#FIRSTLOOK: WHAT TO WATCH FEBRUARY 2021 – “THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY”, “RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE UK”, “SELENA + CHEF”, “FIREFLY LANE”, “THE DIG”, “FINDING ‘OHANA”, “WENDY WILLIAMS: THE MOVIE”, “FLACK”, “I’M YOUR WOMAN”, “FRAMING BRITNEY SPEARS”

We’re in lockdown and there has been no shortage of new releases to occupy our time with. See some of the Films, Series and Movies that we think you might be interested in February!

THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY (HULU)

Lee Daniels (Precious) directs and produces this compelling Montreal-filmed Biopic about legendary Jazz vocalist Billie Holiday, based on the Novel  Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs by Johann Hari.  The story follows the FBI, led by Harry Anslinger (Garrett Hedlund), and their pursuit of Holiday (Andra Day) on drug charges in their war against drugs. This was seen as an attack on Holiday in preventing her from performing live one of her signature songs “Strange Fruit” which talks to the Black community being lynched, reflecting the American government in a poor light. The Film makes no mistake about its portrayal of Holiday and her demons, tracing back to her childhood where she was forced into prostitution, to her many failed relationships and also her dependency on drugs. Daniels offers us the sympathy that Holiday got posthumously and the Film’s greatest treat is Day who embodies Holiday‘s spirit whether she is singing or taking us down her troubled path. Trevante Rhodes (Moonlight) plays Jimmy Fletcher, America’s first black federal agent tasked with investigating Holiday, but also falling for her and her him. While the Film could have been told a bit more concisely exploring failed romances, ultimately its examination of the Black community being targeted unjustly by the justice system is where it leads us to and sadly something happening in the ’40s still rings true today. THE UNITED STATES vs. BILLIE HOLIDAY arrives on Hulu February 26, 2021 and it is no coincidence it was scheduled around Awards Season.

SOME KIND OF HEAVEN (MK2 | MILE END)

Lance Oppenheim debuted this first Feature at Sundance 2020 to acclaim and if Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) signing-on to produce this Documentary is any indication, he’s headed to bright places – pardon the pun. This Film is set in a sunny Florida retirement community called The Villages, dubbed a “Disneyland for Retirees”, or as one of its subjects calls it, “a waiting room to heaven”. The community is constructed to help remind its residents of a happier time in their lives and most of them appear happy on the surface, we do meet a few subjects in the Film who take us a layer deeper. We meet a couple dealing with the husband’s drug use, which lands him in legal trouble; and a widow looking for romance; and a man looking for a wealthy older women to take care of him. Oppenheim despite being a young, emerging Filmmaker is able to get his subjects to trust him and open-up a very personal level about some harsher realities these seniors are living through. Perhaps this shiny, happy community isn’t necessarily the nirvana it’s painted out to be. This is a fascinating meditation about life and love at a stage which often isn’t explored in Film. MK2 | MILE END release SOME KIND OF HEAVEN Friday, February 12, 2021 in theatres and on virtual cinema.

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE UK SEASON 2 (CRAVE)

Okay, while we admit we’re a bit spoiled by the production values and next-level costumes on the American version of this Series, the UK is now onto Season 2 of the fan favourite Series, calling BBC its home on the other side of the Atlantic. And to be honest, we are enjoying this spinoff! Among the challenges this season the Queens are tasked with, is a mock Musical called RATS – imagine a rodent-filled version of CATS – and while there is a bit of cattiness to be found among the contestants, they admittedly are a little less argumentative on this version of the Series. These Queens are quirky and campy and love some of the Celebrity Guest Judges they’ve brought on this season including Elizabeth Hurley and Graham Norton! New episodes arrives Thursday on Crave.

SELENA + CHEF SEASON 2 (CRAVE)

We initially were on the fence about this Series. I mean what could Selena Gomez teach us about cooking? But after giving this a chance, we actually loved it. Each week we follow this global Pop superstar as she learns under some of America’s top chefs. All this is recorded from her home and during the Pandemic. We share more of our thoughts on this Series here. New episodes arrive Thursdays on Crave with the HBO add-on.

