Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong

Controversial Documentarian Michael Moore returns to TIFF with the highly anticipated pseudo-sequel, Fahrenheit 11/9. The Documentary chronicles the events that lead-up to Donald Trump becoming the President of the United States, while also skewering the American political system and the Water Crisis in Moore’s hometown of Flint, Michigan.

As expected, Fahrenheit 11/9 is Moore’s most incendiary and powerful film since his Palme d’Or-winning Doc Fahrenheit 9/11. The film is surprisingly balanced in its criticisms of the Trump administration, and often takes more time to address issues with the Democrats than with the Republicans. But while it is frequently-entertaining and downright heartbreaking to watch in some scenes (and a not so subtle call to arms against corruption and injustice), Moore never seems to know what to focus in on – drifting-in and out of longwinded topics recklessly. And as fascinating as the Flint Water Crisis story is, it feels like it was shoehorned in-between his main talking points about Trump and the American political system.

Fahrenheit 11/9 screens on Thursday, September 6 at 8:45 PM at Ryerson Theatre [World Premiere] and Saturday, September 8 at 5:45 PM at Scotiabank Theatre.

By Mr. Will Wong

It was an action-packed Day One at TIFF ’18! We had a blast doing the rounds including an appearance on Global News Toronto with Farah Nasser, plus a stop-off at NKPR‘s famed gifting lounge where Rolling Stone will be doing their portraits this year!

Check-out our segment!

It was an intense day but we were game snapping stars of the Opening Night Gala THE OUTLAW KING, a Netflix Film starring Chris P,ine and Aaron Taylor-Johnson! The stars did doubke-duty walking the carpets at Princess of Wales Theatre and Roy Thomson Hall, super-gracious!

The Midnight Madness Programme kicked-off woth Shane Black’s THE PREDATOR Reboot, drawing a starstudded bunch including Boyd Holbrook, Olivia Munn, Keegan-Michael Key, Jake Busey, Trevante Rhodes and more!

One of TIFF ’18‘s biggest breakout stats in John David Washington, son of Denzel who mesmerizes in MONSTERS AND MEN. You might recognize him from BALLERS.

Chloë Grace Moretz, Maika Monroe and Isabelle Huppert dazzled ay their Premiere of GRETA, making time for fun. Thanks to our Amanda Gilmore for the Snap!

Some Can-Con for you. Toronto’s Patrick J. Adams, formerly of SUITS, was spotted back in town for CLARA. Stephan James stars in IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK, the latest by Barry Jenkins who directed Best Picture, MOONLIGHT, at TIFF a couple years back!

(Photo credit: Amanda Gilmore/Mr. Will Wong)

Review by George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong

There is a common thread throughout all the movies that Oscar-winning Quebec Writer/Director Denys Arcand puts his unique stamp on: the characters are well-read, intelligent to a fault and socially conscious. THE FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE is no different.

Pierre-Paul (Alexandre Landry) is a shy, academic and socially awkward delivery truck driving young man who spends his money and time helping the homeless living in Montreal. When he accidentally arrives at the tail end of a robbery and massacre, he spies on two huge bags, filled to the brim with cash, totalling in the millions, and stashes them in his truck. After a dalliance with Montreal’s most expensive escort, Aspasie (newcomer Maripier Morin) and meeting-up with a recently released from jail ex-biker who is a financial wizard (a ponytailed Remy Girard), the Trio devise a plan on how to best use this money to benefit the disenfranchised. All the while, they are being pursued by the police and assassins trying to recover the money. THE FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE is a sly and insightful indictment on how money rules everything.

THE FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE screens Thursday, September 6, 6:00 PM, Elgin Theatre and Friday, September 7, 9:45 AM, TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong

Let Me Fall chronicles the lives of teenagers Magnea (Elín Sif Halldórsdóttir) and Stella (Eyrún Björk Jakobsdóttir). They hang out, they party and they do hard drugs. They enter in and out of rehab, but keep resorting back to their old ways. And as they age into adulthood, they learn that their earlier decisions have a habit of catching up with them.

Using interviews with addicts and their families, Director Baldvin Z has created a harrowing and deeply disturbing portrait of addiction and the destruction it causes. The film goes to some very dark and visceral places, frequently becoming increasingly difficult to watch. But the camera work and visual style Baldvin Z brings to the piece, not to mention the strength of the cast (including Kristín Thóra Haraldsdóttir and Lara Johanna Jonsdottir as the adult Magnea and Stella) keeps Let Me Fall compelling at all times, even when the storyline and editing are not always coming together as well as they should.

LET ME FALL screens at the following times:

Thursday, September 6, 6:00 PM, Scotiabank Theatre [World Premiere], Friday, September 7, 9:30 PM, Jackman Hall and Sunday, September 16, 12:15 PM, Scotiabank Theatre.

