Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

The Nightingale takes place in 1825 on the British colony of Van Diemen’s Land, which is now known as Tasmania, Australia. The Film follows the story of a young Irish convict, Clare (Aisling Franciosi), who is serving time in order to be given her ticket to go back home by British officer Hawkins (Sam Claflin). One night, Hawkins and fellow officers, under his directives, commit horrific acts of violence against Clare, her husband, and their newborn child. This sets her out on a hunt, with the help of Aboriginal guide Billy (Baykali Ganambarr), through the wilderness to find them and exact her revenge.

This is a harrowing effort for Writer-Director Jennifer Kent (The Babadook). Kent never shies away from the traumatizing acts these men repeatedly carry-out. She forces the audience to watch with great anxiety and feel every ounce of pain Clare is experiencing. It isn’t only Kent‘s pays meticulous attention to details in creating an atmosphere. Her focus is the injustice the indigenous people and women convicts faced. We get a balanced view between Clare’s perspective and that of the Aboriginal People, particularly Billy, who helps her track down the men who savagely attacked her family.

The entire Cast is great, with a breakthrough performance from Franciosi, who we have previously seen in BBC’s The Fall. She is a powerhouse who never seems to run out of steam. She displays every range of emotion from pain, happiness, confusion, fear and rage without having to say a word. Claflin is unlike any other character we’ve ever seen from him. He disappears into the sinister Hawkins, giving one of his most frightening and memorable performances to date.

The Nightingale screens at Sundance on Fri., Jan 25 at 8:30PM at The MARC PC, Sat., Jan 26 at 6:30PM at Rose Wagner SLC, Mon., Jan 28 at 11:30PM at Prospector Square PC, and Wed., Jan 30 at 12PM at The Ray PC.

The 2019 Sundance Film Festival officially is at its peak point and the starpower has lit-up Park City. Stars continue to pour-in to present their Films at the Festival and drawing the most fandemonium today was Zac Efron who stars as serial killer Ted Bundy in EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE. Debuting new bleach-blonde hair, Efron had security flanking him tight as fans tried getting close to him. Amanda Gilmore, who is at Sundance on assignment for us, tells us the commotion was so great that his Co-Star Lily Collins almost couldn’t get into her vehicle. Their Film premieres tonight.

Daniel Radcliffe is at Sundance to present TV Series MIRACLE WORKERS, which will air on TBS in the U.S.and has him starring as an angel alongside Steve Buscemi who most stop the world from destruction and make two people fall in love. Amanda reports Radcliffe was gracious with fans, stopping for selfies and autographs amidst the crowding.

We are hearing Writer/Director Jennifer Kent (The Babadook) is coming back strong with Midnight Programme selection THE NIGHTINGALE about a young Irish woman (Aisling Franciosi) who chases after a British officer (Sam Claflin) after to exact revenge on a violent act he committed on her family. Review here.

See some of the talent Amanda spotted today:

Zac Efron, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

Stay tuned. We’ve got lots more to report and more reviews to come.

(Photo credit: Amanda Gilmore)

GLASS sees it through at the top of the Box Office a second consecutive week with $16.6 million from 3,844 theatres for Universal Pictures, a two week tally of $71.1 million.

THE UPSIDE still is showing no signs of going downhill, in second with $11.1 million in its third week, a total $62 million for STX Entertainment/Elevation Pictures.

In third is THE KID WHO WOULD BE KING with $7.1 million from 3,521 theatres for 20th Century Fox.  It gets a fantastic 86% on the Tomatometer and a B+ CinemaScore.

In fourth is AQUAMAN with $7 million for Warner Bros., bringing its gross to $316 million domestically over six weeks.

SERENITY debuts in ninth with $4.2 million for Elevation Pictures/Avion Pictures from 2,561 theatres. It gets 22% on the Tomatometer and a D+ CinemaScore.

ESCAPE ROOM rounds-out the Top Ten with $3.6 million for Sony Pictures, a total $47.2 million over four weeks.

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

After The Wedding follows Isabel (Michelle Williams), who runs an orphanage in India. When the orphanage is in need of money she receives a substantial donation, but it comes with a catch. Isabel will have to travel to New York City and meet a successful business woman (Julianne Moore) to convince her she deserves the money. However, when she arrives she is forced to examine her past.

The Film is the American remake of Susanne Bier’s Oscar-nominated Film of the same name. This time around, Director Bart Freundlich (Moore‘s real-life husband) decided to make the two leads women, rather than Bier’s male leads. This results in a refreshing take on the original story while allowing for substantial performances from Williams and Moore. Both women are a force in their individual scenes, yet when they are together the fireworks ignite. Their performances and this tender family story make for an impactful viewing experience.

After The Wedding screens at Sundance on Thurs., Jan 24 at 5:30PM at both Eccles PC and The Ray PC, Fri., Jan 25 at 9AM at Eccles PC and 9:15PM at The Grand SLC, Sat., Jan 26 at 9PM at Resort Sundance, Wed., Jan 30 at 5:30PM at  Prospector PC, and Sat., Feb 2 at 5:30PM at The MARC PC.

It was a star-studded second day at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and our Amanda Gilmore was out and about capturing all the excitement in between her screenings.

She tells us TROOP ZERO is the one to look out for next Awards Season as the feel-good Film produced by and starring Viola Davis premiered to rousing reception. Check out her Review here.

She also saw the Adaptation of popular Richard Wright Novel, NATIVE SON which sees Best Picture-winning Moonlight star Ashton Sanders back in the spotlight again. Her thoughts on the Film here.

Real-life couple Director Bart Freundlich and Oscar winner Julianne Moore team-up on a Remake of Danish film AFTER THE WEDDING, which also stars Michelle Williams. Amanda‘s review here.

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Amanda‘s Recap:

Throughout the day there were second screenings from films that premiered last night and into the afternoon and evening their were new premieres to come. One of those premieres was Shia LaBeouf’s screenwriting debut Film, which is semi-autobiographical, Honey Boy. When the Film finished, there was a strong applause and since then it has been on our radar. Another Film that premiered tonight was Screenwriter and Actor Mindy Kaling’s Late Night. This Film follows a female Late Night Talk Show Host, which is definitely something topical right now. It is one of the hardest tickets to get at this year’s Festival. Kaling has been a steady force within the industry since her days on The Office. Now IMDb has given Kaling the STARMeter Award today.

Out on Main Street, many stars were found walking, doing press and hitting some parties. Some people spotted today were Mindy Kaling, Nick Robinson, Julianne Moore, Jada Pinkett Smith, Malin Åckerman, Billy Crudup and more.

A majority of these actors opted to walk down the street to each of their interviews rather than taking a vehicle. And a lot of them took their time to stop for fans on the street even though a lot were running around to their next interviews.

Tonight also was the Sundance Kickoff Party that we were lucky enough to attend. The atmosphere was filled with high energy and conversations about the best films viewed so far. After overhearing conversations it is clear that many people loved Troop Zero, while others had a lot to say about Documentaries.

Check-out some of the awesome star sightings by Amanda in and around the hub of the Festival:

Ashton Sanders, Native Son

There is still a lot of Festival left! Tomorrow Zac Efron will be in town to premiere his Ted Bundy Biopic, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, which just dropped its Trailer today. There is a lot of hype surrounding it so far at Sundance. There will be some star power hitting the Midnight Programme tomorrow night with Dakota Johnson and Armie Hammer’s new film Wounds. It is sure to be a day full of excitement and we look forward to bringing you all the latest, so stay tuned.

(Photo credit: Amanda Gilmore)

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Troop Zero follows young alien believing Christmas (Mckenna Grace) as she rallies a group of child outcasts to join her in becoming a Birdie. None of them wants to be apart of the group, including their troop mama (Viola Davis), yet they agree when they hear they might have the chance to make a recording for NASA. This recording will be sent into outer space so that other life forms, if they exist, can hear them. All they have to do is win enough badges to become a Birdie and win the Birdie Jamboree.

This Film is the feel-good movie of this Festival. It has everything a great movie has and more. The tight, heartwarming and funny Script, written by Lucy Alibar, is a winner. Then there are the tremendous performances by the entire Cast. Grace is a superb force that further cements her rapidly-emerging career. Davis is at her best as the fearless and caring troop mama. Then there is Alison Janney who plays principal and rival troop mama Miss Massey. Janney undeniably is loveable which in turn makes this villain of a character funny and layered. The entire Cast work perfectly together, including the young cast, to bring this beautiful and endearing story to life. This is the Film that people will be talking about for the entire year.

Troop Zero screens at Sundance on Fri., Feb 1 at 6:30PM at Eccles PC, Sat., Feb 2 at 8:30PM at Prospector Square Theatre PC, and Sun., Feb 3 at 6:30PM at Rose Wagner SLC.

It’s Zac Efron like you’ve never imagined! EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE premieres at Sundance and here’s the brand-new Trailer!

Synopsis:
A chronicle of the crimes of Ted Bundy from the perspective of Liz, his longtime girlfriend, who refused to believe the truth about him for years.

Starring: Zac Efron, Lily Collins, Kaya Scodelario, Jeffrey Donovan, Angela Sarafyan, Dylan Baker, Brian Geraghty, Haley Joel Osment, James Hetfield, with Jim Parsons and John Malkovich

See the Trailer:

VVS Films release EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE 2019.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

After a rousing reception at TIFF ’18, WILD ROSE gets pencilled in for a proper release! Check out the new Trailer!

Synopsis:
Rose-Lynn Harlan, played by BAFTA Rising Star nominee Jessie Buckley (Beast), is bursting with raw talent, charisma and cheek. Fresh out of jail and with two young kids, all she wants is to get out of Glasgow and make it as a country singer in Nashville. Her mum Marion (Julie Walters) has had a bellyful of Rose-Lynn’s Nashville nonsense. Forced to take responsibility, Rose-Lynn gets a cleaning job, only to find an unlikely champion in the middle-class lady of the house (Sophie Okonedo). Directed by Tom Harper, Wild Rose is an uplifting story with an original soundtrack about family, dreams and reality, and three chords and the truth.

See the Trailer:

eOne Films release WILD ROSE May 2019.

(Photo/video credit: One Films)

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Native Son is based on the Novel of the same name written by Richard Wright. It follows Big (Ashton Sanders), who copes with racism on the daily in Chicago. His life begins to shift as he gets a job as a chauffeur for a wealthy white family.

The Film showcases a great Ensemble who get rich, complex characters to play. Two performances that stand out the most are from Kiki Layne (If Beale Street Could Talk) and Margaret Qualley (Novitiate). Each woman commands every scene they are in even when placed against a standout performance by Sanders who made a huge impression in Oscar-winning Moonlight.

Changes were made in the Film’s adaptation to connect with a contemporary audience which might be divisive for fans of the source material. The Film makes a statement which makes it a Film of the now.

Native Son screens at Sundance on Thurs., Jan 24 at 9PM at Eccles PC, Fri., Jan 25 at 9:30AM at The Ray PC and 9PM at Tower SLC, Sat., Jan 26 at 12PM at Resort Sundance, Wed., Jan 30 at 6PM at PC Library PC, and Thurs., Jan 31 at 11:45PM at Egyptian PC.

By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

The 2019 Sundance Film Festival kicked-off today with its opening day Press Conference.

Founder Robert Redford started the Press Conference thanking the Press who have come out for the past 34 years and revealing that he’d be taking more of a behind-the-scenes role going forward. “Having done this for…God, it’s 34 years now since the Festival started. I think we are at a point where, I can move on to a different place. Because the thing I’ve missed over the years is being able to spend time with the Films, and the Filmmakers, and to see their work, and to enjoy their work, and be apart of their community. But I don’t think the Festival needs a whole lot of an introduction now. I think it kind of run on its own course, and I’m happy for that. So let me just say, I am grateful you are here. I want to give a shoutout to people I don’t think get enough credit, and that’s the volunteers.”. This was met but a loud round of applause from the Press, of which more than ever before are from underrepresented groups. “They are volunteers, they don’t get paid. They stand outside in the cold and they welcome people and usher them this way and that way. And I just think they deserve a lot of credit for that. I honour them, so thanks for that.”. After this, he introduced Executive Director Keri Putnam before exiting the stage.

Putnam was very excited to kick off the Festival tonight stating that the Programmers have picked a lot of great films. She reminded the audience that the Sundance Film Festival is a non-profit event. She stated there is a common misconception that this is a separate part of the Sundance Institute, “and that is not true.”. She continued that the Festival is here to support Filmmakers and be a supportive platform for their work. She said there are a lot of different narratives at this year’s Festival: some that will spark joy and others that with cause discomfort. “Art can’t spark conversation if it’s playing it safe,” she concluded before introducing the panel for the Press Conference.

Festival Director John Cooper, Director of Programming Kim Yutani, and select Programmers were on the Panel to talk about what makes this Festival so special. One of the points John Cooper made was that each Programmer and Director contribute to every Programme. Therefore, there is a diverse range of films in every Programme. Yutani said they brought on even more Programmers this year which helped make for a bigger range of films. The one aspect of the Festival they are most proud of is the International Films they are showcasing this year. They stated they have spent years making connections with international Filmmakers to bring great movies to Sundance. They are also proud of the 45 Documentaries they are showcasing this year. Stating that in the time we live in, watching Documentary is crucial to understanding different views.

Some of the Films playing at the Festival tonight include After The Wedding, starring Michelle Williams and Julianne Moore. It’s the American remake of Susanne Bier’s Academy Award nominated Danish Film of the same name. The Film follows Isabel who travels to find the woman who donated a substantial amount of money to her orphanage to thank her, however, she finds a connection that sends her on a journey to her past. The Opening Night Documentary of the day is The Inventor: Out For Blood In Silicon Valley about Elizabeth Holmes‘ revolutionary medical invention that scammed a lot of high-profile people.

The 2019 Sundance Film Festival runs January 24 through February 4, 2019. Follow us for our coverage on the most buzzed Films and faces to come out of the Festival as we update daily here and on our Social channels.

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(Photo credit: Sundance)