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!

Rules and regulations here.

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.

Wildly-popular, err… should we say paw-pular, Animated Series PAW PATROL gets the big screen treatment and its young fans around the globe can’t seem to wait! The Red Carpet was rolled-out this morning at Toronto’s Scotiabank Theatre as the Canadian Cast, Creators and Crew of the Series, celebrated the upcoming release of PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE. The star-studded Feature directed by Toronto’s own Cal Brunker, sees the beloved pups band together to go head-to-head against Mayor Humdinger, who could well destroy Adventure City. The fact that several of the A-List names who voice the Film signed-on because their own families are fans of Paw Patrol, is a testament to its power.

We had the pawesome experience of chatting with Brunker about making the Film just earlier this week. Check it out here!

The Franchise is loved internationally, a true testament to this being a true Canadian success story with its foundations rooted deeply in our country, produced by Canada’s Spin Master.

Once could sense the great pride and joy among the Film’s Cast and Creators, getting to premiere the Film for the first time for the Toronto audience. In attendance today at the festive affair, complete with some of the canine characters to bring cheer, were:

See some Snaps from the event:

Elevation Pictures release PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE in theatres Friday, August 20, 2021.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Golden Globe-nominated Actress Mila Kunis is among several stars who have braved the Pandemic in Toronto. The star of successes like That ’70s Show, Black Swan, Bad Moms, Family Guy and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, has been in town with husband Ashton Kutcher and their two children the past month-plus filming upcoming Mystery LUCKIEST GIRL IN THE WORLD. Directed by Mike Barker (The Handmaid’s Tale) and adapted from Jessica Knoll‘s New York Times Bestseller, the Film centers on a woman who overcame dark past traumas to reinvent herself. The Film is set for a 2022, just having wrapped its Toronto portion. Production completes in New York City.

The star made headlines recently when it was revealed she and husband Kutcher only bathe their children when absolutely required. Okay, even I admit I thought that was unusual! This sparked Kutcher and Kunis to post this funny video in response to the talk.

We’ve always loved Kunis and the personable warmth she brings into her roles. No matter who she is playing, she somehow makes her characters feel lived-in and like people I know.

beanie and I were so fortunate to get a Selfie with Kunis wrapping in the City after having been spotted filming in the downtown core, all the way out to Cobourg. When we met her, she was filming a scene at Indigo Bookstore in Bloor, looking a vision. Author Knoll who adapted to Screenplay for the Film also was seen on-set where Crew were treated to Tiny Tom Doughnuts and a fancy Coffee Truck overnight!

Respecting social distancing, Kunis was more than kind to look back for a Selfie before heading off. We’re so happy!

Cannot wait to see LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE, which will stream on Netflix!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Two greats unite in Lizzo’s Comeback Track RUMORS, featuring Cardi B! Check-out this new Clip for the Single, directed by Tanu Muino. Goddesses only, please! Lizzo owns her outlandish reputation with accountability and we’re here for it!

You can stream/download RUMORS now here.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music)

By Mr. Will Wong

Paw Patrol truly is a Canadian success story, winning fans all around the world since its debut in 2013. Upcoming Feature PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE proudly sports its Canadian colours on the international stage as it sees an upcoming release in theatres. The star-studded Film directed and co-written by Cal Brunker, showcases our own homegrown talent, while also featuring the voices of Hollywood A-Listers like Tyler Perry, Jimmy Kimmel, Kim Kardashian-West, Yara Shahidi, Dax Sheppard, Randall Park and more.

The Film sees the adored pups going head-to-head fighting for what’s right against their arch-enemy Mayor Humdinger, as he gains power in Adventure City, threatening to destroy the metropolis.

We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to chat with Toronto’s Brunker, whose work includes Despicable Me, Horton Hears a Who! Ice Age: Continental Drift, Minions and more. PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE sees him team-up with among others, his longtime partner Bob Barlen, whom he co-wrote the Script with.

Brunker tells us about the Film’s proud Canadian attachments.

Brunker: Oftentime, these bigger movies get outsourced and made in America. For us it felt like something we could really be proud of. Not only is the Movie made here, it’s a Show and a Brand that’s loved around the world that really is a Canadian success story. For us it’s a really exciting moment premiering this Movie here in Toronto this Saturday.

We ask him why he thinks this Franchise has connected so much with this next generation.

Brunker: It’s familiar and it’s got these great characters that they love. I’ve got a three-year-old and a six-year-old and we’re constantly watching this stuff at home. I always watch them watching it and see they’ve each got their favourite pups and I think that’s why people keep going back to it over and over.

The Film features a roster of A-List Voice Talent. Brunker tells about getting names like Tyler Perry, Jimmy Kimmel and Kim Kardashian West involved.

Brunker: One of the things that made it a wonderful casting experience is a lot of them have kids that watch Paw Patrol, and they wanted to be superstars to their kids. I know Tyler’s son is huge fan and Jimmy‘s little one he jokes about on his show. We’re aware of those people who already are in the Paw Patrol world in their own lives with their families. We reached out and the response was wonderful.

In terms of working with them, most of it was done over Zoom ,which is a first for me. Normally you’re with the Actors and it’s easier to play around with them when they’re in the same room. They were all absolutely wonderful. We just took as much time as it needed over Zoom, improvised and tried to different things and built the characters like that.

He tells us about what he hopes the audience will take away from PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE.

Brunker: The Movie is about overcoming one’s fears. That’s the main emotional story in the Film. It seems like the type of theme that will really resonate as we have been dealing with fear the past year and a half. The Film is really coming out at the right time. And hope it will connect to kids and families alike.

See our Chat with Brunker below. Including beanie‘s pitch to star in the next Paw Patrol movie!

Elevation Pictures release PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE Friday, August 20, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures/Mr. Will Wong)