TIFF21: “THE POWER OF THE DOG” REVIEW

Review by David Baldwin Cattle ranchers George and Phil Burbank (Jesse Plemons and Benedict Cumberbatch) have made a successful enterprise for themselves in Montana circa 1925. Phil rules the men they employ with an iron fist, while George is a bit more wholesome and understanding. George takes to widow Rose (Kristen Dunst) after meeting her at a restaurant stop and quickly marries her much to Phil’s chagrin. When she and her son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee) move into the Burbank family home ... Read more

#TIFF21: “LAST NIGHT IN SOHO” REVIEW

By Amanda Gilmore Aspiring fashion designer Ellie (Thomasin McKenzie) leaves the English countryside of Cornwall to attend fashion school in London. Ellie loves the 1960s and to her luck, when she moves into her new flat she can mysteriously enter into '60s Soho. It’s there she encounters fashionable aspiring singer Sandy (Anya Taylor-Joy). However, Ellie quickly learns that the glamour of the era isn’t what it appears to be. She gets pulled into ... Read more

#TIFF21: “TITANE” REVIEW

Review by Amanda Gilmore Body Horror has never looked so good as in Writer-Director Julia Ducournau’s Titane. An automobile accident creates life-altering repercussions for child Alexie (Agathe Rousselle). In order to survive, she’s forced to get a titanium plate in her skull. But this one moment has disturbing ripple effects throughout her remaining years. Ducournau has managed to make a Body Horror film laced with themes of sexual and gender fluidity. She introduces ... Read more

#TIFF21: DAY TWO SIGHTINGS: CLIFTON COLLINS JR., CLINT BENTLEY, BEN PLATT, JULIANNE MOORE AND THE CAST OF “DEAR EVAN HANSEN”

Press has begun for many of the Films premiering at TIFF '21 and since Red Carpets aren't public this year, we have to use a bit more creativity getting that snap! No worries, we're managing! We spotted the Cast of DEAR EVAN HANSEN out and about today as they did the rounds and captured a few lovely moments among Ben Platt, Julianne Moore, Danny Pino, Nik Dodani and Director Stephe n Chbosky! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 ... Read more

#TIFF21: “DRIVE MY CAR” REVIEW

Review by Amanda Gilmore Yusuke Kafuku (Hidetoshi Nishijima) is a successful Stage Actor and Director and married to Oto (Reika Kirishima), a successful Playwright and Screenwriter. The two share a long life filled with artistic collaboration. But then Oto dies suddenly. Still coping with the loss two years later, he accepts an offer to direct a play in Hiroshima. It’s there he is forced to have a driver, the young, headstrong Misaki Watari (Toko Miura), who will drive his red Saab ... Read more

#TIFF21: “NIGHT RAIDERS” REVIEW

Review by David Baldwin In the not too distant future, war has broken out across North America and has resulted in the military taking control of what is left. They take children to train at State Academies, never to be seen from their parents again. Niska (Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers) has been living off the land, protecting and keeping her daughter Waseese (Brooklyn Letexier-Hart) away from the military’s prying arms for her entire life. But after Waseese gets injured and taken away, ... Read more

#TIFF21: “PETIT MAMAN” REVIEW

Review by David Baldwin I did not adore and embrace Portrait of a Lady on Fire as much as the critic and fan communities did back in 2019 (where it screened at TIFF). The visuals were beautiful and sumptuous and the relationship between the leads was raw, intimate and moving. Yet something about it all did not click for me as much as I hoped it did. Rather fortunately, Céline Sciamma is back at TIFF with her follow-up PETITE MAMAN, and it was everything I hoped it would be and ... Read more

#TIFF21: “JOCKEY” REVIEW

By Amanda Gilmore Aging jockey Jackson (Clifton Collins Jr.) has become weathered due to decades on the riding circuit. After noticing changes in his hand, he learns he’s facing a debilitating illness. Realizing this might be his last championship race, he practises with the help of trainer Ruth (Molly Parker) and a promising young horse. Further changes begin happening in Jackson’s life when young jockey, Gabriel (Moisés Arias), claims to be his son. Director and Co-Writer Clint ... Read more

#TIFF21: “MOTHERING SUNDAY” REVIEW

Review by Amanda Gilmore Director Eva Husson poetically brings Graham Swift’s post-WWI secret romance novel to the screen. Jane (Odessa Young) is a maid for the wealthy Nivens (Olivia Coleman and Colin Firth). Behind their back, she’s having a secret affair with their neighbour's son Paul (Josh O’Conner). Their affair has to remain a secret because of their status differences and because Paul is engaged. ... Read more

#TIFF21: DAY TWO SIGHTINGS – JUSTINE BATEMAN, BEN PLATT, AMANDLA STENBERG, DANNY PINO, COLTON RYAN + MORE

TIFF '21 is officially in full swing and while things are a little less hectic this year, we're still keeping fully busy, Team Mr. Will catching as many Films as we can and fitting in as many sightings as we can! We are thrilled to have gotten to see this year's Opening Night Gala, the uplifting and heartfelt DEAR EVAN HANSEN. We absolutely loved it, and while we've never seen the original Musical it was based on, the Film by Stephen Chbosky stands on its own strongly. Floored by star Ben ... Read more