The 2019 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival kicks-off this Thursday, April 27 and runs through Sunday, May 5, 2019, giving Film lovers a chance to see over 200 Documentaries. It is expected that this year’s audience will exceed 200,000 with an array of fascinating guests to visit the City including Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Mr. Toilet, John Cleese, Ai Weiwei, Gordon Lightfoot and more!

Highlighting the Festival this year are AFTER PARKLAND which examines the lives of students who survived the Parkland shooting; ASK DR. RUTH gives us a candid look at the life of the famed Sex Therapist; ASSHOLES: A THEORY looks at the Psychology of well, assholes; DRAG KIDS follows a group of pre-teens brought together by their love for Drag; GORDON LIGHTFOOT: IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND centers on the famed Canadian Singer/Songwriter; HUMAN NATURE received tons of buzz out of Sundance and looks at the new phenomenon of Gene Regulation; MR. TOILET: THE WORLD’S #2 MAN follows Jack Sim‘s quest to raise the standards of toilets worldwide; and Contemporary Artist and Activist Ai Weiwei directs THE REST.

Dr. Ruth

Ai Weiwei

Our Amanda Gilmore (@GilmoreAmanda) and George Kozera (@PartyG) had the chance to preview some of the most-buzzed Films of the Festival and here are some of their Reviews, including when and where to see the Films:

AMANDA GILMORE

Push

This documentary follows UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Housing Leilani Farha in her quest to define housing as a fundamental human right.

Director Fredrik Gertten does a tremendous job of getting ample amounts of information regarding city housing crisis’s across multiple continents, including North America and Europe. With the push of middle to low-income classes out of cities and into more rural neighbourhoods, this doc raises important questions about what cities are going to be in the future and who they will be for. Push isn’t just a great Doc, but is also shot beautifully. Gertten aids his story by creating a dreary atmosphere by having many cities establishing shots displaying low-grey clouds and rain.

Push screens at Hot Docs on Fri, April 26 at 9:15PM at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, Sat, April 27 at 4PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, Wed, May 1 at 1PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, and Sat, May 4 at 9:15PM at Hart House Theatre.

Toxic Beauty

Toxic Beauty examines the effects of everyday cosmetics on the internal health of our bodies.

Director and Writer Phyllis Ellis has created a shockingly informative Documentary that will change the way men and women use their beauty products. Through rigorous interviews, class-action lawsuits and scientific studies this documentary delves deep into what is in our products and what effects they have on our health. It’s a mind-opening and possibly life-changing Film that is essential viewing.

Toxic Beauty screens at Hot Docs on Mon, Apr 29 at 12:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, and Thu, May 2 at 5:45PM at Scotiabank Theatre 3.

Advocate

Advocate follows Israeli Human Rights Lawyer Lea Tsemel who has defended Palestinians against an array of criminal charges.

Directors Rachel Leah Jones and Philippe Bellaïche flip between two recent cases Tsemel was working on and prominent cases she took on during her fiveJ decades of work. In doing so, they create an in-depth and balanced look into the daily, gruelling tasks Tsemel, and her family, face. Tsemel states that she is always a loser in the cases she takes on, however, if she is able to get a lesser sentence for her clients then she really is a winner. This doc shows how people from opposite sides can come together and work to help each other.

Advocate screens at Hot Docs on Sun, April 28 at 6PM at Scotiabank Theatre 4, Mon, April 29 at 3:30PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2, and Sun May 5 at 6:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre.

Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World

This Documentary follows citizen journalists who work at Bellingcat, the “home of online investigations” and their resourceful investigative tools that expose untruthful information to international news stories.

Living in a post-truth world that has government officials fabricating news stories, is our frightening reality. Yet, this Documentary helps put us at ease knowing there are volunteer citizens who are using everyday social media tools to help uncover those government lies. Director Hans Pool paces this steadily with his behind-the-scenes access into every day, under-the-radar heroes who work at Bellingcat, resulting in a captivating watch.

Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World screens at Hot Docs on Tue, Apr 30 at 9:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Wed, May 1 at 1PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, and Fri, May 3 at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema.

Well Groomed

Well Groomed follows a few American creative dog groomers and their quest to win both regional and the top-ranked grooming competition.

Director and Writer Rebecca Stern is documenting the artistry that goes into creative dog grooming and the passion behind those who do it. In that sense, this is a universal story of doing what one loves and hoping to one day be rewarded for it. Stern carries this Film along with a steady and often fun pace, however, she does leave some questions unanswered along the way.

Well Groomed screens at Hot Docs on Thu, Apr 25 at 8PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, Fri, Apr 26 at 12:45PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, and Sat, May 4 at 10:15AM at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema.

Take Me To Prom

This Documentary short follows LGBTQ+ Canadians from different decades telling their prom stories.

Take Me To Prom is a beautiful Film that shows us how far we have come for the right of the LGBTQ+ community, but also shows there is more progress to be made. The stories from the handful of people are entirely unique from each other and leave a lasting impact. It will be hard for another to not be moved by this Short Doc.

Take Me To Prom will screen ahead of My Dads, My Moms and Me at the Hot Docs Film Festival on Wed, May 1 at 7PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 3, and Sat, May 4 at 10AM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 3.

Knock Down The House

This powerful Documentary follows some of the women, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and more,  who were running for Congress during the 2018 race.

Director Rachel Lears gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the challenges and struggles that many women running for Congress were facing. Everyone loves an underdog story and Lears plays-out this Documentary as an underdog story. Mostly because these women and their stories really were the underdogs and many were and still are rooting for. Knock Down The House is a timely look into American politics and the call for change that was beginning to happen.

Knock Down The House screens at Hot Docs on Sun, Apr 28 at 6:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Mon, Apr 29 at 4PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Fri, May 3 at 6:30PM at Fox Theatre, and Sat, May 4 at 1PM at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema.

Because We Are Girls

Because We Are Girls follows three sisters who endured childhood rape, sexual assault and trauma from a relative.

The Film documents one Punjabi-Canadian family and their dark secrets that stem from their toxic family culture. However, this Doc speaks to the experiences that many women and men have experienced no matter their familial background. It’s an extremely hard to watch documentary due to the unflinching stories these women tell, but one that has a powerful message for this and future generations.

Because We Are Girls screens at Hot Docs on Wed, May 1 at 6:15PM at Scotiabank Theatre 4, Thu, May 2 at 1PM at Scotiabank Theatre 13, and Fri, May 3 at 6PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2.

For Sama

Waad al-Kateab has documented the uprising in her home city of Aleppo for decades and threads all the footage into this beautiful documentary, dedicated to her daughter.

Directors al-Kateab and Edward Watts take an unflinching look at the horrific conflict in Aleppo and the effects it has on those caught in the crosshairs. There are many scenes that are gut-wrenching to watch and will leave a wounding effect on your heart for years to come. No matter how hard it is to watch it’s a must-see and one of the most impactful of the Festival.

For Sama screens at Hot Docs on Mon, Apr 29 at 9PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 3, Tue, Apr 30 at 12:30PM at Hart House Theatre, and Sun, May 5 at 12:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 3.

The Corporate Coup D’Etat

This Documentary examines the past two decades in American democracy and how the corporations behind the scenes, may be the ones running the show.

This in-depth study of Corporatism leaves no stone unturned, offering ample amounts of information and captivating interviews. Director Fred Peabody doesn’t only document the reality we are faced with, he forces viewers to question what part they have within our immediate reality. Therefore, resulting in an enthralling Film that has the power to change the way we think.

The Corporate Coup D’Etat screens at Hot Docs on Mon, Apr 29 at 9:30PM at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, Tue, Apr 30 at 10AM at Isabel Bader Theatre, and Fri, May 3 at 12PM at Hart House Theatre.

Buddy

This heartwarming documentary shows the everlasting bond and love between service dogs and their owners.

Director Heddy Honigmann has many subjects who all have distinct stories, which makes each narrative insightful and impactful. Although the Film has the most adorable and impressive service dogs as a focal point, it’s the owner’s vivid and moving personal commentary that leaves the lasting effect.

Buddy screens at Hot Docs on Fri, Apr 26 at 3:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, Sat, Apr 27 at 3PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, and Tue, Apr 30 at 10:30AM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 3.

Assholes: A Theory

This Documentary is inspired by the novel of the same name written by Aaron James and examines what it means to be an asshole.

Director John Walker in the voice of legendary John Cleese, has given us all a gift with this hilarious and insightful look at the different meanings of being an asshole. Although it may sound like all fun and games, Walker takes a closer look at the negative global and social impacts, which cause a ripple effect, of those people who are assholes. In doing this, he gives us an explanation for why our society is the way it is while offering up solutions to help change it.

