The Cast and Director of SHAZAM received a warm welcome back today, taking over Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas Square! In town to ring-in the Blockbuster directed by David F. Sandberg and also a world exclusive Fan Event at the hotspot, were stars Zachary Levi (Shazam), Mark Strong (Dr. Thaddeus Sivana), Asher Dov Angel (Billy Batson) and Jack Dylan Grazer (Freddy Freeman).

The affair saw fans queueing as early as this morning for a chance to be up-close to the stars, who just a year ago filmed the Production in the City at various locations including Pinewood Studios. The group did the rounds in the City today making several stop-offs including visits to the CN Tower, Bell Media Headquarters, Corus and CITY‘s Breakfast Television, before hitting up the Red Carpet.

Shazam, based on the DC Comics character of the same name, centers on a 14-year-old orphan named Billy who is taken-in by an adoptive family, after fleeing many times from others. Once again he finds himself struggling to fit-in with their five other adopted children. One day, he is taken on a subway ride where he encounters a wizard who transforms him into a superhero. He soon realizes his purpose is to prevent the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana from taking away the power bestowed upon him, which could cause mass destruction to the world. Billy finds himself turning to his new-found family when he least expects it.

See the Trailer:

Toronto Mayor John Tory had the honour of handing a plaque to Sandberg commemorating Shazam‘s contribution to the City, including a remarkable $55 million in spending as a result of the Film. Tory just returned this weekend from the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas and tells us, “They think it’s cool a movie like Shazam was produced here. And so that helps us to grow the city to make it a great place to live,  for show business and entertainment and a place that welcomes people who are innovative.”.

Mark Strong who plays the Film’s villain, has made numerous Films here in the past and says, “You know that when you come here to make a movie, you know you’re getting the best possible people. I’ve made some really good friends over the things that I’ve done.”.

David F. Sandberg, who shifts from the Horror genre after having made films like Lights Out and Annabelle: Creation, reveals that this was his first time shooting outside of Los Angeles. “It could’ve been a little warmer but other than that, the crews were amazing and really impressed me”, he says. “It was such a great city to shoot in and spend the better part of last year.”.

Zachary Levi is no stranger to Toronto, having filmed TV Series Heroes Reborn here. He states “I’ve been blessed to work here a couple times and this certainly is the biggest thing I’ve gotten to do. Every time I’ve gotten to appreciate the city more and more. Everyone knows the food scene here is fantastic – so kudos to that. This really is Hollywood North. There’s so much talent in this area and around this area.”. He adds, “Really big movies have been made in Toronto, so it’s really cool you’ve allowed us to Shazamify this whole area and bring this fun activation to the fans.”.

Jack Dylan Grazer, plays the adopted brother and best friend of the Film’s central character, Billy. He also filmed both IT and IT: Chapter Two in and around the City. Grazer who attended with his mother, says “I’ve spent a lot of time in Toronto in the summer when it’s beautiful and not so freezing! I’ve spend time in Port Hope and the interiors – I’ve really enjoyed my time here and I’m thankful I had this opportunity.”.

Asher Dov Angel who plays the younger version of Levi‘s character, recalls “It’s been an incredible experience. This was my first time in Toronto ever. The food’s really good, the people are really nice and getting to work with these guys is amazing.”.

He jokes (or maybe not) about a potential sequel being made here. We’ll soon see!

See our Recap of the Fan Event and Premiere:

Zachary Levi

Mark Strong

David F. Sandberg

Jack Dylan Grazer x Asher Dov Angel

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

In the early 00’s 16-year-old Catholic school girl, Alice (Natalia Dyer), goes onto an AOL chatroom that turns racy and discovers masturbation and becomes immediately guilt-ridden.

Everything about Yes, God, Yes is completely enthralling to watch. The direction and script by Karen Maine tells a beautiful story of self-discovery and accepting yourself regardless of what your religion states. It comes as no surprise that the ensemble for this Film won the SXSW Special Jury Recognition for Best Ensemble. And they are led by the powerful leading performance of Dyer who makes a star-making turn as Alice.

Yes, God, Yes screens at SXSW on March 8 at 9 PM at Stateside, March 9 at 6 PM at Alamo Lamar C and March 14 at 11:30 AM at Alamo Lamar D.

Fetching top price at Sundance earlier this year, Mindy Kaling-written and starring LATE NIGHT sees its Trailer debut!

Synopsis:

Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson) is a pioneer and legendary host on the late-night talk-show circuit. When she’s accused of being a “woman who hates women,” she puts affirmative action on the to-do list, and—presto!—Molly (Mindy Kaling) is hired as the one woman in Katherine’s all-male writers’ room. But Molly might be too little too late, as the formidable Katherine also faces the reality of low ratings and a network that wants to replace her. Molly, wanting to prove she’s not simply a diversity hire who’s disrupting the comfort of the brotherhood, is determined to help Katherine by revitalizing her show and career—and possibly effect even bigger change at the same time.

See the Trailer:

eOne Films release LATE NIGHT Friday, June 7, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

When Cynthia (Jillian Bell) is left with a sword as her sole inheritance after her grandfather dies, she and her girlfriend Mary (Michaela Watkins) try to sell it for a lot of money by saying it’s proof of the South winning the Civil War.

Director Lynn Shelton has crafted a Film that studies how people will believe anything, no matter how absurd, if they want to. She uses the extremely far-right as her believers. They believe that this sword and the hilariously-random story Cynthia and Mary are spewing about it, is true, simply because it plays into their beliefs. It’s a highly-intelligent Film that boasts all around amazing performances from Bell, Watkins, Jon Bass and a knock-out performance from Marc Maron.

Sword of Trust screens at SXSW on March 8 at 9:15 PM at ZACH Theatre, March 11 at 9 PM at Atom Theatre, and March 13 at 2:30 PM at Alamo Lamar D.

By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

After Casey (Jesse Eisenberg) gets brutally beaten on a suburban street he decides to learn how to defend himself by taking karate classes.

Writer-Director Riley Stearns has created a dark-comedy with dead-pan humour that makes for one fun ride. There are funny shocking twists that happen throughout which continue the story along, however, it really is Eisenberg who masters the Film. He’s completely committed no matter what happens in each scene and he’s in a role he seems destined to play. The Supporting Cast, including Imogen Poots and Alessandro Nivola are perfectly cast.

The Art of Self-Defense screens at SXSW on March 10 at 2:45 PM at The Paramount Theatre, March 12 at 11 AM at Atom Theatre,
March 14 at 10:30 PM at Alamo Lamar A, and March 15 at 7:45 PM at Stateside.

The new Trailer for AVENGERS: ENDGAME has just debuted following-up of Thanos’ destructive snap. Surely you didn’t think that was it, did you? Captain Marvel also surfaces here!

Synopsis:
The grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks compels the remaining Avengers to take one final stand in Marvel Studios’ grand conclusion to twenty-two films, “Avengers: Endgame.”

See the Trailer:

Marvel Entertainment Canada release AVENGERS: ENDGAME Friday, April 26, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Marvel Entertainment Canada)

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Mickey and Jules (Bill Skarsgård and Maika Monroe) are young lovers and criminals on the run. When they break into a secluded home in the woods they meet a sweet-as-pie couple who have a dark secret they don’t want to get out.

Villains is your typical Bonnie and Clyde feeling Film but with a hilarious twist. Co-Directors and Writers Dan Berk and Robert Olsen comedically play with the concept of what if the people who are committing the crime become the victims. It offers all around great performances from a knockout cast consisting of Kyra Sedgwick, Jeffery Donovan, Monroe and Skarsgård, who gets to show off his comedic talents.

Villains screens at SXSW on March 9 at 3 PM at ZACH Theatre, March 12 at 10:45 AM at Alamo Lamar D, March 13 at 5:45 PM at Atom Theatre, and March 15 at 2:15 PM at Alamo Ritz 1.

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

When an ex-convict (Ethan Hawke) gets released from prison after 21 years for a petty crime he finds a baby in a dumpster which gives him a new lease on life.

First-time feature film Director and Writer Logan Marshall Green delves into the impacts of the three strike rule America used to have. He examines the psychological and societal impacts prison can have on those who’ve been newly-released. It focuses on one man in particular who is played captivatingly and to raw emotion by Hawke.

Adopt A Highway screens at SXSW on March 10 at 8:30 PM at Stateside, March 11 at 6 PM at Satellite Venue, March 13 at 5:30 PM at Rollins Theatre, and March 14 at 11 PM at Alamo Lamar E.

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Rose (Maeve Higgins) has a supernatural gift, a gift she fears. Word has gotten around her rural Irish neighbourhood and when a feared father (Barry Ward) ask for her help, she must overcome her fear and help save his daughter.

This Film is a perfectly mixed bag of genres that makes for one of the most unique film-going experiences at SXSW this year. Moments of uncontrollable laughter turns to moments of shock. All while showcasing some of the most deadpan comedic writing executed perfectly by Higgins, Ward and the always funny Will Forte.

Extra Ordinary screens at SXSW on March 10 at 5:30 PM at Stateside, March 11 at 1:45 PM at Alamo Lamar A, March 14 at 7:45 PM at Alamo Lamar A, and March 15 at 8 PM at ZACH Theatre.

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Director Chris Morris has brought 100 true stories to the big screen to show that it’s easier to manufacture a terrorist than actually catch a real one.

The Day Shall Come  is a crazy thrill ride that tells quite the horrifying reality of what lengths homeland security go to. Morris knows this reality is a tough pill to swallow so rather than making this a heavy-hitting Drama, he has intelligently infused it with Dark-Comedy throughout. He’s also brought together a stellar Cast who alleviate the already great Script, including Marchánt Davis, Anna Kendrick, Danielle Brooks and Denis O’Hare.

The Day Shall Come screens at SXSW on March 11 at 6:30 PM at The Paramount, March 12 at 5:45 PM at Alamo Lamar E, and March 15 at 5:15 PM at Alamo Ritz 1.