Good
Director: Vicente Amorim
TIFF favourite (and friend to Cronenberg), Viggo Mortensen is back at the fest with two flicks: Appaloosa and Good. In the latter he plays an ostensibly good professor that slowly falls into a well-paying role in Germay's pre-WWII National Socialist Party. Problems arise when his tacit -- and later active -- actions cause strife with his Jewish best friend, played by Jason Isaacs. Viggo is always effective and this is a juicy role (say what you will about Nazi's, but they've led to some great cinema), but it could be the versatile Isaacs that finally uses it for a breakout. Ascendent Brit, Jodie Whittaker, also stars. -S.T.



Happy-Go-Lucky
Director: Mike Leigh
Mike Leigh returns to TIFF with another one his patented tragic-comic tales of the lives of the English lower class. This time Leigh focuses on irrepressibly perky 30-year-old primary teacher (is there any other kind?). The film follows her as she encounters a series of North London malcontents including a driving instructor with anger management problems (is there any other kind?), a bitter homeless man (is there any other kind?), and pursues a relationship with a kindly social worker (is there any oth—whoops). As with all of Mike Leigh's movies expect an hour of wonderfully observed character comedy followed by a retching emotional finale. Hey, at least he's consistent, right?—PB



Heaven on Earth
Director: Deepa Metha
Three years after her brilliant Oscar nominated movie Water opened the 2005 Toronto film festival to thunderous applause, Deepa Metha has returned. But this time, she'll be giving audiences something a little different. The Canada-based filmmaker known for her realistic dramas will be presenting Heaven On Earth, a children's fantasy set in Toronto. When speaking at the TIFF press conference announcing her film a few weeks ago, Metha had this to say about the movie: "two worlds coming together: Canada and India…and they come together in Brampton.” Heaven On Earth is guaranteed to be one of the most anticipate Canadian films of the year. Expect good things.—PB



Hunger
Director: Steve McQueen
Hunger tells the story of the last six weeks in the life of Bobby Sands. What, you don't know who Bobby Sands is? Do you not pay attention to history? Well, he was a member of the IRA who was one of the primary figures in the 1981 hunger strike at the notorious Maze prison. Make no mistake, this will be heavy and uncomfortable viewing. But it should also be quite wonderful as well. It made quite a splash at Cannes and those French critics are crazy, so it's gotta be good. This is the directorial debut of Steve McQueen, but not the one that you're thinking of.—PB



The Lucky Ones
Director: Neil Burger
On paper - though ideally not on your computer screen - The Lucky Ones sounds like a bad idea: three on-leave soldiers (Rachel McAdams, Michael Pena, and Tim Robbins) are forced into a road trip and existential realizations and unlikely bonds form. However, a hint of whimsy, McAdams with a southern accent, and the undervalued Pena could transcend the trite conceit. Furthermore, with Robbins on board the attendant press conference promises socio-political debate. Director Neil Burger co-scripted and his most recent effort, The Illusionist, at least had a moodiness going for it. Somewhat less auspicious, Sarah McLachlan's "I Will Remember You" is in the trailer. -S.T.