#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FROM “FINDING “OHANA”

This is a must-watch for those of you who adore Hawaii. Check-out some new stills from new Netflix series FINDING ‘OHANA!

Synopsis:
A summer in rural Oahu takes an exciting turn for two Brooklyn-raised siblings when a journal pointing to long-lost treasure sets them on an epic adventure with new friends, and leads them to reconnect with their Hawaiian heritage.

Stars: Kea Peahu, Alex Aiono, Lindsay Watson, Owen Vaccaro, with Kelly Hu and Branscombe Richmond, Ke Huy Quan, Brad Kalilimoku, Chris Parnell, Marc Evan Jackson, Ricky Garc

See the Trailer:

FINDING ‘OHANA arrives on Netflix January 29, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “OUTSIDE THE WIRE”

Anthony Mackie and Damson Idris star in OUTSIDE THE WIRE. Check-out this brand-new Trailer for the

Synopsis:
In 2036, America serves as a peacekeeping force and human troops on both sides are supported by robot combatants called Gumps and drone pilots monitoring skirmishes from thousands of miles away. But after headstrong drone pilot Lieutenant Harp (Damson Idris) disobeys a direct order to intervene in a conflict, the Army deploys him to a military outpost to confront the human costs of his button-pushing. Harp’s expectations of guarding a fence are upended when his new commanding officer Captain Leo (Anthony Mackie) announces plans to infiltrate the demilitarized zone and apprehend Viktor Koval (Pilou Asbæk), a warlord who intends to launch a network of dormant nuclear weapons. Soon, Harp learns that his theoretical experience as a drone pilot means little out on the battlefield under enemy attack — especially after discovering that Leo is an A.I.-enhanced supersoldier whose strength, speed and demand for results promise to turn his real-world education into a trial by fire.

Cast: Anthony Mackie “Leo”, Damson Idris “Harp”, Enzo Cilenti “Miller”, Emily Beecham “Sofiya”, Michael Kelly “Eckhart”, and Pilou Asbæk “Victor Koval”.

See the Trailer:

OUTSIDE THE WIRE arrives on Netflix Friday, January 15, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN “SPELL”, “JUNGLELAND” AND “DREAMLAND”

Paramount Home Entertainment x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win copies of 2021 January releases SPELL, JUNGLELAND and DREAMLAND!

SPELL (Blu-ray out 1.12.21)

SYNOPSIS | While flying to his father’s funeral in rural Appalachia, an intense storm causes Marquis (Omari Hardwick) to lose control of the plane carrying him and his family. He awakens wounded, alone and trapped in Ms. Eloise’s (Loretta Devine) attic, who claims she can nurse him back to health with the Boogity, a Hoodoo figure she has made from his blood and skin. Unable to call for help, Marquis desperately tries to outwit and break free from her dark magic and save his family from a sinister ritual before the rise of the blood moon.

JUNGLELAND (DVD out 1.12.21)

SYNOPSIS | Stanley (Charlie Hunnam) and Lion (Jack O’Connell) are two brothers struggling to stay relevant in the underground world of bare-knuckle boxing. When Stanley fails to pay back a dangerous crime boss (Jonathan Majors), they’re forced to deliver an unexpected traveler as they journey across the country for a high stakes fighting tournament. While Stanley trains Lion for the fight of his life, a series of events threaten to tear the brothers apart, but their love for one another and belief in a better life keep them going in this gripping drama that proves family pulls no punches.

DREAMLAND (Blu-ray out 1.19.21)

SYNOPSIS | Two-time Academy Award® nominee* Margot Robbie (I, Tonya; Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) produces and stars alongside Finn Cole (“Peaky Blinders”) in director Miles Joris-Peyrafitte’s mesmerizing love story set amidst America’s struggle during the Great Depression. Eugene Evans (Cole) dreams of escaping his small Texas town when he discovers a wounded, fugitive bank robber (Robbie). Torn between claiming the bounty for her capture and his growing attraction to the seductive criminal, Eugene must make a decision that will forever affect the lives of everyone he’s ever loved. Travis Fimmel (Warcraft), Kerry Condon (Avengers: Infinity War), Darby Camp (“Big Little Lies”) and Lola Kirke (American Made) also star in this “beautifully shot coming-of-age story” (David Ehrlich, Indiewire)

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post over at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. In the comments there, please state which you are entering to win. You may enter for all three if you wish. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for an additional chance. You must be following.

