You know the blockbuster summer movie season is waning when the big new Friday releases are a Jennifer Aniston rom-com (The Switch, the plot of which, in typical Jennifer Aniston style, mirrors Jennifer Aniston's life) and a kid's movie about a buck-toothed Nanny with magic powers. Which, honestly, looks to be the better of the two, The Infidel notwithstanding.

But not to fear, for a dearth of new goodies at the box office just means movie fans can look elsewhere for quality stuff with a whiff of Canadiana. Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World, starring awesome Brampton-born Michael Cera in the title role, continues on big screens.

The little-seen but awesome bio-pic The Runaways - about the all-girl band that launched the career of Joan Jett and directed by Hamilton's Floria Sigismondi - was released recently on DVD and is well worth a peek for film and music fans alike.

Looking ahead, Toronto-based film fans hoping to make the most of TIFF - but finding themselves a little light in the wallet - can plan their September schedule around a bunch of free screenings slated for the new TIFF Bell Lightbox.

The program, TIFF For Free, cherry-picks titles from past festivals and looks pretty darn solid; trailers from a few personal faves are below:

Outrageous!, Richard Benner Tuesday, September 14 at 7 pm

American Beauty, Sam Mendes Wednesday, September 15 at 5:30 pm

Roadkill, Bruce McDonald Thursday, September 16 at 10 pm

Water, Deepa Mehta Friday, September 17 at 10 pm 

Away From Her, Sarah Polley Saturday, September 18 at 7 pm

Crash, Paul Haggis Saturday, September 18 at 9 pm

The Big Chill, Lawrence Kasdan Sunday, September 19 at 7 pm

The Princess Bride, Rob Reiner Sunday, September 19 at 10 pm

Of course, look to InMovies and Hollywood North for comprehensive TIFF coverage - mini-reviews, interviews, red carpet surveys etc - throughout the festival.