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

By Mr. Will Wong

This one hurts just a little. We love DEAD TO ME so much and in its too short a run, we are saying goodbye. The four-time Primetime Emmy-nominated Black Comedy series concludes after its upcoming third season which tugs on our heartstrings more than ever before.

We reunite with Jen (Christina Applegate) and Judy (Linda Cardellini), two women whose lives become intertwined and changed forever by the death of their partners and they are forced to conceal the self-incriminating facts. We begin the third season picking-up from the aftermath of Jen and Judy being involved with a collision at the hands of Ben (James Marsden) who had struck them while driving impaired. Fortunately, they survive, but life and this new season don’t get any less worrisome. Detective Perez (Diana-Maria Riva) and Nick (Brandon Scott) are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Ted, Jen‘s husband. Incriminating pieces of evidence keep surfacing, but this is only one part of it. Medical scares and “surprises” also surface and we learn that atonement just might be unavoidable.

Of all three seasons, this one upcoming is definitely our favourite and that’s saying a lot since we love this Series so much. All the suspense and belly laughs are there still, and we really hope this isn’t the last time we see Applegate and Cardellini team-up. That perfect tonal balance of Applegate‘s toughness and Cardellini‘s lightness is something we will miss and this final season strengthens that bond even further.

This is one of the few Series that cause us equally to feel stressed-out and yet also still fills our heart, all at once. We were left a teary mess by the end of it all and so will you. Everything’s tied together perfectly at the end that this might’ve all been meant to be and it makes sense. Despite all the death and darkness, we’re left with a feeling of hope. DEAD TO ME remains very much alive to us in our hearts. Season Three arrives November 17, 2022.

Paramount Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Family Passes for four to see SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2!

Screenings will take place as follows:

Toronto – April 2, 2022 (Saturday) – 10:30AM – Yorkdale Theatre 

Vancouver – April 2, 2022 (Saturday) – 10:30AM – Cineplex Cinemas Metropolis

Montreal ENG – April 2, 2022 (Saturday) – 10:30AM – Cineplex Cinemas Forum

Montreal FRE – April 2, 2022 (Saturday) – 10:30AM – Cineplex StarCité

Calgary – April 2, 2022 (Saturday) – 10:30AM – Scotiabank Theatre Chinook

Synopsis:

The world’s favorite blue hedgehog is back for a next-level adventure in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2. After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search for an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands. From the filmmakers behind The Fast and the Furious and Deadpool, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 stars James Marsden, Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, Lee Majdoub and Jim Carrey returning, alongside new additions Shemar Moore, with Idris Elba as the voice of Knuckles and Colleen O’Shaughnessey as the voice of Tails.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Please indicate your City in the comments there. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for an extra chance!

Rules and regulations here.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 IS ONLY IN THEATRES APRIL 8, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to #win a Voucher to see THE BOSS BABY: FAMILY BUSINESS in theatres, where available!

Synopsis:

The Boss is back, baby! Dreamworks Animation presents the comedy event of the summer! Alex Baldwin, Jeff Goldblum, Ariana Greenblatt, Jimmy Kimmel, Lisa Kudrow, Eva Longoria, James Marsden AND Amy Sedaris in THE BOSS BABY: FAMILY BUSINESS. 

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Re-Tweet this Tweet below also for an extra chance. You must be following.

Rules and regulations here.

THE BOSS BABY: FAMILY BUSINESS is in theatres July 2, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Paramount Home Entertainment x Mr. Will want to give Readers in Canada a chance to win a copy of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG on Blu-ray, and also Digital!

Synopsis:
Powered with incredible speed, Sonic the Hedgehog (voiced by Ben Schwartz), aka The Blue Blur, embraces his new home on Earth. That is, until he accidentally knocks out the power grid and sparks the attention of super-uncool evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey). Now it’s super-villain vs. super-sonic in an all-out race across the globe to stop Robotnik from using his unique power for world domination. Sonic teams up with The Donut Lord, aka Sheriff Tom Wachowski (James Marsden), to save the planet in this action-packed hit that’s fun for the whole family.

