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

Although the rain repeatedly held us back, we gained a bit of star-spotting momentum midday. Here’s some snaps from the rain-filled first Saturday of the Festival!  Brrr.

Matt Damon. Lightning strikes twice and despite hearing rumours he was flying back to Europe to film the latest Bourne installment, we can confirm we saw him right before our eyes again heading to the Entertainment Weekly party!

Oops! I did it again. #MattDamon at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:21pm PDT

More Matt.

#MattDamon at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:07pm PDT

Joel Edgerton. The shaved-headed Australian Actor/Filmmaker is at TIFF ’15 with Black Mass, also starring Johnny Depp.

#JoelEdgerton at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:07pm PDT

Jean-Marc Vallée. We love Dallas Buyers Club and it was a great pleasure meeting finally the Canadian Filmmaker who created that masterpiece. He was represented by Opening Night Gala Demolition, starring Jake Gyllenhaal.

Director #JeanMarcVallee at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:10pm PDT

  Dominic Sherwood, Katherine McNamara + Alberto Rosende. The three stars of upcoming Toronto-filmed TV Series Shadowhunters were out partying together at the Entertainment Weekly party earlier.

#DominicSherwood, #KatherineMcNamara + #AlbertoRosende of #Shadowhunters at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:09pm PDT

This adorable kid will steal your hearts in Thriller, Room. Jacob Tremblay, everybody!

Adorable #JacobTremblay who is incredible in #RoomTheMovie, at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:11pm PDT

    Geoffrey Rush, screen legend, here this year with The Daughter.

#GeoffreyRush at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:12pm PDT

Emily Blunt. She’s done few photos with Fans oddly this year. Not sure why? She looks amazing and was out alone earlier at the Entertainment Weekly party.

#EmilyBlunt at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:12pm PDT

    Jeff Daniels, quietly making an exit from the Entertainment Weekly party. He is here for The Martian.

#JeffDaniels at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:13pm PDT

We love emerging talent and this young actress Danika Yarosh got lots of exposure on hit series Shameless. She is here filming Heroes Reborn, which premiered at TIFF‘s new TV Programme.

#DanikaYarosh at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #HeroesReborn

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:14pm PDT

  Former TIFF Rising Star Mackenzie Davis is set for the big time and she stars in The Martian.

Canadian actress #MackenzieDavis at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #TheMartian A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:15pm PDT

Bryan Cranston. The Trumbo star will wow you bigtime with his performance in that TIFF ’15 selection.

#BryanCranston at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:15pm PDT

Our George Kozera attended the Premiere of He Named Me Malala by Davis Guggenheim at Ryerson Theatre and the response was unanimously positive for the Documentary. A Skype session with young activist Malala Yousafzai herself was held in the Q&A.

#DavisGuggenheim’s #HeNamedMeMalala gets fantastic reaction at Ryerson Theatre tonight. #TIFF15 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF40 (photo via George Kozera). A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:55pm PDT

Because Jessica.

#JessicaChastain at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:10pm PDT

Eddie Redmayne at TIFF ’15 for The Danish Girl. Johnny Depp showed-up to his Premiere in support of partner Amber Heard who has a supporting role in the Film!

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

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 11:10pm PDT

Toronto’s Emmanuelle Chriqui at TIFF ’15 for The Steps.

#EmmanuelleChriqui at #TIFF15 for #TheStepsMovie. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #Entourage

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 11:07pm PDT

Luke Evans at TIFF ’15 for High-Rise.

#LukeEvans at #TIFF15 for #HighRiseMovie. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 11:03pm PDT

Sarah Gadon at the In-Style Magazine party, TIFF ’15.

#SarahGadon at #TIFF15. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:51pm PDT

Patrick Stewart, who stars in Green Room at TIFF ’15, blowing Fans a kiss.

#PatrickStewart blowing a kiss. #GreenRoomMovie #TIFF15 #TIFF #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:46pm PDT

Harry Potter star Clémence Poésy at TIFF ’15 for The Ones Below.

#ClemencePoesy at #TIFF15 for #TheOnesBelow. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:44pm PDT

Potential James Bond, Idris Elba at TIFF ’15 for Beasts of No Nation.

