Paramount+ today revealed the teaser trailer and premiere date for its highly anticipated original drama series HAPPY FACE. The eight-episode season will premiere on Thursday, March 20 with two episodes, exclusively on Paramount+ in Canada, the U.S. and international markets where the service is available. Following the premiere, new episodes will drop weekly on Thursdays, with the season finale on May 1. HAPPY FACE was filmed in Vancouver, B.C. in 2024.
HAPPY FACE features a star-studded cast, including Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actress Annaleigh Ashford, Emmy Award and two-time Golden Globe-nominated actor Dennis Quaid and series regulars James Wolk, Tamera Tomakili, Canadian Khiyla Aynne and Benjamin Mackey.
HAPPY FACE is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa G. Moore; the critically acclaimed Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook. At 15, Moore discovered that her beloved father was the prolific serial killer known as Happy Face. As an adult, she has changed her name and guarded her secret while her father has been serving life in prison.
Jumping off from Mooreâs true-life story, the Paramount+ Original Series follows Melissa (Ashford) and her incarcerated father, known as the Happy Face Killer (Quaid). After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughterâs life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. Throughout, she discovers the impact her father had on his victimsâ families and must face a reckoning of her own identity.
HAPPY FACE is produced by CBS Studios in association with King Size Productions, iHeartPodcasts and Semi-Formal Productions. Jennifer Cacicio (Your Honor, Shooter) serves as showrunner for the series and executive producer alongside Robert and Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Melissa G. Moore, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson, Michael Showalter and Jordana Mollick. Michael Showalter (The Dropout, The Eyes of Tammy Faye) also directed the first episode. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
By David Baldwin
Elisabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore) was once Hollywood royalty. Fearing she may fade into total obscurity after getting sacked from her TV fitness show, she turns to a black-market injection program called âThe Substanceâ. Using it creates a younger version of herself, Sue (Margaret Qualley), but it comes with a catch: each body is only allowed to exist for a week at a time before they need to swap back or else they risk irreversible consequences.
You may have an idea of where it goes from there, but trust me when I tell you that nothing can prepare you for THE SUBSTANCE. You will not be the same after watching this satirical nightmare that is as much an indictment of archaic female beauty standards as it is a masterpiece of Body Horror that would make even the genreâs Maestro David Cronenberg blush. I will not mince words â THE SUBSTANCE is disgusting and goes to some absolutely revolting places. In other words, this is one the Midnight Madness sickos are going to adore and anyone else should probably avoid.
I am one of those sickos and I loved every minute of THE SUBSTANCE.
Writer/Director Coralie Fargeatâs first film, the bloody thriller Revenge, was awesome. What she does here in only her second picture makes that film look like an angry Disney Princess movie. She swings for the fences right from the jump, crafting an experience that gradually takes over nearly every one of your senses. The way she incorporates sound is impeccable and her Editing (done alongside Jerome Eltabet and Valentin FĂ©ron) is magnificent. While I was not a fan of some of the CGI effects, the stunning makeup work more than makes up for it.
Even better are the genuine special effects on display here: the performances by Moore and Qualley. They are both incredible, firing on all cylinders and delivering the best performances of their careers. They both tap into something primal and give off an aura of raw, animalistic energy that continually grows stronger throughout. They compliment each other and breathe frighteningly real life into Fargeatâs poison-laced dialogue. And though he is used sparingly, Dennis Quaid is deliciously over-the-top as the shit weasel studio executive named (of course he is), Harvey. For my money, he has the most sickening, stomach-churning scene in the entire film â which says a lot given the places this theme park ride from hell takes you.
THE SUBSTANCE screens at TIFFâ24:
Thursday, September 5 at 11:59PM at Royal Alexandra Theatre
Friday, September 6 at 7:30PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Friday, September 13 at 5:45PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
MUBI, the global film distributor, production company and streaming service is thrilled to announce the Canadian release date for Coralie Fargeatâs deliriously entertaining and ruthlessly satirical new film THE SUBSTANCE, which received its World Premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival to riotous acclaim, winning the prize for Best Screenplay. Also, launched today is the new official teaser for the film.
Starring Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid, this Cannes sensation turns toxic beauty culture inside out with a be-careful-what-you-wish-for fable for the ages. Explosive, provocative and twisted, THE SUBSTANCE announces the arrival of a thrillingly visionary filmmaker.
Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? You. Only better in every way. Seriously. Youâve got to try this new product, The Substance. IT CHANGED MY LIFE.
It generates another you.
A new, younger, more beautiful, more perfect, you. And thereâs only one rule: You share time.
One week for you. One week for the new you.
Seven days each. A perfect balance.
Easy. Right?
Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat (Revenge), The Substance stars Demi Moore (G.I. Jane, A Few Good Men, Indecent Proposal), Margaret Qualley (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Maid, Kinds of Kindness, Fosse Verdon), and Dennis Quaid (Far from Heaven, The Rookie, The Day After Tomorrow).
Director of Photography on the film is Benjamin Kracun (Promising Young Woman, Beast), co-editors are Coralie Fargeat, Jerome Eltabet (Revenge) and Valentin Féron, music is composed by Raffertie (I May Destroy You), Production Design is led by Stanislas Reydellet (Le Bal Des Folles), and Costume Design is by Emmanuelle Youchnovski (Café de Flore, La belle époque).
The Substance is produced by Coralie Fargeat, and Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan for Working Title following Fargeatâs acclaimed debut feature Revenge, which world premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017 and was written, directed and co-edited by Fargeat. Alexandra Loewy of Working Title and Nicolas Royer of A Good Story are Executive Producers.
Paramount+ today announced that EmmyÂź Award and two-time Golden GlobeÂź nominated actor Dennis Quaid (LAWMEN: BASS REEVES, The Rookie, The Day After Tomorrow) will star in the new original drama series HAPPY FACE. Quaid will play the titular role of the real-life serial killer notoriously called âHappy Faceâ because of the smiley faces he drew on evidence in which he bragged about his crimes. He joins the cast alongside previously announced actress Annaleigh Ashford, who is set to star as his daughter, Melissa. The eight-episode first season will begin production this spring in Vancouver and premiere exclusively on Paramount+ globally in 2025.
HAPPY FACE is inspired by the true-life story of Melissa Moore; the critically acclaimed Happy Face podcast from iHeartPodcasts and Moore; and the autobiography Shattered Silence, written by Moore with M. Bridget Cook.
HAPPY FACE for Paramount+ jumps off from Mooreâs true-life story. Happy Face (Quaid) is an incarcerated serial killer who also is Melissaâs (Ashford) once-beloved father. After decades of no contact, he finally finds a way to force himself back into his daughterâs life. In a race against the clock, Melissa must find out if an innocent man is going to be put to death for a crime her father committed. Throughout, she discovers the impact her father had on his victimsâ families, she must face a reckoning of her own identity.
Quaid is an Emmy Award and two-time Golden GlobeÂź nominee who’s known for his roles in hit films such as The Rookie, The Day After Tomorrow, Traffic, Vantage Point, Frequency, The Parent Trap, Soul Surfer, The Right Stuff, Breaking Away, Midway and many more. His recent credits include a starring role in the hit Paramount+ series LAWMEN: BASS REEVES. Quaid recently completed production portraying the 40th president of the United States in the biopic Reagan, produced by Mark Joseph and directed by Sean McNamara.
HAPPY FACE is produced by CBS Studios in association with King Size Productions, iHeartPodcasts and Semi-Formal Productions. Michael Showalter (The Dropout, The Eyes of Tammy Faye) will direct the first episode. HAPPY FACE is executive produced by Jennifer Cacicio â who also serves as showrunner â and Robert and Michelle King, Liz Glotzer, Melissa Moore, Conal Byrne, Will Pearson, Showalter and Jordana Mollick. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution
Mongrel Media x Mr. Will are giving Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see AMERICAN UNDERDOG!
Screenings take place as follows:
Wednesday, December 15:
Monday, December 20:
Synopsis:
American Underdog tells the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner (Zachary Levi), who went from a stockboy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. The film centers on Warnerâs unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player â but just when his dreams seemed all but out of reach, it is only with the support of his wife, Brenda (Anna Paquin) and the encouragement of his family, coaches, and teammates that Warner perseveres and finds the strength to show the world the champion that he already is. American Underdog is an uplifting story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family, and determination.
To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and in the comments there indicate your City for us. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for an extra chance.
Enter for a chance to #win Advance Passes to see #AmericanUnderdog.
â MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) December 6, 2021
How: https://t.co/kBoISBnGWO pic.twitter.com/dlVBHBX4rp
Rules and regulations here.
