#TIFF26: “INK” REVIEW

By David Baldwin

It is the late 1960s and Rupert Murdoch (Oscar-nominee Guy Pierce) has just acquired the British newspaper The Sun. He recruits Larry Lamb (Jack O’Connell) to be the editor, with the goal of turning his acquisition into the highest circulated paper in the country. But what is going to set The Sun apart from the other papers, and how many lines is Lamb willing to cross to become #1?

That is the pitch for INK, Oscar-winning Director Danny Boyle’s latest film, adapted by James Graham from his own stage play. For at least the first half, the film is a compelling take on the rise of tabloid journalism and where the infamous Murdoch media empire began. We get to watch Lamb poach reporters and build his staff, watch as they fight against the established order, and how they changed the game. Boyle brings a stylish punk-rock flourish to these scenes, filling some moments with horny excess and others with dutch angles and more artsier elements (not to mention a few choice needle drops). INK has such a great, propulsive momentum through these moments that it is frankly disappointing to see it screech to a halt to highlight specific controversial events in its dragged out second half. Why does the inception of Page Three feel like such a tacked on after thought? Why is the push to be more Conservative leaning feel like a mere whisper? These might also be issues inherent to the original play as well, though I still feel like they are worth mentioning if you are taking on this period of history and its importance in Murdoch’s story.

Then there is the AI of it all, which has been commanding headlines for the past few weeks. The jankiness is noticeable and distracting, completely taking you out of whatever is happening on-screen. There is something about the ending montage that struck me as odd as well – though I am not certain whether that is because of the way it looks or because it does not really fit with the rest of the film’s vibe.

All of this said, O’Connell is absolutely terrific as Lamb, doing an excellent job balancing being a likeable bloke who just wants to sell newspapers with being an unforgivable douchebag who does not care who he hurts along the way. I wish there was a bit more emphasis on his family life, but think what is here still manages to make for another deliciously twisted and unmissable turn from this rising talent. Pierce is great as Murdoch in his smaller but equally important role, and Claire Foy brings a needed warmth to the debaucherous proceedings. The film could have only benefited from using her more often.

INK screens at TIFF ‘26:

Tues. Sept 15 at 2:30 PM at VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre

Fri. Sept 18 at 9:00 PM at TIFF Lightbox

#TIFF26: DAYS 5&6 – JULIANNE MOORE, PENÉLOPE CRUZ, JAVIER BARDEM, JACK O’CONNELL, JESSE EISENBERG, GUY PEARCE, JENNIFER COOLIDGE AND MORE

tiff ’26 Day 5 and 6 sightings were our most stacked days yet, including:

•Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem and Florian Zeller for BUNKER
•Jesse Eisenberg and Julianne Moore for THE DEBUT
•Jack O’Connell and Guy Pearce for INK
•Jennifer Coolidge for GIRL GROUP
•Alden Ehrenreich for A TALENT FOR MURDER
•Kim Hyun-joo and Bae Hyeong-seong for PARADISE LOST
•Will Sharpe for IN WAVES
•Takashi Miike and Shun Oguro for BAD LIEUTENANT: TOKYO
•Cole Sprouse for VINTAGE VIOLENCE
•Jacob Tremblay for WILDWOOD
•Kate and Rooney Mara, Orlando Bloom and Domhnall Gleeson for BUCKING FASTARD
•Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn for IDIOT
•Giancarlo Esposito and John Turturro for THE LAST LIVING PICKPOCKET IN NEW YORK

…and so much more!

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Thank you again to @sohohoteltoronto
for their generous support this Festival..This IS the spot to stay at tiff!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER + POSTER FOR “INK”

Jack O’Connell, Guy Pearce, and Claire Foy star in INK, from Academy Award-winning director Danny Boyle. In theatres this December and premiering at tiff ’26!

A group of visionaries and misfits had an idea for a new kind of news — one that would give the people what they want and would change the face of the world we live in today.

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE DIGITAL DOWNLOAD OF “JUNGLELAND”

Jack O’Connell and Charlie Hunnam star in JUNGLELAND. Enter for your chance to win a Digital Download code.

Synopsis:

Produced by Romulus Entertainment in association with Scott Free Productions and Big Red Films, and directed and co-written by Max Winkler (Flower), JUNGLELAND is a love story between two brothers whose bond is tested as they hustle and scrape towards their slice of the American Dream. Stanley (Charlie Hunnam, “Sons of Anarchy”) and Lion (Jack O’Connell, Unbroken) are brothers struggling to stay relevant in the underground world of bare-knuckle boxing. When Stanley fails to pay back a dangerous crime boss (Jonathan Majors, “Lovecraft Country”), they’re forced to deliver an unexpected traveler (Jessica Barden, “The End of the F***ing World”) as they journey across the country for a high stakes fighting tournament. While Stanley trains Lion for the fight of his life, a series of events threaten to tear the brothers apart, but their love for one another and belief in a better life keep them going in this gripping drama that proves family pulls no punches.

See the Trailer:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet for another chance:

Enter for a chance to #win a Digital Download of JUNGLELAND starring Charlie Hunnam and Jack O'Connell.

How: https://t.co/bd4KtC3wdd pic.twitter.com/KypPtof2hm

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) November 17, 2020

Rules and regulations here.

JUNGLELAND is available now on Digital and On-Demand.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “MONEY MONSTER”

We were actually in New York last spring while it was filming on Wall Street so it’s a bit surreal we are seeing the brand new trailer for Jodie Foster’s star-studded MONEY MONSTER!

Synopsis:
In the taut and tense thriller Money Monster, Lee Gates (George Clooney) is a bombastic TV personality whose popular financial network show has made him the money wiz of Wall Street. But after he hawks a high tech stock that mysteriously crashes, an irate investor (Jack O’Connell) takes Gates, his crew, and his ace producer Patty Fenn (Julia Roberts) hostage live on air. Unfolding in real time, Gates and Fenn must find a way to keep themselves alive while simultaneously uncovering the truth behind a tangle of big money lies.

See the Trailer:

Some Snaps of George (+ Amal!) + Jack on-set last May:

#JackOConnell tells me his day on the set of #MoneyMonster was “emotional”. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2015 at 5:37pm PDT

#GeorgeClooney on the set of #MoneyMonster, directed by #JodieFoster. #NYC #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2015 at 4:30pm PDT

#AmalClooney shows up to the set of #MoneyMonster to support Husband #GeorgeClooney. #NYC A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2015 at 2:10pm PDT

With #GeorgeClooney on the set of hotly-buzzed #MoneyMonster. #NYC #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2015 at 5:37pm PDT

Sony Pictures Canada release MONEY MONSTER Friday, May 13, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)

#SPOTTED: STARS IN NEW YORK FOR 2015 MET BALL

Stars of the Film, Fashion and Music Worlds gathered Monday night at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, for Fashion’s biggest night, the Costume Institute Ball – known more as the Met Ball or Met Gala – for a 44th year. As in previous years, the night was nothing short of spectacular and this year’s theme was China: Through the Looking Glass, which explores the Country’s influence on Fashion as we know it today. An Exhibition put-on in conjunction with the Museum’s Department of Asian Art, commences now through August, with the Gala kicking it all off.

The ultra-exclusive Affair is invite-only and if you are fortunate enough to be granted the opportunity to purchase a ticket even, acceptance is pending the approval of the most revered and feared Woman in the Industry, Anna Wintour.

Just so there was no confusion in the hierarchy, the dazzling A-List of predominantly female Talent would see its biggest stars Jay-Z and Beyoncé (in a revealing sheer Givenchy) arrive approximately three hours late, drawing a crowd of cheers from onlookers who lined street for a long glance at beauty and innovation when finally they did arrive.

Although a list of Guests was published prior, with Jennifer Lawrence named Event Chair this year, few know fully who exactly will arrive until they walk the many steps of the Red Carpet. Some Starlets stayed within their comfort zone wearing with an array of pretty form-fitting gowns.  Others took major fashion risks, staying true to the Night’s established theme including Trailblazer Sarah Jessica Parker who had donned a Chinese Opera-like Headpiece over an H&M Dress,  a strong contingent of Chinese Actresses including Gong Li, Ziyi Zhang, Carina Lau, Li Bing Bing, Gao Yuan Yuan, Tang Wei and more donned intricate creations with floral themed patterns. Dolce & Gabbana was most daring and our personal favourite, dressing a handful of Starlets like Karen Elson, Brie Larson and more in decadent golds with dazzling Tiaras fit for a Queen.  Red-hot Moschino now underseen by Jeremy Scott, saw the likes of Madonna and Katy Perry garbed head-to-toe in his vision,  the latter who turned heads with a cropped Pixie Cut which turned to blonde at the Afterparty which she had co-hosted.  Not quite thematically correct, but still a visual Feast.

Others getting high praise for their looks were friends Anne Hathaway  in a hooded gold Ralph Lauren  numbers, Lady Gaga in a Zac Posen Pantsuit, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in rose-coloured Versace and Sophie Turner in teal Burberry Dress. And speaking of teal, Miley Cyrus would dazzle in a high-neck Alexander Wang dress, with her hair slicked-back and coloured as such. We also are a huge Fan of Kate Hudson‘s gold Michael Kors number.

Social Media was lit afire when Perry, Madonna and perceived Pop Rival Lady Gaga posed for Selfies together at the Ball’s official Afterparty in the City’s Meatpacking District.  Both Lady Gaga and Rihanna also themselves would throw their own bashes, which would see the likes of Naomi Campbell,  Robert Pattinson and his girlfriend FKA Twigs returning to their star-crammed Hotel in the wee hours at the break of dawn.

dropping our single tomorrow #stolethispicfromM #MONSTERCATREBELHEARTS

A photo posted by KATY PERRY (@katyperry) on May 4, 2015 at 9:14pm PDT

 

We make a point of celebrating this important Affair every year and wait eagerly on next year’s theme.   In the meantime, here are some Pics of the Fashion Festivities throughout the Night.    

 

Katy Perry + Jeremy Scott

#JeremyScott + #KatyPerry. #MetGala #MetBall2015 #MetBall #MetGala2015 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 11:42pm PDT

Kate Hudson

My fave Snap. She refused to pose for Paps, but posed for Fans. #KateHudson at #MetBall2015.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:42pm PDT

 

Jay-Z + Beyoncé:

When you are #JayZ + #Beyonce, you can afford to show up 3 hours late with Media waiting on you. #MetBall2015 #MetBall #MetGala #MetGala2015 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 7:00pm PDT

Rita Ora

#RitaOra at #MetBall2015.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

 

Kendall Jenner

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:40pm PDT

Karen Elson

#KarenElson in my fave #MetBall2015 Dress. I believe this is by Burberry.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

 

Sophie Turner

#GameofThrones’ #SophieTurner at #MetBall2015. A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

Rosie Huntington-Whitely

#RosieHuntingtonWhitely at #MetBall2015.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

 

Kerry Washington

#KerryWashington at #MetBall2015.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

Uma Thurman

#UmaThurman at #MetBall2015.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

 

Gong Li

The timeless #GongLi. #MetBall2015 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 2:42pm PDT

Emily Blunt + Bill Nighy

#EmilyBlunt brought #BillNighy as her date to #MetBall2015.

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

 

André Leon Talley

Fashion’s greatest Maven, #AndreLeonTalley at #MetBall2015. A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

Anna Wintour

When you get #AnnaWintour to crack a rare smile… #MetBall2015

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 2:42pm PDT

 

Liu Wen

Chinese Supermodel #LiuWen at #MetBall2015. A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 5:36pm PDT

Sarah Jessica Parker + Andy Cohen

#SarahJessicaParker + #AndyCohen. #MetGala #MetBall #MetBall2015 #MetBall2015

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 11:54pm PDT

 

Naomi Campbell

  Look who we spotted rolling in at 6 am after a wild #MetBall2015 night! #MetBall #MetGala2015 #MetGala #NaomiCampbell   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 5, 2015 at 5:40am PDT

 

Selena Gomez + Vanessa Hudgens:

  #Springbreakers Reunion at #MetBall2015 #MetBall2015 #MetBall #MetGala #SelenaGomez #VanessaHudgens   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 11:42pm PDT

Robert Pattinson + FKA Twigs

#RobertPattinson helping a v. tipsy #FKATwigs in after partying to the break of dawn. #MetBall2015 #MetGala #MetGala2015 #MetBall

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 5, 2015 at 5:42am PDT

 

  Some Selfies from our time in New York…      

 

Miley Cyrus

#MileyCyrus + me. #MetBall2015 #MetGala #MetBall #MetGala2015 #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 11:42pm PDT

George Clooney

 

With #GeorgeClooney on the set of hotly-buzzed #MoneyMonster. #NYC #NikonD3300

 

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2015 at 5:37pm PDT

 

Stella McCartney

#StellaMcCartney + me. #MetBall2015 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 1:30pm PDT

Karolina Kurkova

Good morning, from #KarolinaKurkova + me. #NYC #MetGala #MetBall #MetGala2015 #MetBall2015

