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The Gushing Cinephile: September 30, 2013
Now that TIFF has come and gone and my reviews are all wrapped up. Things should be getting back to normal here at The Cinema Monster…starting with The Gushing Cinephile. Speaking of, welcome to the segment’s latest edition! Oh, and just so we are all clear, by “wrapped up” I mean I’ve finished scribing them, not posting. You can expect my final three reviews this week. Now, without any further ado, let’s get started!
“Mad Men” Final Season Split
Much like the highly successful AMC series “Breaking Bad,” “Mad Men’s” final season will be split into two halves. The first 7 episodes of the seventh and final season of the award-winning series is set for release early in 2014, while the second part, also featuring 7 episodes will be airing early in 2015. Personally, I don’t mind having to wait an extra year. I am madly in love with “Mad Men” and quite content that the show will be running longer than anticipated. Having to wait in agonizing anticipation for the conclusion is a small price to pay.
First Images From “The Imitation Game”
Below you’ll find the first official images from the set of Morten Tyldum’s World War 2 biopic “The Imitation Game” starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightly, and Mark Strong. The film surrounds mathematician and logician Alan Turing as he assists in cracking the enigma code during world war 2. The film is slated for release sometime in 2014.
First Image of “Fury”
Starring Brad Pitt and Shia LeBeouf, David Ayer’s “Fury” is another world war 2 flick about a group of Americans who embark on a dangerous mission. Check out the image below. The film is set for release on November 14, 2014.
Neill Marshall Planning “Troll Hunter” Remake
It looks as if cult-hit “Troll Hunter” will be getting a makeover at the hands of Neil Marshall. The director of “The Descent” is reportedly attached to write and direct the remake with an early 2014 shoot date targeted.
Hugh Jackman Joins “Chappie”
Neill Blomkamp’s follow up to “Elysium” added Hugh Jackman this past week. “Chappie” already locked up the amazing Sharlto Copley earlier and is set for release in 2015. The film is a mix of science fiction and comedy dubbed robo-com.
“Under the Skin” Trailer
Soon after the release of a brief teaser, Jonathan Glazer’s “Under the Skin” let loose a full-length trailer. The film stars Scarlett Johansson as an alien sent to Earth to abduct weary hitchhikers. The film just recently finished its film festival swing and I was fortunate enough to catch it at this year’s TIFF. I will be posting my review tomorrow so be on the look out for that.
“Little Favour” Teaser
This brief little teaser of Patrick Viktor Monroe’s short “Little Favour” starring Benedict Cumberbatch packs quite the wallop. The film is about a man who is contacted by a former colleague to assist in a deal gone wrong.
“12 Years a Slave” Clip
The first official clip of Steve McQueen’s slavery epic “12 Years a Slave” was officially released recently. The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Michael Fassbender. You can check out my review of the film from TIFF 2013 by clicking here.
New “Nymphomaniac” Clip
Lars Von Trier’s long-awaited, sex addiction epic “Nymphomaniac” released another short clip this past week. The film stars Charlotte Gainsbourg, Shia LeBeouf, and Stellan Skarsgard. The film itself does not have a domestic release date as of yet.
Bryce Dallas Howard Headed to a “Jurassic World”
Not long after confirming an official title and release date, it appears as if the fourth instalment into the successful dinosaur series has found its leading lady. The immensely talented and easy on the eyes Bryce Dallas Howard is set to take on the long-extinct species in 2015. As of now, there are no further details into her character, but I’ll keep you posted.
“The World’s End” and “Europa Report” Headed to Blu-ray
The final instalment into the “Cornetto” trilogy, “The World’s End” is hitting home video on November 19, 2013. Check out the specs and artwork via the Daily Dead. Check out our review by clicking here.
Indie sci-fi thriller “Europa Report” will be blowing up your TV screens when it comes to Blu-Ray on October 8, 2013. This is one of my favourites of the year. Be sure to check out our review here.
That’ll do it for this week’s edition of The Gushing Cinephile, hope you all enjoyed it! Have a great week!
TIFF 2013 Releases Schedule and Final Announcements
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!
Top 10 Best Cameos
As promised, this week’s top 10 will consist of what I believe to be the best cameos in cinematic history. After last week’s list of dreadful and down-right idiotic guest appearances, I think this segment could use a pick-me up, don’t you? Now, we can sit here until we’re blue in the face arguing what makes a cameo truly great. We can list the traits off one by one, subtlety, hilarity, relevance, and on, and on. Regardless, in this top 10 I believe you’ll find, like I did, that a cameo doesn’t have any criteria, they simply succeed or falter based on their own individual merit. Granted, a few of the cameos listed are quite odd, funny, incredible, memorable, and indescribable, but there are no errors. I’ve compiled this list with purpose, to be diverse, I want there to be something for everyone, and if there isn’t, please let me know.
Again, just so there are no discrepancies later on. Tom Cruise in “Tropic Thunder” will not be featured in this top 10. The image is simply a header for the top 10 and this will continue until I am able to create a suitable segment header.
As always, if you feel that I’ve overlooked a cameo or believe one was listed that shouldn’t have been, please comment below. I am always looking to improve on this segment and all feedback is welcome.
Let’s get started!
