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