RANDOM THOUGHTS: TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL

On the fourth day of the Toronto Film Festival, a few films have gained immense critical approbation and Oscar buzz (which usually starts here) even before it gets an appropriate North American release:

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (pictured, above)- Danny Boyle's (Trainspotting; The Beach; 28 Days) latest comedy (an illiterate Indian kid is suspected of cheating after winning the jackpot prize in Who Wants To Be A Millionaire) is being compared to Lost in Translation, Little Miss Sunshine, and Juno ("little films that could") both narratively and commercially. Word has it that the movie is a Best Picture contender, though at this point it's too early to tell. (See: Toronto 2006 stand-out and eventual Best Pic snubbee Dreamgirls)

THE WRESTLER - Talk about good timing: fresh from its successful Venice Filmfest run , Darren Aronofsky's boxing drama may continue its winning streak in Toronto. It is said to be the indie filmmaker's most commercial picture (compared with the dark Pi, Requiem for a Dream, and The Fountain), and highlighted by strong performances by Best Actor contender Mickey Rourke, Oscar winner Marisa Tomei (My Cousin Vinny), and Evan Rachel Wood (Toronto 2003 entry Thirteen). It is seen as an acting showcase, not as a Best Pic material.

BURN AFTER READING - The Coen brothers' follow-up to their four time Oscar winning No Country for Old Men has Brad Pitt in the leading role, but early reviews from Venice (where it premiered) were mixed. Think of it as a typical quirky Coen brothers movie.

Other much awaited North American premieres include:

CHE - Steven Soderbergh's four-hour drama about the Cuban revolutionary hero (featuring a Cannes winning performance by Benicio del Toro) will be shown in two parts. The movie is said to be a tough sell even for indie distributors.

SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK - After a disappointing European premiere at Cannes, Charlie Kaufman's directorial debut will get its fair share of critical reception in Toronto. Ironically, it wasn't included in the New York Filmfest.

ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO - Or the latest Kevin Smith anti-morality comedy. The brothers Weinstein (!) will handle its North American theatrical release on Oct. 31.

ME AND ORSON WELLES - After helming two features in 2006 (the Cannes contenders A Scanner Darkly and Fast Food, Fast Nation), Richard Linklater's latest film is an interesting take on the American cinema genius' early forays into cinema.