Fresh off last week’s maple-syrup-flavoured film announcement, TIFF unveiled the final portion of its 2011 film slate this morning, including eight galas and 18 special presentations. Oh, yeah — don’t forget the stars, because there’s going to be a lot of them (think Robert De Niro, Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Hudson, to name a few). Here’s our latest rundown of the flicks you don’t want to miss.
The Canuck Films
Afghan Luke
Best known for TV’s outlandish comedy, Trailer Park Boys, director Mike Clattenberg takes a dramatic turn with this dark comedy about the war in Afghanistan.
Goon
What’s a Canadian film fest without a movie about hockey? Starring co-writer Jay Baruchel along with Alison Pill and Eugene Levy, this story about a bouncer-turned-hockey player is a great example of Hollywood North.
Café de Flore
Director Jean-Marc Vallee (best known for past fest faves like C.R.A.Z.Y. and Young Victoria) returns with this supernaturally affected love story starring Johnny Depp’s other half, Vanessa Paradis (so you know there’s a good chance Johnny will show up for the premiere).
Sisters & Brothers
This is the final installment of director Carl Bessai’s improvised comedy trilogy that follows an assortment of siblings, including a hard-done-by “entrepreneur” and a schizophrenic who lives in the woods. And Cory Monteith co-stars for all you Gleeks out there.
Take this Waltz
Though this newest offering from Toronto darling Sarah Polley was announced last month, we’re still pretty psyched to catch this bittersweet romantic drama starring fellow Canadian Seth Rogen and the always great Michelle Williams.
The Rest of Them
Page Eight
This modern spy thriller from writer-director David Hare has the thrilling task of closing this year’s gala slate. Starring Bill Nighy and Rachel Weisz, the film is a cross between a more serious Mission: Impossible and a James Bond with a conscience.
Hysteria
A romantic comedy about the invention of the vibrator is sure to be an arousing success. It stars Maggie Gyllenhaal (who returns to her Secretary roots) and the affable chap Hugh Dancy.
Trespass
Nicole Kidman and Nicolas Cage star as a husband and wife who are held for ransom in this new thriller by director Joel Schumacher. We’re hoping this is the film that redeems Cage from making those National Treasure movies and from buying that weird pyramid.
Winnie
This film chronicles the life of Nelson Mandela’s long-suffering wife, Winnie, in a role played by Jennifer Hudson that has some people predicting she might be able to add another Oscar to her mantle.
Killer Elite
Robert De Niro, Clive Owen, Jason Statham. Only one seems a bit out of place: Statham (in a movie with DeNiro? The Transporter wasn’t that good). But, when you consider the film’s premise (a former special ops agent lured out of retirement to rescue his mentor, but who has to kill three veteran assassins to do so), then it makes total sense.
*Honourable mentions:
Memories of Idaho, the James Franco–Gus Van Sant installation collabo. Also, Violet & Daisy, which got our attention with its simple description: “Two girls. Some guns. A dress. A guy. A mess.” It stars Saoirse Ronan and Alexis Bledel.