After making a splash at Sundance last year, many of us were hoping to see BACHELORETTE in theatres in these parts, but unfortunately that never came. Now however, is your chance to see this amazing Comedy starring red-hot Rebel Wilson, Kirsten Dunst, Lizzy Caplan and Isla Fisher. This is a Story about Redemption and Growing-Up – bitingly funny and at moments painfully raw.
Official Synopsis:
On the night before an old Friend’s Wedding, three frisky Bridesmaids go searching for a little fun but find much more than they bargained for. With lovely Becky (Wilson) set to marry her handsome sweetheart, Dale (Hayes MacArthur), the remaining members of her High School Clique reunite for one last Bachelorette bacchanal in the Big Apple. Regan (Dunst) is an overachieving, uber-Maid of Honor who’s secretly smarting over the fact that she’s not the first to marry, while Gena (Caplan) is a whip-smart Sarcastic who’s actually a closet Romantic, and Katie (Fisher) is a ditzy Beauty who loves the good life. But when Becky insists on keeping the Bachelorette Party tame, the Women proceed with an After-Hours Celebration of their own.
Watch the Red-Band Trailer here:
Official Artwork below:
To enter to win BACHELORETTE on DVD, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook before June 1, 2013. Share on Facebook and double your chances! Canadian Readers only, please. Good luck.
eOne Films releases Bachelorette on DVD today, Tuesday, May 28, 2013!
Click here to order a Copy.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
Concluding the 66th annual Cannes Film Festival, the Main Jury (headed by Steven Spielberg, including Nicole Kidman and Ang Lee) handed-out their Prizes earlier today. Winning top honours this year, the Palme d’Or, was Blue is the Warmest Colour (La vie d’Adèle), directed by Abdellatif Kechiche. The racy Drama, clocking-in at over three hours, is about a teenage Girl who has an affair with a Woman. It also has the distinction of winning the FIPRESCI Competition Prize.
In the acting categories Bérénice Bejo, who received an Oscar nomination for her silent performance in The Artist, won Best Actress for Italian-French Production The Past, about a Parisian Woman looking to divorce her Iranian Husband. Bruce Dern won Best Actor for his work in Nebraska, directed by Alexander Payne (Sideways, The Descendants), about a Father and Son who reunite to claim a Sweepstakes prize. The Drama which stars SNL Alumni Will Forte, gets a November release via Paramount Pictures in North America.
Winning the Grand Prix was eagerly-awaited Coen Brothers Film, Inside Llewyn Davis. Set in the ’60s, the Drama about the Folk Music Scene stars an exciting Cast of Carey Mulligan, Justin Timberlake, Garrett Hedlund, John Goodman and Oscar Isaac.
Mexican Filmmaker Amat Escalante won Best Director for his work on Heli, a Mexican Drama about a Family torn-apart by drugs.
On our radars is Fruitvale Station, to be distributed by eOne Films in select Canadian Citiies on July 26, 2013. The Ryan Coogler Drama, which was a Hit at Sundance earlier this year, picked-up the Future Prize and is about a 22-year-old Man’s final day on New Year’s Eve 2008.
Clearly on the Awards Trail and release dates scheduled for later this year, perhaps we can expect Nebraska, Inside Llewyn Davis, The Past and Blue is the Warmest Colour to surface in Toronto at TIFF this September?
Complete list of Winners here.
(Photo credit: Quat’sous Films)
Running May 23 through June 2, 2013, the Inside Out Festival presented by RBC, delivers to us 170 Films (54 Features and 116 Shorts) from 31 Countries. Raising awareness about the LGBT Community, it delivers upon its promise to challenge attitudes and change lives through Cinema.
Focusing on International LGBT Rights this year, a Series of Documentaries and Narrative Films aim to elicit reaction and provoke thought and discussion including:
…And The Unclaimed which centers around two young Women from a small village in India who fall in love, yet are faced with the prospect of having to marry Men. They decide to die in eachother’s arms. Details here.
Born This Way, a Documentary about two young LGBT People in Cameroon, where Same-Sex Relations can mean a five-year Prison Sentence. No Lady Gaga Cameos, unfortunately! Details here.
Taboo Yardies, a Documentary exploring Jamaicans and their varying perceptions on Homophobia. Details here.
And let’s not forget about the Premiere of eagerly-awaited Behind the Candelabra starring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon, airing simultaneously as the HBO Premiere! Details here.
I’ve had the pleasure of previewing a few Titles to screen at this year’s Festival already and found particularly interesting:
Valentine Road
If there is one Film that you must see at Inside Out this year, it would be this chilling Documentary about Lawrence King, a grade eight Student who in 2008 was shot in the head after declaring his feelings for a Classmate, Brandon McInerney. Director Marta Cunningham gets first-hand access from King‘s Classmates who witnessed his Murder, Friends, McInerney‘s Family to the Jurors in the Case. Although sympathetic to King, she manages to get a complete picture from the Accused’s Supporters, helping us understand why there is so much gray matter in this Case.
Under Cunningham‘s patient handling, the 90-minute Valentine Road takes us on a real education without ever polarizing the Viewer. It takes a grim situation and making something uplifting of it. This is an important Film which begs to be seen by Students and Adults and should find a life even beyond the Festival Circuit. Details here.
Interior Leather Bar
After dropping some jaws at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, this 60-minute Documentary teams Filmmaker Travis Matthews with Megastar James Franco, as they re-imagine 40 minutes of footage cut from the 1980 Film Cruising, in order to prevent a “X” rating. That William Friedkin Film had Al Pacino playing an Undercover Cop investigating Murders in New York’s Gay S&M/Leather Underground.
Although at points like the Cast you find yourself wondering about its intentions, ultimately Interior Leather Bar becomes an exploration about the freedom of Self-Expression in Film and socially-defined “rights” and “wrongs” in Sex. Heterosexual Actor Val Lauren (portraying Al Pacino‘s role) really goes on a journey, challenging himself not only as an Actor, but really has his mind opened to a World which he at times seems squeamishly uncomfortable with initially.
Edgy and graphic, Matthews and Franco visually create a few magical moments in this Film when it finally gets rolling, successfully setting-out what originally they intended to do and more. Learn more here.
Meet the Glamcocks
A fun, visual Escape, this 55-minute Documentary follows the Story of a group of Men from allover the World known as The Glamcocks, who are granted their own Theme Camp at the annual Burning Man Festival held just outside Reno, Nevada. The Festival takes placed in a temporary location coined Black Rock City, where inhibitions are unlocked and imaginations run wild.
Set against a neon-coloured, Electronica-infused Backdrop, Director Vincent Rommelaere takes us on a ride through the personal challenges The Glamcocks face and along the way we feast our eyes on the scintillating Art, which is the driving spirit behind the Festival. And if you can’t appreciate that, feel free to gawk at copious serving of scantily-clad Men!
We genuinely feel like we’ve made some Friends here and this Australian Documentary does a fine job exposing (pardon the pun) this group of Men and the Festival. Learn more here.
Peaches Does Herself
I’ve always been fascinated by Toronto-born Performance Artist PEACHES (Merill Nisker) and this Film gives us a rare chance to experience her self-created Show Peaches Does Herself, which she performed in Berlin. The Experimental Bonanza comprised of Peaches’ most recognizable Tracks, is semi-autobiographical and tells her storied rise to Fame. We learn about her inspiration in a 65-year-old Stripper (Sandy Kane) and her love for a She-Male (Danni Daniels). I was hoping v. much to catch the Film at TIFF last September, but unfortunately never got around to it due to hectic scheduling.
Peaches Does Herself visually and sensually is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced: positively hypnotic costumes, sets, styling and choreography, accompanied by her revered edgy beats. It’s a Party, really. Peaches drop-kicks the walls of what we understand about Sexuality, introducing us to a world of Pansexuality, venturing on her road to Self-Discovery. “There’s only one Peach with the hole in the middle”, indeed. Learn more here. The Film opens at the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on Friday, June 7, 2013.
Click here to learn more about Inside Out and to plan your Festival Experience!
(Photo credit: Rabbit Bandini Productions)
Mr. Will Wong and eOne Films are thrilled to give Readers a chance to see THE KINGS OF SUMMER before everyone else! The Comedy from Jordan Vogt-Roberts, known best for his work with hilarious Funny or Die, was a hit at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and centers on three teenage Friends who decide to build a house in the woods and live off the land one Summer. Nick Offerman, Alison Brie, Moises Arias, Nick Robinson and Megan Mullally star.
The Screening takes place Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Varsity Cinemas. To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Double your chances by sharing this Post on Facebook or Re-Tweeeting the below:
I want to see an Advance Screening in Toronto of #THEKINGSOFSUMMER on 5/22 and @MRWILLW wants me and you to go! http://www.mrwillwong.com/kingsofsummer.
Good luck!
Watch the Trailer below:
eOne Films releases The Kings of Summer on Friday, June 7, 2013 in Toronto.
(Photo credit: eOne Films)
Some of you might recall that my dear Friend Jonathan Godfrey, a fellow Film Aficionado has pitched-in a few Reviews here of late. He thought of the brilliant idea of us combining our perspectives together for you all to read right in time for the 85th annual Academy Awards. As it turns out, we have rather different opinions on how we feel the Oscars will unfold. We both live for Oscars Day and these would be our choices if we were given Ballots by the Academy…
SUPPORTING ACTRESS & ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Jonathan Godfrey: Ladies first, I am a Gentleman after all. And when it comes to the fairer sex I must admit my fondness for Anne Hathaway, however when it comes to this year’s Best Supporting Actress, she is not my Flagbearer. Helen Hunt is, and the sexuality she exudes in The Sessions makes her so.
Mr. Will: Although I would agree that the brazen and physically-correct Helen Hunt was superb in The Sessions, it was Hathaway who devastated me most as Fantine in Les Misérables. In fact her performance was so good that if the Academy would allow it, she could well have won Actress in a Leading Role this year. The last two-thirds of Les Misérables never could match that level of intensity it had when she was on-screen. Mark my words, it will be a Hathaway Sweep this Awards season, completed by an Oscar win here. Anne, I’m still on for Soy Lattes and Salon Day some time. Text me, A-Hath!
Jonathan Godfrey: As for Actress in a Leading Role, my choice is far more mainstream. Jennifer Lawrence is unforgettable in Silver Linings Playbook, and such an impression should be adequately awarded.
Mr. Will: Inasmuch as I love J-Law – and I really do – I really just don’t think she’s earned it yet. When you measure her performance here against recent Winners like Natalie Portman in Black Swan, Hilary Swank in Million Dollar Baby/Boys Don’t Cry, Charlize Theron in Monster or Meryl Streep in The Iron Lady, her Silver Linings Playbook work just doesn’t stack-up to that caliber. I’m so sorry to say it – don’t Katniss me with a Crossbow! I also would hate to see her peak this early in her career as I think her best work is still ahead of her. The Oscars Curse can be detrimental, ask Mira Sorvino. Therefore, my vote goes to the effervescent Jessica Chastain. Her stone-cold performance as Maya in Zero Dark Thirty in my opinion, dug that extra layer deeper and left an impression with me long after I left the theatre. Kudos also to a then six-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis who wowed me in Beasts of the Southern Wild, a born natural. Naomi Watts I adore, starting off so strong in The Impossible, but alas it is her role which didn’t give her as much to work with after she fell ill for most of the Film.
SUPPORTING ACTOR & ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Jonathan Godrey: My choices here are for the pair of Chaps who star opposite each other in The Master. Yes, I was one of those Oddballs impressed by that haunting theological treatise. And so I believe Philip Seymour Hoffman to be Supporting Actor, and Joaquin Phoenix the Actor in a Leading Role. Color me crazy (a suitable shade), for that Film drove me to madness (its own indelible mark).
Mr. Will: Odd, indeed! The Master was this year’s Tree of Life for me. Although sartorially exquisite, it went completely over my head. I appreciate Phoenix‘s daringness and Hoffman‘s conviction here, but it is Christoph Waltz who lit-up the Screen for me in Django Unchained, giving us a performance equally brilliant to the one he gave us in 2009’s Inglourious Basterds. This Man fascinates me: his range, his ability to command a scene and his working chemistry with Quentin Tarantino is just explosive. And can I say what an injustice it is that Leonardo DiCaprio didn’t get recognized?
As for Actor in a Leading Role I begrudgingly have to say the incomparable Daniel Day-Lewis is the odds-on choice. And I say “begrudgingly” because I know how Hugh Jackman gave it his all in Les Misérables, finally getting that long-overdue Academy acknowledgment. In any other year it could’ve been him.
