Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 25, 2009! I'm sending this out to everyone a bit early as my family celebrates today, on Christmas Eve and I don't really plan on doing much tomorrow! It's a one in 7 years save leap year interference that we actually have new releases on Christmas Day. I've still never been to the theatre on that particular day but if that is your tradition it looks like you have some stellar choices this year!
There are no limited release this week, all four films that are opening are opening wide! Options of the week included the fantastical wonder that is The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus which I highly recommend. We also have the musical Nine which is a new version of Fellini's 8 1/2, the romantic divorce comedy It's Complicated and then of course we have the highly anticipated redux of Sherlock Holmes from Guy Ritchie starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Also already in theatres since Wednesday is Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.
They certainly is something for everyone this week and whether you cozy up inside or visit the theatre I hope you have a lovely holiday weekend!
Shannon
Voices:
Friday December 25, 2009 Releases
Canada/
Official Film Site,
Cast:
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of December 25, 2009**
Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 25, 2009
Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 25, 2009
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 25, 2009! I'm sending this out to everyone a bit early as my family celebrates today, on Christmas Eve and I don't really plan on doing much tomorrow! It's a one in 7 years save leap year interference that we actually have new releases on Christmas Day. I've still never been to the theatre on that particular day but if that is your tradition it looks like you have some stellar choices this year!
There are no limited release this week, all four films that are opening are opening wide! Options of the week included the fantastical wonder that is The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus which I highly recommend. We also have the musical Nine which is a new version of Fellini's 8 1/2, the romantic divorce comedy It's Complicated and then of course we have the highly anticipated redux of Sherlock Holmes from Guy Ritchie starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. Also already in theatres since Wednesday is Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.
They certainly is something for everyone this week and whether you cozy up inside or visit the theatre I hope you have a lovely holiday weekend!
Shannon
Voices:
Friday December 25, 2009 Releases
Canada/
Official Film Site,
Cast:
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of December 25, 2009**
Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 18, 2009!
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 18, 2009! It's certainly feeling like holiday times with big releases like Avatar hitting the screens this week. Several films art coming back and/or expanding to more screens with the Golden Globe nominations out this week. It's a great time to catch up if you missed any.
In limited release this week we have three films in limited release, first up is Big River Man documentary on Slovenian endurance swimmer Martin Strel as he attempts to cross the Mississippi River. We also have Broken Embraces / Los abrazos rotos the latest from writer/director Pedro Almodóvar starring Penélope Cruz team up again, this time in a drama/thriller about a blind writer played by LluÃs Homar. Last up is the Bollywood comedy romance 3 Idiots starring Aamir Khan.
In wide release this week we have also have three releases. Emily Blunt starts in as a young Queen Victoria in the the biopic The Young Victoria from director Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y.). If feels like the inevitable pun on Did You Hear the One About the Morgans? is did you hear about the film? Considering it's had tons of promotion behind it. On the flip side we have James Cameron's latest which we've been hearing about for years, the science fiction / action film Avatar starring Sam Worthington. It's showing in 2D, 3D and 3D IMAX and not opening as wide as you'd think so make sure to check your local listings if you are heading out to see it.
Also get a jump start on Christmas is the Wednesday December 23, 2009 release of Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. It won't make my list but I just love the term squeakquel, makes me smile ever time I hear it.
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
Special Screening
The Bloor has their annual holiday screening with It's A Wonderful Life on this Friday December 18, 2009 at 7pm. Free for members.
Friday December 18, 2009 Releases
3 Idiots
Dir: Rajkumar Hirani (Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Munnabhai M.B.B.S.)
Cast: Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Madhavan
Limited Release
Film Fan Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Avatar
Writer/Dir:
Cast:
Big River Man
Dir: John Maringouin (Running Stumbled, Running Stumbled)
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Broken Embraces / Los abrazos rotos
Writer/Dir: Pedro Almodóvar (Volver, Talk to Her, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown)
Cast: Penélope Cruz, LluÃs Homar
Spain
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Did You Hear the One About The Morgans?
No Official Film Site Found,
Dir: Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y.)
Cast: Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson, Jim Broadbent
UK/USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Wednesday December 23, 2009 Releases
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
Voices:
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of December 23, 2009**
Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 18, 2009!
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 18, 2009! It's certainly feeling like holiday times with big releases like Avatar hitting the screens this week. Several films art coming back and/or expanding to more screens with the Golden Globe nominations out this week. It's a great time to catch up if you missed any.
