Pontypool

A zombie film unlike any other zombie film.

Pontypool mainly takes place at a small town AM radio station following shock jock Grant Mazzy and his crew as they receive reports of strange acts of violence occurring throughout their small town. Even stranger is the growing realization that the virus spreading through town may not be spread through physical means, but through the English language itself.

Slumdog Millionaire

I caught this film through rush lining for the Press and Industry screening, in my two hour break between seeing The Wrestler and Pontypool.

It's a film about an Indian "slumdog" (one of the many orphaned children who live outside the system) who makes his way into becoming a guest on the Indian version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire.. and wins. He is then arrested on suspicion of fraud and the story is told through his interrogation by police which reveals his past and how he was able to answer each question correctly. Overall it's a pretty good film with great visuals and an interesting and energetic soundtrack.

The Wrestler

This film should not be missed.

It's a bit different than Darren Aronofsky's earlier films, but it's just as good. The film itself is very character driven. Many scenes are shot documentary style with long takes following Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) through his routine. The supporting actors do well in their roles (Marisa Tomei as Randy's stripper - not quite girlfriend, and Even Rachel Wood as his distant daughter) but the they really only exist to fill out Randy's world.

It's hard to tell whether the film is telling the story of Randy's tragic decline or triumphant comeback. The abrupt end to the film doesn't make it any easier to decide, but it doesn't really matter because his story is compelling no matter how you see it.

Harvard Beats Yale 29-29

This is mostly a film about a 1968 football game that ended unexpectedly. And as a film about a football game, I found it to be pretty entertaining (much more so than actually watching a game). What makes the film are the interviews, with the players who were there, that are interesting and often funny. There's also added entertainment through their descriptions of ivy league life in the 1960's.

JCVD

JCVD at Midnight Madness. I can't think of a better way to have started my film festival experience this year.

Despite any reservations that people may have about seeing a Jean-Claude Van Damme film, this one is completely worth both the time and money spent. The audience (myself included) was laughing, cheering and completely captivated throughout the film. It was just a good film watching experience.