After premiering last Fall at TIFF ’23, we get a new Trailer for May 31, 2024 release, EZRA from VVS Films.
SYNOPSIS:
A touching portrait of family and friendship, EZRA follows Max Bernal (Bobby Cannavale), a stand-up comedian living with his father (Robert De Niro), while struggling to co-parent his autistic son Ezra (introducing William Fitzgerald) with his ex-wife (Rose Byrne). When forced to confront difficult decisions about their son’s future, Max and Ezra embark on a cross-country road trip that has a transcendent impact on both their lives. Directed by Tony Goldwyn, who also appears in the film alongside additional cast members Vera Farmiga, Rainn Wilson and Whoopi Goldberg, Ezra is an endeari
CAST: Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Vera Farmiga, Whoopi Goldberg, Rainn Wilson, Tony Goldwyn, William A. Fitzgerald, Robert De Niro
(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)
By George Kozera
EZRA opens with stand-up comedian Max Bernal (Bobby Cannavale) as he regales the audience at a comedy club with funny and insightful observations, some of which include his being a father of an autistic son named Ezra (William Fitzgerald), who lives with his soon-to-be ex-wife Jenna (Rose Byrne). Max, who was once a successful comedy writer, now lives with his father Stan (Robert De Niro), a no nonsense, pugilistic individual who had been fired from many high-profile establishments as a chef due to his aggressive personality and is now a hotel doorman.
Ezra is a highly-intelligent young boy, and he has a few triggering moments (hugs, metal cutlery, bananas) but his latest outburst at school, potentially putting other students in jeopardy may put his time at the school in jeopardy. Rather than being expelled, Max and Jenna agree to take him to be diagnosed by a doctor, who recommends that not only Ezra be enrolled into a special needs school, he needs to start taking Risperdal, an antipsychotic and Jenna supports this plan of action. Max wholeheartedly disagrees and after seeing his son overly medicated and somnambulistic at the schoolyard during recess, he hatches a rather not fully conceived plan and abducts Ezra in the middle of the night and the two drive off in Stan’s classic convertible. While on the road, Max hears from his agent (Whoopi Goldberg) that she successfully booked him to be on the Jimmy Kimmel Show the following Friday and then discovers that an Amber Alert has been summoned to find the father and son.
There are numerous reasons I fell in love with EZRA starting with the impeccable performance from Cannavale. Always memorable in feature film supporting roles, in this movie he shows how genuinely talented and dynamic he is an actor, both dramatically and comedically. Newcomer William Fitzgerald brings authenticity and subtlety in a tour de force performance. This is Robert De Niro’s finest supporting work in some time, namely “Silver Linings Playbook”. Being a fan of Rose Byrne, she effortlessly portrays the many emotions her character is going through. It is evident that Director Tony Goldwyn (also in the Movie playing Jenna’s new boyfriend) loves and respects the acting craft and allows Rainn Wilson (The Office) and Vera Farmiga (Oscar-nominated for “Up in the Air”) to shine in their pivotal supporting turns.
The Cinematography is glorious, and I truly appreciated that. That being said, it did not pull at the emotional strings that leaves one weeping. It was just right. Fun fact: Screenwriter Tony Spiradakis used his own challenges with parenting an autistic son as inspiration for the movie.
EZRA screens at TIFF ’23:
Thursday, September 14, 9:30PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox
We cannot wait to see this! David O. Russell is back with AMSTERDAMN this Fall boasting a star-studded Cast. Here’s a first look at the Trailer. Really curious to see if this will launch on the Festival circuit!
Synopsis:
A fascinating and richly intricate tale that brilliantly weaves historical fact with fiction for a timely, cinematic experience, 20th Century Studios’ and New Regency’s original crime epic about three close friends who find themselves at the center of one of the most shocking secret plots in American history, will open exclusively in theatres November 4, 2022.
“Amsterdam” stars Academy Award® winner Christian Bale, two-time Oscar® nominee Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Alessandro Nivola, Andrea Riseborough, Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Rock, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Shannon, Mike Myers, Taylor Swift, Zoe Saldaña, with Oscar-winner Rami Malek and two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro. Written and directed by five-time Oscar nominee David O. Russell, “Amsterdam” is produced by Arnon Milchan, Matthew Budman, Anthony Katagas, David O. Russell, and Christian Bale, with Yariv Milchan, Michael Schaefer, and Sam Hanson serving as executive producers.
(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios)
We’re at the halfway point almost of TIFF ’19 and we are looking forward to enjoying some films soon! Before all that though, there are plenty of stars to spot around the City and today was EPIC!
See our sightings below. Hover cursor right to navigate albums.
