"ROCK OF AGES" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Rock of Ages

Although I have yet to see the Stage Version of Rock of Ages, I can say with complete confidence that its Film Adaptation stands magnificently on its own as a thrilling Moviegoing Experience. Adam Shankman (A Walk to Remember, Hairspray) delivers an electrifying display of Showmanship and he will forever be known as the Director who convincingly transformed Tom Cruise into a Rock Star here.

The Premise is familiar: a Smalltown Girl named Sherrie (Julianne Hough) and a City Boy named Drew (Diego Boneta) who meet in Hollywood, working at Hotspot called The Bourbon Room, with dreams and aspirations of making it big. They are brought together by their undying passion for Rock 'n' Roll, even though they are an unlikely pairing.  At the same time, financially-ailing The Bourbon Room faces the tight scrutiny of Mayor Whitmore (Bryan Cranston) and his Wife Patricia (Catherine Zeta-Jones) due to some unpaid taxes and its promoting of immoral values; a watchful eye triggered passionately perhaps by a personal motive on the latter's part.  All the while, washed-up Rock Legend Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise) soon is set to hit the stage in a highly-publicized performance which could be the Club's saving grace.  Rock of Ages however, is so much more than its Synopsis suggests.  It is a Celebration of the Power of Music; an embodiment of Rock 'n' Roll's rebellious spirit. It is an emphatic statement about believing in your dreams and fighting the fight for them.

Filled with superb performances from its Ensemble, Newcomer Diego Boneta wows at first asking in his Debut, while Dancing with the Stars Alumni Julianne Hough solidifies her place as a real Movie Star.  No one can deny the infectious charisma and energy of both Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin, while Oscar Winner Catherine Zeta-Jones gives us her tightest performance since Chicago - getting a chance to do exactly what she does best here.  Surprisingly good is Toronto's own Malin Åkerman as an uptight Rolling Stone Journalist. The biggest revelation of all here is Tom Cruise's jaw-dropping work as Stacee Jaxx - a mishmash of Jim Morrison, Axl Rose and Jon Bon Jovi. Many will be surprised, if not stunned by his performance which surely will garner some Awards buzz even this early in the Season.

ENTER TO WIN "ROCK OF AGES" - ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK

Official Artwork for Rock of Ages - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

I've been going on about it at length on Twitter all week and now it's your turn to enjoy it. Universal Music Canada & Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven want to give Readers a chance to win a copy of the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to Rock of Ages, now in-stores!

Even if like me you haven't yet seen the Broadway Musical, you won't be able to resist some of these Big Arena Covers of our favourite Rock Tunes of the '80s-early '90s.  Better yet, did I mention that these versions heard/seen in the Movie are performed by Mary J. Blige, Julianne Hough, Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Diego Boneta ... and TOM CRUISE?  Your jaws will drop. Your socks will be knocked.

The superbly-infectious Soundtrack includes the following Tracks:

1. Paradise City - Guns N'Roses (Tom Cruise)

2. Sister Christian/Just Like Paradise/Nothin' But A Good Time - Night Ranger & David Lee Roth & Poison (Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin)

3. Juke Box Hero/I Love Rock 'n' Roll - Foreigner & Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (Diego Boneta, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand and Julianne Hough)

ADAM SHANKMAN IN TORONTO FOR "ROCK OF AGES"

Adam Shankman in Toronto - June 2012

They don't come more well-rounded than Adam Shankman. The Director/Actor/Choreographer/Producer landed in Toronto last night to do a round of Press for the widely-awaited Motion Picture Adaptation of Rock of Ages from Warner Bros.  Shankman got one of his first breaks dancing for Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson and his directorial Efforts are v. familiar to us including 2007's Hairspray and 2002's A Walk to Remember.

The $80-million Musical Comedy centers around two Singers, Drew (Diego Boneta) and Sherrie (Julianne Hough) who arrive in Hollywood with dreams of making it big. In the meantime, they take jobs at famed The Bourbon Room and soon learn that life in Los Angeles isn't quite what it's cut-out to be.  The Film stars also Paul Giamatti, Alec Balwdwin, Russell Brand, Mary J. Blige, Malin Åkerman, Bryan Cranston and Catherine Zeta-Jones.  Its biggest secret Weapon also happens to be its biggest Star Tom Cruise as sexy, washed-up Rock Star Stacee Jaxx, ready to impress the world with a full-on transformation in this is first Role requiring him to sing.  

