Welcome to Ticket Stub's first ever Film of the Month post!
As a quick reminder, here is the all important star 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.
So what films have I managed to see this month?
What rating will they all get?
If you want to find out more about each film (plot/cast/director etc.) all the titles link to their respective
IMDB pages.
Without further ado, let's begin the first Film of the Month.
I thought the film had some great moments, notably the cinematography with its transition shots, for instance one of the photographic negatives of a lake morphs seamlessly into the fountain outside the Life building. Another bonus is the soundtrack. I chose it as
Ticket Stub's Soundtrack Saturday earlier this month. However, this unfortunately seems to be the only big highlight. The opening credits were promising but the narrative lacked a drive that I could connect with. With all the beautiful shots of Iceland and the adventurous fantasy sequences - to which some worked and others didn't - I think it became a case of style over substance. It was enjoyable but I felt as if every moment screamed CARPE DIEM which many have, and quite rightly, compared to a glorified version of the Nike 'Just Do It' ad.
Rating: **
When initially seeing the trailer, I wasn't that bothered about this movie. But after the Golden Globe wins, I thought I'd see what all the fuss was about. I was pleasantly surprised. The story and characters in David O. Russell's film are gripping. There are tense moments in places, plenty of laughs too (including a fabulous Jennifer Lawrence rocking to Live and Let Die whilst cleaning) and fantastic performances from a knockout cast. If the film doesn't pick up awards for costume and hair and make-up this season, I will be very annoyed. I mean that film is wig-central: Bradley Cooper in a perm and Christian Bale with a comb-over. What could be better? That's right, Bradley Cooper sexily dancing to Donna Summer. All jokes aside, this film had me captivated throughout and the dynamics between all the central characters are thrilling to watch. There is a fantastic twist at the end too which placed the film even higher.
A pleasant surprise indeed.
Rating: ****
I was willing for this film to be good but there were moments where the plot needed to move along quicker. More time should have been spent in the war scenes which were well put together and engaging to watch. I didn't have any particular sympathy towards Nicole Kidman's character, who plays Eric Lomax's wife, and the dialogue on the train with Colin Firth was a tad cringe worthy, especially on the line 'are you romantic?'. Pass the sick bucket. Despite these downsides, the story is fascinating - exploring the themes of suffering and forgiveness in war and post-war. Jeremy Irvine gives a great performance as the younger Lomax. He convincingly captures Firth's voice and mannerisms and I felt I was genuinely seeing the younger soldier. The structure of the film could have been better and I think the music was sometimes oddly placed. It is a story worth watching, but maybe read the book instead.
Rating: **
There has been plenty of hype with this film, with critics beckoning everyone to see it and it being nominated for a bunch of awards. And you can see why. Steve McQueen has made an outstanding film. It is brutally violent and heartbreaking - as it should be - showing the harsh reality of slavery and Solomon Northup's true story. The cinematography is visually stunning. Shots of the gorgeous orange sunsets cleverly juxtapose the barbaric suffering happening in the land. Chiwetel Ejiofor's performance is phenomenal. His face, especially his eyes, are so expressive that as an audience member following Solomon's journey you can feel every ache and pain. Some shots just linger on his face and at one point it seems as if he is staring right down the lens begging for help in his eyes. McQueen, known for these long shots in his previous films, doesn't shy away from them which forces you into the harsh cruel world that Solomon mistakenly falls into. In one scene, I nearly had to look away. Newcomer Lupita Nyong'o gives a powerful debut performance too and Michael Fassbender certainly brought a chill to my bones as the villainous Epps.
I was utterly moved by this film and it is one of those rare films that makes you think long after you've left the cinema. All this adds up to what can be described as a masterpiece. Bring your tissues.
Rating: *****
I am writing this review literally 30 mins after seeing it at the cinema, in time for this January post! So straight out of the cinema screen, here is my initial reaction. The Wolf of Wall Street is loud, obscene and not for the easily offended. As widely reported, Scorsese's movie has set the record for the highest number of times the f-word is used. That's 506. It is a black comedy showing the insane excess that money can bring, especially when it's illegal. Leonardo DiCaprio gives an entertaining performance as Jordan Belfort and Jonah Hill steps up to the mark as his right hand man, Donnie. Both have been nominated for Oscars this season. There are some great cameos from Rob Reiner, Matthew McConaughey and randomly Joanna Lumley. I'm not so sure that one worked. I especially liked the voice-overs and Belfort talking directly to the audience which immediately entices you into his world of money and greed from the get-go. Despite the three hour running time, this film comes out with all guns blazing and I would certainly give it a good recommendation.
Rating: ***
Ticket Stub's January Film of the Month is...
12 Years A Slave
Do you agree? Or do you disagree?
What films have you seen this January?
(All images from IMDB.com)
