Andrew Garfield
#FIRSTLOOK: BOOKING.COM SPONSORS TIME100 SUMMIT & GALA
BOOKING.COM was an official signature sponsor of the TIME100 Summit and Gala at Lincoln Center in New York, which included stars like Toronto’s own Simu Liu! The site is one of the largest travel marketplaces for both established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes, enabling properties all over the world to reach a global audience and grow their businesses.
Booking.com aimed to further support getting important topics the increased attention they need and deserve while also providing travel inspiration for Summit & Gala attendees. The events brought together a cast of past and present TIME100 honorees and other influential figures from the worlds of art, culture, politics and entertainment with Booking.com polling the influential attendees on their summer travel plans via a survey at the brand’s dedicated activation space at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Key insights include:
-Sustainability efforts at accommodations play a strong role in TIME100 event attendee’s vacation decisions, with 50% of survey respondents saying they would select one property over another if it had Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable badge.
-TIME100 event respondents said they prefer to stay at vacation rentals over hotels (62%).
-Trips where travelers get to enjoy the outdoors was the preference for TIME100 attendees with 46% of respondents wanting to take a beach vacation this summer and 41% wanting to take any type of nature trip.
-Experiencing local culture is TIME100 event respondents main motivation to travel this summer (37%), with relaxation not far behind at 32%.
-When asked what destination was top of the list this summer, Greece, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Colorado and Puerto Rico were the most popular among TIME100 event attendee survey respondents.
Some of the A-Listers at the affair:
(Photo credit: Booking.com)
#FIRSTLOOK: “UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN”
By Justin Waldman
I just want to start this review stating that I am a True Crime afficionado. Documentaries, Mini-Series and Movies just gets me excited. I’m not a Sociopath, I swear! Now when you add Mormons to the mix and the Cast de la Casts, there really is nothing more one person could ask. Everything about the first two-thirds of Under the Banner of Heaven feels like a continuation of True Detective, especially in the vein of its Season One. There is so much to uncover and discover throughout this Show that you will not be able to pull yourself away from the screen and will have to watch it all in one swift go.
The Show focuses on Detective Jeb Pyre (Andrew Garfield) who is a Mormon Detective investigating the grizzly death of Brenda Lafferty (Daisy Edgar-Jones), which causes him to start questioning his faith in his religion. However, the family at the height of this gruesome murder is very anti-government and will do anything to make sure they don’t have to answer to any branch of the government, even if it means finding out who murdered one of their own. Throughout the Show, Ron Lafferty (Sam Worthington), Dianna (Denise Gough), Dan (Wyatt Russell), Allen (Billy Howle), Matilda (Chloe Pirrie), Robin (Seth Numrich), Samuel (Rory Culkin) and Doreen (Megan Leitch) are all butting-heads with the local police department and Jeb, which starts to strain on his wife, Rebecca (Adelaide Clemens).
The Storyline in Under the Banner of Heaven isn’t quite linear, but instead tells three different stories over different timelines (a few years) and these stories intercut with each other – which gets confusing at times. However, the main Storyline of who killed Brenda Lafferty is the most compelling story that shines throughout. Since this is True Crime, and if you read the 2003 Book of the same name, you might already know how this ends, but that never seems to cause issues as every moment is as captivating as the last.
Moreover though, the performances in Under the Banner of Heaven are truly exceptional. Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Wyatt Russell and Daisy Edgar-Jones are all incredible throughout their performances. Garfield delivers a performance with such passion and heart that is almost akin to his performance on stage in Angels in America. Edgar-Jones plays the innocent woman who just fell for the wrong person in the wrong family perfectly to a tee, while Worthington and Wyatt play the sinister characters excellently.
There is so much to admire and to enjoy within Under the Banner of Heaven if true crime subject matters are something one is into. With the pacing and mystery (if one allows there to be one) present, every moment is more gripping than the last as one tries to piece together who is responsible. The brilliant performances throughout this Mini-series as well, bring it all together and this is one of the most compelling things we’ve seen on Television in recent memory. Under the Banner of Heaven is must-see TV and provides some career highlights for its plethora of brilliant performances.
UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN arrvies Wednesday, June 8, 2022 on Disney+.
(Photo credit: Disney)
#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN”
Upcoming Thriller UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN stars Oscar nominee Andrew Garfield and will be streaming on Disney+ under its Star banner. Here’s the new Trailer. Dustin Lance Black (MILK) directs this Limited Series.
Synopsis:
As Detective Jeb Pyre (Andrew Garfield) investigates events that transpired within the Lafferty family, he uncovers buried truths about the origins of the LDS religion and the violent consequences of unyielding faith. What Pyre, a devout Mormon, unearths leads him to question his own faith.
The seven episode limited series also stars Sam Worthington, Denise Gough, Wyatt Russell, Billy Howle, Gil Birmingham, Adelaide Clemens, Rory Culkin, Seth Numrich, Chloe Pirrie and Sandra Seacat.
UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN arrives on Disney+ June 8, 2022.
(Photo/video credit: Disney)
#TIFF21: “THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE” REVIEW
By Mr. Will Wong
Director Michael Showalter (The Lovebirds, The Big Sick) is back with THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE, based on the 2000 Documentary of the same name. Centering on the rise and fall of Television Evangelists Jim and Tammy Bakker (Andrew Garfield and Jessica Chastain), the subject matter is sensational – but so are the performances!
Showalter and Screenwriter Abe Sylvia create something rather magical here and while on paper, our main subject might be misunderstood, having been so closely-tied to the fraud committed by her convict husband, what we get here actually is a sympathetic portrait of Tammy Faye Baker. We see the lack of privilege from which she is brought-up, to becoming a beloved Television Personality and Singer. She is the woman behind the successful man, and when he stops loving her, all she hopes is that he will love her back, all while living a life of ridiculous extravagance. The Film recounts her downward spiral, which includes addiction to prescription pills as she navigates life through a loveless marriage.
Chastain has gifted us with a phenomenal body of work over the years, however this stands as her finest performance. She captures so perfectly Tammy Faye Baker‘s pain and wounds, as well as her unwavering love of God so beautifully that it is impossible not to be affected by her work. She delivers a real tour-de-force in the Film’s final musical number. And seeing her take a stand for those living with AIDS truly is a visceral moment evincing her true understanding of Tammy Faye Bakker‘s essence. Chastain acts as a vessel for Baker‘s pure soul, and while the subject’s legacy may have been one of embarrassment to many, this performance makes us see exactly why it is so many people around the world were enamoured by her. We were left trembling.
Above this, Garfield truly shows his range here, giving us what it is that made Jim Bakker tick – power and money, sometimes kind and gentle, other times curt and vile. His work here is a true revelation.
Admittedly, the Film feels a bit long at times as we go back and forth on the excesses that filled the world of The Bakkers, but Showalter certainly makes it a fun ride. Without a doubt, we will be hearing a lot about this Film this coming Awards Season and expect the phenomenal Chastain to be front and center.
THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE screens at TIFF ’21:
Mon, Sep 13 DIGITAL PREMIERE SCREENING digital TIFF Bell Lightbox Availability: Canada 5:00pm
Mon, Sep 13 IN-PERSON Visa Skyline Drive-In at Ontario Place 8:00pm
Sat, Sep 18 DIGITAL SECOND SCREENING digital TIFF Bell Lightbox Premium Availability: Canada 5:00pm
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE “THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE”
Searchlight Pictures and Mr. Will are delighted to give Readers in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal to see TIFF ’21 selection THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE! Screenings take place Wednesday, September 15, 2021 as follows:
Toronto: Cineplex Cinemas Varsity, 7:00 pm
Montreal: Scotiabank Theatre, 7:00 pm
Vancouver: Cineplex International Village, 7:00 pm
Synopsis:
THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE is an intimate look at the extraordinary rise, fall and redemption of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. In the 1970s and 80s, Tammy Faye and her husband, Jim Bakker, rose from humble beginnings to create the world’s largest religious broadcasting network and theme park, and were revered for their message of love, acceptance and prosperity. Tammy Faye was legendary for her indelible eyelashes, her idiosyncratic singing, and her eagerness to embrace people from all walks of life. However, it wasn’t long before financial improprieties, scheming rivals, and scandal toppled their carefully constructed empire.
