TIFF 2010 Recap

TIFF is but a distant memory now, however that's not going to stop me from giving y'all a rundown of my film outings this year. Apologies for dropping the ball on pre-fest updates, links to the buzz, and all that stuff that I think people actually read but in actual fact you guys prob already saw from a real blog or entertainment site months ago... On day 2, I drafted up a partial blog between films but then was completely enraptured by the fest that the next thing I knew I was sitting in my office with head all hazy on the 20th of Sep...

It was a glorious 11 day dream, thanks to the organizers TIFF for giving us an extra day this year, which made my pursuit of 30 films possible even though I didn't have any time off. One of these years, the ultimate goal is to buy a 50 film pass and use it all by myself!

Anyway, without further delay, here are my mini-reviews from TIFF 2010:

1) The Town
Dir Ben Affleck

I kicked off TIFF 2010 with a Press & Industry screening of Ben Affleck's ode of his home - The Town. My love of Affleck has waxed and waned over the years, but I'm becoming more confident in my belief that he is a better director than actor. The Town is good mainstream fare about a seasoned bank robber trying to tie up loose ends, while following a witness from one of his jobs, he winds up falling for her instead leading to some complex moral and emotion dilemma. I hope it enjoys some success at the box office. It's entertaining and well-written, Affleck is smart to write what he knows about. What results is a rich backdrop, good dialogue, and fleshed-out characters. Not the most innovative film to ever hit the screen but the relationship between the main characters isn't cliche, and it contains mild dysfunction and bank robberies - 2 things I like to see on the big screen.

4/5

2) Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen
Dir. Andrew Lau

If you want to see some fantastic action choreography by Donnie Yen, make sure you're in your seat for the beginning of this movie. While the movie isn't bad, what made my jaw drop was the opening scene set against the backdrop of World War I. I know, right? I was confused too. It all comes to light as the film progresses and the narrative moves back to its native China, but overall I think Andrew Lau (director of Infernal Affairs and acclaimed cinematographer) could have found himself a better screenplay. It's a beautifully shot epic with some heavyweight HK stars, and for those who grew up watching Bruce Lee and the TV show based on the same historical background this is a loving homage. However the pacing was uneven and too many details were packed into the 2 hours.

3/5

3) You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger
Dir. Woody Allen

I may well be biased since I partake in a little bit of neurotic, cultish Woody Allen worship when no one is around, but I really like this film. Opinions on his films have typically been all over the board, and I've read a couple unfavourable ones about this film. Though not his most distinct film, and definitely something better targeted for real Woody Allen fans as opposed to those who just rave about Matchpoint (for the record I love Matchpoint, I just found it easy to digest and the neuroticism dialed down). It's got all the trademarks - characters are overall dissatisfied, story for the sake of relationship exploration, good things don't necessarily happen to good people, topped of with the eternally ambiguous ending. It's life on the tip of Woody Allen's pen, which is where I often feel I live anyway.

4/5

4) Never Let Me Go
Mark Romanek

This film is based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro (is this the year of Japanese novel adaptations at TIFF?), and adapted for the screen by Alex Garland (a bit of info I did not know until after I saw the film). Of all the films I saw at TIFF, surprisingly this is the one that I've rolled over in my head again and again. The primary reason being the mixed reviews it has received. I initially left the theatre thinking it was 80% pitch-perfect but something came up short... was it director Mark Romanek who almost made me cry in the theatre but didn't, or Alex Garland's screenplay? I loved the performances (with Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley in the lead roles you can't really go wrong)... but I couldn't put my finger on what kept me from loving it. Finally I decided it must lie within the cultural divide.

When I stopped to consider that what we have here is a Japanese author, (presumably) influenced by a Japanese heritage, conjuring up Caucasian characters that potentially think and act with more restraint typical of Asian cultures than the modern Brits we are inclined to relate them to when we see them on the big screen. It's a muddled theory, but how come it was so easy for me to accept the events, actions, and logic in Norwegian Wood (review below) but not Never Let Me Go? So many emotions, feelings of despair and inevitability were present in both. I'm very curious to know how this movie would've been different if the setting were rural Japan instead. A lot of people can tell you how Never Let Me Go was depressing, frustrating, and hard to follow, but here is one glowing review that I found quite interesting to read: http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/movie-guide/Movie+review+Never+showcases+brilliant+performances/3570174/story.html

3.5/5

5) Wasted on the Young
Dir. Ben C. Lucas

This was an Australian production described in the TIFF synopsis as Gus Van Sant's "Elephant meets Gossip Girl" and I'm SO glad that the only parts that leaned towards the latter was the lavish setting and the wardrobe. The story and characters have complexities but without overwhelming the key themes behind the movie. I enjoyed the take on the extremes of social networking and the director never resorted to explicit imagery in order to incorporate shock value, what unfolds naturally is disturbing enough. The overall content is mature but I think still comprehensible by audiences of the same age group to the characters.

3.5/5

6) Griff the Invisible
Dir. Leon Ford

Griff (portrayed by True Blood star Ryan Kwanten, whom I would not overlook no matter how softspoken or how plain his character's attire) is a shy awkward office boy by day, DIY delusional superhero by night. Enter Melody, his brother's new girlfriend and fellow weirdo, and you have a tepid unconventional romance with a superhero twist. Griff and Melody have a lot to work out and during certain moments your heart does ache for their awkward divide, you root for them but at the same time they're giving you a headache. Overall the story needed oomph, the result was lackluster.

2.5/5

7) SUPER
Dir. James Gunn

SUPER was probably the most fun I had at TIFF this year, you don't know the meaning of OTT (Over The Top) until you have seen this movie! It is where Kick Ass was afraid to go, and Kick Ass was already pretty great. Rainn Wilson and Ellen Page's character totally hit you over the head with a wrench, their performances are that memorable. My experience watching this movie can be summed up in a few simple steps:

"ZOMG, I cannot believe they just did that!"
*howl with laughter*
*rinse and repeat*

This is not for the faint of heart, those high in moral fiber, or the politically correct; everyone else must see it.

