Review by Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong
Former Olympic hopeful Molly Bloom was always the smartest woman at the table. Molly ran poker games on both coasts and made millions catering to rich, elite men who thought nothing of losing six figures in a single night. Filmed in Toronto, Molly’s Game asks us to feel empathy for a woman whom Writer/Director Aaron Sorkin clearly feels none.
As the Movie opens, Molly (Jessica Chastain hiding under thickly applied make-up) is being arrested by the FBI. Her lawyer (Idris Elba) suggests that she tell the unedited story of her time setting-up high stakes poker games for the rich, famous, and unsavoury of both LA and New York. Unwilling to betray her personal code of ethics, Molly refuses. Instead, Molly tells us the story of her boss (Jeremy Strong), Player X (Michael Cera), and all the people she met on her way down.
The audience is expected to like Molly because she has a strict moral code which only slips due to ongoing daddy issues. (This is unambiguously explained by daddy himself, Kevin Costner, in an unneeded Third Act scene.) A worthy hot ticket if only for the cast, I’m calling Sorkin’s bluff and declaring Molly’s Game a weak ace.
eOne Films will screen Molly’s Game at TIFF ’17 at the following times:
Friday, September 8 6:00 p.m. Elgin Theatre
Saturday, September 9 11:00 a.m. Elgin Theatre
Now that’s more like it! We are still a bit bummed about Eminem cancelling on TIFF ’17, but today cheered us up! See some of the massive stars in and around town today at the world’s greatest Film Festival!
We ❤ Lady Gaga and when a last-minute addition was made to premiere her Netflix Documentary GAGA: FIVE FOOT TWO here, we realized how much that TIFF ‘17 game had stepped-up! Gaga appeared at an previously unannounced Press Conference today for the Documentary and a select handful of fans were lucky enough even to get the Selfie! She arrived right in the nick of time riding shotgun in her SUV.
I, TONYA gets its Premiere tonight and the buzz is feverish for the Tonya Harding Biopic. Stars Margot Robbie and Allison Janney are getting major Oscars buzz for their portrayals of the disgraced Figure Skater and her mother respectively. Also here is Captain America star Sebastian Stan who plays Harding‘s husband. All were incredibly-nice to fans as they did the rounds today!
A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Boston Marathon Drama STRONGER comes into TIFF ’17 with some buzz and we welcome back Jake Gyllenhaal who by now should be an honourary Torontonian! Also with him were Co-Stars Miranda Richardson and Canada’s own Tatiana Maslany, the latter enjoying a Cali Love smoothie.
A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Jason Sudeikis also was out earlier returning to the City where he filmed KODACHROME, which premiered here last night. Ed Harris was with him, although declining photos.
After kicking-off TIFF ’17 with Opening Gala BORG/MCENROE, Icelandic star Sverrir Gudnason was out earlier doing Press for the Film. Oddly, Co-Star Shia LaBoeuf who plays his Tennis arch-rival, was missing in action!
A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Our favourite Duo are totally owning TIFF ’17! Loved seeing again Armie Hammer and TimothĂ©e Chalamet out pushing CALL ME BY YOUR NAME.
A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
While Eminem couldn’t make it out last night, we still loved seeing Director Joseph Kahn out tonight. He directs BODIED which got a great response last night in TIFF‘s Midnight Madness Programme.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want Readers to win Advance Passes to see HAPPY DEATH DAY! Screenings take place as follows:
Toronto Oct 11 @7:00 PM Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Eglinton
Vancouver Oct 11 @7:00 PM Scotiabank Vancouver
Edmonton Oct 11 @7:00 PM Cineplex Cinemas South Edmonton
Calgary Oct 11 @7:00 PM Landmark Shawnessy
Ottawa Oct 11 @7:00 PM Landmark Kanata
Synopsis:
Blumhouse (Split, Get Out, Whiplash) produces an original and inventive rewinding thriller in Happy Death Day, in which a college student (Jessica Rothe, La La Land) relives the day of her murder with both its unexceptional details and terrifying end until she discovers her killer’s identity.
Happy Death Day is directed by Christopher Landon (Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones) and written by Scott Lobdell and Landon.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and indicate your City.
Universal Pictures Canada release HAPPY DEATH DAY Friday, October 13, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
Opening Night Gala at TIFF ’17 is Tennis Drama BORG/McENROE. While its star Shia LaBeouf often is known for trouble in the news, he was all a gentleman for fans waiting for him at the Film’s Press Conference, walking the line signing autographs and doing photos-with. While it rained on his way out, he insisted on walking umbrella-free despite a Handler trying to keep him covered.
Later in the day, we spotted his iconic Co-Star Stellan SkarsgĂĄrd, father of Alexander and Bill, the latter destined for Box Office glory starring in Stephen King’s IT this weekend. Opting to slip early out of his Premiere, he stopped for a quick Photo before heading out for a bite.
A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet are gaining huge Oscars momentum with their latest, an Adaptation of CALL ME BY YOUR NAME by Director Luca Guadadigno (A Bigger Splash, I Am Love). The Trio walked the Red Carpet tonight for the Film at Ryerson Theatre and were amazing, causing quite a commotion!
A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on
It’s not every day we see Eminem in Toronto and today was supposed to be our lucky day! The Actor/Rapper produces BODIED from Music Video Auteur Joseph Kahn and was slated to appear at its Premiere at Ryerson tonight but cancelled late.
More tomorrow. We are expecting a bigger day!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Review by Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong
Coming-of-age stories are hardly anything new. Neither are stories about young men learning to accept their sexuality. What makes Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name unique is its dedication to expressing its young protagonist’s story in a way that is no way exploitative while still being completely honest about the struggles of the 17-year-old.
Elio (Timothée Chalamet) lives “somewhere in Northern Italy” with his parents (Amira Casar and Michael Stuhlbarg, whose emotional Third Act soliloquy is a highlight of the Film). Every year the Perlmans invite an American university student to study with them for the summer. This year’s guest, Oliver (Armie Hammer), has caught the attention of all the girls in the village. Stuck on the sidelines, Elio isn’t sure if he’s jealous of Oliver or the girls. As the summer draws to a close, Elio makes the first move and changes the power dynamic in his relationship with Oliver leaving both emotionally vulnerable.
Standing as a servant to the Film but never overtaking the action, the music, highlighted with original songs by Sufjan Stevens, is nothing short of perfection. Perhaps the least well known of the cast, Chalamet’s performance is astonishing even in scenes where Guadagnino’s imagery leans toward becoming too heavy-handed. Call Me By Your Name is an absolute must-see during the Festival.
Mongrel Media will screen Call Me By Your Name at TIFF ’17 at the following times:
Thursday, September 7 7:15 p.m. Ryerson Theatre
Friday, September 8 9:30 a.m. TIFF Bell Lightbox
Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
On Chesil Beach is a character study of young lovers, Florence (Saoirse Ronan) and Edward (Billy Howle), on their wedding night in 1962 England.
Ian McEwan does a superb job of adapting his minimal dialogue novel into a conversing script. He maneuvers characters’ inner commentary into new scenes with revealing colloquies, creating two complex characters. The incomparable Ronan is mesmerizing to watch as Florence. Ronan embodies both Florence’s comfortable leadership while playing the violin and her uncontrollable fear of consummating her marriage effortlessly. And Howle has a breakout performance as Edward, fluently expressing embarrassment, anger, happiness and love.
On Chesil Beach screens at TIFF on Sept. 7 at Winter Garden Theatre at 5 PM and Sept. 8 at TBLB1 at 12:45 PM.
We don’t believe TIFF ’17 at last has arrived and although we’re feeling a bit sink or swim about it, we choose to dive on in and conquer! Â Running today, Thursday September 7 through Sunday, September 17, year after year we show the world why it is our Film Festival is the world’s greatest. Â The star power is beginning to pour in and around town tonight we spotted a few high profile arrivals!
