TIFF 2010 Reviews: Barney’s Version, Monsters, Wasted on the Young
Posted September 15, 2010 12:00 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
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.
Barney’s Version *CityNews.ca Pick* – Paul Giamatti delivers an excellent performance as the hard drinking, cigar-smoking, over-sexed Montrealer Barney Panofsky. Based on Mordecai Richler’s novel, this is sacred material and director Richard J. Lewis has done a fine job bringing it to the big screen. The rest of the cast, which also includes Dustin Hoffman, Scott Speedman, Minnie Driver, and Rosamund Pike, are all in top form and make this one of the more intriguing films at the festival this year. **** out of 5 stars. Schedule at TIFF.
Monsters – Extraterrestrials have landed in Mexico and the American and Mexican governments work together to corner off the “Infected Zone” in order to quarantine the creatures. When there is an incident outside of the zone, two young American tourists attempt to get back to the U.S. where they believe they will be safe. Getting to the border means entering the “Infected Zone” and risking their lives even further. Supposedly made on a shoestring budget of $15,000, the one thing Monsters is lacking most is monsters. That’s not to say it’s bad, because it’s not, but if you go in expecting a sci-fi horror, you’ll be extremely disappointed to find a drama. *** out of 5 stars. Schedule at TIFF.
Wasted on the Young – This Australian film about an upper class high school starts off like an episode of Beverly Hills, 90210, with kids drinking, doing drugs, and losing themselves into the beat of techno music. Then it turns dark and focuses on school shootings, rape, and revenge. I appreciate what director Ben C. Lucas was aiming for, and the constant use of bass music gives a heightened sense of anxiety that works well. Overall Wasted on the Young failed to connect with me though, and I have a hard time recommending it. ** 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 Barney’s Version. Courtesy eOne Films.