Spirited Shankman was said to have taken a Photo on his Cell Phone of the Audience for Cruise last night at a Screening held at AMC - Yonge & Dundas, encouraging the Audience to have fun, dance and sing along.  

I caught-up with him earlier today as he finished a series of Radio Interviews following a Breakfast Television appearance at CityTV.  Host Dina Pugliese has nothing but raves for the Film, in theatres June 15, 2012 giving it "two thumbs up!" on Twitter.

 I'll be reviewing Rock of Ages shortly, so stay tuned for that! In the meantime, preview its Original Motion Picture Soundtrack in full here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ROBERT PATTINSON IN TORONTO FOR PREMIERE OF "COSMOPOLIS"

Toronto Premiere of Cosmopolis - June 2012

Just one year after wrapping Production on David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis, The Twilight Saga Megastar Robert Pattinson returns to the City where it all happened.  Premiering earlier this evening at TIFF Bell Lightbox, Co-Stars Sarah Gadon, Emily Hampshire, Kevin Durand and Paul Giamatti joined-in on the fun with Cronenberg, presenting the Film to Toronto Fans.  

Hundreds gathered in front of the Building with some Fans camping-out 30-plus hours in advance for a chance to get up-close to Pattinson today.  Although many Fans succeeded in getting Autographs and Photos with Pattinson, there were a number of complaints heard from others, especially those who lined-up overnight.  Without any particular structure and Barricades finally being set-up less than an hour before the Red Carpet began, many who waited overnight saw others by-pass them to the front of the queue.  One upset Fan tells me, "This isn't fair. I got nothing!". Another tells me, "This is really disappointing.".  Some felt the Venue wasn't particularly Fan-friendly without a sufficient area designated for Fans to wait.

Pattinson as always looked handsome in Dior Homme, arriving on the Red Carpet to screaming Fans shortly after 7:00 PM, making his way briskly though his Fans.  He spent most of the earlier part of the day doing Interviews out of his Hotel together with Giamatti, Durand, Gadon, Cronenberg and Hampshire.  Later in the day, he along with a four-SUV Fleet took an underground entrance into the CBC Building to do Interviews with George Stroumboulopoulos.

OFFICIAL "COSMOPOLIS" POSTER & FRENCH TEASER TRAILER

Official Artwork for Cosmopolis

Although we're still waiting on a North American release date for it, several overseas dates have been inked ranging from May to December 2012 throughout Europe and Australia.  This saddens me a bit as it means that Toronto won't be hosting its actual World Premiere at TIFF 2012, although there still is a possibility it may be presented still as a Gala here come September. Fingers crossed.

Above is the official Artwork for David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis, filmed in Toronto last Summer in what appears to be a Photo from his Photographer Daughter Caitlin, who was responsible for some of the first Stills which surfaced. With a French Teaser Trailer being released last week, the Film has the Director giving us what he does best - extreme violence and tons of edge.  I already am feeling some hints of his earlier work like Videodrome and Crash. This certainly isn't the same Robert Pattinson we saw in Twilight and Water for Elephants.  Nope.  Eric Packer has arrived!

One of the biggest shocks upon perusing the Poster in-detail is that Somolian-Canadian Singer K'Naan stars in the Film too. Will there be a Musical Sequence too?  I kid.

Watch the Teaser below:

18TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS RECAP

Viola Davis - 18th Annual SAG Awards

The 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were held at The Shrine in Los Angeles earlier this evening, with Winners being determined by 2,100 Actors voting to honour their Peers for their brilliant work.  Viola Davis was Queen of the Red Carpet in a gorgeous white Marchesa dress, while her The Help Co-star Emma Stone looked stunning also in a black Alexander McQueen number.  Although the Ladies of Bridesmaids won over the audience re-enacting a drinking game on-stage around the word "Scorese", it was the Cast of The Help which was awarded Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

Viola Davis was a bit of a surprise winning Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role in The Help (defeating Meryl Streep) and Jean Dujardin for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role in The Artist. Both wins for further solidify that they too just  might win Best Actress and Actor at next month's Academy Awards.

A recurring theme among tonight's SAG Award Winners was that it's never too late to be recognized.  For one, 82-year-old Christopher Plummer earned his first SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Beginners.  Some also might have been surprised that 90-year-old veteran Actress Betty White won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for Hot in Cleveland, beating-out Julie Bowen, Sofia Vergara, Tina Fey and Edie Falco. Another late to gain recognition is 62-year-old Jessica Lange, honoured for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series with American Horror Story.  

