This, the second trailer for David O. Russell’s “American Hustle,” further cements the flick as an Oscar contender across the board. Starring the likes of Christian Bale, Jeremy Renner, Amy Adams, and Bradley Cooper all in questionable hairdos and attire. “American Hustle” looks prime to bustle and bruise its way into the thick, top tier of award season.

Charlie Countrymen:

This flick has been the unfortunate recipient of some negative feedback right out of the gate. Although, it’s only been screened sparsely and has yet to see its North American release, so don’t condemn too harshly. Judging by the trailer, this unorthodox tale of romance looks like quite the thrill ride.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug:

So, as I tweeted on the day this trailer was released, “So…Cumberbatch’s voice in the new trailer for “The Desolation of Smaug” is the greatest thing since I first heard Bane in TDKR,” is still completely true. I cannot wait for this sequel.

Jack Ryan:

Starring Captain Kirk himself, Chris Pine, this reboot seems to be headed in the right direction judging by the trailer.

Godzilla:

…this teaser from Comic-Con for the reboot of “Godzilla” is one of the best I’ve ever seen. It does exactly what teasers set out to accomplish and so much more. The voiceover from Oppenheimer himself, the music, imagery, is stunning, disturbing, and insanely awesome. This film just skyrocketed to the top of my most anticipated. Of course I cannot post it seeing as the clip found its way online illegally, but I’m sure if you look hard enough, you’ll uncover it.

Out of the Furnace:

Christian Bale makes his second appearance this week starring alongside Casey Affleck in “Out of the Furnace.” Another film in which Bale looks to deliver an Oscar-worthy performance. Also making an appearance in the trailer is Zoe Saldana, Woody Harrelson, Willem Dafoe, and Sam Shepard.

The Invisible Woman:

Starring the immaculate Ralph Fiennes and the lovely Felicity Jones. This look at the secret relationship between Charles Dickens and his mistress is a must see.

Philomena:

One of the few films I regret not seeing at this year’s TIFF. Starring Steve Coogan and Judi Dench, “Philomena” looks like heartbreaker.

Inside Llewyn Davis:

One of my most anticipated films left this year. “Inside Llewyn Davis” looks like another Coen brothers smash hit.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty:

Could this be a return to form for Ben Stiller?

We are now less than two weeks away from when the Toronto International Film Festival tickets go on sale to the public and a mere 16 days away from the start of the actual festivities. On Tuesday morning, another slew of films were announced along with the schedule itself and a long list of celebrities set to attend the festival. I don’t know about you, but the anticipation is overwhelming me. I suppose the nervousness and excitement will dissipate somewhat when I actually know what screenings I will be attending, or it could skyrocket even higher. Either way, this is shaping up to be one hell of a festival!

Schedule:

Now, for those attending, or those simply who’d like to know what’s going on and when, you can find the full schedule by clicking here.

FInal Film List and Programmes:

If you’d like to know what films are playing at the festival, you can click here for the entire list or click the TIFF button in the main menu at the top of this page. You can also find all the programmes offered by the festival by clicking here. Essentially, all films screening at the festival are divided into groups for attendees to better understand what type of genre and themes the film will contain.

TIFF Guests:

Perhaps the most exciting news released Tuesday morning was the endless list of celebrities ready to attend the festival. Amongst the names are Benedict Cumberbatch, Meryl Streep, Rebecca Hall, Josh Broliin, Alan RIckman, Clive Owen, Kate Winslet, Jennifer Aniston, Mark Ruffalo, Elizabeth Olsen, Scarlett Johansson, Hugh Jackman, Tom Hiddleston, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Nicholas Cage, Jennifer Garner, Joel Edgerton, Ben Foster, Anton Yelchin, Liam Neeson, James McAvoy, Nicole Kidman, Felicity Jones, Ed Harris, Spike Jonze, Melissa George, Paul Giamatti, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sarah Gadon, Colin Firth, Michael Fassbender, Jesse Eisenberg, Sandra Bullock, Chris Hemsworth, Mila Kunis, Jessica Chastain, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law, Tom Wilkinson, Mia Waikowska, Owen Wilson, Steve McQueen, Jason Reitman, Keanu Reeves, Keira Knightley, Matthew McConaughey, Ti West, Eli Roth, Daniel Radcliffe, Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Paulson, Oliva Wilde, Mike Myers, James Franco, Adrien Brody, Marion Cotillard, and Thandie Newton, just to name what I feel to be the most important. And honestly, I couldn’t type any more names. There is a bunch more on the list you can find here. Also, these are just the people confirmed thus far, it is expected that the likes of George Clooney and Brad Pitt, amongst others will be attending.

Jason Reitman’s Live Read:

You can find all the information below, provided by the TIFF website.

The Festival proudly welcomes back Jason Reitman’s Live Read — a unique event in which classic movie scripts are read by contemporary actors. With no rehearsal, the actors come together for a one-take read-through with Reitman narrating stage direction. In 2012, the Festival welcomed Reitman and an all-star cast — including Bryan Cranston, Christina Hendricks, Adam Driver, Sarah Gadon and George Stroumboulopoulos — for a live table read of Alan Ball’s screenplay for American Beauty. This year, Reitman is back with a surprise script from a modern classic and a new cast at the Ryerson Theatre on Friday, September 6. Details, including cast and script, for the 2013 Live Read event will be announced in early September.

