#FIRSTLOOK: “HELTER SKELTER: AN AMERICAN MYTH”

The public’s thirst for information about Serial Killers continues. I don’t know if you saw NIGHT STALKER recently on Netflix or not, but a spree of murders in 1985 can prove just as haunting and worthy of re-examination today. 2019’s Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood and Quentin Tarantino‘s upcoming Novel about that Film, prove we still are intrigued. Hollywood Suite announce a six-part Docu-Series HELTER SKELTER: AN AMERICAN MYTH which explores Charles Manson and his “family” brutally murdering nine people in 1969. The series looks at why the Manson “Family” still permeates our culture, media and fears.

An Overview of each episode:

Episode 1 – Charles Manson is Your Brother – Thursday, February 11 at 9pm ET

In the series premiere, he orchestrated the most sensational murders of the 20th century, but how much do we really know about Charles Manson and the Family? Helter Skelter goes back to the 1960s to reveal the untold story of the enigmatic cult leader and his band of followers who did his bidding – even when it meant killing nine people in the summer of 1969. His story has become legend, but the truth has yet to be told…

Episode 2 – The Seed – Thursday, February 18 at 9pm ET

Helter Skelter travels back in time to the desperate early days in Appalachia when Manson was first exposed to prison when his young mother was sent away. Travel along Charles Manson’s sordid journey through reform school, jail and prison as he picks up the tools, he will ultimately bring together to commit the most sensational murders of the 20th century.

Episode 3 – Nobody Joins a Cult – Thursday, February 25 at 9pm ET

Fresh out of prison, aspiring musician Charles Manson finds himself in San Francisco during the Summer of Love. There, he uses the tools he learned behind bars to recruit followers to his growing traveling commune. Helter Skelter follows Manson as he takes average teens and young adults and puts them through the change. As he travels from the streets of Haight Ashbury to Los Angeles, partying with A-Listers, producers and rock royalty we see that his seductive message might entice just about anyone in a vulnerable place.

Episode 4 – Out of Eden – Thursday, March 4 at 9pm ET

To his followers, Charles Manson is the second coming of Christ, that belief reinforced by subliminal messages he receives through the Beatles’ White Album. But by the summer of 1969, a mythical race war, delusions of stardom, and bad drug deals leave the cult leader struggling to keep his family together. Helter Skelter reveals how, through intense programming, physical abuse, group sex, and tests of death, Manson finally convinces his followers to “do something witchy,” which can only mean one thing.

Episode 5 – Same Bad Mistakes – Thursday, March 11 at 9pm ET

A desperate Charles Manson escapes with his Family to a desert hideout. There, prison camp-like conditions force two of the girls to make a life-or-death escape attempt. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is paralyzed with fear as the police fumble the investigation. But then Manson unexpectedly helps brings his reign of terror to an end. When a jailhouse confession comes to light, Helter Skelter reveals how the pieces of the puzzle finally come together for the law.

Episode 6 – The Legend of Helter Skelter – Thursday, March 18 at 9pm ET

The most sensational trial of the 20th century finds a judge attacked on the bench, a daily circus of interruptions, a missing defense attorney, and a gallery of young girls blindly following Charles Manson in trying to derail the prosecution. Fifty years later, why does the man, his myth, his Family continue to horrify and also fascinate us? Has Manson finally found the attention and fame he so craved? Helter Skelter explores the aftermath of the murders that gripped the world, and why the myth of Charles Manson should cease to exist.

HELTER SKELTER: AN AMERICAN MYTH premieres Thursday, February 11 at 9pm ET only on Hollywood Suite, with a new episode premiering weekly through March 18, 2021. Each episode will be available on demand.

(Photo credit: Hollywood Suite)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “IT’S A SIN”

From Primetime Emmy Award-winning Writer Russell T Davies (Queer as Folk, A Very English Scandal) comes IT’S A SIN. See the new Trailer.

Synopsis:

A chronicle of a five friends during a decade in which everything changed, including the rise of AIDS.

