Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Late Night follows tough-as-nails late night Talk Show Host Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson), who after getting accused of hating women, hires her first female Staff Writer, Molly (Mindy Kaling).

Mindy Kaling finally has blessed us with her brilliant Screenwriting talents on the big screen. True to brand, her Script is smart and hilarious with an enormous amount to say about social issues. Kaling has created characters who represent where we are in a timely manner and the casting is perfection. Thompson knocks it out of the park as the brutally honest Katherine. Her layered and delightfully-comical performance will be remembered. She is surrounded by an outstanding Ensemble, including the forever lovable Kaling, Dennis O’Hare, John Lithgow, Reid Scott and Hugh Dancy. Late Night is without a doubt a runaway smash!

Late Night screens at Sundance on Jan 25 at 6:30PM at Eccles PC, Jan 26 at 9AM at Eccles PC, Jan 27 at 3:15PM at Grand SLC, Jan 28 at 12PM at Sundance Resort, Jan 29 at 8:45PM at Library PC and 9:30PM at Eccles PC, Feb 2 at 8:30PM at The MARC PC, and Feb 3 at 6:15PM at Tower SLC.

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

When Brittany (Julian Bell) tries to scam a doctor into giving her Aderall, she finds out that she actually has health issues due to her weight. She realizes quickly that gym memberships are too expensive for her pay grade and takes up running again. She learns she really loves the way running makes her feel and sets out to run, and finish the New York City Marathon.

Brittany Runs A Marathon speaks to internal truths of how our external appearance effects how both others treat us, and how we treat and think about ourselves. Writer-Director Paul Downs Colaizzo has crafted a beautiful Film that offers equal amounts of Comedy and Drama. It also proves that Bell shouldn’t be put into a category solely as comedic. She carries the Film with a heartfelt knockout performance.

Brittany Runs A Marathon screens at Sundance on Jan 28 at 12:15PM at Eccles PC, Jan 29 at 11:30AM at The MARC PC, Jan 31 at 2:30PM at The MARC PC, Feb 1 at 3PM at Library PC, and Feb 2 at 3:15PM at Grand Theatre SLC.

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

To the Stars follows the friendship that quickly develops between quiet Iris (Kara Hayward) and enigmatic Maggie (Liana Liberato) in a small town in 1960s Oklahoma.

Director Martha Stephens (Land Ho!) gives audiences a slice of what it was like to be a female in the 60s. Stephens takes a steady deliberate pace that leads to an effective satisfying ending. The Cinematography is beautiful and the choice of shooting black and white gives visual authenticity. The performances from Hayward and Liberato are enchanting. The two young Actresses have magnetic chemistry that’s as alluring to watch as the Film itself.

To The Stars screens at Sundance on Jan 25 at 9:30PM at The Ray PC, Jan 26 at 8:30AM at Prospector PC, Jan 27 at 12:15PM at Grand Theatre SLC, Feb 1 at 12:15PM at Eccles PC, and Feb 2 at 11:30AM at Prospector PC.

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to take Readers to an Advance Screening of FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY starring Dwayne Johnson!

Screenings take place:
Toronto – Wed Feb 20 – 7:30 PM
Montreal – Wed Feb 20 – 7:30 PM
Vancouver- Wed Feb 20 – 7:00 PM

Synopsis:
FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY is a heartwarming comedy based on the incredible true story of WWE Superstar Paige™. Born into a tight-knit wrestling family, Paige and her brother Zak are ecstatic when they get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try out for WWE. But when only Paige earns a spot in the competitive training program, she must leave her family and face this new, cut-throat world alone. Paige‘s journey pushes her to dig deep, fight for her family, and ultimately prove to the world that what makes her different is the very thing that can make her a star.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Tell us there, who your favourite WWE star is of all time. Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra shot.

Universal Pictures Canada release FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY Friday, February 22, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to take Readers to an Advance Screening of HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD!

Screenings take place:
Toronto confirmed: Wed Feb 20 7:00 PM
Montreal confirmed: Wed Feb 20 7:00 PM
Vancouver confirmed: Wed Feb 20 7:00 PM
Edmonton confirmed: Wed Feb 20  7:00 PM

Synopsis:

Now chief and ruler of Berk alongside Astrid, Hiccup has created a gloriously chaotic dragon utopia. When the sudden appearance of female Light Fury coincides with the darkest threat their village has ever faced, Hiccup and Toothless must leave the only home they’ve known and journey to a hidden world thought only to exist in myth. As their true destines are revealed, dragon and rider will fight together—to the very ends of the Earth—to protect everything they’ve grown to treasure.

Cast: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Cate Blanchett, Kit Harington, Craig Ferguson, F. Murray Abraham

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Tell us in the comments there, who you’ll be bringing to see this Family Day week release! Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra shot.

Universal Pictures Canada release HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HIDDEN WORLD  Friday, February 22, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Official Secrets tells the true story of British Secret Service Officer Katherine Gun (Keira Knightley). She released a private emailed memo about an illegal joint US-UK spying operation on the UN Security Council, leading up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Writer-Director Gavin Hood has made a compelling Film about the inspiring Gun. Gavin depicts Gun as an ordinary woman who was able to do something extraordinary by putting herself and those around her in harms way to expose the truth. Hood has gathered an ensemble of talented actors consisting of Knightley, Matt Smith, Matthew Goode, Ralph Fiennes and more. All add richness to the inspiring people involved.

Official Secrets screens at Sundance on Jan 28 at 6:30PM at Eccles PC, Jan 29 at 8:45AM at PC Library PC, Feb 2 at 9:30PM at The Ray PC, and Feb 3 at 12:30PM at Rose Wagner SLC.

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Honey Boy is the impressive screenwriting debut of Shia LaBeouf and is an autobiographical depiction of his relationship as a child actor with his emotionally and physically-abusive, alcoholic father.

This is an emotionally-driven film that features enormously-powerful, layered performances from its three leads. First and most memorable is LaBeouf in the role as his own father. He throws himself into this portrayal even further than his prior work making this standout. Then there is Noah Jupe, who plays LaBeouf as a 12-year-old child actor. Jupe’s performance is truly heartbreaking and his scenes with LeBeouf are raw. Finally, there is Lucas Hedges as LaBeouf in his 20s. Hedges becomes the PTSD effected Shia during his stay at a court-ordered rehab. There is no trace of Hedges because he captures LaBeouf stance, walk and voice inflections.

Honey Boy screens at Sundance on Jan 25 at 3:30PM AT Eccels PC, Jan 26 at 12:15PM at Grand SLC and 10PM at Redstone 2, Jan 27 at 9:15PM at Ray PC, and Feb 2 at 11:30AM at The MARC PC.

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile follows infamous serial killer Ted Bundy (Zac Efron), his relationship with Liz (Lily Collins), and the trials in which he was charged across multiple states for numerous savage murders.

This Film is a captivating watch from beginning to end thanks to Michael Werwie’s writing and steady direction by Joe Berlinger, who also directed Netflix‘s The Bundy Tapes. Enough time is spent on each important moment in Bundy’s trials, escapes and romantic relationships, which give a balanced look into the life of this complex serial killer. The Film is also an amazing showcase for Efron and Collins. Efron is stunning as Bundy and gives his best performance to date. He not only is convincing physically, but embodies his charm and wit, often making it hard to fall for him. Then there is Collins who gives a powerful performance as the tormented Liz. She evokes both the love Liz had for Bundy along with the doubt and regret which followed that love.

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile screens at Sundance on Sat., Jan 26 at 9:45PM at Eccles PC, Sun., Jan 27 at 8:30AM at The MARC PC, Tues., Jan 29 at 6:30PM at Rose Wagner SLC, Wed., Jan 30 at 6PM at Resort Sundance, and Sat., Feb 2 at 12:15PM at Eccles PC.

If there’s one Film coming out of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival with a lot of buzz, that would be THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO. The Drama directed by Joe Talbot centers on a man searching for home in a city that seems to have left him behind. It stars Co-Writer Jimmie Fails, Jonathan Majors, Rob Morgan, Thora Birch, Danny Glover and Finn Wittrock. Our Amanda Gilmore spotted Fails, Majors and Morgan causing a commotion with autograph seekers after the Film receive a warm reception last night at the Festival.  A24 distributes the Film, while Brad Pitt‘s Plan B Entertainment produces. We hear there were 100+ people on-standby to screen the Film tonight!

Biographical Sports Dramedy FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY which is based on the true story of WWE star Paige is a surprise addition to the Festival, set to premiere tomorrow.  Paige who is played in the February release by Florench Pugh, was spotted about and about with Pugh. Many are wondering if Dwayne Johnson might be making an appearance at Sundance now too!

While we know Wendi McLendon-Covey mostly for her comedic work, she comes to Sundance with IMAGINARY ORDER. The Drama sees an obsessive-compulsive suburban mom’s sexual and moral unravelling and fans went wild for the star who was seen out doing press.

Oscar-nominated Chiwetel Ejiofor makes his directorial debut with THE MAN WHO HARNESSED THE WIND, based on the Novel by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer. Ejiofor also writes the Adaptation and stars in the the Drama. Amanda spotted him out being very giving to fans!

She speaks  highly of THE FAREWELL which sees breakout star of Ocean’s 8 and Crazy Rich Asians, Awkwafina, stretch her dramatic wings. Check-out her review here. The Film sold for $7 million to A24.

And of course, she was lucky enough to get into a screening of hotly-buzzed EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE starring Zac Efron! He really is that good in it we’re hearing. More here.

Some Snaps from Amanda:

Jonathan Majors, The Last Black Man in San Francisco

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

When a family finds out that the matriarch of their family, Nai Nai (Zhao Shuzhen), has terminal stage four lung cancer, they travel from America and Japan to pay their last respects. However, the Chinese tradition is to keep this news from Nai Nai until it is absolutely necessary to tell her. This is difficult for her granddaughter, Billi (Awkwafina), who cares deeply for Nai Nai and expresses all of her emotions.

The Farewell is perfect showcase for the amazing talent that is Awkwafina. She gets her chance to shine in a lead character role, displaying a wide range of emotions that cement her career ahead after a fantastic 2018 which included Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean’s 8. This is based on a true story and is beautifully brought to the screen from Writer-Director Lulu Wang. It’s loaded with Comedy and rich Drama that will touch anyone lucky enough to see it.

The Farewell screens at Sundance on Fri., Jan 25 at 12:15PM at Eccles PC, Sat., Jan 26 at 1PM at Redstone 2 PC and 9:15PM at Grand SLC, Tues., Jan 29 at 9:15PM at Sundance Resort, Wed., Jan 30 at 12PM at Library PC, and Fri., Feb 1 at 8:30AM at Egyptian PC.