To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. In the comments, indicate your City.
For an extra chance, Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below.
We've got your chance to see #TIFF21 selection #TheEyesofTammyFaye in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver!https://t.co/B2z5k87vwv pic.twitter.com/KgjfHY3p6H
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) September 7, 2021
Rules and regulations here.
Searchlight Pictures release THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE September 17, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Searchlight Pictures)
#FIRSTLOOK: “tick, tick…BOOM” TRAILER
Lin-Manuel Miranda makes his Feature directorial debut in tick, tick..BOOM! Hot on the success of IN THE HEIGHTS, comes this new Trailer for the Film.
| Synopsis: Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda makes his feature directorial debut with tick, tick…BOOM!, an adaptation of the autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, who revolutionized theater as the creator of Rent. The film follows Jon (Academy Award nominee and Tony Award winner Andrew Garfield), a young theater composer who’s waiting tables at a New York City diner in 1990 while writing what he hopes will be the next great American musical. Days before he’s due to showcase his work in a make-or-break performance, Jon is feeling the pressure from everywhere: from his girlfriend Susan, who dreams of an artistic life beyond New York City; from his friend Michael, who has moved on from his dream to a life of financial security; amidst an artistic community being ravaged by the AIDS epidemic. With the clock ticking, Jon is at a crossroads and faces the question everyone must reckon with: What are we meant to do with the time we have? tick, tick…BOOM! Stars Academy Award nominee & Tony Award winner Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Tony Award nominee Robin de Jesús, Tony Award nominee Joshua Henry, MJ Rodriguez, Emmy Award winner Bradley Whitford, Tariq Trotter, with Emmy and Tony Award winner Judith Light, and Vanessa Hudgens. The film is written by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, and produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard for Imagine Entertainment, Julie Oh, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. |
tick, tick…BOOM arrives Fall 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
#FIRSTLOOK: “THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE” TRAILER
Be prepared for a very Chastain Awards Season. Jessica Chastain is mesmerizing in this new Trailer as Tammy Faye Bakker in THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE!
Synopsis:
THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE is an intimate look at the extraordinary rise, fall and redemption of televangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. In the 1970s and 80s, Tammy Faye and her husband, Jim Bakker, rose from humble beginnings to create the world’s largest religious broadcasting network and theme park, and were revered for their message of love, acceptance and prosperity. Tammy Faye was legendary for her indelible eyelashes, her idiosyncratic singing, and her eagerness to embrace people from all walks of life. However, it wasn’t long before financial improprieties, scheming rivals, and scandal toppled their carefully constructed empire.
Searchlight Pictures release THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE September 17, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Searchlight Pictures)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE “BREATHE”
Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to see TIFF ’17 selection BREATHE, the directorial debut of Andy Serkis. Screenings take place: Toronto (10/18), Vancouver, Halifax, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and Victoria (all 10/23).
Synopsis:
Robin Cavendish (Andrew Garfield) spots a beautiful young woman named Diana (Claire Foy) at a cricket match and even though his friends tell him he doesn’t stand a chance, they fall in love and get married.
In 1959, the Cavendishes are in Kenya with their first child on the way when Robin is struck down by polio. The doctors say he’s paralyzed and only has a few months to live. They return to Britain, where Robin is confined to a hospital bed day in and day out, staying alive only thanks to a ventilator that keeps him breathing.
Although Robin would rather die than lie in a hospital bed for the rest of his life, Diana refuses to listen, saying their son needs his father. In order to bring back Robin’s will to live, Diana has to figure out how to get him out of the hospital and home, where she plans to care for him herself.