In limited release this week we have three films in limited release, first up is Big River Man documentary on Slovenian endurance swimmer Martin Strel as he attempts to cross the Mississippi River. We also have Broken Embraces / Los abrazos rotos the latest from writer/director Pedro Almodóvar starring Penélope Cruz team up again, this time in a drama/thriller about a blind writer played by LluÃs Homar. Last up is the Bollywood comedy romance 3 Idiots starring Aamir Khan.
In wide release this week we have also have three releases. Emily Blunt starts in as a young Queen Victoria in the the biopic The Young Victoria from director Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y.). If feels like the inevitable pun on Did You Hear the One About the Morgans? is did you hear about the film? Considering it's had tons of promotion behind it. On the flip side we have James Cameron's latest which we've been hearing about for years, the science fiction / action film Avatar starring Sam Worthington. It's showing in 2D, 3D and 3D IMAX and not opening as wide as you'd think so make sure to check your local listings if you are heading out to see it.
Also get a jump start on Christmas is the Wednesday December 23, 2009 release of Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel. It won't make my list but I just love the term squeakquel, makes me smile ever time I hear it.
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
Special Screening
The Bloor has their annual holiday screening with It's A Wonderful Life on this Friday December 18, 2009 at 7pm. Free for members.
Friday December 18, 2009 Releases
3 Idiots
Dir: Rajkumar Hirani (Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Munnabhai M.B.B.S.)
Cast: Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Madhavan
Limited Release
Film Fan Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Avatar
Writer/Dir:
Cast:
Big River Man
Dir: John Maringouin (Running Stumbled, Running Stumbled)
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Broken Embraces / Los abrazos rotos
Writer/Dir: Pedro Almodóvar (Volver, Talk to Her, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown)
Cast: Penélope Cruz, LluÃs Homar
Spain
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Did You Hear the One About The Morgans?
No Official Film Site Found,
Dir: Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y.)
Cast: Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson, Jim Broadbent
UK/USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Wednesday December 23, 2009 Releases
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel
Voices:
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of December 23, 2009**
Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 11, 2009
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 11, 2009! Winter appears to finally have arrived with chilly winds and even snow on the ground! It certainly is December proper now.
In limited release this week we have three films to choose from, first up is the documentary Collapse which centres on Michael Ruppert and his conspiracy fact apocalyptic vision which has been causing quite a stir. We also have fashion design Tom Ford's directorial debut with A Single Man starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore. Last up for limited releases, and surprized that is only limited release is Me and Orson Wells which stars Zac Efron stars as a young actor participating in a production of Julius Ceasar directed by Orson Wells (played by Christian McKay).
In wide release this week we have Invictus, starring Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar, captain of the South African Rugby Team set during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. We also have Disney's latest 2D animated film, The Princess and the Frog, featuring voice talents of Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls) Terrence Howard & Keith David, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid).
As we are getting to the end of the year, and decade, we are being surround by best of and top lists. New this week is Canada's Top Ten 2009 honouring excellence in Canadian film which this year includes La Donation, Polytechnique and The Wild Hunt. If you are looking for best of decades lists I recommend bookmarking this Films of the Decade Link List which I'll be continually updating with new lists as they come in.
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
Special Screening
Tibet in Song
Award winning documentary showcasing traditional Tibetan folk music as it explores the resistance, exploitation and the fight to maintain cultural heritage
Wednesday December 16, 2009 at 6:30 and 9:15PM at The Bloor
Filmmaker Filmmaker Ngawang Choephel in attendance
This screening is a part of Doc Soup by Hot Docs
Friday December 11, 2009 Releases
Collapse
Dir: Chris Smith (The Yes Men, American Movie)
Documentary portrait of Michael Ruppert and apocalyptic vision
USA
Dir:
USA
Dir:
UK/USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Princess and the Frog
Dir:
Dir: Tom Ford - feature film directorial debut
Cast:
Limited Release
Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 11, 2009
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 11, 2009! Winter appears to finally have arrived with chilly winds and even snow on the ground! It certainly is December proper now.
In limited release this week we have three films to choose from, first up is the documentary Collapse which centres on Michael Ruppert and his conspiracy fact apocalyptic vision which has been causing quite a stir. We also have fashion design Tom Ford's directorial debut with A Single Man starring Colin Firth and Julianne Moore. Last up for limited releases, and surprized that is only limited release is Me and Orson Wells which stars Zac Efron stars as a young actor participating in a production of Julius Ceasar directed by Orson Wells (played by Christian McKay).