Assholes: A Theory screens at Hot Docs on Tue, Apr 30 at 7 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, Wed, May 1 at 3:45 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, and Sat, May 4 at 12:45 PM at Isabel Bader Theatre

Killing Patient Zero

During the beginning of the AIDS-crisis in North America, there were doctors and researchers trying to figure out where exactly the disease came from. What they inaccurately came to the conclusion of was that the person responsible for spreading AIDS throughout North America was a male flight attendant from Canada.

Director and Writer Laurie Lynd has brought this powerful story of a particular time in our history to the screen in an eloquent way, all while honouring the life of one man who didn’t deserve the blame that came his way. Lynd does this through captivating interviews and old footage from the 70s and 80s. Overall, this Documentary looks at uplifting and harrowing stories from that time which evokes a range of emotions.

Killing Patient Zero screens at Hot Docs on Fri, Apr 26 at 8:30 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, Sat, Apr 27 at 12:30 PM at Scotiabank Theatre 4, and Fri, May 3 at 2:45 PM at Hart House Theatre.

Edge of Democracy

Edge of Democracy follows the journey of Brazil’s rise out of Dictatorship to Democracy only to find that same Democracy being taken away from them.

This Documentary takes it’s time to explain the history of Brazil’s politics, which is needed to help audiences understand the importance of what is happening right now. Although it takes its time there isn’t a moment that the doc feels too long. The in-depth look at the importance of democracy and how easy it can be taken away makes for an importance viewing experience.

Edge of Democracy screens at Hot Docs on Thu, Apr 25 at 5 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, Fri, Apr 26 at 12:30 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2, and Sat, May 4 at 1:15 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1.

Una Primavera

This Documentary follows the family of one woman as the matriarch separates from the patriarch due to decades of abuse.

Director and Writer Valentina Primavera picks up her camera and gives a personal account of her family’s experience. Due to this deeply personal story the doc evokes immense emotions ranging from joy, anger and sadness. The themes within Una Primavera will resonate with many because it’s a story that has affected many. Due to that, it makes those who have experienced something similar with their family to feel a little less alone.

Una Primavera screens at Hot Docs on Mon, Apr 29 at 9 PM at Scotiabank Theatre 8, Wed, May 1 at 4 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2, and Sat, May 4 at 12:45 PM at Scotiabank Theatre 3.

GEORGE KOZERA

Framing John Delorean

At one point in his life, John DeLorean seemed to have it all. Rich and handsome. Poised to be the next head of General Motors, then, the most important company in the world. His third marriage to Supermodel Cristina Ferrare, with whom he has two children, is strong and passionate. He decides to leave GM and start his own revolutionary automobile company and designs a car now famous for being featured in Back to the Future. There were many financial hardships and on October 18, 1982, DeLorean was arrested by the FBI for trafficking cocaine in a videotaped sting operation. Framing John DeLorean wants us to figure out if he was framed or was he a mastermind criminal. The documentary is filled with interviews from his friends and co-workers and the insight they provide are fascinating. Where this Movie falters greatly is with its numerous filmed re-enactments starring Alec Baldwin as DeLorean as well as Josh Charles, Morena Baccarin and Dean Winters. I really didn’t care what Baldwin thought of DeLorean or how he approached the acting role and would have preferred that the Filmmakers spent more time with DeLorean’s son, Zack, who comes across tragic and angry.

Framing John Delorean screens at Hot Docs Wed, May 1, 9:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, and Fri, May 3, 6:30PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Always in Season

When young Lennon Lacy is found hanging from a swing set in Bladenboro, North Carolina in 2014, the local officials deem it to be suicide, but his family and friends are convinced he was the victim of lynching. Not only does Director Jacqueline Olive investigate this matter in Always in Season, she also films an annual re-enactment of the slaughter of an African American family in Monroe, Georgia in 1934 as well as gives us an oral history of lynching in the southern States for over a century when it was not unusual for members of a town to be invited to attend a “Hanging Bee”. Not only is this Documentary provocative comprehensive in what it shows on screen, it will sadden and infuriate that this barbaric ritual still occurs regularly in the Christian south. This is a searing Documentary that will stay with you for days afterwards.
Always in Season screens at Hot Docs on Sun, Apr 28, 6:15PM Hart House, Tue, Apr 30, 12:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox, and Sat, May 4 6:30 PM at Hart House.

