The tenth edition of JUST FOR LAUGHS TORONTO just wrapped, doing it bigger and better than ever before. I know we’ve often envied the Montreal leg of the Festival, but Toronto returning to an in-person format this year of the Festival, the excitement was stratospheric! Among the Comedy heavyweights in-town this weekend were Iliza Shlesinger, Marc Maron, Peter Billingsley, Vince Vaughn and Trevor Noah – hot off his announcement that he’ll be exiting The Daily Show after hosting for the past seven years.

Some amazing highlights of the closing-half of the Festival this year.

PETER BILLINGSLEY & VINCE VAUGHN

Toronto really got a treat as A Christmas Story star Peter Billingsley and adored Actor Vince Vaughn closed-out the Festival with the World Premiere of CHRISTMAS WITH THE CAMPBELLS, an upcoming Holiday Comedy which uses the classic Hallmark blueprint, without sparing the swearing! The duo produced the Film together, while Vaughn had a hand in writing the Scrript.

The Premiere, originally scheduled for last weekend, was slotted in for closing night of what already was a star-studded Festival. The Film stars Brittany Snow, Justin Long and Alex Moffatt, and will be in theatres later this year, while also streaming on AMC+ in the U.S.

So happy we got to chat with Billingsley and Vaughn about their new Film.

Could you describe CHRISTMAS WITH THE CAMPBELLS as a love letter to Hallmark movies? Could you say that?

Vaughn: Kinda. We had a woman, Barbara Kymlicka who writes some terrific Hallmark movies, write a real kind of story with emotion. We put a lot of Hard “R” Comedy in there so it’s kinda funny and kinda heart-felt.

How do you draw that fine balance between it being a parody and an actual love letter?

Vaughn: That was the interesting thing part. So we play it straight. We have a Hallmark Composer, Editor, Cinematographer, Set Designer. But the language and points of view of the characters are straight Comedy. It’s a really interesting blend and the Movie has tested really well. We’re just finally excited to have a World Premiere in Toronto.

Billingsley: We don’t betray the rules of a Hallmark movie, so there’s that. There’s a really good feeling in the end and you laugh a lot along the way.

I know you both have a real affinity for Toronto. What’s one thing that Toronto’s got that you can’t find anywhere else in the world?

Vaughn: You know what? I think Toronto’s a place where people are raising families and going to work. It’s a real city where people enjoy themselves. For me it’s special. My mom was born here, I used to come all the time to see family as a kid. I still see family here, it’s just a great city.

Billingsley: Toronto has a lot of film fans. The Toronto International Film Festival has a reputation of being the Fan’s Festival. It gets great crowds that love movies, so it’s always great to bring a film here.

MARC MARON

This charismatic, all-around Entertainer delighted fans two nights at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. If you haven’t checked-out his observational WTF with Marc Maron Podcast, you absolutely should. Also how cool was it that he was starstruck sitting behind Rush‘s Geddy Lee on his flight out of Toronto?

RHYS NICHOLSON

This Australian Treasure really wowed us with an incredible, tight set where we wouldn’t quit with the laughs. We love them from RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, but this was a more accurate capture of his range, amazing comedic timing and writing. Floored. A star on the rise, with some hilarious anecdotes about growing-up non-binary in his native Newcastle.

JERROD CARMICHAEL

It’s Jerrod Carmichael‘s world and we’re all living in it! Hot off his Emmy win for HBO Special ROTHANIEL, he delivered a low-key set at Bluma Appel Theatre, reflecting on life, love and his coming to terms with his sexuality. He has a unique vibe, moving at an unrushed pace, with pensive pauses, and at once has a grip on his audience. So amazing getting to see this burgeoning star, who has in the zone with his headphones on when we spotted him being ushered-in quickly.

Just for Laughs Toronto 2022 was one for the books! While we are a little Festivaled-out in what’s been a hectic September, we wouldn’t trade it in for anything! Cannot wait to see what next year’s Festival brings! More on Just for Laughs Toronto here.

Don’t forget to check-out our Recap of the Festival’s first-half here, which includes some of our favourites as well.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

*All captured on the Samsung S22*

Check-out the brand-new Trailer for NORTH HOLLYWOOD starring Vince Vaughn!

