Review by David Baldwin

Alma (Maren Eggert) is a scientist longing for a relationship yet is too busy with cuneiform studies to form a bond with anyone new. With funding for a huge project hanging in the balance, Alma signs up for a three-week trial with Tom (Dan Stevens), a Humanoid Cyborg designed and determined to make her happy.

I have been unable to shake I’M YOUR MAN days after watching it. It creeps up on you almost immediately and stays with you long after its haunting finale. Co-Writer/Director Maria Schrader subverts any expectations you might have with this high concept romantic Science-Fiction Dramedy, all while delivering an emotionally stirring message about what it means to be human and what it means to be in love. That may sound like a few too many ideas to balance, yet Schrader’s guiding hand makes it look easy. While it could have used some tightening up editing wise, the world building here is subtle and remarkable, depicting a future that seems attainable. The Script is witty and sweet, and the CGI is minimal and used sparingly. Even the deeper, darker moments of this tale have a lovely charm to them.

All of this would mean nothing without the Cast however, who are game for everything Schrader throws at them. Sandra Hüller (who you will recognize from the Oscar-nominated Toni Erdmann) has a delightful bit part as a Scientist/Therapist keeping track of Tom’s progress in the field, while Hans Löw turns in memorable work as Alma’s ex Julian. They are barely noticeable whenever Eggert and Stevens are together though – their simmering chemistry is the beating heart of I’M YOUR MAN, with the sparks flying immediately and never letting up. Eggert spends much of the Movie skeptical and narrow-minded, completely unconvinced of Tom’s act and trying her very best to stay straight laced. She does a great job of it, and is so very funny and natural in the role. Stevens is even better, delivering his most incredible and accomplished work to date. His robotic movements are precise, and his fluent German dialogue is crisp and flawless (cannot do much about hiding that debonair English accent though). He is having a blast here, reworking and reimagining the archetype he has gotten so good at embodying. Together or apart, Eggert and Stevens create one of the best on-screen couples of the year and one of the most welcome surprises of the festival. Keep this one on your radar.

I’M YOUR MAN screens at TIFF ’21:

Mon, Sep 13 Scotiabank Theatre 7:30 PM

Tue, Sep 14 digital TIFF Bell Lightbox 5:00 PM

Tue, Sep 14 RBC Lakeside Drive-In at Ontario Place 9:00 PM

Sat, Sep 18 digital TIFF Bell Lightbox 3:00 PM

We are thrilled to give Readers in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton a chance to win Advance Passes to see THE CALL OF THE WILD starring Harrison Ford! Screenings take place Thursday, February 13, 2020.

Synopsis:
Adapted from the beloved literary classic, THE CALL OF THE WILD vividly brings to the screen the story of Buck, a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Alaskan Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s. As the newest rookie on a mail delivery dog sled team–and later its leader–Buck experiences the adventure of a lifetime, ultimately finding his true place in the world and becoming his own master. As a live-action/animation hybrid, THE CALL OF THE WILD employs cutting edge visual effects and animation technology in order to render the animals in the film as fully photorealistic–and emotionally authentic–characters.

Cast:
Harrison Ford, Dan Stevens, Omar Sy, Karen Gillan, Bradley Whitford, Colin Woodell

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post over at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Indicate your City there in your entry in the comments. Share this Post on Facebook for an extra chance or Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw!

Rules and regulations here.

THE CALL OF THE WILD is in theatres Thursday, February 20, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

© 2020 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Harrison Ford is back in THE CALL OF WILD. Just released is this new Trailer for the stunning new Adventure!

Synopsis:
Adapted from the beloved literary classic, 20th Century Fox’s THE CALL OF THE WILD vividly brings to the screen the story of Buck, a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Alaskan Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s. As the newest rookie on a mail delivery dog sled team–and later its leader–Buck experiences the adventure of a lifetime, ultimately finding his true place in the world and becoming his own master.

As a live-action/animation hybrid, THE CALL OF THE WILD employs cutting edge visual effects and animation technology in order to render the animals in the film as fully photorealistic–and emotionally authentic–characters. Directed by Chris Sanders from a screenplay by Michael Green, based on the novel by Jack London, the film was produced by Erwin Stoff, with Diana Pokorny serving as executive producer and Ryan Stafford as co-producer and visual effects producer. THE CALL OF THE WILD stars Harrison Ford, Dan Stevens, Omar Sy, Karen Gillan, Bradley Whitford and Colin Woodell.

See the Trailer:

Walt Disney Studios Canada release THE CALL OF THE WILD Friday, February 20, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Canada)

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment x Mr. Will want to give Readers across Canada a chance to witness the beauty… again! Following the Box Office record-breaking success of Disney‘s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST comes its Digital HD and Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand release! We are giving away copies of the tale as old as time on Blu-ray!

Synopsis:

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, brought the story and characters audiences know and love to spectacular life and broke box-office records. Now the stunning, cinematic event arrives home on June 6 on Digital HD and Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand.