On the Inside of a Military Dictatorship

Despite being imprisoned for years and labelled a pariah by the male ruling and military class, when winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Aung San Suu Kyi, was overwhelmingly voted into power in Myanmar in 2015, the world believed she could bring stability to a country rocked by violence and corruption. Whereas On the Inside of a Military Dictatorship touches on many issues plaguing her, including ethnic cleansing violence between Buddhists and Muslims, This Documentary fails to keep the interest of the audience mostly due to the monotone of the Narrator (and Director) Karen Stokkendal Poulsen, its “talking heads” motif and redundant and repetitive interviews, it will appeal greatly to Political Sciences students and followers.

On the Inside of a Military Dictatorship screens at Hot Docs on Fri, Apr 26, 8:15 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox, Sun, Apr 28, 12:15PM at Hart House, and Thurs, May 2, 12:15PM at Scotiabank.

The Wandering Chef

Have you ever hiked deep inside a forest, overturn a huge boulder and wonder if the moss growing underneath would make for a tasty soup? Not only does acclaimed celebrity Korean Chef, Jiho Im, do that as well as with other ingredients we mere mortal would step on or ignore, he travels these woods helping elderly farmers with their chores and cooks meals for them that are delicious with medicinal healing powers. Still affected emotionally due to the death of his strong maternal figure, Im’s relationship with an 88-year-old frail farmer is the crux and beautiful beating heart and soul of The Wandering Chef. This charming Documentary may even make you want to chew on some roots you find buried deep in gravel, especially after you watch him lovingly prepare 108 dishes in 24 hours.

THE WANDERING CHEF screens at Hot Docs Wed, May 1, 6:30pm at Hart House, Thu, May 2, 3:00PM at Scotiabank, and Fri, May 3, 9:30PM at Isabel Bader Theatre.

Mr. Toilet: The World’s #2 Man

One cannot watch this Documentary without a huge smile on your face for the most part. Jack Sim is out to solve the world’s sanitation problem as 40% of the world’s population does not have access to a room most of us take for granted. He has been hired to secure six million toilets to a region in India where the natives rather spend their money on cellphones or satellite dishes than having indoor plumbing. Women, in particular, need to find safe and secure outdoor places to relief themselves away from prying eyes and sexual assaults that occur on a daily basis. Mr. Toilet uses many means in its cinematic options to make their case. Humorous movie puns abound and animated sequences are interspersed with frightening statistics. Jack Sim is passionate and eccentric to boot – interviews with his wife and children are hysterical. This Documentary is an entertaining must-see, especially for those who give a “crap”!

Mr. Toilet: The World’s #2 Man screens at Hot Docs Sat, Apr 27 at 5:45PM at Scotiabank, Sun, Apr 28, 1:00PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, and Sat, May 4, 8:30PM at Fox Theatre.

Drag Kids

Take three boys and one girl, all between the ages of nine to eleven, who love dressing up and performing in drag and you have one of the most fascinating and entertaining documentaries ever filmed about this still relatively underground subculture. Drag Kids not only is unique as it features preteens overcoming obstacles to pursue their passion for performing, it delves into the relationships between parents and children and the bullying their children experience at times. It also takes us deep into the world of competitive Vogueing which is prominently featured in critically-acclaimed TV series POSE.

The children are insanely talented, eloquent and compelling to watch especially when they get overly excited whether it is over a pair of heels or Rice Krispie squares. The parents are unconditionally supportive and protective and the predominantly Lady Gaga tunes will have your toes tapping. You must check out Drag Kids, it is fab…u…lous!

Drag Kids screen at Hot Docs on Sunday, Apr 28 at 6:15 at TIFF Bell Lightbox, Tuesday, Apr.30 at 1:15 at TIFF Bell Lightbox and Friday May 3 at 3:45 at TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Find Tickets here.

(Photo credit: Hot Docs/Mr. Will Wong)

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes
to see A DOG’S JOURNEY.

Screenings take place 7 PM Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in:

TORONTO – Cineplex Yonge & Dundas
VANCOUVER – Scotiabank
MONTREAL (English) – Forum
EDMONTON – Scotiabank
CALGARY – Au Claire Market

SYNOPSIS:
Some friendships transcend lifetimes. In A DOG’S JOURNEY, the sequel to the heartwarming global hit A DOG’S PURPOSE beloved dog Bailey finds his new destiny and forms an unbreakable bond that will lead him, and the people he loves, to places they never imagined.

Bailey (voiced again by Josh Gad) is living the good life on the Michigan farm of his “boy,” Ethan (Dennis Quaid) and Ethan’s wife Hannah (Marg Helgenberger). He even has a new playmate: Ethan and Hannah’s baby granddaughter, CJ. The problem is that CJ’s mom, Gloria (Betty Gilpin), decides to take CJ away. As Bailey’s soul prepares to leave this life for a new one, he makes a promise to Ethan to find CJ and protect her at any cost.

Thus begins Bailey’s adventure through multiple lives filled with love, friendship and devotion as he, CJ (Kathryn Prescott), and CJ’s best friend Trent (Henry Lau) experience joy and heartbreak, music and laughter, and few really good belly rubs.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance!

 A DOG’S PURPOSE is in theatres Friday, May 17, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

It was a Good Friday, indeed! We’ve been looking for a quick escape from the City for a bit and both Mom and I needed a pick-me-up after  what’s started as a dismal 2019. Hence, some shopping and family time was in good order and when it comes to shopping, one blessing of living in Toronto is that Buffalo’s array of awesome malls are just a short drive away.

The 2019 HONDA CIVIC 5D SPORT came to the rescue this Easter Holiday weekend and true to form, it carries on the Civic‘s amazing legacy of practicality and style. And if anything Mom and I needed that jumbo hatchback trunk from our Walden Galleria, Target and Fashion Outlets adventures!

We just drove the 2019 Honda Accord Touring recently, hence we got used to shift gear-free driving that oddly when going back to a shift gear, it took a bit of getting used to. That is the magic of Honda innovation influencing our behaviour! The 2019 Honda Civic 5D Sport with its 2.0-litre, 16-valve, Port Injections, DOHC, i-VTEC 4-Cylinder and 158-hp engine made us a master of the highways, powering us through a torrential downpour of rain on Good Friday and the long weekend Saturday where my parents and I partook in our annual tradition, opening day at Woodbine Racetrack!

While fuel prices have skyrocketed earlier this year, we still were able to fill a tank and drive to Buffalo, plus run errands around the City for $50 only, much thanks to the Civic‘s game-changing ECON Mode.

The Civic‘s style remains untouchable and we felt sheer confidence being seen in Aegean Blue Metallic, giving us a spiritual lift in the gloomy gray weather we experienced this long weekend. Its 18″ dark aluminum-alloy wheels are a scene-stealer. Its one-touch moonroof was made for this improving weather and will come in super-handy. Honda spoils us continually with Proximity Key Entry so that fumbling for keys no longer is in our vocabulary.

Like many recent offerings from Honda, its centerpiece is its 7″ colour TFT centre meter display which acts as a control hub for the roomy ride including Climate Control, which allows the driver and front passenger to customize their temperature. Heated front seats were a warm blanket of snuggles when temperatures dipped this past weekend, while Android Auto/Apple CarPlay have evolved for drivers of the now. And when we weren’t busy being obsessed with SiriusXM Hits 1, we were streaming our new favourite artist, LIZZO with the car’s Bluetooth Steaming Audio. We stayed charged with a variety of charging options.

Your safety is top priority with Honda and the Civic is no different. A Forward Collision Warning System was on-top of things as was its Lane Depature Warning System. Changing to the right lane or backing-out was made easy with its signature Honda LandWatch Blind Spot Display and Multi-angle Rearview Camera. Although we never hope to have to see them, there are the i-SRS Airbag System and SmartVent Side Airbags to protect us from harm’s way. We also will never get bored of its automatic wipers which went to work with the first drops of rain and also its helpful rear-windshield wipers which we feel every car needs.

A first happened, my Mom said “Goodbye” and pat the car after dropping her off. I asked her where she thought I was going and she told me “I wasn’t saying bye to you, I was saying goodbye to the car!”. That’s the Honda effect.

See some our adventures!

 

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So much fun doing a #Buffalo Road Trip with Mom! We both needed a pick-me-up and couldn’t have done it without the #HondaCivic 5D Sport Touring! She tried on dresses for some upcoming weddings in our family and she is #CheesecakeFactory’s newest fan… and she is picky! I scored some awesome deals at #WaldenGalleria including a #MichaelKors long coat reduced from $550 to just $50, a pair of shimmery sneakers from #Macys for $19 which you will be obsessed with like I am, a #MarthaStewart Cake Pan reduced from $50 to $12, some fab Summer looks at #HM and an early Mother’s Day gift! I also stocked-up on #Easter candies at #Target. God, I love Buffalo. It was a #GoodFriday, indeed! 🐇

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Apr 19, 2019 at 7:25pm PDT

 

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It’s Opening Day at Woodbine! Loved seeing so many smiling faces! All the best to everyone and to an amazing 2019 season! #HorseRacing #BetWoodbine #Horse #Thoroughbreds #Woodbine

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Apr 20, 2019 at 4:55pm PDT

 

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Dined like a #CrazyRichAsian at authentic Singaporean hotspot, #LionCity! That Singaporean Chili Crab in Sambal Sauce was sent from heaven as was that Stingray! More on the link in my Bio line.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Apr 21, 2019 at 11:20am PDT

The 2019 HONDA CIVIC 5D SPORT starts at $27,376 CAN.

Click here for more.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Ang Lee‘s latest, GEMINI MAN stars Will Smith up against himself and here’s a first look at its Trailer!

Synopsis:
Gemini Man is an innovative action-thriller starring Will Smith as Henry Brogan, an elite assassin, who is suddenly targeted and pursued by a mysterious young operative that seemingly can predict his every move. The film is directed by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Ang Lee and produced by renown producers Jerry Bruckheimer, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger. Also starring are Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen and Benedict Wong.

See the Trailer:

Paramount Pictures Canada release GEMINI MAN Friday, October 11, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

We love us some Renée Zellweger! It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from the Oscar-winning Bridget Jones’s Diary star and our day was made seeing that she stars in a new Netflix ten-episode Series, WHAT/IF coming to us in May!

Synopsis:
Neo-noir social thriller WHAT/IF explores the ripple effects of what happens when acceptable people start doing unacceptable things. The first season of the Netflix original series focuses on a mysterious woman’s lucrative, but dubious offer to a cash-strapped pair of San Francisco newlyweds.

The Netflix original series WHAT/IF stars Renee Zellweger (Cold Mountain, Jerry Maguire), Jane Levy (Castle Rock, Suburgatory), Blake Jenner (American Animals, Glee), Samantha Ware (Glee), Keith Powers (Famous in Love), Daniella Pineda (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), Juan Castano (Shades of Blue), John Clarence Stewart (Marvel’s Luke Cage) & Dave Annable (Brothers & Sisters).

See a Sneak Peek:

WHAT/IF streams Friday, May 24, 2019 on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

There’s so much mystique surrounding Cannabis edibles and believe it or not I still hadn’t ever tried them until now.  A “Green Angel” was kind enough to get me a couple packs of Buudabomb Gummies to satisfy my curiosity at long last and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect of it.  I am the type of Drinker who gets drunk after a couple drinks, but yet oddly I do admit to having smoked marijuana once or twice in my life to no real effect so I was super-curious how I’d react to edibles.

I document my journey over four days on the advice of friends to start slow.  Watch my journey below:

In summary, if you are gonna do this, do it in the safety of your home – or in my case in bed at the end of your day.  Find your balance, find your dosage.

Hope your 4.20 was amazing! 🌿

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

It’s been about 18 years since I last visited Singapore and one thing I took away from the trip was my love for the Cuisine. With epic food markets which we could only dream of like Lau Pa Sat and Newton Circus, we’ve longed for some dishes like their selection of exotic fruits, authentic Chicken Rice and Sambal Stingray ever since. My palate always has been a bit more adventurous than that of my family, my parents enjoying cleaner and lighter fare. I thought I’d bring them out for Easter weekend for a taste adventure to Mississauga’s Singaporean hotspot, LION CITY after opening day at Woodbine Racetrack, just 20 minutes away from the oval.

With all the rage of Crazy Rich Asians having swept the nation of late, Toronto palates are as curious as ever about the delicious cuisine featured in the Film. Let’s be honest. Toronto’s take on Chinese, Japanese and Korean fare are a cut above the rest. Singaporean cuisine however, still is a bit of a mystery and there isn’t an amazing selection of offerings in the City.

Entrepreneurs Elle Sim and Greg Woon, a real-life couple, debuted their Laksa in Toronto’s Leslieville Market back in 2017. The  popular noodle in coconut-curry soup dish in their native Singapore, developed a following and soon the rest of Toronto will be able to try it at STACKT, the City’s first ever Shipping Container Food Market at 28 Bathurst Street.

After meeting in their previous lives in the finance industry, the couple married, had a son and together they moved to Canada.  Just earlier this year, they took ownership of west-end staple LION CITY and have given the Menu their own spin, while keeping many of the original staff. Buzz has taken flight at a steady pace, with Sim taking the brand to Social Media and she tells me at a curated meal on a busy Saturday night, that she manages all the establishment’s accounts herself.

The night before our meal, we peruse their offerings on Social Media and we couldn’t get their Singaporean Crab off our mind, taking note of 24-hour advance request policy. We messaged around midnight and Sim was gracious enough to take care of us, picking-out a crab for us in the AM.  Priced at $65 (changes seasonally) the Singaporean Chili Crab might seem a bit expensive, but one taste and you realize why.  It is sinfully-meaty and that Sambal Sauce (chili, shrimp paste, garlic, onion, ginger, lime and more) with okra, tomato, egg plus crab fat/roe folded-in, was sent from heaven. It tasted so authentic I started getting nervous about having gum in my pocket. Fact: chewing gum is banned in Singapore.

It is a good thing there were leftovers for me to savour the next day.  Rice or Roti on the side is necessary to scoop-up or sop-up that thick paste. And yes, you need a drink like a Kopi Tarik (pulled iced coffee) or an iced Chrysanthemum Tea to go with that salty goodness.  There was a spicier Black Pepper Crab on the Menu as well, but we’ll save that for another visit.

Singaporean Chili Crab

While we couldn’t quite get to it, we took home their take on the Sambal Stingray and it was delectable even the next day. The fins fried to a crisp and edible. That Sambal Sauce again was front and center here and we found ourselves searching for something to dip into it. Fact: Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin‘s life was claimed by a stingray. How could something so fatal be so delicious?

Grilled Fish in Banana Leaf

My Dad is a fan of this spicy and full-bodied noodle soup. My Mom found it too spicy but doable with a bit of tea.  I do feel Lion City’s take is a bit on the spicier side and I do love spicy, but be warned.  Fried Fish Cake, Chicken Breast, Fried Tofu Puffs and Shrimp add taste, texture and nourishment to the carbs.

Laksa

A Singaporean restaurant simply cannot be without mastering the art of Chicken Rice and the dish is in fact the national dish of Singapore. I’ve had several takes on the dish at Chinese and Malaysian hole-in-the-walls and to this day, the best I’ve ever had is at a Hong Kong-style diner in Scarborough. Lion City‘s interpretation hits the mark, the boiled chicken pieces juicy and the rice just greasy enough. The Ginger-Scallion Sauce that accompanies it is a must for dipping as is the Sweet Chili Sauce.  I found it interesting that they paired the dish with a thick and caramelized Soy Sauce which we don’t get to see much in these parts. A clear broth accompanies this in a bowl. It seems everyone ordered this dish around us.

Hainanese Chicken Rice

We have a serious sweet tooth and it isn’t often you find a place in Toronto that serves this cold coconut milk-based concoction with gummy-like jellies, taro and yam. This is one of a few offerings including Mango/Durian Sticky Rice, Black Glutinous Rice (Pulot Hitam) and more.

Buboh Cha Cha

By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Wild Rose follows Glasgow born and raised Rose-Lynn (Jessie Buckley) who dreams of escaping to Nashville to become a country music star. It had its World Premiere in the Special Presentations Programme at TIFF ’18. In case you missed it the Film is set to release on February 8, 2019 in the UK and May 10, 2019 in the USA. As of right now there is no Canadian release date but the Film is bought by eOne Films. We were lucky enough to sit down with the star of the Film, Jessie Buckley, along with the Director Tom Harper and Writer Nicole Taylor while they were in Toronto for the Festival.

Q: Glasgow and Rose-Lynn are gritty on the outside but very colourful on the inside. How important was it to write the duality of the two and then make that duality visual?

TAYLOR: Because I’m from there it’s so hard to have any perspective on it. I have not lived there for a very long time, but it’s almost like the longer I live away from it the more respect I have for it. Just as you say, Glasgow has this reputation for being this hard-ass place but the people are so warm, and they chat away whether you want them to or not. Its like the biggest move cliche to say that the city is like a character in the Movie but this is a love letter to Glasgow. And everything I love about Glasgow, the lack as sentimentality, the humour, the way that Rose-Lynn’s mom played by Julie Waters — people just get on with it, they just isn’t no chat. I just love the city.

HARPER: For me it’s like I didn’t know much about Glasgow but obviously I have spent a lot of now for the Film. With the lead up, the locations and the casting and pre-production. It [Glasgow] was amazingly welcoming. You know when you go somewhere and make something somewhere there is always a danger, or you have this fear, that people might not want to, they might question why if you aren’t from somewhere why you would want to be there. But actually what I felt was that there was a great welcoming, like they were saying, “look at our culture, be apart of that culture, tell the stories.” And I think also because people we worked with who read the script were so warming to the Script, and loved it so much that it was sort of easy. That’s one side of it, but the other side is that the Film even though it couldn’t be set anywhere else there are a set of themes. Thematically it resonates with, I think it could be anybody anywhere. So even though in some ways it’s very specific, thematically it’s quite universal. And I think that, having been to Glasgow only a couple of time before reading the script, it didn’t stop me from immediately falling in love with Rose-Lynn and the character and identifying or empathizing with her, particularly with her struggles and hardships.

TAYLOR: You know that thing in Film where its got to be super particular but then also be universal, this couldn’t be more particular it was bloody autobiographical. I had to write this Film about this girl who couldn’t wait to leave this place. But it was so useful to have somebody who didn’t have that relationship with Glasgow, who could find and express that universal energy. Because it’s about someone who just doesn’t belong really to where they come from.

HARPER: That’s a nice way to describe our collaborative working relationship.

Q: Jessie, you have played a lot of authentic characters throughout your career what sets Rose-Lynn apart from the others?

BUCKLEY: She is just herself. With Beast or War and Peace they all have their own little mission, you know? They all have their own little thing they are trying to get something out of their life. And for Rose-Lynn it’s her courage to grab her dream. Even when she knows that the consequences of what that might be for everybody else. And it’s not only destructive to them but also to her. That bold journey of identity where she thinks she needs to go far away from who she is in order to find herself, and at the end she realizes that you can’t do that because it’s who you are is the boldest part of your dream.

eOne Films release WILD ROSE as follows:

June 21, 2019 – Toronto
July 5, 2019 – Vancouver, Montreal
July 12, 2019 – Expands

THE CURSE OF LA LLORONA delivers an Easter surprise, taking the top of the Box Office with $24.6 million from 3,372 theatres for Warner Bros. The James Wan production gets 34% on the Tomatometer and a B- CinemaScore.

In second is SHAZAM! with $17.2 million week three for Warner Bros. after two weeks on-top.

BREAKTHROUGH debuts in third spot with $11 million after a Wednesday opening in 2,824 theatres. The 20th Century Fox release gets a decent 64% on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore.

In fifth is LITTLE with $6.8 million in its second week out for Universal Pictures.

Rounding-out the Top Ten is MISSING LINK with $3.9 million in week two for United Artists Releasing/Elevation Pictures.

eOne Films x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see LONG SHOT, which just premiered at SXSW to rave reviews!

Screenings take place as follows on Wednesday, May 1, 2019:

Toronto

Vancouver

Calgary

Edmonton

Winnipeg

Ottawa

Halifax

One lucky winner will win this official windbreaker, like the one Seth Rogen wears in the Film:

Synopsis:
Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) is a gifted and free-spirited journalist with an affinity for trouble. Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron) is one of the most influential women in the world. Smart, sophisticated, and accomplished, she’s a powerhouse diplomat with a talent for…well, mostly everything. The two have nothing in common, except that she was his babysitter and childhood crush. When Fred unexpectedly reconnects with Charlotte, he charms her with his self-deprecating humor and his memories of her youthful idealism. As she prepares to make a run for the Presidency, Charlotte hires Fred as her speechwriter, much to the dismay of her trusted advisors. A fish out of water on Charlotte’s elite team, Fred is unprepared for her glamourous lifestyle in the limelight. However, sparks fly as their unmistakable chemistry leads to a round-the-world romance and a series of unexpected and dangerous incidents.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Click Re-Tweet from this Tweet from @mrwillw for another shot!

eOne Films release LONG SHOT Friday, May 3, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)