By Amanda Gilmore
Aspiring fashion designer Ellie (Thomasin McKenzie) leaves the English countryside of Cornwall to attend fashion school in London. Ellie loves the 1960s and to her luck, when she moves into her new flat she can mysteriously enter into ’60s Soho. It’s there she encounters fashionable aspiring singer Sandy (Anya Taylor-Joy). However, Ellie quickly learns that the glamour of the era isn’t what it appears to be. She gets pulled into the grim life Sandy was forced into until the past starts haunting Ellie into the present.
Director and Co-Writer Edgar Wright swings us into the dazzling world of London in the ’60s, with the help of outstanding set and costume design. During Ellie’s first foray, Wright uses mirrors to show how Ellie and Sandy are separated but attached. It’s magical to watch these mirror scenes, especially when they become more sinister. He spins this nostalgic fun into a Psychological Horror filled with terrifying ghosts. Wright uses lighting, sound and creative camera work that creates tension, suspense and scares.
Wright along with Co-Writer Krysty Wilson-Cairns have crafted a psychological horror centred around the horrors an aspiring female singer in the 60s, and even today would experience. Making it an examination of a moment in time when women would be conned and forced into a life where they were treated as currency. Without giving too much away, this is also a story of women taking back their agency.
Sandy’s story is being witnessed by modern-day Ellie, along with its audience. And Ellie, like us, iscarrying the beliefs of today into what she sees in the 60s. McKenzie excels at showing the increment changes in Ellie’s personality changes. She begins as a joyful, innocent girl heading to the big city. Once she visits the 60s, she becomes emboldened. And once we hit the third act, McKenzie shows the terror of Ellie’s daily life. It’s a feat to accomplish and McKenzie excels at every turn.
She’s joined by the force that is Taylor-Joy. Her undeniable talent to express emotion with one single glance is fully utilized. In the beginning, she shows Sandy’s determination and hope. As time passes, Sandy’s life becomes a prison run by her manager Jack, an impressive performance from Matt Smith. With this, Taylor-Joy makes us witness the light in Sandy’s eyes disappear. Additionally, there is a delightful performance from Diana Rigg as Ellie’s rulemaking live-in landlord.
Last Night in Soho is a Psychological Horror that builds tension and gives scares. It’s got a strong central storyline, pitch-perfect performances and has ample amounts of creative flair.
Last Night In Soho screens at TIFF ’21:
Fri, Sep 10 at 9 PM at Roy Thompson Hall
Thu, Sep 16 at 6 PM at Princess of Wales
A new Trailer and Poster have arrived for Edgar Wright‘s LAST NIGHT IN SOHO starring Thomasin Mackenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy. How coincidental is it that Taylor-Joy starred as Thomasin in a breakout role in THE WITCH and now stars alongside Mackenzie? The Film premieres at TIFF ’21 this weekend after minds being blown in Venice.
Synopsis:
Edgar Wright’s psychological thriller about a young girl, passionate in fashion design, who is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s where she encounters her idol, a dazzling wannabe singer. But 1960s London is not what it appears, and time seems to fall apart with shady consequences…
See the Teaser:
Also, some Stills from the Film:
LAST NIGHT IN SOHO arrives in theatres October 29, 2021 via Focus Features.
(Photo/video credit: Focus Features)
Right in time for Halloween comes the Thriller, HIS HOUSE, an official selection at Sundance this year.
Synopsis:
After making a harrowing escape from war-torn South Sudan, a young refugee couple struggle to adjust to their new life in a small English town that has an unspeakable evil lurking beneath the surface.
Cast: Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Wunmi Mosaku and Matt Smith
See the Trailer:
HIS HOUSE arrives on Netflix Friday, October 30, 2020.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
Official Secrets tells the true story of British Secret Service Officer Katherine Gun (Keira Knightley). She released a private emailed memo about an illegal joint US-UK spying operation on the UN Security Council, leading up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
Writer-Director Gavin Hood has made a compelling Film about the inspiring Gun. Gavin depicts Gun as an ordinary woman who was able to do something extraordinary by putting herself and those around her in harms way to expose the truth. Hood has gathered an ensemble of talented actors consisting of Knightley, Matt Smith, Matthew Goode, Ralph Fiennes and more. All add richness to the inspiring people involved.
