Opening Night Gala at TIFF ’17 is Tennis Drama BORG/McENROE. While its star Shia LaBeouf often is known for trouble in the news, he was all a gentleman for fans waiting for him at the Film’s Press Conference, walking the line signing autographs and doing photos-with. While it rained on his way out, he insisted on walking umbrella-free despite a Handler trying to keep him covered.
Later in the day, we spotted his iconic Co-Star Stellan SkarsgĂĄrd, father of Alexander and Bill, the latter destined for Box Office glory starring in Stephen King’s IT this weekend. Opting to slip early out of his Premiere, he stopped for a quick Photo before heading out for a bite.
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Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet are gaining huge Oscars momentum with their latest, an Adaptation of CALL ME BY YOUR NAME by Director Luca Guadadigno (A Bigger Splash, I Am Love). The Trio walked the Red Carpet tonight for the Film at Ryerson Theatre and were amazing, causing quite a commotion!
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It’s not every day we see Eminem in Toronto and today was supposed to be our lucky day! The Actor/Rapper produces BODIED from Music Video Auteur Joseph Kahn and was slated to appear at its Premiere at Ryerson tonight but cancelled late.
More tomorrow. We are expecting a bigger day!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Review by Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong
Coming-of-age stories are hardly anything new. Neither are stories about young men learning to accept their sexuality. What makes Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name unique is its dedication to expressing its young protagonist’s story in a way that is no way exploitative while still being completely honest about the struggles of the 17-year-old.
Elio (Timothée Chalamet) lives “somewhere in Northern Italy” with his parents (Amira Casar and Michael Stuhlbarg, whose emotional Third Act soliloquy is a highlight of the Film). Every year the Perlmans invite an American university student to study with them for the summer. This year’s guest, Oliver (Armie Hammer), has caught the attention of all the girls in the village. Stuck on the sidelines, Elio isn’t sure if he’s jealous of Oliver or the girls. As the summer draws to a close, Elio makes the first move and changes the power dynamic in his relationship with Oliver leaving both emotionally vulnerable.
Standing as a servant to the Film but never overtaking the action, the music, highlighted with original songs by Sufjan Stevens, is nothing short of perfection. Perhaps the least well known of the cast, Chalamet’s performance is astonishing even in scenes where Guadagnino’s imagery leans toward becoming too heavy-handed. Call Me By Your Name is an absolute must-see during the Festival.
Mongrel Media will screen Call Me By Your Name at TIFF ’17 at the following times:
Thursday, September 7 7:15 p.m. Ryerson Theatre
Friday, September 8 9:30 a.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
On Chesil Beach is a character study of young lovers, Florence (Saoirse Ronan) and Edward (Billy Howle), on their wedding night in 1962 England.
Ian McEwan does a superb job of adapting his minimal dialogue novel into a conversing script. He maneuvers characters’ inner commentary into new scenes with revealing colloquies, creating two complex characters. The incomparable Ronan is mesmerizing to watch as Florence. Ronan embodies both Florence’s comfortable leadership while playing the violin and her uncontrollable fear of consummating her marriage effortlessly. And Howle has a breakout performance as Edward, fluently expressing embarrassment, anger, happiness and love.
On Chesil Beach screens at TIFF on Sept. 7 at Winter Garden Theatre at 5 PM and Sept. 8 at TBLB1 at 12:45 PM.
We don’t believe TIFF ’17 at last has arrived and although we’re feeling a bit sink or swim about it, we choose to dive on in and conquer! Â Running today, Thursday September 7 through Sunday, September 17, year after year we show the world why it is our Film Festival is the world’s greatest. Â The star power is beginning to pour in and around town tonight we spotted a few high profile arrivals!
See who we saw:
We love Charlie Hunnam and just seem to have the best luck with him. Although we’ve met him more than half a dozen times now, he is just as amazing every time to his Fans. Trying to make an incognito escape out of Pearson Airport, he right away was spotted by several eager Fans whom he promised to stop and greet after he put away his luggage in his SUV. Despite his best efforts to have everyone form a line, that fan excitement got the best of them but he still was amazingly accommodating. Hunnam is here for Papillon from Director Michael Noer. More here.
