FIRST LOOK: "ABRAHAM LINCOLN, VAMPIRE HUNTER"

Still from Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter

A Tim Burton-produced Movie without Johnny Depp or Helena Bonham Carter? How is that even possible? See this exclusive First Look at Director Timur Bekmambetov's Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter from 20th Century Fox. The $70-million production stars Benjamin Walker (Flags of our Fathers, Kinsey) as Abraham Lincoln and is described by Time Magazine as "an epic mixing of History, Fable and Fantasy"; a Mash-up if you will.  29-year-old Walker actually is the Son-in-Law of Meryl Streep, married to her Daughter Mamie Gummer.

The Action-Fantasy sees Lincoln being elected President, leading his Country into the Civil War with an agenda to rid America of Vampires.  We learn his own Mother was killed by a supernatural Creature.  Looks rather stunning with some finely-choreographed Action Sequences from the same Man who brought us Box Office-topper Wanted.

Politics and Vampires?  Sounds pretty quirky to me, wouldn't you agree?  Our Friends at 20th Century Fox Films Canada are mighty excited about this June 22, 2012 release which also stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Dominic Cooper. And yes, it will be in 3-D.

Watch the Preview in full below:

DOMINIC COOPER IN TORONTO FOR "THE DEVIL'S DOUBLE"

Dominic Cooper at TIFF 2009

Dominic Cooper is generating tons of buzz lately for his dual role in The Devil's Double, a film which has him playing both Saddam Hussein's reckless Playboy Son, Uday and also his hired Body Double, Latif Yahia.  The handsome Brit is known best for his work on films like Captain America: The First Avenger and TIFF 2009 favourite An Education.

Thus far the likes of Premiere, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter are praising Cooper for his work as being "excellent" and the term "Oscar-worthy" even has been thrown around.  He actually is currently in Toronto doing Press for The Devil's Double.

Cooper next can be seen in The Weinstein Co.'s My Week with Marilyn alongside Michelle Williams (who plays Marilyn Monroe), which surprisingly wasn't announced as a TIFF title this time around.  

Maple Pictures will be releasing The Devil's Double in Toronto on August 5, 2011 and the following week in Vancouver and Montreal.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

TIFF DAY 1 - AN EDUCATION REVIEW

The Toronto International Film Festival kicked off today and excitement has lit up the city. I caught the opening gala of An Education at Ryerson Theatre tonight. The film is rapidly catching fire after earning consistently strong reviews across the board at both the Sundance and Venice Film Festivals. Directed by Lone Scherfig, the film takes place in suburban London in the '60s and stars newcomer Carey Mulligan as Jenny, in what is arguably the breakthrough performance of the year. Jenny is a 16 year old girl who gets courted by a wealthy playboy twice her age, David (played by Peter Sarsgaard). She sacrifices her bid for acceptance at Oxford University in the name of love and soon gains "an education" on the importance of having one's own dream. Also, Alfred Molina's performance as Jenny's father was outstanding. Superb. Grade: A

Here are some pics I got from the gala for An Education below and luckily, I had a few moments to chat with Mulligan about her uncomfortable choice of footwear which made her laugh out loud. Also in attendance Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle and Mamma Mia/Mean Girls star Amanda Seyfried, the latter who I also got to chat with briefly. Sweet girl.

I was anticipating seeing Penelope Cruz tonight at the gala for Pedro Almodovar's latest film Broken Embraces, but had little luck. She arrived at her gala very late and the public was kept very distant from the talent at Elgin Theatre. Word is that she's been out and about around Yorkville shopping. Seeing that I live in the area, I'll keep those fingers crossed for a chance encounter perhaps.

All eyes were on Megan Fox this evening at Ryerson Theatre for the midnight madness screening of Jennifer's Body. Directed by Karyn Kusama and written by Diablo Cody (Juno), fans of Fox camped out at the venue from midday onwards for a chance to see Hollywood's hottest new starlet. She did not disappoint either, arriving shortly after 11:30 PM. Fox stole the spotlight quickly from co-stars Amanda Seyfried and Adam Brody who were very punctual, arriving an hour early. I managed only to snap one shot of Fox, but it came out pretty well considering the manic circumstances. Cody was also very gracious to pose for a photograph for me. Enjoy the photos below:

I'll be attending the gala for The Informant! tomorrow night starring Matt Damon, in what critics are calling his career-defining performance and possibly Jane Campion's new film Bright Star afterwards. Will be spending the day scoping out some Press Conferences and hopefully be bringing you some more gorgeous photos of Megan Fox!

Night!


xW