FIRST LOOK: "SPRING BREAKERS"

Promo Photo for Spring Breakers

Getting a TIFF Premiere 6:00 PM on Friday, September 7, 2012 at Ryerson Theatre, this official First Look at Spring Breakers has just surfaced!  The Comedy centers around four College Girls who get thrown in jail after robbing a restaurant to fund their Spring Break. They get bailed out by a Drug/Gun Dealer who bails them out but gets them to help with some "dirty work". I'm hearing this one is v. bloody, violent and edgy. Must see.

Selena Gomez, James Franco, Heather Morris, Ashley Benson and Vanessa Hudgens all star in Harmony Korine's Spring Breakers.

Watch the Preview below:

2012 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRITY GUEST LIST AND SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED!

Megan Fox bracing herself for Fans at TIFF 2011

The day has come! The 2012 Toronto International Film Festival Schedule has officially gone live. Taking place from Thursday, September 6, 2012 through September 16, 2012, Film Lovers from all around the World will unite for the love of Cinema and the love of Stars!

As always, the action is opening weekend-heavy with Galas Argo, The Master, Anna Karenina and The Place Beyond the Pines and The Springbreakers all running in tandem Friday night.  Saturday night will see the star-studded Galas for Silver Linings Playbook, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Cloud Atlas and Thanks for Sharing.  Meanwhile towards the end of the Festival, those of you who missed-out the first time (as is expected) will have your chance to see additional screenings.

Click here to start planning your Schedule.

In addition, the following Filmmakers are set to appear at this year's Festival:

TIFF 2012 TITLES ANNOUNCED (UPDATED)

Still from Looper

Now just over a month away, TIFF 2012 is set to kick-off with the first round of Films premiering in Toronto announced earlier this morning at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Only 60 Titles have been announced thus far, meaning there are several more to come these next few weeks.

As predicted here recently, Looper from Alliance Films will be making its Debut with Opening Night Gala honours. TIFF's Artistic Director Cameron Bailey, says the Film was chosen because it appeals to multiple demographics.  "Feel free to stand up and cheer. It's just a fun opening night Movie!", he tells CP24. The Time Travel Action Flick stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt.

Others Films set to premiere include:

Argo - A CIA Specialist helps six Americans who have found shelter at the home of Canadian Ambassador during the Iranian Revolution. Stars Ben Affleck, John Goodman, Bryan Cranston, Clea Duvall and Taylor Schilling.

Anna Karenina - An Aristocrat embarks on a torrid Affair with an affluent Count. Stars Keira Knightley, Kelly MacDonald, Aaron Johnson and Jude Law.

To the Wonder - A Man reconnects with a Woman from his past after his Marriage to a European Woman falls apart. Stars Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams and Jessica Chastain.

Silver Linings Playbook - A former Teacher who was institutionalized, returns home to reconcile matters with his Ex-Girlfriend. He meets a mysterious Woman with her own problems. Stars Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.

The Master - A Drama set in the '50s about a Man whose Faith-based Organizations begin to catch-on with the help of his Right-hand Man. Stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Joaquin Phoenix. 

The Sessions - A Man with an iron Lung contracts a Sex Therapist to help him lose his Virginity. Stars Helen Hunt, William H. Macy and John Hawkes.

End of Watch - Two young Officers are marked for death after confiscating a small amount of Money and Firearms. Stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Anna Kendrick and Michael Pena.

Imogene - A Woman fakes Suicide to win back her Ex-Boyfriend, only to wind-up having to care for her Gambling-addicted Mother. Stars Kristen Wiig, Matt Dillon, Annette Bening and Natasha Lyonne.

Song for Marion – An elderly Man gets a new lease on life with the help of a Choir Leader. Stars Terence Stamp, Vanessa Redgrave and Gemma Arterton.

What Maisie Knew – A seven-year-old Girl is caught in a custody battle between her Parents, a Rockstar Mother and Drug Dealer Father. Stars Julianne Moore, Alexander Skarsgård and Steve Coogan.

Emperor – The fate of a Japanese Emperor is in question at the end of World War II. Stars Matthew Fox and Tommy Lee Jones.

The Hunt - A Kindergarten Teacher is falsely accused of Child Abuse. Stars Mads Mikkelsen and Thomas Bo Larsen.

