A Lot About Nothing

Breaking news just now about actor Heath Ledger, star of the upcoming blockbuster The Dark Knight.

This is the story from the Associated Press:

NEW YORK — Actor Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday at a downtown Manhattan residence in what authorities say is a possible drug-related death, the NYPD said. He was 28.

NYPD spokesman Paul Browne told The Associated Press that Mr. Ledger had an appointment for a massage at the Manhattan apartment that is believed to be his home. The housekeeper who went to let Mr. Ledger know the masseuse was there, and found him dead at 3:26 p.m, Mr. Browne said.

The Australian-born actor was nominated for an Oscar for “Brokeback Mountain,” where he met his wife, actress Michelle Williams, in 2005. Mr. Ledger and Ms. Williams had lived in Brooklyn and had a daughter, Matilda, until they split up last year.

Mr. Ledger’s roles include the suicidal son of Billy Bob Thornton in “Monster’s Ball” and had starring roles in “A Knight’s Tale” and “The Patriot.” He was to appear as the Joker this year in “The Dark Night,” a sequel to 2005’s “Batman Begins.”

Sites like The New York Times mention that it may be drug related. A very unfortunate day for Hollywood and his family which includes his 2-year-old daughter Matilda.

Michael Davis’ Shoot ‘Em Up has got to be one of the most ridiculous films I’ve ever watched–and I mean that in a good way. Shoot ‘Em Up is like Die Hard meets Loony Toons. Clive Owen’s carrot-dependent character Smith is Bugs Bunny-esqe, cleverly avoiding the grasps of the Elmer-Fudd-like crime boss Hertz (played by Paul Giamatti). And then you have the beautiful Monica Belluccci adding some feminine wiles to the film. The film was shot in Toronto and they didn’t do much to hide that fact, although it’s supposed to be set in an American city (you can see the base of the CN Tower in one seen and a large “Yonge St.” address in a building in another).

In Shoot ‘Em Up The mysterious Smith is reluctantly marked to be the protector of a orphaned newborn and partners with his lady-friend Donna Quintano (Bellucci) to keep the baby out of harms way from an army of gunman led by Hertz. Okay, so the plot isn’t some deep and meaningful concoction, but when you have non-stop action, impossible stunts, witty dialogue, comedic moments, and eye candy, what does that really matter?

If you’re looking for a film that is fun and entertaining, and not looking to take itself seriously then Shoot ‘Em Up is it.

You’ll never look at a carrot the same way again.

The 2007 Toronto International Film Festival is underway. This used to be one of my favourite times of the year, because for seven years straight I was a volunteer with TIFF and got to see some free films, meet interesting people, and be thisclose to talented actors and actresses.

Alas, ever since I got a “real” job, I couldn’t find enough time to devote to the festival, especially since they now require all volunteers to work a minimum of four shifts. But I enjoyed it while it lasted.

Being a self-professes shop-a-holic, I obviously ran out of funds to purchase advance ticket packages. I didn’t realize that tickets were almost $20 a pop! Regardless, I am going to have to fork over some cash to buy tickets to the Midnight Madness screening of Wilson Yip’s Flash Point starring Donnie Yen (Hero, Iron Monkey).

There’s also several must-see films such as Across The Universe, Michael Clayton, Elizabeth: The Golden Age and Ang Lee’s Lust, Caution, but for me these screenings can wait several weeks until they’re publicly released in theatres for 60% of the TIFF ticket price.

Visit the 2007 Toronto International Film Festival website for a list of all films, schedules and box office info. If you don’t have the funds to watch any screenings, you could always head down to Yorkville or the Galas to catch a glimpse of your favourite celebrity.