TIFF 2010 Reviews: The Town, Conviction, Everything Must Go

Note: As many of the films screened at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival haven’t yet opened in theatres, only capsule reviews are permitted for most titles.

The Town *CityNews.ca Pick*
The Town is a riveting look at a Boston neighbourhood where most of the locals are drug users, criminals, or both. Directed by Ben Affleck, who also stars alongside Rebecca Hall, Jeremy Renner, and Jon Hamm, it’s reminiscent of ‘70s crime-dramas such as Dog Day Afternoon and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. This is Affleck’s follow-up to 2007s Gone Baby Gone and he has now proven he’s a master behind the camera. I’d say he’s on the path to becoming the next Clint Eastwood. **** out of 5 stars. Schedule at TIFF.

Conviction – Based on the true story about Betty Anne Waters (portrayed by Hillary Swank) who reevaluates her life’s path and enrolls in law school after her brother Kenneth (portrayed by Sam Rockwell) is sent to prison for a murder he didn’t commit. Rockwell’s performance keeps Conviction from sinking to the level of a movie-of-the-week, but Swank’s mediocre outing just made me wish I was watching Erin Brockovich instead. ** out of 5 stars. Schedule at TIFF.

Everything Must Go *CityNews.ca Pick* – Will Ferrell ditches the funny guy routine and goes to a dark place to play Nick, an alcoholic who loses his job and goes home to find that he is locked out, his wife has left him, and all his belongings are on the lawn. Nick spends the next few days drunk in his front yard until the police arrive. With the help of a new neighbour (played by Rebecca Hall) and a young local boy (played by Christopher Wallace), he decides to sell his possessions and clean up his life. Ferrell is perfectly compelling in the role and charters much empathy from the viewer. **** out of 5 stars. Schedule at TIFF.

TIFF 2010 runs from September 9 to the 19. Check out all of CityNews.ca’s coverage of the festival here.

brian.mckechnie@citynews.rogers.com

Top image: A scene from The Town. Courtesy Warner Bros.

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