Just got back to work yesterday away being away at the 31st Toronto International Film Festival, which I haven't missed since 1985. It truly is the most important film festival outside of Cannes, presenting over 300 films over its 10-day run.
I can't say that this year was an outstanding one in terms of what Toronto unspooled. There were great things to see, but you had to really dig past some junk to find it.
The most powerful film I caught was Little Children, based on the acclaimed novel by Tom Perrotta, starring Kate Winslet. Alternately darkly funny and deeply disturbing, this film sported excellent performances across the board and a mezmerizing screenplay.
Also highly satisfying was Volver, the latest from Spanish director Pedro Almovodar, which stars Penelope Cruz in a riveting role that will surely earn her an Oscar (you heard it here first!).