Official Secrets screens at Sundance on Jan 28 at 6:30PM at Eccles PC, Jan 29 at 8:45AM at PC Library PC, Feb 2 at 9:30PM at The Ray PC, and Feb 3 at 12:30PM at Rose Wagner SLC.
Fans of THE CROWN will love this brand-new Featurette for the beloved Series’ second season. Expect more Prince Philip (Matt Smith) and bigger dilemmas for Queen Elizabeth II (Claire Foy) as they head into the ’60s.
See the Featurette:
Netflix Canada stream THE CROWN SEASON TWO Friday, December 8, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
By Mr. Will Wong, Siobhán Rich and Justin Waldman
Now in its 23rd year, FAN EXPO returned once again to Toronto this weekend at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre celebrating fandom and bringing fans close to their idols of past and future. The extravaganza continues to pull-in upwards of 129,000 people from around the world with panels, exhibits, signings and photo ops galore. There’s even Speed-Dating for the geek-minded.
Cosplayers were out in full festive force with several paying tribute to the likes of The Joker, Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman and Doctor Who.
A major highlight this year was the reunion of the original ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW Cast including a seldom-seen Tim Curry, who was available for photo ops and also pre-signed memorabilia. His Castmates Meat Loaf, Nell Campbell, Barry Bostwick and Patricia Quinn also made their way to Fan Expo.
A hot ticket item this weekend, selling-out, was photo ops for the Cast of STRANGER THINGS including Finn Wolfhard, Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo. The former also appeared with his fellow Castmates from another production in which he stars, hotly-anticipated Stephen King Remake IT, out next week.
This year, Fan Expo‘s Guest List was heavy on talent filming in the City including Cast members from STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, which sees a premiere on CBS this September including Sonequa Martin-Green, Anthony Rapp and Doug Jones.
Meanwhile, returning favourites Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead), John Barrowman (Arrow), Nathan Fillion (Castle), Stephen Amell (Arrow), Anthony Daniels (Star Wars) and Matt Smith (Doctor Who) also proved popular.
THOR: RAGNAROK EXHIBIT
Among the several dazzling displays and exhibits at Fan Expo Canada this year was an exhibit for eagerly-awaited THOR: RAGNAROK from Marvel, giving fans get an exclusive first look at the costumes and pieces seen in the Movie.
In this third Thor Movie, our hero faces his toughest villain yet, Hela played by Cate Blanchett, and her costume makes the villain even more daunting. A black and green costume with a 3D printed headpiece that resembles something similar to a creature from nightmares it truly is a sight to behold. As well the headpiece was never actually worn in the film but rather carried afterwards in very careful placement to fit the Film.
Next is Karl Urban’s Skurge and without giving away too much information about the character he seems to be a forced to be reckoned with as well. A double-sided axe that is truly remarkable accompanies his costume. As well his costume is made of actual steel and fabric, making it one of the more impressive costumes.
Loki’s (Tom Hiddleston) costume takes its final form in this third Film. There are little tidbits of goodies in the costume as well, if we remember the first Avengers Film, the necklace Loki wears has a small piece in his costume this time around as an ode to that other appearance.
Next we have hotly-anticipated Jeff Goldblum’s The Grandmaster whose fabric costume is so much more impressive in person that anyone could have ever imagined. The layers of fabric and costume it self really stands out and boasts the character.
Two really cool props from Ragnarok are from the Hulk Vs Thor scenes where we get a first up close look at Hulk’s sword and hammer that he uses in the fight. These props are massive and certainly a dream come true for fans to be able to see these props up close and personal.
One of the most impressive pieces at Fan Expo’s exhibit this year was Thor’s costume itself, as it is a mish-mash of different pieces. While he is away from Asgard and fighting, he acquires different pieces of his costume and writing on his costume that shows his journey. However the most interesting piece for fans would be Thor’s helmet, which many fans have dreamed of seeing since the first Movie came out.
Photos from the THOR: RAGNAROK Exhibit. Hover cursor left and right below to navigate.
This gorgeous star of X-Men, Taken, The Wolverine, The Blacklist, How to Get Away with Murder, The Blacklist and Hemlock Grove, the latter filmed right in our City, returns to Toronto again once again. She tells her fans at her panel about her experience working with Hugh Jackman who would go on to be in the widely-acclaimed LOGAN. “It’s impossible to envision anyone else playing that role”, she says about her Co-Star. “I’m grateful to have worked with him.”.