Synopsis:

Starring Vince Vaughn, Miranda Cosgrove and Ryder McLaughlin the film follows Michael (McLaughlin) as he tries to answer the question every high school kid faces when they graduate, what’s next? His friends already seem to have it figured out, but he’s caught somewhere in between. An aspiring professional skateboarder with the talent to back it up, his blue collar father (Vaughn) thinks it’s a pipe dream. Set against the backdrop of the eponymous Los Angeles neighbourhood, NORTH HOLLYWOOD is a humorous poignant slice of life that brings together a cast of established actors with real professional skaters to tell an authentic and personal story.

NORTH HOLLYWOOD arrives on-demand July 23, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Vortex Media)

One of this year’s biggest sleeper hits is FREAKY which actually lives up to its succinct title. The Body Swap-Horror Comedy starring Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton is a total blast and we’re sure you will enjoy it too!

Vaughn plays the Blissfield Butcher , who goes on a murdering spree, targeting high schoolers and Millie (Newton) is his next target. After nearly killing her, she gets away but things get exactly as the title suggests as they each inhabit each other’s bodies. Millie, now in his body, has exactly 24 hours to stop his rampage or the two will be trapped in each other’s bodies forever.

We love that the Film goes all out embracing its Restricted rating. It’s bloody, over-the-top and ridiculous, which is exactly what we signed-up for in this latest romp from Happy Death Day helmer Christopher Landon.

Some extra features to be enjoyed on Blu-ray^TM, DVD and Digital:

• Deleted Scenes
  • The Butcher Lends a Hand
  • Charlene Hears a Rumor
  • Late for the Party
• Split Personalities: Millie vs. The Butcher – Two opposing characters. One killer chemistry! Go behind-the-scenes to see how Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton worked together to bring these two very different characters to life and how they created distinct personal traits for both. This piece will focus on the magnetism between Vaughn and Newton, and how that chemistry raised the stakes for two characters stuck in such a strange situation.
• Crafting the Kills – This feature will take viewers into the “Wood Shop” set to see how all of the various elements and departments come together to create an extraordinary kill that fans will talk about for years to come. We will also discuss the inspiration behind this bilateral bisection, what makes it both fun and horrifying, and how it is different from anything else you have seen in other horror films.
• Christopher Landon’s Brand of Horror – Blending horror and comedy is a difficult task that not many can achieve, but Christopher Landon has proven time and time again that he is uniquely skilled at it. FREAKY is no different. Learn how Christopher’s vision brought new energy to the concept and elevated the story, all while creating a fun and proficient working environment. This behind-the-scenes look at how he weaves humor and gore together will give fans an intimate understanding of why a Christopher Landon film is a genre of its own.
• Final Girl Reframed – The concept of a “Final Girl” is nothing new in the horror genre. However, Millie isn’t your typical Final Girl. We take a closer look at all the ways FREAKY takes your genre expectations and smashes them.
• Feature Commentary with Co-writer/Director Christopher Landon

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment release FREAKY on Digital January 26,2021 and on Blu-ray^TM and DVD February 9, 2021. 

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a copy of FREAKY on Blu-ray™!

Synopsis:

High school senior Millie (Kathryn Newton, Blockers, HBO’s “Big Little Lies”) is just trying to survive being the unpopular kid when she becomes The Butcher’s (Vince Vaughn, Wedding Crashers, Couples Retreat) next target. Their fateful encounter gets twisted and wake up in each other’s bodies. Now looking like a towering psychopath, Millie learns she only has 24 hours to reverse the curse and get her body back before the switch becomes permanent and she’s trapped in the form of a middle-aged maniac forever.  With some help from her friends—ultra-woke Nyla (Celeste O’Connor, Ghostbusters: Afterlife), ultra-fabulous Joshua (Misha Osherovich, The Goldfinch) and her crush Booker (Uriah Shelton, Enter the Warriors Gate)—Millie races against the clock to reverse the curse while The Butcher discovers that having a female teen body is the perfect cover for a little Homecoming killing spree.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re–Tweet this Contest Tweet below for another chance!

Rules and regulations here.

FREAKY is available on Digital JANUARY 26, 2021 and on BLU-RAY^TM/DVD FEBRUARY 9, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures)

Check-out the new Trailer for body-swap Horror, FREAKY!

