The Filles Take TIFF: The Best and Worst of our Fest

THE BEST

• DRIVE - This romantic thriller, which was released in theatres on Friday, cruises some really cool, uncharted territory with its John Hughes-meets-Michael Mann tone. A must for 80s action thriller lovers. (Out now)
• MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE - A scary good drama about a young woman recovering from a harrowing stint in a cult. Elizabeth Olsen (MK & A's sis) is so damn riveting in the title role, making us wonder if this will be the year an Olsen takes home an Oscar. Or at least a nomination. (October 21, limited release)

THE WORST

• FRIENDS WITH KIDS (Emily) - A rom-com that tries way too hard to be different, but does more of the same. Directed by and starring Jennifer Westfeldt (star of Kissing Jessica Stein and long-time lady of Jon  Hamm), this lacklustre flick, which follows two straight best friends (Westfeldt and Adam Scott) who decide to have a baby together, starts off strong (Chris O'Dowd is hysterical as a disenchanted father) and slowly unravels. (April 2012)

WE'RE STILL WAITING TO SEE...

• LIKE CRAZY - A British student falls passionately in love with an American student only to be torn from him when she's banned from the U.S. for overstaying her visa. The film was applauded for its chemistry between lead actors and beautifully crafted story-telling. (October 28, 2011)
• STARBUCK - In this flick from Quebec, 42-year-old slacker finds out he's the father to 533 children, thanks to donating to a sperm back 20 years ago. Now, 142 of those offspring are filing lawsuits against the donor bank to find out who their father is. Critics called it hilarious and sweet, praising Patrick Huard in the lead role. (Release TBA)
• YOU'RE NEXT - This Midnight Madness indie film brings together the unexpected: the family reunion and the slasher. It was a hit with horror fans and as Torontoist describes, "Clever, violent, and funny, this film is what Midnight Madness is all about." (TBA 2012)

• TAKE SHELTER - Amid apocalyptic visions, a father (Michael Shannon) begins to feverishly construct a shelter to protect against an impending storm. The Hollywood Reporter puts it best: "A riveting genre blend of thriller, domestic drama and supernatural horror propelled by a brilliant lead performance." (September 30, 2011)
• ALPS - From the director of Dogtooth comes an even darker story. ALPS is a service that stands in for the dead. Literally. They will play the role of your dead husband, daughter or brother for a fee. Critics described this Greek film as as compelling yet unnerving, leaving you deep in thought. (October 27, 2011, Greece; Worldwide release TBA)

What did you love/hate at the fest? What did you miss? Comment below!

The Filles Take TIFF!: Day 5

A daily documentation what's we've seen, want to see and aren't even trying to see at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2011

Photo: The Playlist

We're seeing:

• TEN YEAR (Ava) - A dramedy about a group of high school friends and what happens when they meet up for their ten year high school reunion. Stars include Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan-Tatum (yes, Channing's wife and former Step Up co-star), Rosario Dawson, Kate Mara, Max Minghella, Chris Pratt and Justin Long - just to name a few. (9 p.m., Ryerson Theatre)
• YOU'RE NEXT (Emily) - This Midnight Madness pick, which recounts a truly horrific family reunion (it gets crashed by Strangers-like killers!) made its first mark on the fest on Saturday night (or rather, early Sunday morning). And apparently (well, according to some friends I made in a rush line), the crowd dug it majorly. (6:30 p.m., AMC 7)

We wish we were seeing:

Photo: Summit Entertainment

• 50/50 (Emily) - Seth Rogen tries to help his buddy, Joseph Gordon Levitt deal with the news that he's got cancer and thus, only a little while left to live. This dramedy, directed by Jonathan Levine (The Wackness and the still-yet-to-be-released, All the Boys Love Mandy Lane) sounds dramatic on paper, but the trailers make it seem funny and honest. (6 p.m., Ryerson Theatre)
• CAFE DE FLORE - From C.R.A.Z.Y. director Jean-Marc Vallée comes a story about love a destiny told through the perspectives of a woman in 1969 Paris and present-day DJ. (10 p.m., Princess of Wales)

Also playing...

• W.E. - Otherwise known as ,"That movie Madonna directed." (6:30 p.m., Roy Thomson Hall)
• BUTTER - A film about competitive butter-carving. No, really. But starring Jennifer Garner, Hugh Jackman, Alicia Silverstone, Ty Burrell and Olivia Wilde, it doesn't sound too bad. (9:30 p.m. Roy Thompson Hall)

Notes from last night/afternoon:

• YOUR SISTER'S SISTER is the kinda rom-com saviour we've been seeking. Sweet, sharp and smartly cast, especially since 90% of lines were improvised. You'll fall hard for Emily Blunt.
• They play mass beachball before Midnight Madness screenings.
• According to my research (a.k.a. Twitter) , LIVID (last night's Midnight Madness pick) was wildly dividing. Some said it was boring (and it was for the first 20 minutes). Others said it was confusing (and it kind of was). Everyone found it to be visual production mind rip. To give you an idea of what I mean, there's literally a scene where someone's mind gets ripped in half. And it looks real as hell.
• No matter how tired or frustrated you are with the length of the line to get into your movie, attempt to talk to the people around you. You never know what extra tickets they have stashed in their totes and how little they're willing to make you pay for them.