To be honest, we’ve never read DAISY JONES & THE SIX, so we came into this with a clean slate. This limited series adaptation of Taylor Jenkins-Reid’s New York Times bestseller, already has many of its fans emphatically excited.
Centering on Daisy Jones (Riley Keough), a young woman with a troubled past, hanging initially on the fringes of L.A.’s music scene in the ‘70s. With a talent for writing lyrics and poetry, she stumbles into the thick of things, forming relationships that lead her into almost accidental stardom. She’s paired together with a struggling band led by Billy Dunne (Sam Claflin), who is opposed to having her join the group and relinquishing his control.
Despite Daisy and Billy’s frequent clashes, it is that electric chemistry generated by their immense friction that leads them to create musical magic and finding fame. Success doesn’t come easy as Billy loves his wife Camila (Camila Morrone), but cannot deny his feelings for Daisy. Their relationship is intense and complicated. We also explore some of the Band’s own internal struggles whether it be love, power or vices, which could very quickly destroy everything in an instant.
Without even knowing its premise, it is very apparent right away that all this very loosely is based on the rise of Fleetwood Mac. Their Music is legendary but the stories behind the making of it is even more intriguing. DAISY JONES & THE SIX lends its focus exactly to this with James Ponsoldt (Smashed, The End of the Tour) and Nzingha Stewart (For Colored Girls, Tall Girl) splitting directing duties over ten episodes.
Though things take a few episodes to set the stage, things begin to get really interesting when Daisy and Billy work closely together, butting heads and bickering about everything down to a single lyric. Keough and Claflin’s chemistry is palpable. The amount of commitment and detail they put into their performances is rather astounding. They are unquestionably convincing as musicians and would-be lovers tangled in an impossible situation. Moments on-stage and in-studio make for the most compelling moments of this Series and the Music is unmistakably Fleetwood Mac-inspired.
Where the Series falters is its pacing. It is in no rush bringing us to the point where the band is formed. A story line with Daisy and her best friend Simone (Nabiyah Be) is a running subplot but we aren’t quite sure where it goes as she disappears and resurfaces. Daisy and Billy’s vices serve as plot mechanisms, which aren’t quite treated with the care and sensitivity they deserved. Pacing then almost seems a bit too quick when Daisy goes off to Greece finding love and has to confront trouble in her friendship with Simone. But then everything comes together so beautifully late as the Band deliver what would be their final performance and they come to terms with where they are today as the Series cuts between the past and its current Mockumentary.
The Series is definitely made for faithful fans of the source material and despite some flaws, Keough and Claflin make it all worthwhile, supported by solid performances from its Supporting Cast including Suki Waterhouse as keyboardist Karen Sirko, the captivating Camila Morrone as Billy’s wife Camila Dunne and Tom Wright as powerful producer Teddy Price.
Prime Video Canada release DAISY JONES & THE SIX March 3, 2023.
Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown is back in ENOLA HOLMES, based the popular books by Nancy Springer! See the brand-new Trailer!
Synopsis:
England, 1884 – a world on the brink of change. On the morning of her 16th birthday, Enola Holmes (Millie Bobby Brown) wakes to find that her mother (Helena Bonham Carter) has disappeared, leaving behind an odd assortment of gifts but no apparent clue as to where she’s gone or why. After a free-spirited childhood, Enola suddenly finds herself under the care of her brothers Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft (Sam Claflin), both set on sending her away to a finishing school for “proper” young ladies. Refusing to follow their wishes, Enola escapes to search for her mother in London. But when her journey finds her entangled in a mystery surrounding a young runaway Lord (Louis Partridge), Enola becomes a super-sleuth in her own right, outwitting her famous brother as she unravels a conspiracy that threatens to set back the course of history. Based on the beloved book series by Nancy Springer, ENOLA HOLMES is a dynamic new mystery-adventure that introduces the world’s greatest detective to his fiercest competition yet: his teenage sister. The game is afoot.
See the Trailer:
ENOLA HOLMES arrives on Netflix Friday, September 23, 2020.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
Sam Claflin x Olivia Munn star in Netflix Feature LOVE WEDDING REPEAT! See the brand-new Trailer!
