From Producer Sam Raimi comes NIGHTBOOKS, coming soon to Netflix!

Synopsis:
Alex (Winslow Fegley) is a creative boy with a strong passion for writing scary stories. But when he’s labeled weird and rejected for what he likes, he swears he’ll never write again. That’s when an evil witch (Krysten Ritter), captures him in her magical apartment in New York City and demands that he tell her a new tale every night if he wants to stay alive. Trapped inside with Lenore, the witch’s spiteful cat watching his every move, Alex meets Yasmin (Lidya Jewett), another young prisoner who has learned how to survive the witch’s wicked whims. With Yasmin’s help, Alex must learn to embrace what makes him unique — his love for scary stories — and rewrite his own destiny to break them free.

NIGHTBOOKS arrives on Netflix September 15, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win an iTunes code to watch THE GREEN KNIGHT.

Synopsis:

An epic fantasy adventure based on the timeless Arthurian legend, THE GREEN KNIGHT tells the story of Sir Gawain (Dev Patel), King Arthur‘s reckless and headstrong nephew, who embarks on a daring quest to confront the eponymous Green Knight, a gigantic emerald-skinned stranger and tester of men. Gawain contends with ghosts, giants, thieves, and schemers in what becomes a deeper journey to define his character and prove his worth in the eyes of his family and kingdom by facing the ultimate challenger. From visionary filmmaker David Lowery comes a fresh and bold spin on a classic tale from the knights of the round table. 

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Elevation Pictures release THE GREEN KNIGHT on Premium VOD August 19, 2021.

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(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

Paramount Home Entertainment x Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win a Digital Download and official SNAKE EYES: G.I. JOE ORIGINS long-sleeve T-Shirt!

Synopsis:

Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins stars Henry Golding as Snake Eyes, a tenacious loner who is welcomed into an ancient Japanese clan called the Arashikage after saving the life of their heir apparent. Upon arrival in Japan, the Arashikage teach Snake Eyes the ways of the ninja warrior while also providing something he’s been longing for: a home. But, when secrets from his past are revealed, Snake Eyes’ honor and allegiance will be tested – even if that means losing the trust of those closest to him. Based on the iconic G.I. Joe character, Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins also stars Andrew Koji as Storm Shadow, Úrsula Corberó as Baroness, Samara Weaving as Scarlett, Haruka Abe as Akiko, Tahehiro Hira as Kenta and Iko Uwais as Hard Master.

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SNAKE EYES: G.I. JOE ORIGINS is on Premium Digital and Video on Demand August 17, 2021. It arrives on 4k Ultra HD/Blu-ray/DVD October 19, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Home Entertainment)

A new Trailer and Poster have been unveiled for Marvel Studios’ ETERNALS from Oscar-winning Director Chloé Zhao.

Synopsis:

MCU’s newest team-up, features a group of heroes from beyond the stars who had protected the Earth since the dawn of man. When monstrous creatures called the Deviants, long thought lost to history, mysteriously return, the Eternals are forced to reunite in order to defend humanity once again.

The outstanding ensemble cast includes Gemma Chan as humankind-loving Sersi, Richard Madden as the all-powerful Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as cosmic-powered Kingo, Lia McHugh as the eternally young, old-soul Sprite, Brian Tyree Henry as the intelligent inventor Phastos, Lauren Ridloff as the super-fast Makkari, Barry Keoghan as aloof loner Druig, Don Lee as the powerful Gilgamesh, with Kit Harington as Dane Whitman, with Salma Hayek as the wise and spiritual leader Ajak, and Angelina Jolie as the fierce warrior Thena.

Chloé Zhao directs the film, and Kevin Feige and Nate Moore are the producers, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and Kevin de la Noy serving as executive producers. The story is by Ryan Firpo & Matthew K. Firpo, and the screenplay is by Chloé Zhao and Chloé Zhao & Patrick Burleigh.

Trailer:

Marvel Studio’s ETERNALS is in theatres November 5, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Marvel)

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to see Jordan Peele‘s CANDYMAN!

Synopsis:

For as long as residents can remember, the housing projects of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green neighborhood were terrorized by a word-of-mouth ghost story about a supernatural killer with a hook for a hand, easily summoned by those daring to repeat his name five times into a mirror. In present day, a decade after the last of the Cabrini towers were torn down, visual artist Anthony McCoy (Emmy winner Yahya Abdul-Mateen II; Watchmen, Us) and his partner, gallery director Brianna Cartwright (Teyonah Parris; If Beale Street Could Talk, WandaVision), move into a luxury loft condo in Cabrini, now gentrified beyond recognition and inhabited by upwardly mobile millennials. 

With Anthony’s painting career on the brink of stalling, a chance encounter with a Cabrini-Green old-timer (COLMAN DOMINGO; Zola, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) exposes Anthony to the horrific true story behind Candyman. Anxious to maintain his status in the Chicago art world, and spurred on by his white art dealer, Anthony begins to explore these macabre details in his studio as fresh inspiration for paintings, unknowingly opening a door to a complex past that unravels his own sanity and unleashes a terrifying wave of violence that puts him on a collision course with destiny. 

Cast: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Colman Domingo 

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

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Universal Pictures Canada release CANDYMAN August 27, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Key dates, pricing and Awards at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival have been announced!

Returning this year is the coveted People’s Choice Award, often a precusor to Oscars glory starting with the buzz that generates out of TIFF. In addition, dates for ticketing and scheduling have been confirmed for this year’s Festival.

AWARDS

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD —  A longstanding tradition at TIFF, the People’s Choice Award marks its 44th year in 2021. Audience members who purchase a ticket are encouraged to place a vote for their favourite films online via tiff.net.  Recent People’s Choice winners include Nomadland (2020) and Jojo Rabbit (2019). All feature films in TIFF’s Official Selection are eligible for this award.

PLATFORM – Named after Jia Zhang-ke’s groundbreaking 2000 film Platform, the Platform Prize spotlights films with high artistic merit and strong directorial vision. All films invited to the Platform programme are eligible for this award, which is selected by an international jury. As previously announced, Academy Award–nominated actor Riz Ahmed will serve as the head of the 2021 Platform Prize jury. The winning filmmaker will receive a $20,000 CAD cash prize. 

The FIPRESCI Prize is presented by an international jury selected by the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI). Founded in 1930, the federation awards the prize at international film festivals to promote film art and to encourage new and emerging filmmakers to contribute to cinema. This year’s Toronto FIPRESCI prize is dedicated to emerging filmmakers premiering a feature-length film worldwide at TIFF. Jury members include Andrew Kendall, Esin Kücüktepepinar, Gilbert Seah, Teresa Vena and Caspar Salmon.

IMDbPro AWARDS — The 2021 IMDbPro Short Cuts Awards are Best Film, Best Canadian Film, and the Share Her Journey Award for best film by a woman. IMDbPro will provide each of the three winners with a bursary of $10,000 CAD and a one-year membership to IMDbPro, the essential resource for entertainment industry professionals, to help them continue achieving success in their careers. These awards build on IMDbPro’s nearly 20-year history of empowering entertainment professionals to discover new talent and projects, and on its ongoing commitment to supporting and collaboratively working with organizations that create greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the entertainment industry, including TIFF’s Share Her Journey initiative. Jury members include Sudeep Sharma, Tiffany Hsiung and Nicole Delaney. 

Presented by the Network for the Promotion of Asian Pacific Cinema, the NETPAC Award recognizes films specifically from the Asian and Pacific region. The jury consists of three members of the international community selected by TIFF and NETPAC, who award the prize to the best Asian or Pacific Islands film. Jury members include Gemma Cubero del Barrio, Isabelle Glachant and Elhum Shakerifar.

AMPLIFY VOICES AWARDS PRESENTED BY CANADA GOOSE — These awards will be presented to the three best feature films by under-represented filmmakers. Canada Goose embraces diversity in all its forms and definitions, including technique and passion that transports storytelling to screen. All feature films in Official Selection by emerging self-identified BIPOC filmmakers and all Canadian features are eligible, and the three winners will receive $10,000 CAD each. Jury members include Yung Chang, Calvin Thomas, Kaniehtiio Horn, Hugh Gibson and Aisha Jamal.

SHAWN MENDES FOUNDATION CHANGEMAKER AWARD — Presented by the Shawn Mendes Foundation, the 2021 Changemaker Award is awarded to an emerging filmmaker at the Festival whose work tackles issues of social change, and comes with a $10,000 CAD cash prize. The winning film will be selected by TIFF’s Next Wave Committee, a group of young film lovers who recognize cinema’s power to transform the world.


TICKET PRICING FOR FESTIVAL 2021 IS AS FOLLOWS:
Tickets for TIFF’s in-person venues — TIFF Bell Lightbox, Roy Thomson Hall, the Visa Screening Room at the  Princess of Wales Theatre, Cinesphere Theatre at Ontario Place, and Scotiabank Theatre:

• Regular film screenings: $25 including taxes + fees
• Premium film screenings: $40 including taxes + fees

Drive-in screenings ​— Visa Skyline Drive-In and RBC Lakeside Drive-In at Ontario Place: 

• Car with 1–2 people: $49 including taxes + fees
• Car with 3+ people: $69 including taxes + fees

Open-air cinema screenings​ ​— West Island Open Air Cinema at Ontario Place

• Lawn access for 2 people: $38 including taxes + fees

Digital TIFF Bell Lightbox:

• Regular film screenings: $19 including taxes + fees
• Premium film screenings: $26 including taxes + fees

TIFF Bell Digital Talks

• In Conversation With… events: $12 including taxes + fees (FREE for TIFF Members)

ON-SALE DATES & CATEGORIES 

August 26
Individual tickets for in-person and digital events go on sale to TIFF Patrons Circle Members according to level

August 28
Ticket transfers for in-person and digital events open
(Note: Ticket transfers for digital events are only available until ​September 7 at 5pm)

August 29
Digital ticket package redemption begins for TIFF Members, by level. Closes September 2 at 6pm

September 4
Individual tickets go on sale to Contributors Circle and Members 365 

September 5
Individual tickets go on sale to TIFF Insiders

September 6    
Individual tickets go on sale to the public

September 8
Ticket exchanges for in-person events open 

The schedule for the general public’s screenings will be available on the TIFF website at tiff.net/schedule on Tuesday, August 24 at 10am EDT. The screening schedule for Press & Industry screenings, the Industry Conference, and TIFF Bell Digital Talks programming will be available on TIFF’s website. Printed copies of the TIFF 2021 schedule will not be available.

The English Voice Cast for STAR WARS: VISIONS, an Anthology Series of Shorts coming to Disney+, have been announced!

See the star-studded Voice Cast below:

The Duel:                                Brian Tee (Ronin), Lucy Liu (Bandit Leader), Jaden Waldman (Village Chief)

Tatooine Rhapsody:             Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Jay), Bobby Moynihan (Geezer), Temuera Morrison (BobaFett), Shelby Young (K-344), Marc Thompson (Lan)

The Twins:                             Neil Patrick Harris (Karre), Alison Brie (Am), Jonathan Lipow (B-20N)

The Village Bride:                 Karen Fukuhara (F), Nichole Sakura (Haru), Christopher Sean (Asu), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Valco), Andrew Kishino (Izuma),  Stephanie Sheh (Saku)

The Ninth Jedi:                      Kimiko Glenn (Kara), Andrew Kishino (Juro), Simu Liu (Zhima), Masi Oka (Ethan), Greg Chun (Roden), Neil Kaplan (Narrator), Michael Sinterniklaas (Hen Jin) 

T0-B1:                                     Jaden Waldman (T0-B1), Kyle Chandler (Mitaka)

The Elder:                              David Harbour (Tajin), Jordan Fisher (Dan), James Hong (The     Elder)

Lop & Ocho:                         Anna Cathcart (Lop), Hiromi Dames (Ocho), Paul Nakauchi(Yasaburo), KyleMcCarley (Imperial Officer)

Akakiri:                                   Henry Golding (Tsubaki), Jamie Chung (Misa), George Takei (Senshuu), Keone Young (Kamahachi), Lorraine Toussaint (Masago)

Trailer:

STAR WARS: VISIONS launched on Disney+ September 22, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

We can’t wait for Marvel’s SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS! Check-out this brand-new Clip from the Film!

Synopsis:

Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, who must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization. 

The film also stars Awkwafina as Shang-Chi’s friend Katy, with Michelle Yeoh as Ying Nan, and Tony Leung as Xu Wenwu, Shang-Chi’s father; as well as Meng’er Zhang, Fala Chen, Florian Munteanu, Benedict Wong, Yuen Wah, Ronny Chieng, Zach Cherry, and Dallas Liu.  

Marvel’s SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS arrives September 3, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Marvel)

The best things in life are free! At the Box Office too! FREE GUY takes the top spot in its opening at the Box Office this weekend with a $26 million opening from 4,164 theatres for 20th Century Studios. The Fantasy-Action-Comedy starring Ryan Reynolds, gets a solid 82% on the Tomatometer.

In second spot is DON’T BREATHE 2 with $10.1 million for Sony Pictures. The Horror follows on the success of its Predecessor which in August 2016 opened at top spot. This Sequel gets 52% on the Tomatometer.

RESPECT debuts in third with $9 million from 3,207 theatres for Universal Pictures/MGM. The Aretha Franklin Biopic starring Jennifer Hudson gets 63% on the Tomatometer.

Disney’s JUNGLE CRUISE lands in fourth this weekend with $8.9 million from 3,900 theatres, a three week total of $88.1 million domestically.