THE IDES OF MARCH - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from The Ides of March

The Ides of March certainly has the pedigree of an Oscar contender, but does it live up to its deafeningly-loud buzz? Perhaps so, perhaps not. At 30 years of age, Stephen (Ryan Gosling) is the Mastermind behind the Political Campaign of Presidential Candidate, Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney). After becoming involved with 20 year-old intern Molly (Evan Rachel Wood) and unexpectedly being wooed by the Brain behind a powerful opponent to Governor Morris in Tom (Paul Giamatti), Stephen finds himself caught in a thick, knotted web of corruption, betrayal and deception, himself struggling to do what is right and more importantly, survive in the cut-throat world of Politics.

Make no mistake, The Ides of March is a highly-watchable and engaging affair, marked overall by strong performances in particular from Gosling and Wood, the latter perhaps benefiting most from her work here as a lovelorn Seductress.  Having also seen Gosling's Drive recently,  it is plain to see where he invested his focus best, with both Films seeing a release over the past month. This Political Drama's most pivotal moment comes where Stephen and Governor Morris face-off  quietly and icily, handled with tight precision as Director/Co-writer Clooney draws-in our focus to the expressions on their Talking Heads and intense dialogue.

ENTER TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO A TORONTO ADVANCE SCREENING OF "THE IDES OF MARCH"

The Ides of March Official Artwork

The Ides of March takes place during the frantic last days before a heavily contested Ohio Presidential primary, when an up-and-coming campaign Press Secretary (Ryan Gosling) finds himself involved in a political scandal that threatens to upend his candidate’s shot at the Presidency.

Missed it at TIFF 2011? Don't fret. Alliance Films & Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven are excited to offer Readers a chance to win Double Passes to see George Clooney’s The Ides of March. With a superb Cast that includes Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei, Paul Giamatti and Clooney himself, the Political Drama already is considered a Frontrunner for Best Picture at the Oscars. The Screening takes place Thursday, October 6, 2011 7:30 PM at Scotiabank Theatre.

  The Ides of March hits theatres Friday, October, 7, 2011.

To qualify for 1 of 20 pairs of Passes to an Advance Screening in Toronto, all you have to do is click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven’s Facebook Page. Your deadline is October 3, 2011. Good luck, Mavenati!

And while you're there, don't forget to enter to win a signed Ryan Gosling Photo and copy of the Novel, Drive!  Follow me on Twitter too!

See its Trailer in full below:

PAUL GIAMATTI AT TIFF FOR "THE IDES OF MARCH"

Paul Giamatti in Toronto - September 2011

I'm sorry, this means a lot to me, actually!  I love Paul Giamatti and have been in-love with his acting for some time now.  His performance in Sideways, which premiered at TIFF back in 2004, to this day still resonates within me to this day and how could we forget his tour-de-force work in last year's Barney's Version?  Giamatti reaches uncharted levels of depth and truly has an understanding of the complex characters he often plays; often the Underdog.

I spotted the brilliant Actor today after returning from a Press Conference for George Clooney's The Ides of March and despite trying his best to remain low-key, he still obliged kindly to my request for a Photo.  A Gentleman.

The Actor who spent part of his Summer here in Toronto filming David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis, can also be seen in the upcoming Film Adaptation of Rock of Ages.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

NEW TRAILER FOR "THE IDES OF MARCH"

Still from The Ides of March

"I'll do or say anything if I believe in it. But I have to believe in the cause.".

The stakes are big in this new Trailer for The Ides of March, which not only is premiering at TIFF this September, but also it is a mega Oscar-contender for Best Picture. See Ryan Gosling star as an Intern, Stephen Myers, assisting with on the campaign of a Presidential Hopeful, played by Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney). Things get just a little competitive and heated when Stephen finds out something dark and shady about Mike that goes against his beliefs.  

My question is, what is Gosling up for here, Best Supporting Actor or Lead Actor as he appears to have the most screen time?  This looks like a The Devil Wears Prada type scenario in 2007 which saw Anne Hathaway get more screen time, but instead Meryl Streep be in the running for Best Actress.  Clooney of course is Streep and Gosling of course is Hathaway.

