Toronto International Film Festival 2014: First Time For Everything

This year's Toronto International Film Festival was special for numerous reasons. It was the first year that they closed a portion of king street for a street festival that celebrated... well, the festival. It was a year when there were so many big premieres that they couldn't stay contained to the first few days of the festival. But more importantly, it was this year that I actually got to go to TIFF.

I've been wanting to go for years. Hell, I've wanted to go since I first heard about the festival when I was 12. But for one reason or another (not living in Toronto, not having time to go, not having money, being surrounded by sharks) I haven't had the opportunity to go to any TIFF screenings. However, this would not be another year that I would simply stand by and watch films at their major release. I could finally go see films, see famous people, be a part of TIFF. But I couldn't jump right in a get a package to commit to a bunch of random films, I have a job and other commitments. So I bought two single tickets to see Before We Go, and Kingdom of Dreams and Madness, and thought that this was an ok introduction to the festival... and maybe next year I'd have a better sense of my schedule.

Fast forward to September 6th and I'm getting up at 6am to go stand in the rush line for an hour and a half to get tickets for The Tale of Princess Kaguya. When I tell people this portion of my festival experience they either look at me like I'm crazy, or they're impressed by my "dedication". While it doesn't really compare with people who take time off to see 26 movies over the course of the festival, there was something so exciting and satisfying about getting up that early to see a movie that I couldn't wait to do it again. Even getting tickets to see The Imitation Game at an extra screening with hundreds of other people was wonderful. The line was around the block and nearly did a lap of it. But again, totally worth.

While not all the films I saw were masterpieces, they were all very good. But what I take away from my time at TIFF 2014 isn't the movies, but the act of going to see these movie. Maybe next year I'll become a member and see even more movies. Maybe I'll even take time off so I can spend days enjoying an art form that I love. Here's hoping that TIFF 2015 will be even better, because my first taste has left me wanting more.

Top 5 Movies of Summer 2014

Disclaimer: As always, the order and contents of this list is purely subjective and open for debate

Another summer has come and gone, once again filled with generic summer block-busters and forgettable action flicks. But there have also been several brilliant films that are among the best of the year, one them even being hailed as one of the best films of the last decade. It's easy to be overwhelmed by the mediocrity and forget what truly great movies are out there. Here are my top 5 films of this summer, all of which would have been great regardless of their release season.

5. Chef

Jon Favreau's little indie gem comes in at number five. This comedy is a nice change of pace from a season dominated by explosions, depression, and more explosions. Jon Favreau's role as a chef going through a crisis-of-faith; or rather crisis-of-occupation, isn't a ground-breaking role by any means. But the writing and story are fresh and funny enough to keep the audience entertained for the length of the film. For some reason I can't help but draw parallels to Jon Favreau's earlier work "Swingers" (a favourite of mine), but thats not a bad comparison by any means. Definitely worth checking out.

4. Snowpiercer

A Korean film with an international cast that didn't get the attention that it deserved, this film is worth seeing for both the story and the performances. Its post apocalyptic world is interesting and engaging to the viewer, while every character is full of life and wonderful to watch. The best part is that nothing is as it seems, and part of the fun is figuring out the story bit by bit. Chances are you're already able to see this film outside of theatres due to its limited north-american release. So if you like post-apocalyptic sci-fi, this is the movie for you.

3. How To Train Your Dragon 2

The sequel to DreamWorks Animation's most successful animated feature, HTTYD2 risks suffering sequelitis that so many films suffer from. But it takes the characters from the first film and expands them and allows them to evolve, keeping the story fresh and allowing for the world to mature rather than stick to the same old formula. While in some ways it isn't as good as it's big brother, it's still an amazing movie. You can read my original review here for more details.

2. Guardians Of The Galaxy

When Robert Downey Jr., Iron Man himself; says that Guardians of The Galaxy is best movie that Marvel has released, you know that the film has to be special. It's already broken the record for most successful film of 2014 and is still drawing people to the theatres. There's so many fantastic things about this movie, from its story and characters, to the amazing performances and soundtrack. You can read my original review here for more details. While part of me wanted to give Guardians the number one spot, there's another movie that deserves that much more.

1. Boyhood

If you've been reading my blog, then you know that Boyhood is a masterpiece. Really that's all I want to or can say about it. You can read my review for more details. But, if you can go out and see this film you should stop reading and go and see it now.

Summer 2014 had some truly amazing movies. If you haven't seen all of the movies on this list, then you know what you need to go and see next.