Wading through the selections of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) can have anyone who isn’t a die hard film buff wondering if they just got tickets to the next Slumdog Millionaire or a foreign art house film that will never be played outside of TIFF.
Every film goer has his or her own idea of what makes an enjoyable film. Here, ELLE Canada has helped to narrow down some films worth seeing from the hundreds of selections available.
For sports or soccer fans, see The Damned United
One doesn’t need to be a sports or soccer fan to enjoy the compelling true story of soccer manager Brian Clough (Michael Sheen of Frost/Nixon acclaim), but die hard fans of British Premiere League Football will take it a little bit more to heart. Taking place in the 1970’s the film follows the career of rising underdog, Clough, who led second division team Derby County to the premiere division in a few short years. Finally obtaining a coveted job in managing top premiere league team, Leeds United, he comes to realize he’s failing at the top.
In the market for a witty, but not cheesy, girl power movie? See Whip It
Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, Whip It, is a sharp, witty comedy that proves films can handle strong female characters who go against the grain. Bliss (Ellen Page) is a 17-year-old teen brought up competing in beauty pageants, but is restless acknowledging that the character she is supposed to be building is not to be found while strutting on stage. She soon uncovers a talent and passion in roller derby and quickly becomes a rising star in the league.
For those who long for a high school horror film, see Jennifer’s Body
Juno scribe, Diablo Cody, returns to TIFF with her highly anticipated high school horror flick, Jennifer’s Body. Horror films often have the tendency to have a B-rated feel and all too often features two-dimensional female characters, but with Cody penning the story, the bar has been elevated for the genre. Starring Megan Fox as Jennifer, the hot high school girl every girl wants to be like and every boy wants to be with, but little do they know, Jennifer is literally a man eater.
For fans of Twilight and “True Blood” that need a vampire fix, see Daybreakers
Daybreakers fast forwards to 2019 where the majority of the earth’s population is dominated by vampires, leaving humans on the brink of extinction. With the shortage of humans, follows a shortage of blood, leaving the society of vampires in a race against time to find a blood substitute before they are forced to turn against one another, becoming nothing more then savages.
For fans of 19th century period films, see Bright StarFans of a good early 19th century period film should definitely pick Bright Star as a must see during the film festival. The film chronicles the love affair between famous romantic poet John Keats (Ben Wishaw) and his muse, Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish). Fanny, a fashionista of the day, will have those who appreciate the costume design drooling for a straw bonnet accented with flowers come spring. The solid and heartbreaking film was written by Jane Campion who took home the Best Original Screenplay Oscar in 1993 for The Piano and already has people talking about Abbie Cornish as the next new actress to watch.
(Above photo from The Damned United)
More great flicks on the next page ...