THE LAUNDROMAT – Premiere
GUNS AKIMBO – Press Stop
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#TIFF19: #DanielRadcliffe x #SamaraWeaving at #TIFF for #GunsAkimbo. #HuaweiP30Pro
HONEY BOY – Press Stop
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BAD EDUCATION – Press Stop
WASP NETWORK – Press Stop
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#TIFF19: #GaelGarciaBernal x #EdgarRamirez x #WagnerMoura at #TIFF for #WaspNetwork. #HuaweiP30Pro
UNCUT GEMS – Press Stop
JUDY – Press Stop
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#TIFF19: The Cast of #Judy. #ReneeZellweger, #FinnWittrock + Director #RupertGoold.
HUMAN CAPITAL – Press Stop
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#TIFF19: With burgeoning stars #MayaHawke x #BettyGabriel, at #TIFF for #HumanCapital. #HuaweiP30Pro
JOKER – Premiere
#TIFF19: #JoaquinPhoenix + #RooneyMara at the #TIFF Premiere of #GoldenLion winner, #Joker. On a separate post I will show you who made a surprise visit! pic.twitter.com/dUcIFsB7Mw
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) September 10, 2019
#TIFF19: #JoaquinPhoenix at the #TIFF Premiere of #Joker. pic.twitter.com/uha0WlQXbc
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) September 10, 2019
(Photo credit : Mr. Will Wong)
Well, done Netflix! A new Teaser Trailer has surfaced for Martin Scorsese‘s reportedly $200-million Feature, THE IRISHMAN.
Synopsis:
Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci star in Martin Scorsese’s THE IRISHMAN, an epic saga of organized crime in post-war America told through the eyes of World War II veteran Frank Sheeran, a hustler and hitman who worked alongside some of the most notorious figures of the 20th century. Spanning decades, the film chronicles one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in American history, the disappearance of legendary union boss Jimmy Hoffa, and offers a monumental journey through the hidden corridors of organized crime: its inner workings, rivalries and connections to mainstream politics.
Cast: Cast: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, Ray Romano, Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin, Stephen Graham, Stephanie Kurtzuba, Jack Huston, Kathrine Narducci, Jesse Plemons, Domenick Lombardozzi, Paul Herman, Gary Basaraba, Marin Ireland
See the Trailer:
Netflix stream and release in theatres THE IRISHMAN this Fall.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
Two-time Academy Award winner Robert De Niro might be known to many of us as a legendary presence on the big and small screen, however he also is just as successful as a businessman. Turning heads this past weekend at the TONY Awards with some controversial statements about President Donald Trump, the Icon before a crowd of media, stakeholders and VIP members who filled a shut-down Mercer Street made apologies. The occasion was the gold shovel ground-breaking of his latest business venture together with good friend, famed Michelin-starred Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the debut of Hotel/Resident/Restaurant hybrid NOBU TORONTO. Nobu Restaurants remain a top destination for travelers around the world with over 30 locations.
“I just wanted to make a note of apology for the idiotic behaviour of my President”, said De Niro, met by emphatic applause. “It’s a disgrace. And I apologize to Justin Trudeau too and the other people in the G7. It’s disgusting.”. Toronto Mayor John Tory later would make reference to De Niro’s statement, stating succinctly “Thank you. And thank you of course for investing in Toronto.”. The crowd responded with laughter and more applause.
The 700-unit, 49-storey venture which now is one step closer to being a reality, is the brainchild of Madison Group, Westdale Properties and Nobu Hospitality. Also in attendance at the ground-breaking which kicked-off with Japanese Kodō drummers, was Meir Teper, a Film Producer who is a Principal at the latter. All residential units we learned, sold-out in less than three months.
De Niro did the rounds with local media today at a space in the vicinity of what will be Nobu Toronto in the near future and we simply can’t wait to see this welcome new addition to the Entertainment District and the role and starpower it draws to the City.
See some Snaps:
We had the pleasure of meeting Chef Nobu and DeNiro at the event! Unforgettable. Hover cursor left and right to navigate.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
VVS Films + Mr. Will want you to get you dirty this New Year! This is your chance to see naughty and hilarious DIRTY GRANDPA first on Wednesday, January 20, 2016 in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg!
Synopsis:
Right before his wedding, straight-laced Jason Kelly (Zac Efron) is coerced into driving his foul-mouthed and perverted grandfather Dick (Robert De Niro), a former Army general, to Florida for spring break.
Dick believes his grandson is about to marry the wrong woman and when some young women hit on them, he tries to get Jason to loosen up. Jason, who is studying law and has a bright future in front of him, is finally convinced to attend a party with Dick, where he proceeds to get high and naked, while Dick sleeps with every hot young thing in sight.
See the Trailer (umm kinda NSFW!!!):
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and indicate your city.
Click “share” from there for an extra chance or Tweet the below:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/dirtygrandpa @MRWILLW wants us to #win Advance Passes to see the naughty and funny #DIRTYGRANDPA! Out 1/22!
G’luck, Willionaire$!
VVS Films release DIRTY GRANDPA on Friday, January 22, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)
There Robert De Niro goes again, winnning our hearts with another against-the-senior-grain type role. We loved him so much in last month’s The Intern and are happy to see he’s still a big draw to the movies for fans. Check-out the above still, brand new from the upcoming road trip comedy, DIRTY GRANDPA in which he stars alongside Zac Efron. The Film takes place a few days before Jason‘s (Efron) wedding and both he and Grandpa Dick head on a trek to a Boca Raton retirement community. The two get into lots of antics with Jason being the straight-laced one of the two.