4.5/5

8) It's Kind of a Funny Story
Dir. Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck

It's Kind of a Funny Story... is kind of a funny story, no false advertising there. Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover) is quite impressive in his role, he finds the perfect balance between off-kilter and believeable. The rest of the story about a boy who checks himself into a psychiatric ward, only to be told only the adult ward can accommodate him, is entertaining but lacks sparkle. The patients of the ward lacked depth and maybe life really does just truck along in hospitals, but in a comedy perhaps the audience should be getting a little more out of it. The highlight of this movie for me was Maxence Cyrin's piano arrangement of Where is My Mind by the Pixies (again, rather cliche choice of song no?) which is just amazing. I worry about movies where the highlight was a song though... however I will throw in a .5 just for Zach Galifianakis' performance.

3/5

9) Bunraku
Dir. Guy Moshe

Does "Pretty" make up for "pretty little substance"? Even though I went into this movie knowing its samurai/western influences would result in a simple story and stoic dialogue, it still came up a bit short. I didn't want to close my eyes because the imagery was beautiful (and I don't just mean I like staring at Josh Hartnett and Woody Harrelson ) and I kept hoping against hope that the story would pick up. About halfway through I discovered the secret that I didn't have to listen to this movie in order to enjoy it, so I let the rest of the film go by in a sequence of beautiful over-saturated colours, with imaginative sets presented through stylish edits. I still have no idea what this movie was about, I'd have to say the only thing less decipherable that night was Gackt's English in the Q&A.

2.5/5 (it was reeeeeally pretty)

10) Dirty Girl
Dir. Abe Sylvia

"Dirty Girl" Danielle (Juno Temple) is growing up in 80's dysfunction with a white trash mom (play by the multi-talented Mila Jovovich) set to marry her Mormon boyfriend (William H Macy!) Her only friend, after a few unfortunately events at school, is the forcibly-closeted super-innocent overweight Clarke, together they decide to steal his father's car and drive across the country to find her real father. Juno Temple gives a terrific performance of a fragile girl hiding behind attitude and eye shadow, and Jeremy Dozier's character is the gay best friend I always wanted. Hilarious and moving, with never a dull moment thanks to quick-witted dialogue and a great supporting cast. This movie far exceeded my expectations. The fun soundtrack is a bonus too.

4.5/5

11) Tamara Drewe
Dir. Stephen Frears

Stephen Frears' work is usually hit and miss for my tastes (High Fidelity and Dangerous Liasons being the 'hits'). With Tamara Drewe, adapted from the initially uninteresting-looking graphic novel by Posy Simmonds (which I might have a 2nd glance at now), I think he ventures back into familiar territory that I enjoy. Though titled after a character, I don't feel this story has one main protagonist and is more focused on the goings-on in the countryside heightened by the return of ugly-duckling-turned-newswriter-swan Tamara. It's a humourous blend, full of flawed people, and slightly dark -- reminds me of something the great Robert Altman might have made.

4/5

12) Outside the Law
Dir. Rashid Bouchareb

This was not amongst my initial picks but when I got shut out of another film I was rushing, I befriended another patron in line and upon reviewing the synopsis on my blackberry we decided it sounded interesting enough to give it a shot. It was touted as "an epic French gangster movie in the tradition of Once Upon a Time in America" and they weren't far off, in fact, the running time for both films is just one minute's difference (and yes, I found this one a tad too long as well at 138 mins). It follows brothers from Algeria through the days of French occupation, their lives in Paris, political and familial ties leading to some devastating consequences. It's a true epic, a high-level history lesson, but a little harsh on the tailbone.

3/5

13) Kaboom
Dir. Gregg Araki

I traded in my public screening ticket to go to an advance press & industry show, and I almost wish I hadn't just so I could've heard Gregg Araki speak (I was at the Q&A of his last two films at TIFF - Mysterious Skin and Smiley Face). I've not seen his earlier films so I can't relate to these nostalgic conversations about The Doom Generation nor pick up on the comparisons between Kaboom and Araki's earlier work. All I can tell you is that Kaboom is fantastic and fantastical. No matter what the story you can't always count on Gregg Araki to keep it fast-paced, unpredictable, and to always push the boundaries. Dorm dweller Smith's life is turned upside down through a series of bizarre events, hurtling him, his best friend, his roommate, his fuck friend, and others to a dramatic and unforeseen climax. Then credits roll to my favourite Placebo song - The Bitter End!

4.5/5

14) Let Me In
Dir. Matt Reeves

Let Me In is for everyone who ever wanted to see Let the Right One In but didn't want to read the subtitles. Of all the foreign film remakes I've seen, this is about as faithful as they get. On the flipside, for those of use who have already seen the original, this was not exactly fresh and new. The casting is superb, probably better than the original. If I were to buy one DVD, it'd be a toss-up which version I'd get.

3/5

15) Heartbeats
Dir. Xavier Dolan

This is the much-hyped follow up to J'ai tué ma mère (which I haven't seen) by boy-wonder Xavier Dolan. First off, I didn't get the English title translation -- its french title being 'Les amours imaginaires'. However I'd have to agree it's beautifully and stylistically shot, I don't think I've seen anything more wonderfully indulgent and pretentious since Wong Kar Wai's 2046. What it lacks is characters that don't give me a headache. Story-wise, what I see here is a film-school boy who is a genius with a movie-camera but still lacking in life experience to write characters with any real depth. It all reminds me of stuff more dynamic classmates of mine would've striven for when we were all still in film school. There have also been a lot of comparisons between Heartbeats and Burtolucci's The Dreamers, which I'm not entirely sure I get outside of the threesome context. Heartbeats is definitely easier to digest of the two, The Dreamers drove me insane (though the latter does feature naked Eva Green haha). I'm going to venture a guess that Xavier Dolan is an acquired taste, but he is a name to keep on your radar for sure.