The Place Beyond the Pines - A Motorcycle Driver considers committing a Crime to provide for his Wife and Child. Stars Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, Robert DeNiro, Rose Byrne and Bradley Cooper.

Quartet - A Comedy about three Seniors in a Home for retired Opera Singers. Stars Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly and Michael Gambon; Dustin Hoffman directs for the first time.

LEE DANIELS' "THE PAPERBOY" OFFICIAL TRAILER

Still from The Paperboy

Perhaps the most intriguing TIFF 2012 Film which still has yet to be announced. Zac Efron Fans, scroll to the 1:39 mark. That is all.

This already is looking like my favourite Film of 2012. It's got sizzling Drama, real Transformations and burning Intensity. Kidman. McConaughey. Cusack. Efron. Delicious.

Check out this just-released Trailer for Lee Daniels' (Precious) The Paperboy:

ELI ROTH IN TORONTO FOR "HEMLOCK GROVE"

Eli Roth in Toronto - July 2012

Producer/Writer/Director and sometimes Actor Eli Roth has been working away for the past month on his forthcoming Netflix Series, Hemlock Grove and although he's been to Toronto several times already, I never had the opportunity of meeting him.  Fan-friendly Roth was spotted out and about today in the City's Fashion District, up-and-at-'em early after an overnight Shoot last night.

The Hostel Director is attached as a Producer to RZA's upcoming Kung-Fu Flick The Man with the Iron Fists, starring Russell Crowe, Lucy Liu, Jamie Chung and Pam Grier.  There are rumours that Roth will be directing Crowe as Dracula also in Warner Bros.' Harker.  He also will be helming another Title, Green Inferno, due in theatres 2014.

Hemlock Grove films in the City till mid-December.

See Roth in-person Monday, July 30, 2012 at TIFF Bell Lightbox as he presents the Horror Flick, Cannibal Ferox. Get your tickets here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

TIFF 2012: POSSIBLE FILMS TO PREMIERE IN TORONTO

Still from Killing them Softly

With less than two months to go till TIFF 2012, there is much speculation about what Films we'll be seeing at this year's Festival.  One of my favourite Games is guessing which Films we'll see premiere here and although there are no guarantees, here are some of the great Films due for release in the next while which just may be premiere here in our City in September!  Let's compare notes, shall we?

End of Watch - Two young Officers are marked for death after confiscating a small amount of Money and Firearms. Stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Anna Kendrick and Michael Pena.

Liberal Arts - A 30-something Man falls for a 19-year-old Student when he revisits his Alma Mater. Stars Josh Radnor, Zac Efron and Elizabeth Olsen.

The Hunt - A Kindergarten Teacher is falsely accused of Child Abuse. Stars Mads Mikkelsen and Thomas Bo Larsen.

Looper - The Mob rids of their Target by sending him 30 years into the past where a Killer awaits. Stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt.

Beyond the Hills - A Drama about two Women who grew-up in an Orphanage. Stars Cosmina Stratan and Cristina Flutur.

Tar - A look at the life of Poet C.K. Williams. Stars James Franco, Mila Kunis, Zach Braff and Jessica Chastain.

ENTER TO WIN "FRIENDS WITH KIDS" ON DVD

Friends with Kids on DVD

One of the biggest hits of TIFF 2011 was Friends with Kids and after a few additional tune-ups and a decent run at the Theatres, the Jennifer Westfeldt acted, written and directed-Film is now seeing a DVD release.  We were at its Premiere - click here for a walk down Memory Lane!

Friends with Kids centers around two best Friends, Julie (Westfeldt) and Jason (Adam Scott) who decide to raise a Child together. Although their feelings for one another are completely platonic, we begin to see complexities develop as they each carry-on in their own respective romantic lives.

Starring an outstanding Supporting Cast which includes Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Megan Fox, Chris O'Dowd, Edward Burns and more, Friends with Kids is equal parts a Drama as it is a Comedy and a Romance.  It hits stores on Tuesday, July 17, 2012.

Touchwood PR, VVS Films and Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven are excited to offer Canadian Readers a chance to win one of five DVD copies up for grabs.  All you have to do to enter is "like" this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and be following me on Twitter.  Your deadline is Friday, July 13, 2012.  Good luck.

Don't forget to check-out Touchwood PR's Facebook Page for information on their upcoming releases.

