We’re here for those THE LION KING updates! Check-out these brand-new character posters from this Summer’s most-awaited Movie!

Synopsis:
Staying true to the classic story, director Jon Favreau utilizes pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring the iconic characters to the big screen in a whole new way. Featuring the voices of Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon, Disney’s “The Lion King” opens in theatres on July 18, 2019.

See the Trailer:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release THE LION KING Friday, July 18, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

He’s back and badder than ever! Check-out this new Trailer for RAMBO: LAST BLOOD starring Sylvester Stallone in the titular role!

Synopsis:
Almost four decades after he drew first blood, Sylvester Stallone is back as one of the greatest action heroes of all time, John Rambo. Now, Rambo must confront his past and unearth his ruthless combat skills to exact revenge in a final mission. A deadly journey of vengeance, RAMBO: LAST BLOOD marks the last chapter of the legendary series.

See the Trailer:

VVS Films release RAMBO: LAST BLOOD Friday, September 20, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

Back in 2016, The Secret Life of Pets took the Box Office by storm as an animated movie which could be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

It told the story of Max, a terrier who enjoys an idyllic home life with his owner Katie. But the peace is shattered when she adopts another stray, Duke, who turns out to be something of a handful and an enemy to Max (until the generic Hollywood ‘we’re all the same, really’ narrative kicks in).

That first movie made $875 million worldwide – not bad for its $75 million budget – and so writer Brian Lynch, who penned the Minions movie, and director Chris Renaud, at the helm of Despicable Me, have returned for the sequel hoping for a similarly money-spinning epic.

There has been a crucial casting change: Louis C.K., who became persona non grata in Hollywood following a scandal, has been replaced as the voice of Max by Patton Oswalt, last heard voicing the eponymous blue unicorn Happy in the Netflix series of the same name. The sharp-eared will detect the dulcet tones of Harrison Ford, Dana Carvey and Hannibal Buress in cameo roles, too.

‘Patton Oswalt’ – Gage Skidmore via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Animal Adventures

This time around the action focuses on Max’s visit to the terrifying vet, and the adventures he gets into on the way alongside his buddies Duke (Eric Stonestreet), Daisy (Tiffany Haddish), Snowball (Kevin Hart) and Gidget (Jenny Slate).

There’s also plenty of other side stories to enjoy, including the newcomer Daisy, a feisty foil to the more reserved Max, calling on the help of Snowball to help rescue and release a white tiger that she happens to have in her company. Hart’s cowardly rabbit is transformed into Captain Snowball, and some rib-tickling takes on superhero movie culture ensue.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 builds on the same tropes as the original movie. There’s plenty of cute fluffy animals for the kids to enjoy, a pleasing undertone of friendship and togetherness that parents will enjoy their children learning, and a few near-the-knuckle jokes that will have adults chuckling and the kids wondering what mommy and daddy are laughing at.

One of the standout scenes comes in the waiting room at the veterinary clinic, where Max waits nervously to be seen by a professional. He is regaled with horror stories from his fellow pets in a genuinely funny sequence that will have any animal-lover nodding in recognition.

And cat owners will enjoy the sequences involving Chloe, the rotund grey feline who is given Catnip and acts in rather psychedelic fashion thereafter. The scene where she tries to waken Katie and has, well, an accident that will be familiar to many.

Released by Universal Pictures with a PG certificate, The Secret Life of Pets 2 hits theaters on June 7. If you can’t wait that long, you can always pick up the DVDof the first movie in the series, which is available for just $3.44 from Amazon.

And if cute animals are your thing, there are games such as the Fluffy Favourites slots, available to play at Lucky Pants Bingo, from which to get your furry fix. Featuring a cast of adorable creatures, you’ll have a blast watching them spin on your reels and, who knows, you might even pick up some cash prizes along the way.

In summary, The Secret Life of Pets 2 is the perfect movie for children and big kids alike, and the addition of the brilliant Oswalt in the lead role of Max helps to take the franchise to the next level.

VVS Films x Mr. Will want to give Canadian Readers a chance to win GLORIA BELL on Blu-ray!

Synopsis:
Divorcée Gloria Bell (Julianne Moore), in her late fifties, has two adult children (Michael Cera, Caren Pistorius) whom she rarely sees. She wants more to life than just being a mother and a grandmother. She loves to dance and spends her evenings at clubs with her girlfriends, waiting for the right man to come along. She meets Arnold (John Turturro), who’s recently divorced, and the two quickly bond.

However, Arnold’s ex-wife and grown-up daughters constantly get in their way with their non-stop phone calls that he never ignores. Finally, his inability to tell them he’s dating again makes Gloria question whether or not he’s ready to give his all to a new relationship.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Please note this is open only to Canadian Readers.

VVS FILMS release GLORIA BELL Tuesday, June 4, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

The 2019 Inside Out LGBTQ Film Festival officially is in high-gear having kicked-off last Thursday, May 23, 2019 at TIFF Bell Lightbox. This 29th edition of the Festival, the third most popular Film Festival in Toronto continues seeing a boost in profile, hosting premieres for several buzzed titles including Elton John Biopic ROCKETMAN opening in theatres this weekend, Mindy Kaling-penned and starring LATE NIGHT, Mike Doyle‘s SELL BY, a Documentary about Cult Classic Showgirls, YOU DON’T NOMI and among others, Armistead Maupin‘s TALES OF THE CITY, which premieres on Netflix June 7th.

Showrunner Lauren Morelli (Orange is the New Black) and stars including our v. own Paul Gross (Due South) and Murray Bartlett (Looking) came out for a day of Press in support of the series revival, visiting many stop-offs around the City including CP24 Breakfast, Breakfast Television and The Morning Show.  They also treated Inside Out attendees with a special appearance at the screening for the Series and walked the Festival’s signature Rainbow Carpet.

This latest incarnation of the Series picks-up 20 years after where the boundary-pushing 1993 PBS Series left off with Mary Ann Singleton (Laura Linney) returning to 28 Barbary Lane to varying reactions, reuniting with her estranged daughter Shawna played by another Canadian talent, Ellen Page. Larger than life Anna Madrigal is reprised by Olympia Dukakis.

Gross, who starred in the original Series returns as Brian Hawkins and Bartlett stars as Mouse. More on the Series here.

See the Trailer:

See some Snaps – Murray Bartlett, Lauren Morelli + Paul Gross (left to right):

Inside Out runs through Sunday, June 2, 2019. More on the Festival here.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix/Mr. Will Wong)

eOne Films x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see LATE NIGHT! Screenings take place as follows in June 3rd in Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Halifax and Victoria.

Synopsis:
Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson), a late-night talk show host with 28 years of experience, has won an impressive total of 43 Emmy awards. However, when it’s pointed out that she has an all-male writing staff, she asks her boss to hire a female writer. He hires Molly Patel (Mindy Kaling, who also wrote the screenplay), an Indian-American with a talent for comedy, but no experience.

When the head of the network tells Katherine this season will be her last and that she’ll be replaced by a stand up male comedian (Ike Barinholtz), Katherine decides she’s not giving up without a fight. Molly works to give Katherine a fresh, new vibe, writing modern monologues for her that portray Katherine as more authentic and personal.

See the Trailer:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance!

eOne Films release LATE NIGHT Friday, June 14, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

DISNEY’S ALADDIN soars the skies in its debut, taking $84.9 million from 4,476 theatres Memorial Day weekend. By the end of the American long weekend it will be in around $106.5 million. This is Disney’s second-highest Memorial Day opening ever, behind Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, back in 2007. It gets an A CinemaScore and 58% on the Tomatometer.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM lands in second spot after taking too spot last weekend. It still goes strong with $24.2 million this weekend, a two week tally of $106.8 million by end of day Monday for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films.

AVENGERS: ENDGAME places third with $16.6 million, a five-weekn run of $802.8 million in North America for Disney.

BRIGHTBURN opens in fifth with $8 million for Sony Pictures, at 2,607 theatres. It gets 58% on the Tomatometer.

BOOKSMART opens in sixth spot with $7 million from 2,505 theatres for eOne Films/United Artists Releasing. It gets a hearty 97% on the Tomatometer and a B+ CinemaScore.

LONG SHOT rounds things out in tenth with $1.6 million in its fourth week for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films.

Buzz for Olivia Wilde‘s directorial debut has been wild since its Premiere at SXSW. The Coming-of-Age Comedy centering on two best friends, Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever), whom on the eve of their high school graduation come to the realization they’ve never let loose at all in their time there. They embark on one last chance at fun before beginning their paths as adults and that comes at finding the party that all the cool kids are at even if they aren’t invited.

See the Trailer:

Stars Feldstein (Lady Bird, Neighbors 2) and Dever (Detroit, Beautiful Boy), the former who happens to be the younger sister of Jonah Hill, came to Toronto to introduce the Film to fans at a special screening held at Cineplex Yonge & Dundas. Many will be pleasantly surprised how the duo have come into their own in Booksmart and also their undeniable chemistry. Feldstein and Dever were amazing to Fans, snapping Selfies and signing autographs, ensuring everyone was taken care of. They embark on a second day of Press on Friday in support of the Movie including television and radio appearances.

See some Snaps (left Dever, right Feldstein)

Markham’s Mena Massoud received a hero’s welcome home tonight at Scotiabank Theatre. The 27-year-old graced the Blue Carpet at a special Canadian Screening of DISNEY’S ALADDIN and it was a magical carpet ride for him as he was supported by his friends and family at the affair. His favorite High School teacher from his days at St. Brother André Catholic High School, Dori Elliott even came out to celebrate with him. And another, an elementary school teacher waited in the fan pit to see her star pupil!

Massoud has built a solid résumé starring in a recurring role on Amazon  Prime‘s Jack Ryan, plus filming eagerly-awaited Rob Ford-era-set Run This Town here in Toronto last year. Landing the titular role of Aladdin in Disney‘s live-action adaptation of the animated classic by Guy Ritchie for sure is a career pinnacle for the Ryerson Alumni.

Our David Baldwin asks Massoud about his memories of seeing Aladdin and what it means to make this iconic role his own for a new generation.

Massoud: “It’s a dream come true as a kid. I’ve been watching it since I’ve been watching it since I was a kid. To put my fresh take on it it is a great honour.”

Becoming Prince Ali takes several skill sets and ties them together as one. We ask Massoud about the transformation process in becoming him.

Massoud: “We had six weeks of prep before we even stepped foot on camera. So we just  really put ourselves into rehearsals. We had step  rehearsals, singing and acting rehearsals. I had to do camel riding, scuba diving and juggling. It was kinda like going back to Theatre School again, it was pretty crazy!”.

See our Chat with Mena Massoud:

See some Snaps:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Now in its 29th year, the 2019 INSIDE OUT LGBTQ FILM FESTIVAL is set to take place May 23 to June 2, 2019 in Toronto with a variety of Special Presentations, Galas, Short Films and Special Events to celebrate the LGBTQ Community on an international scale. The Festival is comprised this year of 27 Narrative, 13 Documentary Features and 94 Short Films spanning 11 days. INSIDE OUT ranks third behind TIFF and HOT DOCS as the biggest Film Festival in Toronto.

The Festival is flashier than ever this year with Elton John Biopic ROCKETMAN opening the Festival and Sundance price-topper LATE NIGHT, written by and starring Mindy Kaling closing things out. Netflix also will present eagerly-awaited Armistead Maupin‘s TALES OF THE CITY. It was just announced yesterday that Netflix has agreed to a four-year partnership to support LGBTQ Filmmakers, starting with the Festival. YOU DON’T NOMI, which chronicles the rise of critically-panned SHOWGIRLS to its cult status also looks to delight fans, among options to be highlighted below.

We’ve had a chance to preview some of the Festival’s offerings. Here’s a bit more!

MR. WILL

TALES OF THE CITY

Fans of the beloved 1993 PBS Series will be thrilled that TALES OF THE CITY soon will stream on Netflix. This Sequelae Mini-Series sees original characters Mary Ann Singleton (Laura Linney) and Anna Madrigal (Olympia Dukakis) return as the Adaptation of Armistead Maupin’s Book Series. The Series is set some 20 years later as Mary Ann returns back to 28 Barbary Lane to mixed reactions after leaving behind Brian Hawkins (Paul Gross who also returns) to focus on her career and she meets her estranged daughter Shawna (Ellen Page), forced to confront the aftermath of her exit head-on.  Anna Madrigal, a free-spirited, pot-growing landlord still is a magnetic force and we meet all sorts of characters from different walks of life and sexual orientations, including new characters in the mix like Mouse (Murray Bartlett), Margot (May Hong) and Ben (Charlie Barnett). Molly Ringwald and our v. own Victor Garber also have recurring roles. Author Michael Cunningham (The Hours) serves as Producer.

Like its Predecessor, the Mini-Series in 2019 still is pushing boundaries, examining characters as complete, sexual beings. San Francisco and the Music are just as central to the story as its characters.

Tuesday, May 28, 9:00 pm
TIFF Bell Lightbox 1

DAVID BALDWIN

YOU DON’T NOMI

As a young boy in the 1990s who knew how to watch scrambled Pay-Per-View, I was a big fan of Paul Verhoeven’s Showgirls. I did not initially realize how critically-derided the Film was, but nearly 25 years later the Film has become a certified Cult Classic. With this in mind, Director Jeffrey McHale has crafted the Documentary You Don’t Nomi as a means of exploring the Film’s enduring fandom and notoriety.

And for Showgirls fans, the end result is captivatingly-flawed. You Don’t Nomi is basically a Video Essay comprised of extensive clips from Showgirls, news reports, behind-the-scenes footage, archived interviews, voiceover from multiple interview subjects (including Drag royalty Peaches Christ) and clips from about 60 other movies/shows that vaguely tie into their readings of the Film. But no matter how they feel about Showgirls, the majority of McHale’s interviewees seem to just contradict each other. The Film has no clear thesis, and as a result, feels disjointed and all over the place. Which is a real shame, because the discussions comparing recurring motifs and blatant misogyny in Verhoeven’s other works, the Media’s unfair treatment of Lead Actress Elizabeth Berkley, and how a rape victim found peace playing Berkley-inspired characters in Off-Broadway musicals, are all pretty compelling to watch and listen to – but none of them receive the depth they deserve.