#IdrisElba at #TIFF15 for #BeastsofNoNation. #TIFF #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival #Netflix

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:40pm PDT

Ben Foster at TIFF ’15 for The Program, a Film about the Lance Armstrong scandal.

#BenFoster at #TIFF15 with #TheProgram. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #LanceArmstrong

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:35pm PDT

Michael Shannon at TIFF ’15 for Freeheld.

#MichaelShannon at #TIFF15 for #FreeheldMovie. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:37pm PDT

Susan Sarandon at TIFF ’15 for About Ray.

#SusanSarandon at #TIFF15 #AboutRay. #Tiff40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:47pm PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Review by George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong

Based on the Mary Mapes book Truth and Duty, in TRUTH Cate Blanchett plays Mapes, a CBS news producer, who along with Dan Rather (Robert Redford), uncover allegations that George W. Bush may have been AWOL from the U.S. National Guard for over a year during the Vietnam War. Four documents were presented as authentic in a 60 Minutes broadcast aired by CBS on Sept. 8, 2004, less than two months before the 2004 election, but it was later determined that CBS had failed to authenticate the documents. The ensuing scandal ruined Rather’s career (he retired six months after), Mapes was fired and many senior CBS executives were asked to resign.

Movies based on real life events that are still fresh in everyone’s memories are difficult for filmmakers to actualize as there are no elements of surprise – we already know how the story ends. TRUTH (like ARGO) brilliantly succeeds largely due to the chemistry between and the outstanding work by the two leads. Blanchett sizzles and Redford is grace and strength incarnate. Matching them along the way are beautifully realized performances from Dennis Quaid, Elizabeth Moss, Topher Grace and, especially Bruce Greenwood and David Lyons.

It’s always great to see Redford in politically charged movies and TRUTH is the perfect ending to his trifecta that includes ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN and THE CANDIDATE.

Review by George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong

Of the many irrational fears I live with on a daily basis, INTO THE FOREST touches on two of them: an extended continent-wide power failure (a major plot point) and chainsaws (a smaller, yet significant plot point). Based on the beloved novel by the same name, Writer/Director Patricia Rozema takes us deep into a British Columbian forest where sisters Nell (Ellen Page) and Eva (Evan Rachel Wood) live with their father, Robert (Callum Keith Rennie) in a beautifully-furnished, technologically advanced home miles away from civilization when the apocalyptic moment occurs. As they quickly go into survival mode, we see the family dynamics. Whereas the father has a calming effect on his daughters, Nell, an academic with a history of partying hard, is somewhat selfish and Eva, a dancer, is obsessive and more of a loner. When tragedy befalls the father, the sisters are left alone to battle the environment, dwindling supplies and not knowing who or what will come next.

INTO THE FOREST succeeds on so many levels. It is the most sensuously filmed I have seen this year. Cinematographer Daniel Grant’s work is accomplished, menacing and breath-taking. Director Patricia Rozema has a history of bringing out the best in actresses. Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood sky-rocket. They bring out the best in each other in two very demanding roles with intensity, fervour and love. I was completely mesmerized watching these very talented performers.

It’s been over 15 years when Patricia Rozema feature length movie, Mansfield Park, graced the Festival. As much as I enjoyed that one, I loved INTO THE FOREST and hope it won’t be another 15 years when she returns.

Elevation Pictures release INTO THE FOREST, which screens at TIFF ’15:
Sat Sep 12 8:30 PM
WINTER GARDEN THEATRE

Mon Sep 14 2:15 PM
TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX 2

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

In recent years cinema has seen a upswing in drone-based Movies, some of these titles have played commercial success and the festival circuit while others have been left in the dust of their own destruction. This year is no different as a star-studded cast makes its way to the TIFF ’15 in Eye in The Sky, a drone movie riddled with political ineptitude. The Film does present some very interesting dilemmas and issues surrounding drone based missile attacks, but at the same time the morality question has to be asked as well as is a strike justified if its for the greater good.