IMAX Screenings:

New this year, audiences are invited to be part of the action with two official Festival selections and two special screenings presented in spectacular IMAX. The two films will be Alfonso Cuaron’s “Gravity” and Keanu Reeves “Man of Tai Chi.”

Next Wave and Manifesto Announced:

You can find another plethora of titles announced by clicking here.

New Galas and Special Presentations:

Metallica Through the Never: Nimród Antal, Canada/USA, World Premiere

Dane DeHaan (The Place Beyond the Pines) stars as a Metallica roadie dispatched to hell and back in this mind-blowing mash-up of concert film and post-apocalyptic adventure, presented in IMAX 3D.

The Wizard of Oz: Victor Fleming, USA, World Premiere

Experience Judy Garland’s over-the-rainbow adventure in vivid new detail with this IMAX 3D presentation of Victor Fleming’s family classic.

10th Midnight Madness Film Unveiled:

Witching & Bitching:

Fleeing through the impenetrable forests of the Basque countryside after a jewel heist, a hapless band of robbers runs afoul of a coven of witches, in this madcap supernatural spectacle from Spanish genre specialist Alex de la Iglesia (The Last Circus).

Okay then, that’ll do it for the pre-TIFF announcements. The Cinema Monster will be covering the festival in full, providing reviews, news, and Q and A’s as often as possible, make sure to follow our website to keep up with the festival. Also, follow The Cinema Monster on Twitter (@cinema_monster) and Facebook for up-to-the-minute news and posts, not to mention special pictures and videos provided by me from the screenings. Have a great week!

Yes, that’s Benedict Cumberbatch leading off this week’s edition of The Gushing Cinephile, just for a good laugh. Well, welcome back! I’ll try to keep the dialogue to a minimum, as it is a long weekend here in Canada and I’m assuming those living here are a bit hungover. First off, let’s pretend you all noticed that I did not post this weekend. The reason being is my, let’s call it, trimming of daily posting. It has become apparent that creating quality, meaningful posts each day is wearing me thin. So, taking out weekends, at least for now, allows me time to recuperate and scribe better posts. Not a big deal, thought I’d just let you all know. Let’s get started, shall we?

I’d like to reiterate that The Cinema Monster is finally on Twitter and Facebook! If you can follow @cinema_monster, that would be extremely helpful. I personally added and tweeted at everyone on my blogroll so please follow back . You can also like the Facebook page through the link below. Or, if you so choose, can like both accounts on the right side of the website.

https://www.facebook.com/thecinemamonster

All right, first up, a plethora of images, albeit somewhat promotional, of Darren Aronofsky’s “Noah.” The pictures star Russell Crowe, Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins, and Ray Winestone. The film is a dramatic retelling of the Biblical tale of Noah. Check out the pics below.

Okay, next up, the first teaser trailer for Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated “The Counselor.” The Film stars Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Javier Bardem, and other big-name stars, as you’ll figure out from the trailer.

Following that, the first trailer for “Breathe In” starring Guy Pearce and the radiant Felicity Jones. Directed by Drake Doremus, who also stood behind the camera for the 2011 hit “Like Crazy.” However, it does seem like he is taking a much darker, cynical path with this effort. Still, looks fantastic.

Finally, the first clip was released this past week for Lars Von Trier’s next outing, “Nymphomaniac.” The title speaks for itself, if not, the clip will.

That’ll do it for this week’s news wrap-up. If you have any comments or questions, please post them below. Also, don’t forget to follow The Cinema Monster on Facebook and Twitter, it’ll really help me out. Okay all, have a great week!

Hello all and welcome to another week of The Gushing Cinephile. I’ve got a bunch of awesome news to share so let us jump right in, shall we?

First and foremost, the news that I feel to be the most important of the past week. Steve McQueen’s “Twelve Years a Slave” released a plethora of new images which you’ll find below, well a few anyway. In addition, the first trailer for this highly-anticipated Oscar contender is rumoured to be premiering on July 4th, so keep an eye out for that. For those who don’t know about McQueen or his new film, I’ll supply a breakdown. Steve McQueen has directed two full-length features to this point, “Hunger” and “Shame.” Michael Fassbender has stared in both of these flicks. These two films have been met with critical acclaim and McQueen is being hailed as one of the to filmmakers to look out for in the future and for McQueen, the future is now.

Essentially, “Twelve Years a Slave” is about a free black man who is abducted and sold into slavery before the civil war. McQueen’s latest project, which also stars Fassbender and an abundance of high profile talent such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, just to name a few. While Pitt’s role is somewhat limited, his action behind the scenes really secured this films fate. As the main producer, Pitt was insistent that this film be made, which should speak a lot to the charisma and talent of McQueen and company. Not only does this film have the all-star cast both on and behind the camera. “Twelve Years a Slave” is scored by none other than the supremely gifted Hans Zimmer. I don’t know what else to say, look out for this flick cause it is going to take the world by storm, a seemingly major Oscar contender. Check out the images below.