COSTUME DESIGN, PRODUCTION DESIGN & ORIGINAL SCORE
Jonathan Godfrey: Though I do not believe I am qualified to comment on every Technical category, I do wish to talk about a few. It may be Paul Delgado’s first nomination, but he is deserving of the gold for Costume Design nonetheless. The Wardrobe he stitched for Les Misérables is inspiring, so is Sarah Greenwood & Katie Spencer’s work on Anna Karenina. To them the aesthetic award of Best Production Design is given easily. They made the stage a character of its own, a truth too often overlooked. Lastly, may Mychael Danna take the Oscar for Original Score in Life of Pi. We Torontonians must stick together.
Mr. Will: I tend to agree with you Jonathan, despite our v. different opinions in the Acting categories. In any given year there are several Nominees in categories such as Short Film – Animated or Short Film – Live Action which we unfortunately don’t get an opportunity to evaluate. In terms of Costume Design, Colleen Atwood has built her own legacy and her work for Snow White and The Huntsman cannot be overlooked as a possible Dark Horse, but yes, the Costumes in Anna Karenina were stunning – a Film defined by its Fashion. I do think though that Les Misérables has more fuel in its tank at this point in Awards Season. I’d give the upper hand to Delgado here for his work in the Musical.
As for Production Design, I’m inclined to say that the Duo of Eve Stewart & Anna Lynch-Robinson for Les Misérables also will be awarded. Hard to believe they made us believe we were amidst the June Rebellion in France all within the confines of a few Soundstages. As for Original Score, I love John Williams as does the Academy making him the choice, although Thomas Newman for Skyfall might give him a run for his money.
I also would like to commend the phenomenal Makeup and Hairstyling in the under-appreciated Hitchcock. You go, Howard Berger, Peter Montagna & Martin Samuel! Anyone who can turn Sir Anthony Hopkins so believably into such a widely-recognizable Icon deserves a round of applause in my books.
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY, ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY & DIRECTING
Jonathan Godfrey: Lucy Alibar & Benh Zeitlin cannot go unmentioned for Adapted Screenplay. Theirs is a story of life, its beauty and opposing struggle. Beasts of the Southern Wild is absolutely brilliant and so is Amour. Thus, for Original Screenplay the statue goes to Michael Haneke. However, as much as I am torn in denying Haneke the Award for Directing, it nevertheless goes to a worthy Opponent. Benh Zeitlin took home the honours at Sundance for Beasts, and here he shall have them again. His Film reminds the World that life is in the living.
Mr. Will: Argo was my fave Film of 2012, so I am pretty much rooting for Chris Terrio to be awarded Adapted Screenplay for his enthralling, humanistic and detailed work. For Original Screenplay, my heart is with Tarantino for Django Unchained; an unparalleled Storyteller, in a league of his own.
As for Directing, it still to this day does not sit well with me that Ben Affleck so cruelly was overlooked for Argo. The Golden Globes, BAFTAs, DGAs and Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards got it right. The Academy, not so much. That being said, the legendary Steven Spielberg is as deserving as he’s ever been for Lincoln, drawing phenomenal performances all around from his superior-caliber Cast, paying a fitting tribute to a Man who changed our World.
BEST PICTURE
Jonathan Godfrey: Beasts of the Southern Wild is my selection for Best Picture. All of the Nominees are deserving of the honour this year, and I believe Les Misérables and Amour to be especially so. That said, Beasts remains my choice, one I have been debating for weeks on-end. In time, I shall see if the Academy agrees with me, and I do not worry if they don’t. I’m happy to have seen all of the nominated Films, and to have enjoyed them in turn. I hope those interested do the same, and come to their own honest conclusions.
Mr. Will: Although I walked away from Zero Dark Thirty thinking for sure it was this year’s Best Picture, I’ve seen both Silver Linings Playbook and Argo gain a huge amount of momentum over the past few weeks, particularly the latter. To be honest, I think Argo is peaking at the right moment to take it all, especially with Affleck‘s snubbing reminding the Academy how badly they’ve messed-up failing to recognize his work as a Director. Argo, it is.
And thank you so much Jonathan for generously sharing your thoughts with us. You definitely have a unique perspective and offer a refreshing take! I do think you’re terribly wrong about Hathaway though and you know it!
ABC airs the 85th annual Academy Awards on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 7:00 PM EST.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Certainly no stranger to the Oscars race, Academy Award Winner Helen Hunt graced us with her presence yesterday at the Press Conference for The Sessions – a Hit coming out of the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Hunt was v. generous with her Fans, signing a slew of Autographs upon exit.
Excited to review this one last this week!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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