka costume. Right: The costume on display at Warner Bros. Museum in LA.

What are your favourite Johnny Depp costumes?

Who is his best character?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Top Ten Film Documentaries

Clockwise from top: Senna (2010), Man on Wire (2008), Searching for Sugar Man (2012), Grizzly Man (2005), Marina Abromović: The Artist is Present (2012), Super Size Me (2004) and centre Blackfish (2013)

Sheffield Documentary Festival is in full swing - a fantastic film festival which I highly recommend going to. I worked at the festival in 2012 and attended it last year, seeing an array of brand new documentaries and fascinating talks with the likes of Michael Palin, critic Mark Kermode and the legendary editor Walter Murch. Here are a few photos I took last year:

From left: Michael Palin talks about his documentary film-making, watching docs on the free outdoor screen, Sue Perkins and I after a talk at the Crucible Theatre with Janice Hadlow, controller of BBC2

Going to Sheff Doc Fest sparked my love for documentaries. They engage, inform but also open up debates. As well as learning about new topics and people, it is intriguing to question the way in which this information is presented. Can we believe everything we see? What is constructed and what isn't?

To mark the return of the festival, I have picked my Top Ten Film Documentaries.

My lists have no particular ranking, but is there one that is your favourite? 

Or did I miss any crucial docs that should have made the list? 

Let me know in the comments below, or tweet @TicketStubBlog.

1. Super Size Me (2004)

This may have been one of the first documentaries I watched. I remember it being on TV and seeing the shocking effects of Morgan Spurlock eating Maccy D's every single day. We used to have McDonald's nearly every week - this quickly changed after watching this documentary.

2. Marina Abromović: The Artist is Present (2012)

I saw this film at Sheff Doc Fest in 2012, which won the Special Jury Winner prize. It stayed with me, hence it being on the list. The documentary follows artist Marina Abromović in the development and staging of her show, The Artist is Present, at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Sitting for many hours at a time, with no food or drink, she invited members of the public to sit opposite her and share their gaze. Although this sounds like a glorified staring contest, the film is compelling and moving.
It is currently available on Netflix.

3. Senna (2010)

I enjoy Formula 1 but I didn't know much about Ayrton Senna at all. Through archive footage, the film plays out the life and death of the Brazilian driver in an captivating manner. Even if you don't like or know anything about F1, this critically acclaimed doc is one you should definitely see.

4. Grizzly Man (2005)

One of my favourites. Werner Herzog brings together footage of Timothy Treadwell who lived and risked his life with bears in Alaska. Treadwell and his girlfriend, Amie Huguenard, were both killed and eaten by one of the bears in 2003. Herzog uses the footage Treadwell filmed himself over the 13 summers he spent at the Katmai National Park and Preserve to tell his story. You see the immense joy yet remarkable risks Timothy had living with these dangerous animals. Highly recommended.

5. Blackfish (2013)

I saw Blackfish relatively recently and it has completely changed my opinion of SeaWorld and the treatment of the killer whales. The film looks at the killer whale, Tilikum, and his captivity at SeaWorld which has lead to deaths of three highly skilled trainers. The doc looks at the controversy surrounding these cases and the dangers of keeping orcas captive. It is incredibly sad and totally gripping. If a documentary can change the way you look at something for the rest of your life, then that is the ultimate accolade. 

6. Catfish (2010)

Can we trust the people we talk to online? Nev believes he has a genuine romantic online relationship but suspicions creep in and he seeks to find the truth. There is some controversy that the film is faked yet the gripping story keeps you guessing at what will happen next. The documentary spawned off a TV show on MTV, where Nev and the filmmakers help those who have similar suspicions about their 'close' contacts and are ready to confront the person behind the pixels. Catfish is available on Netflix.

7. The Bridge (2006)

I came across this documentary whilst looking for a film to watch on Netflix. The Bridge looks at San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and the people who wish to end their lives there. The filmmaker, Eric Steel, filmed the bridge over the course of the year which captured footage of individual suicides. Steel interviewed family and friends of those who jumped, never revealing that he caught their last moments on camera. A very moving documentary which is tough yet intriguing to watch.

8. Searching for Sugar Man (2012)

Sixto Rodriguez was a dead man. Until two South Africans tracked the musician down to find that he was still alive. Unknown to him, Rodriguez's music has a huge following in South Africa. This Academy Award winning film is about the story of tracking him down and what happened after. The American musician's songs are the soundtrack to the film and it will no doubt be a Soundtrack Saturday on Ticket Stub in the near future.
The film is still available on iPlayer until the end of today so be quick!

9. Man on Wire (2008)

I saw this on Netflix a few months back and couldn't believe my eyes. The film follows the story of the French performer, Philippe Petit, who walked between the World Trade Center towers in 1974. Tense, unbelievable and beautiful, this is one of the all time best documentaries - with a certified 'fresh' rating on Rotten Tomatoes of 100%. Can't get better than that.

10. 20 Feet from Stardom (2013)

I'm being a little bit cheeky with this one, as it is a film I haven't personally seen but has been recommended not only by one of my friends but the Academy Awards. Yes, this won the Oscar for Best Documentary this year - beating the highly acclaimed The Act of Killing (another key doc on my list to see). 20 Feet from Stardom looks at the stories of the unsung background singers of some of the greatest musical legends, from Mick Jagger to Stevie Wonder. It is currently available on Netflix in the USA and will be released on DVD in the UK on 21st July 2014.