Even a week after seeing Luca Guadagnino‘s CALL ME BY YOUR NAME we still are mesmerized by the Oscar-caliber performances of its two leads Armie Hammer and TimothĂ©e Chalamet. Hammer arrived in Toronto bundle in a ski sweater and was more than nice to fans who surrounded him. Even two handlers blocking him wasn’t enough to stop Hammer from showing his giving side. You must see this Film. We can’t stop thinking about it! More here.
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She’s certainly a visionary and an Icon of the Fashion and Music realms. Multi-talented Grace Jones makes a rare appearance at TIFF ’17 in Sophie Fiennes‘ (sister of Joseph and Ralph) Documentary, GRACE JONES: BLOODLIGHT AND BAMI. We spotted both in town tonight and we are over the moon about getting photo with Jones. She rarely does this. More here.
While he is here to film Christoph Waltz‘s GEORGETOWN, Straight Outta Compton and 24: LEGACY star Corey Hawkins surely will be seen this weekend celebrating TIFF. The Actor was spotted arriving in town tonight and amazingly gracious with a growing crowd of Fans hoping to get a snap with him. For one, his Compton Co-Star Jason Mitchell appears in Mudbound from Netflix, premiering at the Festival!
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We’re only just beginning. You ain’t seen nothing yet! Keep checking our Social Media channels for updates throughout the day on all the TIFF ’17 buzz and sightings!
Twitter @mrwillw
Instagram @mrwillwong
Snapchat mrwillwong
Facebook mrwillwongblog
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
We love us some SUBWAY® CANADA and we know you do to! Did you know that they now have Grilled Wraps on their menu?
We’re beginning to wonder why this wasn’t a thing sooner…
Our fave, the Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap! So compact, nourishing and quick to order! Delish.
There are three exciting varieties and for the first time ever we have SUBWAY® sandwich we can eat with one hand! The other hand you can use to enter our exciting giveaway below! That’s right, you can multi-task, holding it all together! Whether you’re busy heading back to work, back to school or off to TIFF ’17, SUBWAY® Grilled Wraps fit not only into your hand but also your schedule, letting you hold it all together!
Varieties include:
CHICKEN CAESAR made with seasoned rotisserie chicken, a generous portion of Monterey and Parmesan cheeses, tasty tomatoes freshly cut, delectable Caesar sauce and wrapped in a tortilla and grilled to the press with panini.
RANCH CHICKEN AND BACON garnished with seasoned chicken roasting, bacon, Monterey cheese and tasty tomatoes freshly cut and a delicious ranch sauce, wrapped in a tortilla and grilled to perfection in panini press.
B.L.T. features strips of bacon and topped with lettuce, tomatoes and a drizzle of mayo.
Learn more about them right here on SUBWAY® CANADA’s Official Facebook Page!
We want you to be able to ‘wrap’ your hands around a SUBWAY® Grilled Wrap! How about a chance to win a SUBWAY® CANADA Card loaded with $25 to try one… or a few?
Head over to MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK where we’ll be giving away some SUBWAY® Cards in our TIFF ’17 Survival Pack and also some throughout TIFF!
Want to win some awesome SUBWAY®-branded swag? Don’t forget to post on Instagram and Twitter how you’re “holding it together” this TIFF to them @subwaycanada and tag them on your Posts for a chance to win some phone chargers, note pads, or tote bags!
Don’t forget also to be following us here:
Twitter: @mrwillw
Instagram: @mrwillwong
Snapchat: mrwillwong
Good luck!
Giveaway open to Canadian Readers only.
(Photo/video credit: SUBWAY®/Mr. Will Wong)
Everyone’s talking about intriguing TIFF ’17 selection mother!, the latest from Black Swan Director Darren Aronofsky, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem. We want to give Readers a chance to win Run-of-Engagement Passes in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.
