Our girl LILYISTHATYOU is back with another Banger! GORGEOUS GORGEOUS GIRLS is a moody, dancey romp. This Toronto icon in-the-making can do no wrong. Yet another Track in her short time making Music that we LOVE. We totally get the Kylie “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” reference, and the production has echoes of Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits“. SOLD.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music)

20th Century Studios Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers in Toronto a chance to attend an Advance Screening of THE BOB’S BURGERS MOVIE!

Screening Details: Wednesday, May 25 at 7pm at Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto. 

SYNOPSIS:

This animated, big-screen, musical comedy-mystery-adventure is based on the long-running Emmy®-winning series. The story begins when a ruptured water main creates an enormous sinkhole right in front of Bob’s Burgers, blocking the entrance indefinitely and ruining the Belchers’ plans for a successful summer. While Bob and Linda struggle to keep the business afloat, the kids try to solve a mystery that could save their family’s restaurant. As the dangers mount, these underdogs help each other find hope and fight to get back behind the counter, where they belong.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Please indicate your City there. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for an extra chance.

Rules and regulations here.

THE BOB’S BURGERS MOVIE is in theatres May 27, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)

The first 8 minutes of STRANGER THINGS Season 4 Volume 1 have been released. And if this doesn’t get you hooked, we don’t know what will!

Check it out:

STRANGER THINGS S4 Volume 1 (Eps 401-407) arrives May 27, 2022 and Volume 2 (Eps 408 -409) arrives July 1, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

HEARTSTOPPER has been a huge breakout hit for Netflix and just announced is an upcoming second season of the beloved Series.

Some metrics since the Series premiered in April:

•Heartstopper weekly book sales in the US have increased 1700%. Volume 1 is currently the number one YA fiction book in the US and featured on the NYT bestseller list [Source: NPD BookScan]

•The series has a 100% Critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and is ‘certified fresh’ [Source: Rotten Tomatoes]

•Talent Instagram followings have exploded with Kit Connor at 3.4M and Joe Locke at 2.5M, both had just over 100K followers a month prior to launch

•On TikTok, #heartstopper has now amassed over 4.3B views [Source: TikTok]

•Heartstopper, for the fourth consecutive week, topped Variety’s Trending TV chart the week of May 9-15. The Trending TV chat tracks audience interactions across Twitter including tweets, retweets, likes and hashtags [Source: Variety]

•The series reached the Netflix Top Ten list in 54 countries [Source: Netflix Top 10]

Season 1 Synopsis:
Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. When gentle Charlie and rugby-loving Nick meet at secondary school, they quickly discover that their unlikely friendship is blossoming into an unexpected romance. Charlie, Nick and their circle of friends must navigate the ever-relatable journey of self discovery and acceptance, supporting each other as they learn to find their most authentic selves.

HEARTSTOPPER is streaming now on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

In celebration of National Streaming Day, we have a new Trailer for Disney’s BAYMAX!, the upcoming Series based on the beloved BIG HERO 6 Character.

Synopsis:

In celebration of National Streaming Day, Disney+ has released a new trailer and key art for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Baymax!” Streaming exclusively on Disney+ on June 29, the all-new series of healthcare capers returns to the fantastical city of San Fransokyo where the affable, inflatable, inimitable healthcare companion robot, Baymax, sets out to do what he was programmed to do: help others. “I thought it would be fun to do a Disney+ series with Baymax interacting with normal folks,” said series creator Don Hall, who helmed 2014’s Oscar®-winning film “Big Hero 6.” “In each of our six episodes, Baymax just wants to help someone—and a lot of times they don’t want to be helped. He sets out to fix a physical issue that he’s identified, and in the process, gets to a deeper, more emotional place and can be almost transformative in that role.”

“Baymax!” is produced by Roy Conli and Bradford Simonsen. The series’ episodes are directed by Dean Wellins (Eps 1, 2, 6), Lissa Treiman (Ep 3), Dan Abraham (Ep 4) and Mark Kennedy (Ep 5). Screenwriter is Cirocco Dunlap. Scott Adsit returns as the voice of Baymax. Voice talent featured in episodes include Ryan Potter, Maya Rudolph, Emily Kuroda, Lilimar, Zeno Robinson and Jaboukie Young-White.

