nick robinson
#TIFF20: “SHADOW IN THE CLOUD”
By David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong
It is World War II and WAAF officer Maude Garrett (Chloë Grace Moretz) has jumped aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress as a last minute addition. The all-male crew are hesitant to let her stay, but she has orders to fly with them and keep her classified cargo safe. They force her to ride in a ball turret below deck, isolated on her own – and her mind may be playing tricks on her with the things she is seeing in the shadows.
I want to say more, but I fear that would spoil some of the outrageous and preposterous thrills that Co-Writer/Director Roseanne Liang has in store for Moretz and the rest of the crew. Liang plays with genre conventions throughout Shadow in the Cloud’s zippy 83-minute running time, never seeming keen to stay categorized in one box for too long. It morphs wickedly from a white-knuckle claustrophobic Thriller to a full-blown wartime action picture at the drop of a bullet, and then sprinkles in some Horror elements on top for good measure. The CGI is spotty in far too many cases and the genre mashup does not always work as intended (a MacGuffin reveal is a bizarre swing that left me bewildered), but the Film is wildly-entertaining in the many instances when it does.
As long as you prepare for multiple genre swaps, Shadow in the Cloud is quite a bit of fun. While I wish the Film was not being hit with a minor controversy over its writing credits, I feel the bigger disservice is that Covid has robbed us of the experience of seeing Shadow in the Cloud at its proper haunt, Ryerson with a Midnight Madness audience. I know in my bones that they would have eaten this Film up, and I chuckled when it became obvious what and where the reactions might have been. Hopefully, it gets to play to a big crowd like that another day.
Nick Robinson (Love, Simon and Jurassic World) has a blast as a gunner on the ship, but Moretz is the one who takes hold of the screen and never wavers. She is simply marvelous in the scenes in the ball turret, really selling the anguish, fear and determination her character is going through. She is vividly-expressive in these scenes (which take up a substantial portion of the Film’s first half), and she carries them into the absolute chaos of the Film’s second half. Her wonderful balancing act more than makes up for some of the plot contrivances and the minimal character development.
SHADOW IN THE CLOUD screens at TIFF ’20 as follows:
Sat, Sep 12
Visa Skyline Drive-In at CityView
11:59pm
Sun, Sep 13
Online at Bell Digital Cinema
6:00pm
#SUNDANCE: DAY 2 SIGHTINGS AT THE 2019 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL
It was a star-studded second day at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and our Amanda Gilmore was out and about capturing all the excitement in between her screenings.
She tells us TROOP ZERO is the one to look out for next Awards Season as the feel-good Film produced by and starring Viola Davis premiered to rousing reception. Check out her Review here.
She also saw the Adaptation of popular Richard Wright Novel, NATIVE SON which sees Best Picture-winning Moonlight star Ashton Sanders back in the spotlight again. Her thoughts on the Film here.
Real-life couple Director Bart Freundlich and Oscar winner Julianne Moore team-up on a Remake of Danish film AFTER THE WEDDING, which also stars Michelle Williams. Amanda‘s review here.
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Amanda‘s Recap:
Throughout the day there were second screenings from films that premiered last night and into the afternoon and evening their were new premieres to come. One of those premieres was Shia LaBeouf’s screenwriting debut Film, which is semi-autobiographical, Honey Boy. When the Film finished, there was a strong applause and since then it has been on our radar. Another Film that premiered tonight was Screenwriter and Actor Mindy Kaling’s Late Night. This Film follows a female Late Night Talk Show Host, which is definitely something topical right now. It is one of the hardest tickets to get at this year’s Festival. Kaling has been a steady force within the industry since her days on The Office. Now IMDb has given Kaling the STARMeter Award today.
Out on Main Street, many stars were found walking, doing press and hitting some parties. Some people spotted today were Mindy Kaling, Nick Robinson, Julianne Moore, Jada Pinkett Smith, Malin Åckerman, Billy Crudup and more.
A majority of these actors opted to walk down the street to each of their interviews rather than taking a vehicle. And a lot of them took their time to stop for fans on the street even though a lot were running around to their next interviews.
