TIFF: The wrap-up!

On September 20th, the 34th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival drew to a close. The fest was particularly memorable for me, as I was lucky enough to attend the festival for
JoBlo.com. Overall, I had an incredible time, with ten days jam-packed with wall-to-wall films, many of which were incredible, and will likely cause a stir as they come out over the next few years. I’d like to thank everyone here at
JoBlo.com for giving me this amazing opportunity, and I hope you all have been enjoying my dispatches from the fest.

TOP
5 FAVORITES!

THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS
(8.5/10)

My first ever TIFF screening, it was a heck of a way to kick-off the fest. It’s everything I hoped it would be after seeing the crazy trailer- wildly unconventional, thought provoking, and most importantly, hilarious.

YOUTH IN REVOLT
(8.5/10)

Wow, I did not expect a Michael Cera vehicle to be among my favorite films at TIFF, but sure enough, it was. Hopefully, the Weinstein Co., will be able to finally get this in theaters in January, as it’s a truly hilarious, DARK comedy that harkens back to Cera’s days on ARRESTED: DEVELOPMENT.

THE ROAD
(8.5/10)

Thought provoking, uncompromisingly bleak, and unforgettable. I’m not sure audiences will go for this in the same way they did for another Cormac McCarthy adaptation, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, but this is just as good. It’s truly a film that needs to be seen- and hopefully it will be when it finally hits screens in November.

MICMACS
(9/10)

Jean Pierre Jeunet’s latest, a beautiful, funny, thought-provoking throw back to his earlier films, like DELICATESSEN. It also features a star-making turn from star Dany Boon, who suggests an almost Chaplin-esque talent with this role.

UP IN THE AIR
(9/10)

Mark my words- this will be a best picture contender at the Oscars this year, and will make $100 Million. This is defining film for star George Clooney, who’s never been better. It’s a truly remarkable, funny, and heart-warming film.

BIGGEST
DISAPPOINTMENT:

LEAVES OF GRASS
(5.5/10)

I expected much more from this Edward Norton vehicle than I ended up getting- and something tells me this will go in the straight to DVD bin at Blockbuster before long. That said, it does contain excellent performances by Tim Blake Nelson (who also directed), and Richard Dreyfuss, as a memorable, orthodox Jewish/ Southern drug lord.

Other reviews from TIFF:

GREAT!

ONDINE
(8.5/10)
CAPITALISM:
A LOVE STORY
(8/10)
DAYBREAKERS
(8/10)
[REC] 2
(8/10)
WHIP IT
(8/10)

GOOD!

BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS
(7.5/10)
SOLOMON KANE

(7.5/10)
A SERIOUS MAN
(7.5/10)
SOLITARY MAN
(7/10)
THE INFORMANT!
(7/10)
THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS
(7/10)

GOOD WITH FAULTS!

JENNIFER’S BODY
(6.5/10)
THE INVENTION OF LYING
(6.5/10)
ONG BAK 2
(6.5/10)
THE BOYS ARE BACK
(6/10)

Check out Chris Bumbray’s Toronto Film Fest blog at Movie Fan Central!