Watch Hollywood Sunset: A Tribute to Entourage

The last season of Entourage is quickly coming and for many of us, it is a very sad time. The show has had a great run and the general feeling is that to end it now is not a bad thing at all. I would love to see another season or two, however that is more of a selfish thing so I will jump to the chorus and say it is a good time to end it.

The truth of the matter is that the last couple of seasons have been a little lacklustre and it might just be the best thing to do.

HBO recently released Hollywood Sunset, a behind-the-scenes half hour documentary in advance of the final season of one of its most popular shows. It is absolutely fantastic and the perfect tribute to a show that has shaped pop-culture at the turn of the century.

I am not going to lie, I got a little sad watching it. It is that well done.

Have a look and I'll see you at the final series premiere.

 

Filed under  //  Adrian Grenier   Comedy   Entourage   HBO   Hollywood   Jeremy Piven   Jerry Ferrara   Television   film   nerdiness   pop-culture   tumblrize   xavierpop  
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Melanie's Review of The Help

The Help has literally left me spent. After watching this film, I was a red-eyed, snotty mess.

Yet I couldn’t be happier.

I can’t remember the last time I watched a movie where I feel like it changed me, and The Help has changed me.

The film, based on the 2009 novel by Kathryn Socket, delves into the lives of women on both sides of the racial fence in early 1960’s Jackson, Mississippi.

The Help has done an amazing job translating a microcosm of pre-Civil Rights America into a heartfelt yet hopeful film.

Given that this film is adapted and directed by relative rookie filmmaker Tate Taylor, this film is even more extraordinary.

Taylor has done a smart thing by simply hiring the best actors and letting them do their job. The Help feels very natural and organic as a film and will likely be nominated for and win a truckload of Oscars come next February. It is also going to be quite the star vehicle for Emma Stone (Easy A, Zombieland).

Stone is absolutely brilliant as “Skeeter” Phelan, the oddball in a group of highbrow hoity-toity Southern Belles. Her character is the only woman in her social circle with a college education who’s also recently employed and not married. Her character is deeply misunderstood by her friends and family, with not even her own mother understanding how Skeeter is okay with the path she’s chosen.

Stone has taken what could have been a one-dimensional, and potentially clichéd, character and breathed beautiful life into her. The young actress clearly has a very long career in front of her.

The film’s other standout is the sly and conniving character of Hilly Holbrook, played by Bryce Dallas Howard (Spider-Man 3, The Village). She’s been a personal favourite of mine since watching her in M. Night Shyamalan’s Lady in the Water.

Howard, whom gives off an other-worldliness to her characters, wasn’t easy to get used to at first in a villainous role. It’s a testament to Howard’s acting abilities that she sinks right into this character.

The “help” in The Help are played by Viola Davis (Doubt, Law Abiding Citizen) and Octavia Spencer (Seven Pounds, Drag Me To Hell) â€" the two actors that form the heart of this film.

Aibileen Clark, played by Davis, is a broken woman whose only joy is derived from taking care of the daughter of the family she works for. Davis nails the constant downcast gaze, the fear, and the body language of someone who’s carrying around the weight of the world.

Her best friend and lifeline, Minny Jackson (played by Spencer), is a spunky and sassy woman who doesn’t take “nothin from nobody.” Spencer, like Stone, takes a character that could have been the stock Noble Black Person and made her into a real woman who seems very strong on the outside, but also has her own burdens in life.

I can’t speak of the women in this movie without mentioning the small roles held by Jessica Chastain (The Tree of Life, the upcoming film The Debt), Allison Janney and Sissy Spacek. Chastain â€" the film’s scene stealer â€" is stellar in this film, as well as Spacek, who displays remarkable comedic timing.

The Help is definitely my favourite movie of the year so far. It’s not a “summer blockbuster”, but it still took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions. It’s a must-see that explores the resilience of the human spirit and our capacity, even in the face of struggles, for unconditional love.

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Can't Knock the Hustle - How To Make It In America: Season 2 Trailer

Entourage is done.

What else can we watch to replace it?
For the few the few of us that caught the first season of How To Make In America, the answer is a real easy one. The question is when the hell is the next season coming out?

Soon....

Like October 2nd soon.

Don't believe me, behold the trailer for the next season.

Revel, enjoy and see you on the 2nd.

Filed under  //  Arts   Drama   Entourage   HBO   Programs   Television   Third Watch   United States   film   nerdiness   pop-culture   tumblrize   xavierpop  
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Hot Video: Where the EFF is Peter Bishop?

I'm all caught up now.

The season finale surprisingly surprised the hell out of me.

I was very happy with how they finished off the season. I quite literally cannot wait for the next season to start in 4 weeks.