Do you agree with my list?

What makes a good documentary?

Let me know in the comments or tweet @TicketStubBlog on Twitter

Quote of the Day #16

"No, if anyone orders Merlot, I'm leaving. I am NOT drinking any fucking Merlot!" 

Sideways (2004)

Image: wineconomist.com

Happy Birthday to Paul Giamatti!

What is your favourite film of his?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Top Ten Disney Animated Villains

Clockwise from top left: Aladdin (1992), Sleeping Beauty (1959), The Little Mermaid (1989), Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996), 101 Dalmatians (1961), and centre Pocahontas (1995)

Inspired by Maleficent's release last week, I thought it was time to look at some of the best Disney animated villains. My Top Ten lists have no particular ranking, but who do you think should be on top? 

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog.

1. Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty (1959)

"Now you shall deal with me, O Prince - and all the powers of Hell!"

Putting a curse on a royal baby just because you weren't invited to her christening is pretty extreme. But despite her menacing and evil actions, Maleficent is one of the best loved villains in Disney's history. She is elegant and authoritative making her one of the most intimidating characters.
Take a look at her best bits in the video below:

2. Governor Ratcliffe in Pocahontas (1995)

"This is MY land and I make the laws here! And I say anyone who so much as looks at an Indian without killing him on sight, will be tried for treason and hanged!"

A greedy governor searching for gold in the New World, Ratcliffe is a selfish leader. The song 'Mine, Mine, Mine' sums this up nicely. Although he has two comical sidekicks - his pug Percy and the ever-so camp Wiggins (who is actually voiced by David Ogden Stiers who plays Ratcliffe) - the Governor is incredibly serious and violent in his claim for land and gold.
Check out Savages below:

3. Cruella De Vil in 101 Dalmatians (1961)


"My only true love, darling. I live for furs. I worship furs! After all, is there a woman in all this wretched world who doesn't?"

Cruella has got to be one of the best dressed villains on the list. Fashion is key to her evil traits as she becomes obsessed with getting the dalmatians' spots for her designs. Her hair and outfit has become iconic - a great fancy dress idea for your next party.
I loved Glenn Close's version of Cruella in the live action movie - a great family film recommendation.

4. Claude Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)

"And look what else I've caught in my net. Captain Phoebus, back from the dead. Another 'miracle', no doubt. I shall remedy that."

Frollo has got to be up there with the best worst Disney villains. I never quite realised how creepy and desperate Frollo's desire for Esmeralda is until re-watching the song Hell Fire below.
Seriously messed up stuff. 

5. Jafar in Aladdin (1992)

"You're speechless, I see. A fine quality in a wife"

I love Jafar's sarcastic comments in the film but he is most menacing when he transforms into an almighty power and giant snake. Check out the climax to the film below (here be spoilers):

6. Ursula in The Little Mermaid (1989)

"Now I am the ruler of all the ocean! The waves obey my every whim!"

Poor unfortunate Ariel...she signs Ursula's deal to be human but at a price - for her enchanting voice which originally seduces the prince, Eric. Ursula transforms herself into a human too - only to take Eric away from Ariel using her stolen vocals with the aim of ruling the sea. What a bitch. 

7. Evil Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

"Magic Mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?"

This is the original Disney animated villain. Sometimes known as Queen Grimhilde, the Evil Queen set the mark for villains in the first full length animation Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I was pretty petrified of the Evil Queen as a kid. Especially with her transformation scene into the wicked hag: 

8. Gaston in Beauty and the Beast (1991)

"We're not safe 'til his head is mounted on my wall! I say we kill the Beast!"

Gaston seems like the leading man, but he is far from it. The arrogant bachelor not only fails at getting Belle to accept his awful proposals, he tries to send Maurice into the asylum and attempts to kill the Beast with an angry mob behind him.
We'll be having none of that, thank you!

9. Wicked Stepmother in Cinderella (1950)

"After all, we did make a bargain, didn't we, Cinderella? And I never go back on my word."

Another bitchy villain to add to the list. Lady Tremaine, otherwise known as the Wicked Stepmother, will do anything to make Cinderella unhappy. Eleanor Audley, who voiced the Wicked Stepmother, went on to voice one of the previous villains on this list - Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty.

Image: disney.wikia.com

10. Scar in The Lion King (1994)

"Out of the ashes of this tragedy, we shall rise to greet the dawning of a new era...in which lion and hyena come together, in a great and glorious future!"

Possibly the most evil character on the list? Scar murders his own brother to take the throne. That's rather villainous if you ask me. Jeremy Irons has the powerfully dark voice to match Scar's scheming nature. Be Prepared is the best example of this. Especially with the striking image, reminiscent of Nazi propaganda, of the marching hyenas obeying to Scar on top of the cliff.
For me, he is the best evil Disney villain. 

Who did I miss? 

Who is your favourite?
What makes a good evil villain?

Let Ticket Stub know in the comments and on Twitter @TicketStubBlog

Quote of the Day #15

"Don't you know that a man being rich is like a girl being pretty? 

You wouldn't marry a girl just because she's pretty but, my goodness, doesn't it help?"

Image: glamamor.com

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

Happy Birthday to Marilyn Monroe 

(1926 - 1962)

What is your favourite Monroe movie?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog