While things have slowed-down a bit in terms of new releases, we have a few watches which just might be worth your time! See our thoughts on these new releases, available now to stream.
This four-part Documentary Series from HBO uncovers with first-hand accounts and never-seen-before footage, the sexual abuse allegations against American Film legend Woody Allen. Directors Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering explore in great detail the gray territory between Allen‘s wide critical acclaim and adoration in his craft, but also the very dark and disturbing trail of destruction he left behind. While Allen refused to respond or participate in the project and vehemently denies any wrong-doing, the evidence is compelling and upsetting. I mean, what could be expected of a man who took on his adopted daughter Soon-Yi Previn, as his lover? While it could be perceived as one-sided, using excerpts only from his Memoir to speak for him, the Documentary Series offers an empathetic lens to Farrow and family who experienced something devastating and not to be believed about it is even more hurtful. At 85 years of age Allen has escaped legal ramifications for his actions, though his career has been halted of late by a call for his “cancellation” post-#MeToo. It will be interesting to see the impact of the Series and what comes of this, especially seeing the public’s renewed interest in Britney Spears‘ conservatorship and a call to action following the arrival of FRAMING BRITNEY SPEARS (which also is available now on Crave). New episodes arrive weekly on Crave at 9 PM ET.
This Showtime Docu-Series, now available on Crave, takes a look at Tekashi 6ix9ine, who made headlines after snitching-out out against his former associates after pleading guilty to an array of conspiracy to commit murder and armed robbery charges. Now completing his term on house arrest due to COVID-19, the three-part Series looks at his poverty and trauma-ridden childhood, which led him to take on the “supervillain” persona. He cites The Joker as his inspiration, stating good guys always die and villains don’t. We get interviews with his family and ex-girlfriend and learn of his obsession with gaining clout on Social Media, ultimately mastering it and using it as a platform for his own celebrity, no matter the costs and little regard for consequences – including child exploitation charges resulting from the use of a minor in one of his Music Videos. The Series isn’t so much about glorifying the character as it is about seeking to understand why he has been so intriguing with 23 million Instagram followers. And in that regard is ably does so as a statement about a new order where clout and worth are measured by followers. SUPERVILLAIN: THE MAKING OF TEKASHI 6IX9INE is available now on Crave.
This ten-episode Series has already proven a hit for Netflix, claiming the #1 spot, so expect more time come. The Dramedy centers on Georgia (Brianne Howley) and her daughter Ginny (Antonia Gentry), who arrive in New England to begin a new life. Georgia is a hustler, relying on her charm which more often than not works, but acts often on impulse. Ginny however is level-headed, navigating being the outspoken new girl at school and balancing boys. She also is conscious of not making the same mistakes her mom made having her at such an early age. The Series rests on Georgia always barely make it out ahead, getting herself into some tricky situations, but also offers a bit of sympathy as we flash back in time and see that who she is, has been a result of her being a survivor. Engaging performances from our two leads, particularly Howley who keeps things fun as the Series is still figuring out its balance between lighthearted and heavy. GINNY & GEORGIA streams now on Netflix.
Five-part Series IT’S A SIN recounts the ’80s as London encounters the HIV/AIDS pandemic. At the center of the story are a group of gay men including Ritchie (Olly Alexander), Nathaniel (Ash Mukherjee), Roscoe (Omari Douglas) and Colin (Callum Scott Howells) experiencing independence and sexual awakening for the first time. Alongside them is their friend Jill (Lydia West). Some fantastic performances to be found here from this Ensemble, as the young men are convinced of their invincibility but things take a turn for the tragic. Things get rather emotional in this Series written by Russell T. Davies and directed by Peter Hoar. We see how promising young men were robbed of their dreams by this pandemic and how difficult it was for men in, even more so in the time period, to confide in their families about their sexuality. A compelling Series which captures the emotions and paranoia that feels authentic to the era, in large part due to a fantastic re-imagined and nostalgic Soundtrack and impeccable attention to detail. Above this, Neil Patrick Harris and Stephen Fry also make an appearance. IT’S A SIN streams now on Amazon Prime Video.
Funnywoman Amy Poehler makes her Feature directorial debut with Moxie, based on the Novel of the same name by Jennifer Mathieu. The Film centers on Vivian (Hadley Robinson), a teenage girl who gets inspiration from her mother (Poehler) and secretly creates a magazine which calls-out the misogyny at her high school. The magazine begins shaking things up at her school and some of the girls at school band together to fight the patriarchy and as trouble begins to stir, she finds herself trying to conceal her identity and her own unhappiness spills to other parts of her life including a blooming relationship with Seth (Nico Hiraga), with her best friend Claudia (Lauren Tsai) and mother. We begin to wonder if all of this was for the greater good after all. Some really great performances from this young and talented Ensemble Cast including our star Robinson who shows plenty of promise here. Tsai also is a scene-stealer as Patrick Schwarzenegger as the antagonist Mitchell is perhaps his most memorable performance yet. The Film smartly examines timely conversations about intersectionality, institutionalized sexism, entitlement and bullying and was a pleasant surprise, but should we expect any less of Poehler?
