By David Baldwin

John Knox (Michael Keaton) is a hitman. He is cold, calculated, brilliant and also happens to have just been diagnosed with a very fast-moving form of dementia. With only weeks of lucidity left and frequent blackout spells, Knox must get his house in order and make amends before it is too late. And with the cops on his tail after a hit gone bad and his estranged son Miles (James Marsden) knocking at his door after a particularly bloody incident, things are not going to be easy for Knox.

KNOX GOES AWAY is a movie tailor-made for Boomer Dads. There are elements of neo-noir, remorse, redemption, dark humour and a handful of really violent death scenes. It checks all the boxes. Sadly though, Keaton’s direction (his second effort after 2008’s The Merry Gentleman) is nothing extraordinary. He has a bad habit of slamming to black between scenes rather than have proper transitions, the camera effects when Knox is going through a dementia episode are odd and there is no real auteurship or unique identifiers on display. Additionally, the overly elaborate plan that is the crux of the Film is extremely messy and does not help make the story any less muddy.

Keaton’s acting on the other hand is fantastic. The way his eyes and body language convey Knox’s sense of distress and confusion is terrific, as are the dialogue slips when he forgets anything and the cool precision he uses for when he does not. Keaton has always been reliable and this is easily one of his best performances – and certainly will wash away any ill feelings you may have had after watching him in The Flash earlier this summer. Marsden makes a valiant effort as Miles and Al Pacino does fine whenever he pops up in the small but pivotal role of Knox’s friend Xavier. Further down the line, Joanna Kulig is quietly impactful as the sex worker Knox spends time with every Thursday, and Oscar-winner Marcia Gay Harden devastates in her brief role as Knox’s ex.

Referring to one particular dead character, Keaton and Marsden both say “I would dig him up and kill him again” if they had the chance. Both times I felt that deep in my bones and wish the rest of the Film would have given me the same visceral reaction.

KNOX GOES AWAY screens at TIFF ’23:

Sunday, September 10 at 9:45 PM at Princess of Wales Theatre

Monday, September 11 at 5:30 PM at Roy Thomson Hall

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to see an Advance Screening of HOUSE OF GUCCI! We’re beyond excited about this, we’ve waited so long for this!

Screenings take place as follows:

Toronto

• Monday, November 22, Cineplex Varsity, 7:00 PM

Montreal

• Monday, November 22, Scotiabank Theatre, 7:00 PM

Synopsis:

House of Gucci is inspired by the shocking true story of the family empire behind the Italian fashion house of Gucci. Spanning three decades of love, betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately murder, we see what a name means, what it’s worth, and how far a family will go for control.

Lady Gaga (A Star is Born), Adam Driver (Star Wars), and Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club) unite under the direction of critically acclaimed director Ridley Scott (Alien).

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. In the comments there, indicate your City. You also may Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for an additional chance.

Rules and regulations here. You must be following.

NOTE: Winners absolutely will not be contacted from any other account. Please do not accept friend requests from others requesting your personal information.

Universal Pictures Canada release HOUSE OF GUCCI November 24, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

The wait has been excruciating almost, but here’s a new glimpse at HOUSE OF GUCCI to tie us over till later next month!

Synopsis:

The Gucci family had it all. She wanted more. Watch the new #HouseOfGucci trailer now, starring Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Al Pacino, and directed by Ridley Scott. Only in theaters This Thanksgiving.

(Photo/video credit: MGM)

This is the one Film we absolutely cannot miss. While we are waiting to see if it does the Festival circuit, here is a glimpse at the first Trailer set to Blondie‘s “Heart of Glass” and we are mesmerized! Lady Gaga‘s transformation is astonishing!

Synopsis:

House of Gucci is inspired by the shocking true story of the family empire behind the Italian fashion house of Gucci. Spanning three decades of love, betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately murder, we see what a name means, what it’s worth, and how far a family will go for control.

Universal Pictures Canada release HOUSE OF GUCCI November 24, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: MGM)

It was amazing night celebrating Amazon Prime Video’s gritty new Series, HUNTERS. The gripping Series produced by Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us) is set late ’70s in New York City. We are taken to a violent underworld where Holocaust survivors and Nazis are out for blood, settling unfinished business. As a once-again brilliant Al Pacino‘s character Meyer Offerman says, “The best revenge is revenge” and the Series sets-out to do that, exacting catharsis through bloody, gory revenge.

The Series feels authentic to the era and we meet several fascinating characters including Jonah played beautifully by Logan Lerman, out to avenge the loss of his grandmother. We meet also Detective Millie Morris (Jerrika Hinton) who is hot on the trail of a murder spree, ready to uncover some dark secrets she might not be prepared for.

Hunters is a must-watch and applause was loud after a screening at The Danforth Music Hall tonight. Kudos to Aamazon Prime Video for outdoing themselves on a great bash, inspired by the surroundings where HUNTERS is set. The fun, festive ’70s bash took us right into the streets of New York, complete with graffiti, cops, break dancers, pretzels, candied nuts and hot dogs. ET Canada’s Morgan Hoffman hosted the evening which saw guests leaving with collectible puzzles from the Series.

In case you haven’t seen it, here is a Trailer to HUNTERS:

Some Snaps from the night. Click right to navigate album:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Feb 19, 2020 at 7:49pm PST

/center>

TIFF x Mr. Will want to give Readers in Toronto a chance to win Run-of-Engagement Passes to see the eagerly-awaited latest Film by Martin Scorsese, THE IRISHMAN.

Synopsis:
Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci star in Martin Scorsese’s THE IRISHMAN, an epic saga of organized crime in post-war America told through the eyes of World War II veteran Frank Sheeran, a hustler and hitman who worked alongside some of the most notorious figures of the 20th century. Spanning decades, the film chronicles one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in American history, the disappearance of legendary union boss Jimmy Hoffa, and offers a monumental journey through the hidden corridors of organized crime: its inner workings, rivalries and connections to mainstream politics.

See a Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook.

Contest rules and regulations here.

THE IRISHMAN opens at TIFF Bell Lightbox Friday, November 8, 2019.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

Well, done Netflix! A new Teaser Trailer has surfaced for Martin Scorsese‘s reportedly $200-million Feature, THE IRISHMAN.

Synopsis:
Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci star in Martin Scorsese’s THE IRISHMAN, an epic saga of organized crime in post-war America told through the eyes of World War II veteran Frank Sheeran, a hustler and hitman who worked alongside some of the most notorious figures of the 20th century. Spanning decades, the film chronicles one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in American history, the disappearance of legendary union boss Jimmy Hoffa, and offers a monumental journey through the hidden corridors of organized crime: its inner workings, rivalries and connections to mainstream politics.

Cast: Cast: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, Stephen Graham, Stephanie Kurtzuba, Jack Huston, Kathrine Narducci, Jesse Plemons, Domenick Lombardozzi, Paul Herman, Gary Basaraba, Marin Ireland

See the Trailer:

Netflix stream and release in theatres THE IRISHMAN this Fall.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Elevation Pictures + Mr. Will want you to see Al Pacino + Annette Bening in DANNY COLLINS! Screenings take place in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, Halifax, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Victoria on Monday, March 23 and Thursday, March 26, 2015.

Synopsis:

Aging rocker Danny Collins (Al Pacino) decides to change his hard-living ways after receiving a 40-year-old undelivered letter written to him by John Lennon. He locks himself in a hotel like Lennon did, to try and find out who he once was. He meets woman who turns his world upside down. As Danny tries to make things right with his long-lost family and himself, this will be his shot at a second chance.

Watch the Trailer:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and state your City.

G’luck Willionaire$!

Elevation Pictures release DANNY COLLINS on Friday, March 27, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

It was a great TIFF ’14.  I admit things were looking a bit scary with a smaller-than-expected Celebrity Guest List initially and lack of confirmations, but the Festival truly brought its A-Game and this indeed was one for the books!  I distinctly remember feeling a bit of panic on the first Friday of the Festival trailing far off the pace I’m normally at, nabbing only a handful of Celeb Snaps. Once the Festival picked-up by the  weekend, I found myself barely able to hang-on!  What a wild ride!

Many will attribute the shift in pace of the Festival due to the well-publicized guideline changes set this year, making it impossible for any Studios/Filmmakers to premiere at TIFF within its first four days had it premiered elsewhere on the North American Festival Circuit.  This in turn created room for several star-studded In-Conversation-Withs as part of the Festival’s Mavericks Programme with the likes of Denzel Washington & Antoine Fuqua, Richard Gere, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Juliette Binoche.  We felt the pinch, believe me.  This however is a Statement the Festival must make to secure its exclusivity and maintain its place as an important Fixture for Films on the Award Trail.

We loved seeing the Publicity Machine at work before our eyes.  Stars in previous years who were on the inaccessible side, suddenly became warm to Fans. On the contrary though, we noticed a few Stars who normally are friendly and accessible become tough to access this TIFF.  We’re looking at you, Channing. It always is a true testament to how much the Stars believe in their product when they are willing to bring it!

We also are not surprised that THE IMITATION GAME (review here) was awared the Grolsch People’s Choice Award.  Upon seeing it in advance of the Festival, we knew the Film had that something special and this will be the Film that makes Benedict Cumberbatch a household name in North America.  How it shall fare this Awards Season remains to be seen, but given its Oscar-bagging connections – The Weinstein Co. – it should do just fine!

Our Contributors Jonathan Godfrey, David Baldwin, Justin Waldman and myself also might also have a thing or two to say about other deserving Contenders which premiered here at TIFF, which might not have gotten recognition.  Baldwin has the highest praise for Eddie Redmayne‘s performance in The Theory of Everything (review here), while Godfrey still is singing the patriotic praises of the “cosmic” Maps to the Stars (review here).  Waldman has a place in his heart for the overlooked Mommy (review here) and Pride (review here) – both which he feels will be Awards Season Candidates.  I myself was spellbound by the meditative slow-burn of Foxcatcher (review here) and the devastatingly-good Whiplash (review here).  Never discount Jake Gyllenhaal too as his self-starring and produced Nightcrawler was a bit of a Hit among Fans (review here)!  And although we didn’t see it, Chris Rock‘s triumphant return Top Five had multiple Studios in a bidding war for distribution rights.

 … and now for some Lists!

MR. WILL‘S TOP TIFF ’14 MOMENTS

1. Meeting Tom Hardy

2. Meeting Bill Murray

3. Meeting Benedict Cumberbatch x 2

4. Epic Reese Witherspoon Photo Op (after six tries prior)

5. Meeting Steve Carell

6. Meeting Melissa McCarthy

7.  Ansel Elgort saying he had to get a Selfie with Mr. Will, followed by comment from him on Instagram.

8. Mr. Will‘s Epic Hat Fail,  blocking Jennifer Garner‘s beautiful face

9. Meeting Miles Teller/J.K, Simmons WHIPLASH Combo

10. John Travolta‘s Fan Buffet outside The Forger Press Junket

MOST FAN-FRIENDLY CELEBS AT TIFF ’14

1. John Travolta

2. Tom Hardy

3. Reese Witherspoon (we are shocked!)

4. Benedict Cumberbatch

5. Chris Evans

CELEBS WHO OWNED TIFF ’14

1. Bill Murray

2. Al Pacino

3. Benedict Cumberbatch

4. Anna Kendrick

5. Steve Carell

SURPRISE! CELEBS

1. Melissa McCarthy

2. Kristen Bell

3. Chris Pine

4. Elizabeth Banks

5. Cara Delevingne

LEAST-ACCESSIBLE CELEBS

1. Robert Downey Jr.

2. Tina Fey

3. Keira Knightley

4. Denzel Washington

5. Kate Winslet

CELEBS WHO MADE THE MOST OF TIFF ’14

1. Chris Evans

2. Steve Carell

3. Benedict Cumberbatch

4. Jon Stewart

5.  Bill Murray

BUZZMETER

1. Benedict Cumberbatch

2. Eddie Redmayne

3. Miles Teller

4. Felicity Jones

5. Ansel Elgort

FILMS TO LOOK-OUT FOR AWARDS SEASON FROM TIFF ’14

1, The Imitation Game

2. St. Vincent

3. The Theory of Everything

4. Foxcatcher

5. Whiplash

And last but not least, we must thank our wonderful Supporters throughout TIFF who make it all possible.

CP24 & Bell Media: Thank you for continuing to provide and support me with an Outlet to share my greatest passion with Ontarians at my favourite time of year. I look forward to working together again TIFF ’15!

H&M Canada: Everything I wear is H&M.  Your Cardigans and Jackets were perfect for the indecisive hot-cold of TIFF ’14. Your clothing gives me confidence and comfort.  Thank you.

Nikon Canada: Although I am still mastering my Nikon D3300 admittedly, many of my Photos were another level of fantastic.  Capturing Photos in 24MP has given my Pictures a depth, clarity and level of detail which I’ve never before achieved.  In the words of Joel McHale (at the Festival with Adult Beginners), “Are you sure this is the best Camera to take a Selfie with?” *SNAP* “I guess it is!”.

