Love is in the air! Cineplex Yonge & Dundas was extra festive tonight as it hosted a special Advance Screening of THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR with its two leads, Yara Shahidi (Blackish, Grownish) and Charles Melton (Riverdale). The Film is directed by Ry Russo-Young (Before I Fall) and based on the Novel of the same name by best-selling Author Nicola Yoon, whose Everything, Everything too got the big screen treatment in 2017. The house was packed for the promo screening followed by a Q&A moderated by The Social’s Melissa Grelo.

The Film centers on Daniel Bae (Melton), a young Korean-American man on the verge of entering college with aspirations of becoming a doctor at his parents’ wishes but a personal dream of becoming a poet. He crosses paths with Natasha (Shahidi), who with her family are facing deportation to Jamaica, making one last attempt to get her family permanent residence in the U.S.. The two meet one day before she and her family are to leave and one day before a crucial interview which could secure his future forever in his educational endeavours. They fall in love but are in a race against time.

See the Trailer:

Melton reflected on his path to success, moving to L.A. when he was 21 with a handful of money, canned soup and tuna. The Actor who took over the role of Reggie Mantle on The CW‘s Riverdale, imparted some advice to the audience, telling them “lay low, stay focused and keep your hopes high.” .

Shahidi who has gained much recognition starring in Golden Globe-winning and Primetime Emmy-nominated Blackish and subsequent spinoff Grownish, is balancing her work with studies at Harvard. Grelo asks her if she believes in love at first sight like the characters we see in THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR and she says “I have to, because my parents did.”. She reveals the Film almost got made in Toronto but alas, it was filmed in New York City where it actually is set and she feels this made a huge difference helping hers and Milton‘s characters understand the communities they grew-up in.

Following the Q&A, the audience got to witness a young man ask his girlfriend to Prom, complete with confetti and their friends in the audience holding signs spelling “PROM?”. The Actors even posed for a Photo Op with them, before taking Selfies with the rest of the audience. Shahidi who came with her mom, could only stay for a bit, while Melton stayed behind generously meeting everyone.

See some Snaps!

Warner Bros. Canada release THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR Friday, May 17, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Warner Bros.)

Hot off filming new Netflix Series SPINNING OUT in Toronto, Kaya Scodelario stars in upcoming Horror, CRAWL.

SYNOPSIS:
When a massive hurricane hits her Florida hometown, Haley (Kaya Scodelario) ignores evacuation orders to search for her missing father (Barry Pepper). Finding him gravely injured in the crawl space of their family home, the two become trapped by quickly encroaching floodwaters. As time runs out to escape the strengthening storm, Haley and her father discover that the rising water level is the least of their fears.

See the Trailer:

Paramount Pictures Canada release CRAWL Friday, July 12, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures)

Premiering tomorrow on CBC Gem, three-part Short Form series THE 410 centers on a young South Asian woman (Supinder Wraich) who is left to her own devices after her truck driving father is imprisoned for drug trafficking. She turns to crime to bail him out of jail, placing herself at great risk, crossing paths with some key people in her life to make it happen.

The gritty Series created, written and starring the talented Wraich examines crime and culture, making for an intense watch. Wraich is perfect as the anti-heroine balancing moral judgement with the greater good even if it means doing the unconventional.

The Cast and Crew behind THE 410, named after a highway which connects Brampton to Greater Toronto, celebrated its release at the Artspace Sandbox on Adelaide Street West. In attendance were Wraich, Jade Hassouné (Shadowhunters), Balinder Johal (Beeba Boys), Sarena Parmar (Suits, Degrassi: The Next Generation) and Renuka Jeyapalan (Workin’ Moms, Kim’s Convenience). Special guests included Kimberly Sue-Murray (Shadowhunters), Vinay Virmani (Dr. Cabbie, Little Italy) and among others, Karena Evans star of Canadian Screen Award-winning Firecrackers and Director of Drake’s videos for smash hits, In My Feelings, God’s Plan and Nice for What.

Wraich tells the audience in a Q&A about repeat times in high school where others would tell her “You’re pretty for a brown girl”, which initially she thought was a compliment before realizing that it really wasn’t. She describes her process writing the story and returning to her roots very much like her character Suri whom after being blonde and wearing blue contact lenses, finds herself, owning her “brown-ness” embracing again her family and community, the very things that once made her feel very insecure.

See some Snaps from the night:

Left to right Matt Power, Jade Hassouné, Balinder Johal, Renuka Jeyapalan and Wraich

Karena Evans (left) showing support for her friends

The 410 streams on CBC GEM Thursday, May 2, 2019.

