Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
Native Son is based on the Novel of the same name written by Richard Wright. It follows Big (Ashton Sanders), who copes with racism on the daily in Chicago. His life begins to shift as he gets a job as a chauffeur for a wealthy white family.
The Film showcases a great Ensemble who get rich, complex characters to play. Two performances that stand out the most are from Kiki Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk) and Margaret Qualley (Novitiate). Each woman commands every scene they are in even when placed against a standout performance by Sanders who made a huge impression in Oscar-winning Moonlight.
Changes were made in the Film’s adaptation to connect with a contemporary audience which might be divisive for fans of the source material. The Film makes a statement which makes it a Film of the now.
Native Son screens at Sundance on Thurs., Jan 24 at 9PM at Eccles PC, Fri., Jan 25 at 9:30AM at The Ray PC and 9PM at Tower SLC, Sat., Jan 26 at 12PM at Resort Sundance, Wed., Jan 30 at 6PM at PC Library PC, and Thurs., Jan 31 at 11:45PM at Egyptian PC.
By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
The 2019 Sundance Film Festival kicked-off today with its opening day Press Conference.
Founder Robert Redford started the Press Conference thanking the Press who have come out for the past 34 years and revealing that he’d be taking more of a behind-the-scenes role going forward. “Having done this for…God, it’s 34 years now since the Festival started. I think we are at a point where, I can move on to a different place. Because the thing I’ve missed over the years is being able to spend time with the Films, and the Filmmakers, and to see their work, and to enjoy their work, and be apart of their community. But I don’t think the Festival needs a whole lot of an introduction now. I think it kind of run on its own course, and I’m happy for that. So let me just say, I am grateful you are here. I want to give a shoutout to people I don’t think get enough credit, and that’s the volunteers.”. This was met but a loud round of applause from the Press, of which more than ever before are from underrepresented groups. “They are volunteers, they don’t get paid. They stand outside in the cold and they welcome people and usher them this way and that way. And I just think they deserve a lot of credit for that. I honour them, so thanks for that.”. After this, he introduced Executive Director Keri Putnam before exiting the stage.
Putnam was very excited to kick off the Festival tonight stating that the Programmers have picked a lot of great films. She reminded the audience that the Sundance Film Festival is a non-profit event. She stated there is a common misconception that this is a separate part of the Sundance Institute, “and that is not true.”. She continued that the Festival is here to support Filmmakers and be a supportive platform for their work. She said there are a lot of different narratives at this year’s Festival: some that will spark joy and others that with cause discomfort. “Art can’t spark conversation if it’s playing it safe,” she concluded before introducing the panel for the Press Conference.
Festival Director John Cooper, Director of Programming Kim Yutani, and select Programmers were on the Panel to talk about what makes this Festival so special. One of the points John Cooper made was that each Programmer and Director contribute to every Programme. Therefore, there is a diverse range of films in every Programme. Yutani said they brought on even more Programmers this year which helped make for a bigger range of films. The one aspect of the Festival they are most proud of is the International Films they are showcasing this year. They stated they have spent years making connections with international Filmmakers to bring great movies to Sundance. They are also proud of the 45 Documentaries they are showcasing this year. Stating that in the time we live in, watching Documentary is crucial to understanding different views.
Some of the Films playing at the Festival tonight include After The Wedding, starring Michelle Williams and Julianne Moore. It’s the American remake of Susanne Bier’s Academy Award nominated Danish Film of the same name. The Film follows Isabel who travels to find the woman who donated a substantial amount of money to her orphanage to thank her, however, she finds a connection that sends her on a journey to her past. The Opening Night Documentary of the day is The Inventor: Out For Blood In Silicon Valley about Elizabeth Holmes‘ revolutionary medical invention that scammed a lot of high-profile people.
The 2019 Sundance Film Festival runs January 24 through February 4, 2019. Follow us for our coverage on the most buzzed Films and faces to come out of the Festival as we update daily here and on our Social channels.
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(Photo credit: Sundance)
Films We Like x Mr. Will are giving Readers in Toronto, Halifax, Vancouver and Ottawa a chance to win THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST Prize Packs. Packs include a copy of the novel and run of engagement passes to see the movie, which won the Grand Jury prize at Sundance this year.
Synopsis:
Based on the celebrated novel by Emily M. Danforth, The Miseducation of Cameron Post follows the titular character (Moretz) as she is sent to a gay conversion therapy center after getting caught with another girl in the back seat of a car on prom night. Run by the strict and severe Dr. Lydia Marsh (Jennifer Ehle) and her brother, Reverend Rick (John Gallagher Jr.)—himself an example of how those in the program can be “cured”—the center is built upon repenting for “same sex attraction.” In the face of intolerance and denial, Cameron meets a group of fellow sinners including the amputee stoner Jane (Sasha Lane), and her friend, the Lakota Two-Spirit, Adam (Forrest Goodluck). Together, this group of teenagers form an unlikely family and fight to survive.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” in this Post at MR. WILL.ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City.
Films We Like release THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST Friday, August 10, 2018 in select cities.
(Photo/video credit: Films We Like)
Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to see Sundance hit EIGHTH GRADE! Screenings take place as follows:
Toronto:
Date: Wednesday, July 18th, 2018
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Scotiabank Theatre
Vancouver:
Date: Wednesday, July 18th, 2018
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Fifth Avenue Cinemas
Ottawa:
Date: Wednesday, August 1st, 2018
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Kanata (Landmark)
Victoria:
Date: Wednesday, August 1st, 2018
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Odeon Victoria
Calgary:
Date: Wednesday, August 1st, 2018
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Eau Claire
Winnipeg:
Date: Wednesday, August 1st, 2018
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Grant Park (Landmark)
Halifax:
Date: Wednesday, August 1st, 2018
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Park Lane
Edmonton:
Date: Wednesday, August 1st, 2018
Time: 7:00pm
Location: City Centre (Landmark)
Synopsis:
Thirteen-year-old Kayla endures the tidal wave of contemporary suburban adolescence as she makes her way through the last week of middle school—the end of her thus far disastrous eighth grade year—before she begins high school.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance!
Elevation Pictures release EIGHTH GRADE Friday, July 20, 2018 (Toronto and Vancouver) and Friday, August 3, 2018 in additional cities.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
Running May 24 to June 3, the 28th annual INSIDE OUT TORONTO LGBT FILM FESTIVAL is about ready to kick-off! Some high-profile Films including recent winner at Sundance, Desiree Akhavan‘s THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST (starring ChloĂ« Grace Moretz and Sasha Lane) are set to premiere. As announced previously, Silas Howard‘s A KID LIKE JAKE (also at Sundance) starring Jim Parsons and Claire Danes, will kick-off the Festival!
Comprised of 49 Films total, this year’s lineup includes 5 world premieres, 7 international premieres and 27 Canadian premieres from 27 countries.
Other high-profile titles include Sundance selection HEARTS BEAT LOUD (Brett Haley), CANARY (Christiaan Olwagen), HALF THE PICTURE (Amy Adrion) and 1985 (Yen Tan).
The 2018 feature film program includes a total of 49 films. The lineup includes 5 world premieres, 7 international premieres and 27 Canadian premieres from 27 countries.
Tickets now are on-sale right here.
(Photo credit: Inside Out)
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
Assassination Nation follows four female high school best friends in Salem. When a hacker releases personal web and phone data of Salem’s citizens, the girls have to protect themselves at all costs.
Writer-Director Sam Levinson creates a Film unlike any made before it. He follows his lead characters, four females, and depicts the violence and misogyny they face in their daily life. But he doesn’t make his characters passive and weak. Instead, they are active and powerful. Able to fend for themselves. Its action-packed from beginning to end with humour, violence, and blood … lots of blood. What very refreshing is that Levinson writes his heroes with flaws and questionable decisions. All which add to the believability of his characters in this satirical yet all-too-real world. And Levinson has found a perfect Ensemble of dominant women consisting of Odessa Young, Suki Waterhouse, Hari Nef and Abra.
Assassination Nation screens at Sundance on Jan. 21 at 11:59PM at PC Library, Jan. 22 at 12:15PM at Ray PC, Jan. 24 at 11:30PM at Prospector PC, Jan. 25 at 12:30PM at Ray PC, Jan. 25 at 11:59PM at Tower SLC, and Jan. 27 at 11:59PM at Tower SLC.
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
Eighth Grade is a coming-of-age story that follows Kayla (Elsie Fisher) in her last week of her disastrous last year of middle-school before entering high school.
Writer-Director Bo Burnham crafts a beautiful coming-of-age story that doesn’t use cliches. The Film is earnest in its depiction of a young girl trying her hardest to fit. And in being earnest Eighth Grade has moments of hilarity and awkwardness that many can relate to. Fisher gives a breakthough performance as Kayla. She never misses a beat and carries the Film effortlessly. Josh Hamilton (American Horror Story, 13 Reasons Why), who plays the father, gives ones of his best performances as the worried and caring father.
Eighth Grade screens at Sundance on Jan. 19 at 6PM at PC Library, Jan. 20 at 8:30AM at Egyptian PC, Jan. 21 at 9:30PM at Rose Wagner SLC, Jan. 24 at 5:30PM at The MARC PC, Jan. 25 at 6PM at Sundance Resort, and Jan. 26 at 3:30PM at Eccles PC.
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
The Tale tells the true story of Jennifer Fox (Laura Dern) whose mother gives her a story she wrote as a child, which forces her to re-examine everything she thought about her first sexual experience.
Writer-Director Fox controls her own powerful story and never shies away from the cruelty she encountered. This is a beautiful and important Film that Fox shares bravely with the world. This is a timely Film about the lies we tell ourselves in order to move on and the harsh realities we face when coming to terms with the truth. Dern is at her best playing the self-investigating Fox. Jason Ritter is in a career changing-performance as the manipulative offender, Bill. Elizabeth Debicki is mysterious as the mistrusted Mrs. G. While the young and remarkably-talented Isabelle Nelisse commands the screen as the childhood Jenny.
The Tale screens at Sundance on Jan. 20 at 12:15PM at Eccles PC, Jan. 21 at 9:30PM at Redstone 1 PC, Jan. 25 at 6PM at SLC Library, Jan. 26 at 8:30PM at Prospector PC, and Jan. 27 at 9AM at PC Library.
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
Lizzie takes place six months leading up to the murder of Lizzie Borden’s father and step-mother. It follows the relationship between Borden (Chloë Sevigny) and the Irish housemaid Bridget Sullivan (Kristen Stewart), who lived in the Borden house during that time.
Writer Bryce Kass based the Film off a theory of what happened in the Borden house the day of the murders, August 4 1892. And Director Craig William Macneill creates the period and intimate moments between Borden and Sullivan beautifully. Sevigny relishes in Borden and makes her captivating. While seen often as a murderer, she humanizes the character and makes the audience feel something for her. Stewart masters the Irish accent and captures the innocence in Bridget’s eyes. Together their chemistry is explosive.
Lizzie screens at Sundance on Jan. 19 at 9PM at PC Library, Jan. 20 at 8:30AM at Prospector PC, Jan. 21 at 12:15PM at The Grand SLC, Jan. 25 at 9:30PM at Eccles PC, and Jan. 26 at 12PM at Temple PC.
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
The Miseducation of Cameron Post is set in 1993 and follows Cameron (Chloë Grace Moretz) who is caught on prom night in the back seat of a car kissing another girl. When her legal guardians find out they send her to a gay conversion therapy camp.
The Film is a beautiful Coming-of-Age story set in an ugly world. Writer-Director Desiree Akhavan crafts a heartbreaking and heartwarming story of accepting who you are no matter the odds stacked against you. What’s refreshing about the story is that is never shies away from the cruelty these teenagers face at the camp.
The Ensemble is outstanding. Moretz has given one of her best performances as Cameron. And Sasha Lane who plays the self-assured Jane is enthralling. There are other great performances from Jennifer Ehle as the shockingly horrible leader of the conversion camp and John Gallagher Jr. as the lost Reverend.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post screens at Sundance on Jan. 22 at 12:15PM at Eccles PC, Jan. 23 at 6:30PM at Redstone 1 PC, Jan. 25 at 2:30PM at The MARC PC, Jan. 26 at 3PM at PC Library, and Jan. 27 at 3:15PM at The Grand SLC.
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