BAYMAX! arrives June 29, 2022 on Disney+.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

EO is a donkey who is part of a circus in Poland. His owner Kasandra (Sandra Drzymalska) and himself have a strong bond. She protects him even if he is being used by the circus for profit. However, when the circus gets shut down, EO is placed in a new home out of reach from Kasandra. After she pays him a visit one night, he breaks the farm gate in search of her. Instead, he meets good and bad people, experiences joy and pain, and endures the wheel of fortune randomly turning his luck into disaster.

This is a moving Film with a powerful message. We watch as EO is being mistreated by everyone he interacts with on his journey. As we watch the world through his eyes, we see how the world is a torturous place for him. Even at the start, Kasandra does what she can to protect her beloved EO but he still suffers from the Circus owners.

However, the level of cruelty to animals escalates and deescalates throughout. There is one particular moment when EO is beaten by a group that was previously celebrating him. Even though the abuse is off-screen, Writer-Director Jerzy Skolimowski makes sure that each painful hit is felt. This makes for a painful viewing experience, but a necessary one. Even in moments when EO isn’t being used, he is hurt in other ways. Near the end, EO ends up on an estate with a Countess (played perfectly by Isabel Huppert) and a young priest (Lorenzo Zurzolo). Although they don’t intentionally hurt him, they neglect him. He doesn’t have any other animal companions and they don’t respond to his cries.

The situations that EO finds himself in reflect the cruelty of humans to animals. Each situation plays out as a mini-chapter in EO’s journey. They almost feel like their own individual Short Films. Yet, Skolimowski ties them together into a hero’s journey for his Donkey protagonist. EO even gets a shot to fight back and aide fellow animals being abused.

Additionally, it’s one of the most visually stunning films of the year. The Cinematography by Michael Dymek thrusts us right into EO’s view of the world. We see it for all its natural beauty and brutality.

EO screens at Cannes ’22:

Thu, May 19 at 10 PM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Fri, May 20 at 11:30 AM at LICORNE

Fri, May 20 at 12 PM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Fri, May 20 at 7 PM at SALLE BAZIN

Sat, May 21 at 11:30 AM at CINEUM IMAX

Sun. May 22 at 6:30 PM at CINEUM IMAX

Thu, May 26 at 11:15 AM at ARCADES 1

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Writer-Director James Gray’s latest is a semi-autobiographical story of a boy coming-of-age in New York during the ’80s. It follows Paul Graff (Banks Repeta) a sixth-grader in the early stages of rebellion who aspires to be an Artist. He befriends Johnny (Jaylin Webb), a black student who is constantly and unfairly being targeted by their teacher. When the two find themselves in trouble, Paul’s parents (Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong) refuse to let him see Johnny and subsequently move him to Private School. But will that be enough to separate their friendship?

Considering this is Gray’s most personal story, it doesn’t become self-important. Instead, he uses his childhood to touch on themes of racism and classism set against the rise of the Reagan era. Gray highlights inequity and Racism in institutions by showing how the public school Paul and Johnny attend mistreat Johnny. When Paul is the one doing something wrong, their teacher blames Johnny. Webb gives a powerful performance as a child who sadly understands that the world is stacked against him.

The Racism and Classism are further highlighted when Paul is sent to Private School. The family who funds the school is the Trump family, they even have Maryanne Trump (a delightful cameo from Jessica Chastain) come in to speak to them at an assembly. The students at the school use racial slurs and no one bats an eye. It’s a world that displaces Paul sending him on his coming-of-age journey. He needs to decide the type of person he wants to be: one who looks away or helps make a change. This is truly a star-making role for Repeta. He carries the weight of the Film on his small shoulders with ease.

Gray doesn’t back away from the darker sides in the depiction of his family. Paul’s family doesn’t believe they are part of the problem. However, they are because they don’t actively help and they believe the picture society has painted of minority groups. The only one who wants equality is his Grandpa Aaron (Anthony Hopkins). His closest relationship is with his Grandpa and the strong bond between Hopkins and Repeta makes for tender, teary-eyed moments.

Furthermore, Gray shows the darker side of his childhood. Moments where he gave his mother, Esther (Hathaway), a very hard time. Hathaway is brilliant as a mother who only wants the best for her child and will do anything to stand up for him. His most turbulent relationship is with his father Irving (Strong). One scene has a short-fused Irving beating Paul with a belt. However, there are tender moments where we see Irving change. It’s a difficult role that Strong truly excels in.