(Photo credit: VVS Films)

GUILLERMO DEL TORO AT TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX FOR HITCHCOCK MASTER CLASSES

Guillermo del Toro in Toronto - May 2012

Acclaimed Mexican-born Director/Screenwriter Guillermo del Toro has been enjoying his stay in Toronto since last Fall, working on upcoming Warner Bros. Epic, Pacific Rim which wrapped earlier this month.  The Monsters versus Robots Action/Sci-Fi Flick stars Charlie Hunnam, Charlie Day, Idris Elba, Robert Kazinsky, Rinko Kikuchi and Clifton Collins Jr. Earlier this year, I had the honour of doing a week's worth of scenes on the $350-million Film which will see a July 2013 release.

The Director of well-known Titles as Hellboy and Pan's Labrynth, just completed a Series of Masterclasses at TIFF Bell Lightbox in honour of Alfred Hitchcock, last week doing two appearances and this week doing a final two.  Spending almost four hours last night watching and discussing North by Northeast with his Fans and Film Lovers, Del Toro had one thing on his mind afterwards: LUMA.  Although the Kitchen was ready to close, Staff were more than willing to cater to their Star Guest and his Entourage, offering them a Private Booth.  He has been known to frequent the Restaurant often during his stay here.

Del Toro was gracious, inviting me inside for a Snap and we bonded, thrilled to hear how much fun I had working on his Film.  Also present was his Wife, Lorenza Newton.

As always, I love sharing the fun. Click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook to enter to win a Signed Photo from del Toro!  You should also be following on Twitter here.  

In the near future I'll be posting about my experience on-set. Stay tuned!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

FAREWELL, CUMBERLAND FOUR.

Cumberland Four

So many memories. Yorkville's Cumberland Four Cinemas officially closed its doors as of Sunday night after having opened back in July 1981 under Famous Players, to be operated eventually by Cineplex in 2005. With the storied Four Seasons Hotel also having ceased operations recently, this can seen as the end of an Era in a corner of the City which may know a thing or two about spotting a Star.

I myself have many fond memories of the Theatre - seeing Movies which still to this day stick with me even though some of those Dates I went on there didn't, and I remember sneaking into "Double Features" with Friends when money was tight back in the day.  How could I forget about the time I got into a heated argument with my Dad while in University, taking-in a Movie there to blow-off some steam? Magically somehow by the time I got home everything was cool again.  

I saw many of my favourite Movies at the Cumberland Four including the likes of Juno, The Reader and Dreamgirls. I also recall having seen many a Celebrity there with Screenings once being held at the Venue during TIFF. My last Celebrity Spotting there was in April 2010, that being Joel Edgerton.

Rumour is that the Theatre will be transformed into a Nespresso Boutique Store.  The Switzerland-based Coffee Retailer is known for its high-end Espresso Makers and Capsules and the Location is said to be ready Fall 2013 after some remodeling.

Farewell, Cumberland Four.  Thank you for the being there.

xMRWILLW

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"COSMOPOLIS", "ON THE ROAD", "THE PAPERBOY", "LAWLESS" & MORE TO PREMIERE IN CANNES

Sarah Gadon & Robert Pattinson filming Cosmopolis in Toronto - May 2011

The complete Line-up for the 2012 Cannes Film Festival (May 16-27, 2012) has been announced and it will be a Twilight Cannes-vention for sorts with Megastar Couple  Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart each represented with both Toronto-filmed Cosmopolis (David Cronenberg) and On the Road  (Walter Salles) respectively. Both are listed as being in-competition for the prestigious Palme d'Or.

Also going in with a lot of buzz is Lawless starring Tom Hardy, Shia LeBeouf, Jessica Chastain, Gary Oldman, Guy Pearce and Mia Wasikowska. The Paperboy (Lee Daniels) starring Zac Efron, John Cusack and Matthew McConaughey, also comes highly-touted.

In addition to David Cronenberg being represented this year, his Son Brandon Cronenberg makes his directorial Feature Debut with Toronto-filmed Antiviral which stars Sarah Gadon (who also stars in Cosmopolis) and Malcolm McDowell, whom we interviewed recently.

Director Wes Anderson also is represented with Moonrise Kingdom starring Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Bruce Willis and Tilda Swinton, which is selected as the Festival's Opening Night Film, screening out-of-competition.