We revisit King Akeem Joffer (Eddie Murphy) who learns that he has fathered a son back in his days in America. With only a daughter from his wife Queen Lisa (Shari Headley) and no male successor to the throne, he visits America once again to meet his son Lavelle (Jermaine Fowler), bringing back also his mother Mary (Leslie Jones) to Zamunda. General Izzi (Wesley Snipes) hopes to pair his daughter together with Lavelle, in a powerful union which would unite the two families together, but as we see times have changed. Craig Brewer (Dolemite is My Name) reunites with Murphy to direct this follow-up to 1988’s delightfully-funny Coming to America, but even with three strong Screenwriters in Kenya Barris, Barry W. Blaustein and David Sheffield, we get something outlandish that never hits the marks its predecessor did. Part of what made the first Film so funny was that comedic and political sensibilities were a bit different 33 years ago, so penis-bathing female servant jokes landed a bit differently back than they would in the now. Add to that an abundance of misguided McDonald‘s product placements, unnecessary musical numbers and an ill-conceived subplot that examines gender inequality that never quite says what it needs to, we were left underwhelmed. That aside, Snipes‘ performance is so committed, making for one of the few rewarding bright spots in this Sequel. We had such high hopes for this. COMING 2 AMERICA streams now on Amazon Prime Video.
So thrilled Katherine McPhee is back, it’s been so long! The former American Idol alumni stars as Bailey, a Country singer whose career has hit rock bottom. She finds herself an unexpected gig as a nanny for a widower named Beau (Eddie Cibrian) and his five kids in this Sitcom. The laugh track-humour gears a bit more to grown-ups and it does admittedly feel at times a little bit too familiar. If you loved Who’s the Boss in the ’80s this definitely takes some inspiration from that Series, with a musical twist and Cibrian‘s partner LeeAnn Rimes even makes an appearance! COUNTRY COMFORT streams now on Netflix.
This is the Documentary we didn’t realize we needed. OPERATIONS VARSITY BLUES: THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SCANDAL lives up exactly to its juicy title, combining re-enactments with Matthew Modine as Rick Singer, plus interviews and footage surrounding the College Admissions scandal. As you might recall, the admissions cheating scandal landed high-profile types like Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin in jail, exposing mastermind Singer who netted more than $25 million in bribes to before pleading guilty to racketeering charges. This is riveting, journalist-style storytelling from Director Chris Smith and in all of this, lessons to be learned and an exposĂ© of corruption in the U.S. College System which enabled “backdoor admissions”. It streams now on Netflix.
(Photo credit: Crave/Netflix/Amazon Prime Video)
Netflix x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to a Virtual Screening of MOXIE, directed by Amy Poehler. The Screening takes place on March 1, 2021. Above this, in support of women-owned businesses, winners will also receive a $25 UberEats code so they can order food to enjoy with the movie from one of their favourite female owned/operated restaurant!
Synopsis:
Vivian (Hadley Robinson), a seemingly shy 16-year-old, has always preferred to keep her head down and fly under the radar. But when the arrival of a new student (Alycia Pascual-Peña) forces her to examine the unchecked behavior of her fellow students running rampant at her high school, Vivian realizes sheâs fed up. Inspired by her motherâs (Amy Poehler) rebellious past, Vivian anonymously publishes an underground zine called Moxie to expose bias and wrongdoing in her high school, and unexpectedly sparks a movement. Now at the center of a revolution, Vivian begins to forge new friendships with other young women and allies, reaching across the divide of cliques and clubs as they learn to navigate the highs and lows of high school together.
Directed by Amy Poehler and based on the novel by Jennifer Mathieu, MOXIE also stars Lauren Tsai, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Nico Hiraga, Sydney Park, Josephine Langford, Clark Gregg, Josie Totah, Anjelika Washington, Charlie Hall, and Sabrina Haskett, with Ike Barinholtz and Marcia Gay Harden.
See the Trailer:
To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet the Contest Tweet below for a chance.
Enter for a chance to #win Advance Passes to a Virtual Screening of Amy Poehler's MOXIE. Winners also will get a $25 UberEats voucher to enjoy a meal from a female owned/operated restaurant!
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) February 19, 2021
How: https://t.co/Ee4gDvzdFP pic.twitter.com/qWrk7WFIiF
Rules and regulations here.
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Netflix release MOXIE Friday, March 3, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
Amy Poehler directs and stars in new Feature MOXIE, coming soon to Netflix. What a Cast on this!