FIREFLY LANE (NETFLIX)

Initially when I saw the Trailer for this I expected it maybe to be a bit safe, but this Vancouver-filmed Series starring Katherine Heigl as TV Personality Tully Hart and Sarah Chalke as Kate Mularkey, her best friend is actually great and has a bit of grit to it. Tully is the pretty, successful one who has no problem getting male attention, while Kate is recently-separated and looking to get back into the work force. Lacking confidence, Tully helps Kate land a job at work but as the Series progresses, we learn about their past through younger versions of themselves, played well by Ali Skovby (Tully) and Roan Curtis (Kate) . Tully, though she appears to have everything, has a lot of underlying sadness and is holding some deep secrets. And gradually, we see Kate come out of her shell after heartbreak, while dealing with some challenges with her teen daughter. Love the nostalgic throwback Soundtrack and references to the ’80s, which adds to the mood. This is one-part BFF Comedy, one-part Drama (complete with love triangle) about how we are shaped by our pasts. FIREFLY LANE arrives on Netflix Wednesday, February 3, 2021.

THE DIG (NETFLIX)

Simon Stone (The Daughter) directs this Drama which takes place at the onset of World War II. Edith Perry (Carey Mulligan) is a widow who hires Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes) to excavate large burial mounds on her property. Much to Basil‘s surprise, he finds what is a ship of national importance. Catching wind of this, an Archaeologist from Cambridge, Charles Phillips (Ken Stott) takes over the dig by order of the government, leaving Edith in a battle to maintain her rights to decide the fate of the find since it is on her property. Her fears are that the find will be placed in the British Museum and with an impending war, it could fall into wrongful hands. While grappling with her declining health, Edith must ensure that Basil gets due credit for his discovery and that the treasure is given its due honour. Stone does a wonderful job drawing us into this story, a slow-burning but engaging look at the process and people involved in preserving and protecting what is now known as the most impressive medieval grave to be discovered in Europe. Carey is superb whether it be asserting Edith or as a mother protecting her son from hurt as she faces her own mortality, and Fiennes is easy to root of in his humble display of Basil. THE DIG streams now on Netflix.

FINDING ‘OHANA (NETFLIX)

Jude Weng makes her Feature directorial debut here and gets beautiful Hawaii to work with as a backdrop in telling this story of two siblings, Pili (Kea Peahu) and Ioane (Alex Aiono), brought from New York City to Oahu by their mother (Kelly Hu) to take care of their grandfather (Branscombe Richmond) who faces the risk of losing the home he built. While the kids resent being there, it isn’t long before they find things to love. Ioane falls for a local girl in Hana (Lindsay Watson), while Pili finds a journal which eludes to there being a valuable treasure hidden within the island’s dangerous caves. Buddy Casper (Owen Vaccaro) joins them on this adventure where they learn themselves just how beautiful Hawaii and its culture are, but most of all, Pili and Ioane learn the importance of family after having felt distant from their mother in their time in New York as she struggles to make ends meet. While the Film veers more to a younger audience, adults might find a bit of nostalgia as the Film feels a bit like a reimagination of The Goonies, further solidified by an appearance from Ke Huy Quan who starred in that classic. FINDING ‘OHANA streams now on Netflix.

WENDY WILLIAMS: THE MOVIE (LIFETIME)

TV and Radio Personality Wendy Williams has built a brand as an outspoken girl next door and Lifetime movie WENDY WILLIAMS: THE MOVIE documents her rise, struggles and betrayals. Darren Grant (Empire, Soundtrack) directs this chaotic recounting of some of the much-publicized drama Williams has gone through. The Movie doesn’t shy from matters like ex-husband Kevin Hunter (Morocco Omari) secretly having an affair and child with another woman; her battle with drug addiction; that time she collapsed live on air dressed as the Statue of Liberty; and also her difficulty conceiving a child. This is meant to illustrate Williams as someone strong, who has overcome adversity, but the chaotic energy that dominates the Film somehow detracts from this even despite star Ciera Payton‘s best efforts to channel Williams authentically. We were hoping for something that gave us more of Williams’ vulnerability and just how exactly she overcame adversity, but unfortunately we never quite get this as this Movie, which is executive produced by Williams, is more concerned with showing than telling. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t entertaining though! WENDY WILLIAMS: THE MOVIE airs on Lifetime. Check here for showtimes.