In the beginning of the Movie, we meet our hero and protagonist Steve Watts (Aaron Paul) a drone pilot whose mission is to fly over Nairobi, Kenya to track and capture three  on the FBI/CIA’s most wanted list in Kenya. However, when thinks take a quick turn from a capture mission to a kill mission Colonel Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren) is faced with nothing but difficulty from the English government lead by Lieutenant General Frank Benson (Alan Rickman) whose colleagues cannot make up their mind and consistently request it to be sent up for approval. With seconds literally ticking on the clock before mass casualties can occur, the thrill ride is keeping audiences constantly at the edge of their seats.

Aaron Paul who has proven he can be very good at persuasion  in Breaking Bad is at it again with an incredible performance, not to be outdone  by seasoned veterans Helen Mirren or Alan Rickman whom both are absolutely remarkable as well. Rickman who plays the seriously irritated and jaded lieutenant general, also provides some of the much needed light comic relief in the Film.

eOne Films’ Eye in The Sky premieres at TIFF on Friday September 11th at 6:30 pm at Roy Thomson Hall and again at a second screening on Saturday September 12th at 11:15 am at Isabel Bader.

Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong

This poetic look at life and death is helmed by New Wave master Wim Wenders. Led by James Franco, the Film tells the tale of Tomas. Tomas is a spirited young writer who feels himself afflicted on all angles. One day, while racked in mental anguish, Tomas accidentally runs a child over with his car… and from there we watch the years go by.

Wenders saga covers the twelve years that follow the tragedy. Rachel McAdams and Charlotte Gainsbourg accompany Franco in the act, and do so with beauty and grace.

Shot in 3D, the Film expresses its depth in interesting ways, making this a must see TIFF movie. However, for those of you unable to attend, Wenders latest will be in theatres this Fall.

Mongrel Media release EVERY THING WILL BE FINE and it plays at TIFF ’15:

Fri  Sep 11 7:30 PM

TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX 1  

Sun  Sep 13 9:45 AM

TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX 2 

 We’re officially kicking into high gear at TIFF ’15 and it was a majorly star-studded day in the City with a couple marquee premieres taking place tonight, Our Brand is Crisis and The Martian!

See who we spotted today! Exciting!

Julianne Moore was at TIFF Bell Lightbox bright and early for an In-Conversation-With and she is gearing-up to promote the superb fact-based drama Freeheld which has her in-contention for Awards Season once again. We spotted her co-star Ellen Page last night!

With Queen #JulianneMoore. At #TIFF15 for #FreeheldMovie. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 9:49am PDT

We love our Canadian talent and Callum Keith Rennie, here for Sudbury-filmed Chet Baker Biopic Born to be Blue, was spotted outside the NKPR IT Gift Lounge!

With #CallumKeithRennie, at #TIFF15 for #BorntobeBlue. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 9:50am PDT

Jessica Chastain is just the nicest. Fans never leave wanting more after she’s spent some time with them. Here she was at the Press Conference for The Martian.

#JessicaChastain at #TIFF15 for #TheMartian. Everybody leaves satisfied with Jessica. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 12:47pm PDT

Matt Damon is a highlight this year for us and we’re super-excited to see him in The Martian.

 

#MattDamon at #TIFF15 for #TheMartian. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival

 

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 10:55am PDT

Community star and rapper Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover at TIFF for The Martian.

#DonaldGlover at #TIFF15 for #TheMartian. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF # #ChildishGambino #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 10:53am PDT

Matt Damon + Mr. Will. Finally!

 

Finally. After six years of trying, it happened. #MattDamon + me. #TIFF15 #TheMartian #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300

 

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 12:49pm PDT

Sebastian Stan drew a lot of fandemonium today and rightfully so. He’s delightful. Excited to see him in The Martian.

#SebastianStan at Press Conference for #TheMartian. #TIFF15 #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 10:52am PDT

George Clooney produces Our Brand is Crisis and showed-up unannounced at its Premiere at Princess of Wales Theatre.

 

#GeorgeClooney surprises at the #OURBRANDISCRISIS Premiere, #TIFF15. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival

 

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 4:06pm PDT

Sandra Bullock stunned in a daring black number at the Our Brand is Crisis Premiere. How do you feel about her dramatic eyes?