See the Trailer in full below:

MORE ROBERT PATTINSON GREETING FANS ON "COSMOPOLIS" SET | KRISTEN STEWART CONFIRMED SIGHTINGS

Robert Pattinson in Toronto - July 2011

You Robert Pattinson Fans are just so wonderful and vocal, so why not give you back even more RPattz? The Cosmopolis star greeted hoards of Toronto Fans on the final outdoor shoot for the Film. The session lasted approximately ten minutes as he made his way through every single Fan  (under 100) in-waiting ensuring they received an Autograph.  It is said that the remainder of filming for the David Cronenberg Film is scheduled til July 19th in Toronto - all interior.  Early reports indicated that some Production would take place in New York City although it is unclear whether this still is on the agenda.

And yes, there were multiple confirmed accounts of his Partner Kristen Stewart accompanying Pattinson to the Set with their Dog Bear.  Our dear Friend Photographer Stephen Fernandez was the only one to snap a shot of her quickly dashing out of their Vehicle into their Trailer.  Click here to see it - it was a blink and miss moment we hear. One Fan tells us that amidst all the frenzy for Pattinson, she had approached their Vehicle, discreetly asking Stewart for an Autograph which she quietly declined with a nod trying to remain under the radar.

Pattinson who normally wears a Baseball Cap when greeting Fans, gave them a peek at his asymmetrical Hipster-esque Hair for the final part of the Film.  What do you think of it?

Why, of course you need to see the Photos!....

ROBERT PATTINSON GREETS FANS ON TORONTO SET OF "COSMOPOLIS"

Robert Pattinson greeting Toronto Fans

Although I wasn't feeling particularly amazing at all today, I got some rest and pulled myself together by Evening for all you RPattz Fans - only because you've all been so wonderful to me!

Cosmopolis continued into its third day of Filming here in Toronto, with one of my favourite Diners in Little Portugal providing the backdrop. The Production Crew, after taking measures to Paparazzi-proof their Set yesterday on Mercer St., took similar precautions again today in keeping Megastar Robert Pattinson's Trailer out of sight. Fans waiting the entire day by the front of the Restaurant failed to get a glimpse of him all day with him being ushered in and out through the back of the establishment.

After locating Pattinson's Trailer, I found a few devout and savvy Fans who had been waiting patiently the entire day in the area.  Unfortunately they had failed to catch his attention as he went in and out of his Trailer.  One Fan after growing tired of waiting, finally approached Pattinson's Handler Dean, asking if there was any remote possibility of obtaining an Autograph even.  She however had been told by him, "Probably not - there's too many people around", shielding his attention-shy Client.  In total there were six Fans in-waiting.

Around 8:00 PM a glimmer of hope appeared as Pattinson entered his Trailer again for one final wardrobe change for the day - a change back into his Everyday Wear: a Stussy T-shirt, his Long Beach 49ers Baseball Cap and a pair of Jeans.  He officially had wrapped for the day after a long, grueling day in the Heatwave which has hit the City.  After flagging him over, we were shocked to see Pattinson actually respond to us, coming over to personalize Photos and Magazines for us one-by-one in his best possible Penmanship.   

ROBERT PATTINSON ON THE SET OF "COSMOPOLIS" IN TORONTO

Robert Pattinson on the set of Cosmopolis

It's official, Toronto is P.O.'d, or Pattinsoned-out. At least for today anyway. The British Hearththrob took over Financial District today with Filming taking place for David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis - the first official outdoor shoot for the Film in the City.

With the street transformed into New York City with an abundance of yellow Cabs and its signature Newsstands, much of today's filming centered around a Deli (click here to see). In attendance today were cast members Kevin Durand (who we spotted yesterday in Yorkville) and Sarah Gadon.

Fans who lined-up early, were kept at a distance from their hopes of meeting the Twilight Saga Hunk. Handlers told them, "We won't be bringing him over there!", managing expectations accordingly. This didn't prevent the determined from trying though as onlookers got a generously helping of Pattinson as he went in and out of his Trailer onto the Set just one block over.

An attention-shy Pattinson had his Lunch delivered to him in his deluxe Trailer from Craft Services and was seen with a bottle of Nestea Iced Green Tea in his hand walking into his Make-up Trailer for a touch-up.  Noticing Paparazzi and Fans trying to snap away, he at one point tried hiding behind his Handler, before toughening-up and braving the Cameras.  One Paparazzi got in a little too close and was warned, "You better stay back or I'm gonna make sure everyone else gets their Photos except you!".  Ouch.