FLACK (AMAZON PRIME VIDEO)

While the UK already has known about this Series, we’re just getting around to discovering the juiciness that is FLACK. The idea is original in this Anna Paquin-produced series, which also has her int he starring role as Robyn, an American Publicist who relocated to London. We are a part of her world which never has a dull moment as she navigates her famous clients’ lives, cleaning-up their sometimes catastrophic messes. We also meet those around her, including her no-nonsense boss Caroline (the brilliant Sophie Okonedo), her icy best friend and co-worker Eve (Lydia Wilson) and an intern Melody (Rebecca Benson). The Series also explores her relationship with her sister Ruth (Genevieve Anderson) as they both grieve the loss of their mother. Robyn also is dealing with her own vices and we see her power over others and also some of the destruction she causes, all while professionally helping others maintain their images. At only six episodes, we only wish there were more for us to savour. There isn’t one weak link in this Cast, some phenomenal performances take these shocking storylines and make them believable and enthralling. Season One of FLACK is available now on Amazon Prime Video.

I’M YOUR WOMAN (Amazon Prime Video)

Julia Hart co-writers and directs this fantastic flick produced by and starring Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel). The ’70s-set story centers on Jean (Brosnahan), a young woman who suddenly becomes a mother and is whisked away from the life she knows, to be on the run after her husband Eddie (Bill Heck) betrays his partners-in-crime. A mysterious man named Cal (Arinzé Kene) takes her away but we realize that those in search of her husband, also are in pursuit of her. Much of the Film’s first two acts are suspenseful and engrossing, with the final act taking a different turn as some long-burning questions are uncovered and Jean begins to find her own voice. Clocking-in at over two hours, I’M YOUR WOMAN takes us on a dangerous and dark ride and we’re glad we were aboard. Brosnahan as always is superb and luckily we can enjoy this at home at Amazon Prime Video now!

FRAMING BRITNEY SPEARS (Hulu/FX)

This Documentary answers at long last why Britney Spears still is stuck in a Conservatorship with her father Jamie controlling her finances still, despite being long over her meltdown. The New York Times explore in great detail the lead-up to Spears‘ need to have her father take control over her affairs, tracing the beginning of her celebrity up to her troubled past where she almost lost it all. She has been very cryptic on the matter with puzzling Social Media posts which read like a cry for help. In spite of this, we see her informed fans step-up with the #FreeBritney movement, demanding the Pop icon be able to decide her own fate, turning her finances over to Bessemer Trust according to Spears‘ wishes. And she refuses to work rightfully until the matter is resolved. The Film by Samantha Stark interviews subjects who were close to her and those who adore her, piecing together possibly how Spears might feel despite her not formally being involved with the project. This is a must-watch for fans of Spears and Pop Culture, giving us a layer of depth in a matter which has been trivialized far too often.

Some of our recent reviews including THE LITTLE THINGS, PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN, PALMER, JIU JITSU, PENGUIN BLOOM, MALCOLM & MARIE, THE WHITE TIGER, WORDS ON BATHROOM WALLS and more here.

Coming later this month on Netflix is the highly-intriguing CRIME SCENE: THE VANISHING AT THE CECIL HOTEL which explores the Los Angeles Hotel’s history of horror, including the death of a Vancouver woman. We’re shaking.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix/Hulu/Crave)

#NEWMUSIC: CARDI B – “UP”

It’s Cardi B’s world and we’re all living in it! The icon is back with her new Video, UP directed by Tano Muiño. The Track is the second single off her upcoming sophomore disc. We love this!

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A COPY OF “LOVE STORY” ON BLU-RAY™

Ranked #9 by the AFI as The Greatest Love Story of All Time, Paramount Home Entertainment x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to own this classic on Blu-ray™ in honour of the Film’s 50th anniversary.