Here is the complete Line-up for the 2012 Cannes Film Festival:

CHARLIE HUNNAM CELEBRATES HIS 32ND BIRTHDAY IN TORONTO

Charlie Hunnam in Toronto - April 2012

Happy Birthday, Charlie Hunnam!  The handsome Brit might be a bit late celebrating his Birthday as he turned 32-years-old this past Tuesday, but it certainly was not forgotten as he hit the town tonight at Rich Nightclub on Richmond Street for a much-Tweeted-about Party. Although he was in a hurry to head into his Taxi, generously he made time for Fans stopping to pose for Photos, signing a few Autographs.  Apologetically, he flagged his Driver to hold for a bit.

Hunnam stated that he has wrapped Production on Pacific Rim, although Director Guillermo del Toro will appear to be in Toronto until at least May with four upcoming scheduled appearances at TIFF Bell Lightbox.  My Sources tell me del Toro loves Luma which is situated within that Venue, often seen dining there.

A couple months back, I completed a week's worth of scenes on Pacific Rim as a Background Performer and some time in the future I will post about my experience on-set!  Stay tuned.

Watch a Clip of Hunnam as he heads to his 32nd Birthday Party:

GUILLERMO DEL TORO TO APPEAR AT TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX IN MAY

Guillermo del Toro on the set of Pan's Labrynth

Do not say he doesn't love Toronto.  Acclaimed Director Guillermo del Toro will be doing not one - but four - appearances in May at TIFF Bell Lightbox as part of their Hitchcock Master Classes with Guillermo del Toro Series. Screenings of Frenzy, Shadow of a Doubt, North by Northwast and Notorious will be taking place from May 7, 8, 15 and 16, 2012 respectively.

Each Screening will be preceded by an hour-long Introduction, followed by an hour-long Lecture from del Toro himself.  Click here for details.

Although the Director's Pacific Rim, which has been filming here since last Fall will have wrapped by then he likely will be around for a bit thereafter doing Post-Production on it, in a race to get it in theatres for July 13, 2013!  Click here to meet some of Stars who have been Toronto over the past while.

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

ENTER TO WIN PASSES TO SEE "THE RAID: REDEMPTION" AND "ONE LIFE"

Gareth Evans (left) at TIFF 2011

One of the Films to gain the most buzz out of TIFF 2011 was The Raid: Redemption and now finally the Winner of the Midnight Madness Award will be seeing a release! Alliance Films and Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven want to see you at an Advance Screening of it next week!  I recall sitting a table over from the Director, Gareth Evans and the Stars of the gripping Action-Thriller about a SWAT Team entrapped by a Mobster and his Army of Killers at a Brunch last September, as we all devoured our Yogurt Parfaits and Eggs.  Now look at 'em! 

To enter to win a Double Pass to a Toronto Advance Screening on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at Scotiabank Theatre, simply click "like" on Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and also the corresponding Movie Poster!

And as if that weren't enough, Double Passes to see One Life also are up for grabs.  The BBC Earth Films Documentary narrated by Daniel Craig, promises to take us an a breathtaking Adventure as we meet all sorts of interesting characters.  The Screening also takes place Thursday, March 22, 2012 at AMC Yonge x Dundas and to enter, also click "like" on Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and this corresponding Movie Poster! Good luck, Mavenati!

Watch the Trailer for The Raid: Redemption:

"GAME OF THRONES" AUTHOR GEORGE R.R. MARTIN AT INDIGO MANULIFE CENTRE

George R.R.Martin & Mr. Will-W.

Toronto is completely enamoured with Game of Thrones and in addition to TIFF Bell Lightbox hosting an Exhibition in celebration of its upcoming second season, Author George R.R. Martin is joining-in on the fun.  After meeting Fans last night as part of that Venue's In Conversation With... Series, The New York Times #1 Bestselling Author spent just-under three hours signing Autographs for Fans at Indigo Manulife Centre tonight also.  Although, Martin was signing all Books written by himself, focus tonight was placed on his v. latest, A Dance with Dragons - released last July via Random House Canada.

With an estimated 800-1,000 Fans queuing around the block up from Bay Street to Balmuto Street in chilly temperatures, tonight's turnout is a true testament to the widespread appeal of Martin's Body of Work, with Fans of many visible demographics showing their support. Arriving prepared with an array of Sharpies and Pens customized to Fan's preferences, Martin apologized in advance for not being able to personalize each and every Book, even though he admits preferring to add that personal touch.

