May Film of the Month

May is over and another Film of the Month is due! This month I saw an all time Tarantino classic, a bunch of superheros fighting it out and one very evil queen seeking revenge. Who will be on top for May Film of the Month? Find out below, but first - here is the usual 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.

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

Click on the film titles to be directed to their respective IMDB page.

X-Men: Days of Future Past

My friend, Emma, and I had intended on seeing Godzilla this particular evening but it was sold out. Therefore, we chose to see X Men: Days of Future Past and we were not disappointed - mainly because Hugh Jackman started the film completely starkers, (yes that is getting an extra star). Jokes aside, the story was tense and thrilling - just what you want from an action movie. The effects are awesome, especially the scene involving Quicksilver - you'll know it when you see it - a completely memorizing and memorable moment. Michael Fassbender was splendid in this too and I was very happy to see my favourite Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage with a spiffing 1970s mustache. Highly recommended.

Rating: ****

Maleficent

Angelina Jolie was made for this role. She has the presence, authority and looks that make Maleficent one of the most menacing characters. Similarly, the film itself is visually gorgeous. Stunning set design pieces, especially with the castle and thorny forest, make it a very lush and magical land. But is it style over substance? There are twists to the Sleeping Beauty (1959) story which I liked - particularly with the true love's kiss which reminded me of Frozen (2013). I did enjoy the film but it was not a complete knockout. The fairies were rather annoying and unfunny and I would have liked Maleficent to be a little bit more dark. Having said that, it certainly has made me want to re-watch the original Sleeping Beauty. A good solid film which will be popular with Disney fans.


Rating: ***




Pulp Fiction (1994) - 20th Anniversary Screening

Unfortunately, I will not be including this film in the Film of the Month choice as Pulp Fiction has been out for 20 years now! My brother and I headed to our local cinema to see the Tarantino classic in its 20th anniversary year. I hadn't seen the movie for over 5 years and it made the world of difference seeing it on the big screen with the soundtrack on full blast.

I'm going to keep an eye out for these old films in cinemas because it is great to see them exactly how they were intended to be seen - surround sound, a giant screen and a dedicated audience to watch.

Of course, I am going to give the film a very high rating as I love it. No doubt I'll be recommending it as a Sunday Classic and Soundtrack Saturday on Ticket Stub in the future.

Rating: *****

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

X Men: Days of Future Past

Do you agree?

What films have you seen this month?

Let me know in the comments or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Top Ten Film Award Moments

2 weeks ago the Golden Globes kicked off the film awards season. There were plenty of brilliant moments on the night, mostly from the hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler with their hilarious monologue and a drunk Emma Thomspon throwing her shoes. I'm sure there will be plenty more memorable moments to come over the next month or so, but in the meantime I've chosen my Top Ten Film Award Moments. 

What are yours? Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog and you could be featured in the next post.

1. Colin Firth aka Prince Charming

As if he wasn't charming enough, when Meryl Streep went up to accept her BAFTA award for The Iron Lady, Colin Firth ran to her rescue. Streep's shoe came off as she walked up the stairs but, ever the gentlemen and as if from a fairytale, Firth saved the high heel placing it back on Streep's foot.

2. Hugh Jackman Oscar Medley

Hugh Jackman features prominently in this list, and this is one of the best moments ever at the Oscars. Hosting in 2009, Jackman sang a whole medley, with a little help from Anne Hathaway, bringing together all the films nominated for Best Picture. Just pure brilliance.

3. Billy Crystal's 2012 Oscar Monologue

Hosting 9 times, I had to pick at least one of Billy Crystal's opening monologues with his wonderful trademark 'Oscar Oscar' song! Click here to see the video of his 2012 monologue (for some silly reason it is not on YouTube).

Image: nydailynews.com

4. Jennifer Lawrence wins Best Actress, Oscars 2013

Jennifer Lawrence was certainly shocked when she won the Best Actress Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook. And as she walked up the stairs, she fell up them. Come to the rescue - Hugh Jackman! Another Prince Charming moment. The rest of the audience stood up for the actress whilst she said 'you guys are just standing up 'cause you feel bad that I fell and that's really embarrassing'.

5. Ricky Gervais's 2011 Golden Globes Monologue

A controversial host for the Golden Globes, presenting from 2010 to 2013. I've chosen Ricky Gervais's 2011 opening monologue. His comments on The Tourist may have left us giggling but he certainly did not impress Johnny Depp. Awkward and hilarious.

6. 'You're Boring' Song

You know the bit where an actor/actress/director etc is accepting their award, gushing in their speech and THAT music comes on beckoning the person to shut up and get off stage? Did you know there are apparently lyrics to this song? Jack Black and Will Ferrell have the answers.

7. Ellen's Picture with Clint Eastwood, by Steven Spielberg

Hosting in 2007, Ellen DeGeneres takes the opportunity to have a picture with Clint Eastwood. Who better to take it than Steven Spielberg? Just get that framing right, Steve. Also - is it weird that hearing that it's 'for my MySpace' sounds dated now? Ellen is hosting the 2014 Oscars and I'm hoping she will get a selfie with another famous face.

8. Sandra Bullock: From Worst Actress to Best Actress

The Razzies look at the year's worst Hollywood films and performances. Sandra Bullock was one of the rare actors to accept their Razzie award in person. The day after the awards, Bullock won her first Oscar. The accolades were for two different films - the Razzie was for her performance in All About Steve whilst her Best Actress Oscar was for The Blind Side in 2010. Her Golden Rasberry and Academy Award now sit side by side. Here's her acceptance speech at the Razzies.

9. Gollum accepts MTV Movie Award

Back in 2003, Gollum won the MTV Movie Award for Best Virtual Performance. As Andy Serkis accepts the award, who comes along to eff and jeff about Dobby from Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson? It's only Gollum himself!

10. Ensemble of Les Miserables Sing at the Oscars

The final Hugh Jackman mention in the list. Last year the cast of Les Mis all sang together for a showstopping performance of One Day More. A rare moment as the cast had never sung altogether before.

What are your favourite film award moments?

What are your predictions for this year's Oscars?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog with your suggestions