If you haven't seen last season yet, hurry because then you will know exactly what I mean when I say:

Where is the EFF is Peter Bishop?

Check out the trailer for the next season which is in essence the next chapter in Original Article

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interesting: Christian Bale Next Role? The Villain in Spike Lee's Remake of 'Oldboy'?

Christian Bale is not taking any time off after Batman.  The role of the Caped Crusader has vaulted him to the top of a lot of lists I would imagine. His acting chops have never been in question, more the issue was around could he carry a tentpole as the lead. Well, we know the answer to that now.

FirstShowing has a great breakdown of the roles he is considering. There are plenty of opportunities out there however there is one that I am keeping my eye one.

Recently, Spike Lee has landed the opportunity/curse of remaking the epic and genius Oldboy. Recently, they had a version where Steven Spielberg and Will Smith attached (which I have been on the record to say was a horrible idea). Oldboy is one of those untouchable gems that Hollywood just should not touching.

Yet here we are.

Spike Lee is a great director so in his hands it might not suck as much as I am afraid it will.

Now we have news that Christian Bale might be considering the role for of the Villian. Without giving too much away about the story, that is a great fricken idea. Like through the moon fantastic.

I still hate the idea of an Oldboy remake, but with these choices that are being made about it so far, I am holding on to hope.

Filed under  //  Batman   Christian Bale   FirstShowing   Hollywood   Oldboy   Spike Lee   Steven Spielberg   Will Smith   film   nerdiness   pop-culture   tumblrize   xavierpop  
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Northern Lights Shine Bright On First-Time Filmmakers In #TIFF11 's Canada First!

News is coming fast and furious from the TIFF Festival press office.
Next up the announcement of the features as part of its Canada First programme.

Oh Look! A Press Release:

Northern Lights Shine Bright On First-Time Filmmakers In Canada First!

Toronto â€" The Toronto International Film Festival® demonstrates its commitment to Canadian film with the announcement of seven features as part of its Canada First! programme celebrating new and provocative Canadian auteurs. Comprised of three world premieres, the 2011 roster offers audiences a compelling journey through secrets, self-discovery, loss and new beginnings, and opens in the Québec Eastern Townships with Guy Édoin's Wetlands and a haunting family dynamic.

Canada First!  Opening Night

Wetlands (Marécages) Guy Édoin, QC

North American Premiere

On a dairy farm in the Eastern Townships, in the middle of a drought, an accident will disrupt the life of the Santerre family. Forced to band together like never before, they will have to learn to forgive. Starring Pascale Bussières, Luc Picard, François Papineau and Gabriel Maillé.

Amy George Yonah Lewis, Calvin Thomas, ON

Canadian Premiere

Thirteen-year-old Jesse wants to be an artist, but believes that his mundane middle class Toronto life has left him unprepared. After reading a book on what it takes to be a “true artist,” he sets out looking for risk, ecstasy, wildness and women.

Leave It On The Floor Sheldon Larry, ON

Canadian Premiere

This indie-narrative musical is set in the drag-ball community memorialized in the documentary Paris Is Burning. With 11 original songs by Beyoncé’s musical director Kim Burse and choreography by Beyoncé choreographer and ‘Mr. Single Ladies’ Frank Gatson Jr., the film tells the story of a young African American thrown out by his narcissistic mother for being gay. He stumbles upon a competitive drag ball organized by runaways and throwaways where he ultimately finds a new home and family.

Nuit #1 Anne Émond, QC

World Premiere

Clara and Nikolaï meet at a rave. They return to Nicolaï’s apartment and make love. Afterwards, instead of parting, the two lovers divulge their deepest secrets to one another. Nicolaï is a beautiful loser. At the age of 31, he leads a simple and frugal life. He envisions big projects and has large ideas but, inevitably and despite himself, loses sight of them before they are realized. Clara, like Nikolaï, seems not to be made for this world. By day, she works as a Grade 3 school teacher; by night, she is a compulsive party-girl, sleeping with men, women or both at once. Starring Catherine De Léan and Dimitri Storoge.

The Odds Simon Davidson, BC

World Premiere

In The Odds, a murder mystery set in the world of illegal teenage gambling, 17-year-old Desson Orr must find his best friend’s killer before the game is exposed.

The Patron Saints Brian M. Cassidy, Melanie Shatzky, QC

World Premiere

The Patron Saints is a disquieting and hyper-realistic glimpse into life at a nursing home. Bound by the candid confessions of a recently disabled resident, the film weaves haunting images, scenes and stories from within the institution walls. Sidestepping conventional documentary methods for a heightened cinematic approach to storytelling, the film employs lyrical realism and black humour in its charged portrait of fading bodies and minds.