Courtesy of Paramount Home Entertainment, enter for a chance to #win a copy of:

DREAMLAND
JUNGLELAND
SPELL

Details: https://t.co/UFAKBtbGeV pic.twitter.com/ivUnoephyz

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) January 5, 2021

Rules and regulations here.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Home Entertainment)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A DIGITAL DOWNLOAD OF “DON’T TELL A SOUL”

Jack Dylan Grazer (It, Shazam!) stars in DON’T TELL A SOUL! Mongrel Media x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a Digital Download!

Synopsis:

Two teenage brothers, stealing money to help their sick mother, match wits with a troubled security guard stuck at the bottom of a forgotten well.

See the Trailer:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post over at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for an additional chance. You must be following.

Enter for a chance to #win a Digital Download of DON'T TELL A SOUL starring Jack Dylan Grazer.https://t.co/CPg7z6Szr1 pic.twitter.com/DvmJgEo1U3

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) January 5, 2021

Rules and regulations here.

Mongrel Media release DON’T TELL A SOUL digitally and on-demand January 15, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

#FIRSTLOOK: “LOCKED DOWN”

Hmm. We feel like some people actually went through this. A separation delayed by lockdown. This is a new Film set to premiere on HBO Max!

Synopsis:

Just as they decide to separate, Linda (Anne Hathaway) and Paxton (Chiwetel Ejiofor) find life has other plans when they are stuck at home in a mandatory lockdown. Co-habitation is proving to be a challenge, but fueled by poetry and copious amounts of wine, it will bring them closer together in the most surprising way.

See the Trailer:

LOCKED DOWN arrives on HBO Max January 14, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: HBO Max)

#CNY: YEAR OF THE OX HOROSCOPE 2021

Happy New Year! We hope your new year has started on a bright note. And if it’s any of any comfort, it’s unlikely the year could’ve gone worse than 2020.

The Chinese New Year arrives on Friday, February 12, 2021 and this year we celebrate the Year of the Ox. The Ox is hard-working and while the year ahead will see a lot of effort, testing all our abilities, there also should be a reward attached to the toil. It is sad the success experienced in money and career also spills over to love and family life.

If you are born in the Year of the Ox however, note that in Chinese Astrology should it happen to be your year this year, that’s known as Fan Tai Sui. This means that when it’s your own year we’re observing, this offends the God of Tai Sui and that spills over to affecting your relationships, work and health, so do be careful.

Some legends were born in the Year of the Ox, most notably President Obama, Margaret Thatcher, George Clooney, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Nicholson, Lady Diana, Walt Disney, XXXTentacion, Malala Yousafzai, Paul Newman, Morgan Freeman, Kylie Jenner, Peter Jackson, Jane Fonda, Camila Cabello, Angela Lansbury, Jim Carrey, Maisie Williams, Eddie Murphy, Bruno Mars and several more. If you were born in any of these years, you are in fine company: 1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021.

Those born under the Year of the Rat, Horse, Snake, Pig and Monkey are said to be in an alliance with the Ox, hence good fortunes will be coming your way this year.

If you don’t know your Chinese Horoscope sign, don’t worry, we’ve got you:

Rat
1924 1936 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 2008 2020 2032

Ox
1925 1937 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997 2009 2021 2033

Tiger
1926 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 2010 2022 2034

Rabbit
1927 1939 1951 1963 1975 1987 1999 2011 2023 2035

Dragon
1928 1940 1952 1964 1976 1988 2000 2012 2024 2036

Snake
1929 1941 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001 2013 2025 2037

Horse
1930 1942 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002 2014 2026 2038

Sheep
1931 1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003 2015 2027 2039

Monkey
1920 1932 1944 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004 2016 2028

Rooster
1921 1933 1945 1957 1969 1981 1993 2005 2017 2029

Dog
1922 1934 1946 1958 1970 1982 1994 2006 2018 2030

Pig
1923 1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007 2019 2031

In keeping with our tradition, we’re sharing some of our favourite Chinese Horoscopes with you to help ring in this new year!

THE CHINESE ZODIAC

This website gives you easy-to-understand horoscopes and also month by month forecasts what to expect. It also will let you know specific obstacles you will face and give you recommendations to work around them and how to optimize the positivity.