On Game of Thrones’ Sophie Turner playing a role she helped shape in upcoming X-Men: Dark Phoenix, she says “I think she’s amazing. She reached out to me when she got cast as Jean Grey and asked what pointers I had for her and I told her she’s amazing and to just follow your gut and that’s what she did.”.
TIM CURRY
You know you’re iconic when your Films are remade and your roles are reprised. This iconic star of Rocky Horror Picture Show and the original Pennywise in Stephen King’s IT, which is projected to make a huge splash next weekend at the Box Office, made a rare appearance at this year’s Fan Expo treating fans to an intimate panel.
On which of his projects he considers his favourites, Curry says “Well, I guess one of them is Clue where my part was as big as the Bible. I also love Muppet Treasure Island.“.
On his phenomenal voicework in Animation, he says “I love it. I’ve never been a contortionist. The day is young and one day I hope to be.”.
While he is the idol of many who attended his panel, he cites Alec Guinness as being someone he looks up to.
JOHN BARROWMAN
This star of Doctor Who, Desperate Housewives, Torchwood, Legends of Tomorrow and of course Arrow is loved by many a fan. He reflects on the fun he has had on the latter. “A lot of things happened and part of what I like to do is making people crack-up by doing something from across of them. Stephen (Amell) is really easy to crack-up”.
In what will be the most talked-about moment of Fan Expo Canada 2017, Barrowman was asked by a fan at his panel whom his best on-screen kiss was with. A fan who went by the name Montana then rushed the stage to the shock of the crowd and Barrowman, and the two embraced in a kiss which had the fan going shirtless. The crowd went ecstatic. David Tennant, his Doctor Who Co-Star was his favourite kiss, by the way!
The best kind of audience participation at @JohnBarrowman‘s @FANEXPOCANADA panel. #FXC17 pic.twitter.com/Ls81n9x934
— MsTypo (@Typo_eh) September 1, 2017
KATHLEEN TURNER
Those of us who grew-up in the ’80s have fond memories of Turner‘s work in classics like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Peggy Sue Got Married, Romancing the Stone and The Jewel of the Nile. Turner reflected on her beginnings as an actress with her fans. She claims “I didn’t see many films. I always felt like Film happened to me.”. “Most of my imagination was satisfied by reading. This is how I always thought I wanted to be an actor”, she says. “This is my 40th year in my profession and it is still absolutely thrilling to be doing it. I am now entering my fourth profession and I will be doing Cabaret. I can sing.”.
MATT SMITH
In addition to its presence being felt largely this year with several fans dressed as Dr. Who, Matt Smith returned to Fan Expo once again this year. On his eventual exit from the beloved Series, Smith says “Yeah, I always knew I was going to stay for another year. Maybe I would’ve stayed on for another year. But then I thought I couldn’t get too comfortable. It’s a difficult show to leave because it’s such a brilliant character but as an actor you have to continue to do things that frighten you and make you uncomfortable.”.
Smith currently can be seen in Netflix‘s acclaimed The Crown as Philip.
See some Snaps from Fan Expo Canada 2017. Navigate by hovering cursor over left and right of gallery.
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Missed it this year? Learn more about FAN EXPO CANADA right here and come next year!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Siobhán Rich/Justin Waldman)
Netflix‘s most expensive endeavour yet, The Crown, focuses on Queen Elizabeth‘s rise to the throne beginning from her marriage to King Philip. Set to take place over six seasons at ten episodes each, you can bet the Internet Television purveyor is confident in its investment. The ambitious drama series takes us within the walls of Buckingham Palace, peeling-off the Royal Family mask and giving us fly-on-the-wall access with a few scandalous surprises along the way. Stephen Frears returns to direct here after finding Oscar success on familiar territory with 2006’s The Queen.
We had the pleasure of previewing the first few episodes of The Crown and right away found ourselves swept away into Queen Elizabeth‘s (Claire Foy) world after suddenly she is thrust into the spotlight with the sudden passing of her father, King George (Jared Harris). We had little clue who Foy was before setting her eyes upon her here, but we quickly have become a huge fan of her already. Possessing physically one-part the relatability of Reese Witherspoon and one-part the commanding elegance of a Felicity Jones, something feels familiar about her. She captivates at every turn and we want very much to see her transformation as a young wife, mother, daughter and sister into a powerful world ruler. We want also to witness and understand the change in family dynamics that come with her new role.