In wide release this week we have Invictus, starring Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as Francois Pienaar, captain of the South African Rugby Team set during the 1995 Rugby World Cup. We also have Disney's latest 2D animated film, The Princess and the Frog, featuring voice talents of Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls) Terrence Howard & Keith David, directed by Ron Clements and John Musker (The Little Mermaid).
As we are getting to the end of the year, and decade, we are being surround by best of and top lists. New this week is Canada's Top Ten 2009 honouring excellence in Canadian film which this year includes La Donation, Polytechnique and The Wild Hunt. If you are looking for best of decades lists I recommend bookmarking this Films of the Decade Link List which I'll be continually updating with new lists as they come in.
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
Special Screening
Tibet in Song
Award winning documentary showcasing traditional Tibetan folk music as it explores the resistance, exploitation and the fight to maintain cultural heritage
Wednesday December 16, 2009 at 6:30 and 9:15PM at The Bloor
Filmmaker Filmmaker Ngawang Choephel in attendance
This screening is a part of Doc Soup by Hot Docs
Friday December 11, 2009 Releases
Collapse
Dir: Chris Smith (The Yes Men, American Movie)
Documentary portrait of Michael Ruppert and apocalyptic vision
USA
Dir:
USA
Dir:
UK/USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Princess and the Frog
Dir:
Dir: Tom Ford - feature film directorial debut
Cast:
Limited Release
Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 4, 2009
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 4, 2009! December is finally here and I'm a little sad that this is the 4th last Friday of the year and we only have so many more releases that will grace our screens. It does mean we will be shifting into full force of awards season, which we can see by this weeks limited-but-will-expand-later release of Up in the Air which was just named by the National Board of Review as the Best Film of the Year. Going more indie, the Spirit Awards announced their nominees earlier this week with big nods to Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire (currently in release) and The Last Station (to be released in early 2010). Get those lists started!
In limited release this week we have 5 release to choose from starting with the Canadian documentary Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould about, you guessed it, Glen Gould. We also have the latest from Rebecca Miller with The Private Lives of Pippa Lee starring Robin Penn Wright who plays a woman reflecting on life and wanting to be seen. John Woo brings us a historical action epic with Red Cliff / Chi ba, awards bait Up in the Air hits limited release (for now) and Bollywood film Paa hits the screens as well.
In wide release this week we have three releases to choose from, first up is Brothers a film that explores war, family & loss and is based on the Danish film Brødre directed by Susanne Beir (After the Wedding / Efter brylluppet), the trailer looks heartbreaking but I don't think I'll be able to resist it. On a completely different note we have Armored, which is so hard to type... I want to add that u and make it Armoured, but either way it's a heist/action film centred on armored transport. Last up for the week is Everybody's Fine which is our holiday-like selection of the week which stars Robert De Niro as a father looking to reconnect with his kids Kate Beckinsdale, Drew Barrymore and Sam Rockwell during the holidays.
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
Friday December 4, 2009 Releases
Armored
Dir: Nimród Antal (Vacancy)
Cast: Columbus Short, Matt Dillon, Jean Reno, Laurence Fishburne, Skeet Ulrich, Amaury Nolasco
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Brothers
Dir: Jim Sheridan (In America, My Left Foot)
Cast: Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Everybody's Fine
Dir: Kirk Jones (Waking Ned Devine)
Cast: Robert DeNiro, Kate Beckinsdale, Drew Barrymore, Sam Rockwell
USA/Italy
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould
Dir: Peter Raymont (A Promise to the Dead: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman) & Michèle Hozer - directorial debut
Documentary on Glenn Gould
Canada
Limited Release
Film Blog, IMDb Page, Trailer
Paa
Writer/Dir: R. Balki (Less Sugar)
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Paresh Rawal
India
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee
Writer/Dir: Rebecca Miller (Personal Velocity)
Cast: Robin Wright Penn, Alan Arkin, Mike Binder, Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Red Cliff / Chi bi
Dir: John Woo (Hard Boiled, Face/Off)
Cast: Tony Leung, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhang Fengyi, Chang Chen
China
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Up in the Air
Dir: Jason Reitman (Juno, Thank You for Smoking)
Cast: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Batemen, Danny McBride, Melanie Lynskey
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of December 4, 2009**
Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 4, 2009
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday December 4, 2009! December is finally here and I'm a little sad that this is the 4th last Friday of the year and we only have so many more releases that will grace our screens. It does mean we will be shifting into full force of awards season, which we can see by this weeks limited-but-will-expand-later release of Up in the Air which was just named by the National Board of Review as the Best Film of the Year. Going more indie, the Spirit Awards announced their nominees earlier this week with big nods to Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire (currently in release) and The Last Station (to be released in early 2010). Get those lists started!