More here.

CBC Gem offers local live CBC TV channels live from coast-to-coast for free, while a $4.99 per month premium option offers CBC News Network live 24/7 and on-demand content.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/CBC Gem)

eOne Films x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Toronto. One lucky winner wins a Prize Pack with T-Shirt, Key Chain and digital downloads of the first two JOHN WICK films!

See the Prize Pack:

Synopsis:
Super-assassin John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is targeted by hit men and women everywhere after a $14 bounty is placed on his head for killing another member of the international assassin’s guild.

It doesn’t look like there’s any hope for him… the High table and the entire city want him dead. However, John reconnects with Sofia (Halle Berry), a former friend and hitwoman. The two join forces to help John save his life and fight his way out of New York City.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City! Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for another shot!

eOne Films release JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM Friday, May 17, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

Now in its 29th year, the 2019 INSIDE OUT LGBTQ FILM FESTIVAL is set to kick-off later this month. The 11-day Festival ranks third only behind TIFF and Hot Docs as the largest Film Festival in Toronto!

In advance of the Festival is the LGBTQ Finance Forum, taking place on May 30 – 31, 2019, providing LGBTQ-identified producers and/or producers creating LGBTQ content an opportunity to pitch their projects directly to top decision makers.

These projects include:

BLUE JEAN (UK) / Director: Georgia Oakley, Producer: Hélène Sifre
Logline: In 1988, a closeted teacher is pushed to the brink when a student threatens to expose her sexuality.

BOYFRIEND (CANADA & INDIA) / Director: Ashim Ahluwalia, Producer: Kelly Balon, Anand Ramayya
Logline: A middle-aged gay production manager, has his privileged world jolted when he picks up a 19-year-old lower class hustler in a popular cruising area in South Mumbai.

DISCLOSURE (USA) / Director: Sam Feder, Producer: Laverne Cox (exec.), Amy Scholder, Sam Feder
Logline: Disclosure is an unprecedented look at the depiction of transgender people and experiences throughout the history of film and television, revealing how Hollywood has simultaneously reflected and manufactured our deepest anxieties about gender. Over 100 years of footage, from A Florida Enchantment (1914) to Pose (2018), is woven together with the personal stories of prominent media figures like Laverne Cox, showing both the consequences of depicting marginalized communities without their participation, and the liberatory potential of the medium when their voices are centered.

ERIN’S GUIDE TO KISSING GIRLS (CANADA) Director: Julianna Notten, Producer: Claire Allore
Logline: In the emotional world of middle school, Erin, a spunky 12 year-old and the only out person in her grade, panics when her best and only friend, the brilliant Liz, is accepted into a private high school and instead of confronting all her big feelings about this, redirects her energy towards the mysterious new girl and instant-crush, Sydni, but in working towards her first real relationship, realizes she could be losing Liz in the process.

GOLDEN DELICIOUS (CANADA) / Director: Jason Karman, Producer: Kristyn Stilling
Logline: 16 year old Jake Wong is a people pleaser caught between living out his father’s dreams of becoming a basketball star, his girlfriend’s dream of their future together, and his newly awakened feelings for the boy next door. As his life spins out of control, Jake must realize his own hopes, dreams, and sense of self, before his self-sabotage ruins his relationships with the people who love him the most.

LAVENDER (UK) / Director: Jake Graf, Producer: Andee Ryder
Logline: Gay. Transgender. Pregnant. All Matt needed was an elderly French catholic to show him it was the most normal thing in the world. Lavender is a character-driven drama about a trans man’s struggle to accept the impending birth of his child, his revised role in society and most importantly himself, with only an old French spinster for support. An examination of the duality between mind and body, self identity and perceived identity.

UNTITLED DOCUMENTARY PROJECT (USA) / Director: Rita Baghdadi, Producer: Rita Baghdadi, Camilla Hall

TRIBE (CANADA) / Director: Joseph Amenta, Producer: Alexandra Roberts, Daniel Sedore
Logline: Three adolescent boys become enraptured with life in the queer world as they experience it for the first time. It isn’t until a loss of life forces them to acknowledge the reality they have chosen to leave behind.

BEFORE I CHANGE MY MIND (CANADA) / Director: Trevor Anderson, Producer: Alyson Richards, Katrina Beatty
Logline: In 1986 Red Deer, an androgynous 12-year-old enters a clandestine relationship with the school bully, making increasingly dangerous choices to get popular.

WHAT I CALL HER (CANADA) / Director: D.W. Waterson, Producer: Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs
Logline: The estranged mother of 25-year old Kate is on her death-bed. Kate drafts a scathing obituary for her that reflects Kate’s view that her mother was abusive.

The 2019 Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival runs from May 23 – June 2, 2019. Click here for more.

(Photo/video credit: Inside Out)

Everyone seems to be excited about Jim Carrey’s involvement with SONIC THE HEDGEHOG when images first surfaced yesterday. Now here’s your look at the Trailer!

Synopsis:
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG is a live-action adventure comedy based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from Sega that centers on the infamously brash bright blue hedgehog. The film follows the (mis)adventures of Sonic as he navigates the complexities of life on Earth with his newfound – human – best friend Tom Wachowski (James Marsden). Sonic and Tom join forces to try and stop the villainous Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) from capturing Sonic and using his immense powers for world domination. The film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.

See the Trailer:

Paramount Pictures Canada release SONIC THE HEDGEHOG Friday, November 8, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Well, here’s a weekend update! Former SNL star and brilliant funnyman Kevin Nealon hits-up Southern Ontario bringing his stand-up Comedy to places which don’t often get to see a big star.  In recent weeks, he’s visited Oakville, Guelph and St. Catharines, among others. He was just in Markham last night performing at Flato Markham Theatre, delivering the laughs and next is about to visit Picton and Brampton before heading back south.

Nealon, in addition to giving us many happy memories in his time doing the Weekend Update segment on Saturday Night Live, also has had several memorable roles in films like Happy Gilmore, Little Nicky, Daddy Daycare and The Wedding Singer, plus also a prominent role on acclaimed series Showtime‘s WEEDS as Doug Wilson.

We couldn’t pass a chance finally to meet Nealon as he was in our area and he was just amazing, even finding the best lighting for us after his show to snap a pic!  We can’t wait to see what’s next for him!

See our Snap:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Kevin Nealon)

In an historic event, AVENGERS: ENDGAME knocks it way out of the ballpark with a $356 million opening this weekend in its debut at the Box Office! It plays at 4,662 theatres (widest release of all time) for Disney/Marvel and along with those numbers comes great acclaim, as it reaches 96% on the Tomatometer for Critics, while achieving a super-rare A+ CinemaScore. The previous highest opening of all time in North America belonged to 2018’s AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR with a $257.6 million debut and it might a while before we see another Film open to these numbers. In Canada, it sets a record as the highest opening ever for a Film according to Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada, taking-in $28.9 million. Globally, it will hit $1.2 billion+ this weekend.

CAPTAIN MARVEL gets a bit of resurgence, bit still a v. distant second, with $8.3 million from 2,435 theatres for Disney/Marvel also, bringing its run to $413.8 million domestically over eight weeks.

THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA lands in third with $7.8 million for Warner Bros., a two week total of $41.5 million in North America.

BREAKTHROUGH places fourth with $7.2 million it its second week, a total $27 million in two weeks for 20th Century Fox

SHAZAM! is in fifth with $5.6 million, a total $131.2 million for Warner Bros. over four weeks.

PENGUINS rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.1 million, a total $5.7 million grossed for Disney over two weeks.

Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler reunite for some fun in MURDER MYSTERY! Check-out the new Trailer!

Synopsis:
When an NYC cop (Adam Sandler) finally takes his wife (Jennifer Aniston) on a long promised European trip, a chance meeting on the flight gets them invited to an intimate family gathering on the Super Yacht of elderly billionaire Malcolm Quince. When Quince is murdered, they become the prime suspects in a modern day whodunit. MURDER MYSTERY reunites Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston along with an ensemble cast of global talent.

See the Trailer:

Netflix Canada stream MURDER MYSTERY Friday, June 14, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix Canada)

VVS Films x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win an UGLYDOLLS Prize Pack! Prize Packs include:

– 1 talking Moxy UglyDoll (voiced by Kelly Clarkson)
– 1 talking UglyDog UglyDoll (voiced by Pitbull)
– 1 copy of the UglyDolls soundtrack featuring the single “Broken & Beautiful” by Kelly Clarkson

Synopsis:
The free-spirited UglyDolls confront what it means to be different, struggle with their desire to be loved, and ultimately discover that you don’t have to be perfect to be amazing because who you truly are is what matters most. Featuring original music performed by Lee & Pitbull!

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

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

VVS Films release UGLYDOLLS Friday, May 3, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)