July Film of the Month

August is upon us tomorrow which can mean one thing on Ticket Stub - time for another Film of the Month!

I've seen three new films so who will come out on top?

As ever, 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.

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

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

My friend Emma and I saw this summer's big blockbuster at an Unlimited Secret Screening. We booked ahead in advance at the local Cineworld not knowing what would be appearing. Until Andy Serkis popped up on the screen to tell us that we would be some of the first people in the UK to see Dawn of the Planet of the Apes ahead of its release (only by two days, but still pretty cool). Having only seen the original 1968 film, I had no great expectations. Overall, the movie is gripping and tense. Big commendations should be made to the CGI team. The effects are incredible and the apes are particularly emotive - more so than the humans. Gary Oldman's role was pointless and I was disappointed there wasn't more of a female presence in film. Ellie, the only prominent female character, is the healer of the group. That's about it.

After doing a module about animals on film at university last year, there is a lot to say about the animal representation. As the tension and conflict builds between ape and man, all the ammunition is taken over by the animals. The ridiculousness of apes on tanks and charging forward to kill the opposition, poses questions of why we, as the human race, are so often at war with each other. We share around 98% of our DNA with apes - are we that far away from these animals? Can we truly separate ourselves from their animalistic and beastly behaviour?

Altogether, a good summer blockbuster. Although the trailer may look silly with apes riding horses, once the action is underway it is far from crazy. 

Rating: ***

Begin Again

This is probably the surprise film of the month. From the same people who made the great independent film Once (2006), Begin Again takes a similar stance of a musical encounter in the city. Keira Knightley stars as young singer-songwriter, Greta, and Mark Ruffalo as the drunk and disgraced music executive, Dan. Their chemistry and, in fact, all the characters bring a bunch of charm and wit to the screen. And, for the first time ever, Knightley was not the most annoying character! Horray! She also has a rather lovely Norah Jones esque singing voice. James Corden oozes his cheeky charisma, which was highly entertaining to watch. Maroon 5's Adam Levine isn't too bad and Cee-Lo Green's cameo, although rather random, is also quite funny. You can tell that the actors have been able to play off each other and include their own ad-libs. This creates a naturalism to the movie and lots of laugh-out-loud moments. As always, New York looks absolutely stunning - even more reason for me to go there! I came out of the cinema wanting to put my iPod on full blast and explore the city, just as Greta and Dan do in the Big Apple. A great feel-good film with a satisfying ending too. I can't stop listening to the soundtrack either.

Rating: ****

Boyhood

Boyhood is a revelation. Filmed over 12 years, all the actors age on screen and tell the story of Mason and his family life growing up. The movie seamlessly moves into each stage of his life from 5 to 18 years old. Through doing this, we as an audience can at last connect with a character's story. Normally, a different actor will play the various stages of a character's existence. We know that they are just a different actor playing the same role and it is therefore hard to connect the two together. Whereas here, you are reminded where each character has started and how they have progressed. I related a huge amount to this film, particularly in the opening scenes. I was that sister dancing and singing to Britney Spears. The sibling fights in the car? Yep, that happened a lot too! I'm sure many will also relate to those awkward teenage years. Braces, experimenting with hair-dye and just trying to be 'normal'.

The cultural references and soundtrack are also well placed. From Harry Potter midnight book launches to the iPod Mini, I'm sure when we look back at this in another ten years, it will be even more nostalgic.

The whole film is a time capsule of life. Not only for Mason but for all the characters. I think this even includes us as the audience. We are reminded of how family circumstances can easily change and how random moments in our lives make us who we are. As Mason puts it at the end: "You know how everyone's always saying seize the moment? I don't know, I'm kind of thinking it's the other way round, you know, like the moment seizes us".

The only down side I'd say would be the length of time - it is nearly three hours long but every minute of it is entertaining. Plenty of laughs and so many moments that I'm sure many families and young adults will relate to now and for years to come.

Rating: *****

Some truly fantastic films this month but only one can be the best of July.

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

Boyhood

Check out the trailer below to one of the best films of the year so far.

Do you agree with Ticket Stub's choice?

What did you think of Boyhood or any of the other films this month?

Comment below with your July Film of the Month or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Quote of the Day #19

"Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose a three-piece suit on hire purchase in a range of fucking fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who the fuck you are on Sunday morning. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing, spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing fucking junk food into your mouth. Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pissing your last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, fucked up brats you spawned to replace yourselves. Choose your future. Choose life... But why would I want to do a thing like that? I chose not to choose life. I chose somethin' else. And the reasons? There are no reasons. Who needs reasons when you've got heroin?"

Trainspotting (1996)

Image: killcinema.com

What's your favourite quote from Trainspotting?

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Trailer Tuesday: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014)

Image: imdb.com

A quick Trailer Tuesday before the day is out! The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies teaser trailer was released yesterday. The movie has finally reached the third installment (even though it really doesn't need to be that long!).

Martin Freeman is back with the faces so familiar to us now - with Orlando Bloom, Richard Armitage, Ian McKellen along with Cate Blanchett as Galadriel. And who can forget the roaring tones of Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug? 

After seeing the second film, and being a huge Lord of the Rings fan, I was left extremely disappointed. 

The effects looked somehow dated and, inevitably, it was too long. 

However, this teaser trailer has definitely got me excited. Especially using the song sung by Pippin (Billy Boyd) in The Return of the King (2003). 

Take a look at the trailer below, it looks to be epic.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies will be released in UK on 12th December 2014.

What do you make of the trailer?

Are you excited to see the film?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Queens on Screen

Image: starpulse.com

Today is Helen Mirren's birthday! The British actress won her Oscar for depicting Queen Elizabeth II in the 2006 film The Queen. Not only has she played Queen Liz, Mirren has also taken on the role of Queen Charlotte in The Madness of King George (1994) and Elizabeth I in the television series.

To celebrate Dame Mirren's 69th birthday (can you believe she looks that fabulous at 69?!) I thought Ticket Stub should take at look at the best on screen queens in honour of Mirren's most celebrated role.

Can you think of anymore worthy performances? Let me know in the comments or tweet @TicketStubBlog.

Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland (1951)

A butch, short tempered lady, the Queen of Hearts is one of the most frightening rulers. She blames Alice for all her misfortunes so it is no wonder Alice calls her a "fat, pompous, bad tempered old tyrant".

Dame Julie Andrews as Queen Clarisse Renaldi in 
The Princess Diaries (2001)

After Dame Helen Mirren, Julie Andrews is the second Dame on the list who has graced the screen as a lovable royal. She played Queen Clarisse in The Princess Diaries alongside Anne Hathaway as she guides her granddaughter, Mia, to become Princess of Genovia. She may be authoritative but Queen Clarisse is the coolest Grandma. She even sings in the sequel!

Image: birminghampost.co.uk

and as the Queen in 
Shrek 2, Shrek The Third and Shrek Forever After

In another royal role, Andrews lent her distinctive voice to the Dreamworks sequels of Shrek. With her on-screen King, John Cleese, the pair make a great team as the parents of Princess Fiona.

Image: entertainment.malaysia.msn.com

Dame Judi Dench as Queen Elizabeth I in 
Shakespeare in Love (1998)

The third Dame on the list - the phenomenal, Dame Judi Dench. Her portrayal of Elizabeth I earned her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. However, she was only on film for a total of six minutes making it the second shortest performance to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The shortest performance ever to win was by Beatrice Straight for Network (1976).

Image: zimbio.com

and as Queen Victoria in Mrs Brown (1997)

Dench plays the longest reigning monarch in Mrs Brown. The film sees Queen Victoria escaping to Balmoral Castle, still mourning the loss of her beloved husband, Albert. There she befriends servant Mr Brown, played by Billy Connolly. He helps the Queen regain her life back and comforts her during this dark period of her life. Dame Judi won the BAFTA and Golden Globe for her performance in the film.

Image: solosomosatomos.blogspot.com

Angel in Rent (2005)

The next couple of queens on the list side track from the typical royals. Angel in Rent is a drag queen. She has an awesome zest for life despite being diagnosed with AIDs. She has the coolest outfits too including the Christmas themed one below whilst she performs Today 4 U.

Image: collegefashion.net

Regina George in

Mean Girls (2004)

Regina George is the Queen Bee. She is the most popular yet most feared girl in school. She befriends Cady, played by Lindsay Lohan, who soon becomes one of 'The Plastics' in Regina's clique. "Teen Royalty" as Damien calls the group. Regina is the ultimate high school bitch - stirring things up for her own personal gain.

Image: vodkaandcupcakes.com

Kirstin Dunst as the title role in 
Marie Antoinette (2006)

Back to the royals, and here is Kirstin Dunst as Marie Antoinette. The young queen of indulgence, fashion and scandal. Dunst brings charisma and charm to the role. The costumes and set design are stunning in this movie too, winning the Academy Award for Best Costume Design.