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Millie Kessler (Kathryn Newton, Blockers, HBO’s Big Little Lies) is just trying to survive the bloodthirsty halls of Blissfield High and the cruelty of the popular crowd. But when she becomes the newest target of The Butcher (Vince Vaughn), her town’s infamous serial killer, her senior year becomes the least of her worries. When The Butcher’s mystical ancient dagger causes him and Millie to wake up in each other’s bodies, Millie learns that she has just 24 hours to get her body back before the switch becomes permanent and she’s trapped in the form of a middle-aged maniac forever. The only problem is she now looks like a towering psychopath who’s the target of a city-wide manhunt while The Butcher looks like her and has brought his appetite for carnage to Homecoming. With some help from her friends—ultra-woke Nyla (Celeste O’Connor, Ghostbusters: Afterlife), ultra-fabulous Joshua (Misha Osherovich, The Goldfinch) and her crush Booker (Uriah Shelton, Enter the Warriors Gate)—Millie races against the clock to reverse the curse while The Butcher discovers that having a female teen body is the perfect cover for a little Homecoming killing spree. The film also stars Alan Ruck (HBO’s Succession), Katie Finneran (TV’s Why Women Kill) and Dana Drori (Hulu’s High Fidelity).

See the Trailer:

Universal Pictures Canada release FREAKY Friday, December 4, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

TIFF ’17 very much continues to be alive and kicking at its halfway point. We admit it, we’re drained but we look forward to the pace calming down tomorrow.

The Birks Diamond Tribute honouring the accomplishments of Canadian Women in Film. Held on the scenic rooftop of the Spoke Club, the gathering brought to us by Maison Birks and Telefilm Canada was a who’s-who and who’s next in the industry. Diverse honourees this year include Ellen Wong, Amanda Brugel, Mina Shum, Shailyn Pierre-Dixon and Sherry White.  We are so honoured to have been one of 27 selected jurors across Canada! Hover left and right to navigate the slideshow.

(Swipe left!) #TIFF17: Lovely time celebrating the accomplishments of our Canadian sisters in Film at the #BirksTribute tonight. 💎 Carolle Brabant, Executive Director of Telefilm Canada tells us, it is important these Canadian women be “visible, recognized and that we champion them when they succeed. They need to be seen. This is a call for diversity and representation in the industry. We still have a lot to do.”. 2017 honourees are actresses Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Angry Inuk), Ashley McKenzie (Werewolf), Catherine Bainbridge (Rumble), Chloé Leriche (Before the Streets), and Mina Shum (Meditation Park); actors Amanda Brugel (The Handmaid’s Tale), Ellen Wong (GLOW), Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs (Rhymes for Young Ghouls), Mylène Mackay (Nelly), and Shailyn Pierre-Dixon (The Book of Negroes); and screenwriters Joanne Arseneau (19-2) and Sherry White (Maudie). #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF2017 #BirksTIFF17

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 6:05pm PDT

Annette Bening and Jamie Bell are getting praise for their performances in Professor Marston and the Wonder Women. We spotted the pair who play lovers in Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool. We spotted them out earlier doing the rounds and both were gracious to stop for fans! Huge fan of Bening!

#TIFF17: With the phenomenal #AnnetteBening, at #TIFF2017 for #FilmStarsDontDieinLiverpool. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 8:38am PDT

#TIFF17: #JamieBell at #TIFF2017 for #FilmStarsDontDieinLiverpool. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 8:37am PDT

Luke Evans‘ star continues to rise especially with his fantastic work in Beauty and the Beast. He is at TIFF ’17 with Professor Marston and the Wonder Women tonight, a timely Film which comes off the recent Box Office record-setting success of the superhero on which it centers. Australian Actress Bella Heathcote also is here for the Film and looked lovely for her Premiere!

#TIFF17: #LukeEvans at #TIFF2017 with #ProfessorMarstonandtheWonderWomen. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 1:37pm PDT

#TIFF17: With Australian beauty #BellaHeathcote, who is at #TIFF2017 with #ProfessorMarstonandtheWonderWomen. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 2:26pm PDT

Javier Bardem continues to be amazing TIFF ’17 with starring roles in mother! and Loving Pablo, plus an In-Conversation slated.

#TIFF17: #JavierBardem at #TIFF2017 for #LovingPablo and an in-Conversation. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 11:43am PDT

Lean on Pete is the one Horse Racing Film of TIFF ’17. Buzz came out of Telluride Film Festival for its star Charlie Plummer who finds himself in a quarter horse. Chloë Sevigny plays a jockey in the Drama. Both stars were kind to stop despite Sevigny joking that nobody knew who she was!

