Here is the last batch of Toronto International Film Festival reviews:
The Damned United (Tom Hooper, UK)
It’s a joy to see one of my favorite sports on the big screen in this soccer drama. This biopic tends to get tedious at times, but Michael Sheen delivers an astounding performance as Brian Clough. Supporting performances by Jim Broadbent and Timothy Spall are both standouts as well. The quick pace keeps the film entertaining, but it unfortunately doesn’t do anything new for the genre.
7 out of 10
High Life (Gary Yates, Canada)
This Canadian production about four junkies who rob a bank succeeds due to fun performances and the frenetic style director Gary Yates provides. From the eclectic opening credits to the action-packed third act there is enough here to enjoy. The film is still quite light, lacking any truly memorable aspects, aside from a great performance from Timothy Olyphant. If you are looking for low-budget escapist fare then I would recommend this heist drama.
7 out of 10
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (Werner Herzog, USA)
After the hilariously awful trailer I had little hope for Werner Herzog’s Bad Lieutenant: The Port of Call New Orleans. With Nicolas Cage, lucky crackpipes, and iguanas I was curiously intrigued. Herzog managed to counter my expectations. Cage delivers a wildly eccentric performance, only heightened by the extravagant amount of drugs pumping through his system throughout the entire film. Herzog portrays a bleak, but admirable portrait of a torn New Orleans. The plot goes to all the crazy places one would expect, but manages to keep it serious throughout most of the film. The incredibly attractive Eva Mendes is a joy to watch and Xzibit does a fine job as a crime boss. I’m not entirely sure why Val Kilmer is in the film, but everybody needs money. If you liked the wacky trailer then you will certainly enjoy this Bad Lieutenant update.
8 out of 10