Like clockwork, Fans were ushered through, some getting a chance to pass him their Fanmail, some shaking his hand and some a little too starstruck to say anything at all.  In the end, all who queued got their moment with Martin thanks to great organization on the part of Indigo.  Nothing is more saddening than seeing Fans get turned away!  I myself got to shake his hand and was in-awe of the Santa Fe native's impressive beard!

Game of Thrones Season Two premieres Sunday, April 1, 2012 on HBO Canada. Click here for more.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"GAME OF THRONES" STAR MICHELLE FAIRLEY IN TORONTO FOR TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX EXHIBIT

Michelle Fairley in Toronto - March 2012

Acclaimed veteran Actress Michelle Fairley helped ring-in TIFF Bell Lightbox's Game of Thrones: The Exhibition last night in Toronto. The Exhibit features Weapons, Props, Video and Photography from the HBO Series, running from March 9-18, 2012.

The London-based Actress who plays the role of Catelyn Stark on the Series and was recognized for her work with a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series in 2011.  Prior to that she was seen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 as Mrs. Granger.

On March 8, 2012, Game of Thrones Author George R. R. Martin will be appearing at TIFF Bell Lightbox as part of their In Conversation With... Series.  The Event begins at 7:00 PM.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ELTON JOHN TO HEADLINE FASHION CARES 25

Elton John & David Furnish in Toronto - March 2011

As if September weren't already exciting enough of a month with TIFF energizing our City with some major Star Power, Elton John will be headlining Fashion Cares 25 on Sunday, September 9, 2012, as announced by Tanya Kim of CTV's eTalk here in her interview with him at his Oscars Afterparty last night.  He tells Kim, "I have a Canadian Husband, I have a Canadian Son", after expressing his excitement about the Event.

Although additional details still are to come, fortunately there will be enough Drama of the Cinematic variety that week during the Festival, separating John and his Archnemesis Madonna, who will be in-town also for two shows at the Air Canada Centre just a few days after on September 12-13, 2012.

(Photo credit: Stephen Fernandez)

INTERVIEW: THE CAST OF "GOON" - FEATURING SEANN WILLIAM SCOTT, LIEV SCHREIBER, JAY BARUCHEL, MICHAEL DOWSE & MORE

Seann William Scott at the Toronto Premiere of Goon - February 2012

Canadian Director Michael Dowse (Fubar, It's All Gone Pete Tong) premiered his latest Hockey-Comedy back in September at TIFF to rousing reception and now is ready to unleash a "rink of fire" to the masses.  Alliance Films has shown its firm vote of confidence in the distinctly-Canadian Film, touring it over the past week with stop-offs in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Montreal and tonight, Toronto.  

Montreal's Jay Baruchel not only co-wrote Goon together with Evan Goldberg, but also stars in it.  He is said to have been moved to tears by a surprise visit from now-Fiancée and then-Co-Star Alison Pill. The two developed a romance on-set and thus, the Film can be said to be a Labour of Love, in more ways than one. In addition to Dowse and Baruchel, talents David Paetkau, Liev Schreiber and Seann William Scott graced the Fan and Media-filled Red Carpet also at Toronto's Scotiabank Theatre.

Goon centers upon Doug (Scott), a Jewish-Canadian Bouncer and trained Boxer whom after years of struggling to find his niche, gets hired aboard a floundering Halifax Hockey Team as someone whose purpose solely is to help his Team win fights on-the-ice, fully utilizing those Boxing chops. Doug turns out to be a much better at his job than anticipated and this causes some friction within his Team, especially with its Captain of many vices Xavier (Marc-André Grondin), and also a competing team's soon-to-retire star, the tough-as-nails Ross (Schreiber). Along the way, Doug falls for Eva (Pill) whom at first appears emotionally unavailable, but nonetheless he is determined to win her affections. With the support of his Team and Buddy Pat (Jay Baruchel), he enjoys a celebrated, although stormy rise to the top - even if it should come at the expense of his overachieving Parents.

Certainly not lacking controversy, Goon has gained much Media attention of late for both its shocking Posters, showing Baruchel in what might be considered a lewd act, but more so its violent on-ice beatdowns.  A Representative for the City of Toronto has denied that it ordered the removal of the offending Posters namely from bus shelters, according to a probe by The Globe & Mail.

Baruchel poked fun at the situation, performing quickly an encore of the said lewd act for the Cameras, shouting "Here you go, one more time!".  On a more delicate note, I asked Baruchel about how this Film might be misconstrued solely as a tough, violent Film when in fact much of it actually is a Love Story.  "Yes, that's exactly right. I was raised to believe that toughness has nothing to do with being a good person or not", he comments.   "It's also a reaction to a terrifying trend in movies where they're always cynical and always come from a mean-spirited place. I just wanted to bring a happiness and heart back into Films.".

MADONNNA ANNOUNCES "MDNA" TOUR DATES: IN TORONTO SEPTEMBER 12TH

Madonna in Toronto - October 2008

Hot on the heels of her epic Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show Performance, Madonna announces her MDNA Tour dates.   Almost exactly one year after she walked the Red Carpets here in Toronto in support of directorial debut W.E., she returns once again, just a couple blocks away to Air Canada Centre on Wednesday, September 12, 2012.  Only one date is listed so far but as has been the case prior, don't be surprised to see additional dates added.  Unfortunately for many Torontonians, this conflicts with the Toronto International Film Festival which already will be creating lots of traffic, buzz and excitement in the City.

Tickets go on sale Monday, February 13, 2012 via Ticketmaster and Live Nation.  One can expect to pay upwards of $300 for a decent seat in the house and VIP Packages are available.

Click here for a complete list of Canadian dates.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ATOM EGOYAN IN TORONTO FOR "CRUEL AND TENDER"

Atom Egoyan & Mr. Will-W.

Toronto's v. own Atom Egoyan needs little introduction.  The Academy Award-nominated Director (The Sweet Hereafter) is back home right now working on Martin Crimp's Stage Play, Cruel and Tender.  The Canadian Stage production which explores War in the domestic and political spheres, reunites him and his Wife, Actress Arsinée Khanjian once again after they first met 30 years ago working together on his Film Next of Kin.

It was also just announced that Egoyan once again will be reuniting this Summer too with Colin Firth, who starred in his 2005 Film Where the Truth Lies, in an upcoming Drama titled Devil's Knot.  Firth will be starring alongside another Academy Award Winner in Reese Witherspoon, with the Film being based upon the true story of three Men - The West Memphis Three - who wrongfully were convicted of Murder.  Looks like a good one!

Egoyan was at the TIFF Bell Lightbox earlier this evening discussing his 1999 Film, Felicia's Journey before an intimate audience, stopping for a quick Photo on his way in.  Despite his many acclaimed works, my personal guilty pleasure is his 2009 Erotic Thriller, Chloe starring Amanda Seyfried, Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore!

"WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from We Need to Talk About Kevin

We Need to Talk About Kevin, based on the Novel of the same title by Lionel Shriver, is about a Woman named Eva (Tilda Swinton) whose free-spirited dreams of traveling the World are thwarted prematurely when she meets successful Businessman Franklin (John C. Reilly).  Soon she becomes pregnant and is forced to settle down. As time passes, we realize that something isn't quite right with her Son Kevin (played earlier by Jasper Newell and later by Ezra Miller), learning at young age to rebel and manipulate his Parents. Kevin ultimately goes on to massacre students at his High School, leaving Eva tormented psychologically by the aftermath of his actions.

Easily one of her finest performances yet, Swinton sadly was omitted from this year's list of Oscar nominees for her work in We Need to Talk About Kevin. Miller's breakthrough portrayal of a Sociopath also is resonant and authentic.  The bone-chilling Thriller is the rare type of Film that haunts you months after seeing it and ultimately, you find yourself obsessing over action and consequence. Is there anything that could have been done to prevent the dire outcome of this sordid tale of Mother and Son, or was their fate sealed from the start, we wonder?

Director Lynne Ramsay skilfully manages to keep much of the gore out of sight, instead opting for a more cerebral experience using images of tomato soup, splattered red paint, crushed lychees which just as effectively tell the story for us.  Easily, one of the more moving and memorable Films to surface in the past while.  eOne Films releases We Need to Talk About Kevin on February 10, 2012.

See Photos of Swinton and Miller in Toronto last Fall for TIFF:

• Tilda Swinton at TIFF 2011 for We Need to Talk About Kevin
• Ezra Miller at TIFF 2011 for We Need to Talk About Kevin