Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Julie Deply consistently has been force on-screen and behind the scenes, and on her newest outing Lolo, she proves once again magnificence. The Movie focuses on the dynamic of a struggling workaholic and her attention-seeking, manipulative son. With some truly hysterical and genuinely affecting moments as well, Lolo certainly will lift you up.

Violette (Julie Delpy) is on a spa retreat with her friend, Ariane (Karen Viard) who convinces her to finally put herself onto the dating field and talk to an awkwardly-cute man at the retreat, Jean-René (Dany Boon). Their relationship blossoms and turns from a one night fling to a steady relationship, well until Violette brings Jean-René home only to find out that her son Lolo (Vincent Lacoste) is there too, out to do everything and anything in his power to break them apart.

Lolo works so incredibly well because of the dynamics between the characters as well as the mischievous ways we witness Lolo try to sabotage his mother’s relationship. While crude, there is an undeniable charm here which keeps us invested. As well, the performances from the ensemble are extraordinary – this definitely exceeded this Reviewer’s expectations.

LOLO premieres TIFF ’15 on Friday, September 18th at 6:30 pm at Roy Thomson Hall, with a second screening on Saturday, September 19th at 12:30 pm at Isabel Bader Theatre and a third screening on Sunday, September 20th at 9:15 am at Scotiabank Theatre 2.

It was a thrilling day of racing at Woodbine today as the Toronto Racetrack hosted the Rock N’ Racing Festival on Woodbine Mile Day.  With one-day-only food trucks and musical acts on-site today including local talent like Rynheart, The Honest Heart Collective, Aukland, Highs and JJ and The Pillars, racing fans new and old got to experience the historic track in a way like never before!  Above this, The Edge 102.1 Hosts Melani Mariani and Wade MacNeil.  

Sunglasses were given away and first bets also were free!

The one-mile marquee turf race was won by Irish-bred invader MONDIALISTE who closed fast and furious on the soft turf course – preferred by Europeans – in a final time of 1:36.6. As the third choice in the race, he paid $9.70 to a $2 bet and was ridden by British jockey on-the-comeback, Fergal Lynch.  Geoff and Sandra Turnbull are the winning owners and David O’Meara trains the five-year-old horse.

Placing second by only half a length in he prestigious race was top older American horse Lea, while California’s Obviously after leading all the way, lost-out only late to place third.

Mondialiste

Thrilling action at @woodbineracing in the #WOMile! Congrats to the connections of MONDIALISTE! #OfftotheRaces #BetWoodbine #GetintheGame #HorseRacing #WoodbineMile #FergalLynch

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 3:23pm PDT

With race favourite, Obviously… obviously!

With your post time favourite for the #WOMile, OBVIOUSLY!! #OfftotheRaces #GetintheGame #HorseRacing A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 2:44pm PDT

With the accomplished and handsome Lea, who finished second in the Woodbine Mile.

Took a quick #TIFF15 break to meet one of the top older horses in North America, LEA. See him 5:45 tomorrow on TSN in the #WOMile at @woodbineracing. #horseracing #horse #getinthegame #betwoodbine #offtotheraces #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 12:48pm PDT

With local hero Grand Arch, who scratched today. But gotta love this snap we got of him yesterday with his groom Belmer.

GRAND ARCH practicing his smile for the Winner’s Circle tomorrow in the #WOMile at @woodbineracing. #OfftotheRaces #betwoodbine #getinthegame #horseracing

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 1:06pm PDT

Also earlier on the card, our girl HABIBI ran an incredible race against the boys in the Northern Dancer Stakes almost to win it all! Congrats to her and her connections, the Team at Mark Frostad’s barn. 

 

So proud of my dear Habibi. This tattooed, badass b*tch ran second against the big boys in today’s Northern Dancer Stakes at @woodbineracing on #WOMile Day!! #HorseRacing #WoodbineMile #BetWoodbine #GetintheGame #OfftotheRaces A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 6:21pm PDT

Just one more marquee race left in the thoroughbred 2015 racing season at Woodbine, the $1-million Pattison International to be held on Sunday, October 18, 2015. The race has gone down in history as the final race Secretariat won prior to retiring. Be sure to join us then!

Don’t forget, your Selfies can win you $1k!  Next time you visit, remember to Tweet a photo of yourself at the track with the hashtag #OFFTOTHERACES, to qualify!

Follow Woodbine Racing on Twitter here!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

This post was created in partnership with Woodbine Racetrack.

