Right in-time for the Holidays comes this first look at Netflix Series DASH & LILY! The Series stars Austin Abrams and Midori Francis. Eight episodes arrive next month!

Synopsis:

A whirlwind Holiday romance builds as cynical Dash and optimistic Lily trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations all across New York City, finding they have more in common with each other than they would have expected. The series is based on the young adult book series Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares from the New York Times bestselling authors Rachel Cohn and David Levithan.

See the Trailer:

DASH & LILY arrives on Netflix Friday, November 10, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Margot Robbie stars in Coming-of-Age Drama DREAMLAND, coming soon. Here’s the new Trailer.

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) and Lola Kirke (American Made) also star in this “beautifully shot coming-of-age story” (David Ehrlich, Indiewire).

See the Trailer:

Paramount Home Entertainment release DREAMLAND in select theatres November 13, 2020 and On-Demand November 17, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Home Entertainment)

You won’t believe your eyes! This Cast is unbelievable! Check-out this new Teaser for Ryan Murphy‘s THE PROM!

Synopsis:

Dee Dee Allen (three-time Academy Award winner Meryl Streep) and Barry Glickman (Tony Award winner James Corden) are New York City stage stars with a crisis on their hands: their expensive new Broadway show is a major flop that has suddenly flatlined their careers. Meanwhile, in small-town Indiana, high school student Emma Nolan (newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman) is experiencing a very different kind of heartbreak: despite the support of the high school principal (Keegan-Michael Key), the head of the PTA (Kerry Washington) has banned her from attending the prom with her girlfriend, Alyssa (Ariana DeBose). When Dee Dee and Barry decide that Emma‘s predicament is the perfect cause to help resurrect their public images, they hit the road with Angie (Academy Award winner Nicole Kidman) and Trent (Andrew Rannells), another pair of cynical actors looking for a professional lift. But when their self-absorbed celebrity activism unexpectedly backfires, the foursome find their own lives upended as they rally to give Emma a night where she can truly celebrate who she is.

See the Teaser Trailer:

THE PROM streams on Netflix December 11, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

NEWS OF THE WORLD stars Tom Hanks and it will be in theatres this Christmas. See the new Trailer.

Synopsis:

This Christmas, Universal Pictures is proud to present Tom Hanks starring in News of the World, a moving story written and directed by Paul Greengrass, reuniting for the first time with his star from their 2013 Best Picture nominee Captain Phillips. Five years after the end of the Civil War, Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd (Hanks), a widower and veteran of three wars, now moves from town to town as a non-fiction storyteller, sharing the news of presidents and queens, glorious feuds, devastating catastrophes, and gripping adventures from the far reaches of the globe. In the plains of Texas, he crosses paths with Johanna (Helena Zengel, System Crasher), a 10-year-old taken in by the Kiowa people six years earlier and raised as one of their own. Johanna, hostile to a world she’s never experienced, is being returned to her biological aunt and uncle against her will. Kidd agrees to deliver the child where the law says she belongs. As they travel hundreds of miles into the unforgiving wilderness, the two will face tremendous challenges of both human and natural forces as they search for a place that either can call home.

See the Trailer:

Universal Pictures Canada release NEWS OF THE WORLD in theatres this Christmas.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures)

We cannot deny that the FROZEN franchise wouldn’t be the success it has been without our favourite snowman, Olaf! But what is the story behind this charismatic winter wonder?

Directed by Dan Abraham and Trent Correy, Disney Short ONCE UPON A SNOWMAN sums-up his origins in 8 concise minutes for us and it is about to arrive on Disney+.

Josh Gad returns in this career-defining role and we witness Olaf really struggle to find his identity. “I’m lost and confused. I’m definitely confused.”, he says. “I kinda look like a Fernando.. or a Trevor.”. For a Snowman, he realizes he loves Summer, but we’re not quite sure how that’s going to pan-out.

Oaken (Chris Williams) also surfaces here, helping a noseless Olaf out in finding a sense of himself, handing him a sausage for a nose. But it is through an act of selflessness that he discovers his true self and his name, Olaf. And from here he is about to encounter Anna for the first time!

Our only criticism is we wish this was longer. Olaf deserves his own Feature!

The gorgeously-animated ONCE UPON A SNOWMAN arrives on Disney+ Friday, October 23, 2020.

See the Trailer:

The new Trailer for THE LIFE AHEAD starring screen legend, Academy Award and Grammy winner Sophia Loren in her big return to the screen!

Synopsis:

In the colorful Italian port city of Bari, the streetwise 12-year-old Senegalese orphan Momo (Ibrahima Gueye) has ambitions to make his fortune in the underworld of the town’s shady alleyways. One day, he steals a bag of items from the elderly Madame Rosa (Sophia Loren), a Holocaust survivor who makes a meagre living raising the children of prostitutes with whom she once shared the streets. When Momo is forced to apologize to Rosa, she reluctantly agrees to take him in temporarily and the two lonely individuals find an unlikely family in each other through a deep and unconventional bond. The kindred spirits become connected to a common destiny that will change the course of their lives. The Life Ahead is directed by Edoardo Ponti and adapted by Ponti, Ugo Chiti from Romain Gary’s novel The Life Before Us. The film stars Sophia Loren, Ibrahima Gueye, Renato Carpentieri, Iosif Diego Pirvu, Massimiliano Rossi, Abril Zamora and Babak Karimi.

See the Trailer:

THE LIFE AHEAD arrives on Netflix Friday, November 13, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Spooky thrills are to be had at the Toronto Haunted Drive-Thru! Beginning tonight through November 1, 2020, you can get into that festive Halloween spirit at 176 Cherry Street (The Docks Driving Range).

The installation spans 1 1/2 km, lasting for 20+ minutes and is filled with iconic set props straight from Hollywood, animatronics, a water-shooting Kraken, a graveyard, a UFO crash and even a Drive-In with Horror classics playing every night starting at 11:30 PM. We hear the first to screen is HALLOWEEN!

While our Media preview was on-foot, the actual event is a Drive-Thru experience where social distancing protocols will be in place.

More on tickets, including a package deal with Superdogs, available at http://torontoshines.ca.

A Carousel of fun:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The 28th annual TORONTO JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL runs October 22-November 1, 2020. The Festival adapts to our current climate with a digital format this year with a wide range of Films to cater to all tastes with 50+ available films to watch, produced in Canada and abroad. TIFF ’20 breakout hit SHIVA BABY will be screening at the Festival too in case you missed it at TIFF and INSIDE OUT! Other highlights include Eytan Fox-directed Drama, WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT, an Adaptation of the popular Novel, SUBLET and Music Documentary ARMY OF LOVERS IN THE HOLY LAND.

Fans still will be able to attend Q&As with the Filmmakers by typing in questions, selected by a Moderator and these also will be recorded also for later viewing in case they are missed.

A portion of proceeds from the Fall Edition of the Festival will go to Mazon Canada and The Stop Community Food Centre.

Our Justin Waldman and George Kozera had a chance to preview some of this year’s key titles! See their thoughts.

IF YOU SEE MY MOTHER

By Justin Waldman

If You See My Mother tackles loss and grief in an unconventional way in Nathanaël Guedj’s feature debut. With some levity and comedy as well as outstanding performances by Max (Felix Moati) and Monique (Noemie Lvovsky), the Movie truly can deliver for some. It follows Max as he grieves the loss of his mother, but spiritually she survives and haunts Max’ relationships and attempts to move forward in his life.

Guedj along with Sophie Glaas, Alexandre Smia and Marc Syrigas wrote the Script together, and with four Writers one would hope that the Script would feel a little tighter than the final product amounts to. However, the performances from the two Leads certainly bring much life to the Script, helping them transcend onto the big screen. The only issue lays in the subject matter and the way Max deals with his loss may be uncomfortable and unsettling to some audiences.

If You See My Mother screens virtually October 23^rd – October 24^th.

BORN IN JERUSALEM AND STILL ALIVE

By Justin Waldman

Yossi Atia does it all in Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive as he is Star, Writer, and Director in this Dark Comedy about tragedy, anxiety, and terrorism. The movie follows Ronen (Yossi Atia) as he starts on an adventure of doing self guided terror attacks down Jaffa street for tourists, on one of his tours he meets Asia (Lihi Kornowski) and now he now has to navigate these tours, some personal issues with his father and this new-found relationship.

What makes Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive work really well is the levity that Yossi Atia brings to his Script, direction, and performance with taking something tragic which happens all too often and bringing some light hearted comedy to these events will engulfing the hardship of taking care of a stubborn parent. Lihi Kornowski and Yossi Atia’s performances are both charming and endearing, bringing a lot of charisma and life to the well-crafted Script. Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive is a heavy film that is levitated by its comedy.

Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive screens October 30^th – October 31st

SHIVA BABY

By Justin Waldman

Emma Seligman, read this name, know this name, remember this name. She is a force to be reckoned with, as Writer and Director of her Feature debut Shiva Baby you would be hard pressed not to include her on a top 10 directorial debuts and a name to be remembered. Shiva Baby is equal parts uncomfortable (for its absolute realism) and hilarity ensues as it navigates the uncomfortableness that presents itself during a family gathering, in this case, a shiva.

The Movie focuses on Danielle (Rachel Sennott), again another name to note, as she is attending a shiva that her parents asked her to attend. While at the shiva, she runs into her friend Maya (Molly Gordon), and there is a history there that her parents do not want to be rehashed out in this family gathering. Some other events and characters trigger a series of unfortunate, yet quiet hilarious, events that truly exemplify the horrors of being at large gatherings while trying to accept first and foremost who you are as an individual without being shunned by your family. Shiva Baby is arguably one of the best films you will see this year and should not be missed!

Shiva Baby screens digitally Monday October 26^th – Tuesday October 27^th.

WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT

By Justin Waldman

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit is an incredibly-famous Book written (semi-autobiographically) by Judith Kerr. With Caroline Link in the Director’s chair and Anna Bruggemann adapting, the Book sees its first Feature adaptation and what results is a hauntingly-beautiful film that will tug on your heartstrings. The Film focuses on Anna (Riva Krymalowski) as she with her mother Dorothea (Carla Juri), father Arthur (Oliver Masucci) and brother Max (Marinus Hohmann), set-out bravely to escape Berlin in 1933. They find refuge in Switzerland, being Jewish and her father is a Journalist known for having criticized Hitler publicly. The performances by the entire Cast are exceptional, but the delivery from its Lead Riva Krymalowski in her first Feature, is a performance that will linger with its audience long after they finish the Film. Her acting encompasses a wide range of emotions and this is truly a beautiful performance. When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit is a masterful adaptation and likewise acted brilliantly.

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit screens Thursday October 29th – Friday October 30th.

THOU SHALT NOT HATE

By Justin Waldman

Thou Shalt Not Hate directed by Mauro Mancini tells the story of Surgeon named Simone (Alessandro Gassmann) who is peacefully canoeing in a small river along a highway in Italy when he hears and sees a horrific crash on the highway. He rushes-up the hill to the roadside to call an ambulance and check on the victim. After trying to preserve the man’s life, he discovers an SS tattoo on his wrist and a swastika on his chest, and he decides to not follow the oath he swore to. As a son of a survivor of the Holocaust, Simone refuses to help the dying man, but winds-up hiring his daughter Marcia (Sara Serraiocco) due to the remorse he feels for letting her father die.

Thou Shalt Not Hate features impactful performances from both Alessandro Gassmann and Sara Serraicocco, raising questions around moral dilemmas and professional oaths. The Movie is unsettling and thought-provoking, with the Italian landscape as a backdrop that will linger in ones head for days to follow.   

Thou Shalt Not Hate screens virtually October 23^rd – October 24^th.

SUBLET

By George Kozera

The recently Tony Award nominated (and past winner) John Benjamin Hickey stars in SUBLET, in which he plays Michael, a gay, partnered travel writer in Tel Aviv for 5 days to document the less touristy parts of this city. Rather than stay in a hotel, he sublets an apartment from Tomer (Niv Nissim in his Feature film debut), a young aspiring Horror Film Director. Despite their age difference, the two men develop a trusting friendship.

Directed and co-written by Eytan Fox (Walk on Water), SUBLET succeeds on many levels. Tel Aviv, a city underrepresented on the big screen, shines with vibrancy and energy which is also reflected in the stunning musical score and songs. It is impossible to not overstate the brilliance of Hickey’s performance. Every movement is precise and he expresses a range of emotions without saying a word. It is a towering achievement that is richly complimented by the charismatic (and supremely handsome) Niv Nissim. His is a confident and hypnotic achievement and SUBLET should do for Nissim that “Crazy Rich Asians” did for Henry Golding; it will make him a star, On a self-indulgent note, as someone who hates onions, Tomer’s reaction to being told that “onions give it all the flavour” is Oscar-worthy!

SUBLET has signed a permanent lease as one of my favourite films seen in 2020.

ARMY OF LOVERS IN THE HOLY LAND

By George Kozera

Movies described as “camp” usually have that description bestowed as it wasn’t the Filmmaker’s original intention (Mommie Dearest, Showgirls, Valley of the Dolls). Very few features are made with camp in mind, such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show or the films of John Waters. ARMY OF LOVERS IN THE HOLY LAND is the first Documentary I have ever seen where camp is the raison d’etre and destination and it is a hoot!

Army of Lovers was a Disco band in Sweden who freely admit they couldn’t sing well or play musical instruments (think Milli Vanilli with an Abba beat and vocals) but could wear high heels well. They became famous in Europe due to their outrageous videos, flashy costumes and a musical back beat that is impossible not to shake your booty to. This Documentary is about the flamboyant Jean-Pierre Barda, with his mane of hair that rivals that of Diana Ross and clothes that look like they’re from the closets of Cher and Bob Mackie, as he moves to Israel to start a new life.

If you’re a camp aficionado, ARMY OF LOVERS IN THE HOLY LAND will put a happy grin from ear to ear on your face, make your hands raise the roof during the musical interludes and also show what life is like in Israel.

Like the famous meatballs Sweden is known for, this Movie is irresistible.

ANTON

By George Kozera

Set in a tiny village in the Ukraine during the Bolshevik Revolution and the rise of Trotskyism, ANTON is a powerful film about hardships and violent atrocities through the eyes of two young boys. The bond of friendship between Anton (a German-Catholic) and Yasha, who is Jewish, is unshakable and they find strength together as they cope with a myriad of deaths and uncertainties.

Based on a Novel by Canadian author and politician, Dale Eisler, ANTON is an engrossing and spiritual film with stunning Cinematography and exceptional performances. I was especially impressed by Tetiana Grachik‘s portrayal of Dora, the Red Devil. Her propensity towards violent actions (shocking they may be, but never overly-gratuitous) made her one of the most fascinating on screen villainess I’ve seen in a long time. Nikita Schlanchak and Mykyta Dziad (as Anton and Yasha, respectively) are outstanding, belying their young age. I urge you strongly to have tissues on hand while watching ANTON as you will weep watching this remarkable achievement.

BREAKING BREAD

By George Kozera

The Documentary BREAKING BREAD opens with a quote from the late Anthony Bourdain: “Food may not be the answer to world peace…but it’s a start”. We then meet Dr.Nof Atamna-Ismaeel, an Arab Microbiologist, who won “Masterchef Israel”. Her mission in life is to see Jews and Arabs come together through food and has started the A-Sham Food Festival in Haifa, which may be Israel’s most diverse city as it celebrates Christmas, Ramadan and Hannukah equally and proudly. She pairs Jewish and Arabic chefs from different areas in Israel and asks them to transform traditional meals together. The Chefs we meet are not only supremely-talented in their craft and charismatic, their creations will have you salivating – do NOT see this on an empty stomach!

Writer/Producer/Director Beth Elise Hawk not only concentrates on the food, but touches on topics as the past and current political situations and religious and cultural differences with an assured hand and vision. More importantly, nearly every scene is framed with charisma and passion. I particularly loved the scene where Dr. Nof talks about seeing an American table setting that had cheese dips, guacamole, salsa and hummus, the traditional Middle Eastern staple and says “Hummus has no borders”. It struck home with me as I feel the same way every time I see non-Montrealers talk about or make Poutine.

I’m a self-proclaimed and obsessed Foodie, hence BREAKING BREAD had me transfixed throughout. It’s a Master Class Documentary, hosted by a Masterchef winner, created and helmed by a masterful filmmaker. Lastly, watch the End Credits and you’ll see a website listed that has the recipes of the food we just watched. Yes, it’s time to rattle them pots and pans!

MINYAN

By George Kozera

Set in the late ’80s in the Brighton Beach area of Brooklyn and based on Short Stories from Canadian Author (and Giller Prize finalist) David Bezmozgis, MINYAN tells the story of David, a high school yeshiva student with self-identity issues which includes being gay in a conservative Jewish community. In the role of David, Samuel H. Levine brings gravitas and intensity in this Feature film project following his being part of the Cast in the recently Tony-nominated milestone play “The Inheritance” (which also starred John Benjamin Hickey who can be seen in “Sublet” screening at TJFF). Whereas slightly-too-mature looking to portray a 17-year-old and some of the acting choices register a theatricality that need to project to the last row of a theatre versus a more naturalistic and subtle cinematic one, Levine is impressive.

The Supporting Cast, which include Ron Rifkin, Mark Margolis and Alex Hurt (William Hurt’s son), all give earnest performances but are tinged with an over-the-top sensibility that almost verge on cliché-ridden. Director Eric Steel, who’s had successes as a Producer and had fashioned two Documentaries, may have bit off more than he can chew with this Feature film debut.

The Cinematography is dark and murky. The pace is a tad too languid, the competing storylines are a tad too serious. The rare times David would smile or a character would say something in jest were a much needed relief to the somber events on screen. However, Samuel H. Levine’s star power is never in question. I expect great things from him in future endeavours.

Tickets are available now for purchase. Click here for more.

Kelly Marie Tran and Awkwafina star in Disney’s upcoming Feature RAYA AND THE DRAGON! The first Trailer just got released!

Synopsis:

Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well. From Directors Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada, Co-directors Paul Briggs and John Ripa, Producers Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho, and featuring the voices of Kelly Marie Tran as Raya and Awkwafina as the last dragon Sisu.

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON is in theatres Friday, March 12, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Lionsgate x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a free Digital Download of ANTEBELLUM, starring Janelle Monáe.

See the Trailer:

To enter for a chance to win, please click “like” on this Post over at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. You also can Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for another chance!

Rules and regulations here.

ANTEBELLUM is available on Digital, 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ & DVD November 3, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Lionsgate)