November Film of the Month

It's the penultimate Film of the Month on Ticket Stub and we've been treated to some awesome films over the past four weeks. I've managed to see three of the best movies to hit screens this winter so let's get started.

As ever, here is the 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 titles to films link to their respective IMDB pages so you can discover more about the plot, cast and crew.

Interstellar

Image; behindwoods.com

Christopher Nolan has served us another epic movie. It is grand in scale with stunning visual effects. There are plenty of moments to keep you guessing but the film falls short in a few places. Interstellar is a tad too sentimental where it reaches the point of becoming corny. In the final third act of the film, I really wasn't sure where on earth the plot was taking us as we enter into another dimension. Despite these set backs, the IMAX screening I attended made a huge difference to the viewing experience. I think for any sci-fi film, such as Gravity (2013) or 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) - which there are many nods to in this and is also being shown in cinemas this December - they are made to be seen on the biggest screen possible. This is certainly true for Interstellar. The sound was particularly enhanced too - despite it being off balanced in places, as also reported in other reviews. Matthew McConaughey is a fantastic lead and there is a surprise cameo from a Hollywood star - no not Anne Hathaway (she's just OK in this), but someone else not included in the promotion of the movie. Though it has a long running time, it is definitely recommended viewing - if anything for Nolan's ambition which just falls short of being truly brilliant. Don't wait until DVD or Netflix though, go see it in cinemas.

 Rating: ****

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

Image: phoenixpx.deviantart.com

Last year, I went to see The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013) after quickly watching the first film on Netflix the night before and without seeing any trailers in the lead up to the film's release. I had one of the best movie experiences because of this - nothing was spoiled and every plot twist was a complete surprise. So often now, we watch trailers already knowing what the huge scenes will be, what the best lines are and the whole premise of the film. Therefore, I knew for this first part of the final installment I had to do the same. The night before I watched the sequel, conveniently on Netflix, and purposely avoided all promotions to do with Mockingjay. Again, this made a huge difference viewing the film. Mockingjay is so much darker than the previous two films and there is a lot of tension and politics thrown into the action. Jennifer Lawrence is awesome as Katniss. As well as being a great action hero, she is passionate and emotional so we can really root for her throughout the movie. She even sings a song called The Hanging Tree, which is one of the best moments. The late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman is wonderfully charming and comedic playing Plutarch.

The action is gripping and tense throughout. I cannot wait for the last film to be released next year. Yet again, I'll be avoiding all trailers and books! Obviously watch the first two films before venturing into this sequel.
Highly recommended.

Rating: ****

The Imitation Game

Image: filmnation.com

This is such an important film to see and one of the best of 2014. The Imitation Game is based on Alan Turing and the team who cracked the 'impossible' German code known as Enigma in the Second World War. Benedict Cumberbatch's performance is captivating right from the word go. 'Are you paying attention?' he asks at the beginning. Indeed, we are. Turing is an intelligent but tragic character. His genius and isolation is compellingly portrayed with flashbacks and jumps forward to the present day of the 1950s. Turing was homosexual at a time when being gay was illegal. He was prosecuted for homosexual acts in 1952 and eventually committed suicide in 1954. In 2013 however, Turing was given a royal posthumous pardon by the Queen.

The struggles of the team trying to decode Enigma and the moment of the breakthrough itself is enthralling. I found it especially moving when the team finally decode the German message. The rest of the cast are brilliant supporters too. I was pleasantly surprised by Keira Knightly's performance and adored Charles Dance as Commander Denniston.

Without Turing we wouldn't have computers or, in fact, nearly any of the technology which makes our world work today. Not only is this a superb film, it is an important one to educate new generations about the significance of breaking of Enigma and Turing's incredible intellect. Justice Minister, Chris Grayling, stated on the announcement of the pardon from the Queen that "Turing deserves to be remembered and recognised for his fantastic contribution to the war effort and his legacy to science." Let's hope this film can do the same too.

Rating: *****

A great month for films, but as you can see there is one clear winner.

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

The Imitation Game

Check out the trailer below:

What's been the best film you've seen this month?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog