Hot acquisitions: Bombs & bargains

By John Horn, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Dozens of buyers for the biggest (and smallest) Hollywood studios have migrated to Canada, eager to browse the Toronto International Film Festival for what could be next year’s breakout independent movie hit. But like the best advice for someone shopping for a used car, caveat emptor. Film festival acqusitions -- whether at Toronto, Sundance or Cannes -- can yield massive hits but also budget-busting flops. This year, the Tom Hanks-produced film "The Great Buck Howard" looks to be a Sundance winner. Here’s a look at some festival home runs, and some catastrophic disasters.