10: Tim Robbins “Anchorman”
Why?: Upon appearing in numerous films that have historical and cinematic importance, it was extremely odd to see “Andy Dufresne” chop off Luke Wilson’s arm with a machete.
9: Hugh Jackman “X-Men: First Class”
Why?: I know for some it wasn’t a surprise at all, but I had no idea it was coming and laughed my ass off like an idiot.
8: Martin Freeman “Shaun of the Dead”
Why?: Honestly, I had no idea he appeared in the film until very recently. Now that I know, I think it is possibly the coolest thing ever. Bilbo Baggins killing zombies, c’mon.
7: Will Ferrel “Wedding Crashers”
Why?: You know why, if you don’t, you’re not my friend.
6: Bruce Campbell “Spider Man” trilogy.
Why?: I know most of you didn’t like the fact I disliked Stan Lee’s numerous cameos in multiple Marvel films. And the fact that I am adding Campbell from three films in which Lee also appeared must really burn. But, c’mon, it’s Bruce Campbell…”Evil Dead”…”Army of Darkness”…you know…he’s awesome.
5: Cate Blanchett and Peter Jackson “Hot Fuzz”
Why?: Two of the most respected names in film appearing in a movie centred around a corrupt, murderous, deranged town…Yes Please!!
4: Christopher Walken “Pulp Fiction”
Why?: I don’t really know if this counts as a cameo or a supporting role…can any of you clarify this? Nonetheless, it is hilarious and inventive.
3: Bill Murray “Zombieland”
Why?: IT’S BILL FUCKING MURRAY!!
2: Martin Scorsese “Taxi Driver”
Why?: It is one of my all time favourite Scorsese scenes, just incredible.
1: Ralph Fiennes “The Hurt Locker”
Why?: Can anyone clarify this as a cameo or supporting role? Anyway, I am a huge Ralph Fiennes fan and this cameo is pure brilliance.
I hope you all enjoyed this week’s top 10. If you feel I’ve overlooked a cameo or placed one in the top 10 that shouldn’t be there, feel free to comment below. Everyone have a great weekend!
The Prestige (2006)
If you’re looking for a film that keeps you guessing, is full of tricks, and will leave you infatuated with its characters till the very end, The Prestige just might be for you. In my opinion, The Prestige is Christopher Nolan’s best and most complete film. Written by Christopher and his brother Jonathan, The Prestige is the ultimate magic trick that keeps on giving, viewing after viewing. Christian Bale (Batman Begins) leads a superb cast that includes: Hugh Jackman (X-Men), Scarlett Johansson (Lost in Translation), Michael Caine (Children of Men), and Andy Serkis (Lord of the Rings). With its nonstop twists and a script that never undermines the audiences intelligence, The Prestige is full of sacrifice, guilt, and struggle. With Nolan behind the scenes and a stellar cast up front, The Prestige is not to be missed.
Nearing the end of the nineteenth century in London, Angier (Jackman) and Borden (Bale) are a couple of stagehands for a friend while learning some tricks as both are upcoming magicians. One night during a routine performance, Angier’s wife dies and he places the blame on Borden. Angier and Borden continue to work at their craft as enemies and competitive rivals. As both come into their own, fame begins to bestow itself upon them. Their competitions become more violent and elaborate while both attempt to sabotage the others career. When Borden perfects and begins to perform the greatest trick the world has ever seen, Angier becomes obsessed with discovering the secret and will stop at nothing to obtain it.
In the history of cinema, I don’t believe there has ever been a rivalry quite like this. Nolan has proven with every feature he has helmed that he is the creator of instant masterpieces and the mental kick the film industry has been waiting for. With the exception of Following (1998), Nolan’s full length feature debut, The Prestige is possibly his most underrated piece. Christopher and Jonathan provide the foundation of anguish, loss, and loyalty through a clever screenplay adapted from the Christopher Priest novel of the same title. Nolan’s ability to control and manipulate his cast into the perfect tones, external movements, and emotions is unparalleled. Bale and Jackman steal the show as usual as they both hurdle head first down a mountain of regret and anger. Through a vicious competition they had no hand in starting, Caine and Johansson are remarkable as they try to decipher their loyalties and scramble to make the right decisions. The Prestige is intelligent, violent, and at times very disturbing, but is a definite must see.
The Prestige: 9 out of 10.
Just a quick note. As the blog has just been started, for now I will only be posting reviews of some of my personal favourites and lesser known pieces of film genius. Reviews for current and upcoming films will begin this weekend starting with Chan-wook Park’s Stoker.
A Field in England (2013)
Behind the Candelabra (2013)
Drinking Buddies (2013)
Elysium (2013)
Europa Report (2013)
Man of Steel (2013)
Mud (2012)
Only God Forgives (2013)
Pacific Rim (2013)
Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
Stoker (2013)
The Conjuring (2013)
The East (2013)
The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
The Way Way Back (2013)
The World's End (2013)
This is the End (2013)
Trance (2013)
Upstream Color (2013)
V/H/S 2 (2013)
World War Z (2013)
You're Next (2013)
12 Years a Slave
August: Osage County
Don Jon
Gravity
Joe
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
The Fifth Estate
The Green Inferno
The Sacrament
Under the Skin