Novotel Centre Toronto: I am happy to have called you my home once again TIFF ’14.  Billy and I miss our amazingly cozy bed and we appreciate the Puppy Welcome Package.  This shows the level of attentiveness you have for your Clients.  To be only minutes away from the thick of it all: the Movies, Parties and Celebrities and be able to crash in my Hotel Room for a quick recharge when I was in dire need of it was an absolute luxury I will not take for granted.  The in-and-our privileges of your Parking Lot were a blessing as was the reliable Wi-Fi.  The Staff always are accommodating, understanding and friendly. Without a doubt, I can recommend Novotel Centre Toronto as the place to stay during TIFF.

Samsung Canada: Communication is key to my Brand during TIFF and having access to  the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Tab S this year ensured I always was able to stay in touch and charged.  When there was the ever rare lull in my day, I could whip-out my Devices and prep my Photos and Blog Posts, ensuring that I could actually spend precious time in my Hotel Room sleeping versus working.  This meant so much to me and I basically cannot imagine my life without a Galaxy Tab S. Really!

Ford Canada: I have never experienced  luxury like a LINCOLN MKZ.  The Panoramic Roof was a dream.  The 6-Speed SelectShift® was absolute state-of-the-art. The massaging chairs were decadent. The THX® II Certified Audio System was symphonic. The customizable interior lighting let me changing colours according to my mood. The Lincoln MKZ‘s concern for my safety with frequent alerts kept me focused on the road. Did I mention it’s awful easy on the eyes? I will never forget the TIFF in which Billy and I rolled in that silky, smooth Lincoln!

Out There with Melissa DiMarco: We always have a blast at Melissa’s Out There VIP Interview Studio and Hospitality Suite! Thank you for keeping Team Mr. Will fed and hydrated with your delectable goodies and thank you for embracing my Willionaire$!

NKPR IT LOUNGE: We are thrilled to have experienced the goodness enjoyed by the likes of Julianne Moore, Robert Pattinson, John Cuasack, Justin Long, Jena Malone, Felicity Jones and several more! Thank you also for giving my Willionaire$ a taste of that Celeb Life with your generosity!

Touchwood PR: We love you and appreciate the Golden Tickets my Readers and I have been given thanks to your kindness.  We value your friendship and are excited about what’s next to come!

Rock-It Promotions: We are honoured by some of the plum opportunities we were given this TIFF and we look forward to building our relationship with you in the future!

Shinan Govani: We are so proud to call you a Friend.  You are one of TIFF‘s most omnipresent Stars.  We continue to look-up to you and your profound influence on our thriving Celebrity Culture.

We hope you had a blast on our Digital Journey this TIFF ’14 and we can’t wait to do it all over.

Stick around, we’re at this year-round.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Now in its 39th year, TIFF ’14 kicked-off with an Opening Night Gala at none other than TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX.  Ringing-in the celebrations was Acting Icon Al Pacino who did a Q&A with George Stroumboulopoulos, discussing everything from his childhood to what he looks for in a project now.  The Godfather Star says without ever a doubt he always knew he would be a Movie Star, encouraged by a Grade School Teacher who noted to his Grandmother his talent at a young age.  “I feel like I am doing Films I feel are reflective of where I am in my life.”, states Pacino.

The New York-born-Los Angeles Transplant is at TIFF ’14 with two new Films, The Humbling and Manglehorn.  Arriving on the Red Carpet tonight with his Girlfriend Lucia Sola, Pacino admits the former is subject close to him.  The Film is about a suicidal Actor and a younger Woman’s sexual relationship.   “Manglehorn challenged me to do something different”, he says about the other Drama which seems him starring as a Locksmith in a small town, never quite getting over the love of his life.

The Star got candid about his childhood and relationship with his estranged Father whom had married five times.  Although he didn’t get to know his Father Sal well as a Child, he recalls distinctly understanding what it felt like for the first time feeling his Father’s spirit covering him after his death.  He remembers feeling so moved that he had been stopped in his tracks.

In addition, an Auction was held for the charitable Organization afterward, one prize including a shadowing opportunity with TIFF‘s Chief Executive Officer Piers Handling. Among those ringing-in the festivities tonight were a Who’s-Who of Canadian Talent including Sandra Oh (Grey’s Anatomy), Sarah Gadon (Maps to the Stars),  Gabriel Macht (Suits), Don McKellar (Sensitive Skin), Colm Feore (The Borgias), Eric Johnson (Rookie Blue), Gregory Smith (Rookie Blue) and Newlyweds Zachary Levi (Chuck) and Missy Peregrym (Rookie Blue); Peregrym looked dazzling head-to-toe in Intermix.

TIFF ’14 has finally arrived, running Thursday, September 4, 2014 through Sunday September 14, 2014!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)