THE SUICIDE SQUAD rounds-out the Top Five with $8.1 million from 4,019 theatres for Warner Bros., a two week run of $43.2 million.

Psychological Horror THE NIGHT HOUSE is directed by David Bruckner (V/H/S) and centers on a widow named Beth (Rebecca Hall) who suddenly loses husband. She is forced to deal with the aftermath of this but through haunting visions, soon uncovers that he might not have been the person she thought he was, and must come to terms with this reality. The Film premieres at Fantasia 2021 after receiving raves out of it’s premiere at Sundance 2020.

Our Amanda Gilmore had the privilege of attending a virtual junket with the star of THE NIGHT HOUSE, English Actress, Producer, Writer and Director Rebecca Hall. The multi-faceted star has gained recognition in films like Vicky Cristina Barcelona, garnering her an Oscar nomination, but she also has entertained the masses with a role in The Town, Iron Man, Godzilla vs. Kong and just this year at Sundance won wide acclaim for her directorial debut, Passing.

Hall is asked what drew her to the role of Beth.

Hall: I was intrigued and perhaps naively-seduced about the idea of doing a film that was basically me. I enjoyed it enormously and I think the challenge was intriguing when I read it. I also really liked the character. The turning point for me when I was reading the Script was that there’s so much mystery around her like the scene with the parent (who confronts Beth, a teacher, about her son’s grade) which essentially is an exposition scene, but I felt it was really about the character because it was so brittle and weirdly funny. I really liked the toughness and strangeness about her I liked having, and from that scene onwards is where I thought ‘I wanna do it!’.

Hall finds herself acting all alone in much of the Films and is asked just how challenging this is.

Hall: I knew it was going to be challenging going into it. I thought, I’ve never done this before, I’ll give this a go! I don’t think I even guessed how challenging it could be. This is the thing you realize as an Actor, that you derive a lot of energy and generate creative ideas from the people you’re working with. It’s a bit like you’re at a party and someone comes in who’s got a lot of charisma, and suddenly the party gets really great and you’re bouncing off the energy. This is like being at a party with no guests and you still have to make the party good.

Hall comments on working in the Horror genre.

Hall: You know it’s a funny thing, I didn’t embark on my career thinking I’m gonna do lots of genre. As it often turns out, there’s actually more extreme parts in genre and Horror and I’m kinda a sucker for signing-up for something that’s gonna use me, is gonna be really tough and gonna put me through it. Don’t ask me why, but I am and often there’s just more to do in these sorts of films as an Actor that feels scary in where your ability can go and if you can pull it off. I like to go for something gutsy. And also I think there’s a huge opportunity for genre to tackle not-genre subjects like death and those large existential questions of life. Some things we find difficult to talk about as people sometimes can be more fruitfully addressed if they are dealt with indirectly, and genre has a way of dealing with this in a way that’s not really head-on. Sometimes it can be more rewarding than a Drama that deals with them straight-on.

Late in the Film Hall‘s abilities really are put to the test in a scene where Beth has a romantic moment with the spirit of her deceased husband. She talks about the challenges of filming this scene.

Hall: The honest answer is that it was kinda funny. We were doing a lot of things on the fly, getting shots. It was a quick shoot and the sorta tough things about independent filmmaking. And when it came to doing that scene, we sorta talked about the scene, but it wasn’t like someone was choreographing it. The initial idea of me having this interaction-slash-romantic encounter with an invisible person was essentially just me improvising it, which was fairly embarrassing. I realized very quickly I was gonna look silly and I knew that everyone would laugh at me and just got on with it. After a while it felt strangely liberating. It was unlike anything I’ve ever done before.

Hall in her career has starred in both large-budget blockbusters and also smaller Indie films. She tells us about the experience doing both.

Hall: There’s definitely things about each one that I appreciate. On a small independent film you’re always pressured on time, you’re always being pushed around, it’s always incredibly stressful, you don’t have time to sit down and relax. And if you do just that you’d go crazy. I do feel there’s a sense of camaraderie and I guess a sort of team spirit that happens on those films and you often yield very creative results.

On the big ones, it’s lovely coming in to find a cup of tea and a blanket. And you have the room to ask ‘How can I help, how can I do more on this?’. But I appreciate the scale of those ones, the scale of resources are appropriate.

It’s really difficult to make films on a tiny budget in 20 days. I feel bad for Filmmakers because it has happened shouldn’t mean it should continue to happen. And sometimes there’s a little more room for creativity. And sometimes on the big ones, there’s too much room for creativity and sometimes there’s wasted resources. So I think it’s a combination of the two that there’s a sweet spot.

Searchlight Pictures release THE NIGHT HOUSE August 20, 2021.