See who we saw:
We love Charlie Hunnam and just seem to have the best luck with him. Although we’ve met him more than half a dozen times now, he is just as amazing every time to his Fans. Trying to make an incognito escape out of Pearson Airport, he right away was spotted by several eager Fans whom he promised to stop and greet after he put away his luggage in his SUV. Despite his best efforts to have everyone form a line, that fan excitement got the best of them but he still was amazingly accommodating. Hunnam is here for Papillon from Director Michael Noer. More here.
Even a week after seeing Luca Guadagnino‘s CALL ME BY YOUR NAME we still are mesmerized by the Oscar-caliber performances of its two leads Armie Hammer and TimothĂ©e Chalamet. Hammer arrived in Toronto bundle in a ski sweater and was more than nice to fans who surrounded him. Even two handlers blocking him wasn’t enough to stop Hammer from showing his giving side. You must see this Film. We can’t stop thinking about it! More here.
A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
She’s certainly a visionary and an Icon of the Fashion and Music realms. Multi-talented Grace Jones makes a rare appearance at TIFF ’17 in Sophie Fiennes‘ (sister of Joseph and Ralph) Documentary, GRACE JONES: BLOODLIGHT AND BAMI. We spotted both in town tonight and we are over the moon about getting photo with Jones. She rarely does this. More here.
While he is here to film Christoph Waltz‘s GEORGETOWN, Straight Outta Compton and 24: LEGACY star Corey Hawkins surely will be seen this weekend celebrating TIFF. The Actor was spotted arriving in town tonight and amazingly gracious with a growing crowd of Fans hoping to get a snap with him. For one, his Compton Co-Star Jason Mitchell appears in Mudbound from Netflix, premiering at the Festival!
A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
We’re only just beginning. You ain’t seen nothing yet! Keep checking our Social Media channels for updates throughout the day on all the TIFF ’17 buzz and sightings!
Twitter @mrwillw
Instagram @mrwillwong
Snapchat mrwillwong
Facebook mrwillwongblog
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
We love us some SUBWAY® CANADA and we know you do to! Did you know that they now have Grilled Wraps on their menu?
We’re beginning to wonder why this wasn’t a thing sooner…
Our fave, the Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap! So compact, nourishing and quick to order! Delish.
There are three exciting varieties and for the first time ever we have SUBWAY® sandwich we can eat with one hand! The other hand you can use to enter our exciting giveaway below! That’s right, you can multi-task, holding it all together! Whether you’re busy heading back to work, back to school or off to TIFF ’17, SUBWAY® Grilled Wraps fit not only into your hand but also your schedule, letting you hold it all together!
Varieties include:
CHICKEN CAESAR made with seasoned rotisserie chicken, a generous portion of Monterey and Parmesan cheeses, tasty tomatoes freshly cut, delectable Caesar sauce and wrapped in a tortilla and grilled to the press with panini.
RANCH CHICKEN AND BACON garnished with seasoned chicken roasting, bacon, Monterey cheese and tasty tomatoes freshly cut and a delicious ranch sauce, wrapped in a tortilla and grilled to perfection in panini press.
B.L.T. features strips of bacon and topped with lettuce, tomatoes and a drizzle of mayo.
Learn more about them right here on SUBWAY® CANADA’s Official Facebook Page!
We want you to be able to ‘wrap’ your hands around a SUBWAY® Grilled Wrap! How about a chance to win a SUBWAY® CANADA Card loaded with $25 to try one… or a few?
Head over to MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK where we’ll be giving away some SUBWAY® Cards in our TIFF ’17 Survival Pack and also some throughout TIFF!
Want to win some awesome SUBWAY®-branded swag? Don’t forget to post on Instagram and Twitter how you’re “holding it together” this TIFF to them @subwaycanada and tag them on your Posts for a chance to win some phone chargers, note pads, or tote bags!
Don’t forget also to be following us here:
Twitter: @mrwillw
Instagram: @mrwillwong
Snapchat: mrwillwong
Good luck!
Giveaway open to Canadian Readers only.
(Photo/video credit: SUBWAY®/Mr. Will Wong)
Everyone’s talking about intriguing TIFF ’17 selection mother!, the latest from Black Swan Director Darren Aronofsky, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem. We want to give Readers a chance to win Run-of-Engagement Passes in Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa.
Synopsis:
A couple’s relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. From filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, Requiem for a Dream), mother! stars Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer in this riveting psychological thriller about love, devotion and sacrifice.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. For an extra chance, Re-Tweet this Tweet at @mrwillw.
Paramount Pictures Canada release #motherMovie Friday, September 15, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)
We couldn’t do TIFF ’17 without the support of our amazing partners who make what otherwise is an eventful and hectic 11 days just that much more manageable! We’re lucky already to have an amazing Team (Jonathan Godfrey, Justin Waldman, Siobhán Rich, David Baldwin and Amanda Gilmore) who help bring us the coverage on the Films and talent making the biggest splash at the Festival, but we’re just as grateful to have the support of some amazing partners including:
CP24
Returning for a ninth consecutive year, we’ll be partnering again with Southern Ontario’s favourite news channel CP24 for TIFF ’17 delivering you all the scoop on the Festival’s hottest Films and stars! See our photos real-time as we upload them onto our Social media channels as we spot the stars and see the Films, and also on CP24! You’ll see a lot of us in-studio and live-to-air. Â Be watching!
Here’s a link to our TIFF ’17 Preview on Live at Noon:
STARBUCKSÂ CANADA
Every TIFF we’re treated to amazing Films which we’re so lucky to see first before Awards Season and all those stars in town! But  just as exciting is that the Pumpkin Spice Latte, known affectionately as the PSL, returns too right in time for the Festival!  The PSL is our official beverage of choice during the Festival and the perfect treat at a time of ultimate indulgence! Learn all about Starbucks Canada‘s Fall Menu and stay connected on all their new delicious offerings here.
COME CLEAN 100% NATURAL BAMBOO CLEANING CLOTHS
Make-Up Artist-recommended, these bamboo cloths from Consonant Skin Care which come in packs of 10, not only cleanse but also brighten the skin with anti-aging botanicals! It’s so easy to not look your freshest after those long TIFF days, and these will ensure you look your freshest! More here.
THE FASHION PIG
It is always best to get a second opinion on things. The Fashion Pig is a fashion consulting service for women and men tailored to your individual body type. We aren’t all the same and different things work on different people. They also offer de-cluttering consultation services also for your living space. Learn more here.
DUFFLET PASTRIES
There is only one Queen of Cake® and that is Dufflet Rosenberg. We are proud to partner again with Dufflet Pastries this TIFF to let you experience true decadence.  Just minutes west of Entertainment District, you must check out their Queen St. West location for a sweet treat!  More here.
SPUDNIKS
It’s so easy to forget about snacking smart during TIFF with movies and stars on your mind, but Toronto’s own SPUDNIKS Kettle Corn, Kettle Chips and Caramel Corn available in large and small sizes, are the perfect snack. Even more awesome, Canada 150 is fully in patriotic effect with their Maple Popcorn which is to die for, but if you’re into something simple and lighter, try their Skinny Pop Sea Salt and Sunflower Oil-seasoned Popcorn! They contain no MSG, are all natural, no additives nor Trans-Fats. Heart-healthy, almost all their products have no cholesterol. Did you know that SPUDNIKS is the official Caramel Corn of Toronto institutions like the CN Tower, Toronto Blue Jays and the Royal Ontario Museum? You can even get ’em at Pearson Airport! More here.
SUBWAY® GRILLED WRAPS
During TIFF, every second counts and sometimes you just have to multi-task eating with searching something on your phone. These Subway®  Grilled Wraps let you hold it all together with deliciousness you can enjoy with one hand and they come in B.L.T., Chicken Caesar and Chicken & Bacon Wrap.
• The savoury Chicken Caesar Melt combines rotisserie-style chicken with shredded Monterey Cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of Parmesan, baby spinach, tomatoes and Caesar sauce, wrapped in a soft tortilla and grilled to perfection.
• Chicken & Bacon Ranch Melt features tender, rotisserie-style 100 per cent Canadian chicken free from artificial flavours, colours and preservatives, served on a fresh tortilla, with mouth-watering bacon, shredded Monterey Cheddar cheese, red onions, green peppers, tomatoes and a creamy ranch sauce.
• You can’t go wrong with a classic grilled B.L.T. wrap, featuring strips of bacon and topped with lettuce, tomatoes and a drizzle of mayo.
With a location right in the middle of the action at King x John, nourishment is never far away, letting you hold it all together! Learn more about Subway® Grilled Wraps here.
ROWENTA X-CEL STEAM BRUSH
Looking flawless during Toronto’s most star-studded season is a chore when you’re tight on time. The Rowenta X-Cel Steam Brush is compact, portable and keeps your clothes crease-less and it does it quick! Â We plan to keep one handy in our hotel room. Learn more about it here.
H&M CANADA
We love H&M all seasons of the year and TIFF ’17 is no exception. The perfect blend of affordability, innovation and comfort, there are reasons why we keep revisiting H&M‘s fashions. We can dress-up or dress-down with their great versatility. Visit here for their latest arrivals for Women and Men. Did you know they had Justin Bieber merch even in-store September 7, 2017?
2017Â HONDA CIVIC 5D SPORT TOURING
Having a nimble, compact ride is a must during TIFF whether it be for navigating through the bustle of Entertainment District or fitting into those tight parking spots on-the-run.  We are of the firm belief that less is more during TIFF and we can’t wait to navigate the Festival in our official ride of TIFF ’17, the super–sleek 2017 Honda Civic 5D Sport Touring! We love its leather interior, wireless phone charging and Honda Sensing™ Suite! The car is the perfect blend of versatility, class and value. Learn more about it here!
HOTEL NOVOTEL DOWNTOWN CENTRE
We’re blessed to call Hotel Novotel Downtown Centre our home once again TIFF ’17.  In addition to having everything we need – size, the coziest bed, plenty of parking, pet-friendliness and incredible amenities like an awesome gym, reliable wi-fi and yes, that amazing breakfast buffet at Cafe Nicole. Above this, the staff are incredibly nice and accommodating. The Hotel is just minutes from all that TIFF action, but thankfully just away enough to escape the madness at the end of the night. We love it and always keep coming back!  More here.
What good is talking about our amazing partners if we can’t share it all with you? Â One lucky Willionaire in Toronto will win an amazing TIFF ’17 Survival Kit including goodies from some of our partners including:
Starbucks Canada Gift Card (additional cards to be given away throughout Festival via our Social Media)
Subway® Canada Card (additional cards to be given away throughout Festival via our Social Media)
Dufflet Pastries Gift Card
H&M Canada VIP Card
Rowenta X-Cel Steam Brush
Selection of Spudniks Kettle Chips and Popcorns
Free Men/Women’s Fashion Consultation Voucher from The Fashion Pig
Come Clean 100% Natural Bamboo Cleaning Cloths
A visual of trusty sidekick Billy guarding the goods for us. Click left below for a cute TIFF surprise!
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. For an extra chance, you may:
Re-Tweet this Tweet: @mrwillw
“Like” this Post on Instagram: @mrwillwong
Don’t forget to be following us on the above social channels also for all the latest TIFF ’17 buzz!
Happy TIFF ’17! Â We’ll be seeing you around town!
Mr. Willxbilly
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com