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

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

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