Synopsis:

Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw both received Oscar® nominations* for their starring roles in the timeless, unmatched tale from the heart.  Harvard students Oliver (O’Neal) and Jenny (MacGraw) come from opposite backgrounds, but they share a chemistry they cannot deny—and a love they can’t ignore. Despite Oliver’s wealthy father threatening to disown him, the young couple marries and begins to build their new life together. But fate has other plans, and soon Oliver and Jenny face a crisis only the strongest of loves can endure. 

To commemorate the film and its stars, Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw will be honoured by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce February 12, 2021 at 11:30 PM PST. Steam it live on walkoffame.com.

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for another chance!

Named one of the @AmericanFilm Institute's Top 10 Love Stories of all time, LOVE STORY celebrates its 50th anniversary. Your chance to #win a copy on Blu-ray!

Be sure to tune-in 2:30 PM ET 2.12 at https://t.co/yV3KvmOSpI as its stars get honoured.https://t.co/g5KKs3SlcD pic.twitter.com/fDS4xeYE8Q

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) February 3, 2021

Rules and regulations here.

Paramount Home Entertainment release LOVE STORY, in stores now.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Home Entertainment)

#FIRSTLOOK: 2021 GOLDEN GLOBE AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

Nominees for the 78th annual Golden Globe Awards have been announced and Netflix show its dominance with a total 42 nominations this year, which could come as no surprise as releases continue to be geared at-home amidst the pandemic.

One of the greatest highlights of the awards are that in the category of Best Director – Motion Picture, three of the five nominees are female Directors, in an age where diversity and inclusion are a focus in Hollywood. Black-led films like Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Judas and the Black Messiah, The United States vs. Billie Holiday and One Night in Miami also are making their presence felt appearing in several categories.

Notable omissions including critically-acclaimed MINARI, absent in Motion Picture and Acting categories, after the Hollywood Foreign Press Association drew criticism for relegating it to Foreign Language Film category despite being an American-produced film which contains substantial English dialogue. HBO‘s acclaimed I MAY DESTROY YOU also was seen as a contender, more recently the Independent Spirit Awards, but was missing on the list of nominees.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will host the festivities, to air at the end of the month.

Nominees are as follows:

Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy

“Emily in Paris” (Netflix)

“The Flight Attendant” (HBO Max)

“The Great” (Hulu) 

“Schitt’s Creek” (CBC) 

“Ted Lasso” (Apple TV Plus) 

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama

Jason Bateman (“Ozark”) 

Josh O’Connor (“The Crown”) 

Bob Odenkirk (“Better Call Saul”)

Al Pacino (“Hunters”) 

Matthew Rhys (“Perry Mason”) 

Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television 

Cate Blanchett (“Mrs. America”) 

Daisy Edgar-Jones (“Normal People”)

Shira Haas (“Unorthodox”) 

Nicole Kidman (“The Undoing”) 

Anya Taylor-Joy (“The Queen’s Gambit”) 

Best Director – Motion Picture

Emerald Fennell, “Promising Young Woman” (Focus Features)

David Fincher, “Mank” (Netflix) 

Regina King, “One Night in Miami” (Amazon Studios) 

Aaron Sorkin, “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (Netflix) 

Chloé Zhao, “Nomadland” (Searchlight Pictures) 

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy 

Maria Bakalova (“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”) 

Kate Hudson (“Music”)

Michelle Pfeiffer (“French Exit”) 

Rosamund Pike (“I Care a Lot”)

Anya Taylor-Joy (“Emma”) 

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

Riz Ahmed (“Sound of Metal”) 

Chadwick Boseman (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”)

Anthony Hopkins (“The Father”) 

Gary Oldman (“Mank”) 

Tahar Rahim (“The Mauritanian”)

Best Television Series – Drama 

“The Crown” (Netflix)

“Lovecraft Country” (HBO Max) 

“The Mandalorian” (Disney Plus) 

“Ozark” (Netflix)

“Ratched” (Netflix)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama 

Olivia Colman (“The Crown”) 

Jodie Comer (“Killing Eve”)

Emma Corrin (“The Crown”) 

Laura Linney (“Ozark”) 

