Toronto International Film Festival Lineup Announced: 5 Movies We Can't Wait To See!

James Gandolfini, Reese Witherspoon and Benedict Cumberbatch star in highly anticipated films premiering at the Oscar-bait film fest

By Mike Vulpo Jul 23, 2014 2:21 AMTags
Reese Witherspoon, Benedict CumberbatchFox Searchlight Pictures, YouTube

Get ready to see some of your favorite movie stars in a whole new light!

The 2014 Toronto International Film Festival announced its lineup Tuesday and the selections are, as usual, filled with A-list actors taking on challenging new roles.

Aka Oscar bait.

Whether it's Robert Downey Jr. trying to clear his father of a murder charge in The Judge or Ethan Hawke questioning his job as a drone pilot in Good Kill, the festival promises to feature many memorable (and possibly award-winning) performances.

We decided to highlight five projects we can't wait to see and learn more about. Grab the popcorn and get ready for an exciting festival beginning Sept. 4.  

1. Reese Witherspoon is Getting Wild: The 38-year-old Oscar winner will be tackling the worst outdoor elements imaginable during her treacherous 1,100-mile journey of self-discovery in Wild. Whether facing, er, wild animals or surviving raging waters, Witherspoon's character must rely on a lot more than the "bend and snap" to make this journey a success.

2. Benedict Cumberbatch Is More Than Just Good Looks: We kid, we already knew that. But just when we thought we couldn't love Cumberbatch anymore, the Sherlock star plans to wow us again as he shows off his creativity (and brains) in The Imitation Game playing English mathematician Alan Turing, who helped crack the Germans' Enigma code during World War ll and then was prosecuted for being homosexual. This promises to be one of the 'Batch's least elementary roles yet.

3. Tobey Maguire Channels Bobby Fischer: He's mastered the role of web-slinging superhero, but did Maguire master Bobby Fischer's issues in Pawn Sacrifice? In the upcoming biopic, the actor will channel the controversial American chess champion as he prepares for his legendary match-up against Russian Boris Spassky (played by Liev Schreiber). Let the games begin!

4. James Gandolfini's Final Film: And while you may be excited to see the late Sopranos star one final time on the big screen, it's Tom Hardy who is expected to steal the show in the crime drama The Drop. The actor finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry. Once trouble comes, his close family and friends are forced to stick together no matter what.

5. Adam Sandler Addicted to Porn?:  In Men, Women and Children, Sandler finds himself playing a father who may enjoy pornography a little too much. He's not the only one facing intimacy issues. The film also examines the sexual frustrations teenagers face in today's world. Ansel Elgort, Jennifer Garner and Judy Greer round out the talented cast.