Thursday, Sept. 14

Noon - Alatriste - Paramount 1
Based on Arturo Pérez-Reverte's best-selling series of novels of the legendary Captain Diego Alatriste (Viggo Mortensen), the films shows how his life takes a turn when a fellow soldier falls in battle; his final wish is for Alatriste to watch over his son, Iñigo. The film is epic in scope and sometimes certain storylines seem to disappear only to reappear later. Still the film is well acted and has plenty of action and political intrigue.

3 pm - The Fountain - Ryerson
Essentially a love story told in three time periods with Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz playing the doomed lovers. All involve Jackman's character trying to keep his love going with Weisz's. Film is beautifully shot and well acted, but.... is not for everyone. The story moves back and forth and the final storyline, set well in the future is minimalist at best.

5:30 pm - Blindsight - Varsity 3
In India, children who are born blind are outcasts, because it is believed they are being punished by God for sinning in a past life. Incredible documentary focuses on six students being led by a blind mountain climber on a expedition up Mount Everest. The tension is incredibly high during this film and very much a life affirming film.

9 pm - Exiled - Elgin
Johnny To's latest film To spins the tale of the traitor Wo, who has decided to quit his criminal life and wants to live quietly with his family. His story is tied to that of the other hit men - and former buddies - who have come to Macau to kill him/save him. Resolved to take him down, but also willing to negotiate a sort of gentlemen's agreement, they grant Wo another day of life and help him find one last job to provide for his future widow and newborn baby. Film is ridiculously violent, but in a crowdpleasing way. The film's humor and heart were surprising. The funnest film of the festival.

Midnight - Severance - Ryerson
Second funnest film of the festival. "Deliverance" meets "The Office" with "Shaun of the Dead" sensibilities. The sales division of international arms company Palisade Defence is "rewarded" with a corporate retreat at a chalet in forests of Hungary. When the road to the retreat is "blocked", they go for it on foot. They find a lodge in shambles and eventually that they are not alone in the woods. The film is VERY bloody, but VERY funny.