Tonight also was the Sundance Kickoff Party that we were lucky enough to attend. The atmosphere was filled with high energy and conversations about the best films viewed so far. After overhearing conversations it is clear that many people loved Troop Zero, while others had a lot to say about Documentaries.
Check-out some of the awesome star sightings by Amanda in and around the hub of the Festival:
Ashton Sanders, Native Son
There is still a lot of Festival left! Tomorrow Zac Efron will be in town to premiere his Ted Bundy Biopic, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, which just dropped its Trailer today. There is a lot of hype surrounding it so far at Sundance. There will be some star power hitting the Midnight Programme tomorrow night with Dakota Johnson and Armie Hammer’s new film Wounds. It is sure to be a day full of excitement and we look forward to bringing you all the latest, so stay tuned.
(Photo credit: Amanda Gilmore)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE “LOVE, SIMON”
20th Century Fox Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to attend an Advance Screening of LOVE, SIMON! Screenings take place Wednesday, March 7, 2018 in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa.
Synopsis:
Everyone deserves a great love story. But for seventeen-year old Simon Spier it’s a little more complicated: he’s yet to tell his family or friends he’s gay and he doesn’t actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing. Directed by Greg Berlanti (Dawson’s Creek, Brothers & Sisters), written by Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger (This is Us), and based on Becky Albertalli’s acclaimed novel, LOVE, SIMON is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about the thrilling ride of finding yourself and falling in love.
Cast: Nick Robinson, Katherine Langford, Alexandra Shipp, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Miles Heizer, Keiynan Lonsdale, Logan Miller, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel and Tony Hale.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance!
20th Century Fox Canada release LOVE, SIMON Friday, March 16, 2018.
Official Hashtag: #LOVESIMON
Website: LoveSimonMovie.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook .com/LoveSimonMovie/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/l ovesimonmovie?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagr am.com/lovesimonmovie/
(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox Canada)
#FIRSTLOOK: “LOVE, SIMON” TO PREMIERE AT TIFF’S NEXT WAVE FESTIVAL
Premiering at TIFF’s NEXT WAVE Film Festival next month, LOVE, SIMON is setting Twitter on-fire we are told. Check out the Trailer for the Coming-of-Age story starring up-and-comer Nick Robinson. We’re getting total The Edge of Seventeen vibes.
Synopsis:
Everyone deserves a great love story. But for seventeen-year old Simon Spier it’s a little more complicated: he’s yet to tell his family or friends he’s gay and he doesn’t actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing. Directed by Greg Berlanti (Dawson’s Creek, Brothers & Sisters), written by Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger (This is Us), and based on Becky Albertalli’s acclaimed novel, LOVE, SIMON is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about the thrilling ride of finding yourself and falling in love.
See the Trailer:
More details on the Premiere here.
20th Century Fox Canada release LOVE, SIMON Friday, March 16, 2018.
(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)
#SPOTTED: GREG KINNEAR IN TORONTO FOR “STRANGE BUT TRUE”
We love this time of the year as production picks-up in Toronto. Among the great things filming in our City is an intriguing new Thriller called STRANGE BUT TRUE, which recently was pitched at Cannes. Starring Greg Kinnear and Amy Ryan, the Film centers around a woman who five years after her boyfriend’s death, shows up at his family’s door to tell them she’s pregnant with his child. Although they try to believe her, they find out the truth is rather terrifying. Rowan Athale directs and it films through mid-July. Nick Robinson, Brian Cox, Blythe Danner and Connor Jessup also star.
We spotted the amazing Kinnear, whom while no stranger to Toronto having filmed The Kennedys here, hasn’t been here in a bit. The weather thankfully cooperated today as it filmed on the Lakeshore and while he was headed to lunch, he was so kind to stop for a quick snap!
See our Snap:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Sony Pictures)
#TIFF15: DAY 5 SPOTTINGS – JOHNNY DEPP, DAKOTA JOHNSON, KEVIN BACON, JULIANNE NICHOLSON, JOEL EDGERTON, CARY ELWES, COMMON, NICK ROBINSON, ROB REINER, AP MCCOY, JOHN SLATTERY + MORE
Although we’re at the half-way mark at TIFF ’15, we’re nowhere near done! The Town is set to be electrified at Princess of Wales Theatre as the eagerly-awaited Premiere for BLACK MASS shuts down a portion of Entertainment District with Johnny Depp making his way to the Red Carpet.