Sarah Paulson (“Ratched”) 

Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television 

Bryan Cranston (“Your Honor”)

Jeff Daniels (“The Comey Rule”) 

Hugh Grant (“The Undoing”) 

Ethan Hawke (“The Good Lord Bird”) 

Mark Ruffalo (“I Know This Much Is True”) 

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy 

Sacha Baron Cohen (“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”) 

James Corden (“The Prom”)

Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton”) 

Dev Patel (“The Personal History of David Copperfield”) 

Andy Samberg (“Palm Springs”)

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama

Viola Davis (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”) 

Andra Day (“The United States vs. Billie Holiday”) 

Vanessa Kirby (“Pieces of a Woman”) 

Frances McDormand (“Nomadland”) 

Carey Mulligan (“Promising Young Woman”) 

Best Motion Picture – Drama 

“The Father” (Sony Pictures Classics) 

“Mank” (Netflix) 

“Nomadland” (Searchlight Pictures) 

“Promising Young Woman” (Focus Features) 

“The Trial of the Chicago 7” (Netflix) 

Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture

Sacha Baron Cohen (“The Trial of the Chicago 7”) 

Daniel Kaluuya (“Judas and the Black Messiah”) 

Jared Leto (“The Little Things”)

Bill Murray (“On the Rocks”) 

Leslie Odom, Jr. (“One Night in Miami”) 

Best Original Score – Motion Picture 

“The Midnight Sky” (Netflix) – Alexandre Desplat 

“Tenet” (Warner Bros.) – Ludwig Göransson 

“News of the World” (Universal Pictures) – James Newton Howard 

“Mank” (Netflix) – Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross 

“Soul” (Pixar) – Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Jon Batiste 

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy 

Lily Collins (“Emily in Paris”)

Kaley Cuoco (“The Flight Attendant”) 

Elle Fanning (“The Great”) 

Jane Levy (“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”) 

Catherine O’Hara (“Schitt’s Creek”) 

Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television 

“Normal People” (Hulu/BBC) 

“The Queen’s Gambit” (Netflix) 

“Small Axe” (Amazon Studios/BBC) 

“The Undoing” (HBO) 

“Unorthodox” (Netflix) 

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television 

John Boyega (“Small Axe”) 

Brendan Gleeson (“The Comey Rule”) 

Dan Levy (“Schitt’s Creek”) 

Jim Parsons (“Hollywood”)

Donald Sutherland (“The Undoing”) 

Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy 

“Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” (Amazon Studios) 

“Hamilton” (Walt Disney Pictures) 

“Palm Springs” (Neon) 

“Music” (Vertical Entertainment)

“The Prom” (Netflix) 

Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture 

Glenn Close (“Hillbilly Elegy”) 

Olivia Colman (“The Father”) 

Jodie Foster (“The Mauritanian”)

Amanda Seyfried (“Mank”) 

Helena Zengel (“News of the World”)

Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language 

“Another Round” (Samuel Goldwyn Films) 

“La Llorona” (Shudder) 

“The Life Ahead” (Netflix) 

“Minari” (A24) 

“Two of Us” (Magnolia Pictures)

Best Screenplay – Motion Picture 

“Promising Young Woman” (Focus Features) 

“Mank” (Netflix) 

“The Trial of the Chicago 7” (Netflix) 

“The Father” (Sony Pictures Classics) 

“Nomadland” (Searchlight Pictures) 

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy 

Don Cheadle (“Black Monday”)

Nicholas Hoult (“The Great”) 

Eugene Levy (“Schitt’s Creek”) 

Jason Sudeikis (“Ted Lasso”) 

Ramy Youssef (“Ramy”) 

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television 

Gillian Anderson (“The Crown”) 

Helena Bonham Carter (“The Crown”) 

Julia Garner (“Ozark”) 

Annie Murphy (“Schitt’s Creek”) 

Cynthia Nixon (“Ratched”)

Best Original Song – Motion Picture

“Fight for You” from “Judas and the Black Messiah” (Warner Bros.) – H.E.R., Dernst Emile II, Tiara Thomas 

“Hear My Voice” from “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (Netflix) – Daniel Pemberton, Celeste