Romeo Eleven (Roméo Onze) Ivan Grbovic, QC

North American Premiere

Romeo Eleven is the intimate portrait of a shy young man looking for love in all the wrong places. A path of lies slowly catches up to him before leading the audience to a surprising and moving conclusion.

Tickets to screenings for this programme will be available for individual purchase as well as through the Canadian Pack, a ticket package selected by TIFF programmers that offers film lovers exposure to Canadian talent with a selection of five new Canadian films for $80 ($68 for students and seniors). Purchase Festival ticket packages online 24 hours a day at tiff.net/festival, by phone Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET at 416-599-TIFF or 1-888-599-8433, and in person at the TIFF Bell Lightbox Box Office at 350 King St. West from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Methods of payment include cash, debit or Visa†.

The 36th Toronto International Film Festival runs September 8 to 18, 2011

Filed under  //  film   nerdiness   pop-culture   tumblrize   xavierpop  
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#TIFF11 Festival Announces Free Programming

One of the cool things about TIFF is the free programming  that the festival offer to patrons every year. This year's list is out and of note is Mark Cousins' epic 15-hour documentary The Story of Film.

The question is who is going to stay for the whole thing?

Oh Look! A press release:

Toronto International Film Festival Announces Free Programming

Toronto â€" The 36th Toronto International Film FestivalÃ' today announced its free programming which includes screenings of the World Premiere of Mark Cousins’ epic 15-hour documentary The Story of Film: An Odyssey; Jafar Panahi and Mojtaba Mirtahmasb’s This is Not a Film â€" a day-in-the-life portrait of filmmaker Jafar Panahi, under house arrest in Iran; and the screening of the winner of the 2011 Cadillac People’s Choice Award. Also open to audiences free of charge is a City to City Panel of filmmakers and programmers exploring the emerging film scene in Buenos Aires as well as a special discussion to accompany the Future Projections installation James Franco and Gus Van Sant: Memories of Idaho.

“The free Festival programming we are presenting honours the Festival’s tradition of celebrating filmmakers and film. Among them the important work of Cousins, Panahi and Mirtahmasb will offer audiences a window into the history and current situation of artists and cinema around the world,” said Piers Handling, Director and CEO, TIFF. “We are happy to be able to offer this access to special screenings and discussions to Festival audiences.”

Free Programming includes:

This is not a Film Jafar Panahi and Mojtaba Mirtahmasb, Iran (Toronto Premiere)

Sentenced to six years in prison and banned from writing and making films for 20 years by the Islamic Republic Court in Tehran, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi waited for the verdict of his court appeal for months. Through the depiction of a day in his life while he’s on house arrest, Jafar Panahi and Mojtaba Mirtahmasb (a documentary filmmaker and former assistant director) offer audiences an overview of the current situation of Iranian cinema.

The Story of Film: An Odyssey Mark Cousins, United Kingdom (World Premiere)

Filmed on four continents over six years, this epic 15-hour documentary tells the story of innovation in the movies based on the acclaimed book of the same title by Mark Cousins. Featuring exclusive interviews with legendary filmmakers like Stanley Donen and Abbas Kiarostami, The Story of Film: An Odyssey is a passionate, cinematic journey across 11 decades of cinema, and a thousand films. The film will be screened first in five instalments of three hours each, every morning at 10am from Monday, September 12 to Friday, September 16. On the Festival’s final weekend the film will be screened again: eight hours on Saturday, September 17 and seven hours on Sunday, September 18.

Cadillac People’s Choice Award Winner screening

Once the ballots have been counted, and the winner revealed, the fan favourite film of the Festival will screen on the last day of the Festival â€" Sunday, September 18 â€" at Ryerson Theatre. The winner will be announced that morning.

City to City Panel

Filmmakers whose works are featured in the Festival’s City to City spotlight on Buenos Aires, Festival programmers and industry professionals join together for a lively and interactive discussion of the emerging film scene in Buenos Aires.

A special discussion to accompany James Franco and Gus Van Sant’s Memories of Idaho (1991; 2010 and 2011)

Saturday, September 10 in TIFF Bell Lightbox

In 1991, Gus Van Sant’s My Own Private Idaho and its central performance by River Phoenix had an enormous cultural impact, not least on a budding young actor named James Franco (127 Hours, James Dean). Now Franco has collaborated with Van Sant to create Memories of Idaho, a meditation on the seminal film in multiple parts. At the work’s core are two new films, projected sequentially, in a darkened, generic space. The first film, My Own Private River, is a feature-length chronological reassemblage of excised scenes and alternate takes from the original shoot, radically foregrounding Phoenix. The second film, Idaho, comes from one of three scripts Van Sant used to create the original film, its Super-8 texture meant to be a “ghost” of his original conception. Van Sant contributes ghosts of his own, large-format photographs of actual Portland street hustlers who appeared in, and provided inspiration and source material for, the film. Present ed at TIFF Bell Lightbox Atrium, 350 King Street West. September 8 to 18. (*One of the film elements of “Memories of Idaho,” My Own Private River, was previously shown at Gagosian Gallery Los Angeles, February 26 to April 9, 2011.)

