andPOP » TIFF

‘Jeff Who Lives At Home’: ‘Step Brothers’ for Hipsters?

@coltondaniel — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:11:38 +0000

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Our beloved television comedy stars Jason Segel (How I Met Your Mother) and Ed Helms (The Office) share the big screen for the upcoming indie film, Jeff, Who Lives At Home.

Directed by Jay and Mark Duplass who have received a lot of hype from their last film Cyrus with John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill and Marissa Tomei – but this could likely seal their mainstream success. It continues Duplass’ theme of family dysfunction with Segel as a naive mopey slacker named Jeff living in his mother’s basement searching for the meaning of life. He reconnects with his brother Pat (Helms) who soon discovers that his wife is having an affair – meanwhile, their mother (Susan Sarandon) is depressed. Holy dramedy, Batman!

It looks to be in the same vain as Helms’ Cedar Rapids or Segel’s Forgetting Sarah Marshall rather than their other efforts – it premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival to great reviews and is due in theatres nationwide on March 16th.

Movie Review: Drive

Samantha Lui — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:00:53 +0000

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If you’re looking for another heartthrob-worthy performance from Ryan Gosling, you won’t be getting much of that in Drive.

But nevertheless, you won’t be able to keep your eyes off him.

In Drive, Gosling is mysterious and riveting and the only name available for his character is Driver.

A Hollywood stunt driver and mechanic by day, Driver serves as a wheelman for night time heists.

In early scenes of the movie, he’s helped by his boss and mentor Shannon (played by Malcolm in the Middle’s Bryan Cranston) who gives him a Chevy Impala to drive his clientele around to do their dirty deeds.

All goes well until he gets involved with his neighbour Irene (Carey Mulligan) and her young son Benicio. When her husband Standard (Oscar Isaac) is released from prison, Irene and Benicio’s safety is at risk.

Gosling’s ‘Driver’ tries to save the situation by helping Standard steal money from a pawn shop. But when the heist goes awry, it’s up to ‘Driver’ to take things in his own hands.

Fresh from Nicolas Winding Refn’s Best Director win at the Cannes Film Festival, Drive is an excellent action-drama thriller packed with violence and exciting car chases. Much like the style of Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and Pulp Fiction, the film is filled with blood and gore. Though the movie lacks dialogue, Refn somehow makes it work through the film’s characters’ actions and expressions.

While Gosling is supported by a talented cast that includes the likes of Christina Hendricks, Albert Brooks, Mulligan and Cranston, he holds his own playing the violent and badass Driver. And while there isn’t much that can be learned about the Driver, you’ll somehow still be swooning over him as he tries to save the day in order to protect the girl he’s fallen for.

Drive may not be for everyone due to its violence and gore, but it’s definitely a film worth watching. With a retro ’80s-inspired score and beautiful shots of the Los Angeles streets and skylines, it will keep the audience jumping in their seats from all the adrenaline and tension that arises from the film.

TIFF ’09: Suck’s Mike Lobel Talks With andPOP

Jeremy Singer — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 22:43:55 +0000

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Glazing the city of Toronto in celebrity magic for one week in September, the Toronto International Film Festival has always boasted the ability to create a buzz and shed the spotlight on industry newbies.

Such is the case for Toronto native Mike Lobel -widely formally known as Jay Hogart from Degrassi: The Next Generation- who is experiencing his first induction into TIFF this year with the rock n’ roll comedy vampire-flick Suck.

“I’m really psyched for tonight,” says Lobel, who’s premiere played at the Bloor Varsity Cinema in Toronto on Friday night. In the midst of running around the city for those last minute “day-of” errands, the 25-year-old reeks of optimism for his first festival outing.

“I’m just running all over the place,” he says. “I’m loving it so far though. Got to get a jacket, Much On Demand later on for some promotional stuff, and then picking up my date.”

Adds the actor, “I’m just anticipating a wicked time with the guys later on.”

Directed and written by Rob Stefaniuk, Suck tells the story about a struggling rock band ironically called the Winners. Led by lead singer Joey Winner (Stefaniuk), the band tries to make it big on their tour across Canada and the US- despite their lack of popularity. After their bassist Jennifer (Jessica Paré) is turned into a vampire by the Vampire Queen (Dimitri Coats), the band experiences a surprising turn of events. Injecting a heavy dose of rock n’ roll vibes into the film are rock legends Alice Cooper and Iggy Pop who don minor roles as a vampire bartender and the latter as a studio owner.

“They’re all such committed actors,” says Lobel who plays the band’s drummer Sam. “They work hard for what they do, they came to set and were right on.”

Lobel seemed most fond of co-star Malcolm McDowell who plays Eddie Van Helsing- a vampire hunter trying to chase the clan down.

“Working with the guy was amazing. I was a big fan of A Clockwork Orange. He’s just so creative and passionate about what he does.”

Acquired by Alliance Films, shooting occurred in Toronto last November for 20 days with a low budget of $3.5 million (CAN). Most of the clubs throughout the film are underground clubs and bars in the city.