Review by George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong

Based on a true story, FREEHELD tells the story of New Jersey police officer Laurel Hester’s legal battles to ensure that her pension is left to her registered domestic partner, Stacie Andree, when she is diagnosed with stage four terminal cancer. Before meeting Stacie (Ellen Page in her best screen performance since Juno), Laurel (the always astonishing Julianne Moore) is a tough-as-nails cop busting drug dealers, all the while hiding the fact that she is a lesbian from everyone, including her work partner Dane Wells (Michael Shannon, powerfully impassioned). We watch the two women meet, fall passionately in love, buy a home together and legally register as a domestic partnership. When the request to have Laurel’s pension benefits transferred to Stacie is denied by conservative elected government officials, in comes Steven Goldstein, a self-proclaimed “big loud gay Jew” to fight for their cause. As played by Steve Carell, gay activism has never been more refreshingly and humorously portrayed in the movies. There should be another Academy Award nomination for him for this role.

Gay activism is only one of many topics screenwriter Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia) eloquently touches, yet never in a preachy, heavy handed way. Homophobia in the police force and government offices. The advent of gay marriage. Living life in a closet. Religious beliefs. Not only does Director Peter Sollett (Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist) draw exceptional work from the four leads (I will go on record saying Julianne Moore surpasses her brilliant job in last year’s Still Alice and could be the first woman since Katharine Hepburn to win back-to-back Oscars), he elicits memorable moments from actors that are in the movie for a handful of scenes. Luke Grimes (50 Shades of Grey) shines as a cop-in-the-closet and Josh Charles (TV’s The Good Wife) subtly portrays the anguish he feels as the government official uncomfortable with the pension denying decision.

FREEHELD is moviemaking at its finest. It had me laughing uproariously, angry about political injustices and hypocrisies and teary-eyed at the adversities decent people have to face due to ignorance.

eOne Films release FREEHELD, which screens at TIFF ’15:

Sun  Sep 13 9:30 PM

ROY THOMSON HALL    

Mon  Sep 14 12:00 PM

RYERSON THEATRE

Rain continues to literally put a damper on TIFF ’15 Festivities, but hopefully this is the end of it!  Cloudy skies aside, Toronto continues to light-up on star power alone and here’s some stars we spotted today!

Kristen Stewart at TIFF ’15 for Equals looking amazing. Unfortunately due to lateness and the weather she didn’t’ come by to greet fans but she certainly was a vision!

#KristenStewart stunning on #TIFF15 carpet for #EqualsMovie. #TIFF #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 1:30pm PDT

Nicholas Hoult. We’ve had the handsome English Actor here many times, but it was a pleasure seeing him on the Carpet again today for Equals alongside Stewart.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 1:30pm PDT

Drew Barrymore is effortlessly-stylish as she attends a Photo Call for Catherine Hardwicke‘s tear-jerker Miss You Already.

#DrewBarrymore at #TIFF15 for #MissYouAlready. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 10:59am PDT

Can we all just take a second here and admire Toni Collette‘s amazing hair? She also was here for Miss You Already. Her performance will slay you.

#ToniCollette at #TIFF15 for #MissYouAlready. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 10:59am PDT

She’s directed important Films like Twilight and Thirteen. Catherine Hardwicke is back with Miss You Already. Love her ball cap plugging the Film.

Director #CatherineHardwicke at #TIFF15 for #MissYouAlready. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 10:53am PDT

  Toni Collette + Eddie Redmayne exchange a hug. This is the beauty of the randomness that is TIFF ’15.

#EddieRedmayne hugging #ToniCollette. #TIFF #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF15 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 10:53am PDT

Everyone’s buzzing about Alicia Vikander‘s performance in The Danish Girl. We’re seeing it towards the end of the Festival. Can’t wait to enjoy it!

#AliciaVikander at #TIFF15 for #TheDanishGirl. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 10:52am PDT

  The lovely and gracious Eddie Redmayne, here for The Danish Girl.

#EddieRedmayne at #TIFF15 for #TheDanishGirl. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 10:52am PDT

Tom. Easily the most giving man of TIFF ’15. Hardy literally stood in the rain both last night and today at a Press Conference and greeting literally every Fan. Champ. He is here to promote Legend along with Emily Browning.

Happy to see the #bae, #TomHardy. Nicest man of #TIFF15. #TIFF #TIFF40 #LEGENDMovie #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 3:31pm PDT

Tom Hiddleston looking ultra-stylish at the post-party for High-Rise.

Handsome #TomHiddleston at the post-party for #HighRiseMovie at Byblos. #TIFF15 #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 10:28pm PDT

Luke Evans. The handsome Welsh actor also at the post-party for High-Rise.