Tickets for This is Not a Film, The Story of Film, the Cadillac People’s Choice Award winner and City to City panel will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from the relevant venue box office two hours prior to start of the screening.

Admittance to the Memories of Idaho discussion will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited.

 

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#TIFF11 Rolls Out The Red Carpet For Hundreds Of Guests For 2011 Event((tag: xavierpop, film, pop-culture, nerdiness, tumblrize,Alexander Payne,Bibo Bergeron,Francis Ford Coppola,Gary McKendry,Jessica Yu,Jonathan Demme,Julia Loktev,Toronto International F

The world descends on the TIFF Festival every year and now we have the list to prove it.

Behold a press release of who is expected to attend the 2011 version of the Toronto International Film Festival.

Oh Look! A press release:

Toronto International Film Festival Rolls Out The Red Carpet For Hundreds Of Guests For 2011 Event
Toronto â€" The 36th Toronto International Film Festival® welcomes hundreds of guests this year. Filmmakers expected to present their world premieres in Toronto include: Davis Guggenheim, Francis Ford Coppola, Alexander Payne, Agnieszka Holland, Guy Maddin, Luc Besson, Bill Duke, Oren Moverman, Malgoska Szumowska, Bennett Miller, Darrell Roodt, Sarah Polley, Jessica Yu, Michael Win terbottom and Werner Herzog.

Actors expected to attend include:

Catherine Deneuve, Charlotte Rampling, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Clive Owen, Gerard Butler, Jeon Do-Yeon, Jon Hamm, Shahid Kapoor, Michael Fassbender, Michelle Yeoh, Freida Pinto, Glenn Close, Matthew Goode, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel Weisz, Ryan Gosling, Salma Hayek, Viggo Mortensen and Woody Harrelson. Musicians include: U2, Pearl Jam and Neil Young.

The Festival also welcomes thousands of producers and other industry professionals bringing films to us.

The following filmmakers are expected to attend the Toronto International Film Festival:

Adam Shaheen, Adam Wingard, Adolfo Borinaga Alix Jr., Agnieszka Holland, Akin Omotoso, Al Maysles, Alain Fournier, Alejandro Brugués, Alejandro Landes, Alex Gibney, Alexander Gorelick, Alexander Payne, Alexandre Bustillo, Alexandre Courtes, Alina Rudnitskaya, Alison Murray, Amir Naderi, Andrea Arnold, Andrew Cividino, Andrey Zvyagintsev, Angelina Nikonova, Ann Hui, Anne Emond, Anne Fontaine, Arnaud Brisebois, Asghar Farhadi, Ashley Sabin, Atia Al Daradji, Audrey Paounov, Avie Luthra, Axel Petersen, Ayten Amin, Barbara Willis-Sweete, Béla Tarr, Ben Wheatley, Benjamin Schuetze, Bennett Miller, Bertrand Bonello, Bess Kargman, Bibo Bergeron, Bill Duke, Blake Williams, Bobcat Goldthwait, Bradley Kaplan, Branwen Okpako, Brian Cassidy, Bruce Beresford, Bruce McDonald, Bruno Dumont, Byran Wizemann, Calvin Thomas, Cameron Crowe, Carl Bessai, Carlos Sorin, Cedric Khan, Channsin Berry, Chantal Akerman, Chelsea McMullan, Chris Kennedy, Christian Petzold, Christian Sparkes, Christophe Honoré, Christophe Van Rompaey, Clarissa Campolina, Corinna Belz, Costa Botes, Craig Goodwill, Cristián Jiménez, Dain Said, Dan Lindsay, Daniel Nettheim, Darrell Roodt, Darrin Klimek, David Cronenberg, David Hare, David Redmon, David Rokeby, Davis Guggenheim, Debbie Tucker Green, Dee Rees, Derick Martini, Diego Noguera, DJ Parmar, Dominik Graf, Dorota Kobiela, Douglas Aarniokoski, Drake Doremus, Duane Hopkins, Dusty Mancinelli, Dylan Akio Smith, Eduardo Menz, Eduardo Sanchez, Egil Denmerline, Elisabeth Perceval, Elle Flanders, Emanuele Crialese, Emmanuelle Millet, Enrico Colantoni, Erik Canuel, Evan Morgan, Eve Sussman, Fernando Meirelles, Francis Ford Coppola, Francis Leclerc, Frederic Jardin, Fred eric Louf, Frederick Wiseman, Gareth Evans, Gary Hustwit, Gary McKendry, Geoff Lindsey, Geoffrey Fletcher, George Clooney, Gerardo Naranjo, Ghassan Salhab, Gianni Amelio, Gina Haraszti, Goro Miyazaki, Greg Crewdson, Gus Van Sant, Guy Edoin, Guy Maddin, Han Jie, Haofeng Xu, Harold Cross, Helvecio Marins Jr, Hugh Dillon, Hugo Santiago, Huh Jong-ho, Ian Fitzgibbon, Ian Harnarine, Ian Lagarde, Igor Drljaca, Ingrid Veninger, Isaac Cravit, Ismael Ferroukhi, Ivan Grbovic, James Benning, James Franco, Jamie Linden, Jan Zabeil, Janine Fung, Jay Duplass, Jean-Baptiste Leonetti, Jean-Guillaume Bastien, Jean-Marc Vallée, Jeanne Leblanc, Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Jeff Nichols, Jennifer Westfeldt, Jens Liens, Jesse Gouchey, Jessica Yu, Jim Field Smith, Joachim T rier, João Canijo, Joaquim Sapinha, Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky, Joel Schumacher, John Mcllduff, John Price, John Scoles, Johnnie TO, Jon Shenk, Jonathan Demme, Jonathan Levine, Jonathan Sagall, Jonathan Schwartz, Jonathan Teplitzky, Jose Henrique Fonseca, Joseph Cedar, Joseph Israel Laban, Joshua Bonnetta, Joshua Marston, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, Juan Minujín, Julia Leigh, Julia Loktev, Julia Murat, Julian Farino, Julien Maury, Justin Kurzel, Kaat Beels, Kamila Andini, Karim Aïnouz, Karl Markovics, Katsuhito Ishii, Ken Scott, Kevin Jerome Everson, Kore-Eda Hirokazu, Kyle Sanderson, Lasse Hallstrom, Lav Diaz, Léa Pool, Leonard Farlinger, Lou Ye, Luc Besson, Luc Dardenne, Luis Recoder, Lynn Shelton, Lynne Ramsay, Madonna, Maggie Peren, Malgoska Szumowska, Marc Forster, Marco van Geffen, Marjane Satrapi, Vincent Paronnaud, Mark Cousins, Mark Duplass, Mark Lewis, Mark Slutsky, Markus Schleinzer, Martin P. Zandvliet, Martin Šulík, Mary Harron, Mathieu Demy, Mathieu Kassovitz, Mathieu Roy, Mathieu Tremblay, Matias Meyer, Matthew Rankin, Melanie Shatzky, Mia Hanson-Love, Michael Glawogger, Michael Winterbottom, Michale Boganim, Michel Hazanavicius, Mike Clattenburg, Mike Dowse, Mike Maryniuk, Milagros Mumenthaler, Miranda de Pencier, Mohamed Al Daradji, Mohammad Asli, Mojtaba Mirtahmasb, Morgan Spurlock, Morten Tyldum, Mr. Brainwash, Nacho Vigalondo, Nadine Labaki, Nancy Savoca, Nanni Moretti, Nathan Morlando, Nathaniel Dorsky, Ngoc Dang Vu, Nicholas Klotz, Nicholas Pye, N icholas Winding Refn, Nick Broomfield & Joan Churchill, Nick Murphy, Nicolas Prividera, Nicolas Provost, Ole Christian Madsen, Oliver Hermanus, Olivia Block, Oren Moverman, Ozcan Alper, Pablo Giorgelli, Pablo Trapero, Paddy Considine, Pankaj Kapur, Pawel Pawlikowski, Pedro Pires, Pen-ek Ratanaruang, Peter Lynch, Philippe Baylaucq, Philippe Falardeau, Philippe Garrel, Raha Shirazi, Ralph Fiennes, Randall Cole, Rebecca Daly, Rémi Bezancon, Renaud Hallee, Ridha Behi, Rithy Panh, Robert Lieberman, Rodigo Moreno, Rodrigo Garcia, Roland Emmerich, Rolando Colla, Román Cardenás, Ron Fricke, Rúnar Rúnarsson, Ruslan Pak, Ryan Flowers, Lisa Pham, Ryan O Nan, Sandra Gibson, Santiago Mitre, Sarah Goodman, Sarah Polley, Sean Durkin, Sebastián Brahm, Sebastián Lelio, Sheila Pye, Sheldon Larry, Shinya Tsukamoto, Simon Davidson, Simon Ennis, Sono Sion, Sophie Goyette, Sophie Michael, Stefano Chiantini, Stephanie Dudley, Stephen Kessler, Steve McQueen, Susan Youssef, Suseendran, T. Marie, T.J. Martin, Tamira Sawatzky, Tamae Garateguy, Tamer Ezzat, Tanya Wexler, Tawfik Abu Wael, Terence Davies, Todd Solondz, Tomáš Luňák, Toshiaki Toyoda,Ute Aurand, Victor Ginzburg, Vimukthi Jayasundara, Vincent Garenq, WANG Xiaoshuai, Wei Te-Sheng, Werner Herzog, Whit Stillman, William Friedkin, Wim Wenders, Wojciech Smarzowski, Xiaolu Guo, Xstine Cook, Yan Giroux, Yoakim Belanger, Yorgos Lanthimos, Yossi Madmony, Zaida Bergroth.