In limited release this week we have 5 release to choose from starting with the Canadian documentary Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould about, you guessed it, Glen Gould. We also have the latest from Rebecca Miller with The Private Lives of Pippa Lee starring Robin Penn Wright who plays a woman reflecting on life and wanting to be seen. John Woo brings us a historical action epic with Red Cliff / Chi ba, awards bait Up in the Air hits limited release (for now) and Bollywood film Paa hits the screens as well.
In wide release this week we have three releases to choose from, first up is Brothers a film that explores war, family & loss and is based on the Danish film Brødre directed by Susanne Beir (After the Wedding / Efter brylluppet), the trailer looks heartbreaking but I don't think I'll be able to resist it. On a completely different note we have Armored, which is so hard to type... I want to add that u and make it Armoured, but either way it's a heist/action film centred on armored transport. Last up for the week is Everybody's Fine which is our holiday-like selection of the week which stars Robert De Niro as a father looking to reconnect with his kids Kate Beckinsdale, Drew Barrymore and Sam Rockwell during the holidays.
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
Friday December 4, 2009 Releases
Armored
Dir: Nimród Antal (Vacancy)
Cast: Columbus Short, Matt Dillon, Jean Reno, Laurence Fishburne, Skeet Ulrich, Amaury Nolasco
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Brothers
Dir: Jim Sheridan (In America, My Left Foot)
Cast: Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tobey Maguire
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Everybody's Fine
Dir: Kirk Jones (Waking Ned Devine)
Cast: Robert DeNiro, Kate Beckinsdale, Drew Barrymore, Sam Rockwell
USA/Italy
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould
Dir: Peter Raymont (A Promise to the Dead: The Exile Journey of Ariel Dorfman) & Michèle Hozer - directorial debut
Documentary on Glenn Gould
Canada
Limited Release
Film Blog, IMDb Page, Trailer
Paa
Writer/Dir: R. Balki (Less Sugar)
Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vidya Balan, Paresh Rawal
India
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Private Lives of Pippa Lee
Writer/Dir: Rebecca Miller (Personal Velocity)
Cast: Robin Wright Penn, Alan Arkin, Mike Binder, Keanu Reeves, Winona Ryder
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Red Cliff / Chi bi
Dir: John Woo (Hard Boiled, Face/Off)
Cast: Tony Leung, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhang Fengyi, Chang Chen
China
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Up in the Air
Dir: Jason Reitman (Juno, Thank You for Smoking)
Cast: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Batemen, Danny McBride, Melanie Lynskey
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of December 4, 2009**
Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 27, 2009!
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 27, 2009! I have to admit I'm a little jealous of our American friends as they are likely in blissful tryptophan recovery mode. Ah, turkey. We'll it's less than a month until Christmas so the day will come. Oh my. That means we are really getting down to wire with 2009 releases. Let's see what we have this week.
Most of the Friday releases are in limited release this week with a selection of 5 films to choose from. Two picks of the week that I can recommend are the Taiwanese drama Parking which is beautifully shot and has compelling performances. Also for consideration, Big Fan starring Patton Oswalt as a die hard New York Giants fan from the writer of The Wrestler. We also have festive cheer in full force with Cooper's Camera, a Canadian film that is a found footage-esque comedy about a family Christmas in the 80's caught on a VHS camcorder. Also in release is New York, I Love You and omnibus film in the same vein as Paris, je t'aime and the comedy Absurdistan.
In wide release this week we have just one release with the long time coming yet still highly anticipated, The Road, based on the post-apocolyptic book of the same name by Cormac McCarthy ("No Country for Old Men"), directed by John Hillcoat (The Proposition) and starring Viggo Mortenson. The release has shifted a few times, and there had been awards buzz on it for a while although when I saw it at TIFF the reaction was rather mixed.
Already in wide release from Wednesday November 25, 2009 are Fantastic Mr. Fox, Old Dogs and the bloody good time that is Ninja Assassin.