2.5/5

16) Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
Dir. Jalmari Helander

This movie is on the top of my Christmas wish list for anyone who's stumped on what to get me! If I had it my way, watching this film should be a holiday tradition alongside one of my personal favs - Bad Santa. The trailer was already so wrong, but there's so much more in the actual movie, it's everything that you feared about Santa Clause and then some! Jalmari Helander also wrote this, which makes him a mad genius in my mind. While super dark comedic tales of heroic Finnish folk, wrinkly naked elves, and skewed reasons for being "naughty or nice" may not be everyone's cup of tea, there's no denying -- This is the most original film I've seen in 12 years at TIFF!

4.5/5

17) Repeaters
Dir. Carl Bessai

Just like I'm drawn to family dysfunction, it seems I also need to choose a Canadian film featuring desperate youth coping with bleak situations almost every year at TIFF. This year that film was Repeaters, featuring three 20-somethings in rehab who find themselves in a grim Groundhog Day-type situation. It explores what happens to each of them when the prospect of a future is taken from them and replaced by an eternal do-over. It's a sometimes tough to watch exploration, but in these parameters it's also hard not to touch on the cliche too. Also there is the difficulty of replaying the same day over and over while heightening tension and making the story progress even if the characters can't. Overall Carl Bessai did a good job with that, but the film doesn't shake that Canadian stamp though, the dull bleak scenery that always makes me think east Hastings (in Vancouver) and characters who exude Canadian manners of moderation, politeness, and passiveness even when thrown into extreme situations.

3/5

18) Blue Valentine
Dir. Derek Cianfrance

I would've liked to see the Q&A with Derek Cianfrance after Blue Valentine because there's a certain depth to this movie, it's a sleeper film - and I don't mean it makes you pass out (although there is a chance for that too depending on what you absorb from the screening), it stays with you after the film and generates different questions as time goes by. This movie made me think of Ozon's 5x2, which was screened at TIFF in 2004, many raved about it but it just depressed the hell out of me. I don't think a film has gotten me so down on marriage until Blue Valentine came along, and I have Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling's strong performances to thank for that. Blue Valentine cuts back and forth in time so that you see the final gasps of their marriage play out against their falling in love -- powerful contrast, and deeply depressing for me. It's terrific character exploration and the plot delicately unfolds, it's quite a complex and thought-provoking film.

3.5/5 (though I'm not sure I want to see it again)

19) Three
Dir. Tom Tykwer

There was one of those screenings where I was more excited to see the director at the screening than the movie itself. Not that I wasn't excited to see Three, which is the first film Tykwer's done in his native language in some time now -- I was always more fond of his German work than his English-language films. Three is stripped down and simplistic compared to his big-budget thrillers like The International and draws attention back to the characters and dialogue. The brilliance of Tykwer is that even with such a small cast in a simple setting he still manages to build suspense and climax that has the audience leaning forward in anticipation. The relationship between his characters are just a little fucked up, enough to be comical at times but you're still able to take them seriously. It's not the best thing he's ever made, but definitely worth investing your time in giving it a watch.

3.5/5

20) Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame
Dir. Tsui Hark

Hong Kong's powerhouse director returns with the most CGI I have ever seen in Hong Kong production! Tsui Hark now commands enough power and budget that he never needs to make anything less than glorious-looking epics with A-list stars anymore (which is sometimes a bit of a shame, I liked him best when he was producing John Woo movies, and Chinese Ghost Story). Detective Dee is the perfect example of that, staring Andy Lau and Li Bing Bing (and the amazing Carina Lau as Emperess Wu!) about an exiled detective who is brought back to investigate mysterious deaths that may threaten the inauguration of Empress Wu. It's kind of like watching an Asian Sherlock Holmes mystery, not the most exciting thing you'll ever see but details are well fleshed out and you're interested to find out whodunit.

3/5

21) The Christening
Dir. Marcin Wrona

This was around the point where I began to hit movie overload, barely made it to the screening on time and got rewarded with front row seats. Forgot what European country the film was from and spent the first 10 mins guessing at what language I was listening to. It's evident this film was made with a low budget but that by no means compromised the story, what surprised me was the emotional turns the film took. I can't promise my perceptions are 100% as I did wind up getting a neck cramp and nodded off for a few minutes, but I was even more surprised to learn in the Q&A that this film was based on true events about a man who's built himself the ideal life - wife and child in a happy home but has a sinister past that's about to catch up to him. This movie is worth a watch, and probably worth a second watch for me to absorb more details of the story.

3/5

22) Norwegian Wood
Dir. Anh Hung Tran

Norwegian Wood is based on the novel of the same name by Haruki Murakami (which I have also never read - 5 adaptations that I saw this fest, NONE of which I'd read!) that explores the intricate events of Toru Watanabe's life as a student in 1960's Japan, primarily focusing on his delicate relationship with Naoko, both of whom are grieving the loss of his best friend/her boyfriend. The entire film makes you want to handle with care, from music (scored by Jonny Greenwood) to mannerisms, it's serene and sad -- but engrossing, the lead actors really inhabit their roles I think. The behaviours and actions of the characters felt in tune with their geography and time period, although I've since read a couple of amateur reviews claiming there was more discussion about sex than any Japanese student would have dared express in that time and place. I can't really say, it's not like I was there. For the trivia enthusiasts, it is worth noting that Apple Records (after initially refusing) did grant permission for this film to use the original Beatles recording, the first time an original Beatles recording has been used in a commercial work since 1981! (Believe me, I stopped dead when the opening chords played and my jaw dropped when John started singing)

4/5 (gave it an extra 0.5 for the acting and beautiful scenery)

23) Stake Land
Dir. Jim Mickle

A friend described this movie to me as "Zombieland but with Vampires" and she's not too far off. But I liked Zombieland, and I like Stake Land too. Life as we know it has gone to the vampires, young Martin is rescued by Mister after the rest of his family is slaughtered by the undead and together they hit the road in search of New Eden encountering fellow travelers, surviving communities, and deadly religious fanatics along the way. There was probably nothing here that I haven't seen before, but it all meshed together nicely and was entertaining throughout. The story was solid and held its own. How it took the Midnight Madness Award I'm not sure -- still think SUPER should've won that one.