Lobel admits that once he had a chance to eye the script, he was -without a question- hooked. He fought so hard to get the role, that he even sent in an audition tape of himself jamming out on the drums.

“I knew that Stefaniuk’s work was fun and comedic, so I thought this was a really cool opportunity to portray the vampire genre in a different light.”

As his six-year role on Degrassi gained him some street cred, Lobel feels that it’s now time to switch things up and take a stab at feature films. And TIFF’s reputation to give concentrated career boosts can only mean great things for a guy who hopes to continue his new-found path in the film industry.

“I would like my work to speak for itself,” he says, “and I’m just gonna keep on working hard at my craft. It would be great to have the chance to parlay into another feature film, and I’d definitely be open to the opportunity.”

Canadian Film Named Audience Favourite at Montreal World Film Festival

andPOP Staff — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:15:50 +0000

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For those caught up in the TIFF frenzy, cinephiles and TIFF enthusiasts alike may have missed The Necessities of Life, which was the audience favourite at the Montreal World Film Festival.

Ce qu’il faut pour vivre or The Necessities of Life was named the most popular film at the festival, an award voted on by the audience and the most popular Canadian film. The film won a special Grand Jury Prize.

Ce qu’il faut pour vivre or The Necessities of Life is by Quebec filmmaker Benoît Pilon. His film, set in the 1950s, is about an Inuit man who is flown to a Quebec hospital to recover from tuberculosis. While there, the Inuit man meets a young Inuit boy and the film explores their relationship in adjusting to non-traditional Inuit life.

Another Canadian winner was Jean-François Lévesque, whose NFB short Le Noeud Cravate (The Necktie) won best short film and best Canadian short film.

A Japanese film, Okuribito, by director Yojiro Takita, won the top prize.

Brad Pitt, Jack White Among TIFF Celebrity Guests

Eva Lam — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 08:54:33 +0000

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Celebrity watchers, get your cameras ready.

The final programming announcements for September’s Toronto International Film Festival were unveiled Tuesday and, as usual, this year’s event will attract a parade of famous faces to the city.

Brad Pitt, John Malkovich and Tilda Swinton are all expected to attend in support of their new movie, “Burn After Reading.” The Coen brothers-directed film was one of 11 gala screenings just added to the festival lineup.

Meanwhile, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Dakota Fanning and Alicia Keys will be on hand to promote their movie, “The Secret Life of Bees,” based on Sue Monk Kidd’s 2003 novel.

And look for The Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White to walk the red carpet for the premiere of “It Might Get Loud.” The documentary explores the history of the electric guitar and puts a spotlight on the three rock musicians.

In total, organizers announced the names of 500 guests who are expected to attend the festival. They range from Hollywood A-listers (Charlize Theron, Spike Lee) to international stars (Preity Zinta, Wong Kar Wai).

The last-minute lineup additions bring the number of films that will be screened to 312. They come from 64 countries and include 237 features.

As previously reported, the festival will open with “Passchendaele,” Canadian actor-filmmaker Paul Gross’s First World War drama.

It will close with “Stone of Destiny,” a Scottish heist comedy based on a true story.

The 33rd annual Toronto International Film Festival runs from Sept. 4 to 13.

TIFF Docs Revealed

andPOP Staff — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:02:26 +0000

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Documentaries exploring the Nigerian film industry, India’s first female police officer and the Dungeons and Dragons universe are just some of the films that will make their debut at the Toronto International Film Festival.

TIFF organizers announced the 26 non-fiction films on Tuesday.

Among the films are A Time To Stir, a four-hour documentary examining the 1968 Columbia University student strike, a biographical film called I Bring What I Love about Senegalese singer Ndour and Food Inc., which draws upon the writings of Eric Schlosser’s best-selling novel, Fast Food Nation.

The Toronto International Film Festival takes place Sept. 4-13.

Coverage: Toronto International Film Fest – ET Canada Red Carpet

andPOP Staff — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 10:49:07 +0000

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andPOP’s Toronto International Film Fest (TIFF) Coverage continues with coverage from the ET Canada red carpet. Featuring interviews with Paul Haggis, Wes Chatham, Natalie Brown, Ruby Dhalla and more.

Check out this coverage and more on our video player.

‘Superbad’ Michael Cera’s ‘Revolt’

andPOP Staff — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 17:31:14 +0000

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Brampton-born Michael Cera will star as Nick Twisp in the film adaptation of the 1993 C.D. Payne novel Youth in Revolt: the Journals of Nick Twisp.

The story’s heavy use of black humour, camp and overt portrayals of teen sexuality make it a perfect fit for Cera, 19, whose charmingly awkward comedic talents were showcased in the cult hit show Arrested Development and this summer’s blockbuster hit Superbad.

The film will follow 14-year-old Nick as he deals with his parents’ imminent divorce by setting his sights on his dream girl Sheeni Saunders, hoping that she’ll be the one to take his virginity.