IT’S A SIN arrives on Amazon Prime Video Friday, February 19, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Amazon Prime Video)

#FIRSTLOOK: “SELENA + CHEF” SEASON 2

I had my reservations about this, but actually found it very enjoyable. SELENA + CHEF debuted August 2020 on HBO Max (and on Crave in Canada with the HBO add-on), the Series taking the highly-likable Selena Gomez on a new journey each episode as she gets mentored by a top chef virtually.

While we didn’t expect a second season this soon, it’s already here before us and though we’re waiting on some of the heavier hitters to begin production again amidst this Pandemic, this serves as lighthearted educational fun in the meantime.

International superstar Gomez‘s cooking knowledge self-admittedly isn’t very advanced and that’s fine as she often asks honest questions and shows her limitations, which get corrected on-screen, i.e. her chopping skills are anxiety-inducing at times. There’s something to take away here every episode no matter if you’re a novice or a pro in the kitchen as these celebrity Chefs open-up and give us some real pro tips. Not every creation lands like it should, but we learn how to do it better next time and that’s a refreshing way to present cooking.

See a Highlight Reel of her knifing skills. You’ll see!

At the end of each episode, Gomez ties-in each episode with a charitable donation on her part to a charity of the Chef’s choice and sometimes genuinely is overcome with emotion hearing why the charity is important. An example of this is Chefs Jon & Vinny supporting the NAACP, an organization which is doing work that is relevant especially in a post-#BlackLivesMatter landscape. This any many other genuine moments where Gomez is being her authentic self.

The Series is filled with many little joys and unscripted surprises. We get to make Tacos with Roy Choi and Taylor Swift appears on the phone! OMG. Some Asparagus literally catches on fire in the oven. Terrifying. One Chef, Angelo Sosa insists she mix white chocolate into her Guacamole. “This isn’t my vibe”, she apologizes and she is honest she didn’t like it. Good for her.

Part of what makes the dynamic fun is that Gomez is quarantining with her maternal grandparents, her grandpa or “Papa” as she calls him, is unrelentingly tough on her. Her best friends Liz and Raquelle also are rooming with her and are her Taste Testers and ad-hoc Sous Chefs, who sometimes make matters worse, but it’s all in good fun!

A diverse array of upcoming guests on Season 2 of the Series include Curtis Stone, Kelis (yes, “Milkshake” Kelis!) and more.

See the Trailer below:

We’re actually excited to continue with this and definitely have time in our day for this. New episodes to arrive weekly on Thursday.

(Photo/video credit: HBO Max)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “GODZILLA vs. KONG”

Adam Wingard (You’re Next) directs GODZILLA VS. KONG, which sees to two legends in a long-awaited face-off!

SYNOPSIS: 

Legends collide in “Godzilla vs. Kong” as these mythic adversaries meet in a spectacular battle for the ages, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.  Kong and his protectors undertake a perilous journey to find his true home, and with them is Jia, a young orphaned girl with whom he has formed a unique and powerful bond.  But they unexpectedly find themselves in the path of an enraged Godzilla, cutting a swath of destruction across the globe.  The epic clash between the two titans—instigated by unseen forces—is only the beginning of the mystery that lies deep within the core of the Earth.

The Film stars Alexander Skarsgård (“Big Little Lies,” “The Little Drummer Girl”), Millie Bobby Brown (“Stranger Things”), Rebecca Hall (“Christine,” “Professor Marston and the Wonder Women”), Brian Tyree Henry (“Joker,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”), Shun Oguri (“Weathering with You”), Eiza González (“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw”), Julian Dennison (“Deadpool 2”), with Kyle Chandler (“Godzilla: King of the Monsters”) and Demián Bichir (“The Nun,” “The Hateful Eight”).