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
aluCine
Toronto Latin Media Festival
Continues until November 28, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Canadian Labour International Film Festival
Continues until November 25, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
European Film Festival
Continues until December 3, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Official Film Site,
Official Film Site,
Old Dogs
Dir: Walt Becker (Wild Hogs, Van Wilder)
Cast: John Travolta, Robin Williams, Kelly Preston, Matt Dinnon, Seth Green, Bernie Mac
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Friday November 27, 2009 Releases
Absurdistan
Dir: Veit Helmer (Gate to Heaven)
Cast: Kristyna Malérová,Maximillian Mauff
Germany
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Writer/Dir:
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Cooper's Camera
Dir: Warren P. Sonoda (5ive Girls)
Cast: Jason Jones, Samantha Bee, Mike Beaver, Dave Foley, Peter Keleghan
Canada
New York, I Love You
Dirs: Fatih Akin, Yvan Attal, Allen Hughes, Shunji Iwai, Wen Jiang, Joshua Marston, Mira Nair, Brett Ratner, Randall Balsmeyer, Shekhar Kapur, Natalie Portman
Cast: Natalie Portman, Shia LaBeouf, Robin Wright Penn, Christina Ricci, Orlando Bloom, Hayden Christensen, Julie Christie
France/USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Writer/Dir:
More info at Evokative Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Road
Dir: John Hillcoat (The Proposition)
Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of November 27, 2009**
Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 27, 2009!
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 27, 2009! I have to admit I'm a little jealous of our American friends as they are likely in blissful tryptophan recovery mode. Ah, turkey. We'll it's less than a month until Christmas so the day will come. Oh my. That means we are really getting down to wire with 2009 releases. Let's see what we have this week.
Most of the Friday releases are in limited release this week with a selection of 5 films to choose from. Two picks of the week that I can recommend are the Taiwanese drama Parking which is beautifully shot and has compelling performances. Also for consideration, Big Fan starring Patton Oswalt as a die hard New York Giants fan from the writer of The Wrestler. We also have festive cheer in full force with Cooper's Camera, a Canadian film that is a found footage-esque comedy about a family Christmas in the 80's caught on a VHS camcorder. Also in release is New York, I Love You and omnibus film in the same vein as Paris, je t'aime and the comedy Absurdistan.
In wide release this week we have just one release with the long time coming yet still highly anticipated, The Road, based on the post-apocolyptic book of the same name by Cormac McCarthy ("No Country for Old Men"), directed by John Hillcoat (The Proposition) and starring Viggo Mortenson. The release has shifted a few times, and there had been awards buzz on it for a while although when I saw it at TIFF the reaction was rather mixed.
Already in wide release from Wednesday November 25, 2009 are Fantastic Mr. Fox, Old Dogs and the bloody good time that is Ninja Assassin.
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
aluCine
Toronto Latin Media Festival
Continues until November 28, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Canadian Labour International Film Festival
Continues until November 25, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
European Film Festival
Continues until December 3, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Official Film Site,
Official Film Site,
Old Dogs
Dir: Walt Becker (Wild Hogs, Van Wilder)
Cast: John Travolta, Robin Williams, Kelly Preston, Matt Dinnon, Seth Green, Bernie Mac
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Friday November 27, 2009 Releases
Absurdistan
Dir: Veit Helmer (Gate to Heaven)
Cast: Kristyna Malérová,Maximillian Mauff
Germany
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Trailer, IMDb Page
Writer/Dir:
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Cooper's Camera
Dir: Warren P. Sonoda (5ive Girls)
Cast: Jason Jones, Samantha Bee, Mike Beaver, Dave Foley, Peter Keleghan
Canada
New York, I Love You
Dirs: Fatih Akin, Yvan Attal, Allen Hughes, Shunji Iwai, Wen Jiang, Joshua Marston, Mira Nair, Brett Ratner, Randall Balsmeyer, Shekhar Kapur, Natalie Portman
Cast: Natalie Portman, Shia LaBeouf, Robin Wright Penn, Christina Ricci, Orlando Bloom, Hayden Christensen, Julie Christie
France/USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Writer/Dir:
More info at Evokative Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Road
Dir: John Hillcoat (The Proposition)
Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of November 27, 2009**
Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 20, 2009
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 20, 2009! Big week this week with highly anticipated releases which all have ridiculously long film titles: Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire and even The Twilight Saga: New Moon. What a mouthful! It's also a big week for animation with the claymation film Mary and Max, family film Planet 51 and Wes Anderson's jump into animation with Fantastic Mr. Fox.
In limited release this week we have three films to choose from, Let's start with Mary and Max an animated film that tells the story of friendship between unlikely friends half way across the world from each other voiced by Toni Collette and Philip Seymour Hoffman. We also have Werner Herzog's latest, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans remake the 1992 Bad Lieutenant but this time starring Nicolas Cage. Last up for limited releases is the hit from Sundance, People Choice Winner at TIFF'09 and Oscar buzz film Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire starring Gabourey Sidibe as a struggling teen for which all hope looks lost. I admit, the trailer for Precious got me teary eyed. Sigh.