Beyond thrilled to meet #LukeEvans! At #TIFF15 for #HighRiseMovie. #Tiff40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 10:30pm PDT

South African-born Actor Sharlto Copley out enjoying TIFF ’15!

#SharltoCopley at #TIFF15. Finally met a star as villainous as me. #TIFF #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 13, 2015 at 10:31pm PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Chet Baker for many of this generation might not ring a bell, but Robert Budreau-directed Biopic Born to be Blue soon will have something to say about that. Filmed in Sudbury, the Drama starring Ethan Hawke showcases the actor at his best, for the first time showcasing his own musical abilities.

Set just as Baker is about to embark on an against-the-odds-comeback and told partly through a series of flashbacks, we learn about the iconic trumpeter/singer’s rise and fall as a result of his heroin dependency. Just as a Film is about to put into production about his life story, he meets stunning Carmen Ejogo, cast in the role of his ex-wife. We witness the challenges Baker faces, hitting rock bottom – always one misstep from landing back in prison – and the series of events leading to his eventual comeback including the passionate romance between him and x. We also get a glimpse at the strained relationship between Baker and his father, a failed musician.

Born to be Blue despite being a story of overcoming the odds never masks the fact that the true demon is Baker‘s addiction and despite being inspirational, tonally we never forget the deep sadness he lives through which helped birth his acclaimed music.  Powerful performances by Hawke and Ejogo topline the Film which could well have enough legs to propel itself into awards season for a mention.

eOne Films release Born to be Blue, which screens at TIFF ’15:

Sun Sep 13 2:00 PM
WINTER GARDEN THEATRE

Mon Sep 14 9:00 AM
THE BLOOR HOT DOCS CINEMA

Review by George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong

Touted as the first gangster movie directed by a woman in 40 years, BEEBA BOYS, from acclaimed, Oscar-nominated Deepa Metha, mixes guns, bhangra beats, cocaine, interracial romance and traditional family values with brutal violence and culture clashes. Set in Vancouver, it tells the story of Indo-Canadian, Jeet Johar (played by Bollywood star Randeep Hooda) and his gang of foul-mouth, outrageously-flashy and colourfully-dressed frat boyish friends who want to take over the drug and arms scene. At face value, other than the intense Jeet, they could be mistaken for a motley crew of misfits, but no one should ever cross their way.

While in prison waiting to be acquitted for murder, Jeet meets Nep (a multi-layered performance from Toronto based actor Ali Momen) and asks him to join his gang as they plot to take over the turf of a respected old school businessman. At his murder trial, Jeet cruises and ultimately winds up with a pretty Polish manicurist. To have a white, preferably blonde, girlfriend gives male Indo-Canadian gangsters status; just another trophy and possession as important as the latest BMW or Rolex.

Metha’s mastery with the camera and exquisite eye for detail is all there to see on screen. Sadly, BEEBA BOYS fails to make the mark on many levels due to a script lacking originality. The screenplay is unable to make it out the shadows of SCARFACE, the F-Bombs and pop culture chats between the gangsters echo PULP FICTION.  There is a plot twist near the end, so ridiculously contrived, it elicits groans from this audience member. Despite a brilliant cameo performance from a manbunned Paul Gross and a stellar job by Ali Momen, BEEBA BOYS regretfully is not Deepa Metha’s finest moment.

Mongrel Media release BEEBA BOYS, screening at TIFF ’15:
Sun Sep 13 6:30 PM
ROY THOMSON HALL

Mon Sep 14 2:30 PM
SCOTIABANK 1

Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong

Legend is sure to be beloved by both critics and audiences alike, and the reason is simple: Tom Hardy.

Tom Hardy plays brothers Ronnie & Reggie Kray, England’s notorious twin gangsters. In the 1950/60’s the Kray Twins operated a criminal empire known as “The Firm.” Throughout their criminal career their notoriety was often coupled with adoration, and this Film about their rise and fall gives us insight into the fascination.

Well constructed, written, and cast, Legend is an excellent addition to the Gangster Cinema genre. It is also exemplary of Hardy‘s talents. His abilities as a leading man, and a character actor are on display throughout the Film, and for Festival attendees you can see for yourselves starting this Saturday.

Elevation Pictures release LEGEND and it screens at TIFF ’15:

Sat  Sep 12 9:30 PM

ROY THOMSON HALL    

Sun  Sep 13 11:00 AM

VISA SCREENING ROOM (ELGIN)  

Sat  Sep 19 9:15 PM

PRINCESS OF WALES   

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

From director Adam Salky comes I Smile Back which brings a powerhouse performance from the brilliant Sarah Silverman, but unfortunately lacks conviction in all other categories.