The following guests are expected to attend the Toronto International Film Festival:

Alia Shawkat, Abbie Cornish, Adam Brody, Adam Scott, Adepero Oduye, Agnieszka Grochowska, Albert Brooks, Alessandra Negrini, Alexander Skarsgard, Aline Morais, Alison Pill, Allison Janney, Alexis Bledel, Analeigh Tipton, André Wilms, Andrea Riseborough, Andrey Fomin, Angie Cepeda, Angrzej Chyra, Anton Yelchin, Antonio Banderas, Arielle Kebbel, Ashley Bell, Akshay Kumar, Ben Foster, Bennett Miller, Benno Fürmann, Bill Nighy, Blake Lively, Brad Pitt, Brian Ladoon, Bryce Dallas Howard, Caleb Ross, Carey Mulligan, Catherine Deneuve, Catherine Keener, Chace Crawford, Charlotte Rampling, Chloe Moretz, Chris Pratt, Chris Nilan, Christopher Lovick, Christopher Plummer, Clive Owen, David Thewlis, Deepa Mehta, Dominic Monaghan, Do-Yeon Jeon, Durukan Ordu, Eddie Redmayne, Elena Anaya, Elias Koteas, Elizabeth Olsen, Emile Hirsch, Emily Blunt, Erin Brockovich, Ethan Hawke, Evan Rachel Wood, Evelyn Vargas, Ewan McGregor, Ezra Miller, Fabian Lojede, Fadi Abi Samra, Felicity Jones, Frances O'Connor, Freida Pinto, Gael Garcia Bernal, Gaye Gürsel, Geoffrey Rush, George Clooney, Gerard Butler, Glenn Close, Greta Gerwig, Harry Knowles, Hugh Dancy, Hugh Laurie, Husham Hlail, Iko Uwais, Isabelle Huppert, Jamel Debbouze, James Gandolfini, Jane Fonda, Jason Reitman, Jason Statham, Jay Baruchel, Jean Dujardin, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jeffrey Wright, Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Schuetze, Jessica Chastain, Joe Taslim, Joely Richardson, John Lydon, Jon Hamm, Jonah Hill, Jonathan Schteinman, Jordon Gelber, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Julia Maxwell, Juliette Binoche, Juliette Lewis, Jung Jae-Young, Juno Temple, Katlyn Maclang, Keira Knightley, Kelly Reilly, Kevin Durand, Kirsten Dunst, Kyle MacLachlan, Lana Hay Yehya, Lauren Ambrose, Leighton Meester, Liana Liberato, Lily Cole, Louise Bourgoin, Lucia Siposova, L uke Kirby, Luong Manh Hai, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Marc-André Grondin, Maria Isabel Laban, Maria Schrader, Maria Yokohama, Mariana Padial, Marisa Tomei, Matt Ellis, Matthew Goode, Max Minghella, Maya Rudolph, Megan Fox, Michael Fassbender, Michael Shannon, Michael Weston, Michelle Williams, Michelle Yeoh, Mira Sorvino, President Mohamed Nasheed, Nat Wolff, Neil Young, Nicolas Cage, Noe Hernandez, Oliver Platt, Pascale Bussières, Patrick Huard, Paul Williams, Pearl Jam, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Piet Suess, Rachel Weisz, Rebecca Frayn, Rebecca Hall, Robert Wieckiewicz, Robin Wright, Rodrigo Santoro, Rosemary DeWitt, Ryan Gosling, Said Husham, Salma Hayek, Salman Rushdie, Sam Neill, Sami Bouajila, Saoirse Ronan, Sarah Bolgar, Sarah Gadon, Sarah Silverman, Scott Speedman, Seann William Scott, Selma Blair, Seth Rogen, Shahid Kapoor, Simon Ibarra, Simone-Elise Girard, Solmaz Panahi, Sonam Kapoor, Stephanie Sigman, Tahereh Saeidi Balsini, Tammy Blanchard, Terrence Howard, Tilda Swinton , Tom Hiddleston, Tran Dang Khoa, Tyler Johnston, U2, Viggo Mortensen, Vladimir Vdovichenkov, Willem Dafoe, Woody Harrelson, Yara Shahidi.