Wrapping around 5:00 PM, Fans received a friendly wave from Pattinson before he headed off for the day.

Enjoy this Clip I got of Pattinson below heading to his Make-up Trailer:

"COSMOPOLIS" STAR KEVIN DURAND SPOTTED IN TORONTO

Kevin Durand & Mr. Will-W.

With Filming having begun earlier this week for David Cronenberg's new Film Cosmopolis, much speculation has been made about which Cast members actually are in-town and more importantly, where the Cast has been filming.  Robert Pattinson Fans have been growing impatient with the lack of confirmed sightings on Social Utilities like Twitter.

Worries were laid to rest as Pattinson was spotted out and about on Thursday night at Queen St. haunt Horseshoe Tavern, enjoying some Live Music from British Folk Act Johnny Flynn. Luckily, one Fan (@Flinstones1973) managed to snap a Photo together with him outside.  Click here to see it.

Earlier today while strolling through Yorkville I crossed paths with one of his Co-stars, a v. tall and ripped Kevin Durand who stars in the Film as Torval.  Durand appeared to have been fresh off a jog, walking with a slight limp and sporting an array of Tattoos, visible under this Tank Top.  

I had a moment to chat with the Fan-friendly Durand, who described working with Cronenberg as being "really cool!".  He also mentioned upcoming $80 million Sci-Fi Boxing Film Real Steel in which he stars alongside Hugh Jackman (also in Toronto this Summer), telling me that much of his part in fact involves Computer Animation. Heading back into his temporary Residence after taking a Snap together, I saw him walk towards his window moments later, where he looked out towards the street, checking messages on his Phone (seen above).  Durand apparently arrived last week as sightings were reported as early as then.

"BARNEY'S VERSION" RECEIVES 11 GENIE NOMINATIONS

Rosamund Pike at TIFF 2010

Congratulations to the Cast and Crew of Barney's Version, which received an astonishing eleven nominations at this year's Genie Awards.  The Comedy/Drama received nods in the categories of Best Lead Actor (Paul Giamatti), Best Lead Actress (Rosamund Pike), Best Supporting Actor (Dustin Hoffman) and Best Supporting Actress (Minnie Driver).  Director Richard J. Lewis is also up for Best Director.

Following closely behind Barney's Version is Denis Villeneuve's Incendies with a total ten nominations.  It is considered the closest threat to Barney's Version in the coveted Best Picture category. The Film is Canada's entry at the Oscars for Best Foreign Picture.

The Ceremony which will be held in Ottawa on March 10, 2011 at the National Arts Centre, honours the best in Canadian Film and will be broadcast on CBC. 

For more on The Genies, click here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 68TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS

Aaron Sorkin

For those of you who missed the 68th annual Golden Globes tonight on NBC, here's a recap and some highlights:

-The Social Network executes a full-on assault on the evening, winning most major Awards - Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Director (David Fincher), Best Screenplay (Aaron Sorkin) and Best Score (Trent Reznor)

-The televised broadcast going black as Natalie Portman is announced as a nominee for Best Actress in a Drama Motion Picture for Black Swan.  Of course she won joking, "That Man - Benjamin Millepied - he`s the best Actor ever because in the Film he said he wouldn`t sleep with me and look, he really does want to sleep with me! ". Millepied is now engaged to Portman and the Father of their Child, to be born this Summer.

-Colin Firth winning Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama for The King's Speech and true to character, delivering understated words.  No surprises there.

-A recovering Michael Douglas presenting the Award for Best Motion Picture - Drama to The Social Network Producer Scott Rudin; Douglas received a standing ovation.

ROBERT PATTINSON POSSIBLE IN TORONTO FOR NEW CRONENBERG FILM "COSMOPOLIS"

Robert Pattinson

It's about time Toronto got a break as our Filming Production list of late has been sparse enough to strip us of our "Hollywood North" honours! But get this, Director David Cronenberg has cast Twilight's Robert Pattinson in his next project Cosmopolis as revealed by Deadline. Colin Farrell originally was considered for the role of Eric Parker, but it is Pattinson in the end who wins the heart of the acclaimed Canadian Storyteller. And besides, Farrell will likely get a much bigger paycheque for his work on the new Total Recall Film, also shooting here later in the year with that $200 million budget. Earlier reports had Cronenberg set on Toronto as a locale for the shoot.