Fans who bring home “Beauty and the Beast” can celebrate the release with three ways to watch the movie – the original theatrical cut, the premiere cut with overture, and a musical experience with a sing-along version. The release invites viewers to get up close and personal with the filmmakers and cast to see how this beloved animated film was transformed into a new live-action classic, from the first enchanted table read to a fascinating look at how the film was brought to life utilizing lavish sets, elaborately designed costumes and props, and state-of the-art technology. A feature on the amazing women behind the enchanted tale hosted by Emma Watson; and over 10 minutes of deleted scenes along with musical extras, including the “Beauty and the Beast” music video starring Ariana Grande and John Legend, Céline Dion’s heartfelt take on the new song “How Does a Moment Last Forever,” and jump directly to all you favorite unforgettable songs.

Artwork:

Bonus features include:

BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD
⦁ Enchanted Table Read – Join the cast for the movie’s elaborately staged table read, complete with singing and dancing to live music, set pieces and more.

⦁ A Beauty of a Tale – Explore the process of transforming a beloved animated film into a new live-action classic.

⦁ The Women Behind “Beauty and the Beast” – Emma Watson introduces several of the talented women in all aspects of production who helped bring this enchanted tale to life.

⦁ Making a Moment with Céline Dion – Céline shares what it’s like to sing “How Does a Moment Last Forever” – and be a part of the legacy of “Beauty and the Beast.”

⦁ From Song to Screen: Making the Musical Sequences – See what goes into making some of the best-known moments from “Beauty and the Beast.”
⦁ “Belle” — Filmmakers and cast reveal how it felt to shoot this memorable scene.
⦁ “Be Our Guest” — Discover all that went into creating this epic, primarily virtual performance.
⦁ “Gaston” — Join the cast for rehearsals and filming of this rousing, high-energy number.
⦁ “Beauty and the Beast” — You’re invited on set for the filming of this beloved, classic scene.

⦁ Deleted Scenes
⦁ Introduction by Director Bill Condon — Director Bill Condon presents a collection of scenes that, for one reason or another, ended up on the cutting-room floor.
⦁ Gaston Courts Belle — Pleased with himself after settling a disturbance with the townspeople, a triumphant Gaston attempts to woo Belle.
⦁ Bread and Jam for Agathe — On her morning market rounds, Belle stops by to see Agathe, the village beggar woman.
⦁ Storming the Ice Gates — The angry mob of villagers, led by Gaston, overwhelms the castle’s defenses.
⦁ Lumière Torches LeFou — As the fight rages around them, LeFou scuffles with Plumette … until he experiences a sudden, extremely heated interruption.
⦁ Monsieur Toilette –– LeFou escapes from the brawl into a small room, where he’s startled by a castle resident.
⦁ Cogsworth Rescues Lumière — When Clothilde the fishmonger threatens Lumière, Cogsworth leaps into the fray.
⦁ Treacle the Lasses — Three village lasses chase Chip and Froufrou – Madame Garderobe’s dog-turned-footstool – into the kitchen, where a surprise awaits.
⦁ LeFou and Monsieur Toilette Reunite — After the spell is broken and the castle residents are returned to human form, LeFou and his new acquaintance meet again.

⦁ Extended Song: “Days in the Sun” – Learn more about Beast’s childhood in an alternate version of this beautiful song, introduced by director Bill Condon.
⦁ “Beauty and the Beast” Music Video – Award-winning artists Ariana Grande and John Legend perform a moving version of this iconic song.
⦁ Making the Music Video – Go on set to capture the magic as it happens in Ariana Grande and John Legend’s “Beauty and the Beast” music video.

⦁ Disney Song Selection – Jump directly to all your favorite songs and sing along with the movie.
⦁ “Belle”
⦁ “How Does a Moment Last Forever” (Music Box)
⦁ “Belle” (Reprise)
⦁ “Gaston”
⦁ “Be Our Guest”
⦁ “Days in the Sun”
⦁ “Something There”
⦁ “How Does a Moment Last Forever” (Montmartre)
⦁ “Beauty and the Beast”
⦁ “Evermore”
⦁ “The Mob Sing”
⦁ “Beauty and the Beast” (Finale)

DVD
⦁ “Beauty and the Beast” Music Video

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. For an extra chance, you may click “share” on this Post on Facebook, Re-Tweet this Tweet at @mrwillw or “like” this Post on Instagram: @mrwillwong. Giveaway open to Canadian Readers only.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment release Disney‘s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST in Digital HD and Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand Tuesday, June 6, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

©Disney

Mongrel Media x Mr. Will want to give Toronto Readers a chance to see TIFF ’16 selection, COLOSSAL starring Anne Hathaway! The screening takes place as follows:

Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
259 Richmond St W
Toronto, ON M5V 3M6
April 20, 2017
Thursday 7:00pm

Synopsis:
After Gloria (Anne Hathaway) loses her job and is kicked out of her boyfriend’s apartment, she leaves her life in New York and move back to her hometown. When news reports surface that a giant creature is destroying Seoul, Korea, Gloria gradually comes to the realization that she is somehow connected to this far-off phenomenon. As events begin to spin out of control, Gloria must determine why her seemingly insignificant existence has such a colossal effect on the fate of the world.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. “Favourite” this post on Twitter: @mwillw for an extra chance!

