Film of the Year 2014

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Firstly, I'm going to say sorry for the lack of posts during December - it was a busy month and blogging took a massive back seat which is not how I wanted to end a fantastic year on Ticket Stub. To make up for this, I'm starting 2015 with the Film of the Year for 2014! I will also combine a brief December Film of the Month to this post too.

So let's have a very brief look back at last month's films. This final month of the year was actually pretty disappointing for movie-going. I only managed to see two films during December, and didn't get the chance to see the biggest film The Hobbit! I know, this is very poor. (Don't worry, it will be in the January 2015 round up).

As usual 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.

Dumb and Dumber To

Image: imdb.com

The dumbest duo are back in a not-so-eagerly awaited sequel. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels look like they had fun making this themselves, but is it funny for the rest of us? Not so much. If you're a fan of the first film (really?!), then you'll probably enjoy this. For the majority though, there is no need to see it.

Rating: *

Big Eyes

Image: filmpulse.net

Tim Burton unexpectedly directs this movie starring Christoph Waltz and the brilliant Amy Adams. The story is exciting and it is actually rather refreshing to not have Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter starring in yet another Burton picture. Adams is excellent and Waltz plays the creepy crook very well. A great story that I would certainly recommend.

Rating: ***

Therefore, December Film of the Month is:

Big Eyes

Watch the trailer here:

Now to the main event - 

Ticket Stub's Film of the Year 2014. 

Let's look at the nominations:

Click on the links above to read each review in full.

January - 12 Years a Slave

February - Dallas Buyers Club

March - The Grand Budapest Hotel

April - Divergent

May - X Men: Days of Future Past

June - The Fault in Our Stars

July - Boyhood

August - Guardians of the Galaxy

September - Night Will Fall

October - Gone Girl

November - The Imitation Game

December - Big Eyes

There have been plenty of outstanding films throughout 2014 that it's genuinely hard to just pick one.
However, one must be crowned the winner so here are the top three:

Third Place - Boyhood



Second Place - 12 Years a Slave




First Place - The Grand Budapest Hotel

Do you agree with my choices?

What was your Film of the Year?

Next up will be a New Year's Resolutions post (much needed I think!)

Here is to 2015!

August Film of the Month

August is over and it is time to look back at the best Film of the Month.

Have you seen any of these films? What did you think? Do you agree with my ratings?

To help your decision, here is Ticket Stub's 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.

Each film title links to their relevant IMDB pages so you can find out about plots, cast and crew.

So let's get on with it and see which movie will come out on top. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or on Twitter @TicketStubBlog

Guardians of the Galaxy

Image: metrokids.com

At first, I wasn't too sure where this film was going - with a talking raccoon and special effects galore, my initial impression was 'oh, god what have I walked into? Is this just some silly movie for kids?'. However, once we get going, this film is a hoot. The script is brilliantly funny, almost bordering on spoofing the superhero blockbusters. The charismatic Chris Pratt (The Lego Movie, TV's Parks and Recreation) is a brilliant piece of casting as Peter Quill. He knows how to play comedy but we can also take him seriously as the hero of the film. Each character is intriguing and entertaining, put altogether their chemistry bursts a huge amount of energy on the screen. The plot may be a bit frantic in places, but a highly recommended film nonetheless. Another stand out moment? It has to be the soundtrack which is based on Quill's mixtape from the 1980s. Tracks include: I Want You Back by The Jackson 5 and Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Highly recommended for all the family.

Rating: ****

The Inbetweeners 2

Image: metro.co.uk

The Inbetweeners 2 has been extremely successful at the box office. The movie, based on the popular E4 TV series, took £12.5 million in its first five days at the UK box office. So with its success in sales, is the film itself any good? Well, yes and no. Yes in the sense that the four socially inept guys are back, visiting Jay in Oz. The jokes are pretty funny including Will serenading his love interest in a great piece of cringe-worthy comedy. There are also plenty of snarky remarks on gap-year students and culture. However, some of the humor may be too vulgar for viewers - with physical comedy involving excrement and misogynistic themes throughout. Some jokes fall flat but if you don't like one, they'll be another to have you laughing. For fans of the TV show and first movie, it is more of the same and you know what to expect. Stay for the credits, as they are just as funny. Recommended to fans of the show, but do not worry if you miss this one.