#SandraBullock stunning at the #OURBRANDISCRISIS Premiere, #TIFF15. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 4:06pm PDT

George + Sandra.

 

#GeorgeClooney + #SandraBullock at the #OURBRANDISCRISIS Premiere, #TIFF15. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival

 

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 11, 2015 at 4:05pm PDT

Films have visited gambling addiction in the past like Owning Mahony and The Gambler, but Mississippi Grind from Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, goes a bit deeper into the psyche of our down-and-out hero Gerry, thanks to a flawless performance by Australian talent Ben Mendelsohn.

The story follows a pair of gamblers, the lucky Curtis (Ryan Reynolds) who seems to bring to Gerry good fortunes whenever he’s around. Already in serious debt, Gerry hopes to make good with his wife Dorothy (Robin Weigert), on a panicked mission to pay back his gambling debt. Meanwhile, Curtis seeks commitment from a long-distance flame Simone (Sienna Miller), who just might be the one. His need to go about his own path however could impact Gerry detrimentally.

Mississippi Grind may lag in its developing stages, but Mendelsohn manages to keep us focussed in what looks imminently looks like a train about to derail. Despite a trail of hits and misses in his recent repertoire, Reynolds is cast perfectly as the gutsy and sensitive Curtis, completing a perfect Exactor with Mendelsohn.

See Mississippi Grind, to be released via VVS Films, at TIFF:

Wed  Sep 16 6:30 PM

ROY THOMSON HALL  

Thu  Sep 17 12:00 PM

VISA SCREENING ROOM (ELGIN)  

Sat  Sep 19 3:00 PM

VISA SCREENING ROOM (ELGIN)

Named after an actual group of investigative journalists at The Boston Globe, Spotlight gives us the true story and detailed process that led to the prosecution of a group of priests in a shocking abuse scandal in the Boston Archdiocese, placing sexual abuse of minors by Catholic priests at the forefront of the media. These journalists were lauded and awarded a Pullitzer Prize for their work in this partly-Toronto-filmed drama.

We meet Michael (Mark Ruffalo), Matt (Brian d’Arcy James) and Sacha (Rachel McAdams) who report to a chain of editors in Walter (Michael Keaton), Ben (John Slattery) and Marty (Liev Schreiber) who become growingly-invested in the investigation, encountering first-hand the procedural and systemic challenges in getting access to buried information with the Catholic Church being so powerful in Boston.

Spotlight shines in its attention to detail and while the Tom McCarthy Film is a great piece of filmmaking and while it very well explains the team’s struggle, it more would have made an impact with a bit more focus on the victims’ damaging impacts as while it truly captivates, it affect emotionally as it should. Ruffalo and Keaton excel in their roles in this important piece, which gets a release via eOne Films.

You can screen it at TIFF:

Mon Sep 14 6:00 PM
PRINCESS OF WALES

Tue Sep 15 11:30 AM
VISA SCREENING ROOM (ELGIN)

Review by George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong

Every now and then I will see a movie so perfect that I want to scream from the rooftop or grab strangers by the lapels and urge them to see it. BROOKLYN is perfection personified!

Set in 1952, it tells the compelling story of Ellis Lacey (Saoirse Ronan), who leaves her widowed mother and older sister in Ireland to start a new life in America where she ultimately meets and falls in love with Tony (a blistering, compelling, career-making performance from Emory Cohen). As their relationship progresses, Ellis must return to Ireland briefly for tragic reasons and is reacquainted with Jim (Domhnall Gleeson) and is immediately smitten with him. Torn between 2 lovers and 2 countries, what will Ellis do?

Peppered with outstanding supporting performances by a multinational and outstanding cast that includes Julie Walters, Canada’s own Jessica Pare and Jim Broadbent, BROOKLYN is a brilliant blend of comedy and drama that will have you reaching for the tissues to wipe away copious tears elicited from laughter, sadness and joy. I adore this movie and don’t be surprised if it wins the TIFF People’s Choice Award.

You can see it at TIFF ’15:

Sun Sept.13 6pm Elgin Theatre
Mon Sept.14 11am Elgin Theatre