“Io Si (Seen)” from “The Life Ahead” (Netflix) – Diane Warren, Laura Pausini, Niccolò Agliardi 

“Speak Now” from “One Night in Miami” (Amazon Studios) – Leslie Odom Jr, Sam Ashworth 

“Tigress & Tweed” from “The United States vs. Billie Holliday” (Hulu) – Andra Day, Raphael Saadiq

Best Motion Picture – Animated 

“The Croods: A New Age” (Universal Pictures) 

“Onward” (Walt Disney Pictures) 

“Over the Moon” (Netflix) 

“Soul” (Walt Disney Pictures) 

“Wolfwalkers” (Cartoon Saloon) 

The Golden Globes air on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at 8 PM ET.

#SUNDANCE: “THE WORLD TO COME”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

In eighteenth-century upstate New York, Abigail (Katherine Waterston) is grieving the loss of her daughter. She begins keeping track of her mundane rural life and interactions with her husband, Dyer (Casey Affleck), by journaling. Her grief slowly begins to alleviate when Tallie (Vanessa Kirby) and her husband Finney (Christopher Abbott) move into a neighbouring cabin.

Director Mona Fastvold creates a beautiful film that depicts grief and love. She works from the Script, written by Ron Hansen and Jim Shepard, that shows life as a settler in the eighteenth-century. Through these four characters, the Film is filled with the knowledge of the oppression and expectations of women during the time. Fastvold perfectly captures this life with stunning shots of candlelit cabins and breathtaking landscapes.

A lot of the speech in The World to Come is from the narration of Abigail. As she keeps her journal, the audience hears her hidden emotions and desires. It’s difficult to execute heavy narration on-screen but Fastvold, Hansen, Shepard and the powerful voice work from Waterston make it an asset. It’s used as a way to get exposition across swiftly and it’s delivered emotionally by Waterston.

This sweeping romance is a captivating watch due to the stellar performances from its ensemble. Waterston is brilliant as the restrained Abigail. She has the ability to show both Abigail’s sorrow alleviating and her love blossoming for Tallie through each interaction. Kirby gives a commanding performance as the confident and direct Tallie. The use of her stature and voice is captivating. Waterston and Kirby work perfectly together and have powerful chemistry.

Additionally, The World to Come takes a look male fragility during the eighteenth-century. They do this primarily through the character of Finney. His anger is targeted towards Tallie due to her not doing household ‘duties’ and producing a child. As this was expected of women at the time, Finney becomes enraged by Tallie. And furthermore, when Tallie desires to spend more time with Abigail than him. Abbott is brilliant in this dislikable role.

The World to Come screens at Sundance:

Live Premiere: February 2 at 3 PM (EST)

On-Demand (available for 24 hours): February 3 at 10 AM (EST)

#SUNDANCE: SUNDANCE 2021 AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED

By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Though Sundance had to adjust to the pandemic, they were able to offer a slew of content in their program. It screened 71 Features, 50 Shorts, 4 Indie Series, and 14 New Frontier Projects.

Some films were lucky enough to be bought ahead of the Festival, such as Together Together, The Most Beautiful Boy in the World and Prisoners of the Ghostland. And some were acquired following their Sundance debut, such as Feature films CODA, Flee, Jockey and Cryptozoo. The former sold of a record-smashing $25 million to Apple Studios. Along with Documentaries Ailey and Playing With Sharks. Make sure you keep an eye out in the future for these titles.

Tonight was the Awards Ceremony hosted by Patton Oswald. Some presenters included Alison Brie and Diego Luna. Check out the list of winners below.