The Movie focuses on Laney (Sarah Silverman) and her completely destructive life style, whether it be in the form of drugs or adultery, Laney finds something to throw her into trouble. Well her husband, Bruce (Josh Charles) is either blissfully ignorant or indifferent to Laney’s adultery he never seems to bat much of an eye towards it. However when her drug addiction becomes too much, he forces her into rehab to get her life together.

The problems with I Smile Back do not fall in any way on Silverman who is absolutely phenomenal, but rather the story itself. The Movie makes the audience believe that the story is going to focus on Laney’s recovery and adventures while in rehab instead of her very quick arrival and departure as she tries to re-assimilate with her life. With this trajectory for the story it proves to be far less engaging that anticipated and steers off the roads into familiar territory for movies that deal with addiction.

I Smile Back features Sarah Silverman in her strongest and most thought provoking role yet, but the rest of the Film cannot carry itself unfortunately without her.

I Smile Back premieres at TIFF ’15 on Wednesday, September 16th at 7 pm at the Princess of Wales Theatre, a second screening Thursday, September 17th at 1pm at the Winter Garden Theatre and a third screening Saturday, September 19th at 6:45 pm at The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema.

Often the danger of the Festival Circuit is that some are too quick to jump the gun and proclaim “Oscar!“.  Such isn’t the case when speaking to Bryan Cranston‘s phenomenal performance in Jay Roach’s (Austin Powers, Meet the Parents) Trumbo.  Not enough is known about two-time Academy Award Winner Dalton Trumbo‘s courageous battle.  An ardent Communist, the Writer found himself and his some of his closest comrades under great scrutiny for their beliefs, blacklisted by Hollywood’s most powerful studios and the U.S. government, eventually doing time in prison even.

Prior to his death in 1976, Trumbo had built a legacy in Hollywood, writing classics like Roman Holiday and The Brave One, initially however under aliases after his name had been boycotted by the most powerful in the industry.  True to his beliefs and unwavering integrity, we witness Trumbo‘s valiant battle against the government, Hollywood and his personal struggles within his own circle of friends and family.

If you think you’ve been wowed by Cranston‘s top caliber television work, his portrayal of Trumbo will absolutely floor you in this all-in transition to the big screen. Expect him front and center in the Awards Season scramble.  Also starring in the Film is a brilliant supporting cast including a long-absent Diane Lane as Trumbo‘s wife Cleo, up-and-coming Elle Fanning as Trumbo‘s eldest daughter Nikola, Louis C.K. in a convincing dramatic turn as confidant Arlen Hird, a superb Helen Mirren as the antagonizing Hedda Hopper, a fiery John Goodman as Frank King and fantastic show by New Zealand’s Dean O’Gorman as Kirk Douglas.

eOne Films release TRUMBO and you can see it at TIFF ’15:

Sat Sep 12 9:00 PM

VISA SCREENING ROOM (ELGIN)

Sun Sep 13 9:00 AM

ISABEL BADER THEATRE

Review by George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong

I went to the screening of Oscar winning documentarian Davis Guggenheim latest feature, HE NAMED ME MALALA, knowing the basics: when the Taliban took over the tiny village of Swat in Pakistan and forbade girls the right to any kind of education, 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai spoke out against this policy and was shot in the head. Against all odds, she survived and after months of painful recuperation in Birmingham, England, she and her father, Ziauddin, have traveled the world as advocates for female education, culminating with her winning the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.

Using stunning animation to tell Malala’s backstory as well as family photos and some stock footage, Guggenheim not only captures her and her father on their many global and valiant visits, HE NAMED ME MALALA succeeds, brilliantly, because we witness a side of this exceptional young woman never seen before. This is a 17-year-old teenager who teases, and is teased relentlessly by, her younger brothers. She checks-out pictures of Roger Federer and Brad Pitt on the internet and is a huge fan of the sport of cricket. She teaches her father how to use Twitter and giggles shyly when it comes to talk of romance. The family dynamics are a sheer joy to watch, even though their transition to a new life in England is fraught with much sadness. Malala’s mother is still struggling with learning English and misses her home fiercely. The courage of this young woman and her family is inspirational.

HE NAMED ME MALALA is a powerful, educational and motivating documentary feature length movie making at its finest.

This movie screens at TIFF ’15:

Sunday Sept.13 11:30am at Bloor Hot Docs cinema
Saturday Sept 19 6:15pm at Scotiabank