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 6, 2015 at 6:53am PDT

 

Gigi Hadid

  With Supermodel #GigiHadid. #MetBall2015 #MetBall2015 #MetGala #MetBall   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 11:54pm PDT

Tang Wei

#TangWei + me. #MetGala #MetBall #MetBall2015

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 5, 2015 at 12:13pm PDT

 

Jourdan Dunn

  Supermodel #JordanDunne + me. #MetGala #MetBall #MetBall2015   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 5, 2015 at 12:32pm PDT

Jeremy Scott

I am obsessed with @itsjeremyscott. The Man responsible for making #Moschino fun again! #MetGala #MetBall2015 #MetGala2015 #MetBall #JeremyScott

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 5, 2015 at 5:46am PDT

 

Common

#Common and me. #NYC #MetGala15 #MetBall2015 #SuicideSquad A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 5, 2015 at 12:11pm PDT

Olivia Munn

I love that #OliviaMunn and I coordinated hats. #MetGala #MetBall2015 #MetBall #MetGala015   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 5, 2015 at 5:47am PDT

 

Jack O’Connell

#JackOConnell tells me his day on the set of #MoneyMonster was “emotional”. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 3, 2015 at 5:37pm PDT

Gao Yuan Yuan

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 5, 2015 at 12:36pm PDT

 

Elisabeth Moss

At last! My long-desired #Selfie with #ElisabethMoss aka #PeggyOlson of #MadMen. The Actress concludes a run on #TheHeidiChronicles on #Broadway. #NYC #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 2, 2015 at 9:39pm PDT

Chrissy Teigen

#ChrissyTeigen + me. #MetBall2015   A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on May 4, 2015 at 1:30pm PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN RUN-OF-ENGAGEMENT PASSES TO SEE “’71”

He wowed Audiences and Critics with a breakthrough performance in UNBROKEN and now’s your chance to see Jack O’Connell in ’71. After premiering at TIFF ’14 to a rousing response, this is your chance to see it as it continues its expansion across Canada, opening March 20, 2015 in Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Victoria.

Synopsis:

’71 is about a young British soldier who is accidentally abandoned by his unit following a terrifying riot on the streets of Belfast in 1971. Unable to tell friend from foe, the raw recruit must survive the night alone and find his way to safety through a disorienting, alien and deadly landscape.

Watch the Trailer:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and state your City.

G’luck Willionaire$!

Elevation Pictures release ’71 on Friday, March 13, 2015, with additional cities to come.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN PASSES ACROSS CANADA TO SEE “UNBROKEN” DIRECTED BY ANGELINA JOLIE

Early Awards Season buzz surrounding Angelina Jolie‘s UNBROKEN is almost deafening. Universal Pictures Canada and Mr. Will want to take Readers across Canada to see it first! Screenings take place Wednesday, December 17, 2014 in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg.

Official Synopsis:
Academy Award® winner Angelina Jolie directs and produces Unbroken, an epic drama that follows the incredible life of Olympian and war hero Louis “Louie” Zamperini (Jack O’Connell) who, along with two other crewmen, survived in a raft for 47 days after a near-fatal plane crash in WWII—only to be caught by the Japanese Navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp.

Adapted from Laura Hillenbrand’s (“Seabiscuit: An American Legend”) enormously popular book, Unbroken brings to the big screen Zamperini‘s unbelievable and inspiring true story about the resilient power of the human spirit.

Starring alongside O’Connell are Domhnall Gleeson and Finn Wittrock as Phil and Mac—the airmen with whom Zamperini endured perilous weeks adrift in the open Pacific—Garrett Hedlund and John Magaro as fellow POWs who find an unexpected camaraderie during their internment, Alex Russell as Zamperini‘s brother, Pete, and in his English-language feature debut, Japanese actor Miyavi as the brutal camp guard known only to the men as “The Bird.”

Watch the phenomenal Trailer:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook.  Tell me which City you’re from and name for me someone who inspires you with their great strength.  You also may share this Post on Facebook or Re-Tweet the below for an extra chance!

http://www.mrwillwong.com/unbroken @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #IAMUNBROKEN by #AngelinaJolie. In theatres Christmas Day.

If you have a moment, please also check-out the #IAMUNBROKEN Project where you are encouraged to share your own stories of overcoming adversity just like Louis Zamperini himself:

Official Artwork:

Universal Pictures Canada release UNBROKEN on Christmas Day.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)