Rating: *** 

What If

Image: sideonetrackone.com

Daniel Radcliffe stars as Wallace - a geeky British med-school dropout living in Toronto. He meets Chantry who has a boyfriend. The film asks the inevitable 'will they/won't they' questions and the all important one - can men and women be just friends? I liked the themes of this, mainly because it reminded me of When Harry Met Sally (1989), however What If falls into the predictable rom-com cliches. I thought Radcliffe plays the comedy pretty well, but he doesn't have the same charm and heart-throb attractiveness as say, Hugh Grant. It is pretty certain that if this was made in the 90s, Grant would be all over this. What If is enjoyable but is certainly not a stand out rom-com.

Rating: **

Lucy

Image: eadavisblog.wordpress.com

Scarlett Johansson stars in the thriller which, although slightly ridiculous, keeps you guessing as to what will happen when Lucy reaches 100% of her brain capacity. The movie is thrilling and having the weighty Morgan Freeman as the professor always adds a sense of dramatic seriousness. Lucy is great, up to a point. As she accesses more capacity, her powers become hard to fathom and the movie spirals out of control. Maybe that is the point though? The ending is very disappointing. When the credits rolled, I asked 'is that it?'. A fairly good thriller which starts as an entertaining piece, but soon becomes nonsense. 

Rating: **

A huge variety of films this month. Which is Ticket Stub's pick?

August Film of the Month is...

Guardians of the Galaxy

Check out the trailer below:

What is your August Film of the Month?

Let me know in the comments 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

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

April Film of the Month

As another month flies by (seriously, we're in May tomorrow - when did that happen?) it is therefore time for Ticket Stub's April Film of the Month. I've only managed to see three films this month, so this will be a quick one.

Click on the film titles to be directed to their IMDB pages. 

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.

Do you agree with my ratings? Let me know!

Noah

If you read my post on Cinema Etiquette then you'll have pretty much guessed that this film is atrocious. As soon as the film began, I knew I didn't like it. The awful captions at the beginning explaining the story of how Noah came about looked like they were made on Powerpoint. I didn't like the story at all and ended up really disliking Noah as a character. Are we meant to feel like this towards the protagonist? The special effects were very much hit and miss, but mainly miss. It looked like a computer game rather than a big budget movie. What is more, for the first time since, well ever, I nearly fell asleep in the cinema. My eyes did close for a few seconds - pure bliss - and then when opened I realised Russell Crowe hadn't drowned yet - bitter disappointment. Noah doesn't even deserve one star, but alas, I shall have to give it some rating. It's up there with some of the worst films I have ever seen. 

Rating: *

Divergent

I really enjoyed this film. A lot more than I was expecting. If you like The Hunger Games then you are bound to enjoy Divergent. It was thrilling, tense and thoroughly enjoyable throughout. I loved the soundtrack - which features Ellie Goulding and Woodkid's brilliant Run Boy Run. Similarities between this and The Hunger Games may be a set back but I would definitely recommend this film. 

Rating: ***

The Other Woman

I haven't seen a crappy rom com in a while, so this filled the void! There is a lot of physical humour which I'm not such a huge fan of, but a few giggles were made here and there. I did not understand Nicki Minaj's pointless cameo and, to be honest, I really don't find Cameron Diaz that funny. Nor Leslie Mann for that matter. Her character became increasingly annoying! An OK film, I guess.

Rating: **

As you can see there is a clear winner for Ticket Stub's April Film of the Month...

Divergent

Do you agree or disagree?

Let me know in the comments or tweet @TicketStubBlog

All images are from IMDB.com

Introducing Ticket Stub's Film of the Month

In Ticket Stub’s New Year’s Resolutions post I vouched to try and write my own film reviews for 2014. I've never really written film reviews before, so to ease myself in to this new area of blogging, 

I will be doing a Film of the Month post.

I will write a very short review (100-200 words or so) of each movie I have seen for the month. 

Alongside each review will be a star rating, as follows:

* = 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.

Out of all the movies, one will be picked as Ticket Stub’s Film of the Month. At the end of the year, I will collate all twelve of the best films and pick Ticket Stub’s Film of the Year. 

By then I may have extended reviews but as a newcomer to reviewing film, I think this is a good start. 

I'm seeing The Wolf of Wall Street tomorrow night and I'm hoping to get home in time to do a quick review with all the other January movies. 

So expect my first Film of the Month post late tomorrow evening.