Chet Baker for many of this generation might not ring a bell, but Robert Budreau-directed Biopic Born to be Blue soon will have something to say about that. Filmed in Sudbury, the Drama starring Ethan Hawke showcases the actor at his best, for the first time showcasing his own musical abilities.

Set just as Baker is about to embark on an against-the-odds-comeback and told partly through a series of flashbacks, we learn about the iconic trumpeter/singer’s rise and fall as a result of his heroin dependency. Just as a Film is about to put into production about his life story, he meets stunning Carmen Ejogo, cast in the role of his ex-wife. We witness the challenges Baker faces, hitting rock bottom – always one misstep from landing back in prison – and the series of events leading to his eventual comeback including the passionate romance between him and x. We also get a glimpse at the strained relationship between Baker and his father, a failed musician.

Born to be Blue despite being a story of overcoming the odds never masks the fact that the true demon is Baker‘s addiction and despite being inspirational, tonally we never forget the deep sadness he lives through which helped birth his acclaimed music.  Powerful performances by Hawke and Ejogo topline the Film which could well have enough legs to propel itself into awards season for a mention.

eOne Films release Born to be Blue, which screens at TIFF ’15:

Sun Sep 13 2:00 PM
WINTER GARDEN THEATRE

Mon Sep 14 9:00 AM
THE BLOOR HOT DOCS CINEMA

Review by George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong

Touted as the first gangster movie directed by a woman in 40 years, BEEBA BOYS, from acclaimed, Oscar-nominated Deepa Metha, mixes guns, bhangra beats, cocaine, interracial romance and traditional family values with brutal violence and culture clashes. Set in Vancouver, it tells the story of Indo-Canadian, Jeet Johar (played by Bollywood star Randeep Hooda) and his gang of foul-mouth, outrageously-flashy and colourfully-dressed frat boyish friends who want to take over the drug and arms scene. At face value, other than the intense Jeet, they could be mistaken for a motley crew of misfits, but no one should ever cross their way.

While in prison waiting to be acquitted for murder, Jeet meets Nep (a multi-layered performance from Toronto based actor Ali Momen) and asks him to join his gang as they plot to take over the turf of a respected old school businessman. At his murder trial, Jeet cruises and ultimately winds up with a pretty Polish manicurist. To have a white, preferably blonde, girlfriend gives male Indo-Canadian gangsters status; just another trophy and possession as important as the latest BMW or Rolex.

Metha’s mastery with the camera and exquisite eye for detail is all there to see on screen. Sadly, BEEBA BOYS fails to make the mark on many levels due to a script lacking originality. The screenplay is unable to make it out the shadows of SCARFACE, the F-Bombs and pop culture chats between the gangsters echo PULP FICTION.  There is a plot twist near the end, so ridiculously contrived, it elicits groans from this audience member. Despite a brilliant cameo performance from a manbunned Paul Gross and a stellar job by Ali Momen, BEEBA BOYS regretfully is not Deepa Metha’s finest moment.

Mongrel Media release BEEBA BOYS, screening at TIFF ’15:
Sun Sep 13 6:30 PM
ROY THOMSON HALL

Mon Sep 14 2:30 PM
SCOTIABANK 1

Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong

Legend is sure to be beloved by both critics and audiences alike, and the reason is simple: Tom Hardy.

Tom Hardy plays brothers Ronnie & Reggie Kray, England’s notorious twin gangsters. In the 1950/60’s the Kray Twins operated a criminal empire known as “The Firm.” Throughout their criminal career their notoriety was often coupled with adoration, and this Film about their rise and fall gives us insight into the fascination.

Well constructed, written, and cast, Legend is an excellent addition to the Gangster Cinema genre. It is also exemplary of Hardy‘s talents. His abilities as a leading man, and a character actor are on display throughout the Film, and for Festival attendees you can see for yourselves starting this Saturday.

Elevation Pictures release LEGEND and it screens at TIFF ’15:

Sat  Sep 12 9:30 PM

ROY THOMSON HALL    

Sun  Sep 13 11:00 AM

VISA SCREENING ROOM (ELGIN)  

Sat  Sep 19 9:15 PM

PRINCESS OF WALES   

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

From director Adam Salky comes I Smile Back which brings a powerhouse performance from the brilliant Sarah Silverman, but unfortunately lacks conviction in all other categories.

The Movie focuses on Laney (Sarah Silverman) and her completely destructive life style, whether it be in the form of drugs or adultery, Laney finds something to throw her into trouble. Well her husband, Bruce (Josh Charles) is either blissfully ignorant or indifferent to Laney’s adultery he never seems to bat much of an eye towards it. However when her drug addiction becomes too much, he forces her into rehab to get her life together.

The problems with I Smile Back do not fall in any way on Silverman who is absolutely phenomenal, but rather the story itself. The Movie makes the audience believe that the story is going to focus on Laney’s recovery and adventures while in rehab instead of her very quick arrival and departure as she tries to re-assimilate with her life. With this trajectory for the story it proves to be far less engaging that anticipated and steers off the roads into familiar territory for movies that deal with addiction.

I Smile Back features Sarah Silverman in her strongest and most thought provoking role yet, but the rest of the Film cannot carry itself unfortunately without her.

I Smile Back premieres at TIFF ’15 on Wednesday, September 16th at 7 pm at the Princess of Wales Theatre, a second screening Thursday, September 17th at 1pm at the Winter Garden Theatre and a third screening Saturday, September 19th at 6:45 pm at The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema.

Often the danger of the Festival Circuit is that some are too quick to jump the gun and proclaim “Oscar!“.  Such isn’t the case when speaking to Bryan Cranston‘s phenomenal performance in Jay Roach’s (Austin Powers, Meet the Parents) Trumbo.  Not enough is known about two-time Academy Award Winner Dalton Trumbo‘s courageous battle.  An ardent Communist, the Writer found himself and his some of his closest comrades under great scrutiny for their beliefs, blacklisted by Hollywood’s most powerful studios and the U.S. government, eventually doing time in prison even.

Prior to his death in 1976, Trumbo had built a legacy in Hollywood, writing classics like Roman Holiday and The Brave One, initially however under aliases after his name had been boycotted by the most powerful in the industry.  True to his beliefs and unwavering integrity, we witness Trumbo‘s valiant battle against the government, Hollywood and his personal struggles within his own circle of friends and family.

If you think you’ve been wowed by Cranston‘s top caliber television work, his portrayal of Trumbo will absolutely floor you in this all-in transition to the big screen. Expect him front and center in the Awards Season scramble.  Also starring in the Film is a brilliant supporting cast including a long-absent Diane Lane as Trumbo‘s wife Cleo, up-and-coming Elle Fanning as Trumbo‘s eldest daughter Nikola, Louis C.K. in a convincing dramatic turn as confidant Arlen Hird, a superb Helen Mirren as the antagonizing Hedda Hopper, a fiery John Goodman as Frank King and fantastic show by New Zealand’s Dean O’Gorman as Kirk Douglas.

eOne Films release TRUMBO and you can see it at TIFF ’15:

Sat Sep 12 9:00 PM

VISA SCREENING ROOM (ELGIN)

Sun Sep 13 9:00 AM

ISABEL BADER THEATRE

Review by George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong

I went to the screening of Oscar winning documentarian Davis Guggenheim latest feature, HE NAMED ME MALALA, knowing the basics: when the Taliban took over the tiny village of Swat in Pakistan and forbade girls the right to any kind of education, 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai spoke out against this policy and was shot in the head. Against all odds, she survived and after months of painful recuperation in Birmingham, England, she and her father, Ziauddin, have traveled the world as advocates for female education, culminating with her winning the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.

Using stunning animation to tell Malala’s backstory as well as family photos and some stock footage, Guggenheim not only captures her and her father on their many global and valiant visits, HE NAMED ME MALALA succeeds, brilliantly, because we witness a side of this exceptional young woman never seen before. This is a 17-year-old teenager who teases, and is teased relentlessly by, her younger brothers. She checks-out pictures of Roger Federer and Brad Pitt on the internet and is a huge fan of the sport of cricket. She teaches her father how to use Twitter and giggles shyly when it comes to talk of romance. The family dynamics are a sheer joy to watch, even though their transition to a new life in England is fraught with much sadness. Malala’s mother is still struggling with learning English and misses her home fiercely. The courage of this young woman and her family is inspirational.

HE NAMED ME MALALA is a powerful, educational and motivating documentary feature length movie making at its finest.

This movie screens at TIFF ’15:

Sunday Sept.13 11:30am at Bloor Hot Docs cinema
Saturday Sept 19 6:15pm at Scotiabank

Although the rain repeatedly held us back, we gained a bit of star-spotting momentum midday. Here’s some snaps from the rain-filled first Saturday of the Festival!  Brrr.

Matt Damon. Lightning strikes twice and despite hearing rumours he was flying back to Europe to film the latest Bourne installment, we can confirm we saw him right before our eyes again heading to the Entertainment Weekly party!

Oops! I did it again. #MattDamon at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:21pm PDT

More Matt.

#MattDamon at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:07pm PDT

Joel Edgerton. The shaved-headed Australian Actor/Filmmaker is at TIFF ’15 with Black Mass, also starring Johnny Depp.

#JoelEdgerton at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:07pm PDT

Jean-Marc Vallée. We love Dallas Buyers Club and it was a great pleasure meeting finally the Canadian Filmmaker who created that masterpiece. He was represented by Opening Night Gala Demolition, starring Jake Gyllenhaal.

Director #JeanMarcVallee at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:10pm PDT

  Dominic Sherwood, Katherine McNamara + Alberto Rosende. The three stars of upcoming Toronto-filmed TV Series Shadowhunters were out partying together at the Entertainment Weekly party earlier.

#DominicSherwood, #KatherineMcNamara + #AlbertoRosende of #Shadowhunters at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:09pm PDT

This adorable kid will steal your hearts in Thriller, Room. Jacob Tremblay, everybody!

Adorable #JacobTremblay who is incredible in #RoomTheMovie, at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:11pm PDT

    Geoffrey Rush, screen legend, here this year with The Daughter.

#GeoffreyRush at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:12pm PDT

Emily Blunt. She’s done few photos with Fans oddly this year. Not sure why? She looks amazing and was out alone earlier at the Entertainment Weekly party.

#EmilyBlunt at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:12pm PDT

    Jeff Daniels, quietly making an exit from the Entertainment Weekly party. He is here for The Martian.

#JeffDaniels at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:13pm PDT

We love emerging talent and this young actress Danika Yarosh got lots of exposure on hit series Shameless. She is here filming Heroes Reborn, which premiered at TIFF‘s new TV Programme.

#DanikaYarosh at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #HeroesReborn

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:14pm PDT

  Former TIFF Rising Star Mackenzie Davis is set for the big time and she stars in The Martian.

Canadian actress #MackenzieDavis at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #TheMartian A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:15pm PDT

Bryan Cranston. The Trumbo star will wow you bigtime with his performance in that TIFF ’15 selection.

#BryanCranston at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:15pm PDT

Our George Kozera attended the Premiere of He Named Me Malala by Davis Guggenheim at Ryerson Theatre and the response was unanimously positive for the Documentary. A Skype session with young activist Malala Yousafzai herself was held in the Q&A.

#DavisGuggenheim’s #HeNamedMeMalala gets fantastic reaction at Ryerson Theatre tonight. #TIFF15 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF40 (photo via George Kozera). A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:55pm PDT

Because Jessica.

#JessicaChastain at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:10pm PDT

Eddie Redmayne at TIFF ’15 for The Danish Girl. Johnny Depp showed-up to his Premiere in support of partner Amber Heard who has a supporting role in the Film!

#EddieRedmayne at #TIFF15 for #TheDanishGirl. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 11:10pm PDT

Toronto’s Emmanuelle Chriqui at TIFF ’15 for The Steps.

#EmmanuelleChriqui at #TIFF15 for #TheStepsMovie. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #Entourage

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 11:07pm PDT

Luke Evans at TIFF ’15 for High-Rise.

#LukeEvans at #TIFF15 for #HighRiseMovie. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 11:03pm PDT

Sarah Gadon at the In-Style Magazine party, TIFF ’15.

#SarahGadon at #TIFF15. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #TIFF

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:51pm PDT

Patrick Stewart, who stars in Green Room at TIFF ’15, blowing Fans a kiss.

#PatrickStewart blowing a kiss. #GreenRoomMovie #TIFF15 #TIFF #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:46pm PDT

Harry Potter star Clémence Poésy at TIFF ’15 for The Ones Below.

#ClemencePoesy at #TIFF15 for #TheOnesBelow. #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:44pm PDT

Potential James Bond, Idris Elba at TIFF ’15 for Beasts of No Nation.

#IdrisElba at #TIFF15 for #BeastsofNoNation. #TIFF #Tiff40 #TorontoFilmFestival #Netflix

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:40pm PDT

Ben Foster at TIFF ’15 for The Program, a Film about the Lance Armstrong scandal.

#BenFoster at #TIFF15 with #TheProgram. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #LanceArmstrong

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:35pm PDT

Michael Shannon at TIFF ’15 for Freeheld.

#MichaelShannon at #TIFF15 for #FreeheldMovie. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:37pm PDT

Susan Sarandon at TIFF ’15 for About Ray.

#SusanSarandon at #TIFF15 #AboutRay. #Tiff40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 8:47pm PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Review by George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong

Based on the Mary Mapes book Truth and Duty, in TRUTH Cate Blanchett plays Mapes, a CBS news producer, who along with Dan Rather (Robert Redford), uncover allegations that George W. Bush may have been AWOL from the U.S. National Guard for over a year during the Vietnam War. Four documents were presented as authentic in a 60 Minutes broadcast aired by CBS on Sept. 8, 2004, less than two months before the 2004 election, but it was later determined that CBS had failed to authenticate the documents. The ensuing scandal ruined Rather’s career (he retired six months after), Mapes was fired and many senior CBS executives were asked to resign.

Movies based on real life events that are still fresh in everyone’s memories are difficult for filmmakers to actualize as there are no elements of surprise – we already know how the story ends. TRUTH (like ARGO) brilliantly succeeds largely due to the chemistry between and the outstanding work by the two leads. Blanchett sizzles and Redford is grace and strength incarnate. Matching them along the way are beautifully realized performances from Dennis Quaid, Elizabeth Moss, Topher Grace and, especially Bruce Greenwood and David Lyons.

It’s always great to see Redford in politically charged movies and TRUTH is the perfect ending to his trifecta that includes ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN and THE CANDIDATE.

Review by George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong

Of the many irrational fears I live with on a daily basis, INTO THE FOREST touches on two of them: an extended continent-wide power failure (a major plot point) and chainsaws (a smaller, yet significant plot point). Based on the beloved novel by the same name, Writer/Director Patricia Rozema takes us deep into a British Columbian forest where sisters Nell (Ellen Page) and Eva (Evan Rachel Wood) live with their father, Robert (Callum Keith Rennie) in a beautifully-furnished, technologically advanced home miles away from civilization when the apocalyptic moment occurs. As they quickly go into survival mode, we see the family dynamics. Whereas the father has a calming effect on his daughters, Nell, an academic with a history of partying hard, is somewhat selfish and Eva, a dancer, is obsessive and more of a loner. When tragedy befalls the father, the sisters are left alone to battle the environment, dwindling supplies and not knowing who or what will come next.

INTO THE FOREST succeeds on so many levels. It is the most sensuously filmed I have seen this year. Cinematographer Daniel Grant’s work is accomplished, menacing and breath-taking. Director Patricia Rozema has a history of bringing out the best in actresses. Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood sky-rocket. They bring out the best in each other in two very demanding roles with intensity, fervour and love. I was completely mesmerized watching these very talented performers.

It’s been over 15 years when Patricia Rozema feature length movie, Mansfield Park, graced the Festival. As much as I enjoyed that one, I loved INTO THE FOREST and hope it won’t be another 15 years when she returns.

Elevation Pictures release INTO THE FOREST, which screens at TIFF ’15:
Sat Sep 12 8:30 PM
WINTER GARDEN THEATRE

Mon Sep 14 2:15 PM
TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX 2

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

In recent years cinema has seen a upswing in drone-based Movies, some of these titles have played commercial success and the festival circuit while others have been left in the dust of their own destruction. This year is no different as a star-studded cast makes its way to the TIFF ’15 in Eye in The Sky, a drone movie riddled with political ineptitude. The Film does present some very interesting dilemmas and issues surrounding drone based missile attacks, but at the same time the morality question has to be asked as well as is a strike justified if its for the greater good.

In the beginning of the Movie, we meet our hero and protagonist Steve Watts (Aaron Paul) a drone pilot whose mission is to fly over Nairobi, Kenya to track and capture three  on the FBI/CIA’s most wanted list in Kenya. However, when thinks take a quick turn from a capture mission to a kill mission Colonel Katherine Powell (Helen Mirren) is faced with nothing but difficulty from the English government lead by Lieutenant General Frank Benson (Alan Rickman) whose colleagues cannot make up their mind and consistently request it to be sent up for approval. With seconds literally ticking on the clock before mass casualties can occur, the thrill ride is keeping audiences constantly at the edge of their seats.

Aaron Paul who has proven he can be very good at persuasion  in Breaking Bad is at it again with an incredible performance, not to be outdone  by seasoned veterans Helen Mirren or Alan Rickman whom both are absolutely remarkable as well. Rickman who plays the seriously irritated and jaded lieutenant general, also provides some of the much needed light comic relief in the Film.

eOne Films’ Eye in The Sky premieres at TIFF on Friday September 11th at 6:30 pm at Roy Thomson Hall and again at a second screening on Saturday September 12th at 11:15 am at Isabel Bader.