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Greta follows sweetheart Frances (Chloë Grace Moretz) who after finding a woman’s purse left on the subway returns it to its owner, Greta (Isabelle Huppert). When Frances and Greta soon start up a friendship together, Greta’s dark and true intentions come to light. It will have its World Premiere in the Special Presentations Programme at TIFF.

Director Neil Jordan is back again with another Psychological Thriller that chills us to the bone. With every beautifully-captured frame of this, we see the sinister mind of Greta come more and more to the surface. No one else but Huppert could pull off a role that is as horrifying as it is comical.

Greta screens at TIFF on Thursday, September 6 at 5:45 PM at Ryerson Theatre, Monday, September 10 at 2:30 PM at Ryerson Theatre and Friday, September 14 at 9:45 PM at Scotiabank 12.

We’re a bit slower to start this year, but thrilled still to spot some marquee names at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival, making their way in!  Power Couple Aaron (Nocturnal Animals) and Sam Taylor-Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey) are at the Festival for the latter’s adaptation of James Frey‘s bestseller, A MILLION LITTLE PIECES. The former also is here for Opening Night Gala, THE OUTLAW KING. While they were held back for quite some time, they were all smiles, relieved to make they way out. Love everything about this couple!

We love Amber Heard (The Danish Girl) and it was a lovely surprise seeing her arrive incognito in sunglasses, which she later took off once spotted! She is here for HER SMELL, starring alongside Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) who plays a self-destructive Rocker! Heard also will speak at an event for L’Oréal on Friday, celebrating the power of women!

Bonus sighting! Fans of Marvel’s Jessica Jones will recognize right away Erin Moriarty, in-town filming Series, THE BOYS.

We don’t know about you, but we’re so ready for our favourite time of the year! We’ve been out doing the rounds and doing lots of Press ourselves. In case you missed it, here’s our segment on CP24 on LIVE AT NOON!

Up next are an appearance on Breakfast Television Friday morning right before 7 AM! Tune-in or PVR it!

We caught wind of Chris Pine flying-in today for The Outlaw King also, while earlier in the day The Predator stars Trevante Rhodes, Olivia Munn and Boyd Holbrook all were spotted around the City.

Hoping we pick-up the pace a bit more tomorrow for Day One of TIFF ’18!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

eOne Films x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see A SIMPLE FAVOR! Screenings take place Wednesday, September 12, 2018 in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Halifax.

Synopsis:
A SIMPLE FAVOR, directed by Paul Feig, centers around Stephanie (Anna Kendrick), a mommy vlogger who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily‘s (Blake Lively) sudden disappearance from their small town. Stephanie is joined by Emily‘s husband Sean (Henry Golding) in this stylish thriller filled with twists and betrayals, secrets and revelations, love and loyalty, murder and revenge.

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 from @mrwillw for an extra chance.

eOne Films release A SIMPLE FAVOR Friday, September 14, 2018!

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Dogman follows the story of Marcello (Marcello Fonte) who is a mild-mannered dog groomer, father, and drug dealer. When the violent and impulsive bully of the small Italian town he lives in wrongs him, Marcello’s temper becomes tested. Dogman competed for the Palme d’Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and Marcello Fonte won the Cannes Award for Best Actor. It will have its Canadian Premiere at TIFF ’18 in the Special Presentations Programme.

This Film is a slow burn that shows the evolution of a wholesome turned violent man. Throughout the entire running time, Fonte completely evolves with it. He portrays the anxiety of constantly wanting to be liked, the fury of being betrayed and the euphoria of getting revenge.

Dogman screens on Thursday, September 6 at 6 PM at Scotiabank 1 and Saturday, September 8 at 3 PM at Scotiabank 1.

With TIFF ’18 being just a week away, we’re super-excited to present to you some of our official partners of the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival! We live for TIFF and are thrilled as a team to be accredited to the Festival and also bring you as always unparalleled intimate access to the stars and Films of the Festival!

We’re thrilled to give our Readers a chance to be just as stoked as us and we give you a chance to win our TIFF SURVIVAL PRIZE PACK, which is bigger and better than ever!

We’d like to thank the following parnters:

DUFFLET PASTRIES – Toronto’s reigning Queen of Cake® still is going strong with an uptown and down location. When there’s a celebration, it’s always been about Dufflet Pastries’ cakes and pastries for us. TIFF is no exception. There are two locations: 787 Queen Street West and 2638 Yonge Street. Did you know the Queen Street West location offers High Tea on Sundays? Learn more at http://dufflet.com.

ESTIA is just one of several TIFF hotspots owned by popular restauranteur, hotelier and night club owner Charles Khabouth. Known for its acclaimed Mediterranean cuisine, Estia situated at 90 Avenue Road, is a must-try this TIFF. More at http://estiatoronto.com.

WESLODGE owned also by Charles Khabouth, for years has been a hotspot for the stars during the Festival. Known for its classic cocktails and Canadian fare, this vintage tavern at 480 King Street West, has and will continue to host several stars TIFF ’18.  We hear the Fried Chicken is superb! More at http://weslodge.com.

STARBUCKS CANADA – TIFF is about the coming of fall and nothing says autumn comfort like Starbucks‘ signature PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE, now back in stores! We have fond memories of warming-up in many a cold line-up at TIFF with this fan favourite and can’t wait to get reacquainted this TIFF! More at http://starbucks.ca.

BLACKBERRY CANADA – We can’t wait to show you all the celebrity selfies and up-close star sightings at TIFF ’18. This year our official smartphone will be the super-sleek and functional Blackberry Key2. Learn all about this reborn icon at https://blackberrymobile.com/ca/product/blackberry-key2.

BRITBOX CANADA – We can’t wait for a bit of downtime post-TIFF and what better way to relax than to catch-up with some of our favourite British programming from BBC and iTV? Britbox Canada is brought to us by BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, and ITV, bringing home iconic favorites, exclusive premieres, and current series and soaps. Learn more about their latest programming options: https://www.britbox.com/ca/collection/premieres.

ACURA CANADA – Mobility is so important for us during TIFF and once again we’ll be partnering with Acura Canada and driving the 2018 Acura ILX. Acura Canada will be front and center at TIFF this year as a major sponsor and we’re thrilled to experience some of that starpower! Sleek, compact and stylish, we’ll be travelling in style in this beauty! More here: https://www.acura.ca/ilx.

KANDLE ARTISTIQUE – Purveyor of luxurious candles, you now can make your own candles at their gorgeous Yorkville location at 88 Avenue Road in Toronto. More here.

NIKON CANADA – We can’t wait to show you our photos, taken on none other than the state-of-the-art Nikon D850, shooting at 45.7 megapixels, with 4k and 8K video options! More here.

H&M CANADA – We love H&M and are thrilled to be donning H&M and H&M only at TIFF ’18. Can’t wait to show you some pieces from their Fall/Winter 2018 Collection. More at http://hm.com.

CHATIME CANADA – We’ll never get sick of Bubble Tea and to us there’s only Chatime! With various locations across Canada we can’t wait for too to discover the refreshment! Our fave midday beverage? Grapefruit Green Tea (half-sweet, less ice) is our perfect afternoon pick-me-up! Discover your new favourite. More here: http://chatime.com

CP24 – For the past 10 years, we’ve been a contributor at this popular news network and can’t wait to reunite this TIFF ’18 to deliver you the scoop and sightings, plus all the buzz on the hottest Films at TIFF! Don’t forget to tune in as we kick it all off tomorrow, Wednesday, September 5 in the 12 o’clock hour on Live at Noon with George Lagogianes!

Now for the fun stuff! We want to give Readers to win our TIFF ’18 Survival Pack which is bigger and more delicious than ever! Contents include:

One free six-month Britbox Canada membership

$25 Starbucks Canada Gift Card

A Dufflet Pastries Gift Card for one cake

A $200 Estia Gift Card

H&M Canada VIP Card

Two Chatime Canada Vouchers

One Kandle Artistique Candle

Stay tuned to our Social Media throughout TIFF ’18 as we give away

A $200 Weslodge Gift Card

Chatime Canada Drink Vouchers

Starbucks Canada Gift Cards

Britbox Canada Six-Month Memberships

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Click “share” on this Post or Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance!

Don’t forget to join us on our TIFF ’18 adventures and be following on Social Media for real-time updates! You won’t regret it!

Twitter: @mrwillw

Instagram: @mrwillwong

Facebook: http://facebook.com/mrwillwongblog

Don’t forget to be following Team Mr. Will also:

Dave Baldwin: @davemabaldwin

Amanda Gilmore: @gilmoreamanda

George Kozera: @partyg

Siobhan Rich: @typo_eh

Justin Waldman: @dubsreviews

Jonathan Godfrey: @skot_somers

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Summer’s over and not only is it back-to-school, it’s back-to-work for grown-ups! Starring in Jay Barcuhel-written and directed Feature RANDOM ACTS OF VIOLENCE, Jordana Brewster has been working away this summer in Toronto. After a short break back in L.A. and time with her family, she head back to town to complete work on the Elevation Pictures release. The Film centers on two Comic Book Artists who notice their characters are eerily-similar to horrific real-life events.

Brewster known best for her work in the  The Fast and the Furious Franchise is a veteran at her craft, getting her start as a Soap Opera star, seen most recently in TV Series, Lethal Weapon.

See our Snap with beautiful and gracious Brewster, plus others returning back to Toronto this weekend for work, including the men of American Gods Season Two (Demore Barnes, Pablo Schneider, Bruce Langley, Ricky Whittle) some who were in Atlanta for Dragon Con this weekend!  We also spotted out v. own Aaron Ashmore back from Dragon Con too to continue work on Killjoys.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)