Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Based on the true story of businessman Greville Wynne (Benedict Cumberbatch) who, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, was sent by MI6 and CIA operatives to the Soviet Union to work with a mole Oleg (Merab Ninidze) and bring back documents.

This unflinching Political Drama pays tribute to the ordinary yet unbelievably strong and brave hero of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Director Dominic Cooke managers to bring something unique to the old Political Drama genre. The use of Lighting, Production Design and Cinematography elevates this important and heartbreaking story along with its stellar cast. Cumberbatch is at the top of his game as Wynne who teaches us that there’s humanity at the centre of every conflict, no matter how big. Jessie Buckley, who plays Wynne’s wife, gives a heartbreaking performance particularly in a scene where she finally gets to see her husband again. The rest of the Cast consisting of Ninidze, Rachel Brosnahan and more turns in memorable and powerful performances.

Ironbark screens at Sundance on Fri, Jan. 24th at 6:30 PM at Eccles, Sat, Jan. 25th at 9 AM at Eccles, Sat, Jan. 25th at 6:15 PM at Grand Theatre, Mon, Jan. 27th at 12 PM at Sundance Resort, Sat, Feb. 1st at 8:30 PM at The MARC, and Sun, Feb. 2nd at Rose Wagner Center.

BAD BOYS FOR LIFE takes the top of the Box Office a third straight week, taking $17.7 million from 3,705 theatres for Sony Pictures. This brings its run to $147.8 million domestically.

1917 earns $9.8 million from 3,987 theaters, a total $119 million for Universal Pictures.

DOLITTLE lands in fourth with $8.2 million from 3,749 theaters for Universal Pictures, a total $55.2 million in three weeks.

GRETEL & HANSEL debuts in fifth with $6.1 million from 3,007 theatres for United Artists Releasing. The Film gets 56% on the Tomatometer, with a C- CinemaScore.

THE RHYTHM SECTION debuts in eighth with $3.1 million from 3,049 theaters for Paramount Pictures, garnering 30% on the Tomatometer. It gets a C+ on CinemaScore.

THE TURNING rounds-out the Top Ten with $2.8 million from 2,571 theaters for Universal Pictures.

Academy Award-nominated, Golden Globe and Emmy-winning Actress ALFRE WOODARD certainly is a veteran of the screen having produced a phenomenal résumé which includes St. Elsewhere, L.A. Law, Hill Street Blues, Scrooged, Desperate Housewives, Down in the Delta and of course, Best Picture-winning 12 Years a Slave. In addition to a celebrated career, she has been a vocal supporter in the fight against AIDS and LGBTQ rights.

Woodard made an appearance at TIFF ’19 in September for her latest, CLEMENCY which won top honours at Sundance a year ago and much more acclaim to follow. She gifted fans with another appearance tonight at TIFF Bell Lightbox in support of the Film. She did a Q&A following the Screening with TIFF’s Cameron Bailey and took her time granting Selfie requests from a sizable crowd of Fans!

See our Snap!

Clemency plays also in Toronto at The Carlton.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Searchlight Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see Sundance selection DOWNHILL!

Screenings take place February 12, 2020 7:00 PM in:

• Toronto
• Montreal
• Vancouver

SYNOPSIS:
Barely escaping an avalanche during a family ski vacation in the Alps, a married couple is thrown into disarray as they are forced to reevaluate their lives and how they feel about each other. Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Will Ferrell star in this biting comedy.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City.

Re-Tweet this Tweet on Twitter via @mrwillw for an extra chance.

Rules and regulations here.

DOWNHILL is in theatres Valentine’s Day.

(Photo/video credit: Searchlight Pictures)

Check-out first this new Big Game TV Spot for Disney’s MULAN!

Synopsis:
Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s “Mulan,” in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father.

See the Trailer:

Disney’s MULAN is in theatres Friday, March 26, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Here’s your first look at a new TV Spot to be seen during Sunday’s Big Game for A QUIET PLACE PART II!

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS:
Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path.

See the Trailer:

A QUIET PLACE PART II is in theatres Friday, March 20, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures)

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

After status-obsessed Rory (Jude Law) forces his wife, Allison (Carrie Coon), and their children to move from New York to 1980s Surrey, England, the family begins to fall apart.

Writer-Director Sean Durkin has finally followed-up on his Feature debut Martha Marcy May Marlene with this stunning study of the lengths one may go to get and/or appear wealthy in a capitalist society. His steady pace, impeccable dialogue and setting create an eerie atmosphere that easily unsettles and hovers over each scene. His entire cast is outstanding. Law ferociously throws himself into Rory’s incredible need to be in the upper-class and his slow descent into turmoil. Then there’s Coon’s controlled and subtle Allison that quickly turns into a ticking time-bomb. The Nest is a study on how some are willing to risk everything and anything to get what they want, even after they forget why they want it. And although this takes place in the 1980s, it’s a film is relevant to our society today.

The Nest screens at Sundance on Sun, Jan. 26th at 6:30 PM at Eccles, Mon, Jan. 27th at 8 AM at The MARC, Thus, Jan. 30th at 9 AM at Eccles, Fri, Jan. 31st at 9:30 PM at The Ray, and Sun, Feb. 2nd at 3 PM at Tower Theatre

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

For many years, Kurt (Joe Keery) has been unsuccessful at becoming a social media influencer, but he’s hoping his new killer plan that will change everything.

Spree is one adrenaline-fuelled ride from beginning to end that has a wholly committed performance from Keery. Writer-Director Eugene Kotlyarenko has invented an original Horror-Comedy that’s a social critique on the lengths one may go to get noticed on Social Media. Kotlyarenko’s inventive use of dash cams, cell phone video, and Social Media apps gives this Film an authentic feel that would be lost if shot with a standard film camera. Then there is Keery who is 100% committed to bringing this comic, often lovable yet frightening character to the screen. Keery’s natural likability is expertly put to use in Spree because it makes the audience root for Kurt even in his darkest moments.

Spree screens at Sundance on Fri, Jan. 24th at 8:30 PM at The MARC, Sat, Jan. 25th at 11:30 PM at Prospector Square, Sun, Jan. 26th at 12 PM at Broadway Centre Cinema 6, Wed, Jan. 29th at 8:30 PM at Egyptian, and Thur, Jan. 30th at 4:15 PM at Redstone Cinema 2.

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

In the midst of struggling with the fact she’s single and a struggling artist at the age of 40, playwright Rahda finds a new passion: Rapping.

Writer-Director and star Rahda Blank graces us with this hilarious and thoughtful film about the pressure society puts on women when they get to a certain age. It’s beautifully shot in black and white and the Script is loaded with quick wit on racism and ageism. As soon as the credits roll one knows they have watched something truly special and that Radha Blank is a force to be reckoned with.

The 40-Year-Old Version screens at Sundance on Sat, Jan. 25th at 3 PM at Library Centre, Sun, Jan. 26th at 6 PM at Salt Lake City Library, Mon, Jan. 27th at 8:15 AM at Prospector Square, Tues, Jan. 28th at 9 PM at Sundance Resort, Fri, Jan. 31st at 12:15 PM at Eccles, and Sat, Feb. 1st at 11:30 AM at The MARC.

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

When stoic teenager Autumn (Sidney Flanigan) unexpectedly gets pregnant she and her cousin, Skylar (Talia Ryder), bravely travel to New York City from their rural Pennsylvania hometown to get an abortion.

Writer-Director Eliza Hittman has made a quiet film that’s subtext is just as important as the written dialogue. The Film is predominantly made of all-consuming close-up shots that masterfully parallels the invasive process of finding a clinic, the questionnaire process and the procedure. First-time actor Flanigan is a force on screen. With minimal dialogue, her expressive face portrays the inner emotions that come along with this important decision. Her undeniable talent is shown in one of the hardest to watch scenes where she is being interviewed at the clinic before the procedure. Never Rarely Sometimes Always might be a tough-watch for some, but it’s a highly important film everyone should see.

Never Rarely Sometimes Always screens at Sundance on Fri, Jan. 24th at 6:30 PM at The Ray, Sat, Jan. 25th at 12 PM at Sundance Resort, Sun, Jan. 26th at 9 AM at Library Centre, Mon, Jan. 27th at 3:45 PM at Broadway Centre Cinema 3, Wed, Jan. 29th at 3:30 PM at Eccles, and Thur, Jan. 30th at 12:30 PM at Redstone Cinema 1.