The Journals of Knud Rasmussen: The follow-up feature from Zacharias Kunuk and Norman Cohn is described by critics as both a ‘brave’ and ‘curious’ choice for the TIFF gala opener. Geoff Pevere of the Toronto Star says the Inuit epic is accomplished and intelligent, but as a result of its slow pace, definitely not a crowd-pleaser. ‘Admirers of Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner may have to brace themselves for a mild disappointment,’ agrees the Globe and Mail, calling it a good, but not a great movie. On the other hand, Jason Anderson with Eye Weekly gives it four stars, noting the film is a ‘richer work of art’ than its predecessor, while NOW Magazine agrees there’s no denying its hypnotic pull.

Away from Her: Sarah Polley’s debut feature is ‘absorbing and poignant,’ raves NOW and ‘rendered with admirable delicacy,’ says Eye. The Globe agrees that Polley has crafted a ‘subtle, achingly sad film that derives its impact from understatement…,’ giving it the full four stars. ‘Studiously unsentimental’ but remarkably moving, writes the Star.

Fido: A ‘must see’ film that is both ‘deliriously funny and thought-provoking,’ cheers NOW, with Eye agreeing that Andrew Currie’s zombie laugher satisfies as a ‘screwy family’ comedy, while the Globe applauds its cast, including Billy Connolly and Carrie-Ann Moss, as ‘terrific.’

Citizen Duane: The second film by Michael Mabbott about a teen running for mayor ‘loses its sense of purpose and direction,’ complains Eye, while NOW agrees that the laughs are completed forced. ‘Think a less geeky Rushmore or a more socially presentable Napoleon Dynamite,’ says the Star.

Everything’s Gone Green: A promising opening and well-chosen cast that includes Joey’s Paulo Costanzo are sabotaged by a film that would ‘rather make us laugh than say something important,’ quips NOW, noting that Douglas Copeland’s observations in his debut feature feel forced. Eye agrees the screenplay is not unlike Copeland’s novels: ‘a talky, epiphany-laden quirk-fest populated by vividly kooky Canucks.’

Congorama: Philippe Falardeau’s sophomore effort, this quirky Quebecois dramedy is ‘eccentrically endearing,’ says Eye, and while the story ‘gives away its secret too soon,’ according to the Globe, it ‘prevails on its charm.’

Manufacturing Landscapes: A marvelous, unconventional documentary about the world of photographer Ed Burtynsky, cheers Eye. Director Jennifer Baichwal has ‘a talent for making art about artists’ agrees Maclean’s magazine, noting Baichwal, along with cinematographer Peter Mettler, draw a ‘fine line between toxic waste and metaphysical wonder.’

Monkey Warfare: Reg Harkema’s comedy starring Don McKellar is ‘acerbically funny,’ says Eye, while an unimpressed NOW complains the film’s talented actors, who also include Nadia Litz and Tracy Wright, aren’t enough to keep the story from ‘meandering into third-act dullsville.’ Describing it as a ‘playful ode to the ’60s revolution,’ Maclean’s says Harkema achieves an improbable fusion between romantic idealism and punk pessimism. ‘Bitterly funny,’ says the Star.

EMPz 4 Life: ‘Slow building and powerful,’ says NOW of Allan King’s latest documentary, in which he follows a youth worker attempting to help four troubled boys. ‘This plainspoken slice of life is vital viewing,’ agrees the Globe. King is arguably Canada’s finest documentarian, nods Eye.