In wide release this week we have the based on a true story heartfelt but also looks like it could be cheesy The Blind Side starring Sandra Bullock, family animated film Planet 51 which looks like a similiar concept to Planet of the Apes except it's comedy and animated. But the heavy hitter this week is The Twilight Saga: New Moon, sequel to Twilight and based on the book of the same name my Stephanie Meyers which continues the complicated journey of when humans and vampires fall in love.
With American Thanksgiving headed out way we have a several mid week releases set for next Wednesday November 25, 2009. I'm most curious to see Ninja Assassin starring Rain and looks like a crazy mix of action, vengeance and general ninja-ness. combining trainer and trainee. Also out will be the adaptation of the Roald Dahl novel Fantastic Mr Fox from Wes Anderson and buddy comedy Old Dogs.
Have a great weekend and a lovely Thanksgiving to those who will be celebrating!
Shannon
Festival Watch
Toronto Latin Media Festival
Continues until November 28, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Breast Fest
Film festival dedicated to breast cancer awareness
November 20 - 22, 2009 at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Canadian Labour International Film Festival
November 23 - 25, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
European Film Festival
Continues until December 3, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Friday November 20, 2009 Releases
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
Cast:
Limited Release
The Blind Side
Writer/Dir: John Lee Hancock (The Alamo (2004), The Rookie)
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw, Jae Head, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon, Kathy Bates
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Mary and Max
Writer/Dir: Adam Elliot - feature film directorial debut
Voices:
Planet 51
Dirs:
Voices:
Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire
Dir: Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer)
Cast: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'nique, Mariah Carrey, Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Dir: Chris Weitz (The Golden Compass)
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning, Rachelle Lefevre, Jamie Campbell Bower, Christopher Heyerdahl, Daniel Cudmore, Charlie Bewley, Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathbone, Kellan Lutz, Ashley Greene
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Official Film Site,
Official Film Site,
Old Dogs
Dir: Walt Becker (Wild Hogs, Van Wilder)
Cast: John Travolta, Robin Williams, Kelly Preston, Matt Dinnon, Seth Green, Bernie Mac
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of November 25, 2009**
Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 20, 2009
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 20, 2009! Big week this week with highly anticipated releases which all have ridiculously long film titles: Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire and even The Twilight Saga: New Moon. What a mouthful! It's also a big week for animation with the claymation film Mary and Max, family film Planet 51 and Wes Anderson's jump into animation with Fantastic Mr. Fox.
In limited release this week we have three films to choose from, Let's start with Mary and Max an animated film that tells the story of friendship between unlikely friends half way across the world from each other voiced by Toni Collette and Philip Seymour Hoffman. We also have Werner Herzog's latest, Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans remake the 1992 Bad Lieutenant but this time starring Nicolas Cage. Last up for limited releases is the hit from Sundance, People Choice Winner at TIFF'09 and Oscar buzz film Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire starring Gabourey Sidibe as a struggling teen for which all hope looks lost. I admit, the trailer for Precious got me teary eyed. Sigh.
In wide release this week we have the based on a true story heartfelt but also looks like it could be cheesy The Blind Side starring Sandra Bullock, family animated film Planet 51 which looks like a similiar concept to Planet of the Apes except it's comedy and animated. But the heavy hitter this week is The Twilight Saga: New Moon, sequel to Twilight and based on the book of the same name my Stephanie Meyers which continues the complicated journey of when humans and vampires fall in love.
With American Thanksgiving headed out way we have a several mid week releases set for next Wednesday November 25, 2009. I'm most curious to see Ninja Assassin starring Rain and looks like a crazy mix of action, vengeance and general ninja-ness. combining trainer and trainee. Also out will be the adaptation of the Roald Dahl novel Fantastic Mr Fox from Wes Anderson and buddy comedy Old Dogs.
Have a great weekend and a lovely Thanksgiving to those who will be celebrating!
