c_bumbray posted a BLOG item 8 months ago

30 Day Film Challenge

For anyone interested, here's a list of all my answers to the 30 Day Film Challenge that was driving me crazy on FB.
Day 1 - Your Favorite Film- GOODFELLAS
Day 2 - Your Least Favorite Film- Fuckin' PASSION PLAY
Day 3 - A Film You Watch to Feel Good- SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS
Day 4 - A Film You Watch to Feel Down- TESTAMENT
Day 5 - A Film That Reminds You of Someone- MOULIN ROUGE!
Day 6 - A Film That Reminds You of Somewhere- ADVENTURELAND
Day 7 - A Film That Reminds You of Your Past- DONNIE DARKO
Day 8 - The Film You Can Quote Best- ARMY OF DARKNESS
Day 9 - A Film With Your Favorite Actor (Male)- THE DEER HUNTER
Day 10 - A Film With Your Favorite Actor (Female)- HEATHERS
Day 11 - A Film By Your Favorite Director- TAXI DRIVER
Day 12 - A Film By Your Least Favorite Director- POSTAL
Day 13 - A Guilty Pleasure- ROAD HOUSE
Day 14 - The Film That No One Expected You To Like- I MELT WITH YOU
Day 15 - The Film That Depicts Your Life- ALMOST FAMOUS
Day 16 - A Film You Used to Love, But Now Hate- THE PHANTOM MENACE
Day 17 - Your Favorite Drama Film- BOOGIE NIGHTS
Day 18 - Your Favorite Comedy Film- GHOSTBUSTERS
Day 19 - Your Favorite Action Film- HARD-BOILED
Day 20 - Your Favorite Romantic Film- CASABLANCA
Day 21 - Your Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film- T2
Day 22 - Your Favorite Horror Film- THE EXORCIST
Day 23 - Your Favorite Thriller/Mystery Film- DOUBLE INDEMNITY
Day 24 - Your Favorite Animated or Children's Film- LABRYNTH
Day 25 - Your Favorite Documentary Film- DEAR ZACHARY
Day 26 - Your Favorite Foreign Language Film- BULLET IN THE HEAD
Day 27 - Your Favorite Independent Film- PULP FICTION
Day 28 - The Most Obscure Film You've Ever Seen- LOVE STREAMS
Day 29 - Your Favorite Film As a Kid- TOP GUN
Day 30 - Your Favorite Film This Time Last Year_ ANIMAL KINGDOM

c_bumbray posted a BLOG item about 2 years ago

Sundance con'td...

And so, my run at Sundance continues. So far it's been an incredible week, and I've been lucky enough to catch loads of great films. So far my faves of the fest would have to be ANIMAL KINGDOM, THE KILLER INSIDE ME, CYRUS (during which I sat next to Roger Ebert!)& HESHER. A little later this afternoon, I'm going to see the Jesse Eisenberg drug comedy, HOLLY ROLLERS, and then it's off to TUCKER & DALE VS. EVIL, which I've heard nothing but good things about.

c_bumbray posted a BLOG item about 2 years ago

Sundance Day 1

Well, it was a long journey, but I've finally hit Park City. Originally, I was supposed to hit the town early last night, but my flight ended up getting delayed three hours. Now, this would have led to me missing my connection in Vegas, but this turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as the flight from Vegas was CANCELLED. Supposedly, a lot of journalists are stuck in Vegas, but I was lucky enough to get on a flight straight to Park City, from Chicago, which was where I was initially stranded. If I had gotten stuck in Vegas I would have probably rented a car, but that would have been a punishing six hour drive.

Luckily, everything worked out (although my luggage has yet to join me in Park City- and a change of underwear would be a real treat right now). I was able to catch a screening this morning of the young-John Lennon biopic, NOWHERE BOY, starring Aaron Johnson from KICK-ASS. Expect my review shorty. Tonight looks like another busy night, with HAPPYTHANKYOUMOREPLEASE from Josh Radnor of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, and the new Joseph Gordon Levitt flick, HESHER.

Stay tuned...

c_bumbray posted a BLOG item over 2 years ago

Back in Montreal...

Well everyone, the Toronto Film Fest has come to an end, and I have to say- I had a friggin blast!. It was truly an awesome experience. I saw loads of great films, spotted many celebs, and met dozens of cool Torontonians.

Remember- just because TIFF is over, doesn't mean the coverage is! I;'ll be posting fresh reviews all week, including the latest from Jean-Pierre Jeunet- MICMACS, IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS, WHIP IT, REC 2, and more.

Stay tuned....

c_bumbray posted a BLOG item over 2 years ago

Tiff winds down

Hi all,

Sorry it's been awhile since my last post. The wifi at the hotel I'm staying at dies last night, forcing me to input todays reviews at a Starbucks (and drink my 10th venti Vanilla latte since I got here last week- not to mention all the regular coffee I've been drinking).