U.S. DRAMATIC COMPETITION

Grand Jury Prize: CODA

Audience Award: CODA

Directing: Siân Heder (CODA)

Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award: Ari Katcher and Rya Welch (On The Count of Three)

Special Jury Award for Acting: Clifton Collins Jr (Jockey)

Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble: CODA

U.S. DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

Grand Jury Prize: Summer of Soul… (Or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

Audience Award: Summer of Soul… (Or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

Directing: Natalia Almada (Users)

Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award: Kristina Motwani and Rebecca Adorno (Homeroom)

Special Jury Award for Emerging Filmmaker: Parker Hill and Isabel Bethencourt (Cusp)

Special Jury Award for Non-Fiction Experimentation: Theo Anthony (All Light, Everywhere)

WORLD CINEMA DRAMATIC COMPETITION

Grand Jury Prize: Hive

Audience Award: Hive

Directing Award: Blerta Basholli (Hive)

Special Jury Award for Acting: Jesmark Scicluna (Luzzu)

Special Jury Award for Creative Vision: One For The Road

WORLD CINEMA DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION

Grand Jury Prize: Flee

Audience Award: Writing With Fire

Directing Award: Hogir Hirori (Sabaya)

Special Jury Award: Verite Filmmaking: President

Special Jury Award: Impact for Change: Writing With Fire

OTHER AWARDS

NEXT Audience Award: Ma Belle, My Beauty

NEXT Innovator Award: Cryptozoo

Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize: Son of Monarchs

SHORT AWARDS:

Short Film Grand Jury Award: Lizard

Short Film Jury Award: US Fiction: The Touch of the Master’s Hand

Short Film Jury Award: International Fiction: Bambirak

Short Film Jury Award: Nonfiction: Don’t Go Tellin’ Your Momma

Jury Prize for Animation: Souvenir Souvenir

Special Jury Award for Screenwriting: Serhat Karaaslan (The Criminals)

Special Jury Award for Acting: Breanna Gibson (Wiggle Room)

(Photo credit: Sundance)

#FIRSTLOOK: “MOXIE” TRAILER

Amy Poehler directs and stars in new Feature MOXIE, coming soon to Netflix. What a Cast on this!

Synopsis:

Vivian (Hadley Robinson), a seemingly shy 16-year-old, has always preferred to keep her head down and fly under the radar. But when the arrival of a new student (Alycia Pascual-Peña) forces her to examine the unchecked behavior of her fellow students running rampant at her high school, Vivian realizes she’s fed up. Inspired by her mother’s (Amy Poehler) rebellious past, Vivian anonymously publishes an underground zine called Moxie to expose bias and wrongdoing in her high school, and unexpectedly sparks a movement. Now at the center of a revolution, Vivian begins to forge new friendships with other young women and allies, reaching across the divide of cliques and clubs as they learn to navigate the highs and lows of high school together. Directed by Amy Poehler and based on the novel by Jennifer Mathieu, MOXIE also stars Lauren Tsai, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Nico Hiraga, Sydney Park, Josephine Langford, Clark Gregg, Josie Totah, Anjelika Washington, Charlie Hall, and Sabrina Haskett, with Ike Barinholtz and Marcia Gay Harden.

See the Trailer:

MOXIE arrives on Netflix March 3, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#SUNDANCE: “JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

This outstanding Film depicts the true story of how William O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) was offered a plea deal to infiltrate the Black Panther Party, with the intent to gain intelligence on Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya).

Director and Co-Writer Shaka King has brought us an important story about a buried history. It’s filled with tragedy, adrenaline and tender moments. Balancing these moments is a feat, but King succeeds. There are jarring scenes of police shootouts and violence against members of the Black Panther Party. Then moments of contemplation from Hampton with his comrades and partner Deborah Johnson (Dominique Fishback).

The decision by King and Co-Writer Will Berson to start and end their re-telling of this tragedy with a reenactment of an O’Neil interview is impressive. In doing so, they give audiences a look into the antagonist of their Film. They depict the primary drive for O’Neil was the money the FBI was paying him. The reenactment and actual interview footage at the end show how far in denial O’Neil was about his time as an informant. King looks at O’Neil as a person who, “falls for everything if they stand for nothing.”

Stanfield’s performance of the Antagonist is nuanced. He manages to leave mystery in his layered performance that allows audiences to question if O’Neil ever felt guilty. By no way is O’Neil redeemed, but having an Actor able to express humanity in someone consumed by self-preservation is incredible to watch. It’s in O’Neil’s self-preservation that pins him as the direct opposite of Hampton, who was always for the people.

