This might be the day where I feel the most anticipation…either right ahead, or right behind Christmas Eve. This time tomorrow, I’ll have my TIFF ticket in my pocket and whistle my way through the workday chipper with the knowledge that awesome cinema awaits.

But as my festival draws ever nearer, I also start to consider what films I’m going to pick up as I go. This is where talking with people as the fest goes on is tantamount, since you never know which mind-blowing hit you’re *this* close to missing. Thus I wonder…will a linemate turn me on to this year’s PAN’S LABYRINTH? This year’s VENUS??

As it stands, I already have a shortlist of films I hope to scoop tickets for as TIFF goes along (part of the beauty of this festival – precious few shows are really and truly “sold out”). For starters, there’s BIUTIFUL and HEREAFTER which I missed off the opening draw.

After that, there’s BEAUTIFUL BOY starring Maria Belo and Michael Sheen. It’s the story of a couple trying to come to grips with the news that their son has committed a mass shooting at his college.

I’m a titch low on docs, so perhaps I’ll add TABLOID by master documentarian Errol Morris. I know Fletch can’t get enough doc coverage!

The pervy bastard in me could go for a dose of sex and choose LEAP YEAR. This sort of film, while somewhat awkward to watch with a full house is the sort of thing that will likely never see the light of day – thus, it’s appeal increases. (Admit it – you’re curious too).

A few years ago a Spanish film called EL ORFANATO gave me a good case of the heebie-jeebies (At one point I whimpered to Susie Q “Hold me, I’m scared”). Guess that holds promise for the fact that the same actress is starring in another Spanish twisted thriller called BAD FAITH.

Last but not least is something called RARE EXPORTS: A CHRISTMAS TALE. Why? Well the still shot in the guidebook shows three armed thugs holding Santa Claus in a cage. What more do you need?

Stay tuned to see what I do in fact add as the madness goes along…