Synopsis:
Vivian (Hadley Robinson), a seemingly shy 16-year-old, has always preferred to keep her head down and fly under the radar. But when the arrival of a new student (Alycia Pascual-Peña) forces her to examine the unchecked behavior of her fellow students running rampant at her high school, Vivian realizes sheâs fed up. Inspired by her motherâs (Amy Poehler) rebellious past, Vivian anonymously publishes an underground zine called Moxie to expose bias and wrongdoing in her high school, and unexpectedly sparks a movement. Now at the center of a revolution, Vivian begins to forge new friendships with other young women and allies, reaching across the divide of cliques and clubs as they learn to navigate the highs and lows of high school together. Directed by Amy Poehler and based on the novel by Jennifer Mathieu, MOXIE also stars Lauren Tsai, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Nico Hiraga, Sydney Park, Josephine Langford, Clark Gregg, Josie Totah, Anjelika Washington, Charlie Hall, and Sabrina Haskett, with Ike Barinholtz and Marcia Gay Harden.
See the Trailer:
MOXIE arrives on Netflix March 3, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
Two of our favourites, Amy Poehler and Netflix together at last!
Synopsis:
In honor of Rebecca (Rachel Dratch)âs 50th birthday, Abby (Amy Poehler) plans a scenic Napa getaway with their best, longtime friends. Workaholic Catherine (Ana Gasteyer), post-op Val (Paula Pell), homebody Jenny (Emily Spivey), and weary mom Naomi (Maya Rudolph) are equally sold on the chance to relax and reconnect. Yet as the alcohol flows, real world uncertainties intrude on the punchlines and gossip, and the women begin questioning their friendships and futures. A hilarious and heartfelt comedy directed by Poehler, Wine Country co-stars Tina Fey, Jason Schwartzman and Cherry Jones.
See the Trailer:
WINE COUNTRY streams on Netflix Friday, May 10, 2019.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
“F*ck Book Club!”.
This new spot for comedy THE HOUSE starring Amy Poehler and Will Ferrell outta get you chuckling! Meet Frank. Frank runs an illegal underground casino out of his home… and more.
Synopsis:
After Scott and Kate Johansen (Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler) lose their daughter Alexâs college fund, they become desperate to earn it back so she can pursue her dream of attending a university. With the help of their neighbor Frank (Jason Mantzoukas), they decide to start an illegal casino in his house.
THE HOUSE also stars Nick Kroll, Allison Tolman, Michaela Watkins, Ryan Simpkins and Jeremy Renner.
Watch the Teaser (NSFW language):
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release THE HOUSE Friday, June 30, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)
Amy Poehler + Tina Fey time and time again have proven a winning combination and youâll be thrilled that Mr. Will Readers have a chance to see their upcoming comedy, SISTERS first!
  Screenings are set for Wednesday, December 16, 2015 in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg.
Synopsis:
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler reunite for Sisters, a new film from Pitch Perfect director Jason Moore about two disconnected sisters summoned home to clean out their childhood bedroom before their parents sell the family house. Looking to recapture their glory days, they throw one final high-school-style party for their classmates, which turns into the cathartic rager that a bunch of ground-down adults really need.
Sisters also stars Dianne Wiest, Kate McKinnon, James Brolin, Rachel Dratch, Ike Barinholtz and Maya Rudolph.
See the hilarious Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click âlikeâ on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and indicate your city. Tell me the one thing you could not part with from your childhood. You get an extra chance by clicking âshareâ from there or Tweeting out the below:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/sisters @MRWILLW wants us to #win passes to see #SISTERSMovie starring Tina Fey + Amy Poehler! Out 12/18!
Gâluck.
Universal Pictures Canada release SISTERS on Friday, December 18, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
Hmm… how do you feel about Amy Poehler + Tina Fey reuniting on the the big screen? THRILLED, RIGHT???
Synopsis:
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler reunite for SISTERS, a new film from Pitch Perfect director Jason Moore about two disconnected sisters summoned home to clean out their childhood bedroom before their parents sell the family house. Looking to recapture their glory days, they throw one final high-school-style party for their classmates, which turns into the cathartic rager that a bunch of ground-down adults really need.
See the Trailer:
Right in time for Christmas, SISTERS hits theatres Friday, December 18, 2015 via Universal Pictures Canada.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
“The summer of your life is just around the corner.”.
The Cast is back and we’re pumped for the hilarious antics of WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER: FIRST DAY OF CAMP! The eight-episode Series, to stream next month on Netflix unites a brilliant Cast including Elizabeth Banks, Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, Michael Ian Black, Paul Rudd, Christopher Meloni, Janeane Garofalo, Judah Friedlander and Molly Shannon in what surely will be our fave Summer Getaway!