See some of the stars we spotted today!
Kevin Bacon. The veteran actor was amazing today at the Press Conference for Black Mass, quite literally stopping for every single Fan in-waiting. There’s a reason why he’s adored and we saw it today.
Dakota Johnson already has been catapulted to stardom in a big way starring in the Film Adaptations of the Fifty Shades of Grey series, but Black Mass is what will solidify her standing as a serious Actress. She was wonderful today stopping for Fans. A huge Fan of hers, I even slipped myself in for a Selfie amidst the commotion!
Awkward selfies with #DakotaJohnson, at #TIFF15 for #BlackMass. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #FIFTYSHADESOFGREY #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
And of course, who doesn’t love Johnny Depp? After a late arrival, he delivered his promised and went around the lined circle of Friends, stopping for Autographs as security cautiously tossed any clipboards thrust towards his face. The cheers were deafening for the King of Cinema and the reviews are fantastic for his performance as gangster Whitey Bulger in Black Mass.
#JohnnyDepp at #TIFF15 for #BlackMass. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
A more accurate snapshot of the Johnny madness.
Actual #JohnnyDepp madness. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF15 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Joel Edgerton greeting Fans for Black Mass.
Julianne Nicholson at the Black Mass Press Conference, v. gracious.
#JulianneNicholson at #TIFF15 for #BlackMass. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Nick Robinson is one to look out for. The young Actor made a huge splash this summer in Jurassic World and is here for Rob Reiner‘s Being Charlie.
#NickRobinson of #JurassicWorld at #TIFF15 for #BeingCharlie. #TIFF40 #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Cary Elwes’ visit comprised of two reasons TIFF ’15 including a live-read of The Princess Bride as his original character, presented by Jason Reitman and also the Film Being Charlie.
#CaryElwes at #TIFF15 for a live reading of #ThePrincessBride and #BeingCharlie. #Tiff40 #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Common is a man of many talents – acting just one of them. He and iconic Director Rob Reiner were out doing press earlier today for Being Charlie.
#RobReiner + #Common at #TIFF15 for #BeingCharlie. #TIFF40 #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Joan Allen is fantastic in Thriller, ROOM which premieres Tuesday night TIFF ’15. Here she is at a Press Conference earlier for the Film. Film star Brie Larson unfortunately has been v. private this entire trip not interacting at all with fans. What gives?
#JoanAllen for #RoomTheMovie at #TIFF15. #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
John Slattery. We’ve long loved this Mad Men star and were ecstatic to run into him on our way home tonight. He was here for the Premiere of well-received drama, Spotlight.
Dream meeting #JohnSlattery of #MadMen at #TIFF15. He is here for #SpotlightMovie. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
AP McCoy. The 20-time champion jockey in the UK, made a rare appearance here in Toronto for the first-ever screening of his BBC Documentary, Being AP. He revealed that he made the Documentary for his two-year-old son who will never know him as a jockey following his retirement earlier this year.
Kate Winslet just stunning at the TIFF ’15 Premiere for The Dressmaker at Roy Thomson Hall.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Liam Hemsworth at the TIFF ’15 Premiere for The Dressmaker.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO SEE “THE KINGS OF SUMMER” IN TORONTO
Mr. Will Wong and eOne Films are thrilled to give Readers a chance to see THE KINGS OF SUMMER before everyone else! The Comedy from Jordan Vogt-Roberts, known best for his work with hilarious Funny or Die, was a hit at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and centers on three teenage Friends who decide to build a house in the woods and live off the land one Summer. Nick Offerman, Alison Brie, Moises Arias, Nick Robinson and Megan Mullally star.
The Screening takes place Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Varsity Cinemas. To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Double your chances by sharing this Post on Facebook or Re-Tweeeting the below:
I want to see an Advance Screening in Toronto of #THEKINGSOFSUMMER on 5/22 and @MRWILLW wants me and you to go! http://www.mrwillwong.com/kingsofsummer.
Good luck!
Watch the Trailer below:
eOne Films releases The Kings of Summer on Friday, June 7, 2013 in Toronto.
(Photo credit: eOne Films)
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