Shannon
Festival Watch
Toronto Latin Media Festival
Continues until November 28, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Breast Fest
Film festival dedicated to breast cancer awareness
November 20 - 22, 2009 at the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Canadian Labour International Film Festival
November 23 - 25, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
European Film Festival
Continues until December 3, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Friday November 20, 2009 Releases
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
Cast:
Limited Release
The Blind Side
Writer/Dir: John Lee Hancock (The Alamo (2004), The Rookie)
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw, Jae Head, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon, Kathy Bates
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Mary and Max
Writer/Dir: Adam Elliot - feature film directorial debut
Voices:
Planet 51
Dirs:
Voices:
Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire
Dir: Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer)
Cast: Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'nique, Mariah Carrey, Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Dir: Chris Weitz (The Golden Compass)
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Michael Sheen, Dakota Fanning, Rachelle Lefevre, Jamie Campbell Bower, Christopher Heyerdahl, Daniel Cudmore, Charlie Bewley, Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathbone, Kellan Lutz, Ashley Greene
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Official Film Site,
Official Film Site,
Old Dogs
Dir: Walt Becker (Wild Hogs, Van Wilder)
Cast: John Travolta, Robin Williams, Kelly Preston, Matt Dinnon, Seth Green, Bernie Mac
USA
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of November 25, 2009**
Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 13, 2009!
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 13, 2009!
In limited release this week we have five films to choose from and this week it's a treat because we have not only one but two Canadian films, Love and Savagery a romance set in 1968 Ireland and Prom Night in Mississippi a documentary following the story of Morgan Freeman offering to fund the first intergrated prom in his hometown. Following the doc train we also have The Horse Boy which follows a couple who travel to Mongolia with the hopes of treating their autistic son with shamanic healing. Also in limited release is the latest Lars von Trier film, Antichrist which received both praise & walk outs at TIFF'09 and it's pretty extreme for a regular release. Last up is I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell, based on the book of the same name (and true story) about a bachelor party gone amok.
In wide release this week we have three releases including the UK comedy Pirate Radio, previously called The Boat that Rocked about, you guessed it, a pirate radio station. We also have The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day a sequel to the 1999 cult hit The Boondock Saints. But the biggest release of the week is the disaster film of epic proportions: 2012. Looks like lots of things get blown up and destroyed and I wasn't initially all that interested but that was before I realized Chiwetel Edjiofor (Redbelt, Firefly) is in it! Dang, looks like that sucker goes on the list.
Be sure to check out my daily coverage of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival at Movie Moxie between November 13 -15, 2009.
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
Festival Watch
aluCine
Toronto Latin Media Festival
November 12 - 28, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
European Film Festival
November 19 - December 3, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Mobifest
made-for-mobile-movies
Toronto Awards & Symposium November 16 - 17, 2009
Finalists screened November 29, 2009 at The Revue in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival
Films focusing on mental health and addiction
November 5 - 14, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
New Serbian Film Festival
November 12 - 15, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Reel Awareness
Human Rights Film Festival
November 12 -15, 2009 at the NFB Cinema , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
November 11 - 15, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Special Screening
October Country
Documentary following a family for one year from one Halloween to the next
Wednesday November 18, 2009 at 6:30 and 9:15PM at The Bloor
Filmmakers Michael Palmieri and Donal Mosher in attendance
This screening is a part of Doc Soup by Hot Docs
Let's Scare Jessica to Death
1971 Classic Horror screens this Thursday
This screening is presented by Rue Morgue as a part of their Cinemacabre Movie Nights
Friday November 13, 2009 Releases
2012
Dir: Ronald Emmerich (The Day After Tomorrow, Independence Day)
Cast: John Cusack, Thandie Newton, Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Edjiofor, Woody Harrelson, Oliver Platt, Danny Glover
USA/Canada
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Antichrist
Dir: Lars von Trier (Dancer in the Dark, Dogville)
Cast: Willem Dafoe, Charlotte Gainsbouroug
Denmark/Germany/France/Sweden/Italy/Poland
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day
Writer/Dir: Troy Duffy (Boondock Saints)
Cast: Sean Patrick Flanery, Julie Benz, Clifton Collins Jr., Judd Nelson
USA
Official Film site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Horse Boy
Dir: Michel O. Scott - feature film directorial debut
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell
Dir: Bob Gosse (Julie Johnson)
Cast: Matt Cazuchry, Jesse Bradford, Geoff Stults, Keri Lynn Pratt, Marika Dominczyk
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Love and Savagery
Dir: John N. Smith (A Cool, Dry Place)
Cast: Allan Hawco, Sarah Greene
Canada/Ireland
Limited Release
No Official Film Site Found, IMDb Page, Trailer
Pirate Radio
Writer/Dir: Richard Curtis (Love Actually)
Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Nick Frost, Rhys Darby, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy
UK/Germany/USA/France
Official Film Site, IMDb Page Trailer
Prom Night in Mississippi
Writer/Dir: Paul Saltzman - feature film directorial debut
Documentary following the story of Morgan Freeman offering to fund the first intergrated prom in his hometown
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Film Clips, IMDb Page
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of November 13, 2009**
Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 13, 2009!
