Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
Hotel Mumbai depicts the terrorist attack that happened at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai in 2008, and the victims and survivors of that attack. This is the feature directorial debut for Anthony Maras and it will have its World Premiere at TIFF ’18.
The Film has an impressive ensemble cast consisting of Dev Patel, Armie Hammer and Nazanin Boniadi to name a few. Then there is the skillful Director from Maras who brings an equal amount of love and hate to the Film. There are tender scenes are love and devotion between family, friends, co-workers and even strangers. Then there are the violent and often hard-to-watch moments of terror.
Hotel Mumbai screens on Friday, September 7 at 6 PM at Princess Of Wales, Sunday, September 9 at 9:45 PM and 10 PM at Scotiabank, and Saturday, September 15 at 9:30 PM at Winter Garden Theatre.
Photos and Words Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong
Hotel Mumbai had its Press Conference at the TIFF Bell Lightbox today. The Film depicts the terrorist attack that happened in Mumbai in 2008 and follows the victims and those who survived. Actors Dev Patel, Armie Hammer, Jason Isaacs, Nazanin Boniadi, Tilda Cobham-Hervey and Anupam Kher were on hand along with Director Anthony Maras to talk about the film.
When asked about what the actors think the main takeaway from the Film is they all concluded that it was the message of inclusivity. Jason Issacs said “we are told we are divided by race and so on…but when the extential threat happens, the divides don’t exist.”.
Armie Hammer continued on with the theme of people coming together no matter how different they are. He also spoke to how the men who carried out the attack weren’t two dimensional in the Film, which was something that drew in to the Film. “The Script was dripping with humanity,” he said.
Hotel Mumbai screens at TIFF on Friday, September 7 at 6 PM at Princess Of Wales Theatre, Sunday, September 9 at 10 PM at Scotiabank 1 and Saturday, September 15 at 9:30 PM at Winter Garden Theatre.
By Mr. Will Wong
Day two of TIFF ’18 has gone exceedingly-well and we’re happy to deliver you some of that starpower we witnessed around the City! While stars of breakout hit CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet, were busy promoting their latest projects around town, one thing’s clear – fans still very much are in love with these two actors. Everywhere I went, new faces were asking where they could find Chalamet, walking around proudly displaying their memorabilia from the Film.
While we caught wind of BEAUTIFUL BOY stars Steve Carell and quietly entering and exiting their hotel, followed by a dinner at Sotto Sotto Thursday night, they were out in full force today and we’re thrilled to have snapped them, taking-in that adoration and excitement for the Drama based on a true story and memoirs from a father and son who went through the rigors of addiction and rose above. Fans not only queued hours on the Red Carpets at the Elgin and Roy Thomson Hall to see them, they also waited at the back of the theatre for a chance to see them exit too.
We once again were blessed by Queen Julia Roberts‘ presence this year, promoting not one but two projects – a new Amazon Series titled HOMECOMING and her latest Film, BEN IS BACK which is said to place her in prime contention for an Oscar as a mother who must stop her family from falling into shambles after her son (Lucas Hedges) resurfaces and she realizes he’s still in harm’s way. Fans queued hours to see her at Ryerson Theatre and got exactly what they asked for as she graced the Red Carpet, signing several autographs.
HOMECOMING was developed by Sam Esmail, who happens to be married to SHAMELESS star Emmy Rossum and we got a pleasant surprise spotting her tonight!
We still remember fondly the last time Dev Patel was at TIFF with LION and we loved that Film so much. Excitement is just as high for his two TIFF ’18 Films, HOTEL MUMBAI and THE WEDDING GUEST. We spotted his MUMBAI Co-Stars Armie Hammer and Jason Isaacs out too!
DONNYBROOK premiered at Winter Garden Theatre tonight and stars Frank Grillo, Jamie Bell and up-and-comer Margaret Qualley (daughter of Andie McDowell). It centers on two men from very different worlds, competing in a bare-knuckle brawl.