Purchase Festival ticket packages online at tiff.net/festival, by phone at 416-599-TIFF or 1-888-599-8433, and in person at the Festival Box Office at 225 King St. West. Single tickets are available beginning September 3. Methods of payment include cash, debit or Visa†. The 36th Toronto International Film Festival runs September 8 to 18, 2011.

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Where has this movie been? - Trailer for the The Way

Where has this movie been hiding?

Having made it's premiere last year at TIFF, The Way directed by Emilio Estevez and starring his father the incomparable Martin Sheen just dropped its trailer and man it's a thing of beauty.

Sheen has already proven that he has some serious acting chops. His performances in Apocalypse Now, the Departed and Catch Me If You Can have illustrated that in spades. He will be known to this current generation mostly as President Josiah Bartlett in the brilliant TV series The West Wing.

My love for The West Wing is pretty vocal amongst those that know me so anything he does garners my attention.

As I watched this trailer, I slowly started to kick myself for not finding this trailer earlier. In hindsight, I also should have seen this at TIFF last year.

Watch this trailer. Do it now.

Need another reason?
If this is promoted properly and if the glimpse we are getting now with the trailer carries through to the film, Martin Sheen has just made a pretty strong argument for an Oscar nomination.

Here is the synopsis:

Martin Sheen plays Tom, an American doctor who comes to St. Jean Pied de Port, France to collect the remains of his adult son, killed in the Pyrenees in a storm while walking The Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James. Driven by his profound sadness and desire to understand his son better, Tom decides to embark on the historical pilgrimage, leaving his “California bubble life” behind. Armed with his son’s backpack and guidebook, Tom navigates the 800 km pilgrimage from the French Pyrenees, to Santiago de Compostela in the north west of Spain, but soon discovers that he will not be alone on this journey. While walking The Camino, Tom meets other pilgrims from around the world, all broken and looking for greater meaning in their lives: a Dutchman (Yorick van Wageningen) a Canadian (Deborah Kara Unger) and an Irish writer (James Nesbitt) who is suffering from a bout of “writer’s block.” From the hardship experienced along “The Way” this unlikely quartet of misfits create an everlasting bond and Tom begins to learn what it means to be a citizen of the world again, and discovers the difference between “The life we live and the life we choose”. THE WAY was filmed entirely in Spain and France along the actual Camino de Santiago.

Here is the trailer:


source: Collider

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When The Clock Strikes Twelve Midnight Madness Delivers Wild Cinematic Thrills for #TIFF11((tag: xavierpop, film, pop-culture, nerdiness, tumblrize,Blair Witch Project,Bobcat Goldthwait,Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo,Katsuhito Ishii,List of EastEnder

Midness Midnite has been the unofficial creative heart of the TIFF Festival. It's kept most of the film nerds when some years, the choice of films hasn't been the greatest. I personally look forward to seeing what Colin Geddes has in store.

Well they released the films a little while back and so I present to you ..the press release:

Toronto â€" The Midnight Madness programme walks on the cinematic wild side at the Toronto International Film Festival® with a riveting roundup of supernatural slayers, crossbow killers, corpse smugglers and a re-imagined Bonnie and Clyde for the 21st century. Programmed by Colin Geddes, the international lineup features nine world premieres and is one of the most highly-anticipated announcements on the radar of genre geeks around the world.

“Ravenous cinephiles will devour the roster of chillers, action thrillers and pitch-black comedies that fill this year’s slate,” said Colin Geddes, TIFF Programmer. “Martial arts assassins, cops and robbers, escaped lunatics and vampire ballerinas will take over Ryerson Theatre every night at midnight, and deliver the shocking and rocking experience that our loyal audience flocks to take part in, helping make these screenings so memorable.”

The Midnight Madness selection includes films from Bobcat Goldthwait, The Blair Witch Project director Eduardo Sanchez, Japanese cult director Katsuhito Ishii, and marks the return of a director-duo discovered in the program in 2007, Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo.

The Day Douglas Aarniokoski, USA
World Premiere
In a post-apocalyptic future, an open war against humanity rages. Five survivors wander along rural back-roads, lost, starving and on the run. With dwindling food stocks and ammunition, an attempt at seeking shelter turns into a battleground where they must fight or die. Starring Ashley Bell, Dominic Monaghan and Shannyn Sossamon.

