October Film of the Month

Autumn is well and truly here. As the clocks go back and the dark nights draw in, it's time to head to the local cinema and see some (hopefully) great films. Four movies are included in this month's round up, so let's see who will come out on top.

As always, 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 so you can find out more about plot, cast and crew.

Gone Girl

Image: thefilmstage.com

After quickly finishing the book the week before the official release of Gone Girl, I was super eager to see the film adaptation. With the story still fresh in my mind, there could have been many opportunities for the film not to meet my expectations. However, this never happened. David Fincher has created an epic tense drama, filmed beautifully and with a brilliant cast. It is hard to review without revealing the plot twists, but the way the story unfolds is captivating - just as the book is. Rosamund Pike is fantastic as the wife, Amy and Ben Affleck plays Nick just how I imagined. Don't be put off by the 2 and half hour running time. The action doesn't drag in the slightest and keeps you guessing (even though I knew the plot twists!).

Possibly a bit melodramatic in places and there are slight differences to the book - which inevitably always happens with movie adaptations - but they are fortunately not enough to make the film a disaster. An excellent thriller and I urge everyone to read the book too. Highly recommended.

Rating: ****

Effie Gray
  

Image: imdb.com

I love period dramas. Sense and Sensibility (1995) is one my favourites, written by the glorious Emma Thompson. Effie Gray is similarly written by the actress, who stars in the film too, however it falls flat in many places. Effie Gray takes itself too seriously and barely anything actually happens. I felt the film could have used more flashbacks to provide further context into the relationship between John Ruskin and Effie. Without these flashbacks, I didn't care for either character and therefore did not care for the story or film. It became almost comical. My friend and I did start laughing in places that were rather cringe-worthy. The cast on paper looks brilliant: Greg Wise, Emma Thompson, Dakota Fanning, Julie Walters and David Suchet. But it is a bit of style over substance. The landscapes look lovely and cinematic - but the story is , dare I say it, boring and dull. It did make me research more about the relationship but I wouldn't particularly recommend this film. Just OK.

Rating: **

The Rewrite
 

Image: teaser-trailer.com

Hugh Grant is back in a new action film...oh wait, no, not action....sci fi? No, that's not right either. Oh, wow! Of course, he's starring as the romantic English lead in a new rom-com. Who saw that coming?! Yes, Mr. Grant is embracing his type casting in a relatively charming film about a screenwriter who has to take a posting at a university to pay the bills. There a few funny jokes here and there but it is nothing to scream home about. An enjoyable rom-com, with some entertaining moments. Recommended for Hugh Grant fans (but even they might be disappointed).

Yes, the review for this film is that short.

Rating: **

Magic in the Moonlight

Image: indiewire.com

I enjoyed this film a lot more than expected. Emma Stone is enchanting - just as Colin Firth's character finds her. It is a charming film but is highly unlikely to be the awards season hit as Blue Jasmine (2013) was last year, with Cate Blanchett winning Best Actress at the Academy Awards. After studying Woody Allen's work at university, I've come to recognise many themes within his movies. Particularly, the subject of death and the afterlife which is at the core of this film. Although that sounds morbid, the script creates an entertaining perspective through Colin Firth's cynical character. Despite some good qualities, the film doesn't have the magic of Allen's Midnight in Paris (2011). Recommended for a Sunday afternoon if you haven't got too much to do.

Rating: ***

As you can see, there is a clear winner this month.

Ticket Stub's October Film of the Month is...

Gone Girl

Check out the trailer below:

What's been the best film of October?

What films are you looking forward to for November?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog with your suggestions.

Best Tennis Scenes

Image: clothesonfilm.cm

My favourite time of year is upon us! Yes, Wimbledon starts today with Andy Murray coming on Centre Court as the defending champion. Sounds good doesn't it? Fingers crossed for him this year.

I'm super excited to watch lots of tennis over the next two weeks, so I thought Ticket Stub should look at the best tennis scenes in film.

Can you think of any more to add to this list? Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Strangers on a Train (1951)

"I beg your pardon, but aren't you Guy Haines?"

Alfred Hitchcock is the master of suspense and this sport lends itself to tension. Bruno and Guy are strangers who meet on a train (clue's in the title). Bruno persuades Guy, a professional tennis player, to swap murders. Bruno goes ahead but Guy is reluctant to his side of the bargain. Here, Bruno wants to plant Guy's lighter on the scene of his crime so he will get away with it before the police turn up. However, Bruno is delayed as he accidentally drops the lighter down the drain whilst we see Guy who is desperate to finish his match so he can stop Bruno. The tension of the two moments is excruciating and one of the most memorable tennis scenes ever.