3.5/5

24) Solitude of Prime Numbers
Dir. Saverio Costanzo

This was adaptation #5 of the festival and probably the one most lost in translation (it probably doesn't help that this film is also in Italian). The plot centres around two characters - Mattia and Alice, who are both continually affected by traumatic events from their childhood and the singularity their lives as they grow up. I was warned of confusion caused by the time-shifting in the editing, but didn't find it so bad. What was more frustrating was my inability to sympathize with the characters, in building around themes of isolation, I feel the director cut me off his characters so much that I was not able to journey with them through their story. Not gonna lie, I eventually fell asleep. It's not the point where I would purposely sleep through it, I might watch it again some day when I'm not suffering from sleep deprivation. I don't know anything about the book, filmmaker or music person so I can't really explain why they chose to use rave anthems by Joey Beltram and Speedy J for one of the party scenes when the rest of the movie has nothing to do with that type of music.

I'm gonna pass on rating this film.

25) 127 Hours
Dir. Danny Boyle

No matter how many of his films I see, Danny Boyle never fails to blow my mind! (Millions being the possible exception where I didn't walk out of the theatre in awe but still enjoyed myself) Who would think a film featuring ONE person for 90% of the movie would keep you at the edge of your seat for 2 hours? But Danny Boyle does just this with a dynamic soundtrack, stunning cinematography, stylish edits, and breakneck pacing. At the heart of all this is a true story about adventurer Aron Rolston's (James Franco) amazing struggle to free himself after an accident that leaves his arm crushed between a boulder and canyon wall leaving him trapped in the middle of nowhere. This film is just fantastic.

4.5/5

26) Black Swan
Dir. Darren Aronovsky

One of the most anticipated films of the festival lives up to the hype! Black Swan is a dizzying story of Nina whose obsession to be perfect as prima ballerina begins to drive her to madness, amplified by a controlling mother and a new ballerina in the company competing for her role. Aronovsky uses disturbing imagery and music (dissonant and ominous music played against Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake, it actually makes for a very good score/soundtrack) that consumes the audience until we are confused as Nina herself. Nathalie Portman is great as usual, Mila Kunis is solid, and of course, Vincent Cassel is a master on the screen (both literally and figuratively).

4.5/5

27) Aftershock
Dir. Xiaogang Feng

Aftershock is the highest-grossing domestic movie ever in China about the devastating earthquake in Tangshan in 1976 that took the lives of 240,000 people. It is an emotional and heartbreaking epic about twin siblings who are trapped under a slab on concrete during the earthquake, only one can be saved and the question is posed to their desperate mother - the boy or the girl? The consequences are so much more than just issues of Chinese culture valuing males over females, it's about the ruin of a family, guilt, survival, and all the consequences from an event inside and outside of one's control. I was hesitant to see this film at first, I'm not often a fan of mainland China productions outside of period epics, I'm wary of anything taking place within Communist China (especially so when produced within Communist China to boot) but this film completely drew me in and had me crying in the end. It resonates no matter your cultural background, but especially so for those who can relate to (or at least understand) the culture and values held by the characters in this film. The film used terrific effects to depict the horrific events of Tangshan, and no doubt pulled out all stops in the dialogue and story to make you emotional, but it worked!

4.5/5

28) Lapland Odyssey
Dir. Dome Karukoski

Sometimes I think Scandinavian film is a lot like Canadian film -- the good ideas are there, it's reasonably enjoyable (but doesn't knock you out of the park), and then a while later... it's a bit forgettable. Both are improving, but overall this is still my sentiment. That being said, Lapland Odyssey is an enjoyable comedy about the quest for a digital box to save our main character's relationship... think road movie with a lot of snow.

2.5/5

29) Janie Jones
Dir. David M. Rosenthal

Janie Jones is a formulaic feel good movie, but lucky for them it's a formula that generally works. Abigail Breslin reinforces her awesomeness as a young actress portraying a down-to-earth girl who's mother unexpectedly ditches her with her asshole-ish rockstar father. We go through the motions of examining the lives of the reluctant father, this super great (and also musically inclined) child who's had it rough, how the latter wins over the former. There's really not need to see this movie to know what it's about, but you might want to check it out for the performances.

2.5/5

30) 13 Assassins
Dir. Takashi Miike

Forgive me if I sound uneducated at any point in this mini-review, I'm always hesitant to comment on a Masters whose work I am not overly familiar with. Here I say "Masters" with a capital because that's exactly the TIFF program it was presented in... a long way from the usual Midnight Madness! It was a true epic about 13 Assassins (betcha never would've guess from the title!) assembled to take down a sadistic Lord and prevent him from gaining greater power. I hesitate to say anything negative about this film because I in no way think it's bad. However it was my 30th film in 11 days, so imagine trying to watch Fellowship of the Ring for the first time on zero sleep... that's how I felt during the first half (background of each character revealed, although relevant and reasonably interesting, after a bit of each you think "ok, I get it, can we please hurry it along?") Let me assure you though, no matter what state you're in, the movie does eventually progress along to one of the most epic battle scenes (battle sequence? because there were a few amazing scenes linked one after one) I have ever seen on the screen -- East or West. That alone is worth the sleep deprivation, 50 cans of Red Bull, and whatever else it takes to stay awake.

4/5

And that wraps up my year at TIFF, 2nd time reaching 30 films! :D

Ada's Top 10 Films of 2009

Here we are folks... only 1.5 months late!

Per the usual disclaimer, films that qualify for my top 10 include:
- any film from a film festival that I attended in 2009
- any film with a Canadian theatrical release dated in 2009
- is listed on www.imdb.com as released in 2009

Additional note: Due to my already extreme tardiness, at the time this list was compiled, I still have not seen District 9 nor The Hurt Locker, two movies that seemed to get a lot of attention last year and made many critics' (both professional & amateur) lists. Though arguably, according to their synopsis, don't really seem like my cup of tea.