Paul is at the time in his life when friends become family. Maybe even more so for him because of his turbulent home life. Gray also doesn’t pull punches with the depiction of himself. Johnny is Paul’s best friend, however, when he goes to a new school he pushes Johnny away because of the other students. When Johnny asks him for a place to stay, he is reluctant because of how his family has spoken about him. Gray shows the faults in his actions, he owns up to them. And in return, we get to see how this young boy learned that he should and could do better.

Armageddon Time is a story about a boy whose family wants him to conform to the American Dream, but all he wants to do is rebel against that and forge his own path. Additionally, it’s a reminder how Racism is learned and institutionalized. However, it only takes one person to break that cycle.

Armageddon Time screens at Cannes ’22:
Thu, May 19 at 7 PM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Fri, May 20 at 9 AM at GRAND THÉÂTRE LUMIÈRE

Fri, May 20 at 7:30 PM at SALLE AGNÈS VARDA

Sat, May 21 at 1:30 PM at CINEUM IMAX

Sun, May 22 at 9:30 AM at CINEUM AURORE

Thu, May 26 at 1 PM at ARCADES 1

Some snaps from the ARMAGEDDON TIME Press Conference with Strong, Hathaway, Gray and Repeta:

(Photo credit: Amanda Gilmore/Mr. Will Wong)

SLAYYYTER is crushing it and the 25-year-old Singer-Songwriter from St. Louis, is selling-out theatres across North America for her CLUB PARADISE Tour, in support of her 2021 Disc, TROUBLED PARADISE.

She made a stop at The Axis Club in Toronto, known formerly as The Mod Club delivering an energetic hour-long set including hits “Clouds”, “Daddy AF”, “Hello Kitty”, “Stupid Boy”, and more. She omitted one of her best known bits, “Mine“.

If you get the vibe that Slayyyter is daring and edgy, you’re definitely spot-on, though her Music possesses a fun playfulness to it. Her hooks are infectious and she aims to get you sloppy on the dancefloor.

So amazing getting to meet Slayyyter before her Show and you know it was meant to be because.my shirt is colour-coordinated with her mutli-colour locks. She is so incredibly sweet!

If you aren’t too familiar with Slayyyter yet, check out some of her infectious tracks here:

Supporting tonight was Loveleo (Leo Reilly) whom you might know for his viral hit “Boyfren“. Reilly, who happens to be the son of acclaimed Actor John C. Reilly, also delivers a playful energy in dancey repertoire.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

After filming just outside of Toronto last Summer, MY FAKE BOYFRIEND finally is ready to surface! Starring Sarah Hyland, Dylan Sprouse and Keiynan Lonsdale, this Rom-Com has something to say!

Synopsis

Andrew (Keiynan Lonsdale) has a major problem: He can’t stay away from the toxic boyfriend who just dumped him. His meddling friends (Dylan Sprouse and Sarah Hyland) decide to help him by creating “Cristiano,” a perfect fake boyfriend on social media. Problem solved, right? Wrong! As Cristiano goes viral and becomes a worldwide sensation, Andrew meets his real-life dream guy, Rafi, a charming restaurant owner. Now, Andrew must find a way to put an end to the fake fling, evade his jealous ex, and win Rafi’s heart in this fun and hilarious comedy about the crazy things we do for love.

MY FAKE BOYFRIEND streams June 17, 2022 on Prime Video.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video)

Rafe Spall and Esther Smith are back with a third season of acclaimed Apple TV+ Series TRYING. Some details on the upcoming season including release date.

Synopsis:

After a dramatic end to season two, the eight-episode third season picks up with Nikki (BAFTA nominee Esther Smith) and Jason (SAG Award-nominee Rafe Spall) waking up as new parents to two children they are still getting to know. Now they just have to keep hold of them, which proves to be trickier than they initially thought. Thrown straight into the parental deep-end, Nikki and Jason’s relationships with each other and with their nearest and dearest are tested as they desperately try to navigate the ups and downs of parenting — while hanging onto their kids, and their sanity.

In addition to Smith and Spall, the season three cast includes Eden Togwell (as ‘Princess’), Mickey McAnulty (as ‘Tyler’), Oliver Chris (as ‘Freddy’), Sian Brooke (as ‘Karen’), Darren Boyd (as ‘Scott’) and Robyn Cara (as ‘Jen’).

Season Three of TRYING arrives Friday, July 22, 2022 only on Apple TV+ with new episodes every Friday through September 9, 2022.