Overall- the last few days have been busy, although things are winding down somewhat. I saw the new Edward Norton film LEAVES OF GRASS today. It was ok, but I doubt anyone will go crazy over it. I'll explain why in my review. I also saw a nifty documentary on Hugh Hefner- that only furthers my admiration of this icon.

Tomorrow is a quiet day, with only one screening on tap, before another big day Saturday, with my last four screenings scheduled, including REC 2, and THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS.

c_bumbray posted a BLOG item over 2 years ago

Two packed days at TIFF

Say bunch of films over the last few days at TIFF, including the lastest from Neil Jordan- ONDINE, starring Colin Farrell- which was a very sweet film, and a nice change of pace from some of the heavier stuff I've been seeing lately. Also saw Joe Dante's latest- the 3D adventure THE HOLE- which was fun. Another film I checked out was AGORA, a period epic starring Rachel Weisz- which got panned at Cannes, but has since been re-edited, and now supposedly plays alot better. I enjoyed it, although it did feel a bit like an extended, large scale episode of ROME (nothing wrong with that).

c_bumbray posted a BLOG item over 2 years ago

Busy weekend at TIFF

Hi all,

Sorry for not posting in a few days- things have been crazy busy at TIFF Saw loads of great films- including THE ROAD (challenging, but excellent), WHIP IT (surprisingly fun), CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY (better than average Michael Moore), THE INVENTION OF LYING (disappointing), JENNIFER'S BODY (Ok, but nothing to write home about), the Ethan Hawke/ Sprieg Bros vampire flick DAYBREAKERS (gore fans will not be disappointed). Lots of reviews to come on joblo over the next few days- keep you eyes peeled!

Previous reviews: Men Who Stare at Goats, Up in the Air.

c_bumbray posted a BLOG item over 2 years ago

Toronto- Day 2 1/2

I had a busy morning- catching to highly anticipated flicks. First up was the latest Coen Bros., film- A SERIOUS MAN. Knowing next to nothing about the film before seeing it, I was a bit taken aback by it- as it's a very strange film, and nowhere near as user friendly as their last two film. I can't honestly say I enjoyed it all that much- but it's an interesting film nonetheless.

Next up was UP IN THE AIR- yet another George Clooney film, this one directed by JUNO helmer Jason Reitman. It was a terrific film, and one that I bet will cop a bunch of Oscar noms in January.

Tonight, I'm seing (hopefully) three films. First up is SOLOMON KANE, followed by ONG BAK 2, and then a midnight showing of DAYBREAKERS.

Stay Tuned...

c_bumbray posted a BLOG item over 2 years ago

TIFF Day 1

Well, my first day at TIFF was quite eventfull. I took a 6:30am train from Montreal to Toronto. Checking in at my hotel was a bit of a nightmare due to a slight issue- but all was taken care of. I checked out the Press Office at the Sutton Place Hotel, which, as I imagined- was a madhouse. That said, everyone was super friendly, and helpfull, and I got my credentials without much trouble.

Right after that- I was off to my frist screening- CREATION- the Charles Darwin biopic starring Paul Bettany, and his missus- Jennifer Connelly (lucky guy!). Sadly, it was not a particularly good film, and a bit of a curious choice to be the fest`s opening film. Happily, the next film, THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS totally made up for CREATION- and I had a blast and a hlaf with it (my review should be up on joblo.com soon).

Right now, I`m off to bed for some much needed shut eye. I have a full day of screenings tomorrow- including the Ethan Hawke vampire flick- DAYBREAKERS, and another Clooney film- UP IN THE AIR.

Stay tuned...

c_bumbray posted a BLOG item over 2 years ago

TIFF T minus 1 day

In about thirty six hours, I'll be hopping a train for Toronto, where I'll be covering the Toronto International Film Fest for JoBlo.com. I'm totally psyched, as I've always wanted to attend TIFF, which I've never done. Considering that I live in Montreal, less that a five hour train ride from T.O, that's a bit inexusable- but alas, life gets in the way sometimes- and I've never been able to make it until now.

I'm really greatful to JoBlo & Mike for giving me the chance to ver the fest for the site, and I fully intend on providing you all with some kick ass coverage. The list of films I want to see is long, but with a little luck, I'll be able to see and review most of them- and Ihope you will enjoy reading my coverage. Make sure to check this blog often, as I'm going to try and update it between screenings. Hopefully I'll have some juicy tidbits to share with you :)

c_bumbray posted a BLOG item over 2 years ago

TIFF prep

So I'm leaving for Toronto in about thirty six hours. I can't wait, I'm super psyched!!! My train leaves at 6:30 thursday morning, meaning I'm going to have to make it an early night tomorrow- hope I can sleep!

There are so many films I want to see at TIFF. If all goes as planned, I'll see at least thirty. Hopefully I'll get invited to a few parties along the way, but as this is my first time at TIFF, I have no idea what to expect. Hopefully Ill be able to get in to all of the screenings I have on my sched. One thing's for sure- I'll be drinking my wait in coffee everyday. Hope there's a Tim Horton's by the theater, although if it's anything like downtown Montreal, there should be one every twenty paces or so...