Off we go...

1) Inglourious Basterds (USA)
2) Mr. Nobody (USA)
3) Accident (Hong Kong)
4) (500) Days of Summer (USA)
5) Daybreakers (USA)
6) Micmacs a tire-larigot (France)
7) Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky (France)
8) Up in the Air (USA)
9) The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus (UK)
10)The Young Victoria (UK)

(Countries of origin are approximate haha)

Honourable mentions: An Education, Avatar, Brothers (yes, the remake), Whip It

This was the year of Ada and Quentin Tarantino, I'm sure it comes as no surprise that Inglourious Basterds tops my list. For many of the reasons I've listed over and over - choice of topic, characters, and Christopher Waltz's performance to name a few, Basterds and QT can do no wrong in my eyes.

Mr. Nobody was the thinker film of the year. As soon as the credits rolled I wanted to watch it again. I was enthralled, I'm still dying to see it again. Soon hopefully...


Accident was a different kind of thinker film, it didn't take brainpower to piece together per se, but its story has a resonance that makes you dwell on its themes, characters, and circumstance long after you've left the theatre.

(500) Days of Summer grew on me a lot the 2nd time I saw it, it's even moved up a couple spots since I first drafted this list. It was fresh, whimsical, and endearing the first go round, but watching Summer and Tom's romance the second time I was able to take in the little things I missed before having already familiarized myself with the story. And really, the sweetness and magic of it all was in those little details.


Daybreakers was my idea of a good vampire flick, not something you stumble upon often anymore. Morality, story, bit of a twist, I'd glad someone still knows how to handle the macabre.

To think I almost didn't go to see Micmacs a tire-larigot. It's got all the whimsy of Amelie packaged in what I worried might be an iffy plot for my tastes, but Jeunet's got me sold.

Speaking of Audrey Tatou, her film Coco Avant Chanel has nothing on the much superior Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky. Brilliant production design, I want to live in that film. The acting and story are nothing to scoff at either.

Up in the Air got mixed reviews and I really don't know why, I thought they were solid performances, an honest script, and a great commentary on the ambivalence of the corporate world, of relationships, and life in general. The greyness of it all wrapped in smart dialogue doled out at an entertaining pace. I think this is my favourite Reitman film.

Everyone raves about Avatar, which I did say deserves an honourable mention, it is a visual delight. But it relies solely on visual innovation, on the other hand, The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus is visually spectacular topped with excellent performances, especially given the restraints placed on them with the passing of their very talented star (RIP Heath) and a less formulaic story. It's a fun ride no matter what.

The Young Victoria sealed the deal in making me an Emily Blunt fan. At the end of the day the film wasn't fantastic, but it had all the makings of a movie I'm inclined to like, period costumes, strong women, and just a bit of romance. It's well made and very much worth watching.

Other honourable mentions include: An Education - which could've just as easily been number 10 rather than The Young Victoria, but I really enjoyed Emily Blunt's performance and I did only see An Education last month so it's a bit harder to say whether it's left a lasting impression on me.

The USA re-make of Brothers (Brodre, 2004, from Denmark) was surprisingly good, I have no basis for comparison having never seen the original, but Tobey Maguire was intense. Of course Natalie Portman and Jake Gyllenhaal weren't shabby either. In combination you have quite a young powerhouse cast.

Finally a nod to something that was just plain fun -- Drew Barrymore's directorial debut Whip It. I thought it was an excellent choice for her first film, a good decision to not bite off more than she can chew, and really this is the type of thing Drew's best at. And getting Ellen Page to play the lead role, excellent!

Although as I look through my list of films now, I think most of them rather impressive, I'm still not sold that 2009 was a particularly powerful year in film. My selections seem to be primarily english language films, and even my foreign picks are from somewhat predictable countries (I mean, how many years do I not include Chinese and French films?) There's nothing wrong with the tried and true, but I am looking forward to innovation in 2010.

30 Films in 31 Days

As some of you might be aware, a group of friends and I started doing this about 4 years ago in attempts to catch up on movie-watching and beat the boredom of the winter blahs.

The premise is to watch 30 movies in the 31 days during the month of January. Where for each film you would write a minimum 2-line review of and give it a rating out of 5.

Since its inauguaration the group has expanded over FB to include other aquaintances and strangers alike. This is where we have spent the last 31 days amidst lively discussions, movie poster images, trailers, and even a few movie dates in between.

Below are my collected reviews for 2010, if you would like to take part in the challenge next year, please join the group on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#/group.php?gid=7202166447&ref=ts I guarantee no spam throughout the year, just a few friendly reminders to get your movie on at the end of December.

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1) Hard Boiled - dir John Woo

This is your iconic Hong Kong action film with tough cops and cool gangsters in a senseless rain of bullets and explosions that would put all middle east turmoil to shame. Staring HK heros Chow Yun Fat and Tony Leung, this is the stuff that inspired Quentin Tarantino and his hollywood contemporaries.

4/5


2) Sleep With Me - dir Rory Kelly

This is a dialogue driven script about a best friend who falls for his best friend's wife and the havoc it causes amongst a group of friends. Though the real reason anyone I know has even seen it is because of Quentin Tarantino's cameo in which he makes the famous Top Gun speech. This movie was kind of annoying last time I saw it, but as I got older and learned that age doesn't necessarily mean maturity, it actually seems a little more logical.

3/5

3) Cookie's Fortune - dir Robert Altman

Before Gosford Park there was this little murder mystery set in a small southern town. Take away the issues of class segregation and add in a few more ounces of absurdity and you have Cookie's Fortune.

3.5/5


4) Stay - dir Mark Forster

A mess of a psychological thriller that wastes the talents of Ewan McGregor, Ryan Gosling, and Naomi Watts. A doctor tries to stop a mysterious patient from committing suicide amidst some contrived "eerie" run-ins with supposedly dead persons and a distorted soundtrack. Even after the truth is revealed, I didn't get the point of the hour of footage that preceeded.