Synopsis:
In this innovative romantic comedy about the power of chance, alternate versions of the same wedding unfold as Jack (Sam Claflin) tries to make sure his little sister has the perfect wedding day. But he’ll have to juggle an angry ex-girlfriend, an uninvited guest with a secret, a misplaced sleep sedative, and unexpectedly reuniting with the girl of his dreams who got away, Dina (Olivia Munn). If he succeeds, Jack might find a happy ending of his own.
See the Trailer:
LOVE WEDDING REPEAT streams on Netflix Friday, April 10, 2020.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
The Nightingale takes place in 1825 on the British colony of Van Diemen’s Land, which is now known as Tasmania, Australia. The Film follows the story of a young Irish convict, Clare (Aisling Franciosi), who is serving time in order to be given her ticket to go back home by British officer Hawkins (Sam Claflin). One night, Hawkins and fellow officers, under his directives, commit horrific acts of violence against Clare, her husband, and their newborn child. This sets her out on a hunt, with the help of Aboriginal guide Billy (Baykali Ganambarr), through the wilderness to find them and exact her revenge.
This is a harrowing effort for Writer-Director Jennifer Kent (The Babadook). Kent never shies away from the traumatizing acts these men repeatedly carry-out. She forces the audience to watch with great anxiety and feel every ounce of pain Clare is experiencing. It isn’t only Kent‘s pays meticulous attention to details in creating an atmosphere. Her focus is the injustice the indigenous people and women convicts faced. We get a balanced view between Clare’s perspective and that of the Aboriginal People, particularly Billy, who helps her track down the men who savagely attacked her family.
The entire Cast is great, with a breakthrough performance from Franciosi, who we have previously seen in BBC’s The Fall. She is a powerhouse who never seems to run out of steam. She displays every range of emotion from pain, happiness, confusion, fear and rage without having to say a word. Claflin is unlike any other character we’ve ever seen from him. He disappears into the sinister Hawkins, giving one of his most frightening and memorable performances to date.
The Nightingale screens at Sundance on Fri., Jan 25 at 8:30PM at The MARC PC, Sat., Jan 26 at 6:30PM at Rose Wagner SLC, Mon., Jan 28 at 11:30PM at Prospector Square PC, and Wed., Jan 30 at 12PM at The Ray PC.
VVS Films x Mr. Will want to give Readers in Canada a chance to win a Prize Pack including a Run-of-Engagement Pass for two and also a copy of the Memoir Adrift: A True Story of Love, Loss and Survival at Sea by Tami Oldham Ashcraft with Susea McGearhart.
Synopsis:
World-traveler Tami Oldham (Shailene Woodley) journeys to the island of Tahiti, where she meets and quickly falls in love with Richard (Sam Claflin), an avid sailor who introduces her to the world of sailing. Over the next five months, their romance blossoms and the two bond over their shared love of adventure and travel.
Richard is approached by friends who request he sail their boat to California in exchange for $10,000 and plane tickets home. Richard agrees, and Tami joins him on the 4,000-mile voyage across the Pacific Ocean. During their travel, they learn of an approaching hurricane and attempt to avoid it, unintentionally sailing directly into the storm as it changes course. Richard tells Tami to go below deck where she is knocked unconscious. When she wakes, the storm is over, the boat is badly damaged, and Richard is nowhere in sight.
Eventually, she discovers Richard floating amongst debris in the ocean, but he is too injured to help her navigate the ship towards land. Alone in the middle of the Pacific with no radio contact and a quickly decreasing food supply, Tami must take control of the wrecked boat and brave the treacherous waters in a desperate attempt to save them both.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Click “share” on this Post from there for an extra chance or Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw.
VVS Films release ADRIFT Friday, June 1, 2018.
(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)
Fox Searchlight x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to see MY COUSIN RACHEL in Vancouver Monday, June 5, 2017 and Toronto and Ottawa on Wednesday, June 7, 2017!
Synopsis:
A dark and layered romance, MY COUSIN RACHEL tells the story of a young Englishman who plots revenge against his mysterious and beautiful cousin, believing that she murdered his guardian. His feelings become complicated as he finds himself falling helplessly and obsessively in love with her.
Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. For an extra chance, “Re-Tweet” this Tweet on Twitter via: @mrwillw.
Fox Searchlight release MY COUSIN RACHEL Friday, June 9, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight)
Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to see THEIR FINEST. Screenings take place as follows:
Vancouver
Date: Monday, April 10th
Time: 7:00pm
Location: 5th Avenue (2110 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6J 3H6)
Winnipeg
Date: Monday, April 10th
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Grant Park (1120 Grant Ave Unit 127, Winnipeg, MB R3M 2A6)
Calgary
Date: Monday, April 10th
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Eau Claire (200 Barclay Parade SW #200, Calgary, AB T2P 4R5)
Edmonton
Date: Monday, April 10th
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Scotiabank Edmonton (#3030, 8882-170 Street, Edmonton, AB, T5T 4M2)
Victoria
Date: Monday, April 10th
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Odeon Victoria (780 Yates Street, Victoria, BC, V8W 1L4)
Toronto
Date: Wednesday, April 12th
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Varsity (55 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON, M4W 1A5)
Halifax
Date: Wednesday, April 12th
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Park Lane (5657 Spring Garden Road, Halifax, NS, B3J 3R4)
Ottawa
Date: Wednesday, April 21st
Time: 6:45pm
Location: Bytowne Ottawa (325 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON, K1N 5Y4)
Synopsis:
1940, London, the Blitz; with the country’s morale at stake, Catrin, an untried screenwriter, and a makeshift cast and crew, work under fire to make a film to lift the nation’s spirits – and inspire America to join the war. A witty, romantic and moving portrayal of a young woman finding her way, and her voice, in the mayhem of war… and the movies.
Directed by Lone Scherfig (An Education), THEIR FINEST stars Gemma Arterton, Bill Nighy and Sam Claflin.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. For an extra chance, “favourite” this Tweet on Twitter: @mrwillw.
Elevation Pictures release THEIR FINEST Friday, April 14, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
Soda Pictures + Mr. Will want to take Toronto Readers to an Advance Screening of TIFF ’14 Selection THE RIOT CLUB from the same Director who brought us AN EDUCATION. The Screening takes place at the fitting Innis Town Hall on March 24, 2015.
Official Synopsis:
See the Trailer:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook.
G’luck Willionaire$!
Mr. Will + Douglas Booth
Acclaimed Director #LoneScherfig and me. After premiering #AnEducation here, she is back with #TheRiotClub at #TIFF14. A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Sam Claflin + Mr. Will
Soda Pictures release THE RIOT CLUB in Toronto and Vancouver on Friday, March 27, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Soda Pictures)
It absolutely is our favourite time of the year again and announced this morning is the official list of Talent coming to Toronto for TIFF ’14! We look forward to seeing plenty of returning names – some just here last year like the likes of Jennifer Aniston and Kate Winslet – and also plenty of Stars from years past making their way back here once more!
Among the names attending TIFF ’14 this year include:
Jon Stewart, Martin Scorcese, Richard Gere, Andrew Garfield, Viggo Mortensen, Gael Garcia Bernal, James Franco, Jane Fonda, Chloë Moretz, Brit Marling, Laura Dern, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Vanessa Redgrave, Vera Farmiga, Al Pacino, Tina Fey, Haley Joel Osment, Robert Pattinson, Ansel Elgort, Alice Eve, Sam Rockwell, Amanda Seyfried, Michael Shannon, Dax Sheppard, Robert Duvall, Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Hailee Steinfield, Justin Chatwin, Method Man, Jennifer Connelly, Bobby Cannavale, Kuoth Wiel, Cassie Williams, Danny Webb, Dominic West, Jung Woo-Sung, John Boylan, Sam Worthington, Tye Sheridan, Andrew Scott, Timothy Spall, Alan Rickman, Connie Britton, Reese Witherspoon, Evan Bird, Zhao Wei, Han Ye-Ri, Melissa Benoist, Haley Bennett, Sonja Bennett, John Travolta, Julianne Moore, Isaach De Bankolé, Dan Stevens, Jason Bateman, Corey Stoll, Xavier Dolan, Peter Stormare, Ben Schnetzer, Abigail Spencer, Ellen Barkin, Bill Pullman, Charlotte Aubin, Kate Winslet, Ryan Reynolds, Rene Russo, Roger Waters, Simon Pegg, Rosamund Pike, Loreto Aravena, Tobey Maguire, Aubrey Plaza, Tobey Maguire, Gemma Arterton, Juliette Binoche, Zhang Yimou, Rosemarie DeWitt, Kristen Wiig, Adam Sandler, Rose Byrne, Channing Tatum, Chris Evans, Jake Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman, Mark Ruffalo, Bill Murray, Daniel Barber, Liam Aiken, Mike Leigh, Olivier Assayas, Richard LaGravenese, Diane Keaton, Kevin Kline, Anna Kendrick, Morgan Freeman, Benicio del Toro, Michael Douglas, Rosario Dawson, Chris Rock, John Cusack, Benedict Cumberbatch, Octavia Spencer, Keira Knightley, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Kevin Costner, Anthony Mackie, Patricia Clarkson, J.K. Simmons, Miles Teller, Priyanka Chopra, Daniel Bruhl, Michael Winterbottom, Justin Chon, Steve Carell, Gong Li, Hayden Christensen, Tory Kittles, Jordana Brewster, Holliday Grainger, Max Irons, Lone Scherfig, Sam Claflin, Douglas Booth, Paul Bettany, Daniel Barnz, Noah Baumbach, Barry Avrich, Jennifer Aniston, Akon, Nick Kroll, Holly Hunter, Catherine Keener, Greta Gerwig, Omar Sy Jennifer Garner, Salma Hayek, Kevin Smith, Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Faye Marsay, Bill Nighy, Justin Long, Christopher Plummer, Marton Csokas, David Cronenberg, Sarah Gadon, Tom Schilling, Tom Hardy and more!
TIFF also will be hosting a series of In-Conversations-With as part of their Mavericks Programme. Joining-in are the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Denzel Washington, Richard Gere, Juliette Binoche, Jon Stewart, Dan Savage, Julie Taymor and several more!
As is the case always, it’s sometimes not just who’s coming – it’s who they’re bringing. Don’t be surprised if Jennifer Garner brings Husband Ben Affleck along and be warned if Andrew Garfield brings Emma Stone along!
Who’s on our list of Must-Meets? Plenty! We hope finally to get a positive moment with Reese Witherspoon and Kate Winslet! Excited about Martin Scorcese, J.K. Simmons, Bobby Cannavale, Miles Teller, Corey Stoll, Tobey Maguire, Rose Byrne, Michael Douglas and newer names like Max Irons and Douglas Booth, that’s for sure. And did we read TINA FEY!?!? Finally! AND WHERE IS TOM HARDY?!?!
The list is always subject to surprise and no-shows as we know all too well!
Visit the official TIFF Website for more.
TIFF ’14 runs September 3 – 14, 2014.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
It was a memorable year indeed! Join me as I recall some of 2013’s brightest moments in Celebrity, Film and Music with a Toronto twist! As a true Connoisseur of Pop Culture, I certainly was spoiled with several delights this year on all three fronts. Toronto witnessed what could well be the strongest years this City ever has seen in terms of Star Power. Also, as an experienced Digital Photographer of sorts, I am sharing some of my favourite Snaps taken around the City this year too. If you’re a #NOFILTER kinda Guy or Gal, I apologize! A few of them are Horse-related, spending many of my weekends at scenic Woodbine Racetrack, my fave Place since Childhood to escape and recharge from the City. Come Wongsters, let us walk down this luminous Memory Lane together!
TOP TEN SONGS OF 2013
2013 was solid for Pop Music and I was thrilled to hear a return to great, strong melodies. What a year it was for Miley Cyrus who not only wowed us with We Can’t Stop, but slayed us hard with Wrecking Ball! Coming in like a Wrecking Ball she managed to turn all eyes her way in a year which saw Albums released from some Marquee names like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and more. Lana Del Rey put us in a state of euphoria this Spring with her chilling Ballad for The Great Gatsby, Young & Beautiful. Flawless and timeless. Mariah Carey and Miguel provided much of the Soundtrack for my early Summer with their gorgeous Collabo #Beautiful, while Robin Thicke undisputedly had the Song of Summer 2013 with Blurred Lines. His Album of the same name easily is my favourite Disc of 2013.
1. Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball
2. Lana Del Rey – Young & Beautitul
3. Mariah Carey ft. Miguel – #Beautiful
4. Justin Timberlake – Mirrors
5. Miley Cyrus – We Can’t Stop
6. Robin Thicke ft. Pharrell & T.I. – Blurred Lines
7. Capital Cities – Safe and Sound
8. Katy Perry – Roar
9. Icona Pop – I Love It
10. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Same Love
Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball
TOP TEN FILMS OF 2013
I don’t recall a year in recent memory where the Films were quite as strong as this year. It is as if Filmmakers have studied critiques, knew precisely what to avoid and owned it. Time after time I’d make it out to the morning Media Screenings and just when I thought I’d seen my favourite Film of 2013, another would come along and usurp the throne. In all, AIDS Drama Dallas Buyers Club would leave the strongest imprint with Jared Leto touching the core of my soul with his phenomenal performance. 12 Years a Slave left me shaken and speechless and made it really tough to decide a Fave. Saving Mr. Banks truly affected and inspired me, moving me to tears and I could never forget Cate Blanchett‘s empathic portrayal of a Woman battling her own demons in Woody Allen‘s Blue Jasmine. And yes, I really loved Spring Breakers. James Franco is just on another level.
1. Dallas Buyers Club
2. 12 Years a Slave
3. American Hustle
4. Blue Jasmine
5. Saving Mr. Banks
6. Gravity
7. 42
8. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
9. Enough Said
10. Spring Breakers
Watch the Trailer for Dallas Buyers Club below:
TOP CELEBRITY MOMENTS
It was a good bloody amazing year. My experience in New York City seeing the Met Gala is unforgettable, as a revolving door of Celebrities came my direction. I didn’t even know which way to go or who to ask first for a Photo! TIFF ’13 brought me several amazing memories finally getting to meeting one of my favourite Actresses, Nicole Kidman – not to mention getting to meeting personal Heroes Seth McFarlane, Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Baz Luhrmann and several more throughout the year. My ultimate Highlight however was finally after 15 tries, getting my Lady Gaga moment in November!
As seen top to bottom, left to right in the above Collage are:
Supermodel Cara Delevingne, Shoe Visionary Christian Louboutin, Actress Mia Wasikowska, Actor Jesse Eisenberg, Actor Kit Harington, Astronaut Chris Hadfield, Singer/Songwriter Lorde, Singer/Songwriter Robin Thicke, Television Personality/Actress Kelly Ripa, Domestic Goddess Martha Stewart.
Director Baz Luhrmann, Actress Emma Thompson, Singer/Actress Ariana Grande, Actress Léa Seydoux, Actress Adèle Exarchopoulos, Actress Toni Collette, Singer/Songwriter Lady Gaga, Singer Kylie Minogue, Actress Nicole Kidman, Actress/Singer Selena Gomez.
Writer/Actor Mike Myers, Comedian, Writer/Actor Seth MacFarlane, Writer/Actor Seth Meyers, Writer/Actor Jim Carrey, Actress Dakota Fanning, Actress Taylor Schilling, Singer/Songwriter/Fashion Mogul Pharrell, Television Personality/Actress Rosie O’Donnell, Kentucky Derby-winning Jockey Joel Rosario, Breeders Cup Classic-winning Jockey/Actor Gary Stevens.
Spice Girl/Actress Mel B., Actor Armie Hammer, Actress Kerry Washington, Actor Sam Rockwell, Actor Nicholas Hoult, Actor Tom Hiddleston, Actor Adam Driver, Actor Josh Brolin, Actor Daniel Radcliffe, Actress Dakota Fanning, Actor Sam Claflin, Actress Jena Malone.
TOP SNAPS
And now the ten best Photos of 2013 snapped through my lenses (Samsung Galaxy S2, Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5):
I truly am blessed and can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store for us here in this sight-filled City of Tastemakers!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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