BORAT Co-Writer Dan Mazur directs the comedy which also stars Aubrey Plaza, Jason Mantzoukas, Danny Glover, Adam Pally and Dermot Mulroney.
See the new Trailer:
VVS Films will release DIRTY GRANDPA on Friday, January 22, 2016 in Canada.
(Photo credit: VVS Films)
This looks so good. Anne Hathaway and Robert DeNiro. Why hasn’t this happened sooner? Director Nancy Meyers (The Holiday, Something’s Gotta Give) sure knows how to make a great Film and we expect nothing less of her this time. How cool is it seeing Hathaway in the Editor’s chair this time after making us fall in love with her in The Devil Wears Prada?
Official Synopsis:
In “The Intern,” De Niro stars as Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old widower who has discovered that retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Seizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site, founded and run by Jules Ostin (Hathaway).
See the Trailer:
I’m just putting it out there – although this isn’t the type of Movie that gets a Premiere at TIFF, I’m still hoping this will get a debut here this September!
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release THE INTERN on Friday, September 25, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)
By Justin Waldman
The 2015 TriBeCa Film Festival ran from April 15-26, 2015 in beautiful Tribeca, New York and I attended for the first time ever! What originally drew me into travelling for 10 days to New York City for this incredible Film Festival co-founded by Robert DeNiro to bring people back downtown New York after the tragedies of 9/11, were the conversations, or Tribeca Talks: Director Series that was announced in the middle of March, just a mere month before the Festival. The booking and scouring to look-up Films, allow time to line up and travel, and build a schedule with no backups had begun.
The Tribeca Talks: Director Series that was just aforementioned including one hour Conversations with George Lucas moderated by Stephen Colbert, Christopher Nolan moderated by Bennett Miller, Cary Fukunaga moderated by James Schumer, and last not certainly not least, Brad Bird moderated by Janeane Garofalo. These Talks were not only incredible for their insight, but they were beyond entertaining and masterful. The 60 minutes flew-by in what felt like seconds, but the entire time was surreal, something that words cannot merely describe.
As well, the selection of seemingly endless Movies was unfathomable. There were so many great choices, and promising options, most of which turned out to be extremely fun and enjoyable while others fell short of that standard. Some of the highlights were: Leslye Headland’s Sleeping with Other People starring Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis. This Movie was absolutely hysterical as it steered from the typical Romantic Comedy norms and clichés, and provided new laughs and nuances that truly made this RomCom stand-out from the crowd. Hopefully it gets a Canadian release, and if it unfortunately does not it will be released on VOD 90 days after its opening in Cinemas. Other standouts included Man Up from Director Ben Palmer which paired Simon Pegg and Lake Bell together in an unseeingly-perfect Romantic Comedy as well. I swear I did not just see Romcoms at TriBeCa. Ashby from Director Tony McNamara is another extremely funny, brilliant, Dark Comedy featuring Mickey Rourke, Nat Wolff and Emma Roberts. The Film focuses on Wolff and Rourke who is a former Assassin and how the manage to enrich one another’s life.
The TriBeCa Film Festival also features an after the Movie discussion for certain Titles, not that the new Movies don’t have Q&As but rather they take older Movies and bring back Cast and Crew for a 45 minute discussion about the Movie and some insider information regarding the Project. The one that I was lucky enough to attend was Gus Van Sant’s brilliant Good Will Hunting. Minnie Driver, Gus Van Sant and Stellan Skarsgård were in attendance for this post movie talk and included a lot of information about Robin Williams on the set. This moved most of the Audience to laughter and tears. Some of the most memorable moments were when Skarsgård revealed that the first take of the scene between Williams and Skarsgård in the bar, Robin did the entire Role in his Nicholson impersonation. Another memorable tidbit was from Driver who reveled that the focus puller was terrible and could not be fired because he was related to someone high up so he referred to him as Helen… Keller. Moments like these unknown facts are what make for great memories.
TriBeCa was an incredible experience, which offered a ton of excitement in an array of events geared to true Film Lovers. These separate ticketed events are something that would be classified as once in a lifetime. Events such as Mary J. Blige’s Documentary The London Sessions, followed by her performing a live Concert, or a showing of Monty Python and the Holy Grail followed by a Talk with Monty Python. However, the Closing Night Film was the piece DE résistance. Goodfellas’ 25th Anniversary Screening in the new 4K restoration with a post-Screening Discussion with Robert DeNiro, Ray Liotta, Lorraine Bracco and Paul Sorvino, moderated by Jon Stewart. That was a memory never to be duplicated.
TriBeCa was a delight to attend, and a Festival I cannot wait to experience again next year!
Audio from this year’s Director Series below:
(Photo credit: Justin Waldman)
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