2/5


5) Dim Sum Funeral - Anna Chi

I was ready to pass this off as an ABC (American-Born Chinese) film when to my horror I realized it was a Canadian production. This North-American Chinese coming to terms with their heritage and their parents' generation's values is a really tiresome topic, and never done well in my opinion. This one is made worse by bad acting, cliche extreme characters, and an ending that is ridiculous for any culture and makes me rather outraged that they're associating such behaviour with the Chinese. The only redeeming factor is that the movie is set in Seattle, so when the audience bolts out of the theatre the second the credits begin to roll, they will never be the wiser of this production's Canadian roots.

1/5

6) Valentino: The Last Emperor

Here you have a fancy, often dramatic world renown fashion designer... in a simple little documentary about the months leading up to his 45th anniversary celebration, and it really works. It's not contrived, it's not needlessly artsy, and really lets the subject speak for itself. We're able to admire Valentino the man, his wing man Giancarlo, their partnership, and of course his beautiful gowns and how they materialize. The balance was what I loved most. Those pugs were freakin' hilarious too, I think I'd rather live the life of a filthy rich fashion designer's dog than my own. Haha.

3.5/5

7) The Good German - Dir Steven Soderbergh

This was an awesome little piece of nostalgia, not just a 40's setting but also shot in 1940's standards (aspect ratio, microphones, etc.) Good story, good acting, it all blends so seamlessly you really would think Clooney & Blanchett really were from the Bogey & Dietrich era. Soderbergh's throwback efforts don't overwhelm the film, the story is strong and holds its own. I could go on...

4/5

8) 500 Days of Summer - Dir. Mark Webb

I have a ridiculous amount of sentimental value tied to this film but even without, you're still talking about one of my favourite actors - Joseph Gordon Levitt being perfectly cast opposite Zooey Deschanel (love both the sister actresses - Zooey and Emily), in an offbeat boy meets girl movie, that is creatively edited, and smartly scripted. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the ending, but I'm not sure that there could've been another one anyway.

4/5

9) Little Ashes - dir. Paul Morrison

A 2008 film staring Robert Pattinson as Salvador Dali chronicling his homosexual exploits with poet Federico Garcia Lorca. No, seriously, the gay make-out scenes with RP are there, but it is actually about Dali, Garcia Lorca, and Luis Bunuel's days in school together. While the somewhat pretentious subject of the film does appeal to a part of me, as does the camera work and some of the music, overall I could not get past the muddled accents. The casting choice seemed strange to me, you have mostly Spanish actors, why not go with all Spanish and just keep the film in its native language? Everytime Federico Garcia Lorca recited a poem it was in Spanish but simultaneously translated into English, as a result I never caught a word nor got to appreciate it in its native tongue. The film, like this review = muddled.

2/5

10) Last Romance - dir. Yonfan

A sappy little film that Taiwanese master Yonfan made in the late 80's starring Maggie Cheung and Cherie Chung about the perils of life, love, and friendship. It follows two best friends from their school days to womanhood and their ties with a young man they befriend. If you can look past the 80's fashion and overt cliches, it's actually an effective but sad little story about the harsh realities of life. (Exactly the type of dribble I like to ponder about for hours in attempts to make myself feel deep)

3/5


11) Sex and Breakfast - Dir. Miles Brandman

A movie starting Eliza Dushku and Alexis Dziena about young couples who try group sex in order to solve their relationship problems. It's one of those things that scream hot train wreck that you just HAVE to see. Well sorry to dissapoint but nobody shows their boobs and seeing Eliza Dushku make out with Macauley Culkin was probably one of the most disturbing visuals I've had to endure in recent history. It's not bad so much as it's pointless, unrelatable, and suprisingly bland given the premises.

2/5


12) Dinner With Friends - Dir. Norman Jewison

I blame Jon. A wordy 1.5 hr analysis about the poignance of marriage, which would be ok done nerotic, nerdy Woody Allen style but not so much as a psycho-analysis courtesy of Andie McDowell. To top it off I came to the horrible realization that they're listing the merits of the cliche story marriage that I personally despise. It does make you think sometimes (of something other than blowing your brains out before saying "I do" ) and reiterates the merits of angry sex.

2/5


13) Mirrormask - Dir. Dave McKean

I've always put off seeing this in hopes of reading the book first, but finally caved and decided on seeing the on-screen version of Neil Gaiman's fantasy tale as brought to life on screen by Jim Henson's workshop. Aside from having a story slightly on the simple side I really loved the visuals and characters portrayed on screen, it's something I could really watch over and over there's so much to take in.

3.5/5

14) Repo! The Genetic Opera - (I'm doing the director a great service not remember his name!)

What does it say when you've heard nothing but bad things about a movie, hit play with drastically lowered expectations, and are still surprised by how LOATHESOME it is?! Would it have killed them to cast actors that can actually sing (nevermind act)? I thought my ears were going to start bleeding (save for Sarah Brightman of course) Won't even touch on the story, directing, nothing... I've already given this piece of garbage to much attention

0/5 (would've been a 0.5 for the costumes but the rest of it was so torturous I just can't do it...)


15) The Last King of Scotland - Dir. Kevin Macdonald

This film is based on events in Uganda under Amin's rule as recounted by his physician and trusted advisor Dr. Nicholas Garrigan. The story quickly draws you in, and Forest Whitaker's performance is mezmerizing. I thought the turn of events sometimes happened a little fast (not that I necessarily wanted the movie to be longer, so much as provide me with a greater understanding of historical events as it related to the common people and the rest of the world) but kept the film moving heart-thumping pace. Also some disturbing imagery that was burned into my brain for a few days following.

3.5/5


16) Abre los ojos (Open Your Eyes) - Dir. Alejandro Amenabar

Henceforth known as the film that Tom Cruise ruined for North American audiences. This is the original that Vanilla Sky was based on, and WOW what a huge difference. Penelope dazzles and Eduardo Noriega is a MUCH more captivating lead. I was glued to my chair for the 1hr 45min but what gripped me most was the first night Cesar and Sophia met and spent together, each line and gesture so pitch perfect, quite possibly the most accurate representation of "falling" in love I've seen on screen.

