Top Ten Festive Favourites

Clockwise from top right: The Snowman (1982), It's a Wonderful Life (1946), Love Actually (2003), The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Mean Girls (2004), Elf (2003), Meet Me in St Louis (1944) and centre The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

It's official! Less than one week until Christmas Day and it is finally time to watch all of our favourite festive films.

There may be lots of Christmas movies that we love, but what about those festive scenes and songs in other films that we sometimes forget about?

So with that, here are my Top Ten Festive Favourite films, scenes and songs which you will want to revisit or watch for the very first time.

Festive Films:

1. The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)

Out of all the Muppet films, this has to be the best. It is a hilarious retelling of the classic Dickens novel with all the Muppet characters we know and love stringed together with plenty of catchy songs. Michael Caine also stars as the grumpy Scrooge. A great festive family favourite.

2. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

This film has become a Christmas classic and an all time must-see (featuring at number 27 on IMDB's Top 250). The black and white American movie stars James Stewart, as George, who comes to learn the true value of life with the help of a guardian angel named Clarence. There has been talk of a sequel which I am certainly not happy about. When you have a cherished classic, leave the sequels alone. This movie is too precious to ruin for myself and cinema audiences.

3. Love Actually (2003)

Love Christmas? Love Richard Curtis rom-coms? Well you'll love Love Actually, actually. Starring many famous faces including: Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Martin Freeman, Rowan Atkinson, Liam Neeson...the list goes on. And, of course, Hugh Grant stars as the PM. 

I cannot believe this film came out ten years ago!

4. Elf (2003)

Another film that came out a decade ago is Elf. This is a laugh-out-loud comedy with Anchorman's Will Ferrell taking the lead role of Buddy - a human elf who comes to New York to find his true family and identity during the festive period. Zooey Deschanel and Game of Thrones actor Peter Dinklage also star in the movie which is guaranteed to have you giggling. 

5. The Snowman (1982)

A nostalgic film from my childhood for number 5. The Snowman is an animated story about a boy who makes a snowman which comes to life on Christmas Eve. The Snowman takes the boy on a great journey through the sky. The whole 26 minute film is on YouTube for your enjoyment and features the atmospheric song Walking in the Air.

Festive Scenes:

6. Mean Girls (2004)

Two Christmassy scenes which you may have forgotten about from one of the best teen movies of all time. The first, and very short scene, involves some candy canes and a chap named Glen Coco:

The second is at the high school talent show, where Cady joins 'The Plastics' for their annual version of Jingle Bell Rock:

7. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

If you read my blog regularly, you know I love When Harry Met Sally. So naturally, I had to include this moment of seeing New York all covered in snow and Christmas lights. The clip also includes Harry and Sally celebrating New Year and having their first 'moment' together.

Festive Songs:

8. What's This? The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Jack Skellington has managed to leave Halloweentown and enter Christmastown. What's This? is the song he sings as he discovers this new land of snow, presents and merriment.

9. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meet Me in St Louis (1944)

This song is played every year in December, but did you know the song debuted in Meet Me in St Louis? Judy Garland sings the classic Christmas tune in the MGM musical film.

10. Auld Lang Syne, Sex and the City (2008)

I know the movie isn't great, but I really like the version of this song. Auld Lang Syne plays over a montage with all the characters celebrating New Year's in different places, whilst Carrie runs to Miranda so she isn't alone when it hits midnight. Can I just ask how she runs in the snow in heels? HEELS? One of the many flaws in Sex and the City but I will ignore this for the fantastic version of the song.

Do you agree with my choices? Or did I miss any?

What will you be watching this season? 

Tweet your favourites @TicketStubBlog or comment below

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Trailer Tuesday: Frozen (2013)

Image: freefever.com

With the lead up to Christmas in its final week, Ticket Stub has gone all festive to celebrate. So wrap up warm, grab those mince pies, get a glass of mulled wine and enjoy all of Ticket Stub's recommended holiday films.

The first feature this week is Trailer Tuesday. Although this film has been out since the 6^th December, I wanted to pick a wonderfully wintery movie to get us all in the mood for Christmas. 

Therefore, the Trailer Tuesday choice is Frozen.

The new Disney movie, tells the story of princess sisters Elsa and Anna. After their parents die, Elsa becomes queen yet her frosty magical powers hold her back from bonding with her sister and interacting with the people in the kingdom. As Elsa accidentally sparks an eternal freeze across the kingdom, Anna has to persuade her sister to stop the bitter winter so Elsa can return as queen. With help from a hilarious snowman, Olaf, an adventerous hero named Kristoff and his trusty reindeer, Sven, Anna has a big quest on her hands.

I saw the film just over a week ago and loved it. The songs are brilliant, particularly the comical In Summer and Let It Go – which has been nominated for a Golden Globe. The film stars one of my favourite musical theatre actresses, Idina Menzel – who you may also recognise from Disney’s 2009 film Enchanted. Kristen Bell voices Elsa and Glee's Jonathan Groff also stars. 

Another thing I loved is the portrayal of the two sisters. They are both quirky and awkward which I certainly related to and it reminded me of my relationship with my siblings – particularly with the song Do You Want To Build a Snowman? However, I do wish there was at least some variation in the appearance of the recent Disney princesses. Both have a very similar aesthetic to Rapunzel in Tangled (2010). A recent article in the Guardian also picked up on this issue and mentions a marketing campaign after Brave's release which had an illustration of Merida conforming to the typical Disney princess look: big eyes and thin as a stick figure.

This is only one set back. I was thoroughly entertained and I liked the way in which Disney mocks itself.

Not only is the film magical, but the short film beforehand is a treat in itself with a 1920s Mickey and his friends bursting through the cinema screen.

Frozen is out NOW.

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