You Don’t Nomi sets-out from the start to be a deep exploration about a so-called “masterpiece of shit”. But in the end, it throws in too many topics and never seems to know what to properly examine.

Friday, May 31, 9:15 pm
TIFF Bell Lightbox 1

GEORGE KOZERA

CUBBY

Taking its opening cue from Lady Bird, CUBBY opens with a contentious car ride between Mark and his mother Peggy as she drives him from Indiana to his new job in New York City. As portrayed by the Movie’s Writer/Producer/Co-Director Mark Blane, our hero is a mass of contradictions…on medications, not always honest and a talented artist. The opening credit states that this movie is “Based on a lie” and we quickly learn that the job his mother thinks he has at an art gallery really turns into a babysitting job for precocious six year old Milo. Mark also fantasizes about, and graphically sketches, Leather-Man, an iconic image straight from Tom of Finland.

CUBBY is pure joy, due to the addictive performance and screen presence of Mark Blane and wonderfully supportive by a Cast of interesting secondary characters. Special notice must be given to Patricia Richardson (best known for her multiple Emmy nominated turn in Tim Allen’s Home Improvement). CUBBY tackles a variety of topics with humour, insight and sensitivity. It is a lovely mix of photographing Brooklyn at its height and clever animation. It is an impressive feature debut and I look forward to Mark Blane’s next project.

Sunday, May 26, 4:30 PM
TIFF Bell Lightbox 1

HALSTON

Year ago, I went nowhere without a spritz or 2 or 7 of Halston’s 1-12 cologne from its Elsa Peretti’s designed bottle. It was decadent, unique and expensive – much like Halston’s couture dresses for women. Before Versace came to prominence, the American born designer celebrated women with sexy classy clothes that moved on their bodies with unbridled sensuality. HALSTON is a fascinating documentary that takes us from his beginning to working the women’s hat counter at Bergdorf Goodman to a multi-million dollar conglomerate. Highlighted by interviews with Liza Minnelli (his Hollywood muse and bestie), director Joel Schumacher, jewelry designer Elsa Peretti and Marisa Berenson to name just a few, HALSTON offers many exciting tidbits – he designed the Olympic athlete’s outfits for the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics and was responsible for the hot pants craze that circumnavigated the globe. The primary focus of this documentary is the business end of the Halston empire. Whereas it touches often on his personal life – the raucous weekends in Fire island, his friendships with the Warhol crowd and Studio 54, the cocaine abuse plus his long-term toxic relationship with Victor Hugo (NOT the author of “Les Miserables”!), these are glossed over and not fully explored. HALSTON tells us the story of the decline of the man’s business. He went from designing clothes for the moneyed elite to making clothes to be sold at JC Penney; or, as described in this movie, going “from class to mass”.

HALSTON never fails to fascinate. Whereas the tabloid part of me would have liked to hear and see more of the prurient side of this flamboyant and self-centered fashion genius, there is a wealth of stories about his work ethics and business acumen that had me totally engrossed. It is a must-see.

Wednesday, May 29, 9:15 pm
TIFF Bell Lightbox 1

FROM ZERO TO I LOVE YOU
Kennedy-esque looking Jack (Scott Bailey) is happily married to a voluptuous wife with two young daughters. He also has a history of trysts with cater waiters at a friend’s birthday party and hooking up with men at local gay bars, which he discusses in-depth with his shrink, hoping to find a cure to stop these assignations. Then one day he meets Pete (Darryl Stephens), a handsome young man who has a long history of having failed relationships with married men, much to his parents’ chagrin that only want him to meet a nice, single gay man. The first 45 minutes of FROM ZERO TO I LOVE YOU perfectly mirrors the beginnings of a new, exciting relationship; art galleries, antique shops and dinners at high end restaurants to witty discussions over the merits of the books by Jacqueline Susann. Even the Philadelphia landscapes are filmed with a sensual glow. Then it starts…promises made and broken, trust issues leading to infidelities. Even Pete’s father tells him, “It’s not love. It’s chaos”.

The second half of FROM ZERO TO I LOVE YOU turns into a mockish soap opera with four too many eye rolling coincidences. Despite earnest and believable performances by the 2 lead actors plus a spirited job from Adam Klask as a new boyfriend, this beautifully-filmed movie turns into a cliché-ridden misstep.

Sunday, May 26, 9:15 pm
TIFF Bell Lightbox 1

More here on INSIDE OUT‘s lineup.

(Photo credit: Netflix/Inside Out)