5/5

17) Spirited Away - Dir. Hayao Miyazaki

One of my favourite animated films of all time - actually I think it IS my favourite animated film of all time. This tale of a young girl's love and courage warms my heart everytime. The imagery is beautiful, full of cultural context and some based in superstition that I know nothing about, but somehow that doesn't make me feel excluded, the story is universal.

5/5


18) The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeosie - Dir. Luis Bunuel

After seeing Little Ashes and knowing this was *someone's* favourite movie, I figured it was high time I gave it a real chance (watching clips when I was in university doesn't count) But I have to say, it came up short for me. Un Chien Andalou shocks you (or makes you want to throw up, whichever ) and gets your attention, but this just meanders along in a series of dream sequences that aren't necessarily very interesting. Some are pretty cool, and I saw the humour, but overall, 1.5 of loosely strung together scenes and complete lack of plot gave me a pretty bad headache.

2/5


19) An Education - Dir. Lone Scherfig

Nick Hornby wrote this screenplay based on the memoirs of a young girl in 1960s London and her relationship with a much older man. It was a coming of age story that managed to feel fresh despite its over-used theme. Carey Mulligan and Peter Sarsgaard gave a terrific performances. I highly recommend this one for its acting, charm and well-balanced humour.

4/5

20) Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - Dir. Mike Nichols

This movie, based on the play by Edward Albee, has never been an easy watch. Though if you can hold on to your sanity better than the film's characters you are in for some very powerful performances. This is Elizabeth Taylor at her best, Richard Burton is also excellent. It's tough to brace this psychologically, but once a decade... it's worth it.

3.5/5


21) The Lodger - Dir. Alfred Hitchcock

After all the yelling in the previous film, I needed something SILENT The Lodger was made in 1926 and is one of my favourite Hitchcock films, about London griped by a mysterious killer that targets blondes and one family who takes in a mysterious lodger who may or may not be the murderer.

4/5


22) Just Friends - Dir. Roger Kumble

The idea behind this film isn't a complete write-off, haven't we all been put in the "friend zone" before? However, a good idea isn't enough to make a good film, and Ryan Reynolds lost me at the fat suit. It's hard to root for a bungling asinine hero, who even when he's 'being himself' is a bit of a jerk at best. Amy Smart's character ain't all that, and Anna Farris is being...well Anna Farris, which is ok but overall it still cheapens the movie and kills its potential to be taken seriously. Doesn't qualify for pure slapstick tho, at least one scene in there was too darn real. It's just a mess of a movie.

2/5


23) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - Dir. Chris Columbus

First of the Harry Potter movies. It was a good intro film, very accessible to anyone who hasn't read the books (or needs a refresher like myself), cute kids, laughs, adventures... it's all there.

3/5


24) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Dir. Chris Columbus

I'm watching all the films consecutively so it's a little blurred in my head -- I think this is the one (or is it the 3rd one?) with the nice shots of King's Cross/St Pancras? Definitely a highlight. I wasn't as fond of the onscreen story of Chamber of Secrets, thought it went on a little long before they cut to the chase. Also I wasn't a Dobby fan.

2.5/5


25) Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Dir. Alfonso Cuaron

Finally getting into a meatier plot - tho this is also the first book that I haven't read. Going back to see these, it's cool to see the little things/gestures that foreshadow what is to come in later films. That being said, still didn't blow me away.

2.5/5


26) The Lovely Bones - Dir. Peter Jackson

I think the first thing I said after the credits started rolling was "That actually wasn't too many endings for a Peter Jackson film" And to elaborate, there was only one ending I didn't care for, the rest was o..k... I've always been more interested in Peter Jackson's production design than storytelling, so the 70's set decoration, the miniatures... all awesome. The 'in-between' imagery could've been better. The story was more or less as I expected, moving enough, suspenseful enough where it had to be. I guess I high expectations for this one.

3.5/5

27) Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Dir. Mike Newell

Well, who knew my running theme for this year's 30 films would be Robert Pattinson? Also that my friend Vanessa is completely right - every one of his attempts at looking intense just comes across as looking constipated instead! Despite that, I think this is my fav of the Harry Potter movies so far, story, character development, balance of fun, mystery, and anticipation.

3.5/5


28) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - Dir. David Yates

I think the general consensus was that they packed too much into this and I would tend to agree. Also I wasn't so fond of the clean cut Harry. This was the first one that Helena Bonham Carter was in though, and that goes a long way in my books.

3/5


29) Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - Dir. David Yates

I don't know anything about David Yates as a director but I think he's definitely put his stamp on the HP movies, there's been an added dark intensity since he took the reins. It's appropriate, this transformation from light family adventure movie to something much more adult, but I'm not sure I loved Half Blood Prince. I was engrossed, and I always appreciate non-formulatic story structure (it didn't have the classic build up, climax, and denouement of the earlier films), but I didn't think the movie was great or anything...

3/5

30) Pulp Fiction - Dir. Quentin Tarantino

Much as I love QT I'm going to have to say Eric Stolz won for most worn in and comfy-looking bathrobe. Best foreshadowing moment: When Vincent Vega says to Butch in the bar "I ain't your friend palooka" and lo and behold, days later it's Butch that shoots him dead. I would say that's a good reason not to be someone's friend. Still some of the greatest camera out there, the famous trunk shot and all the ridiculously long shots, be it on dolly or stedicam... why do it? But when you execute is SO well, why NOT? (Next time you watch it, stop to admire the steadicam shot that follows Butch from his car through the back way to his apt, and then dolly tracking shot right after. Awesome.)