We cannot conceal our excitement for the adaptation of Angie Thomas’ THE HATE U GIVE and we are delighted by chance to have come across a few cast members: Sabrina Carpenter, Issa Rae and Lamar Jones.
Others we spotted around town, including Jude Law at TIFF ’18 for VOX LUX, which saw Natalie Portman arriving a bit late for, plus legend Danny Glover, who is at the Festival with The Old Man & The Gun, plus up-and-comer RJ Cyler (Power Rangers):
We were up and at ’em early and so honoured to appear on Breakfast Television with Winston Sih! In case you missed it, you can watch it again here:
More to come tomorrow!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
eOne Films x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to see acclaimed Drama, LION. Screenings take place in the following:
Vancouver – Wednesday December 14th – 7:00 PM at Fifth Avenue
Calgary – Wednesday December 14th – 7:00 PM at Eau Claire
Edmonton – Wednesday December 14th – 7:00 PM at South Edmonton
Winnipeg – Wednesday December 14th – 7:00 PM at Landmark Grant Park
Halifax – Wednesday December 14th – 7:00 PM at Park Lane
Victoria – Wednesday December 14th – 7:00 PM at Silvercity Victoria
Synopsis:
A five-year-old Indian boy, Saroo, lives with his single mother and siblings in poverty. He and his brothers often beg for food and money at the train station. When his older brother, Guddu, tells Saroo that he’s going to take the train to another city, Saroo asks if he can come. Guddu agrees and when they reach their destination, he tells Saroo to wait for him on the platform.
When Guddu doesn’t come back, Saroo hops on another train in search of his brother and winds up many miles away from his home. The little boy is unable to tell the police exactly where he’s from and is eventually declared an abandoned child. He winds up at the Indian Society for Sponsorship and Adoption, where he’s soon adopted by an Australian couple (Nicole Kidman, David Wenham).
Saroo grows up as a typical Australian boy, learning English and eventually forgetting his native tongue, Hindi. Meanwhile, his mother endlessly searches for her son.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
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eOne Films release LION in Toronto Friday, December 9, 2016 and additional cities Wednesday, December 21, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
Premiering at TIFF ’16, a brand new Trailer has just surfaced for what looks like an emotional ride, starring Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman and Rooney Mara.
Synopsis:
Five year old Saroo gets lost on a train which takes him thousands of Kilometers across India, away from home and family. Saroo must learn to survive alone in Kolkata, before ultimately being adopted by an Australian couple. Twenty five years later, armed with only a handful of memories, his unwavering determination, and a revolutionary technology known as Google Earth, he sets out to find his lost family and finally return to his first home.
See the Trailer:
eOne Films release LION Friday, November 25, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
Just two days left of TIFF ’15, it’s only midday and we’re shocked how many stars still are milling about doing press. See who we’ve spotted this afternoon!
Keith Richards. The Rolling Stones rock legend made a spirited entrance at his Press Conference for Documentary Under the Influence, drawing lots of cheers. He’s got a jam-packed day with his Premiere tailgating the conference!
Cynthia Nixon. This one’s for all my Mirandas! I adore Sex and the City and made it a point of finding the gorgeous actress! She’s here for James White, premiering at Ryerson Theatre tonight.
For all my Mirandas. With #SexandtheCity star #CynthiaNixon. She is at #TIFF15 with #JamesWhite. #TIFF #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Christopher Abbott also is with Nixon promoting James White and we caught-up while he was having a smoke break.
Dev Patel is no stranger to TIFF and he’s actually grown to be a handsome, stylish young man, no? The Chappie star is here for The Man Who Knew Infinity.
With #TheManWhoKnewInfinity star #DevPatel. #TIFF15 #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Jeremy Irons always has been a goal of ours to meet and today he was kind to do a roll down of his window for Photos. Note, the legend doesn’t do Selfies, so he made a bit of an exception. He also is here for The Man Who Knew Infinity.
Joshua Jackson came out to support Diane Kruger tonight at her Roy Thomson Hall Premiere for Disorder.
