A scene from the film Fubar 2, playing on opening night at TIFF 2010. (TIFF)

By Greig Dymond, CBC News

Hi there, it's Greig here. Welcome to TIFF 2010. Each morning during the festival, I'll be offering a quick look-ahead to that day's events: what you really need to know about the galas, the stars, the gossip circulating around town -- and any major social faux-pas committed by narcissistic celebrities.

And yes, we're calling it the "Daily TIFF Riff." Hey, at least it rhymes.

First, the opening gala tonight. In case you've been living under a rock, it's Score: A Hockey Musical. Last year, TIFF took some heat for programming a non-Canadian film - Creation, the Charles Darwin biopic - in that prestigious slot. This year, they're embracing Canadiana with a vengeance.

Score is one of the most self-consciously Canadian films of all-time. How Canadian is it, you ask? Well, it marks the first appearance in a TIFF feature by Walter Gretzky.

The story revolves around Farley, a 17-year-old hockey prodigy (played by Noah Reid) who has serious issues with the fisticuffs that play such a central role in the sport. Sadly, the tunes are really weak, and a movie musical just can't work without strong melodies.

Michael Dowse's Fubar II launches the Midnight Madness program at 11:59 p.m. tonight; it's hilarious, raunchy and ultra-Canadian (but in a far less cloying way). Dean and Terry, the two hosers from the 2002 film, resurface in Fort McMurray, Alta., looking for easy money working the oil pipelines. Needless to say, nothing comes easy for these guys. Hockey and beer play prominent roles. Highly recommended.

Finally, Charles Ferguson's doc Inside Job is essential viewing for anyone even mildly interested in what brought about the economic meltdown of 2008. Ferguson's research is impeccable, and it's presented in a most accessible manner. Michael Moore's Capitalism: A Love Story looks sloppy in comparison.

That's all for now. If you happen to be in Toronto, have a great TIFF. Not every film is a triumph, but this is shaping up as a very good year for the festival.

You can follow Greig throughout #TIFF10 on Twitter at @cbcarts