5/5


BONUS ROUND:

31) Closer - Dir. Mike Nichols

My favourite stage play adaptation staring one of my favourite actresses - Natalie Portman. I've seen this repeatedly but the characters and dialogue leave me rooted to my chair every time. It's such a stark reflection of human beings and their inability to really connect, whether you agree with their motivations and choices or not, I think this story speaks volumes about human nature and our capacity for brilliant but dark motivations all in the name of "love".

5/5


32) The Dark Knight - Dir. Christopher Nolan

I'll say it again and again - Heath Ledger = phenomenal Joker. I can never get enough of The Dark Knight and I rarely say this about comic superhero hollywood action flicks. Story, character development, complexity, performances, visual effects, what wasn't awesome about this movie?

5/5

Ada's Top 20 of the 2000's

Here it is folks, after MUCH painstaking deliberation, the following are my top 20 picks for films I enjoyed most this past decade:

(and because it took me two weeks - until the last day of the decade - to finalize my decisions, I'm going to dispense with posting the movie poster images to avoid further delay)

Requiem for a dream (2000)

There was one failed attempt to see this at TIFF 2000 but I was able to jump on an advanced screening a couple months later. Requiem haunted me and left me speechless, nine years later I own the DVD and dread and anticipate watching it every time. This sparked the short period in my life where Darren Aronovsky could do no wrong - and then he made The Fountain :P)


Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

My proper introduction to Ang Lee, assisted by Hong Kong's finest actors that guided me through asian cinema growing up. It was also a huge trial getting into this film at TIFF 2000, we were 200+ in the RUSH line at Roy Thomson Hall standing in the rain -- and were among the last batch to get in!


Almost Famous (2000)

Few stories are so lovingly written.


Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

The film that Toronto shared with the world, though not my favourite Danny Boyle film (not even top 3) it was deeply moving and endearing and stayed with me for some time. It makes me proud to be a Torontian that first generated buzz about this little film that didn't even have a distributor, truly the little film that could...


Where the Truth Lies (2005)

Big up Canada and Mr Egoyan. You simplified the plot from the book but didn't skimp on talent and story. I thought Where the Truth Lies was underrated, I was captivated by it.


Before Sunset (2004)

The sequel that's better than the original. Who else can't get enough of Jesse and Celine and all the chance encounters they can have together? In my perfect world I would write films like this.


25th Hour (2002)

Monty Brogan may be one of my favourite chatacters of all time, simple, decisive, strong, and insightful. I've never been part of the Spike Lee love-in but sign me up after this film.


Inglourious Basterds (2009)

I love you Quentin for coming up with a snuff film targeted at the one group in history that has zero sympathizers, to live out your beautifully shot and scored fantasies. You even made me like Diane Kruger when no other filmmaker has been able to muster up anything kinder than disdain for her talent.


Oldboy (2003)

It'll never be like it was the first time, but the shock, dread, and horror I felt the first time I watched the ending of Oldboy will be forever ingrained in my mind. For that alone, this film deserves to be on this list.


Gosford Park (2001)

One of Robert Altman's finest. Every time I watch this film (and I just recently saw it for the 4th or 5th time) I can't help but spend the few days following thinking about it. That's what a good story does.


Infernal Affairs (2002)

I've said it since it came out - this is the finest piece of writing to ever come out of Hong Kong. Doesn't matter how many times I see it, I'm completely mesmerized. The story holds up so well that even the Hollywood adaptation (The Departed) was academy award-worthy


Closer (2004)

A simple little play, but really appeals to me the way it delves into the colder functional side of relationships, people as pawns, and the underlying selfishness of man. So universal yet under-represented because humanity doesn't like to own up to it, yet I grasp onto these concepts so...


Dummy (2002)

Funniest film of the decade. Dark, witty, ironic, and all the things I hold dear.


Bad Santa (2003)

Second funniest film of the decade. Ban Santa touched me so that it has now become my Christmas tradition to watch this movie annually. This is film #1 of Terry Zwigoff on this list (which is ironic because I don't usually list him among my favourite directors, yet QT, Danny Boyle, and Wong Kar Wai are all only listed once)


In the Mood for Love (2000)

Eternally moving tragic love story of life in a different place and time, Wong Kar Wai's intricate and authentic sets and basic dialogue manage to show me, someone who knew nothing of this era, the societal and emotional constraints of the time. My heart still breaks every time.


Love Me If You Dare (2003)

The magic of Amelie that everyone raves about, pales in comparison to Love Me If You Dare. Long before Marion Cotlliard's name was spoken on this side of the continent (she's the son's wife in Big Fish!) she made me laugh and cry and dream in this film.


Igby Goes Down (2002)

A modern Catcher in the Rye, really, what's not to love about that?


Conversations With Other Women (2005)

Helena Bonham Carter, you are an excellent freak, but even more so you are enthralling as the mere beautiful jaded outsider. Mix in some of the best dialogue I've ever heard in a movie and some neat camera angles and you've made a film that I will worship forever.


Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Why, Charlie Kaufman and Michel Gondry, you've gone and made our dreams and nightmare into a movie - and I mean that on so many levels. Your complexities are beautiful, I try not to watch your movie too often because I'm afraid of what parts of my mind it might make me travel to.


And undoubtedly, the best film made in the last decade, that surpassed Trainspotting and Pulp Fiction to become my favourite film of all time...

From director Terry Zwigoff...

Ghost World (2001)

No film ever spoke to me so personally as Ghost World did in 2002 when I first saw it. Until this day I long to give life a try in Enid's shoes and hope a bus comes for me too.


And there you have it, a decade that started very strong. Let's hope it's the same for the decade to come. In the meantime, below is a list of films that did not make the final top 20 cut. It was very painful to have to remove some of them, I would recommend them all without hesitation...

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The Man Who Wasn't There
The Prestige
Spirited Away
Brick
Kill Bill
Sin City
Dark Knight
28 Days Later
Secretary
Big Fish
Warriors of Heaven and Earth
Mysterious Skin
Wall E
Momento
Moulin Rouge
The Pianist
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Grindhouse
2 Days in Paris
Breafast on Pluto
Waking Life
Time & Tide
La vie en rose