Hello Film Fans and Fanatics!
Welcome to Film Fan Fridays for Friday November 13, 2009!
In limited release this week we have five films to choose from and this week it's a treat because we have not only one but two Canadian films, Love and Savagery a romance set in 1968 Ireland and Prom Night in Mississippi a documentary following the story of Morgan Freeman offering to fund the first intergrated prom in his hometown. Following the doc train we also have The Horse Boy which follows a couple who travel to Mongolia with the hopes of treating their autistic son with shamanic healing. Also in limited release is the latest Lars von Trier film, Antichrist which received both praise & walk outs at TIFF'09 and it's pretty extreme for a regular release. Last up is I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell, based on the book of the same name (and true story) about a bachelor party gone amok.
In wide release this week we have three releases including the UK comedy Pirate Radio, previously called The Boat that Rocked about, you guessed it, a pirate radio station. We also have The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day a sequel to the 1999 cult hit The Boondock Saints. But the biggest release of the week is the disaster film of epic proportions: 2012. Looks like lots of things get blown up and destroyed and I wasn't initially all that interested but that was before I realized Chiwetel Edjiofor (Redbelt, Firefly) is in it! Dang, looks like that sucker goes on the list.
Be sure to check out my daily coverage of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival at Movie Moxie between November 13 -15, 2009.
Have a great weekend!
Shannon
Festival Watch
aluCine
Toronto Latin Media Festival
November 12 - 28, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
European Film Festival
November 19 - December 3, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Mobifest
made-for-mobile-movies
Toronto Awards & Symposium November 16 - 17, 2009
Finalists screened November 29, 2009 at The Revue in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Rendezvous with Madness Film Festival
Films focusing on mental health and addiction
November 5 - 14, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
New Serbian Film Festival
November 12 - 15, 2009 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Reel Awareness
Human Rights Film Festival
November 12 -15, 2009 at the NFB Cinema , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
November 11 - 15, 2009 at various locations in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Special Screening
October Country
Documentary following a family for one year from one Halloween to the next
Wednesday November 18, 2009 at 6:30 and 9:15PM at The Bloor
Filmmakers Michael Palmieri and Donal Mosher in attendance
This screening is a part of Doc Soup by Hot Docs
Let's Scare Jessica to Death
1971 Classic Horror screens this Thursday
This screening is presented by Rue Morgue as a part of their Cinemacabre Movie Nights
Friday November 13, 2009 Releases
2012
Dir: Ronald Emmerich (The Day After Tomorrow, Independence Day)
Cast: John Cusack, Thandie Newton, Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Edjiofor, Woody Harrelson, Oliver Platt, Danny Glover
USA/Canada
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Antichrist
Dir: Lars von Trier (Dancer in the Dark, Dogville)
Cast: Willem Dafoe, Charlotte Gainsbouroug
Denmark/Germany/France/Sweden/Italy/Poland
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day
Writer/Dir: Troy Duffy (Boondock Saints)
Cast: Sean Patrick Flanery, Julie Benz, Clifton Collins Jr., Judd Nelson
USA
Official Film site, IMDb Page, Trailer
The Horse Boy
Dir: Michel O. Scott - feature film directorial debut
Documentary
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell
Dir: Bob Gosse (Julie Johnson)
Cast: Matt Cazuchry, Jesse Bradford, Geoff Stults, Keri Lynn Pratt, Marika Dominczyk
USA
Limited Release
Official Film Site, IMDb Page, Trailer
Love and Savagery
Dir: John N. Smith (A Cool, Dry Place)
Cast: Allan Hawco, Sarah Greene
Canada/Ireland
Limited Release
No Official Film Site Found, IMDb Page, Trailer
Pirate Radio
Writer/Dir: Richard Curtis (Love Actually)
Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Nick Frost, Rhys Darby, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy
UK/Germany/USA/France
Official Film Site, IMDb Page Trailer
Prom Night in Mississippi
Writer/Dir: Paul Saltzman - feature film directorial debut
Documentary following the story of Morgan Freeman offering to fund the first intergrated prom in his hometown
Canada
Limited Release
Official Film Site & Film Clips, IMDb Page
**please note this list of releases reflects first run film released in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as of November 13, 2009**