Thanks, That Was Fun

So another Toronto International Film Festival is behind us…maybe now I can get back to watching movies at a normal pace! I had a great time this year, and count 18 out of my 20 films as ones I would recommend – a much higher ratio than usual! I’d like to think that I’m just getting better at picking them, but I’m hearing lots of talks that 2007 was one of TIFF’s best batches of films in a long while.

Also for the first time, I’ve seen two out of the top three vote-getters for The Audience Choice Award. FYI, EASTERN PROMISES was announced as the winner today, with JUNO finishing second, and BODY OF WAR third.

To wrap it all up, here are 21 Thoughts on The 2007 TIFF

• My fest favorites: CONTROL, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, JUNO
• I’m gonna set 4:1 odds that TIFF’s website crashes next year the day the schedule goes up – takers?
• Hey Isabel Bader volunteers – next time, can we come in out of the rain?
• Can’t wait to check out some of the biggies I skipped: MICHAEL CLAYTON, RENDITION, EASTERN PROMISES and CASSANDRA’S DREAM
• Two friends backed out of screenings they had me get tickets for them – next year, all my friends are on their own.
• Damn that RELIGULOUS looks good – can’t wait for it to hit screens!
• I still can’t believe I got to meet Anton Corbijn!
• That Anti-Piracy “Arrrrgh” sure was fun. can we do that again next year?
• I really wish The Ryerson and Elgin would start letting people bring their own food/drinks in.
• Most memorable thing I said to a celeb: “Hey Jennifer Garner, can you tap Diablo on the shoulder for me?”
• My fest letdowns: DEATH DEFYING ACTS, MISTER LONELY
• Can’t remember the last time a fest started with a heat wave and ended with a cold snap. Gotta love September in Canada.
• Many thanks to my bro and adopted sis who took amazing care of me in helping me get tickets this year.
• I’m actually looking forward to going back to work next week so I can sleep in later than 5:30am
• Best fest experience: The BODY OF WAR screening featuring Donohue, Young, and Vedder all present
• Note to self – increase Midnight Madness, foreign, and Canadian content in my 2008 picks.
• Me: “Hey rush line people, does anyone want a free ticket?” Rush Line Guy: “No, we’re pass holders, so there should be tickets available for us to buy” (Ohhh–kayyyy…)
• Am I the only one who wasn’t annoyed by the Cadillac ad with the guy pitching movies?
• I had some really nice linemates this year – thank you all, though I’m sure you won’t read this.
• 2007’s winner of the “I’m Too Tired – I’m Ditching It” Award: OPERATION FILMMAKER
• When I go see THE DARJEELING LIMITED in a few weeks, will the director be at my multiplex for a q & a?
• Thanks to everyone who read this space during the fest…please keep checking in for more of my movie writing.