Toronto International Film Festival [2000]

Movie Reviews

The American Nightmare Featuring: John Carpenter, Wes Craven, David Cronenberg, Tobe Hooper, George Romero "My immediate reaction to Adam Simon's affectionate tribute to these baby boom horror pioneers was 1) It's about bloody time, and 2) Why the hell didn't I make this movie, since I've spent my entire life as a mouthpiece to the virtues of the "Dead" trilogy, "Halloween", "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" et al?" [Read the full review] Crouching Tiger,Hidden Dragon Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, Chang Chen "As a big screen experience, "Crouching Tiger" is a feast for the senses, from the stunning, painterly landscapes,to the imaginative battles and fanciful wirework..." [Read the full review] The Dish Starring: Sam Neill, Kevin Harrington, Patrick Warburton, Tom Long ""It's science's turn to be daring", proclaims Sam Neill's Buxton, certainly the most heroic screen figure I can recall to sport Fred MacMurray's V-neck sweater and pipe..." [Read the full review] Ginger Snaps Starring: Emily Perkins, Katharine Isabelle, Kris Lemche, Mimi Rogers "Ginger Snaps" is yet another modern variation on the werewolf myth distinguished by a witty script, a wickedly morbid streak, and an affection embrace of genre conventions." [Read the full review] ivansxtc. (To Live and Die in Hollywood) Starring: Danny Huston, Lisa Enos, Peter Weller, Joanne Duckman "A long time fan of the versatile UK filmmaker Bernard Rose (you probably know him best for "Candyman" and "Immortal Beloved"), I was disappointed at this well-acted (esp. by director Danny Huston as Ivan, who slips into his father John's voice from time to time), but rather pointless fable warning, yet again, against the evils of the Hollywood." [Read the full review] Memento Starring: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Ann Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Stephen Tobolowsky "It reminded me most of "The Usual Suspects"; I instantly knew that "Memento" would require multiple viewings in order to fully realize how deeply brilliant it really is." [Read the full review] Pollack Starring: Ed Harris, Marcia Gay Harden, Amy Madigan, Jeffrey Tambor, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly " He believed the ACT of painting was as important as the finished work, and it's when Harris recreates these extended moments that the film is most arresting. No cutaways, no dissolves--the way in which Harris channels the artist's mindset is uncanny (you can almost see a metamorphosis come over him)." [Read the full review] The Princess and the Warrior Starring: Franka Potente, Benno Furmann, Joachim Krol, Marita Breuer ""The Princess and the Warrior" is as visually stunning as "Lola" was, and clearly shows Tykwer's broad range of talent as a writer and director."[Read the full review] Requiem for a Dream Starring: Jared Leto, Ellen Burstyn, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans, Christopher McDonald "Prison hell, electroshock therapy, sexual humiliation...even vivisection figure into one of the most damned-near-unbearable climaxes ever conceived." [Read the full review] Scarlet Diva Starring: Asia Argento, Jean Shepard, Vera Gemma, Daria Nicolodi " Some may find it--understandably--a noisy, tawdry egofest chock full of freshman effort pretensions, but I thought that in its best moments "Scarlet Diva" reminded me of "The Stendahl Syndrome" as ghost-written by Irvine Welsh." [Read the full review] Seance ("Korei") Starring: Koji Yakusho, Jun Fubuki, Teuyoshi Kusanagi " Far from an ambiguous cop out, the film's gruesome climax will leave you satisfied and shaken but arguing with friends for days. What more can you ask of a movie, other than we get a chance to see it beyond a repertory house one-off or convention bootleg?" [Read the full review] Shadow of the Vampire Starring: John Malkovich, Willem Dafoe, Cary Elwes, Eddie Izzard, Udo Kier " The standout performance belongs to Willem Dafoe, a living special effect as the mysterious "character actor" Max Schreck. Just as the strength of "Nosferatu" rested on Schreck's bony shoulders, so does the success of "Shadow" hinge on Dafoe's considerable command of the frame, skull-like features, and comic expertise." [Read the full review] A Shot at Glory Starring: Robert Duvall, Michael Keaton, Ally McCoist, Brian Cox, Kirsty Mitchell " I was shocked to learn that McCoist is actually a professional soccer player and not an actor. It's by far the best performance I've ever seen by a professional athlete." [Read the full review] Tell Me Something Starring: Hang Sukgyu, Shim Eunha, Chang Hangsun "It's as meticulously plotted and as gruesome as Argento's "Tenebrae", as sharp-edged and eerily antiseptic in its visual palette as Michael Mann's "Manhunter", and as intelligent as both. For that reason it shines" [Read the full review] Time and Tide Starring: Nicholas Tse, Wu Bai, Anthony Wong "Everyone in "Time And Tide" sure looked cool, though. Cool hair, cool clothes, cool facial sneers, cool multiple reflections, cool poses struck in doorways. Hell, every last thing in this movie looked "cool", from the buffed metal finish of the ultra-sexy handguns, to the kaleidoscope of downtown neon, to the way the shot would freeze "Matrix" style, the camera would truck around, and the mayhem would start up again." [Read the full review] The Weight of Water Starring: Sean Penn, Elizabeth Hurley, Catherine McCormack, Sarah Polley, Josh Lucas "Elizabeth Hurley--well, she sure looks great undressed (don't hold your breath for any "Weight Of Water" McFarlane Toys action figures). The best turn comes from the always-reliable Canadian actress Sarah Polley, whose haunted features illuminate tense, eerie scenes that play like they're from another film entirely, and come to think of it, aren't they?" [Read the full review]

Reviews by RobertL and Lidia F