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 at @mrwillw for an extra chance.
Elevation Pictures release BREATHE in select cities Friday, October 20, 2017 and wide Friday, November 3, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
#TIFF17: “BREATHE”
Review by Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong
Following in the tradition of other Oscar hopefuls, motion-capture pioneer Andy Serkis brings his directorial debut to TIFF. Written by Oscar-nominated Screenwriter William Nicholson, Breathe, tells the true story of a man stricken with Polio and a woman who refuses to lose hope.
While in Kenya, Robin Cavendish (Andrew Garfield) became paralyzed from the neck down after contracting Polio. When he and his pregnant wife Diana return to England they are faced with a lifetime spent in cold, restrictive hospitals. Unwilling to accept the doctors’ dire prognosis, Robin and Diana decide to move home so he can be with his family. With the help of his friend Teddy (Hugh Bonneville), Robin is able to escape the prison of his bed through a wheelchair with a built-in respirator.
Although Breathe is about Robin, the Movie truly belongs to the remarkable Claire Foy who portrays Diana as more than a naïve girl in love but rather a woman with strong beliefs who is not prepared to give-up. Strong performances overcome Nitin Sawhney’s dreadful Score are sure to help drive the Festival popularity of this by-the-numbers Biography.
Elevation Pictures will screen Breathe at TIFF ’17 at the following times:
Monday, September 11 6:00 p.m. Roy Thomson Hall
Tuesday, September 12 10:00 a.m. Winter Garden Theatre
#TIFF17: DAY FIVE SIGHTINGS – CHRISTIAN BALE, ANDREW GARFIELD, JAMES FRANCO, ALISON BRIE, DAVE FRANCO, LIAM NEESON, CLAIRE FOY, ANDY SERKIS + MORE
TIFF ’17 continues to go amazingly-well for us, but even being at the half-way mark we’re still not done! Check out some of the amazing sightings we had today!
MARK FELT: THE MAN WHO BROUGHT DOWN THE WHITE HOUSE has all the pedigree of a winner. The Drama centers on “Deep Throat“, the man who as an anonymous source led to the Watergate Scandal investigation. Its stars Liam Neeson, Diane Lane and Tony Goldwyn and premieres tonight at Ryerson Theatre. We spotted Neeson and Lane out earlier and they were both amazingly- nice, taking a quick moment to stop. We’re in love with our Selfie with Neeson and Lane has starred in two of our faves, Secretariat and Unfaithful!
#TIFF17: #DianeLane at #TIFF2017 with #MarkFelt. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF
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BREATHE is coming into TIFF ’17 with lots of buzz. The Tearjerker marks Andy Serkis‘ directorial debut and is based on its Producer Jonathan Cavendish‘s parents’ story. Robin Cavendish, his father, is known for breaking ground in helping the severely-disabled gain freedom with mobility chairs. Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy, long with Serkis were out and about today doing Press and it was a pure joy seeing them interact with their fans!
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HOSTILES also premieres tonight at Princess of Wales Theatre and stars Academy Award winner Christian Bale and Academy Award nominee Rosamund Pike. The Duo were out and about earlier promoting the Film and while they were private largely most of the day we were lucky to spot them amidst their hectic schedule. The Drama is about a US Cavalry Officer who accompanies reluctantly, a Cheyenne War Chief and his family back to their tribal lands. Bale is sporting a new look for his role as Dick Cheney, hence if you couldn’t recognize him, someone’s done their job good!
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We loved chatting with Ari Graynor, Dave Franco and Paul Scheer about their new Film THE DISASTER ARTIST, premiering at Midnight Madness. While James Franco was to be a part of the chat, alas he was behind schedule. We did find him on the Red Carpet though where he was really giving to Media and fans! And even Rachel McAdams and Cult Icon Tommy Wiseau whom James Franco portrays, came out! You will LOVE this Film. It is hilarious! Check back towards the Holidays as our chat goes live.
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(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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