Match Point (2005)

"I'd rather be lucky than good"

Chris is a former tennis professional turned instructor. In Woody Allen's film set in London, we see Chris and his wealthy pupil, Tom, start a friendship which changes Chris's life forever after he meets Tom's beautiful fiancee, Nola. This opening shot of the film shows the nature of luck in life and tennis - a theme explored throughout the movie. All the beginning tennis scenes were shot at Queen's Club, London.

Bridesmaids (2011)

"GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER, CAROL!"

Tennis is the best way to show rivalry between characters so this works perfectly between head bridesmaid Annie and Little-Miss-Perfect Helen. Plenty of hilarious body shots and Annie getting angry at Carol - makes me laugh every time.

Wimbledon (2004)

"We all start off in life with a dream, don't we? For a tennis player, it's being in the final of a Grand Slam, Centre Court, a high lob... a smash. Game, set and match. You're a champion. You're number one. But for most tennis players, that's all it ever is: a dream. 

The reality is another story."

Of course, there are a bunch of tennis scenes in this romantic comedy. It also shows the tournament's grounds in all its glory. I will link to the match where Peter starts to turn things around with Lizzie looking on.

Annie Hall (1977)

"La-di-da"

This is where it all begins for Annie and Alvy. They meet when playing doubles with their friends at the local tennis club. After the match is the adorably awkward small talk between the two characters. However, this leads to Alvy catching a ride in Annie's car and having a glass of wine on the balcony. The film then sees the blossoming and demise of their relationship. 

To find out more about Annie Hall click on the link to see the Sunday Classic post or have a look at the When Harry Met Annie post where I compare the brilliant romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally, with Allen's film.

The Squid and the Whale (2005)

"It's Mom and me versus you and Dad"

 This tennis match is the opening of the movie. It is the perfect setting to show the eventual separation, tension and anger between parents Bernard and Joan. The rest of the film sees the couple going through their divorce and the impact it has on their two sons. A highly recommended film starring Laura Linney, Jeff Daniels and Jesse Eisenberg.

Can you think of any more?

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog

Quote of the Day #5

"I think people should mate for life, like pigeons or Catholics"

Manhattan (1979)

Image: boymeetsgirlproject.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday to Woody Allen, who is 78 years old today.

 What is your favourite Allen film?

When Harry Met Annie

Earlier this month, I recommended Annie Hall as Ticket Stub's Sunday Classic. In the post, I mentioned the films that have been heavily influenced by Woody Allen's classic. So I thought we would look at this a little more closely...

When Harry Met Sally is one of my all time favourite films and it definitely pays homage to Annie Hall. 

I'm going to run through a few examples, which I hadn't noticed until watching the films recently.

1. Opening Monologues

Annie Hall begins with Woody Allen's character Alvy, explaining his outlook on life and his relationships.

When Harry Met Sally is interspersed throughout with short monologues by couples, talking about where and when they first met. Like Annie Hall, the background colours are similar and the characters all look, more or less, straight down the lens addressing the audience. The couples are hilarious and charming. Here is an edited version of all their stories together:

2. Annie and Sally's Costume

Annie's costume became iconic in the 70s so it is no wonder that Sally takes a leaf out of her book here in the autumnal scene at Central Park. Notice the same hats, long trousers and masculine look of the two outfits.

Image: thebudgetfashionista.com

Image: thecitrusreport.com

3. Montage

A clear homage is paid here and it was one of the first examples I noticed. Both films have montages showing the course of each relationship, through happy, sad and hilarious moments - such as Sally's fake orgasm scene and Alvy sneezing from the cocaine.

Watch the first 47 seconds for When Harry Met Sally scene:

4. Location

Both are set in New York and use the city to its full capacity in filming. From the quirky diners and small bookshops to the impressive city skyline, you definitely know you're in NYC. The concrete jungle creates a stark contrast to the sunny superficial world of Los Angeles depicted in Annie Hall.

"Well, have a nice life"
Harry and Sally say goodbye after their first meeting by Washington Square Arch

Image: christianallaire.com

"I'll have what she's having"
The most famous scene from When Harry Met Sally, which takes place at the popular diner, Katz's Delicatessen  

Image: en.wikipedia.org

"I luff you"
Annie and Alvy awkwardly confess their love to each other with the romantic city skyline in the background

Image: thirteen.org

"Love fades...God, that's a depressing thought"
As the couple argue in the intense city streets, Alvy turns to New Yorkers to hear what they have to say about love...

5. Soundtrack

It Had to be You is sung in both films.
Annie's version however, is a disaster. She sings it beautifully in the New York bar but no-one appreciates it.

