#TIFF25: “BLACK RABBIT” REVIEW

By Mr. Will Wong

BLACK RABBIT has all the makings of prestige television and it premieres as part of this year’s Primetime programme. The suspenseful upcoming Netflix release sees among others, star Jason Bateman and Laura Linney taking turns directing episodes of this Limited Series.

We meet Restauranteur Jake (Jude Law) thriving with this Michelin-starred establishment, for which the Series is named, and he’s about to expand further. The New York Times is about to do a feature, and in comes his troubled brother Vince (Jason Bateman), who is dealing with vices and debt. His resurfacing could mean everything Jake working for getting destroyed as seams begin to split beneath him and other problems come to light and chaos begins to unravel.

While it takes a moment to get going, we were fully immersed by the second episode, as we witness for Jake how we can rise above the soil, though sometimes we are unable to escape our roots. Yet another tremendous performance by this talented Ensemble, led by Law and Bateman, the latter flexing his ability in a role unlike any other he’s played.

Thankfully, the Series arrives on the streaming service September 18, 2025 but those of us who can’t wait, can see it at TIFF ’25 as follows:

Sunday, September 7
TIFF Lightbox
Premium
Closed captions (CC). Audio description (AD)
3:30 pm

Monday, September 8
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Closed captions (CC), Audio description (AD)
9:30 pm

#FIRSTLOOK: “BLACK RABBIT” TRAILER

Netflix today debuted the official trailer for the propulsive new limited series, BLACK RABBIT. Starring and executive produced by Jude Law and Jason Bateman, this gripping crime thriller premieres Thursday, September 18, 2025 only on Netflix. This will.be part of TIFF ’25‘s Primetime Programme as well.

From creators Zach Baylin and Kate Susman, Black Rabbit also stars Cleopatra Coleman, Amaka Okafor, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and Troy Kotsur, with Abbey Lee, Chris Coy, Dagmara Dominczyk, Forrest Weber, Odessa Young and Robin De Jesus.

ABOUT BLACK RABBIT:
Set against the backdrop of New York City’s high-pressure nightlife scene, Black Rabbit centers around two brothers who learn just how far family, and the pursuit of success, can push them to the edge. Jake Friedkin (Jude Law) is the charismatic owner of The Black Rabbit, a restaurant and VIP lounge, poised to become the hottest spot in New York. But when his brother, Vince (Jason Bateman), returns to the business unexpectedly, trouble soon follows; opening the door to old traumas and new dangers that threaten to bring down everything they’ve built. Black Rabbit is a propulsive thrill ride and character examination about the way an unbreakable bond between two brothers can shatter their world and everything in its orbit.
The series is created and executive produced by Zach Baylin and Kate Susman for Youngblood Pictures. Executive producers include Jason Bateman, Michael Costigan and Roxie Rodriguez for Aggregate Films; Jude Law and Ben Jackson for Riff Raff Entertainment; Bryan Kavanaugh Jones from Automatik; Andrew Hinderaker, Zac Fognowski, Justin Levy, Dave Bernon and Erica Kay.

Series Credits:
Creators: Zach Baylin, Kate Susman
Executive Producers: Jason Bateman, Michael Costigan and Roxie Rodriguez’s Aggregate Films; Jude Law and Ben Jackson’s Riff Raff Entertainment; Zach Baylin and Kate Susman’s Youngblood Pictures; Bryan Kavanaugh Jones from Automatik; Andrew Hinderaker, Zac Fognowski, Justin Levy, Dave Bernon and Erica Kay
Cast: Bateman, Law, Cleopatra Coleman, Amaka Okafor, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Troy Kotsur, Abbey Lee, Chris Coy, Dagmara Dominczyk, Odessa Young and Robin De Jesus, with Amir Malaklou, Don Harvey, Forrest Weber, Francis Benhamou , Gus Birney, John Ales and Steve Witting.
Directors: Jason Bateman (101, 102), Laura Linney (103, 104), Ben Semanoff (105, 106), Justin Kurzel (107,108)
We kindly ask that you link to

#FIRSTLOOK: “BLACK RABBIT”

Today, Netflix announced the premiere date and debuted an official first look at the much-anticipated new limited series, Black Rabbit. Starring and executive produced by Jude Law and Jason Bateman, this propulsive thrill ride will premiere globally September 18, 2025, only on Netflix.

ABOUT BLACK RABBIT:
Set against the backdrop of New York City’s high-pressure nightlife scene, Black Rabbit centers on two brothers who are pushed to the brink by their duty to family and their pursuit of success. Jake Friedken (Jude Law) is the charismatic owner of Black Rabbit, a restaurant and VIP lounge, poised to become the hottest spot in New York. But when his brother, Vince (Jason Bateman), returns to the business unexpectedly, trouble soon follows; opening the door to old traumas and new dangers that threaten to bring down everything they’ve built. Black Rabbit is a propulsive thrill ride and character examination about the way an unbreakable bond between two brothers can shatter their world and everything in its orbit.

