Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Little Monsters follows Kindergarten Teacher Miss Caroline (Lupita Nyong’o) and her class on a trip to a local Australian zoo. What the class, herself and unenthused chaperon Dave (Alexander England) soon realize, is that they are trapped there and being hunted by zombies.

Writer-Director Abe Forsythe has created a Genre-Comedy that could be an instant hit. The comedic timing of everyone involved, both behind and in-front of the camera, is perfect. The Script is tightly-written and offers ample amounts of wit. Nyong’o excels and we get a range we haven’t seen prior from the Oscar winner. England is unbelievably-funny in his cluelessness as an uncle of one of the the kids.  Josh Gad also is fantastic as a popular child TV Programme Host, who isn’t so kid-friendly in person.

Little Monsters screens at Sundance on Jan 27 at 11:59PM at Library PC, Jan 29 at 2:30PM at The MARC PC, Jan 30 at 11:45PM at Egyptian PC, Jan 31 at 12:30PM at The Ray PC, and Feb 2 at 11:59PM at Tower SLC.

Now in its second year, the PENDANCE FILM FESTIVAL runs Friday, January 31 – Monday, February 3, 2019 at Toronto’s Regent Theatre. The fast-growing Festival showcases independent Cinema from around the world and will premiere 50 Shorts and Features.

Highlighting the Festival are FRIDAY’S CHILD by A.J. Edwards, starring Ty Sheridan (Ready Player One) as a young drifter who befriends an unlikely friend; Psychological Thriller TO THE NIGHT by Peter Brunner starring Caleb Landry Jones (Get Out) as an Artist who tries piecing together his tormented past and the fire that killed his parents; and QUEST by Santiago Rizzo starring Lakeith Stanfield (Sorry to Bother You), which is about the between a teacher and a troubled child, addicted to graffiti.

Some of our Team had the pleasure of previewing a couple marquee titles at the Festival in advance.

George Kozera (@PartyG) tells us about QUEST:

As QUEST opens with a dedication to one teacher followed by the tagline “based on promises never broken”, Director Santiago Rizzo’s semi-autobiographical debut feature quickly establishes that we are in for a heartfelt, emotional ride. 12 year old Mills (an astonishing Gregory Kasyan) is a skilled graffiti artist using the tag Quest. Obviously skilled and bright, his home life is in shambles due to an abusive stepfather (Lou Diamond Phillips, surprisingly menacing) and a clueless, self-absorbed mother (Betsy Brandt). Mills streets smarts education comes from Diego (an effective Lakeith Stanfield), a fellow graffiti artist who hides his weed in a hollowed out hardcover book and spouts platitudes on how to survive. Destined to a life that will go nowhere and spiral downwards even more, Mills life changes when he attracts the attention of the high school football coach Tim (Dash Mihok in a cinematic breakthrough performance) who senses something genuine in Mills. Suspicious at first, a mentor relationship between the two develops that is, most importantly, based on trust.

It is virtually impossible not to be moved by QUEST. Santiago Rizzo’s love towards the man who changed the course of his life is apparent in every scene between the coach and boy. It is genuinely sincere and involving. There are few false moments in the movie and the performance by young Gregory Kasyan in his movie debut is letter perfect. To those who think the coach may have been written too saintly, I will suggest that they never had a teacher that influenced them. My mentor was my grade six teacher, Mr. Matthews, who will always be my role model.

 QUEST is assured, wonderfully photographed and exquisitely acted. It’s a must see. It screens Monday, February 3rd at 3:00 PM.

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Justin Waldman (@DubsReviews) shares his thoughts on LOST HOLIDAY:

Writers and Directors Michael Kerry Matthews and Thomas Matthews give their first Feature go at in Lost Holiday, and  it is not unenjoyable.

The Film focuses on Margaret (Kate Lyn Sheil) and Henry (Thomas Matthews) and the exploits they get into trying to find a kidnapped socialite while Margaret is back visiting her home town. While they might not be the sharpest tools in the shed, the clumsy antics they get involved in are rather entertaining.

The Plot has various twists and turns and both Sheil and Matthews do their best with the material given.

Lost Holiday screens at PENDANCE FILM FESTIVAL on February 2nd at 9:30 PM.

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Justin on IN REALITY:

Ann Lupo writes, directs and stars in In Reality and it amounts to a fun, honest look at dating, relationships, and loving one’s self in the age of the Millennial. There is so much truth behind what Ann (Lupo) goes through, as she finds herself pining after a man who just wants to ‘friend zone’ her.

What makes In Reality such a joy to watch is the craziness that Ann puts herself through. She creates these characters that she brings life to in her mind, and what results is something truly comical. We can’t wait to see what’s next for her.

In Reality screens at Pendance Film Festival Monday, February 3rd at 1 PM.

More on the Pendance Film Festival including showtimes and tickets, here.

20th Century Fox Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL! Screenings take place as follows:

TORONTO
Thursday, February 7
7:00 PM
Scotiabank Theatre

MONTREAL – ENGLISH
Thursday, February 7
7:00PM
Cinema Banque Scotia

MONTREAL – FRENCH
Monday, February 11
7:00PM
Starcite Montreal

VANCOUVER
Thursday, February 7
7:00PM
Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver

Synopsis:
From visionary filmmakers James Cameron (AVATAR) and Robert Rodriguez (SIN CITY), comes ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL, an epic adventure of hope and empowerment. When Alita (Rosa Salazar) awakens with no memory of who she is in a future world she does not recognize, she is taken in by Ido (Christoph Waltz), a compassionate doctor who realizes that somewhere in this abandoned cyborg shell is the heart and soul of a young woman with an extraordinary past. As Alita learns to navigate her new life and the treacherous streets of Iron City, Ido tries to shield her from her mysterious history while her street-smart new friend Hugo (Keean Johnson) offers instead to help trigger her memories. But it is only when the deadly and corrupt forces that run the city come after Alita that she discovers a clue to her past – she has unique fighting abilities that those in power will stop at nothing to control. If she can stay out of their grasp, she could be the key to saving her friends, her family and the world she’s grown to love.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate in the comments there, your City. Montreal entrants, please indicate English, French or both. Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance!

20th Century Fox Canada release ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL Thursday, February 14, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox Canada)

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Jimmie Fails (Jimmie Fails) has one dream in life: to reclaim the Victorian house his family once lived in and grandfather built. When Jimmie and his only friend Montgomery (Jonathan Majors) find out the current owners of the house have moved out, they squat there and recreate the home Jimmie once knew.

The Last Black Man In San Francisco is the astonishing first feature debut of Director Joe Talbot. The Film is a sophisticated examination of gentrification and the effects it has on communities and individuals. Through focusing on one man’s story, the real-life story of Jimmie Fails, the themes are specific and therefore become universal. Fails, in playing a fictionalized version of himself, is enthralling to watch. His subtle performance adds texture to the already flawless Script and direction, while Majors gives a breakout performance as Fails’ supportive Playwright best friend. This is an essential viewing experience and will be watched and revisited years from now.

The Last Black Man In San Francisco screens at Sundance on Jan 26 at 12:15PM at Eccles PC, Jan 27 at 9:30PM at Redstone 1 PC, Jan 31 at 6PM at Library Theatre SLC, Feb 1 at 8:30PM at Prospector PC, and Feb 2 at 8:45AM at Library PC.

New Stills have surfaced from LONG SHOT, starring Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron!

SYNOPSIS:

He’s a hard-hitting political writer with a talent for trouble. She’s the country’s top diplomat with a talent for…well, everything. When Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) reunites with his first crush who also happens to be the current US Secretary of State, Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), he charms her with his self-deprecating humor and his memories of her youthful idealism. As she prepares to make a surprise run for the Oval Office, Charlotte hires Fred to punch up her campaign speeches and their unmistakable chemistry leads to a round-the-world affair. But Fred’s carefree indiscretions, past and present, could bring down her campaign before it even begins. The film redefines “international relations” with a profane, funny and unexpected love.

From the celebrated team of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, creators of outrageous comedy hits including SAUSAGE PARTY, NEIGHBORS franchise, and KNOCKED UP, LONG SHOT also features O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Den of Thieves, Straight Outta Compton), Andy Serkis (Black Panther, Planet of the Apes), June Diane Raphael (The Disaster Artist, Grace & Frankie), Ravi Patel (TV’s Master of None) and Alexander Skarsgård (TV’s Big Little Lies and The Legend of Tarzan).

See the Stills:

eOne Films release LONG SHOT Friday, May 3, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

16-year- old Mo (Griffin Gluck) has been best friends with his sister’s 23-year-old ex-boyfriend, Zeke (Pete Davidson) since he was nine. Zeke has been Mo’s sole role model, however, he’s an adult who drinks and smokes weed all day long and convinces Mo to sell drugs to high school seniors at their weekend parties.

Big Time Adolescence is a hilarious coming-of-age story with characters which feel authentic. The Film examines what it is like to be a teenager and an early 20-something in today’s ever-changing world. Davidson is a showstopper as the quintessential man-child. He captures perfectly the feeling of being lost while transitioning into adulthood. Gluck delivers as Mo, who wants so bad to be popular and gives us an honest look into being a teenager.

Big Time Adolescence screens at Sundance on Jan 28 at 3:30PM at Eccles PC, Jan 29 at 9:15AM at The Ray PC, Jan 31 at 11:30AM at Prospector PC, Feb 1 at 6:15PM at Grand SLC, and Feb 2 at 12PM at Library PC.

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Late Night follows tough-as-nails late night Talk Show Host Katherine Newbury (Emma Thompson), who after getting accused of hating women, hires her first female Staff Writer, Molly (Mindy Kaling).

Mindy Kaling finally has blessed us with her brilliant Screenwriting talents on the big screen. True to brand, her Script is smart and hilarious with an enormous amount to say about social issues. Kaling has created characters who represent where we are in a timely manner and the casting is perfection. Thompson knocks it out of the park as the brutally honest Katherine. Her layered and delightfully-comical performance will be remembered. She is surrounded by an outstanding Ensemble, including the forever lovable Kaling, Dennis O’Hare, John Lithgow, Reid Scott and Hugh Dancy. Late Night is without a doubt a runaway smash!

Late Night screens at Sundance on Jan 25 at 6:30PM at Eccles PC, Jan 26 at 9AM at Eccles PC, Jan 27 at 3:15PM at Grand SLC, Jan 28 at 12PM at Sundance Resort, Jan 29 at 8:45PM at Library PC and 9:30PM at Eccles PC, Feb 2 at 8:30PM at The MARC PC, and Feb 3 at 6:15PM at Tower SLC.

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

When Brittany (Julian Bell) tries to scam a doctor into giving her Aderall, she finds out that she actually has health issues due to her weight. She realizes quickly that gym memberships are too expensive for her pay grade and takes up running again. She learns she really loves the way running makes her feel and sets out to run, and finish the New York City Marathon.

Brittany Runs A Marathon speaks to internal truths of how our external appearance effects how both others treat us, and how we treat and think about ourselves. Writer-Director Paul Downs Colaizzo has crafted a beautiful Film that offers equal amounts of Comedy and Drama. It also proves that Bell shouldn’t be put into a category solely as comedic. She carries the Film with a heartfelt knockout performance.

Brittany Runs A Marathon screens at Sundance on Jan 28 at 12:15PM at Eccles PC, Jan 29 at 11:30AM at The MARC PC, Jan 31 at 2:30PM at The MARC PC, Feb 1 at 3PM at Library PC, and Feb 2 at 3:15PM at Grand Theatre SLC.

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

To the Stars follows the friendship that quickly develops between quiet Iris (Kara Hayward) and enigmatic Maggie (Liana Liberato) in a small town in 1960s Oklahoma.

Director Martha Stephens (Land Ho!) gives audiences a slice of what it was like to be a female in the 60s. Stephens takes a steady deliberate pace that leads to an effective satisfying ending. The Cinematography is beautiful and the choice of shooting black and white gives visual authenticity. The performances from Hayward and Liberato are enchanting. The two young Actresses have magnetic chemistry that’s as alluring to watch as the Film itself.

To The Stars screens at Sundance on Jan 25 at 9:30PM at The Ray PC, Jan 26 at 8:30AM at Prospector PC, Jan 27 at 12:15PM at Grand Theatre SLC, Feb 1 at 12:15PM at Eccles PC, and Feb 2 at 11:30AM at Prospector PC.

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to take Readers to an Advance Screening of FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY starring Dwayne Johnson!

Screenings take place:
Toronto – Wed Feb 20 – 7:30 PM
Montreal – Wed Feb 20 – 7:30 PM
Vancouver- Wed Feb 20 – 7:00 PM

Synopsis:
FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY is a heartwarming comedy based on the incredible true story of WWE Superstar Paige™. Born into a tight-knit wrestling family, Paige and her brother Zak are ecstatic when they get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try out for WWE. But when only Paige earns a spot in the competitive training program, she must leave her family and face this new, cut-throat world alone. Paige‘s journey pushes her to dig deep, fight for her family, and ultimately prove to the world that what makes her different is the very thing that can make her a star.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Tell us there, who your favourite WWE star is of all time. Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra shot.

Universal Pictures Canada release FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY Friday, February 22, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)