In Rob Reiner's film though, It Had To Be You is sung by the classic voice of Frank Sinatra. This is a far more romantic moment as Harry finally realises that he truly loves Sally.

6. Musings on Death

We all know that Woody Allen is obsessed with this theme and Alvy certainly thinks about death a lot.
He even gives Annie books on the subject:

Harry similarly obsesses over death - "I spend hours, I spend days".
Hear what he does every time he buys a new book...

7. Split Screens

Split screens in Annie Hall happen on two occasions: When Annie and Alvy's mothers exchange conversation while at the dinner table and during both the characters' therapy sessions.

When Harry Met Sally uses split screens for telephone calls. The best one being the four way split screen with Jesse and Marie picking up each of Harry and Sally's calls the morning after:

Both these instances create comedy and are very clever in terms of timing. Yet, it is interesting to notice that the split screens in Annie Hall are always dominated by Alvy's side and his point of view whilst Annie's screen is shoved to the left hand side. It further shows how dominant Alvy is on Annie and her way of life. However, with Harry and Sally the split is even. No dominant. They are both equals and friends, which visually indicates that their relationship is more balanced and solid compared to Annie and Alvy.

8. High Maintenance 

High maintenance or low maintenance? When Harry Met Sally explores this throughout, particularly with Sally's ridiculous food orders:

It is a very brief moment I noticed in Annie Hall but one none-the-less! A very quick instance shows this difference between Alvy and Annie as they order food at a diner. Just look at Alvy's face as Annie orders.

Although both these films have many similarities, it is the fate of both relationships and the outlook of the two that differ. Harry and Sally have their ups and downs but develop a strong friendship leading to their long lasting relationship together. Annie and Alvy seem like a great match but ultimately do not see eye to eye and, as we know from the very beginning of the film, they are not destined to be together.

It is fascinating to note that the original ending of When Harry Met Sally did not have the couple getting together. This ending didn't resonate with test audiences so was scrapped. The perfect Hollywood ending. So, although there is a clear respect and homage to Annie Hall, the conclusions of both the films are widely different.

Sunday Classics: Annie Hall (1977)

Image: cracked.com

Arguably Woody Allen's best film, Annie Hall is this week's Sunday Classic.

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy starring Allen as Alvy, a New York comedian who examines why his relationship with Annie, played by Diane Keaton, had to end. The film is often seen as autobiographical though Allen has been quick to dismiss this suggestion.

Allen's filming techniques and collaboration with cinematographer Gordon Willis was certainly groundbreaking. Particularly after his slapstick comedy films, such as Sleeper (1973) and Love and Death (1975), Annie Hall was and still is completely refreshing. 

Some of the best moments include a scene based on Snow White - where Annie becomes the evil queen...

 Or where both Alvy and Annie talk on the balcony, but the subtitles tell us what they are truly trying thinking... 

There are also many instances where Alvy breaks the fourth wall, talking to the audience directly:

All of these examples, and many more, show the beginnings of the filmmaker we all know Woody Allen to be today.

Keaton is adorable in this film and I love her wardrobe. In fact, nearly all of Annie's costumes are Keaton's own clothes. She won an Oscar for her performance along with the film's Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay. Also, keep an eye out for a wonderful cameo with Christopher Walken as Annie's psychotic brother.

Many films since have been heavily influenced by Annie Hall, especially romantic comedies. Most recently with Frances Ha (2012), (500) Days of Summer (2009) and When Harry Met Sally (1989). 

Later this week, I shall be looking at When Harry Met Sally and Annie Hall a little more closely. To keep updated on all future posts, follow @TicketStubBlog on Twitter.

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Trailer Tuesday: Blue Jasmine (2013)

As you will soon come to discover on this blog, I love Woody Allen films. After studying his work at university, I am forever interested in what his next film will be, who will star and where it will be set. So, for the first edition of Trailer Tuesday, I have selected Blue Jasmine.

The film sees upper class Jasmine (Cate Blanchett) as her marriage and life is falling apart. The New York socialite travels to San Francisco to stay with her working class sister in a not-so-elegant abode to try and piece her life back together again.

The film has won rave reviews in America since its release on 26^th July, with David Denby from The New Yorker claiming that it is the ‘strongest, most resonant movie Woody Allen has made in years’ and Rotten Tomatoes giving the film a certified ‘Fresh’ rating of 87%. There’s already an Oscar buzz around Blue Jasmine for Cate Blanchett’s performance which looks tremendous in this trailer.

After I was left rather disappointed with Allen’s last film, To Rome with Love (2012), I’m looking forward to seeing this new film. Hopefully I’ll be raving about it when it’s released in the UK on 27^th September.

Seen any exciting trailers that you think I should check out? 

Comment below or tweet @TicketStubBlog