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
The lovely Diane Kruger heading from a private dinner to her big premiere tonight. Love the colours on her dress!
‘(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada and Mr. Will want to give Canadian Readers a chance to win a copy of Neill Blomkamp’s CHAPPIE, starring Dev Patel and Hugh Jackman, on DVD!
Official Synopsis:
In the near future, the streets are patrolled by police robots. One such robot is captured and reprogrammed to be the first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself. Named Chappie, his programmer Deon Wilson (Dev Patel) tries to teach the childlike robot about books and art.
However, Australian engineer Vincent Moore (Hugh Jackman) is very opposed to the idea of artificial intelligence and wants to destroy Chappie.
Official Artwork:
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada release CHAPPIE on DVD and Blu-Ray on Tuesday, June 16, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada)
If like us, you’re excited about Neill Blomkamp‘s CHAPPIE, here’s some just-released Scenes to quench that thirst!
Synopsis:
In the near future, crime is patrolled by an oppressive mechanized police force. But now, the people are fighting back. When one police droid, Chappie, is stolen and given new programming, he becomes the first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself. As powerful, destructive forces start to see Chappie as a danger to mankind and order, they will stop at nothing to maintain the status quo and ensure that Chappie is the last of his kind.
For those ALIEN Fans, many of you are probably thrilled to know Blomkamp confirmed the other day with VARIETY that there indeed will be a new Movie coming in the Franchise, separate from forthcoming PROMETHEUS 2. Read more here.
“NOT MY FAULT”:
“BURN IT TO ASH”:
“REAL GANGSTER”:
We fell in love with the first one, and are super-excited about THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL! We want to give Toronto Readers a chance to attend a Toronto Advance Screening on Wednesday, March 4, 2015!
Official Synopsis:
THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL is the expansionist dream of Sonny (Dev Patel) , and it’s making more claims on his time than he has available, considering his imminent marriage to the love of his life, Sunaina (Tina Desai). Sonny has his eye on a promising property now that his first venture, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and Beautiful, has only a single remaining vacancy – posing a rooming predicament for fresh arrivals Guy (Richard Gere) and Lavinia (Tamsin Greig). Evelyn and Douglas (Judi Dench and Bill Nighy) have now joined the Jaipur workforce, and are wondering where their regular dates for Chilla pancakes will lead, while Norman and Carol (Ronald Pickup and Diana Hardcastle) are negotiating the tricky waters of an exclusive relationship, as Madge (Celia Imrie) juggles two eligible and very wealthy suitors. Perhaps the only one who may know the answers is newly installed co-manager of the hotel, Muriel (Maggie Smith), the keeper of everyone’s secrets. As the demands of a traditional Indian wedding threaten to engulf them all, an unexpected way forward presents itself.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook! Tweet the below for an extra chance:
http://www.mrwillwong/bestexoticmarigold2 @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #THESECONDBESTEXOTICMARIGOLDHOTEL. Out 3/6!
Fox Searchlight release THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL on Friday, March 6, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight)
Although we saw a small Teaser a while back for Robot Action Flick CHAPPIE, we didn’t expect it to be the suspenseful, high-octane affair that it truly is! You must see this new Trailer for what sure will be a big Blockbuster to get us out of the Winter doldrums.
Official Synopsis:
From the director of District 9 and Elysium comes Chappie, starring Sharlto Copley, Dev Patel, with Sigourney Weaver and Hugh Jackman. Every child comes into the world full of promise, and none more so than Chappie: he is gifted, special, a prodigy. Like any child, Chappie will come under the influence of his surroundings — some good, some bad — and he will rely on his heart and soul to find his way in the world and become his own man. But there’s one thing that makes Chappie different from any one else: he is a robot. The first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself. That’s a dangerous idea — and it’s a challenge that will pit Chappie against powerful, destructive forces that would ensure that he is the last of his kind.
See the Trailer:
Sony Pictures Canada release CHAPPIE on Friday, March 5, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)
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