Kaluuya is terrific as Hampton. His control over his voice, accent and bravado, is masterful, especially when displaying difference in cadences. He had a different cadence when having conversations and giving speeches. Kaluuya does this throughout, particularly in the “I am a Revolutionary,” scene. It’s one of the most powerful scenes in the Film that gives chills and leaves goosebumps. It also shows the unbelievable talent of Kaluuya.

Although, Judas and the Black Messiah is about the two men, King and his female Cast, lift-up the female characters. Johnson is a pivotal part of the story and is where the heart of the Film lies. It’s lovely to watch Kaluuya and Fishback together on-screen. They have magnetic chemistry that is palpable. Fishback gives an outstanding performance throughout.

King’s use of Sound and Music is integral to his story. Through the first part of the Film, there is a Jazz composition that complements to the movement of the Black Panther Party. When things begin to become more tumultuous, due to O’Niel following out more vile orders from the FBI, the music changes to string compositions. These compositions create an unsettling atmosphere. The Film goes quiet near the end. The moments surrounding the assassination of Hampton by the FBI is silent, adding to the already sombre tone.

Judas and the Black Messiah is a layered Film about many things. One of them being the importance of legacies in a story that has been buried.

Judas and the Black Messiah screens at Sundance:

Live Premiere: February 1 at 9 PM (EST)

On-Demand: February 3 at 10 AM (EST)

#SUNDANCE: “LIFE IN A DAY 2020”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Through crowdsourced footage, Life in a Day 2020 shows what people in 192 countries were doing on July 25, 2020.

Impressively, Director Kevin MacDonald manages to find a narrative with this random video footage. We begin with the miracle of life, some happening in hospitals and others at home. MacDonald switches from here to start of the beginning of people’s day. And we end with the world going back to sleep. 

Through the narrative we see people coping with the impacts of the pandemic. We hear from doctors and people who are ill, with transition shots of empty streets all over the world. MacDonald includes the things we were able to experience at home. People trying new recipes and finding safe ways to exercise. We see the importance of love from family, spouses and pets to help us get through that summer. 

Some of the highlights from the footage is hearing from people who marched and peacefully protested for George Floyd. Additionally, the message about the effects of climate change. As we stayed home, we saw wildlife and nature try to recoup. He edits this with footage of the negative effects some countries experienced due to climate change. If you look carefully, around the one-hour mark you will see Toronto jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson among those featured.

Life in a Day 2020 shows us a that in one of the most isolated times we are all connected in more ways than we think.

Life in a Day 2020 screens at Sundance:

Live Premiere: February 1 at 6 PM (EST)

On-Demand (available for 24 hours): February 3 at 10 AM (EST)

#SUNDANCE: “MAYDAY”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

After a storm causes short circuits at her place of work, Ana (Grace Van Patten) wakes up on a mysterious island. She quickly finds herself among an army of girls — Marsha (Mia Goth), Bea (Havana Rose Lui), and Gert (Sono) — who are in a never-ending war. The leader of the pack, Marsha, explains that Ana was sent there because of the sexist experiences and assault she endured. The four women spend their days luring men to the island through false mayday calls to hunt them.

Writer-Director Karen Cinorre has created a feminist Fantasy film with a beautiful setting and compelling visuals. There is an alternate reality feeling to the island. A place where women can seek revenge on those who have wronged them. Cinorre creates conflict on this idyllic island by throwing in the good guys with the bad. When Ana realizes that not all the men are a threat tensions heighten between her and the war-intent Marsha.

Marsha is the standout character and Goth gives a commanding performance. She’s at her best when butting heads with Van Patten over the altering views. Same goes for Van Patten who is great as the level headed Ana. The rest of the ensemble, which includes a minor but memorable role from Juliette Lewis, is strong and play well off each other.

Although the Film drags at times, Cinorre gets her message and questions surrounding empowerment across. Additionally, she’s got a strong creative flair that brings her feminist message to a reimagined war-fantasy.

Mayday screens at Sundance:

Live Premiere: January 31 at 3 PM (EST)

On-Demand (available for 24 hours): February 2 at 10AM (EST)