See the Teaser:
Gotta love the quick flash of erased sex they threw in VHS style!
Netflix Canada streams WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER on Friday, July 31, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
The 72nd qnnual GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS took place tonight at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles and taking top honours on an evening where multiple Films shared the spotlight, was Boyhood.  The Richard Linklater Movie filmed over 12 years, won for Motion Picture Drama, Best Director and also Best Supporting Actress (Patricia Arquette).
The Grand Budapest Hotel was victorious  for Motion Picture Comedy/Musical and Director/Writer Wes Anderson for the former drew big laughs from the Audience individually thanking members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
After leading the way with seven nominations coming in, BIRDMAN also would perform strongly. Mexican Visionary Alejandro GonzĂĄlez Iñårritu would accept the Award for Best Screenplay, apologizing humbly repeatedly for his English.  Meanwhile, Michael Keaton would make one of the biggest Comebacks witnessed in Hollywood after a reaching great success in the early ’90s with the Batman Franchise, going-on to win Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical for his performance as troubled Actor Riggan Thomson.
Billy Bob Thorton who won for Best Actor in a TV Mini-Series or Movie for FARGO, and would go on to make the loudest statement tonight accepting this Golden Globe with a simply “Thank You!”, noting that he wanted to stay out of trouble after arriving on-stage stating he didn’t even get a chance to celebrate. Remember that time he opened his mouth here in Toronto and got in major trouble? Â Let’s take a walk down Memory Lane here.
Kevin Spacey also was acting naughty, making reference to his Frank Underwood on Netflix‘s House of Cards’ initials during a pre-broadcast Red Carpet Special and while accepting his Golden Globe for Best Actor in a TV Series Drama, he once again dropped an “F Bomb” which fortunately was censored in-time.
Newcomer Gina Rodriguez certainly has stamped her place among Hollywood’s Elite winning Best Actress in a Comedy, TV Series for her work on adapted Telenovela, Jane the Virgin.  The Series airs on The CW in the U.S. and streams in Canada on Shomi.
Don Cheadle and Julianna Margulies were assigned the task of presenting the Cecil B. DeMille Award this year to recently-wed George Clooney. Show-stealing on the Red Carpet with his Wife Amal in Dior, he took a moment to thank his one true love on the Podium.  “I’ve had a pretty good year”, he reflects. “It’s a humbling thing when you find someone to love – even better if you’ve been waiting your whole life – when your life has been 53 years. Amal whatever alchemy it was that brought us together, I couldn’t be more proud to be your Husband.”.
Among tonight’s winning looks on the Red Carpet were an ĂŒber-glam Jessica Chastain, who won high scores for her low-plunging, lamĂ©Â Versace Dress – perhaps a taste of the looks to come as she portrays Marilyn Monroe in long-developing Biopic, Blonde.  Jennifer Lopez turned heads in a Zuhair Murad Dress Dress reminiscent of her famous Versace Grammy number with its low plunge also which drew an awkward moment as she was presenting with Jeremy Renner who pointed-out her “golden globes”.  Taylor Schilling, star of Netflix‘s Orange is the New Black also stunned in a red Ralph Lauren Dress – classic and understated.  Amy Adams also was a vision in purple, going-on eventually to win Best Actress in Comedy or Musical for Big Eyes. Julianne Moore despite getting some mixed reaction, wins big points from us for her sparkly Givenchy number, dazzling on-stage as she accepted Best Actress in a Drama for Still Alice.
Hosts Amy Poehler and Tina Fey – Â reuniting for a third time and claiming this would be their last – once again were sophisticated and witty, their jokes ranging from side-by-side comparisons between Filmmakers and Actors they’d rather bed to Nominee Emma Stone being compared to a “creepy” Margaret Keane painting. Â Even Meryl Streep sent her compliments as she presented the Award for Best Drama.
For a complete list of Winners click here.
To see more Photos from tonight’s Red Carpet, check-out ZIMBIO here.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
After seeing a snippet from INSIDE OUT at the recent Disney Holiday Preview, Iâm convinced both they and Pixar have a huge hit on their hands. The comedic Animated Feature had the Audience chuckling out loud. Taking a break from Heroes and Heroines, the Film from Pete Docter (Up) examines the psyche of a young girl â someone we all can relate to.
Official Synopsis:
Growing up can be a bumpy road, and it’s no exception for Riley, who is uprooted from her Midwest life when her father starts a new job in San Francisco. Like all of us, Riley is guided by her emotions â Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Rileyâs mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. As Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco, turmoil ensues in Headquarters. Although Joy, Riley‘s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive, the emotions conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.
Watch the Trailer below:
Super-cute, right?
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release INSIDE OUT on Friday, June 19, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)
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