CHINESE NEW YEAR

This website is great in that it gives you a profile of the traits that define each horoscope sign and it seems pretty accurate. It also shows you the signs you are compatible/not compatible with. We enjoy also its Health and Lifestyle recommendations.

YOUR CHINESE ASTROLOGY

If you really don’t like waiting another year for a Horoscope, this website gives you weekly Chinese Horoscopes!

Wishing you all the best in fortunes and health in the Year of the Ox and that we get the year we all deserve somehow! While it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other and likely will be a while since we see anything that resembles our “old normal”, we hold hope that we will get there together!

Mr. Will x beanie

#FIRSTLOOK: WHAT TO WATCH JANUARY 2021: “BRIDGERTON”, “BEST LEFTOVERS EVER!”, “DEATH TO 2020”, “ARIANA GRANDE: EXCUSE ME, I LOVE YOU”, “MIDNIGHT SKY”, “SAVED BY THE BELL”, “RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE”, “I MAY DESTROY YOU”, “PIECES OF A WOMAN”

Happy new year! We hope your Holidays were amazing! Although we’re all for new year, new me, we don’t want you to change if the old you involved being on your best behaviour spending time at home streaming and enjoying TV as we beat this Pandemic together.

We share some of our recommendations what to watch January 2021!

BRIDGERTON (NETFLIX)

This latest from Shondaland is departure from their usual, but don’t be fooled by the period costumes and dialogue, there’s juicy scandal to be found, true to brand. Adapted from Julia Quinn‘s popular novels, this racy Romance centers on one of London’s most eligible bachelors, Duke Simon Basset (Regé-Jean Page) who hooks-up with Duchess Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) for convenience at first but what ensues is some raging chemistry between the two as we weave between their love story and stories of those close around them and there are plenty of secrets, deception and betrayal to be had. Simon had a cold, distant relationship with his father who rejected him and wishes also not to be a father, which goes against everything Daphne wants and this is a driving force as the Plot thickens in a way which isn’t unlike Fifty Shades of Grey, but with greater character development and writing in its adaptation for the screen. BRIDGERTON is eight episodes and available now on Netflix. It’s fair to assume we’ll be hearing more from these characters in the future. Definitely not for the kids and if they do watch with you, you’ll have a bit of explaining to do.

DEATH TO 2020 (NETFLIX)

2020 was full of characters and this Mockumentary pokes fun at American and how it navigated the Pandemic and election through fictional characters in interviews played to deadpan perfection by the likes of Samuel L. Jackson, Joe Keery, Cristin Milioti, Hugh Grant, Leslie Jones, Lisa Kudrow, Kumail Nanjiani, Diane Morgan and Tracey Ullman. Charlie Brooker produces and directs this brilliant Satire which recounts from January to December 2020 and how the year began perfectly unsuspecting but gradually unfolding – pardon the language – into a shitshow. Jackson is savage as a Reporter; Milioti as an ignorant “Karen” and Kudrow as a devout Republican, providing pure jokes. English Actress Morgan is a delight explaining how odd America and its voting system are, one of the best parts of all this. At 70 minutes, this definitely is worth a watch for giggles. DEATH TO 2020 streams now on Netflix.

BEST LEFTOVERS EVER! (NETFLIX)

Need some inspiration with your drab leftovers? This eight episode Series has got some creative ideas! Hosted by energetic Funnywoman Jackie Tohn (Glow) and judged by Food Influencer David So and Chef Rosemary Shrager, we witness a set of three contestants given a bag of leftovers with a task to transform them completely into new dishes – two challenges per episode. Some of the creations look amazing, taking things from the Holidays, a Children’s Party, Game Day appetizers and more and working their magic. We even see Apple Pie get transformed into a Sandwich in one episode. While its clear the the show is still finding its tone and energy, its heart is in the right place and it’s nice hearing some pro tips from Shrager as she guides and critiques some of these contestants along the way. BEST LEFTOVERS EVER! streams now on Netflix.

