Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Director Lana Wilson has created a thought-provoking Documentary  about how fame immensely impacts someone’s self-image, identity and more.

This isn’t a Film that simply scratches the surface of Swift’s life, it digs deep and figures out the root cause of her highly-publicized some moves and emotions. Wilson is able to achieve this level of investigation because Swift is completely unbarred and delivers her truth speaking about politics, feminism, misogyny, body image (including revealing a bout with an eating disorder) and more. The scenes where she addresses these topics are often emotionally hard-hitting, however, we get a good glimpse also in candid studio clips, showing her magnetic talent and quick wit.

Miss Americana isn’t about portraying Swift’s life as daisies and rainbows, instead she talks about the good, the bad, her flaws and what she can do to be the person she aspires to be. Fans soon will be able to stream this Friday, January 31, 2020.

Miss Americana screens at Sundance on Thurs. Jan. 23rd at 9:00 PM at Eccles Theatre, Fri. Jan. 24th at 9:00 AM at Eccles Theatre, Fri. Jan. 24th at 9:15 PM at Grand Theatre, Thurs. Jan. 30th at 9:30 AM at The Ray Theatre, Fri. Jan. 31st at 3:45 PM at Broadway Centre Cinema 3, Sat. Feb. 1 at 6 PM at Sundance Resort, and Sun. Feb. 2nd at 6:15 PM at Grand Theatre.

It was an action-packed Day One at Sundance! Following on Amanda Gilmore‘s Preview of the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, she was out in the thick of the action getting in on some of the excitement.  Taylor Swift made a huge splash in Park City, appearing in support of her Netflix Documentary MISS AMERICANA, the Trailer which just surfaced this week.

While it was never really confirmed that Swift would be appearing, there were some sightings of her earlier today on Main Street, which sealed the deal.  Fans lined the street and Amanda tells us there were about 200 fans waiting just for a chance to get a rush ticket to attend the Premiere of the Documentary. She walked right through the front entrance but not without talking lots of Selfies with Fans, insisting on grabbing their cell phones and doing it herself for them!

See some of Amanda’s Snaps below, including some video footage if you swipe left on the Album:

While it was rumoured The Obamas would show up for CRIP CAMP, a Documentary the power couple produced, alas they didn’t make it out.

Stay tuned, Amanda’s got lots more to deliver us from Park City these next few days including her Reviews of some of the Festival’s most-buzzed Films and star sightings!

(Photo/video credit: Amanda Gilmore/Netflix)

By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

We are back at the Sundance Film Festival and are as excited as ever. There are many things to be excited about this year from the stars to the films. As in previous years, Sundance is making strides towards diversity. To start off this new decade Sundance has included 107 projects by female Filmmakers (44%), 90 projects by people of colour (37%), and 47 projects by LGBTQ+ Filmmakers (19%). That diversity brings a diverse range of films, making it an inclusive Film Festival.

Some of the Films that have the most buzz going into the Fest are:

Bad Hair (Midnight): This is the official opening night Midnight film directed by Justin Simien (Dear White People) and is labelled as a brilliant satirical Psychological Thriller. It also has a superb cast consisting of Elle Lorraine, Vanessa Williams, Jay Pharoah, Lena Waithe and Laverne Cox.

Come Away (Kids): This Film tells that story of Peter before he became Peter Pan and Alice before she visited Wonderland. It has a star-studded cast consisting of Angelina Jolie, David Oyelowo and Micheal Caine.

Four Good Days (Premieres): This Film stars Glenn Close as a mother who tries to help get her drug-addicted daughter (Mila Kunis) clean.

Minari (U.S Dramatic Competition): This Film follows a Korean family who moves from the West Coast to rural Arkansas in search of the American Dream.

Miss Americana (Doc Premieres): Taylor Swift is kicking-off the Festival tonight with a documentary about her finding herself and using her voice.

Promising Young Woman (Premieres): Carey Mulligan is back at Sundance playing a woman who hunts down men who cross her path.

Shirley (U.S Dramatic Competition): Director Josephine Decker returns to Sundance with this biographical portrait of beloved horror author Shirley Jackson, who is brought to the screen by the ever captivating Elisabeth Moss.

Sylvie’s Love (U.S Dramatic Competition): Tessa Thompson is the star of this 1950s love story about a Saxophone Player who falls for a Television Producer.

The Glorias (Premieres): The one and only Gloria Steinem is getting her book told on the big screen and the one and only Julianne Moore is playing her.

Worth (Premieres): Micheal Keaton stars as Kenneth Feinberg who, following the 9/11 attacks, led the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund. This Film follows Feinberg in the moments following the 9/11 attacks as he tries to broker deals with the victims’ families.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

We are thrilled to give Readers in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton a chance to win Advance Passes to see THE CALL OF THE WILD starring Harrison Ford! Screenings take place Thursday, February 13, 2020.

Synopsis:
Adapted from the beloved literary classic, THE CALL OF THE WILD vividly brings to the screen the story of Buck, a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Alaskan Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s. As the newest rookie on a mail delivery dog sled team–and later its leader–Buck experiences the adventure of a lifetime, ultimately finding his true place in the world and becoming his own master. As a live-action/animation hybrid, THE CALL OF THE WILD employs cutting edge visual effects and animation technology in order to render the animals in the film as fully photorealistic–and emotionally authentic–characters.

Cast:
Harrison Ford, Dan Stevens, Omar Sy, Karen Gillan, Bradley Whitford, Colin Woodell

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post over at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Indicate your City there in your entry in the comments. Share this Post on Facebook for an extra chance or Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw!

Rules and regulations here.

THE CALL OF THE WILD is in theatres Thursday, February 20, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

© 2020 TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX FILM CORPORATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Paramore Frontwoman Hayley Williams debuts her solo single SIMMER and we’ve got the Video to show you!

Williams’ solo album PETALS FOR ARMOR hits stores Friday, May 8, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music/Lindsey Byrnes)

We are excited to give our Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see BIRDS OF PREY (AND THE FANTABULOUS EMANCIPATION OF ONE HARLEY QUINN) on Wednesday, February 5, 2020! Cities are as follows:

VANCOUVER
Screening details:
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Show Time: 7:00 PM
SilverCity Riverport Cinemas
14211 Entertainment Way
Richmond BC, V6W 1K4

MONTREAL ENGLISH
Screening details:
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Show Time: 7:00 PM
Cinema Banque Scotia Montreal
977 rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest
Montreal, QC, H3B 4W3

EDMONTON
Screening details:
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Show Time: 7:00 PM
Scotiabank Theatre Edmonton
8882 170 St Suite: #3030
Edmonton AB, T5T 4M2

OTTAWA
Screening details:
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Show Time: 7:00 PM
Cineplex Odeon South Keys Cinemas
2214 Bank Street
Ottawa ON, K1V 1J6

CALGARY
Screening details:
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Show Time: 7:00 PM
Scotiabank Theatre Chinook
6455 Macleod Trail SW
Calgary AB, T2H 0K4

WINNIPEG
Screening details:
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Show Time: 7:00 PM
Scotiabank Theatre Winnipeg
817 St. James Street
Winnipeg MB, R3G 3L3

HALIFAX
Screening details:
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Show Time: 7:00 PM
Scotiabank Theatre Halifax
190 Chain Lake Dr.
Halifax NS, B3S 1C5

Synopsis:
You ever hear the one about the cop, the songbird, the psycho and the mafia princess? “Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)” is a twisted tale told by Harley herself, as only Harley can tell it. When Gotham’s most nefariously narcissistic villain, Roman Sionis, and his zealous right-hand, Zsasz, put a target on a young girl named Cass, the city is turned upside down looking for her. Harley, Huntress, Black Canary and Renee Montoya’s paths collide, and the unlikely foursome have no choice but to team up to take Roman down.

In the Warner Bros. Pictures film, Margot Robbie (“I, Tonya”) returns as Harley Quinn, alongside Mary Elizabeth Winstead (“10 Cloverfield Lane,” TV’s “Fargo”) as Huntress; Jurnee Smollett-Bell (HBO’s “True Blood”) as Black Canary; Rosie Perez (“Fearless,” “Pitch Perfect 2”) as Renee Montoya; Chris Messina (“Argo,” TV’s “Sharp Objects”) as Victor Zsasz; and Ewan McGregor (“Stephen King’s Doctor Sleep,” the “Trainspotting” films) as Roman Sionis. Newcomer Ella Jay Basco also stars as Cassandra “Cass” Cain in her feature film debut.

Directed by Cathy Yan (“Dead Pigs”) from a script by Christina Hodson (“Bumblebee”), the film is based on characters from DC. Robbie also produced, alongside Bryan Unkeless and Sue Kroll. The film’s executive producers are Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman, Geoff Johns, Hans Ritter and David Ayer.

Joining Yan behind the scenes was a creative team comprised of director of photography Matthew Libatique (“A Star Is Born,” “Venom”); production designer K.K. Barrett (“Her”); editor Jay Cassidy (“American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook”) and editor Evan Schiff (“John Wick Chapters 2 & 3”); and costume designer Erin Benach (“A Star Is Born”). The music is by Daniel Pemberton (“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”).

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents a LuckyChap Entertainment Production, a Clubhouse Pictures Production, a Kroll & Co. Entertainment Production, “Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn).” Opening in theaters and IMAX nationwide on February 7, 2020, the film will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

This film is rated R for strong violence and language throughout, and some sexual and drug material.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post over at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Indicate your City there in your entry in the comments. Share this Post on Facebook for an extra chance or Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw!

Rules and regulations here.

BIRDS OF PREY (AND THE FANTABULOUS EMANCIPATION OF ONE HARLEY QUINN) is in theatres Friday, February 7, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Canada)

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS returns to Disney+ Friday, February 21, 2020. The critically-acclaimed Series reaches a conclusion over these twelve brand-new episodes!

See the Trailer:

(Photo/video: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

Paramont Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see SONIC THE HEDGEHOG in Toronto + Montreal! Screenings are as follows:

Toronto
Saturday, Feb. 8
Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas and VIP, 10:30AM

Montreal
Saturday, Feb. 8
Cinema Banque Scotia Montreal, 10:30AM

Synopsis:
Based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from Sega, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG tells the story of the world’s speediest hedgehog as he embraces his new home on Earth. In this live-action adventure comedy, Sonic and his new best friend Tom (James Marsden) team up to defend the planet from the evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and his plans for world domination. The family-friendly film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post over at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Indicate your City there in your entry in the comments. Share this Post on Facebook for an extra chance or Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw!

Rules and regulations here.

Paramount Pictures Canada release SONIC THE HEDGEHOG Friday, February 14, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Peter Berg and Mark Wahlberg team-up again in Netflix‘s SPENSER CONFIDENTIAL. See any Music Superstars you recognize in the Trailer?:)

Synopsis:
Spenser (Mark Wahlberg) — an ex-cop better known for making trouble than solving it — just got out of prison and is leaving Boston for good. But first he gets roped into helping his old boxing coach and mentor, Henry (Alan Arkin), with a promising amateur. That’s Hawk (Winston Duke), a brash, no-nonsense MMA fighter convinced he’ll be a tougher opponent than Spenser ever was. When two of Spenser’s former colleagues turn up murdered, he recruits Hawk and his foul-mouthed ex-girlfriend, Cissy (Iliza Shlesinger), to help him investigate and bring the culprits to justice. From director Peter Berg, SPENSER CONFIDENTIAL is an action-comedy co-starring Bokeem Woodbine, Marc Maron and Austin Post.

See the Trailer:

SPENSER CONFIDENTIAL streams on Netflix Friday, March 6, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

It is with great pleasure to let you know that we’ll be returning to Santa Monica Pier once again this February for the 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards!  We’re partnering with our friends at Hollywood Suite from the Blue Carpet to provide you some star-studded coverage of the final Awards Show of the season before the Academy Awards! We’re super-excited to be in Hollywood again for some of that Awards Season excitement!

The Independent Spirit Awards take place Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 5:00 PM ET and air on Hollywood Suite in Canada and on IFC in the U.S.

Nominees are comprised of a mixed group of A-List and emerging talent and we’re thrilled some of our favourites like HUSTLERS, UNCUT GEMS, THE FAREWELL and MARRIAGE STORY get the love they deserved here.

See the Nominees:

BEST FEATURE
(Award given to the producer)

A HIDDEN LIFE
Producers: Elisabeth Bentley, Dario Bergesio, Grant Hill, Josh Jeter

CLEMENCY
Producers: Timur Bekbosunov, Julian Cautherley, Bronwyn Cornelius, Peter Wong

THE FAREWELL
Producers: Anita Gou, Daniele Melia, Andrew Miano, Peter Saraf, Marc Turtletaub, Lulu Wang, Chris Weitz, Jane Zheng

MARRIAGE STORY
Producers: Noah Baumbach, David Heyman

UNCUT GEMS
Producers: Eli Bush, Sebastian Bear McClard, Scott Rudin

BEST FIRST FEATURE
(Award given to the director and producer)

BOOKSMART
Director: Olivia Wilde

Producers: Chelsea Barnard, David Distenfeld, Jessica Elbaum, Megan Ellison, Katie Silberman

THE CLIMB
Director: Michael Angelo Covino

Producers: Noah Lang, Kyle Marvin

DIANE
Director: Kent Jones

Producers: Luca Borghese, Ben Howe, Caroline Kaplan, Oren Moverman

THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO
Director/Producer: Joe Talbot

Producers: Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Khaliah Neal, Christina Oh

THE MUSTANG
Director: Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre

Producer: Ilan Goldman

SEE YOU YESTERDAY
Director: Stefon Bristol

Producer: Spike Lee

BEST DIRECTOR
Robert Eggers, The Lighthouse

Alma Har’el, Honey Boy

Julius Onah, Luce

Benny Safdie, Uncut Gems

Josh Safdie, Uncut Gems

Lorene Scafaria, Hustlers

BEST SCREENPLAY
Noah Baumbach, Marriage Story

Jason Begue, Shawn Snyder, To Dust

Ronald Bronstein, Benny Safdie, Josh Safdie, Uncut Gems

Chinonye Chukwu, Clemency

Tarell Alvin McCraney, High Flying Bird

BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY
Fredrica Bailey, Stefon Bristol, See You Yesterday

Hannah Bos, Paul Thureen, Driveways

Bridget Savage Cole, Danielle Krudy, Blow the Man Down

Jocelyn Deboer, Dawn Luebbe, Greener Grass

Andrew Patterson, Craig W. Sanger, The Vast of Night

JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD
(Award given to the best feature made for under $500,000; award given to the writer, director and producer)

BURNING CANE
Writer/Director/Producer: Phillip Youmans

Producers: Ojo Akinlana, Jakob Johnson, Karen Kaia Livers, Mose Mayer,

Wendell Pierce, Isaac Web, Cassandra Youmans

COLEWELL
Writer/Director: Tom Quinn

Producers: Joshua Blum, Alexandra Byer, Craig Shilowich, Matthew Thurm

GIVE ME LIBERTY
Writer/Director/Producer: Kirill Mikhanovsky

Writer/Producer: Alice Austen

Producers: Val Abel, Wally Hall, Michael Manasseri, George Rush, Sergey Shtern

PREMATURE
Writer/Director/Producer: Rashaad Ernesto Green

Writer: Zora Howard

Producers: Darren Dean, Joy Ganes

WILD NIGHTS WITH EMILY
Writer/Director/Producer: Madeleine Olnek

Producers: Anna Margarita Albelo, Casper Andreas, Max Rifkind-Barron

BEST MALE LEAD
Chris Galust, Give Me Liberty

Kelvin Harrison Jr., Luce

Robert Pattinson, The Lighthouse

Adam Sandler, Uncut Gems

Matthias Schoenaerts, The Mustang

BEST FEMALE LEAD
Karen Allen, Colewell

Hong Chau, Driveways

Elisabeth Moss, Her Smell

Mary Kay Place, Diane

Renée Zellweger, Judy

Alfre Woodard, Clemency

BEST SUPPORTING MALE
Willem Dafoe, The Lighthouse

Noah Jupe, Honey Boy

Shia LaBeouf, Honey Boy

Jonathan Majors, The Last Black Man in San Francisco

Wendell Pierce, Burning Cane

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE
Jennifer Lopez, Hustlers

Taylor Russell, Waves

Zhao Shuzhen, The Farewell

Lauren “Lolo” Spencer, Give Me Liberty

Octavia Spencer, Luce

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Todd Banhazl, Hustlers

Jarin Blaschke, The Lighthouse

Natasha Braier, Honey Boy

Chananun Chotrungroj, The Third Wife

Pawel Pogorzelski, Midsommar

BEST EDITING
Julie Béziau, The Third Wife

Ronald Bronstein, Benny Safdie, Uncut Gems

Tyler L. Cook, Sword of Trust

Louise Ford, The Lighthouse

Kirill Mikhanovsky, Give Me Liberty

BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM
INVISIBLE LIFE (Brazil)
Director: Karim Aïnouz

LES MISÉRABLES (France)
Director: Ladj Ly

PARASITE (South Korea)
Director: Bong Joon-ho

PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE (France)
Director: Céline Sciamma

RETABLO (Peru)
Director: Álvaro Delgado-Aparicio L.

THE SOUVENIR (United Kingdom)
Director: Joanna Hogg

BEST DOCUMENTARY
(Award given to the director and producer)

AMERICAN FACTORY
Director/Producers: Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert

Producers: Julia Parker Benello, Jeff Reichert

APOLLO 11
Director/Producer: Todd Douglas Miller

Producers: Evan Krauss, Thomas Baxley Peterson

FOR SAMA
Director: Edward Watts

Director/Producer: Waad al-Kateab

HONEYLAND
Director: Tamara Kotevska

Director/Producer: Ljubo Stefanov

Producer: Atanas Georgiev

ISLAND OF THE HUNGRY GHOSTS
Director/Producer: Gabrielle Brady

Producers: Gizem Acarla, Samm Haillay, Alex Kelly, Alexander Wadouh

ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD
(Award given to one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast)

MARRIAGE STORY
Director: Noah Baumbach

Casting Directors: Douglas Aibel, Francine Maisler

Ensemble Cast: Alan Alda, Laura Dern, Adam Driver, Julie Hagerty, Scarlett Johansson, Ray Liotta, Azhy Robertson, Merritt Wever

BONNIE AWARD SPONSORED BY AMERICAN AIRLINES
(Bonnie Tiburzi Caputo joined American Airlines in 1973 at age 24, becoming the first female pilot to fly for a major U.S. airline. In her honor, the 3rd annual Bonnie Award will recognize a mid-career female director with a $50,000 unrestricted grant, sponsored by American Airlines.)

Marielle Heller

Kelly Reichardt

Lulu Wang

PRODUCERS AWARD
(The Producers Award, now in its 23rd year, honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources demonstrate the creativity, tenacity and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.)

Mollye Asher

Krista Parris

Ryan Zacarias

SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD, PRESENTED BY BULLEIT FONTIER WHISKEY
(The Someone to Watch Award Presented By Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, now in its 26th year, recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.)

PREMATURE
Director: Rashaad Ernesto Green

THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO
Director: Joe Talbot

THE THIRD WIFE
Director: Ash Mayfair

TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD
(The Truer Than Fiction Award, now in its 25th year, is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.)

17 BLOCKS
Director: Davy Rothbart

AMÉRICA
Directors: Erick Stoll, Chase Whiteside

BLACK MOTHER
Director: Khalik Allah

JADDOLAND
Director: Nadia Shihab

Above this, our Amanda Gilmore heads to Park City later this week to attend the Sundance Film Festival, delivering you highlights and reviews from some of the hottest Films to come out of the Festival!

Stay tuned to our Social Media for live coverage:

Instagram: @mrwillwong

Twitter: @mrwillw | @gilmoreamanda

Facebook: mrwillwongblog

Also be sure to follow Hollywood Suite’s coverage:

Twitter: @hollywoodsuite

Cameron Maitland: @camfess

(Photo credit: Film Independent)