Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong

Christine McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) is a rebel and outsider. She is in her last year of Catholic high school and insists people call her Lady Bird. She dreams of escaping her family in Sacramento, but her grades need a massive improvement.

Lady Bird is a delight from start to finish. It taps into the same adolescent angst as TIFF ’16 Closing Night Film The Edge of Seventeen, but feels a little more introspective and nostalgic – no doubt due to Gerwig’s hilarious and touching screenplay. The first-time Director shows a real knack for honing-in on great character moments – no matter how ordinary they might be. She has also assembled a terrific Cast, highlighted by magnificent performances from Laurie Metcalf and Beanie Feldstein (Jonah Hill’s younger sister!).

But Ronan is the one who is the true knockout, alternating between scathing humour and teenage melodrama with ease. She disappears into Lady Bird, giving us yet another reason to continue watching this spectacular young talent.

Lady Bird screens TIFF ’17 at the following times:

Friday, September 8 9:00 p.m. Ryerson Theatre
Saturday, September 9 7:00 p.m. Scotiabank Theatre 2
Saturday, September 16 8:45 p.m. Elgin Theatre

Review by Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

The Boston Marathon bombing of April 2013 impacted many people but perhaps few so drastically as Jeff Bauman. Director David Gordon Green’s latest effort Stronger, follows Bauman on his path toward recovery and redemption.

Hailing from the working-class suburb of Chelmsford, Jeff (Jake Gyllenhaal) was standing near the marathon’s finish line ready to cheer on his on-again/off-again girlfriend Erin (Canadian Tatiana Maslany). Moments before bombing he saw a young man in a baseball cap and looked him in the eyes. When Jeff awoke in hospital the next day he learned he had lost both his legs. His mother (played by Miranda Richardson) and guilt-ridden girlfriend try to help on the road to recovery as he wrestles with PTSD and the weight of the expectations thrust upon by a nation desperate for a hero.

In order to make the audience feel more connected with Bauman and his trauma, Green relies rather heavily on close-ups but this does not detract from the stellar performances, particularly from Maslany. Although formulaic, Stronger does its best to recreate the rather unlikable Bauman and paint him as a modern, if highly flawed, hero.

eOne Films will screen Stronger at TIFF ’17 at the following times:

Friday, September 8 6:30 p.m. Roy Thomson Hall
Saturday, September 9 10:45 a.m. Winter Garden Theatre

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.

#TIFF17: Lady Gaga at the Press Conference for Netflix’s #GagaFiveFootTwo. #TIFF #TIFF2017 #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #LadyGaga #Joanne #Gaga

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2017 at 9:58am PDT

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!

#TIFF17: Always a pleasure seeing this beauty, Margot Robbie. So stoked to see her #Oscars-buzzed portrayal of Tonya Harding in #ITonya! #TIFF2017 #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2017 at 11:32am PDT

#TIFF17: Handsome #SebastianStan here for #ITonya! #TIFF2017 #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2017 at 11:33am PDT

#TIFF17: The delightful #AllisonJanney. Lotsa #Oscars-buzzed for her work as Tonya Harding’s mother in #ITonya! #TIFF2017 #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2017 at 11:32am PDT

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.

#TIFF17: #JakeGyllenhaal back at #TIFF2017 with Boston Marathon Drama, #StrongerMovie. #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2017 at 11:33am PDT

#TIFF17: This ain’t no fake, a selfie with Jake! #JakeGyllenhaal at #TIFF2017 with #StrongerMovie. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2017 at 11:50am PDT

#TIFF17: Oscar-nominated #MirandaRichardson at #TIFF2017 for #StrongerMovie. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2017 at 12:06pm PDT

#TIFF17: #TatianaMaslany at #TIFF2017 for Boston Marathon Drama #StrongerMovie. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2017 at 11:32am PDT

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.

#TIFF17: #JasonSudeikis back at #TIFF2017 with Toronto-made #Kodachrome. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2017 at 11:32am PDT

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!

#TIFF17: Hot off walking the carpet for #TIFF2017 Opening Night Gala #BorgMcEnroe, star #SverrirGudnason. 🎾 #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2017 at 12:28pm PDT

Our favourite Duo are totally owning TIFF ’17! Loved seeing again Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet out pushing CALL ME BY YOUR NAME.

#TIFF17: Easily one of most popular guys of #TIFF2017, #ArmieHammer! #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #CallMeByYourName

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2017 at 3:10pm PDT

#TIFF17: #TimotheeChalamet. Love this kid so much! “So we’re gonna do a double huh?”, he asks before shaking my hand. #CallMeByYourName #TIFF2017 #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2017 at 3:09pm PDT

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.

#TIFF17: He’s helmed masterpieces like Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” Videos. #JosephKahn at #TIFF2017 with Eminem-produced #Bodied. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 8, 2017 at 6:16pm PDT

(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 Skarsgård, 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.

#TIFF17 #ShiaLaBeouf braves rain at Press Conference for Opening Night Gala #BorgMcEnroe. #TIFF2017 #TIFF #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival 🎾

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 7, 2017 at 1:12pm PDT

#TIFF17: With iconic screen star #StellanSkarsgard, at #TIFF2017 with #BorgMcEnroe. 🎾 #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 7, 2017 at 7:24pm PDT

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!

#TIFF17: One of my most coveted Selfies of #TIFF2017, #TimotheeChalamet. This burgeoning star is devastatingly-good in #CallMeByYourName. The #Oscars buzz is all warranted. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 7, 2017 at 4:32pm PDT

#TIFF17: One of my favourite Directors, #LucaGuadagnino. His latest, #CallMeByYourName is bound for #Oscars contention. #TIFF2017 #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Sep 7, 2017 at 4:35pm PDT

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!  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.  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.

#TIFF17: Sons of Anarchy fan fave #CharlieHunnam arriving in #Toronto tonight for #TIFF2017 for #Papillon. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF #SoA #SonsofAnarchy

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 6, 2017 at 7:09pm PDT

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 Timothée 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.

#TIFF17: #ArmieHammer getting major #Oscars buzz for a phenomenal performance in #CallMeByYourName. Please see this Film. #TIFF2017. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 6, 2017 at 7:27pm PDT

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.

(Swipe left!) #TIFF17: Fashion and Music Icon #GraceJones arriving in #Toronto tonight for #TIFF2017. Sophie Fiennes directs Documentary #GraceJonesMoonlightandBami. #TorontoInternationalFilmFestival #TIFF *Thanks @spottedbyserena for this snap! Blessed!

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 6, 2017 at 7:32pm PDT

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!

You loved him in #StraightOuttaCompton and recently #24Legacy. #CoreyHawkins in Toronto #TIFF17 weekend filming #Georgetown.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 6, 2017 at 7:44pm PDT

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)