The character of Eric is said to be a dangerous risk-taking Businessman who gambles his fortune and potentially his life.

BARNEY`S VERSION - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Barney`s Version

With tons of buzz surrounding Richard J. Lewis' Barney's Version, an adaptation of the Mordecai Richler Novel, I can say with certainty that it delivers big. Driven by a remarkable performance from the always-excellent Paul Giamatti as unlikely rule-breaking hero Barney Panofsky, much of the Film is set in Montreal where the Television Producer finds a deep and passionate love with Miriam (Rosamund Pike) after two failed marriages with Clara (Rachelle Lefevre) and Mrs. P (Minnie Driver).

Life according to Barney is all-or-nothing, resulting in many highs and lows. It is this philosophy which sees him getting his heart broken with two of his Best Friends (one whom he is accused of murdering - Boogie played by Scott Speedman) having affairs with both of his ex-Wives. It is also his impulsiveness which leads him to pursue the eventual love his life Miriam on the very night of his second wedding (to Driver`s character). And he does score big, finding many years of happiness with Miriam after finally winning her heart.  As he ages and his memory begins to fail him with the onset of Alzheimer`s Disease, will Barney`s impulsiveness get the best of him and lead to his demise?

BILL CLINTON FILMS CAMEO FOR "THE HANGOVER: PART II"

Bill Clinton

Too amazing for words! Former U.S. President Elect Bill Clinton was spotted in Bangkok this past Saturday filming a Cameo for upcoming The Hangover: Part II from Director Todd Phillips.  My favourite U.S. President! 

The Sequel sees the boys Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha and Ed Helms getting kidnapped this time around, although there are no further details about its Plot at this time. Other stars to sign on include Liam Neeson and Paul Giamatti, while Mike Tyson and Ken Jeong also will be reprising their roles.

The film will hit theatres the weekend of Memorial Day (May 30, 2011), which seems a tad rushed, doesn't it?

REVIEW: THE LAST STATION

Director/screenwriter Michael Hoffman has achieved his greatest accomplishment yet with historical drama The Last Station.  The film is about Russian author Leo Tolstoy in his final days and it documents his very public struggle to remain true to the values he preaches to live a life of peace, non-resistance and being abstaining from luxury.  He is torn between loyalties to his greatest champion, Vladimir Chertkov (Paul Giamatti) and wife Sofya (Helen Mirren), as they dispute his final will and who shall own copyright of his literary catalogue.  Chertkov believes the public should own copyright to it as this is what Tolstoy's work would suggest, while Sofya feels his family and she, the wife and mother of their 13 children, should have this right.

Simultaneously, we are introduced to Valentin Bulgakov (James McAvoy) who is hired aboard as Tolstoy's secretary.  He is a great admirer of Tolstoy's work and tries to live his life according to the values he promotes, including the virtues of celibacy.  Bulgakov soon learns that the world is not perfect and that love can change everything, after falling madly in love with free-spirited Masha (Kerry Condon).  While working under Tolstoy, Bulgakov witnesses the heated drama first-hand and he is torn between his loyalties to Chertkov who landed him his prestigious job and also, Sofya.  Meanwhile, she is growing increasingly suspicious of Chertkov's influence on her husband and her insecurities get the best of her as her husband begins to pull away, longing to live his final days in peace.

The Last Station is a beautifully acted film.  Mirren shows dynamic range from playful seductress to an outright fiery bitch when it comes to her own financial security.   Yes again, she proves that she is Oscar worthy as the true star of the show.  Maybe perhaps enough to give early favourite Sandra Bullock (The Blind Side) a surprise upset?  And despite her irrational outbursts, we cannot help but feel that she is justified in her actions as in the real world, love and financial entitlement are things a wife should be entitled to.  But this is Tolstoy's world, where even we get a sense that his ideologies sound great on paper but just might not hold up to the test of reality.   

Surprisingly, Canada's Plummer after a very lofty list of cinematic accomplishments including The Sound of Music and Jesus of Nazareth, finally at 80 years old is getting his first Oscar nomination here for Best Supporting Actor, fully embodying Leo Tolstoy's weathered fragility.  Giamatti is also outstanding, giving the story that bit of push and pull to help us see why it is that Tolstoy had an obligation to the world, maybe more than to his family.  Handsome McAvoy's boyish purity gives us an outsider's glimpse of the curious world within the walls of the Tolstoy residence.