Kevin Smith talks ‘Zack & Miri’ in Toronto

When I first learned that Kevin Smith was going to bring Zack and Miri Make a Porno to the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival, I knew I had to get an interview. Out of everyone coming to this year’s TIFF, Smith was at the top of my list. Not just because he made Clerks, but also because he’s a genuine, talented guy with a knack for realistic dialogue, and uncommon, original characters.

Tags: Elizabeth Banks, Kevin Smith, Seth Rogen, TIFF 08, Toronto International Film Festival, Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Gallery: ‘Rachel Getting Married’ red carpet

Oscar buzz followed actress Anne Hathaway as she walked the red carpet and met fans for the gala screening of her new film Rachel Getting Married at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival.

Joining Hathaway on the red carpet were co-stars Rosemarie Dewitt, Debra Winger, and writer Jenny Lumet.

Tags: Anne Hathaway, Debra Winger, gallery, Jenny Lumet, red carpet, Rosemarie Dewitt, TIFF 08

Gallery: ‘Fifty Dead Men Walking’ press conference

Canadian director, producer and writer Kari Skogland discussed her latest film, Fifty Dead Men Walking, during a press conference at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival. In attendence with Skogland were film stars Jim Sturgess, Sir Ben Kingsley, Rose McGowan, and Kevin Zegers.

Tags: Fifty Dead Men Walking, gallery, Jim Sturgess, press conference, Rose McGowan, Sir Ben Kingsley, TIFF 08

Gallery: ‘Zack and Miri Make a Porno’

Fan favorite writer and director Kevin Smith was at Ryerson Theatre during the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival for the debut of his latest film, Zack and Miri Make a Porno.

Joining him on the red carpet were stars Elizabeth Banks, Jason Mewes, Jennifer Schwalbach Smith, and not least of all, real life porn star Katie Morgan.

Tags: Elizabeth Banks, gallery, Jason Mewes, Katie Morgan, Kevin Smith, TIFF 08, Zack and Miri Make a Porno

TIFF 08: Play that funky music

If I go through some of my all-time favorite songs, most of them have one thing in common: they’re featured in a movie I also love.

em>Shaun of the Dead reminded me how much I loved Queen with the song “Don’t Stop Me Now.” Damien Rice’s “The Blower’s Daughter” leaps off the screen in Closer. Counting Crows had the wickedly addictive opening song “Accidentally in Love” in Shrek 2.

Tags: Kevin Smith, Live (band), soundtrack, TIFF 08, Toronto International Film Festival

Sam Neill discuses complexity of ‘Skin’

New Zealander and award winning actor Sam Neill is pulling double duty for this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, appearing in two of the festival’s official selections. Namely, the provocative drama, Skin, and the comedic drama, Dean Spanley.

Tags: Sam Neill, TIFF 08, Toronto International Film Festival, video

Gallery: Brad Pitt on the red carpet for ‘Burn After Reading’

Roy Thomson Hall was surrounded last night, September 5, as dreamy-eyed Brad Pitt fans took pictures and tried to get a glimpse of their favorite big screen star.

In town for the Toronto International Film Festival, Pitt walked the red carpet with the writing, directing and producing fraternal duo, Joel and Ethan Coen for their new film, Burn After Reading.

Tags: Brad Pitt, Coen Brothers, gallery, John Malkovich, red carpet, Richard Jenkins, TIFF 08, Tilda Swinton

Gallery: Red carpet for ‘The Secret Life of Bees’

The cast of The Secret Life of Bees walked the red carpet and met with fans for the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, September 5.

Tags: Alicia Keys, gallery, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah, red carpet, Sophie Okonedo, TIFF 08

Gallery: Guy Ritchie and the cast of ‘RocknRolla’

Director Guy Ritchie and the cast of his new crime drama RocknRolla walked the red carpet for the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday, September 4.

Tags: gallery, Gerard Butler, Guy Ritchie, Jeremy Piven, Joel Silver, Ludacris, red carpet, Thandie Newton, TIFF 08

‘Passchendaele’ named opening film at TIFF ‘08

Paul Gross‘ epic war drama Passchendaele has been named as the opening film for the 33rd Toronto International Film Festival, which is set to open on September 4. The film was written, directed, and produced by Gross, who also stars in the film as Sgt. Michael Dunne.

Tags: Passchendaele, Paul Gross, TIFF 08, Toronto International Film Festival