Aside from the Queen‘s journey, we get insight on some of the power struggles both the Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Jon Lithgow) and Royal Family in the wake of King George‘s (Jared Harris) death, the former venerable and vulnerable as his standing in the political world is threatened as others chomp at the bit to succeed him. The Crown reads at times as a political drama and other times like a juicy soap opera.
We see Princess Margaret also as an arresting young beauty involved in an illicit romance with married Group Captain Peter Townsend (Ben Miles), Vanessa Kirby playing the much criticized public figure with great empathy. Her carefree nature juxtaposes well with her sister’s great focus when matters become serious after her father’s passing.
Matt Smith balances a young King Philip with a perfect aloofness and at once an awareness that keeps us invested with him as an outsider looking into a world rooted deeply in tradition and history, in which he along with we, are just getting immersed.
Performances aside, the cinematography is simply breathtaking and clearly we see where that well-publicized budget of $7.5 million per episode was spent in all the detail.
The Crown looks to be an adored staple for seasons to come. We’re thrilled for the world to discover the Royal Family as you’ve never seen them before. Netflix Canada stream the first 10 episodes of THE CROWN Friday, November 4, 2016.
See this brand-new Featurette from the Series:
We’re about two weeks away from the release of Netflix‘s most expensive Series made ever with a budget of $7.5 million per episode. THE CROWN recalls Queen Elizabeth II’s (Claire Foy) reign from her marriage to Prince Philip (Matt Smith) to present day. Starring in the titular role at this point is Foy, with the buzzed and controversial Series which strips away the Royal Family mask, expected to span across six seasons.
In town to ring-in the release of THE CROWN are stars Jared Harris (Mad Men, The Mortal Instruments) who plays King George VI, and Vanessa Kirby in the role of Princess Margaret. While rushed, the duo met and greeted fans quickly, although Kirby was kind to come out of her vehicle for a quick second to snap a Selfie with Billy and I after doing a limited number of photo ops.
The pair began their day at CITY‘s Breakfast Television before splitting up for a bit to do press. An intimate Premiere and Reception will be held in celebration of what looks like a staple for the groundbreaking streaming service.
See our Snaps:
#JaredHarris meets Billy! The #MadMen star in town for #Netflix series #TheCrown.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Watch the latest Trailer for THE CROWN:
Netflix Canada stream the first ten episodes of THE CROWN Friday, November 4, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
eOne Films + Mr. Will want to take Readers to see the exhilarating PRIDE + PREJUDICE + ZOMBIES first! Screenings take place in Toronto (Scotiabank), Vancouver (Scotiabank Vancouver), Calgary (Chinook), Edmonton (Scotiabank Edmonton), Winnipeg (St. Vital), Ottawa (Gloucester), Halifax (Scotiabank Halifax) on Wednesday, February 3, 2016.
Synopsis:
In this wild reimagining of Jane Austen’s classic tale set in the 19th century, scrappy martial arts specialist Elizabeth Bennet (Lily James) and the very wealthy Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley) are true opposites — however, equally prideful and prejudiced.
But in the face of an unknown and dangerous plague, the two must cast aside their different social classes in order to deal with their tangled romantic relationship — and fight off an army of undead zombies.
PRIDE + PREJUDICE + ZOMBIES also stars Jack Huston, Bella Heathcote, Douglas Booth, Matt Smith, Charles Dance and Lena Headey.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Click “share” from there for an extra chance or Tweet out the below:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/prideprejudicezombies @MRWILLW wants us to #win Advance Passes to see #PRIDEPREJUDICEZOMBIES! Out 2/5!
G’luck, Willionaire$!
eOne Films release PRIDE + PREJUDICE + ZOMBIES on Friday, February 5, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
I think most of us who saw CINDERELLA will agree that we were enchanted by Lily James. Be prepared to see her like you’ve never imagined in PRIDE + PREJUDICE + ZOMBIES. Murderous.
Synopsis:
A zombie outbreak has fallen upon the land in this reimagining of Jane Austen‘s classic tale of the tangled relationships between lovers from different social classes in 19th century England. Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet (Lily James) is a master of martial arts and weaponry and the handsome Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley) is a fierce zombie killer, yet the epitome of upper class prejudice. As the zombie outbreak intensifies, they must swallow their pride and join forces on the blood-soaked battlefield in order to conquer the undead once and for all.
See the new Trailer:
Sony Pictures release PRIDE + PREJUDICE + ZOMBIES February 2016.
(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures)
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