#TIFF17: #ChloeSevigny at #TIFF2017 with #HorseRacing Drama, #LeanOnPete. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 11:45am PDT

#TIFF17: #CharliePlumner getting acclaim for his performance in #HorseRacing Drama #LeanOnPete #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 11:47am PDT

THE ESCAPE stars a talented duo of Gemma Arterton and Dominic Cooper and premiered tonight TIFF ’17!

#TIFF17: #DominicCooper at #TIFF2017 with #TheEscape. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 5:45pm PDT

#TIFF17: #GemmaArterton at #TIFF2017 with #TheEscape. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 5:41pm PDT

We love the international component of TIFF in that we get to see stars who normally aren’t based stateside here. Adele Exarchopoulos (Blue is the Warmest Colour) and Matthias Schoenaerts graced the Red Carpet at Ryerson Theatre tonight for Racer and the Jailbird and despite being late, they introduced their Film and came back out to greet fans one-by-one. Amaze!

#TIFF17: #MatthiasSchoenaerts at #TIFF2017 with #RacerandtheJailbird. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 5:38pm PDT

#TIFF17: #AdeleExarchopoulos at #TIFF2017 with #RacerandtheJailbird. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 5:40pm PDT

While they weren’t really ones for Selfies, Don Johnson and Vince Vaughn were at Ryerson Theatre tonight for BRAWL IN CELL BLOCK 99.

#TIFF17: #VinceVaughn at #TIFF2017 with #BrawlinCellBlock99. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 10:14pm PDT

#TIFF17: #DonJohnson at #TIFF2017 with #BrawlinCellBlock99. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2017 at 10:16pm PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Elevation Pictures + Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a HACKSAW RIDGE Prize Pack!  Packs include Run-of-Engagement Passes, a St. John’s Ambulance Kit, an official T-Shirt and Posters! Directed by Mel Gibson, the Film stars Teresa Palmer, Andrew Garfield, Luke Bracey and Vince Vaughn.

Synopsis:

The film depicts the true-life heroic story of American soldier Desmond Doss who saved 75 men serving as a medic in WWII all while refusing to hold a gun because of his personal beliefs as a conscientious objector.

Trailer:

Artwork:

See the swag:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK! Please specify your request size for the T-Shirt! Canadian Readers only, please.

Elevation Pictures release HACKSAW RIDGE on Friday, November 4, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

Elevation Pictures + Mr. Will want to take Readers to see Venice Film Festival selection HACKSAW RIDGE, directed by Mel Gibson and starring Andrew Garfield.

Screenings take place on in the following cities Thursday, October 27, 2016 in Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Halifax.

Synopsis:

The film depicts the true-life heroic story of American soldier Desmond Doss who saved 75 men serving as a medic in WWII all while refusing to hold a gun because of his personal beliefs as a conscientious objector.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City!

Elevation Pictures release HACKSAW RIDGE on Friday, November 4, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

OMG. We’re addicted. Seriously. The amount of publicity Toronto Mayor Rob Ford has brought upon our City is unparalleled. Check-out this hilarious Parody of Ken Burns’ Celebrity/Politician Reading of The Gettysburg Address seen on The Late Show with David Letterman.

You’ll never believe the names they got to recite some of Ford’s most memorable lines. Jennifer Lawrence. Jonah Hill. Martha Stewart. Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Vince Vaughn. Stupendous.

Watch the Parody below:

We must give thanks.

(Photo credit: CBS)

Paramount Pictures are giving Anchorman 2 their full confidence with a Christmas release date to compete with some real heavyweights. Just released is this brand new Trailer for the long-awaited Sequel to the 2001 Box Office Hit.  The antics continue once again as San Diego’s favourite Newsman gets himself into more trouble here!

Watch the Trailer below:

Anchorman 2 boasts an All-Star Cast chalk full of Cameos including Nicole Kidman, James Marsden, Kristen Wiig, Jim Carrey, Kirsten Dunst, Meagan Good, Sacha Baron Cohen, Kanye West, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Harrison Ford, Liam Neeson, plus returning Cast Members Paul Rudd, Vince Vaughn, David Koechner and of course, Will Ferrell in the Titular Role of Ron Burgundy.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures)