Burn After Reading

AFP News has posted an article on this weekend's box office results. The Coen Brothers' latest film, 'Burn After Reading' took the number one spot in it's opening weekend with 19.4 million. Tyler Perry's 'The Family That Preys' was a close second with 18 million, and 'Righteous Kill' starring Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino came in third with 16.5 million.

"...Last week's box office winner "Bangkok Dangerous," starring Nicolas Cage as a ruthless hitman on assignment in Thailand, fell to eighth this week with just 2.4 million dollars in sales..."

Read the full article, and find out the top ten films here.

The Los Angeles Times has posted a review of 'Burn After Reading'. The latest film by the Acadamy Award winning directors Joel and Ethan Coen. The film stars Brad Pitt, George Cloney, Tilda Swinton, John Malkovich and Frances McDormand. While those A-listers receive plenty of praise for their strong performance, the review pays special attention the supporting roles.

"...helping with the laughs are the film's exceptional group of unsung character actors who deliver impeccable performances in minimal roles -- Jeffrey DeMunn as a cosmetic surgeon, J.R. Horne as a divorce lawyer and J.K. Simmons as a CIA big shot. When Simmons' exasperated character says of the story, "Report back to me when it makes sense," he's summarizing this archetypal Coen venture as well as anyone can..."

Read the full review here.

The Canadian Press has posted a review of 'Burn After Reading.' Directed by the Coen Brothers, the follow up to their Oscar Award winning 'No Country For Old Men' offers a decidedly different mood. The comedy stars Brad Pitt with bleached streaks, John Malkovich, George Cloney and Tilda Swinton and is reminiscent of their cult favorite films such as 'The Big Lebowski'.

"...The writing-directing brothers seem to have a genuine affection and sympathy for the idiots they've concocted and do not treat their characters with condescension, which they've at times been accused of doing. Meanwhile, the A-list actors are clearly having a blast..."

Read the full review here.

Festival touts local fare, fewer Hollywood films

Variety has posted an article on 'Burn After Reading'. The latest film directed by the Coen Brothers will have it's world premiere at the The Venice Film Festival today. The film stars Brad Pitt, John Malkovich and George Clooney a dark spy-comedy aout an ousted CIA official's memoir accidentally falls into the hands of two unwise gym employees intent on exploiting their find. Venice is one of the largest film festivals in the world, but still faces competition when selecting films.

"...Toronto being more aggressive doesn’t mean that we missed out on anything of interest to us," he said. "In the end, the films (Toronto) wanted as world premieres are premiering in Venice first..."

Read the full article here.

Event boasts 500-plus guest list

Variety is reporting on the Toronto International Film Festival's completed lineup. This year's festival is attracting some big names to the guest list, including Edward Nortnon for 'Pride and Glory.' Neil Burger’s 'The Lucky Ones' will have it's world premiere, and the Coen brother's 'Burn After Reading' will have it's North American Debut' during the Gala screenings. Canadian Cameron Labine's 'Control Alt Delete' will also debut.

Read the full article to find out which films have been announced.

Visit the Official TIFF site.