MIDNIGHT SKY (NETFLIX)

George Clooney not only directs, but stars in this Adaptation of Lily Brooks-Dalton’s Novel Good Morning, Midnight. The Film centers on Augustine (Clooney), a Scientist who seeks to find planets outside of earth which are habitable. He forms a relationship with Jean (Sophie Rundle) who leaves him after realizing he is obsessed with his work. Several years later, he is severely ill and one of the few survivors after most life forms are eliminated. Augustine tries to contact a space mission to warn them of the dire situation on earth. He is led to Iris (Felicity Jones) who also is one of the few left on the mission and together they form an unlikely bond as Augustine is forced to face his mortality and a pregnant Iris is left with the great task of rebuilding humanity with Commander Adewole (David Oyelowo). This $100-million budget spectacle admittedly is a bit of a slow-burner but if you are willing to invest your time in it, at its heart is something meaningful befitting of a Holiday release. MIDNIGHT SKY streams now on Netflix.

ariana grande: excuse me, i love you (NETFLIX)

Ariana Grande is one of those Pop Artists whom we really don’t know a lot about still in her personal life, no doubt intentional, and her Music truly just speaks for itself. While Documentary ariana grande: excuse me, i love you views more as a concert film with some backstage anecdotes from her Sweetener World Tour than an actual Documentary which goes deep into her mind, exploring her thoughts and views. Directed by Paul Dugdale who has captured productions for Shawn Mendes, Taylor Swift, Coldplay and more in recent years, captures the Tour beautifully and the dynamic Grande has with her Team and Dancers, although it truly is a missed opportunity that we don’t get more insight into the alluring Grande, who admits on-stage her disdain for talking. If like me you’re a fan and love Grande‘s Music, this is a great re-experiencing of her Tour, but that is what this Film is and no more, no less. ariana grande: excuse me, i love you streams now on Netflix.

SAVED BY THE BELL (STACKTV/AMAZON PRIME VIDEO)

We were wondering if we ever were going to get a chance to see this in Canada! Thanks to STACKTV and Amazon Prime Video, this ten-episode reboot of beloved ’90s Saturday morning staple of the same name is available now to stream. And we must say how impressed we are with how smartly-written this revival has turned out to be, exactly in-tune with conversations we are having today about inclusion, race, privilege. It is important when bringing something back that there is something new to say and there is plenty of that here in this latest incarnation of SAVED BY THE BELL.

We love meeting our new characters, the story centering on Daisy (Haskiri Velazquez) whom along with her best friend Aisha (Alycia Pascual-Peña) are forced to transfer over to upscale Bayside High after their school is closed down as a result of plans by California Governor Zack Morris‘ (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) administration. In addition to having to adapt to their new surroundings, they must adjust to the school’s overprivileged culture and students. Returning from the original Cast are Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley) who now is a counsellor at the school; Slater (Mario Lopez) who now is a football coach and Phys Ed teacher; and Kelly (Tiffani Thiessen) who is married still to Zack and the mother of Mac. Among the characters we meet are Zack‘s self-absorbed son Mac (Mitchel Hoog); transgender Queen Bee Lexi (Josie Totah); football jock and son of Jessie, Jamie (Belmont Cameli); and Devante (Dexter Darden) who aspires to be in Bayside High‘s musical. 19-year-old Totah who also serves as a Producer is a real scene stealer who gives the show a sharp edge and also a bit of heart. A mix of screen time shared between Cast old and new delivers longtime fans and those now just discovering SAVED BY THE BELL both something to savour. You will need an Amazon Prime Video membership and the STACKTV add-on for this.

RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE SEASON 13 (CRAVE)

New year, new Queens! We’ve waited forever it seems for Season 13 of RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE after Season 12 wrapped at the beginning of the Pandemic with the final three filming their performances from their living rooms. The competition is fierce this round and RuPaul throws a twist this season making these finalists “lip sync for their lives” right off the bat and those who lose out are given the “pork chop”. What this means exactly, remains to be seen in the episodes ahead. Lots of antics are to be had as the Queens battle it out every Friday night on Crave for a shot at the crown and the competition is stiff with some seasoned Queens (a few from the New York circuit) battling it out against some with as little experience as a year and a half. Tamisha Iman made the cut season 12 but found out soon after she had cancer and had to undergo treatment right away. Gottmik also is the Series’ first ever transgender male to compete. Will be fasctinating to see how the Series is and will be navigating safety protocols in the episodes ahead.

I MAY DESTROY YOU (HBO/CRAVE)

We’re totally late on this one, but we’re delighted finally to have gotten around to seeing this phenomenal introduction to the brilliant Michaela Coel, who produced, wrote, directed and stars in this 12-episode Dramedy series. The Series centers on Arabella (Coel), a highly-buzzed young Author on the verge of writing her first book. She is left shaken trying to pick-up the pieces of her life trying to piece together the events leading-up to her rape after she is drugged at a party. Joining her on a journey of re-discovery are her best friends Kwame (Paapa Essiedu) and Terry (Weruche Opia). We love the questions that Coel ponders on consent, race, the spectrum of sexuality and cancel culture in the age of Social Media. The conversation is timely and daring and her characters really feel lived-in. I MAY DESTROY YOU is a triumph and is available on Crave with the HBO add-on.

For reviews on new releases like NEWS OF THE WORLD, THE WITCHES, SOUL, ANOTHER ROUND, MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM, WONDER WOMAN 1984 and WILD MOUNTAIN THYME and more, click here.

The excellent PIECES OF A WOMAN also arrives this week on Netflix. Our Review here.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#HORSERACING: PRINCE & PRINCESS DIARY – DECEMBER 2020

While 2020 left much to be desired, we look back and are grateful Prince (MR WILL) and Princess (A PIC BY MRWILL) are happy and healthy at their homes. We were so happy to get to catch-up with them over the Holidays.

While there were limited spots to race near the end of the season and the 2020 meet at Woodbine Racetrack being curtailed, MR WILL never got his last chance to break his maiden. That being said, we’re so proud of how hard he tried all year, picking-up cheques for his owners Michelle Love, Big Willow Stables, Chris Atkinson and Justin Kleiber in four out of five starts. He was so close, placing second twice, almost taking it all.

We’re of the firm belief everything happens for a reason and we are looking forward to the 2021 meet where we are certain MR WILL will find his way to the Winner’s Circle. Hopefully our COVID numbers will be under control by then and we’ll be able to see you there!

William has recovered well from his surgery with Dr. Orlaith Cleary at Toronto Equine Hospital late November to repair a knee chip. This is a common procedure and he already has had his bandages removed and is on stall rest, getting the occasional hand-walk around the barn for activity. His appetite is definitely great, snooping around in everyone else’s feed tub!

Some snaps on a visit pre-Christmas with his godsister, beanie!

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And there also have been two new additions to the family, Chickaletta and Hey Hey!

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Always a joy catching-up with Princess who fully has adjusted with her pack of mares as an outdoor girl. So cool seeing her mom Emily‘s barn get built and it’s coming along nicely. Soon she will have her own stall indoors again! Love being her “human” and how protective she is of me when I visit with treats, blocking the other mares from me. That’s my girl!

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Wishing you all a happy holiday! Can’t wait to see what 2021 will have in store for all of us!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#EDITORSNOTE: TOP TEN SINGLES OF 2020

2020 was a year indeed, but despite being filled with one tough blow after another, Music was there for us to guide us through these challenging times. While some of the year’s biggest smash hits turn back to the drumbeats and synths of the ’80s for inspiration, this is a good thing as that nostalgia translates to happiness and dancing.

While nothing beats a great Music Video, we’re seeing that the success of a single doesn’t necessarily depend on a flashy video. In fact, Megan Thee Stallion‘s hit “Savage” only has a Lyric Video and an Animated Video, but its exposure on TikTok helped propel it into the stratosphere of success.

And on the other side of things, Taylor Swift continues to top album sales charts without any definitive hit single. Times are changing on the musical landscape and more than ever on the Billboard Hot 100 we’re seeing songs from previous years land in the 2020 Hot 100 which either is a sign of people latching onto familiar things for comfort, or maybe chart criteria perhaps needs a deeper look.

Below are our Top Ten favourite singles of 2020! What are yours? Tweet us at @mrwillw!

1. Midnight Sky – Miley Cyrus

2. Rain on Me – Lady Gaga ft. Ariana Grande

3. Break My Heart – Dua Lipa

4. Say So – Doja Cat

5. Adore You – Harry Styles

6. ily – Surf Mesa ft. Emilee

7. How You Like That – Blackpink

8. August – Taylor Swift

9. Savage – Megan Thee Stallion

10. Naked – Ava Max

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music/Universal Music Group/Sony Music Entertainment)

#EDITORSNOTE: TEAM MR. WILL’S TOP TENS OF 2020

Well that was some year! Though 2020 presented its share of challenges, our Team grew that little bit closer in our collective navigation of the obstacles that came our way. We appreciate more than ever those of you who continued to stand by us as we did our best to adapt to our new normal and still find ways to keep you engaged. We get it, we miss those in-person screenings, red carpets and stars in the City too. Things are changing on the daily and you have our word that we will be here every step of the way for you!

While the year won’t be remembered as one filled with joy, there were still some bright spots. Our Dave Baldwin welcomed his son Quentin into the world. Our Jonathan Godfrey just got married! Mr. Will got to go to Hollywood again for Awards Season, attending the Independent Spirit Awards. Above that, he welcomed his puppy beanie to the family. Justin Waldman and George Kozera continue to deliver fantatsic work for the Team, and we can’t wait till in-person screenings are back so we can hear more from Nicholas Porteous, our newest member! And we’ve just received word that we’re accredited not only to the SXSW Festival, but also once again, Sundance Festival (go, Amanda Gilmore!).

While morale was down from previous years, nothing could take away our love of Film, Television and Entertainment. Perhaps more than ever we found ourselves turning to Entertainment as an escape to lift our spirits.

Team Mr. Will shares with you our favourites of 2020. Do keep in mind that you might not have had a chance to see some of these, which did the festival circuit this year, but hoping everyone gets a chance to see these!

Wishing you all the very best in 2021. And thank you for all your heartfelt support.

AMANDA GILMORE (Twitter: @GilmoreAmanda)

I had many favourite films this year so my Top Ten list is comprised of the favourites I can’t stop thinking about. Some of these include films that did the festival circuit in 2020 but will be released early 2021. Such as Promising Young Woman, The Father, Minari & Nomadland.

My list is in alphabetical order because I can’t narrow down the films any more than I already have. 

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Mangrove

Minari

Never Rarely Sometimes Always

Nomadland

Promising Young Woman

Soul

Sound of Metal

The Father

The Invisible Man

Special Mention: Nine Days

It’s my #1 for 2020 but releases Summer 2021. Do not miss it!

Documentary Favourite: Time

GEORGE KOZERA (Twitter: @PartyG)

1. Mank

2. Nomadland

3. First Cow

4. Soul

5. Sound of Metal

6. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

7. Never Rarely Sometimes Always

8. David Byrne’s American Utopia

9. Sublet

10. One Night in Miami

2020 had so many exciting prospects that I awaited with breathless anticipation: Spielberg’s adaptation of West Side Story, a new James Bond adventure, anything with ScarJo, and then…you know! This was followed by the Academy Awards extending their deadline submission date to February 2021 for Oscar consideration, hence this is my best of 2020 thus far! But before I do, please indulge me with these two honorable mentions:

Nothing I watched in 2020 made my spirits rise to unprecedented levels than to experience HAMILTON on the screen. Filmed live over two nights on Broadway with its original Cast, Lin Manuel Miranda’s masterpiece received the diamond quality cinematic treatment it deserved.

Had Steven McQueen‘s MANGROVE (from his SMALL AXE anthology) been a standalone, it would have easily been in my Top Three. Yet, despite McQueen’s unequivocal genius behind the camera, John Boyega’s best screen performance to date, outstanding Cinematography and Soundtrack and a truly memorable job from young Kenyah Sandy, the focus should have been placed on making one dish excellent rather than five very good ones.

JUSTIN WALDMAN (Twitter: @DubsReviews)

2020 has been a year, and that is to put it lightly, nothing about this year has been normal. For someone who visited theatres on a weekly basis (with very few exceptions) and not being able or comfortable to visit a theatre since mid-March has been challenging, however that does not mean there have not been some quality and excellent movies to have come out in 2020. Below are my personal favourite movies of this past year, in alphabetical order. I was not able to see either Minari or Promising Young Woman, without further ado my top 10! 

Black Bear

Death to 2020

Freaky

Invisible Man

Nomadland

On The Rocks

Palm Springs

Pieces of a Woman

Shiva Baby

Soul

Some of these movies are available to watch now, some will be coming out in the new year through various channels, if you have not watched these, don’t wait and watch these at your earliest convenience! Cheers to 2021 and a whole new slate of movies and adventures!

NICHOLAS PORTEOUS (Twitter: @NoveltyHat)

Despite some minor setbacks, this year brought a dump truck full of great content to my house. I’m very much still sorting through it. Soul, First Cow, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, most of Small Axe etc. will have to wait for a belated, potentially more accurate list. All that aside, Kajillionaire decisively leads the pack. Miranda July has evolved as a narrative filmmaker, and no other human on the planet is capable of constructing this Rube Goldberg machine of hilarious sadness and scam logic. Meanwhile, our technological and intuitive ease of self-documentation grows exponentially alongside the number of great films produced with front-facing cameras. Half the films on my list this year are Documentaries, and three of them are largely shot by their own subjects. American Murder, in particular, represents the future of the form—consisting mostly of Facebook posts, texts, and bodycam footage. We’re creating so much intimate content every day, wittingly or unwittingly waiting to be woven into feature-length visions. In ten years, I imagine many of the great movies will be cobbled from perfect little social media scraps, which probably sounds worse than it is. Sound of Metal puts us inside the body of Riz Ahmed as he struggles with the sudden onset of deafness. That conceit—embedded in the Sound Design—is so visceral and cinematic, I was amazed I hadn’t experienced a movie like it before now. Eric Andre flipped the Netflix standup special genre sideways while Christopher Nolan twirled his obsession with time, both making quite a mess. And Ema defies categorization—much like this year. (Unless you count psychological dance squad heist poly relationship movie).

Note, this list combines Film and Television.

1. Kajillionaire

2. Tiger King

3. Expecting Amy

4. Sound of Metal

5. Eric Andre: Legalize Everything

6. Ema

7. American Murder

8. Tenet

9. The Painter and the Thief

10. Totally Under Control

DAVID BALDWIN (Twitter: @DaveMABaldwin)

1. Nomadland

2. Promising Young Woman

3. The Father

4. Palm Springs

5. The Invisible Man

6. Never Rarely Sometimes Always

7. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

8. Wolfwalkers

9. Boys State

10. Another Round

Is there really anything left to say about 2020? It was a dumpster fire of a year for so many people, and the collective experience we had living through it will stay with us for the rest of our lives. I already knew my life was going to be changed forever when my son was born in March, but who knew everyone else would see their lives changed when WHO called Covid-19 a worldwide pandemic the exact same week? It is shocking to think about how different our lives used to be, and how in an instant, everything changed. This year saw some incredible highs, some miserable lows, and a whole lot in the margins. To me, that says everything about 2020 as well as the landscape of films that actually did get released. It was truly a mixed bag of delight and disappointment. While I am still bewildered that I saw less than 10 films in the theatre this year (for the first time in more than 20 years!), I am grateful for the studios pivoting to streaming and PVOD – if only because I was able to see new films in a timely fashion and still take care of my newborn! I miss theatres dearly and still wish I was able to see a few more films before putting this list together – I am looking at you Minari! – but I truly hope the studios and festivals take the lessons they learned this year and continue to provide greater accessibility to those that want to see their films.

And hey, maybe we should have known this year was going to be less than stellar after such a monumentally amazing year of film in 2019?

And for some of Mr. Will‘s favourite performances of 2020:

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MR. WILL (Twitter: @mrwillw)

What an interesting time it is for Cinema. If you told me a few years back if streaming services would be playing as big of a factor in Awards Season as they are right now, I’d have never believed you! More than half of my Top Ten of 2020 are available or will be available soon on streaming services. This is the future of Cinema and we already are living it. That being said, I can’t wait to be back at the theatres. Large pop, medium popcorn, white cheddar seasoning. Temperature so cold I need to wear my parka. Also an honourable mention to Toronto’s Emma Seligmann‘s fine directorial debut SHIVA BABY which you’ll be able to see in 2021 and Ben Affleck‘s superb work in THE WAY BACK which barely missed the cut, but should be seen and mentioned.

My Top Ten in no particular order, although THE FATHER was my standout.

Pieces of a Woman

The Father

Soul

Promising Young Woman

The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart

Borat: Subsequent Film

Lovers Rock

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

Nomadland

The Invisible Man

What were your favourites? Feel free to share with us on our Facebook Page or Tweet at us!

(Photo credit: Amazon Prime/Netflix/Disney/Focus Features/Elevation Pictures)