See the Trailer:

Warner Bros. Canada release GODZILLA VS. KONG in theatres (subject to change) Friday, March 26, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Canada)

#COOKING: CLASSIC CHILI X SWEET CHEESY CORNBREAD RECIPE

Classic Chili & Sweet Cheesy Cornbread. Chili is one of those dishes that is no fuss and easy to prepare. Most of all, it is tough to botch it! Everyone’s got their own way of going about it. We’re sharing our Classic Chili recipe. Nothing fancy here in terms of add-ins, but this is hearty, hits the spot and just perfect with our Sweet Cheesy Cornbread on the side.

Chili

1 lb Extra Lean Ground Beef
1 jar of Tomato Sauce
1 can of Tomato Paste
1 can of Red Kidney Beans
1 cup of Beef Broth
1 onion, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 Red Chili, seeded and minced
1 Sweet Red Pepper, seeded and minced
3 Bay Leaves
3 tsps organic raw sugar
3 tbsps Chili Powder
2 tsps Garlic Powder
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Cumin
1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (add more if you prefer it spicier)

Sea salt and pepper, to taste
Sour Cream (optional)
Extra shredded cheese (optional)

Sweet Cheesy Cornbread

1 1/4 cup All Purpose Flour
3/4 cup Cornmeal
3/4 cup Whole Milk
1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella/Cheddar mix
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup corn kernels
2 eggs, room temperature
3 tbsps organic raw sugar
3 tbsps organic honey
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp sea salt
1 stalk green onion, minced

Instructions:

1. In soup pot, sauteé onion, garlic and red chili.
2. Add in ground beef and cook till browned on medium heat.
3. Add in sugar, bay leaves, chili power, garlic powder, cumin, black pepper, cayenne pepper and paprika, stirring evenly.
4. Add tomatoes, beans, red peppers, tomato sauce and paste, stirring evenly.
5. Add in broth, stirring evenly. Bring mixture to a boil and then simmer covered, on low heat for about two hours, stirring occasionally. Finish with salt to taste.
6. With about an hour left, pre-heat oven at 350°F. Prepare Sweet Cheesy Cornbread.
7. In large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt and baking powder.
8. In separate bowl, whisk eggs, honey, milk and melted butter.
9. Fold wet mixture into dry mixture, careful not to over-mix.
10. Add in corn kernels, green onion and half of shredded cheese.
11. Transfer to greased baking pan. Top batter with rest of cheese.
12. Bake 30 minutes or till toothpick comes out clean.
13. Garnish Chili in a bowl with Sour Cream and shredded cheese and serve with Cornbread. Keep Cornbread in freezer once cooled and store in air-tight bag, thawing about an hour before serving.

Gallery:

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(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#SUNDANCE: 2020 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL PREVIEW

By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Sundance is evolving for the 2021 festival and going predominantly virtual with limited drive-in screenings across the U.S. Although the festival is only running for seven days, its screening 71 Features, 50 Shorts, 4 Indie Series, and 14 New Frontier Projects. The Festival continues to include more diverse filmmaking voices. Of this year’s 139 films: 50% are directed by one or more women; 4% are directed by one or more non-binary individuals; 50% are directed by one or more artists of color, and 15% by one or more people who identify as LGBTQ+.

There is a lot of buzz surrounding many films screening at this year’s fest, and we are highly anticipating many of its feature film picks. Check out our Top Ten, in no particular order, programmes listed in parantheses.

CRYPTOZOO [NEXT]

Director & Screenwriter: Dash Shaw

>It’s rare Sundance includes an Animated Feature in their selection so we are expecting great things. It follows cryptokeepers who question if they should display or keep hidden the majestical beasts they find. The characters are voiced by Lake Bell, Michael Cera and Zoe Kazan just to name a few.

JOCKEY [U.S. DRAMATIC COMPETITION]

Director & Screenwriter: Clint Bentley

An ageing jockey in ill health attempts to win one more championship, but things turn upside down when a young jockey claims to be his son. This is Bentley’s first-feature as a director and his cast includes Clifton Collins Jr., Molly Parker and Moises Arias.

JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH [PREMIERES]

Director & Co-Screenwriter: Shaka King

We’ve been waiting for this for a long time. It follows William O’Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) who was offered a plea deal to infiltrate the Black Panther Party with the intent to gain intelligence on Chairman Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya). It has a powerhouse supporting cast consisting of Dominique Fishback, Jesse Plemons, Ashton Sanders and more.

This arrives February 12, 2021.

LAND [PREMIERES]

Director: Robin Wright (Variety’s 2021 Directors to Watch)

Wright makes her feature-film directorial debut and stars in this poignant story of a woman searching for meaning in the American wilderness, following an unfathomable event.

This will be released February 12, 2021.

ON THE COUNT OF THREE [U.S. DRAMATIC COMPETITION]

Director: Jerrod Carmichael

Sundance’s synopsis of Carmichael’s (The Carmichael Show) directorial feature debut is: “Two guns. Two best friends. And a pact to end their lives when the day is done.” It’s also got one killer cast: Carmichael, Christopher Abbott, Tiffany Haddish, J.B Smoove, Lavell Crawford and Henry Winkler.

PASSING [U.S. DRAMATIC COMPETITION]

Director & Screenwriter: Rebecca Hall

Based on the novella by Nella Larsen, this film follows two African American women who can “pass” as white and choose to live on opposite sides of the colour line in 1929 New York. It has a stellar cast consisting of Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga, André Holland, Alexander Skarsgård and Bill Camp.

PRISONERS OF A GHOSTLAND [PREMIERES]

Director: Sion Sono

Nicolas Cage and popular Japanese filmmaker Sono team up in this film that Cage has stated is his wildest yet. It follows a notorious criminal who is sent to rescue a woman who has disappeared into a dark supernatural universe.

SUMMER OF SOUL (…OR WHEN THE REVOLUTION COULD NOT BE TELEVISED) [U.S. DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION]

Director: Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson

This Film documents the Harlem Cultural Festival, which took place the same summer as Woodstock. The festival celebrated African-American music and culture and promoted Black pride and culture.

VIOLATION [MIDNIGHT]

Co-Directors & Co-Screenwriters: Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli

Coming off the buzz from its TIFF premiere, this Canadian film is now travelling stateside. It follows Miriam (Sims-Fewer) whose quest for revenge is sparked when her sister and brother-in-law betray her.

A Canadian release has been confirmed for March 26, 2021 for this.

WILD INDIAN [U.S. DRAMATIC COMPETITION]

Director & Screenwriter: Lyle Mitchell Corbine Jr. (Variety’s 2021 Directors to Watch)

Years after covering up a savage murder of a schoolmate, two men confront how their secret has shaped their lives. It stars Michael Greyeyes, Chaske Spencer, Jesse Eisenberg, Kate Bosworth, and more.

Although these films are geoblocked to the U.S, there are many free events happening virtually around the globe. Some of the events happening are: The Sundance Dailies, The Cinema Cafe, The Big Question, Awards Night and more.

SUNDANCE DAILIES

Friday, January 29–Tuesday, February 2, 9:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

These take place every morning with Tabitha Jackson and others. Guests include: Eugenio Derbez (CODA), Rebecca Hall (Passing), Ed Helms (Together Together), Zoe Lister-Jones and Daryl Wein (How It Ends), and more.

CINEMA CAFÉ

Friday, January 29–Monday, February 1, 10:30 a.m.–11:15 a.m

These cultural conversations with fascinating subjects could go just anywhere. This year we have:

Shaka King & Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson
Friday, January 29, 10:30 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
 
Sonia Manzano & Rita Moreno
Saturday, January 30, 10:30 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
 
Rebecca Hall & Robin Wright
Sunday, January 31, 10:30 a.m.–11:15 a.m.
 
Tyson Brown, Patti Harrison & Emilia Jones
Monday, February 1, 10:30 a.m.–11:15am

Friday, January 29–Monday, February 1, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m., individual slots TBA

THE BIG CONVERSATION

These conversations tackle science, art, culture, and the movements that are fueling the imaginations of today’s independent artists. Topics include LGBTQ+ film, women at Sundance, race and more.

AWARDS NIGHT

This takes place Tuesday, February 2, 6:00 p.m. and is free for all to view on the Sundance online screening platform.

For information about films, events and more head to: https://festival.sundance.org/.

Stay tuned for our continued coverage as we bring you reviews daily of the most-buzzed films throughout the Festival.

The Sundance Film Festival runs from January 28 to February 3, 2021.

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN “THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN” ON BLU-RAY™

Paramount Home Entertainment x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a Blu-ray™ copy of THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN!

Synopsis:

When SpongeBob’s beloved pet snail Gary goes missing, a path of clues leads SpongeBob and Patrick to the powerful King Poseidon, who has Gary held captive in the Lost City of Atlantic City. On their mission to save Gary, SpongeBob and his pals team up for a heroic and hilarious journey where they discover nothing is stronger than the power of friendship.

BONUS FEATURES ON DIGITAL, BLU-RAY & DVD

• Mini-Movie – I’m Urchin You To Leave
• Campfire Songs
• Agua Music Video by Tainy & J. Balvin
• How We Do Lyric Video by Snoop Dogg and Monsta X
• Krabby Step Lyric Video by Tyga, Swae Lee & Lil Mosey
• Agua Lyric Video by Tainy & J. Balvin
• Campfire Stories
• Deleted Storyboard: Wake Up
• Deleted Storyboard: Sumo Ninja
• Camp Coral Buddies
• The Ballad of SpongeBob and Patrick!
• I ♥ Camp Coral by SpongeBob SquarePants
• Camp Arts and Crafts
• Drawing the Cutest Camper Ever
• Drawing the Cutest Snail Ever
• The Amazing Stages of Animation
• But Wait…There’s S’mores!
• The Wonders of the Patty Mobile

Artwork:

Trailer:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. For an extra chance, you can Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below as well:

Enter for your chance to #win a copy of The #SpongeBob Movie: SPONGE ON THE RUN on Blu-ray™!https://t.co/E2YNMmPXSm pic.twitter.com/FnNJvYGrsg

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) January 22, 2021

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN arrives on Blu-ray™, DVD, Digital and On Demand in Canada on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.

Rules and regulations here.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN “FREAKY” ON BLU-RAY™

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!

Enter for a chance to #win a copy of FREAKY on Blu-ray™!

Details: https://t.co/DpvXQIJ97O pic.twitter.com/qjmYku2BCb

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) January 21, 2021

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)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A DIGITAL DOWNLOAD OF “OUR FRIEND”

Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a Digital Download of TIFF ’19 selection, OUR FRIEND! This stars Casey Affleck, Dakota Johnson and Jason Segel!

Synopsis:

After receiving life-altering news, a couple finds unexpected support from their best friend, who puts his own life on hold and moves into their family home, bringing an impact much greater and more profound than anyone could have imagined.

See the Trailer:

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

Enter for a chance to #win a Digital Download of OUR FRIEND starring Casey Affleck, Jason Segel and Dakota Johnson.https://t.co/9ii5OC8utK pic.twitter.com/uGj4YnkIWv

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) January 21, 2021

Rules and regulations here.

OUR FRIEND is on Digital and On-Demand Friday, January 22, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

#FIRSTLOOK: “THE MUPPET SHOW” COMING SOON TO DISNEY+

Time for some nostalgia! All five seasons of THE MUPPET SHOW will be coming soon to Disney+! See how these iconic characters got their start back in the ’70s! Over the course of its run, major stars of the era like Steve Martin, Elton John, Liza Minnelli, Alice Cooper, Julie Andrews, Bernadette Peters, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Gene Kelly and Mark Hamill, all made appearances!

See the iconic Original Theme Song:

THE MUPPET SHOW arrives on Disney+ Friday, February 19, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)