Synopsis:
A couple’s relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. From filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream), mother! stars Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer in this riveting psychological thriller about love, devotion and sacrifice.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. For an extra chance, Re-Tweet this Tweet at @mrwillw.
Paramount Pictures Canada release #motherMovie Friday, September 15, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)
We couldn’t do TIFF ’17 without the support of our amazing partners who make what otherwise is an eventful and hectic 11 days just that much more manageable! We’re lucky already to have an amazing Team (Jonathan Godfrey, Justin Waldman, Siobhán Rich, David Baldwin and Amanda Gilmore) who help bring us the coverage on the Films and talent making the biggest splash at the Festival, but we’re just as grateful to have the support of some amazing partners including:
CP24
Returning for a ninth consecutive year, we’ll be partnering again with Southern Ontario’s favourite news channel CP24 for TIFF ’17 delivering you all the scoop on the Festival’s hottest Films and stars! See our photos real-time as we upload them onto our Social media channels as we spot the stars and see the Films, and also on CP24! You’ll see a lot of us in-studio and live-to-air. Â Be watching!
Here’s a link to our TIFF ’17 Preview on Live at Noon:
STARBUCKSÂ CANADA
Every TIFF we’re treated to amazing Films which we’re so lucky to see first before Awards Season and all those stars in town! But  just as exciting is that the Pumpkin Spice Latte, known affectionately as the PSL, returns too right in time for the Festival!  The PSL is our official beverage of choice during the Festival and the perfect treat at a time of ultimate indulgence! Learn all about Starbucks Canada‘s Fall Menu and stay connected on all their new delicious offerings here.
COME CLEAN 100% NATURAL BAMBOO CLEANING CLOTHS
Make-Up Artist-recommended, these bamboo cloths from Consonant Skin Care which come in packs of 10, not only cleanse but also brighten the skin with anti-aging botanicals! It’s so easy to not look your freshest after those long TIFF days, and these will ensure you look your freshest! More here.
THE FASHION PIG
It is always best to get a second opinion on things. The Fashion Pig is a fashion consulting service for women and men tailored to your individual body type. We aren’t all the same and different things work on different people. They also offer de-cluttering consultation services also for your living space. Learn more here.
DUFFLET PASTRIES
There is only one Queen of Cake® and that is Dufflet Rosenberg. We are proud to partner again with Dufflet Pastries this TIFF to let you experience true decadence.  Just minutes west of Entertainment District, you must check out their Queen St. West location for a sweet treat!  More here.
SPUDNIKS
It’s so easy to forget about snacking smart during TIFF with movies and stars on your mind, but Toronto’s own SPUDNIKS Kettle Corn, Kettle Chips and Caramel Corn available in large and small sizes, are the perfect snack. Even more awesome, Canada 150 is fully in patriotic effect with their Maple Popcorn which is to die for, but if you’re into something simple and lighter, try their Skinny Pop Sea Salt and Sunflower Oil-seasoned Popcorn! They contain no MSG, are all natural, no additives nor Trans-Fats. Heart-healthy, almost all their products have no cholesterol. Did you know that SPUDNIKS is the official Caramel Corn of Toronto institutions like the CN Tower, Toronto Blue Jays and the Royal Ontario Museum? You can even get ’em at Pearson Airport! More here.
SUBWAY® GRILLED WRAPS
During TIFF, every second counts and sometimes you just have to multi-task eating with searching something on your phone. These Subway®  Grilled Wraps let you hold it all together with deliciousness you can enjoy with one hand and they come in B.L.T., Chicken Caesar and Chicken & Bacon Wrap.
• The savoury Chicken Caesar Melt combines rotisserie-style chicken with shredded Monterey Cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of Parmesan, baby spinach, tomatoes and Caesar sauce, wrapped in a soft tortilla and grilled to perfection.
• Chicken & Bacon Ranch Melt features tender, rotisserie-style 100 per cent Canadian chicken free from artificial flavours, colours and preservatives, served on a fresh tortilla, with mouth-watering bacon, shredded Monterey Cheddar cheese, red onions, green peppers, tomatoes and a creamy ranch sauce.
• You can’t go wrong with a classic grilled B.L.T. wrap, featuring strips of bacon and topped with lettuce, tomatoes and a drizzle of mayo.
With a location right in the middle of the action at King x John, nourishment is never far away, letting you hold it all together! Learn more about Subway® Grilled Wraps here.
ROWENTA X-CEL STEAM BRUSH
Looking flawless during Toronto’s most star-studded season is a chore when you’re tight on time. The Rowenta X-Cel Steam Brush is compact, portable and keeps your clothes crease-less and it does it quick! Â We plan to keep one handy in our hotel room. Learn more about it here.
H&M CANADA
We love H&M all seasons of the year and TIFF ’17 is no exception. The perfect blend of affordability, innovation and comfort, there are reasons why we keep revisiting H&M‘s fashions. We can dress-up or dress-down with their great versatility. Visit here for their latest arrivals for Women and Men. Did you know they had Justin Bieber merch even in-store September 7, 2017?
2017Â HONDA CIVIC 5D SPORT TOURING
Having a nimble, compact ride is a must during TIFF whether it be for navigating through the bustle of Entertainment District or fitting into those tight parking spots on-the-run.  We are of the firm belief that less is more during TIFF and we can’t wait to navigate the Festival in our official ride of TIFF ’17, the super–sleek 2017 Honda Civic 5D Sport Touring! We love its leather interior, wireless phone charging and Honda Sensing™ Suite! The car is the perfect blend of versatility, class and value. Learn more about it here!
HOTEL NOVOTEL DOWNTOWN CENTRE
We’re blessed to call Hotel Novotel Downtown Centre our home once again TIFF ’17.  In addition to having everything we need – size, the coziest bed, plenty of parking, pet-friendliness and incredible amenities like an awesome gym, reliable wi-fi and yes, that amazing breakfast buffet at Cafe Nicole. Above this, the staff are incredibly nice and accommodating. The Hotel is just minutes from all that TIFF action, but thankfully just away enough to escape the madness at the end of the night. We love it and always keep coming back!  More here.
What good is talking about our amazing partners if we can’t share it all with you? Â One lucky Willionaire in Toronto will win an amazing TIFF ’17 Survival Kit including goodies from some of our partners including:
Starbucks Canada Gift Card (additional cards to be given away throughout Festival via our Social Media)
Subway® Canada Card (additional cards to be given away throughout Festival via our Social Media)
Dufflet Pastries Gift Card
H&M Canada VIP Card
Rowenta X-Cel Steam Brush
Selection of Spudniks Kettle Chips and Popcorns
Free Men/Women’s Fashion Consultation Voucher from The Fashion Pig
Come Clean 100% Natural Bamboo Cleaning Cloths
A visual of trusty sidekick Billy guarding the goods for us. Click left below for a cute TIFF surprise!
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. For an extra chance, you may:
Re-Tweet this Tweet: @mrwillw
“Like” this Post on Instagram: @mrwillwong
Don’t forget to be following us on the above social channels also for all the latest TIFF ’17 buzz!
Happy TIFF ’17! Â We’ll be seeing you around town!
Mr. Willxbilly
By Mr. Will Wong, Siobhán Rich and Justin Waldman
Now in its 23rd year, FAN EXPO returned once again to Toronto this weekend at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre celebrating fandom and bringing fans close to their idols of past and future. The extravaganza continues to pull-in upwards of 129,000 people from around the world with panels, exhibits, signings and photo ops galore. There’s even Speed-Dating for the geek-minded.
Cosplayers were out in full festive force with several paying tribute to the likes of The Joker, Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman and Doctor Who.
A major highlight this year was the reunion of the original ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW Cast including a seldom-seen Tim Curry, who was available for photo ops and also pre-signed memorabilia. His Castmates Meat Loaf, Nell Campbell, Barry Bostwick and Patricia Quinn also made their way to Fan Expo.
A hot ticket item this weekend, selling-out, was photo ops for the Cast of STRANGER THINGS including Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo. The former also appeared with his fellow Castmates from another production in which he stars, hotly-anticipated Stephen King Remake IT, out next week.
This year, Fan Expo‘s Guest List was heavy on talent filming in the City including Cast members from STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, which sees a premiere on CBS this September including Sonequa Martin-Green, Anthony Rapp and Doug Jones.
Meanwhile, returning favourites Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead), John Barrowman (Arrow), Nathan Fillion (Castle), Stephen Amell (Arrow), Anthony Daniels (Star Wars) and Matt Smith (Doctor Who) also proved popular.
THOR: RAGNAROK EXHIBIT
Among the several dazzling displays and exhibits at Fan Expo Canada this year was an exhibit for eagerly-awaited THOR: RAGNAROK from Marvel, giving fans get an exclusive first look at the costumes and pieces seen in the Movie.
In this third Thor Movie, our hero faces his toughest villain yet, Hela played by Cate Blanchett, and her costume makes the villain even more daunting. A black and green costume with a 3D printed headpiece that resembles something similar to a creature from nightmares it truly is a sight to behold. As well the headpiece was never actually worn in the film but rather carried afterwards in very careful placement to fit the Film.
Next is Karl Urban’s Skurge and without giving away too much information about the character he seems to be a forced to be reckoned with as well. A double-sided axe that is truly remarkable accompanies his costume. As well his costume is made of actual steel and fabric, making it one of the more impressive costumes.
Loki’s (Tom Hiddleston) costume takes its final form in this third Film. There are little tidbits of goodies in the costume as well, if we remember the first Avengers Film, the necklace Loki wears has a small piece in his costume this time around as an ode to that other appearance.
Next we have hotly-anticipated Jeff Goldblum’s The Grandmaster whose fabric costume is so much more impressive in person that anyone could have ever imagined. The layers of fabric and costume it self really stands out and boasts the character.
Two really cool props from Ragnarok are from the Hulk Vs Thor scenes where we get a first up close look at Hulk’s sword and hammer that he uses in the fight. These props are massive and certainly a dream come true for fans to be able to see these props up close and personal.
One of the most impressive pieces at Fan Expo’s exhibit this year was Thor’s costume itself, as it is a mish-mash of different pieces. While he is away from Asgard and fighting, he acquires different pieces of his costume and writing on his costume that shows his journey. However the most interesting piece for fans would be Thor’s helmet, which many fans have dreamed of seeing since the first Movie came out.
Photos from the THOR: RAGNAROK Exhibit. Hover cursor left and right below to navigate.
This gorgeous star of X-Men, Taken, The Wolverine, The Blacklist, How to Get Away with Murder, The Blacklist and Hemlock Grove, the latter filmed right in our City, returns to Toronto again once again. She tells her fans at her panel about her experience working with Hugh Jackman who would go on to be in the widely-acclaimed LOGAN. “It’s impossible to envision anyone else playing that role”, she says about her Co-Star. “I’m grateful to have worked with him.”.Â
On Game of Thrones’ Sophie Turner playing a role she helped shape in upcoming X-Men: Dark Phoenix, she says “I think she’s amazing. She reached out to me when she got cast as Jean Grey and asked what pointers I had for her and I told her she’s amazing and to just follow your gut and that’s what she did.”.
TIM CURRY
You know you’re iconic when your Films are remade and your roles are reprised. This iconic star of Rocky Horror Picture Show and the original Pennywise in Stephen King’s IT, which is projected to make a huge splash next weekend at the Box Office, made a rare appearance at this year’s Fan Expo treating fans to an intimate panel.
On which of his projects he considers his favourites, Curry says “Well, I guess one of them is Clue where my part was as big as the Bible. I also love Muppet Treasure Island.“.
On his phenomenal voicework in Animation, he says “I love it. I’ve never been a contortionist. The day is young and one day I hope to be.”.Â
While he is the idol of many who attended his panel, he cites Alec Guinness as being someone he looks up to.
JOHN BARROWMAN
This star of Doctor Who, Desperate Housewives, Torchwood, Legends of Tomorrow and of course Arrow is loved by many a fan. Â He reflects on the fun he has had on the latter. “A lot of things happened and part of what I like to do is making people crack-up by doing something from across of them. Stephen (Amell) is really easy to crack-up”.
In what will be the most talked-about moment of Fan Expo Canada 2017, Barrowman was asked by a fan at his panel whom his best on-screen kiss was with. Â A fan who went by the name Montana then rushed the stage to the shock of the crowd and Barrowman, and the two embraced in a kiss which had the fan going shirtless. The crowd went ecstatic. Â David Tennant, his Doctor Who Co-Star was his favourite kiss, by the way!
The best kind of audience participation at @JohnBarrowman‘s @FANEXPOCANADA panel. #FXC17 pic.twitter.com/Ls81n9x934
— MsTypo (@Typo_eh) September 1, 2017
KATHLEEN TURNER
Those of us who grew-up in the ’80s have fond memories of Turner‘s work in classics like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Peggy Sue Got Married, Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Turner reflected on her beginnings as an actress with her fans. She claims “I didn’t see many films. I always felt like Film happened to me.”. “Most of my imagination was satisfied by reading. This is how I always thought I wanted to be an actor”, she says. “This is my 40th year in my profession and it is still absolutely thrilling to be doing it. I am now entering my fourth profession and I will be doing Cabaret. I can sing.”.
MATT SMITH
In addition to its presence being felt largely this year with several fans dressed as Dr. Who, Matt Smith returned to Fan Expo once again this year. On his eventual exit from the beloved Series, Smith says “Yeah, I always knew I was going to stay for another year. Maybe I would’ve stayed on for another year. But then I thought I couldn’t get too comfortable. It’s a difficult show to leave because it’s such a brilliant character but as an actor you have to continue to do things that frighten you and make you uncomfortable.”. Â
Smith currently can be seen in Netflix‘s acclaimed The Crown as Philip.
See some Snaps from Fan Expo Canada 2017. Navigate by hovering cursor over left and right of gallery.
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Missed it this year? Learn more about FAN EXPO CANADA right here and come next year!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Siobhán Rich/Justin Waldman)
With the end of Summer near, Moviegoers have a lot on their minds. Â THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD however is strong enough to overcome and for a third straight week hits the top of the Box Office earning $9.4 million this Labour Day weekend for from 3,370 theatres for VVS Films/Lionsgate Films. To date it has earned $54.8 million domestically.
Former champ ANNABELLE: CREATION continues is rampage of Horror, in second with $6.9 million from 3,358 theatres for Warner Bros. It has made $90 million to date in North America. The studio is projecting another huge weekend next week with yet another scary release in Stephen King’s IT.
WIND RIVER continues to perform well in third spot now in its fifth week, earning $5.7 million for The Weinstein Company/VVS Films. In total it has made $16.6 million over five weeks.
LEAP! in its second week out earns $4.7 million The Weinstein Company, a total $13 million grossed thus far, placing it fourth.
LOGAN LUCKY drives steadily in fifth spot with $4.1 million for eOne Films/Bleecker Street Films. It has thus far earned $21.1 million over three weeks despite raves critically and an all-star cast.
GIRLS TRIP rounds-out the Top Ten with $2.1 million, in its seventh week out, now having made $111.9 million for Universal Pictures.
We live for TIFF and our hearts are filled with gratitude that we live in the City with the greatest Film Festival in the world! Â Team Mr. Will break-down for you their top Films to look-out for at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival. Â With single tickets going on sale to the public Monday, September 4, 2017 at 10:00 AM EST, perhaps you could use a bit of inspiration for your own Festival picks?
From our Family to yours…
Siobhán Rich (@Typo_Eh)
Pop culture played a big part in my picks this year with The Room, Barack Obama and Wonder Woman playing key roles in three of my selections. The other two premiered at festivals earlier this year to wide acclaim are are sure to be on everyone’s top Films of 2017.