Mongrel Media release COLOSSAL Friday, April 21, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

Hot off its record-smashing success, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST now will be available as a sing-along in theatres across Canada!  Warm up those voices! Do those scales! Are you ready to sing along to classics like “Belle,” “Be Our Guest,” “Gaston” and “Beauty and the Beast”, plus new additions “How Does a Moment Last Forever” and “Evermore”?

Here’s just a taste:

Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along will be available in  Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Halifax, Regina, Saskatoon, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Barrie, Kingston and Peterborough beginning Friday, April 7, 2017. Check your local listings!

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Hot on the heels of its new Trailer which is breaking the internet, Toronto gets some ‘beautiful’ news!  Running Family Day Weekend Friday, February 17 through Monday, 20, 2017 at historic Casa Loma, Fans will get with the price of admission, access to a limited time only BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Exhibit. Casa Loma will be open for extended hours till 9 PM for the special occasion those nights.

The Exhibition featuring nine costumes designed by Jacqueline Durran from the eagerly-awaited live action adaptation of the beloved Animated Feature. There will be special performances from dancers and an aerialist, plus themed activities (including face-painting and arts and crafts) taking place also!  There also will be replicas of the rose and bell jar!

Here’s a tip: guests who use the “BE OUR GUEST” promo code will get 20% off admission at the Box Office!

While we’re waiting for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, here is the new final U.S. Trailer:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Friday, March 17, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Filmed right here in Vancouver, COLOSSAL won big raves at TIFF ’16. Since then it has gotten distribution in the U.S. from newly-created NEON and it premiered at Sundance yesterday where it won more accolades.  An April release date has been set for the Sci-Fi/Action/Thriller/Comedy starring Jason Sudeikis, Dan Stevens and Anne Hathaway.

Synopsis:
After losing her job and boyfriend in New York, Gloria (Hathaway) moves back to her home town and is shocked to discover that the catastrophic events hitting Earth are somehow connected to her mental state.

See the Trailer:

Cannot wait to see this!

We’ll NEVER forget meeting Hathaway at TIFF ’16!

Anne. #TIFF16 #COLOSSAL #AnneHathaway

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 9, 2016 at 11:50am PDT

Amazing Anne. #AnneHathaway #Colossal #TIFF16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 9, 2016 at 4:44pm PDT

NEON release COLOSSAL Friday, April 7, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: NEON)

Although this doesn’t really reveal much, this first Teaser for Disney‘s live-action adaptation of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will have to whet our tea thirst for now!

Synopsis:

Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” is a live-action re-telling of the studio’s animated classic which refashions the classic characters from the tale as old as time for a contemporary audience, staying true to the original music while updating the score with several new songs. “Beauty and the Beast” is the fantastic journey of Belle, a bright, beautiful and independent young woman who is taken prisoner by a beast in his castle. Despite her fears, she befriends the castle’s enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast’s hideous exterior and realize the kind heart and soul of the true Prince within. The film stars: Emma Watson as Belle; Dan Stevens as the Beast; Luke Evans as Gaston, the handsome, but shallow villager who woos Belle; Oscar® winner Kevin Kline as Maurice, Belle’s eccentric, but lovable father; Josh Gad as Lefou, Gaston’s long-suffering aide-de-camp; Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor as Lumiere, the candelabra; Oscar nominee Stanley Tucci as Maestro Cadenza, the harpsichord; Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Plumette, the feather duster; six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald as Madame Garderobe, the wardrobe; Oscar nominee Ian McKellen as Cogsworth, the mantel clock; and two-time Academy Award® winner Emma Thompson as the teapot, Mrs. Potts.

See the Teaser:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Friday, March 17, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

This always the most bittersweet Post as I know in my exhausted state I am begging for a bit of a break, but this time next week I’ll be wishing we could do it all over again! Is it safe to say it was an amazing TIFF 14? We hope you had as much fun as we did this TIFF!

Whether it be accomplishing our mission of meeting Tom Hardy or Reese Witherspoon we achieved a vast majority of our Celeb Goals this year and even had a few nice surprised thrown in also. How about our moments with John Travolta or Bill Murray!?!? BONUS!

ALAN RICKMAN + KATE WINSLET

Today marks TIFF‘s Closing Weekend and if there was one Party to be at today, it was the Cocktail Party at Soho House for Alan Rickman‘s A Little Chaos, which stars him alongside Kate Winslet. We spotted the Actor-turned-Director heading to his Cocktail and although he said “no” to Photos, he still took time to sign some Autographs. Just nothing Harry Potter though.

Winslet of course met-up with Rickman a bit later to introduce their Film at Princess of Wales Theatre before heading on over to Roy Thomson Hall to introduce the Film to a second audience.

Joining the festivities was former Downton Abbey Star Dan Stevens, whom later was scheduled to premiere his Thriller The Guest at Ryerson Theatre. Super-nice guy!

Until next year, Willionaire$!

Be sure to check back later this week as we look back on our TIFF ’14 Highlights. There will be lots of pretty Pics not yet seen here!

All Photos taken on Nikon D3300 and communicated on Samsung Galaxy Tab S.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)