BONUS FEATURES ON DIGITAL*, 4K ULTRA HD COMBO, & BLU-RAY COMBO:
Commentary by director Jeff Fowler and the voice of Sonic, Ben Schwartz
Around the World in 80 Seconds—See Sonic’s next adventure!
Deleted Scenes—Director Jeff Fowler introduces deleted scenes
Bloopers—Laugh along with Jim Carrey and the cast
“Speed Me Up” Music Video
For the Love of Sonic—Jim Carrey and the cast discuss what Sonic the Hedgehog means to them
Building Robotnik with Jim Carrey—See Jim Carrey bring supervillain Dr. Robotnik to life
The Blue Blur: Origins of Sonic—Explore the origins of the legendary Blue Blur
Sonic On Set—Visit the set with the voice of Sonic, Ben Schwartz

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and if you want another chance, Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw! Specify if you want to win a Blu-ray or a Digital copy. You would get to see it right away with a Digital copy!

Rules and regulations here.

Paramount Home Entertainment release SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, out now on Digital and on DVD/Blu-ray/4K Ultra HD on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Home Entertainment)

We loved the first season of DEAD TO ME and are thrilled both Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini are back in season two of the darkly-comedic Series. Here is a first peak at the new season, streaming next month!

Synopsis:
Jen and Judy are not okay. Not even a little. With their lives spinning out of control, they’re clinging to each other — and their secrets.

Teaser:

DEAD TO ME Season Two streams on Netflix Friday, May 8, 2020.

(Photo/credit: Netflix)

See the new Pre-Big Game TV Spot for SONIC THE HEDGEHOG!

Synopsis:
Based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from Sega, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG tells the story of the world’s speediest hedgehog as he embraces his new home on Earth. In this live-action adventure comedy, Sonic and his new best friend Tom (James Marsden) team up to defend the planet from the evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and his plans for world domination. The family-friendly film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.

See the Trailer:

Paramount Pictures Canada release SONIC THE HEDGEHOG Friday, February 14, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Paramont Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see SONIC THE HEDGEHOG in Toronto + Montreal! Screenings are as follows:

Toronto
Saturday, Feb. 8
Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas and VIP, 10:30AM

Montreal
Saturday, Feb. 8
Cinema Banque Scotia Montreal, 10:30AM

Synopsis:
Based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from Sega, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG tells the story of the world’s speediest hedgehog as he embraces his new home on Earth. In this live-action adventure comedy, Sonic and his new best friend Tom (James Marsden) team up to defend the planet from the evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and his plans for world domination. The family-friendly film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.

See the 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.

Paramount Pictures Canada release SONIC THE HEDGEHOG Friday, February 14, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Check it out! The new and improved Sonic the Hedgehog gets unveiled in this brand-new Trailer for the Valentine’s Day release!

Synopsis:
Based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from Sega, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG tells the story of the world’s speediest hedgehog as he embraces his new home on Earth. In this live-action adventure comedy, Sonic and his new best friend Tom (James Marsden) team up to defend the planet from the evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and his plans for world domination. The family-friendly film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.

See the Trailer:

New Poster:

Paramount Pictures Canada release SONIC THE HEDGEHOG Friday, February 14, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Everyone seems to be excited about Jim Carrey’s involvement with SONIC THE HEDGEHOG when images first surfaced yesterday. Now here’s your look at the Trailer!

Synopsis:
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG is a live-action adventure comedy based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from Sega that centers on the infamously brash bright blue hedgehog. The film follows the (mis)adventures of Sonic as he navigates the complexities of life on Earth with his newfound – human – best friend Tom Wachowski (James Marsden). Sonic and Tom join forces to try and stop the villainous Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) from capturing Sonic and using his immense powers for world domination. The film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.

See the Trailer:

Paramount Pictures Canada release SONIC THE HEDGEHOG Friday, November 8, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)