Image: architecturebehindmovies.wordpress.com

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

Featured on the Top Ten Disney Animated Villains last month, the Evil Queen returns! As one of the most menacing and first animated royals, she has to make this list.

Image: disney.wikia.com

Elizabeth Taylor as the title role in 
Cleopatra (1963)

Elizabeth Taylor is breathtakingly beautiful as the Queen of the Nile. She had 65 costume changes in the movie! This was also one of the most expensive films ever made and nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox. Despite the controversies, it is certainly Taylor's most memorable role.

Image: venturegalleries.com

Which on-screen Queens have I missed?

Let me know in the comments below or 
tweet @TicketStubBlog 
with the most memorable performances, films or characters.

Trailer Tuesday: The Imitation Game (2014)

Image: moviestillsdb.com

A new week, a new Trailer Tuesday. Ticket Stub's choice today is The Imitation Game which tells the story of Alan Turing and the pioneering Enigma machine which helped crack the impossible German code during the Second World War.

The film stars the mighty Benedict Cumberbatch as Turing. Other cast members include Keira Knightley, Charles Dance, Mark Strong and Rory Kinnear. The British film looks to be a tense and dramatic depiction of the code breaking at Bletchley Park - a place well worth the visit if you get the chance.

The film is to have its European premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October. Festival director, Clare Stewart, has more details below:

"We are thrilled to announce one of the most anticipated films of the year – The Imitation Game – as this year’s BFI London Film Festival Opening Night gala. Featuring extraordinary performances from the British talent in front of the camera and vividly directed by Morten Tyldum, The Imitation Game does cinematic justice to Alan Turing’s vision, determination and personal story as well as his enduring impact on British history and contemporary life."

The Imitation Game looks to be a brilliant British drama for the autumn. 

Check out the trailer below:

What do you make of The Imitation Game trailer?

Seen any other great trailers recently?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Soundtrack Saturday: Grease (1978)

Image: knebworthhouse.com

Summer is pretty much here in the UK - with glorious sunshine all of this week (we'll ignore the thunderstorms for now). Schools are breaking up for holidays and all of this reminds me of the great summer musical classic - Grease. Let's revisit and groove to this much loved soundtrack.

This is one of the first film musicals I watched avidly growing up, wishing for a 'Pink Ladies' jacket and pining after John Travolta! The soundtrack is one of the most popular ever. To date the album has sold a staggering 40 million copies worldwide, becoming the best-selling soundtrack album of all time. In the UK, John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John had a number one for an incredible nine weeks with You're the One That I Want:

This song only took an afternoon to film and those tight leather trousers Newton-John wears? She was sewn into them after the zipper broke. She looks fab-u-lous (as you can tell from Danny's reaction).

Summer Nights has to be the best big sing-a-long, especially at the end with Travolta's ridiculous falsetto. Let's face it, we've all tried and failed at that part! 

Possibly my favourite sequence in the movie is Greased Lightnin'. 

You can't help but do the infamous dance moves to the chorus:

Other highlights include the solo songs There Are Worst Things I Could Do sung by Rizzo and Danny's song at the drive-in, Sandy. Although I'm not a huge fan of this song, Sandy's Hopelessly Devoted to You was nominated for an Academy Award. It was written and recorded after the movie had wrapped as producers felt the film needed a strong ballad.

As well as romantic ballads, Grease has two hilarious comedic songs. Rizzo's bitchy Look At Me, I'm Sandra Dee and Frenchy's Beauty School Dropout sung by Frankie Avalon. Did you know that Elvis Presley was offered the role of the Guardian Angel in the dream sequence? Also if you take a look below, the scene actually features Patty, Rizzo, Marty and Jan, along with the three T-Bird counterparts right at the end: 

We Go Together is the perfect summer soundtrack tune as the T-Birds and Pink Ladies graduate from high school. Celebrating at the carnival, the entire cast have a big musical rock out. However, I never understand why that car has to fly at the end. Sandy's face is ridiculous, but I guess you can get away with anything cheesy in a musical!

Available on Spotify? Yes

Best track? I haven't mentioned the fantastic title song, Grease, written by Robin Gibb and sung by Frankie Valli. But if I had to pick one of the top tracks, I'd go for Summer Nights.

Do you agree? 

What's your favourite Grease track?

Let me know in the comments below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Quote of the Day #18

"You best start believing in ghost stories, Miss Turner... you're in one."

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

Happy Birthday Geoffrey Rush!

What is your favourite film starring the Aussie actor?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog