#REVIEW: “GHOST IN THE SHELL”

Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong In 1989, Masamune Shirow released his seminal manga (comic book), Ghost in the Shell. Set in the 21st century, the book followed a clandestine task-force known as Public Security Section 9. In 1995, this cyberpunk story was adapted by Mamoru Oshii as an anime (animated movie) with the same name. Despite its departures from the original, Oshii’s film went on to inspire a generation, and is considered by many as the definitional Ghost in the ... Read more

#REVIEW: “THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE”

Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong The Zookeeper’s Wife is an extraordinary tale made all the more incredible by being based on a true story. In the late 1930s, Jan Żabiński (Johan Heldenbergh) and his wife Antonina (Jessica Chastain) run the popular Warsaw Zoo in Poland. When the Nazis invade the country in September 1939, many of the animals are killed or taken away. The zoo is shut down, and the German troops begin using the grounds for farming. While the Żabińskis reluctantly ... Read more

#REVIEW: “THE BOSS BABY”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong The Boss Baby is a surprisingly hilarious Animated Feature that will also make both kids and adults laugh. The Film is told from the point of view of a wildly imaginative 7-year-old boy named Tim. He tells the story of the day a baby gets delivered to his home from a taxi — being labeled his brother. But this isn't any baby, this is Boss Baby (Alec Baldwin). He wears a suit, carries a briefcase and doesn't take orders from anyone. The sibling ... Read more

#REVIEW: “OBIT”

Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong Nearly a year after its international premiere at Hot Docs, Obit is finally returning to Toronto. Documentarian Vanessa Gould profiles current and former obituary writers at The New York Times as they explore the challenges and immense research that goes into writing these news stories. It may sound ghastly, but Obit is fascinating from beginning to end. As a student of journalism, I marveled at this celebration of obituary writing as an art form. ... Read more

#REVIEW: “LIFE”

By David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong In the near future, the crew on the International Space Station successfully catch a returning space probe containing a sample from Mars. They study it and find a specimen that proves there is life beyond Earth. As the study continues however, the specimen, nicknamed Calvin, begins to grow stronger and more intelligent. Quite suddenly it becomes hostile, threatening the lives of the crew and potentially the entire human race. While it cribs and homages ... Read more

#REVIEW: “WILSON”

Review by Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong Woody Harrelson’s Wilson is a bit of a grump. His verbal filter appears to be nonexistent as he continues to share his ennui and general disdain of modern life with everyone around him regardless of their interest in him or his opinions. When Robert, Wilson’s only friend moves away, he has his wife, Jodie, to break the new and yet looks slightly relieved at the thought of never having to deal with Wilson ever again. The only person who seems to ... Read more

#REVIEW: “POWER RANGERS”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong Growing up in the 90s, the Power Rangers was one of the hottest TV shows of the era, garnering millions of fans worldwide. While the Movies and TV shows from the original franchise were admittedly campy,  they had heart and characters ultimately were relatable. The reimagining of Power Rangers in 2017 maintains all of the heart minus some of the camp, coming with a darker vision and it works rather well. This latest Film in the Saban Entertainment ... Read more

#REVIEW: “PERSONAL SHOPPER”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong Kristen Stewart shines once again in her second collaboration with Director Olivier Assayas. The Film follows Maureen (Kristen Stewart) who is working in Paris as a personal shopper for a celebrity. She, and her late twin bother, have the ability to communicate with spirits. When they were young they promised each other that whoever dies first will send the other a sign to let them know their safe. And when Maureen begins receiving texts from an ... Read more

#REVIEW: “HELLO DESTROYER”

Hot off its run on the festival circuit and four Canadian Screen Award nominations, TIFF '16 selection HELLO DESTROYER makes its way to theatres with much acclaim.  Make no mistake, this is not a sports drama nor is it a hockey Film, it is so much more. Director Kevan Funk makes his debut as a feature Director here a memorable one. The Film centers on a junior hockey player in the minor leagues named Tyson Burr (Jared Abrahamson), an enforcer, whose job normally is to respond to a violent ... Read more

#REVIEW: “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”

How do you pay tribute to and recreate a tale as old as time? Disney was faced with the daunting task of not only doing it once with their 1991 animated classic, but doing it once again this time in live action for an audience of today with Bill Condon (Dreamgirls,  The Twilight Saga) at the reins. Beauty and the Beast centers on a young woman, Belle (Emma Watson) taken prisoner in a castle by a frightful and unpredictable Beast (Dan Stevens). She takes punishment for her eccentric father ... Read more