Cera can be seen next in Juno, alongside fellow Canadian talent Ellen Page. The quirky comedy premiered to rave reviews at this month’s Toronto International Film Festival, being called “This year’s Little Miss Sunshine.” A must see, Juno will have a limited release in late 2007.

Until then, get your Cera fix by checking out the Juno trailer, his hysterical summer project “Clark and Michael”, and his indie band, The Long Goodbye.

Like Christmas in September: The ‘IT Lounge’ Gives the Stars What They Really Want this Season

andPOP Staff — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 21:06:08 +0000

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Fancy cars, expensive meals, private assistants, public relations, personal shoppers, and of course free stuff, free stuff, FREE STUFF. Toronto sure knows how to treat the stars when they pass through town, and the Toronto International Film Festival is the perfect time to turn up the hospitality.

NKPR Inc. is a Toronto based public relations firm that offers a full scale of marketing services for a number of different clients. Founded in 2002 by Natasha Koifman, the firm hosted the “IT Lounge” for this year’s TIFF stars. The “IT Lounge”, a spot where celebrities can be showered with free gifts, snacks and services, was located on the second floor of Canada’s top rated hotel, The Windsor Arms, in ritzy downtown Yorkville.

Nestled quietly on Thomas Street, just off Bloor, stars made their way, by appointment, to the “IT” gift lounge to loot at their leisure. NKPR only requested the attendance of the finest retailers and products that Toronto has to offer for this year’s gift gala.

“The IT Lounge provides a great venue for introducing new brands and products to the market. We’ve searched long and hard to assemble this exciting collective of “IT” items and we can’t wait to finally unveil them,” says Koifman of the event.

In addition to showering the hottest stars with remarkable gifts this year, NKPR offered the celebrities a chance to take part in some gift giving themselves. This year, the firm partnered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters, which currently serves 1200 children, and over 500 wait listed. Celebrities were given the chance to donate their gifts to the foundation in order to raise money for the children. “[Big Brothers and Big Sisters] is a cause that we believe in,” says Koifman, “and we are very excited to partner with them this year.”

Which star-worthy products were celebs eager to pocket this past week?

Trove Clothing, a brand new Canadian line is a product that follows the “credo of comfort and fashion as one”. The unisex line features creative and edgy designs that were a real hit with the TIFF traffic. ESPRIT clothing also showcased some fresh pieces from this season, which are inspired by some of the trends of the 60’s. Also, Right Hand Gal, one of Tinsel Town’s choice jewellery lines, added a little glitz to the showroom featuring a two-sided diamond pendant called the “Love My Planet” piece. With concerns about the environment high on the minds of some big names in Hollywood, this stunning piece was a hot pick due to the aesthetic appeal, and it’s valuable message. Too Faced Cosmetics, popular on the sets of The View, Desperate Housewives and American Idol, were available as well.

In addition to looking good, the “IT Lounge” understands that feeling good is important too. Jamieson Laboratories offered a body essentials bag that included an assortment of 12 natural healthcare products to keep the stars feeling their healthiest throughout the festival. All natural skincare line, Moor Allure Naturals gifted their multi-piece daily skincare system to keep the stars glowing. In addition, i|m offered their high quality hair brushes and accessories to celebrities at the lounge. Hollywood power couple David and Victoria Beckham generously donated bottles of their fragrances to the event, and even A-list tykes were considered by Taf Toys, Comfy Keyboards and EARTHCHILD Clothing.

Heart Chocolate, Fiji Water and Twin Fin Wines were in abundance for the lucky superstars to nibble and sip as they passed by the gift stations, and delicious snacks were prepared by the hotel’s renowned chef Stephan Ricci.

Like all other good things, this too must come to an end. The “IT Lounge” closed its doors for another year on Sept. 13, only to begin preparations for next year’s festival. Disappointed stars that didn’t get their gifts in time will just have to wait for 2008. Just like Christmas – TIFF only comes once a year.

Homosexuality and Hockey: The Film That Has Everyone Talking

andPOP Staff — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:23:10 +0000

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Stunned TIFF director Laurie Lynd is disappointed to see the reaction over his movie “Breakfast With Scot” that showed at the Toronto International Film Festival this past week.

Tom Cavanaugh, a Canadian actor, plays the role of a sports broadcaster who used to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs – who is gay. Due to the presence of homophobia in the realm of professional sports, he decides to keep his homosexuality a secret. Eventually, however, he is found out and this film tells his story.

It was anticipated that the movie would be well received by film buffs, as well as hockey fans. However, the Internet has been abuzz with negativities regarding the film, and it has been reported the Lynd has even received hate mail.

According to CBC online, both the NHL and the Leafs supported the making of this movie, and gave permission to use their official logos in the film. A member of the team’s management, John Lashway, told the CBC that agreeing to support the film “was an easy decision,” for a number of reasons, but primarily because the Leafs’ “have fans from all kinds of lifestyles, so it just made sense for us.”

Will the movie flop or fly at the box offices? Director Lynd hopes that the saying “all press is good press” will help the numbers, and that the reaction generated by the public will have people curious enough to go see what the film is all about for themselves.