NOTE: Please do not accept friend requests from others accounts advising you that you’ve won and asking you to submit your personal information. Be diligent guarding your info. We will only message winners from our official Facebook account.
AMERICAN UNDERDOG is in theatres December 25, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
Dennis Quaid stars in BLUE MIRACLE, based on an inspiring true story. See the new Trailer!
Synopsis:
The incredible true story of Casa Hogar, the Mexican boys home that entered the world’s biggest fishing tournament to save their orphanage.
BLUE MIRACLE arrives on Netflix May 27, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes
to see A DOG’S JOURNEY.
Screenings take place 7 PMÂ Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in:
TORONTO – Cineplex Yonge & Dundas
VANCOUVER – Scotiabank
MONTREAL (English) – Forum
EDMONTON – Scotiabank
CALGARY – Au Claire Market
SYNOPSIS:
Some friendships transcend lifetimes. In A DOG’S JOURNEY, the sequel to the heartwarming global hit A DOG’S PURPOSEÂ beloved dog Bailey finds his new destiny and forms an unbreakable bond that will lead him, and the people he loves, to places they never imagined.
Bailey (voiced again by Josh Gad) is living the good life on the Michigan farm of his âboy,â Ethan (Dennis Quaid) and Ethanâs wife Hannah (Marg Helgenberger). He even has a new playmate: Ethan and Hannahâs baby granddaughter, CJ. The problem is that CJâs mom, Gloria (Betty Gilpin), decides to take CJ away. As Baileyâs soul prepares to leave this life for a new one, he makes a promise to Ethan to find CJ and protect her at any cost.
Thus begins Baileyâs adventure through multiple lives filled with love, friendship and devotion as he, CJ (Kathryn Prescott), and CJâs best friend Trent (Henry Lau) experience joy and heartbreak, music and laughter, and few really good belly rubs.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance!
 A DOG’S PURPOSE is in theatres Friday, May 17, 2019.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to take Readers to see the heartwarming A DOGâS PURPOSE. Screenings take place Wednesday, January 25, 2017 as follows:
TORONTO
Cineplex Cinemas Yonge & Eglinton
VANCOUVER
Cineplex International Village
MONTREAL
Cineplex Forum Montreal
EDMONTON
Cineplex Odeon South Commons
CALGARY
Landmark Shawnessy
WINNIPEG
SilverCity St. Vital
OTTAWA
Scotiabank Theatre Ottawa
Synopsis:
Based on the beloved bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dogâs Purpose, from director Lasse Hallström (The Cider House Rules, Dear John, The 100-Foot Journey), shares the soulful and surprising story of one devoted dog (voiced by Josh Gad) who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love. The family film told from the dogâs perspective also stars Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, John Ortiz, Juliet Rylance, Luke Kirby, Peggy Lipton, Pooch Hall and Dennis Quaid.
Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click âlikeâ on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Under the comments there, please tell us about a time someone or something (i.e. a pet) who brought your family together. Click âshareâ from there on Facebook for an extra chance!
Universal Pictures Canada release A DOGâS PURPOSE Friday, January 27, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
VVS Films, Touchwood PR and Mr. Will Wong would like to give Readers a chance to win a Playing for Keeps DVD! The charming Romantic-Comedy is about a downâonâhis luck former Soccer Star (Gerard Butler) who returns home to put his life back together. Looking for a way to rebuild his relationship with his Son, he gets roped into coaching the Boy’s Soccer Team. But his attempts to finally become an “adult” are met with hilarious challenges from the attractive “Soccer Moms” who pursue him at every turn.
Playing for Keeps features a delicious, star-studded Cast, which also includes: Jessica Biel, Dennis Quaid, Uma Thurman and Catherine Zeta-Jones, while Gabriele Muccino (The Pursuit of Happyness, Seven Pounds) directs.
Official Artwork for the Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack below:
Watch the Trailer in full below:
To enter to win a Playing for Keeps DVD, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Double your chances either by sharing this Post on Facebook or Re-Tweeting the below on Facebook:
.@MRWILLW wants me to #win a #PLAYINGFORKEEPS DVD. In-stores 3/12/13! http://www.mrwillwong.com/playingforkeepsdvd
Your deadline is March 11, 2013. Good luck! Canadian Readers only, please.
Playing for Keeps hits stores Tuesday, March 12, 2013. Order it here!
(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)
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