BPM (Beats Per Minute)
Call Me By Your Name
The Disaster Artist
The Final Year
Professor Marston and the Women
Jonathan Godfrey (@Skot_Somers)
This year I’m sticking to Indies! First off there’s Cannes darling, The Square. A satirical look at the Post-Modern Art World and all of its troubling social issues. Second is Jane, a Documentary about the beloved primatologist Jane Goodall. Third, The Lodgers, is an Irish Horror that was shot in one of the country’s most harrowing haunted houses. Fourth, Apostasy. The aptly-titled Film focuses on a rebellious youth within a controlling cult. Lastly, my only non-Indie, The Shape of Water. The latest Monster Movie from Toronto’s adopted son, Guillermo del Toro. All good and hopefully great. Time will tell. Have a happy Festival!
The Square
Jane
The Lodgers
Apostasy
The Shape of Water
Justin Waldman (@DubsReviews)
The Disaster Artist
James Franco tackles The Room in adapting the Book written by Greg Sestero who played “Mark” in arguably one of the worst movies ever made, The Room.
Unicorn Store
Brie Larson makes her directorial debut with an extraordinary cast.
The Florida Project
From the director of Tangerine this small Indie film will be one of the standouts from the Festival as well without a doubt.
Molly’s Game
Aaron Sorkin script. Aaron Sorkin directing.
mother!
Early reviews and buzz out of Venice, alleviate all rumours surrounding its changed release date.
Amanda Gilmore (@GilmoreAmanda)
The Disaster Artist
This Film is hilarious from beginning to end and James Franco gives the performance of his career as Tommy Wiseau. It will delight Midnight Madness fans, The Room fans and everyone else that sees it.
Call Me By Your Name
Since Sundance, this Film has received rave reviews for the story, direction, and acting. It’s sure to garner multiple award nominations and possibly some wins come Awards Season.
Downsizing
As soon as it screened at the Venice Film Festival it was a sure fire hit calling it Alexander Payne’s finest work.
The Florida Project
Sean Baker impressed audiences with his directorial debut Tangerine and now he’s back with this touching examination of familial love. Set around a daughter and her young mother living in a motel, this will be the tearjerker of the Festival.
Lady Bird
Greta Gerwig has written some brilliant female roles over the past few years. Now she’s making her directorial debut with her latest script starring Saoirse Ronan.
David Baldwin (@DaveMABaldwin)
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
I saw the Trailer for this Movie back in March and was on-board immediately. Frances McDormand looks like the perfect match for Martin McDonagh‘s spectacular writing.
The Disaster Artist
I love The Room, and the behind the scenes story is the most fascinating, hilarious, ludicrous and absolutely insane thing I have ever read. I have been waiting ever so patiently since SXSW to experience the madness — and bonus points because it will be at Midnight Madness with the maestro himself, Tommy Wiseau, in the audience.
mother!
I know literally nothing about this Film beyond it starring Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem, and that it is directed by Darren Aronofsky. That’s more than enough to get me excited. The posters have been cryptic at best, so I’m really hoping that I’m rewarded for going in blind.
Mom and Dad
The premise of parents killing their kids for 24 hours had my curiosity. Having Nicolas Cage in the leading role got my attention.
Manhunt
John Woo‘s return to the kind of action movies that influenced a generation of Filmmakers and film fans. If there aren’t any doves or dual wielding pistols, I’m rioting.
Mr. Will (@mrwillw)
Having seen a handful of the key TIFF ’17 titles, I am the greatest champion for Sundance favourite CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. I love Luca Guadagnino (I Am Love, A Bigger Splash)‘s work and once again he pushes the boundaries and our perceptions of love in this beautifully-told Novel adaptation. It is gorgeous, a bit dangerous and emotional – everything a TIFF Film should be.  I have yet to see I, Tonya and mother! but both have great pedigrees and with that come high hopes. The Disaster Artist was magical, Battle of the Sexes was superb. That being said, my Top Five are as follows:
Call Me By Your Name
I, Tonya
mother!
The Disaster Artist
Battle of the Sexes
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com