God Bless America Bobcat Goldthwait, USA
World Premiere
Loveless, jobless and possibly terminally ill, Frank has had enough of the downward spiral of America. With nothing left to lose, Frank takes his gun and decides to off the stupidest, cruellest and most repellent members of society with an unusual accomplice: 16-year-old Roxy, who shares his sense of rage and disenfranchisement. From stand-up comedian and director Bobcat Goldthwait comes a scathing and hilarious attack on all that is sacred in the United States of America.

The Incident Alexandre Courtès, France
World Premiere
George, Max and Ricky are in a rock band and waiting for their big breakthrough. Between small gigs and rehearsals they work in the kitchen of a high-security asylum for good pay at minimum risk â€" they have no physical contact with the inmates. One night just before dinnertime, a big storm shuts down the security system, the doors open and the lunatics break loose. Help is on its way and should soon arrive... they just have to survive until it does.

Kill List Ben Wheatley, United Kingdom
Canadian Premiere
Eight months after a disastrous job in Kiev left him physically and mentally scarred, ex-soldier-turned-contract-killer Jay is pressured by his partner Gal into taking a new assignment. As they track their prey, they descend into a disturbing world that is darker and more depraved than anything they experienced on the battlefield.

Livid Julien Maury and Alexandre Bustillo, France
World Premiere
The directors of 2007’s Midnight Madness hit A L’Interieur (Inside) return with a twisted gothic nightmare. A young woman and her friends break into a decrepit mansion looking for treasure, only to unlock a dark secret of unspeakable horror ready to dish out bloody punishment for their greed.

Lovely Molly Eduardo Sanchez, USA (synopsis needed)
World Premiere
When newlywed Molly Reynolds returns to her long-abandoned family home, frightful reminders of a nightmarish childhood begin seeping into her new life. She soon begins an inexorable descent into evil that blurs the lines between psychosis and possession. From the director of The Blair Witch Project.

The Raid Gareth Evans, Indonesia
World Premiere
Deep in the heart of Jakarta’s slums lies an impenetrable safe house for the world’s most dangerous killers and gangsters. Until now, the run-down apartment block has been considered untouchable to even the bravest of police. Cloaked under the cover of pre-dawn darkness and silence, an elite swat team is tasked with raiding the safe house in order to take down the notorious drug lord that runs it. But when a chance encounter with a spotter blows their cover and news of their assault reaches the drug lord, the building’s lights are cut and all the exits blocked. Stranded on the sixth floor with no way out, the unit must fight their way through the city’s worst to survive their mission. Starring Indonesian martial arts sensation Iko Uwais.

Sleepless Night Frederic Jardin, France/Belgium/Luxembourg
World Premiere
When Vincent, a double-dealing cop, steals a big bag of cocaine from some drug dealers they counter by kidnapping and threatening to kill his son if the bag isn’t returned â€" fast. The swap is to go down at their headquarters in a big nightclub on the outskirts of Paris, but Vincent gets caught in a spiral of deception and betrayal and must fight his way through packed dance floors and dark corridors of the labyrinth-like club.

Smuggler Katsuhito Ishii, Japan
World Premiere
After his dreams of becoming an actor go nowhere, 25-year-old Kinuta does nothing but gamble every day. Broke, framed and now neck-deep in debt, he is recruited as a smuggler â€" an underground mover of everything from dead bodies to illegal goods â€" but one cargo triggers the rage of a psychotic gangster hell-bent on revenge. By acclaimed cult director Katsuhito Ishii of Shark Skin Man and Peach Hip Girl and Funky Forest fame.

You’re Next Adam Wingard, USA
World Premiere
From the director-writer team that brought TIFF audiences A Horrible Way To Die in 2010 comes a new experiment in tension. A family comes under a terrifying and sadistic attack during a reunion getaway. Barricaded in their secluded country home, they have to fight off a barrage of axes, crossbows and machetes from both inside and outside the house. Unfortunately for the killers, one of the victims proves to have a talent for fighting back.

Tickets to screenings for this programme will be available for individual purchase as well as through the Midnight Madness Package, which includes all 10 screenings for $156, or $100 for students and seniors. Purchase Festival ticket packages online 24 hours a day at tiff.net/festival, by phone Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET at 416-599-TIFF or 1-888-599-8433, and in person at the TIFF Bell Lightbox Box Office at 350 King St. West from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. Methods of payment include cash, debit or Visa†. The 36th Toronto International Film Festival runs September 8 to 18, 2011.

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