Let’s keep this train chugging. Next up, the radiant and mesmerizing Sarah Gadon has been added to the cast of “The Amazing Spider Man 2.” I couldn’t resist putting this news up, as a fellow Canadian, I am so proud. Gadon has starred in such films as “A Dangerous Method” and “Cosmopolis, she is insanely talented. Also, how many beautiful women does this film need? Emma Stone, Felicity Jones, and now Sarah Gadon. “The Amazing Spider Man 2″ has officially secured my ticket.

All right, next, Wally Pfister, the cinematographer for the majority of Christopher Nolan’s films, directorial debut “Transcendence” is set for release in 2014 and its scribe Jack Paglen is already moving on to bigger and better things. He is set to write the hotly-anticipated sequel to “Prometheus” and I think it is safe to say that Michael Fassbender is equally as excited as I am.

Finally, it seems I can never have a week of The Gushing Cinephile without some Christopher Nolan news and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Casey Affleck recently joined Mr. Nolan’s next blockbuster entitled “Interstellar.” Affleck is set to co-star alongside Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway, and Matthew McConaughey. I am so excited for this flick I think I’m going to scream!

Oh, I almost forgot. “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” has been pushed back again, but seriously, what else is new? It seems like this film will never be made. In all honesty, after so many setbacks, does anybody really care about this sequel anymore? I was skeptical of a follow up to 2005s hit “Sin City” from the get-go so this is really destroying any hope I have for this film. Plus, Clive Owen isn’t returning, what’s up with that? Anyway. there is a picture below of his replacement Josh Brolin.

That inexplicable venom that swirls around in your head when you’re sleeping. It fills your gut with air until it rises into your throat, suffocating your chest cavity. Those tiny pricks that feel like sparks tingling your extremities. This is love, and it’s what Like Crazy desperately tried to create and at times, succeeded. Maybe I’ve been shell-shocked and most likely, I’m not too bitter. But Like Crazy’s authenticity is never in question and for such a universally recognized and understood force, as love is, nothing can even remotely seem falsified. Starring Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones, two youthful and capable leads. Written and Directed by Drake Doremus and featuring an amazing supporting performance from Jennifer Lawrence. Like Crazy shows the foundation and the setbacks in building a fortified relationship.

Anna (Jones) is studying at a college in Los Angeles. Originally from Britain, Anna meets Jacob (Yelchin) in one of her classes overseas. The two hit it off on their first date and fall in love. When they graduate, Anna decides to violate her visa and remain in Los Angeles with Jacob for a little while longer. Later when Anna travels home to London, she is denied a return flight back to the United States because she overstayed the allotted time given by her visa. After Jacob ventures to Britain for a short period of time, he must return to his business in America. The two decide to part ways as it is impossible to continue their relationship with the massive distance between them. When Jacob returns, he begins a love affair with a coworker named Samantha (Lawrence). As time passes, they realize they cannot be away from one another. Trying to devise a way for Anna return to the United States permanently, Jacob and Anna soon realize their problems are just beginning.

I’m not going to lie. Yes, at times it tore me apart and yes it gave me misty eyes. I’ve probably fallen for Felicity Jones just from watching it. It isn’t so much the love I’m calling into question because it is very apparent Yelchin and Jones conducted chemistry. The issue I find with Like Crazy, is it’s very much a young love driven film and for some, that can alienate. Don’t get me wrong, Like Crazy is miles ahead of the seemingly weekly releases of Nicolas Sparks adapted pictures. Yet, the ending and ambiguity of the film in its entirety is enough to make you want to rip out your heart and never use it again. If you end up watching Like Crazy and feel nothing, there is something wrong with you, not the film. The heart of Like Crazy is something we all wish we had and it destroys us to confront, arguably the reason we were put on the planet.

If I’m to be honest, I’m going crazy writing this review because I am sitting on a fence, debating if I hated it or loved it and I can’t come to a conclusion. I don’t like to burn bridges and if I jump too hastily, I could be condemning a film I’d grow to appreciate. This is getting too personal but I’m starting to lean to the positive side. I don’t think I’ve ever been so morose after watching a romance film. For all the right reasons, Like Crazy is difficult to watch, I mean it really hits home. Forgive me if I am too personal, preachy, or disconcerting in my review. Like Crazy is a very personal film and it is hard to separate oneself from it.

The acting is superb. It is very difficult to force or fake such a deep emotion and Yelchin and Jones do nothing of the sorts. The majority of their brilliance stems from their slight facial expressions, eye movements, and silence. Which, much the same as reality, are important tactics when conveying an emotion, especially one as complex as love. Jennifer Lawrence, in a sparse amount of screen time, manages to steal every minute she’s visible.

I don’t really know what else to say about Like Crazy. The story is fairly straightforward, the acting is terrific, and it aches to watch it. Which, I guess is essential to romance films. All cards on the table, this is one of the more favourable romance films I’ve seen.

Like Crazy: 7.5 out of 10.