The series is created and executive produced by Zach Baylin and Kate Susman for Youngblood Pictures. Executive producers include Jason Bateman, Michael Costigan and Roxie Rodriguez for Aggregate Films; Jude Law and Ben Jackson for Riff Raff Entertainment; Brian Kavanaugh-Jones from Automatik; Andrew Hinderaker, Zac Frognowski, Justin Levy, David Bernon and Erica Kay.

Series Credits:
Creators: Zach Baylin, Kate Susman
Executive Producers: Jason Bateman, Michael Costigan and Roxie Rodriguez’s Aggregate Films; Jude Law and Ben Jackson’s Riff Raff Entertainment; Zach Baylin and Kate Susman’s Youngblood Pictures; Brian Kavanaugh-Jones from Automatik; Andrew Hinderaker, Zac Frognowski, Justin Levy, David Bernon and Erica Kay
Cast: Bateman, Law, Cleopatra Coleman, Amaka Okafor, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Troy Kotsur, Abbey Lee, Chris Coy, Dagmara Dominczyk, Odessa Young and Robin De Jesus, with Amir Malaklou, Don Harvey, Forrest Weber, Francis Benhamou , Gus Birney, John Ales and Steve Witting
Directors: Jason Bateman (101, 102), Laura Linney (103, 104), Ben Semanoff (105, 106), Justin Kurzel (107,108)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “CARRY-ON”

Jason Bateman and Taron Egerton star in CARRY-ON, arriving December 13, 2024 on Netflix!

ABOUT CARRY-ON
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Writer: TJ Fixman
Producer: Dylan Clark
Executive Producers: Holly Bario, Brian Williams, Jaume Collet-Serra, Seth William Meier, Scott GreenbergCast: Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Logan Marshall-Green, Dean Norris, Sinqua Walls and Jason Bateman
Also Starring: Gil Perez- Abraham, Tonatiuh, Curtiss Cook, Joe Williamson, Josh Brener
Logline: A young TSA agent fights to outsmart a mysterious traveler who blackmails him into letting a dangerous package slip onto a Christmas Eve flight.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “OZARK” SEASON FOUR PART TWO

The end is near and we’re a little sad. The Trailer for the second-half of OZARK Season Four is now out. See it now.

Synopsis:

Marty and Wendy are rid of Helen and climb to the top of Navarro’s empire. They find another opportunity to get out of the Ozarks but some past sins won’t stay buried and the most dangerous threats come from blood.

OZARK Season Four Part Two arrives on Netflix April 29, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#FIRSTLOOK: “OZARK” SEASON 4

By Mr. Will Wong

While the end is being signaled for highly-acclaimed Netflix Series OZARK, we at least get the final season rationed in two parts to make it a bit easier to say goodbye. The first-half of Season Four is before is and we catch-up with The Byrdes who refuse to go down in defeat in this game of money laundering.

Enter to the picture Javi (Alfonso Herrera), the erratic nephew of kingpin Omar Navarro (Felix Angel Solis). Unpredictable, he is looking to take the reins and breathe new life into his family’s business, and he could care less about his uncles allegiance to the Byrdes. Using every single resource they have, the Byrdes who are own their successful casino and are more hated than ever in Ozark. Wendy (Laura Linney) is out to clean-up her reputation, attaching herself to philanthropic work, and she is more ferocious than ever, no longer just the supportive wife in the background. She and Marty (Jason Bateman) are in deeper trouble than ever before. And at a quick turn of temper, Javi could end it all for them. And at this point really, what do they have to lose? So they go all in.

At the heart of this first-half of the final season are themes of grieving and feuding. Noah (Skylar Gaertner) rebels against and betrays his family, numb from all his family has brought him through, but when things get really scary, this truly tests the strength of their familial bond. Ruth (Julia Garner) also is coping with the loss of her father and also her lover, Ben (Tom Pelphrey), Wendy‘s brother. Wendy also is coping with the loss too, but is forced to pretend she doesn’t know he’s dead. We see Ruth try to navigate this sense of sadness with rage as she’s looking to build an empire of her own. And though she’s been there to help the Byrde family in the past, their relationship falls on shaky footing this season.

The performances continue to mesmerize and Garner continues to deliver some phenomenal work as Ruth, single-handedly stealing the entire show. She balances the quiet pain that Ruth is experiencing within this season and more than ever before we see her vulnerability beneath her outbursts and tough exterior. Linney also is so good that Wendy convinces herself of all the contrivances she’s created, learning to harness her power as an equal partner in this family operation.

As expected, we’re left on a bit of a cliffhanger, but can’t wait to see how the second-half of this season plays out. Tune-in if you’re looking for an anxiety-ridden good time as the first-half of OZARK Season Four streams Friday, January 21, 2022 on Netflix.

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF HBO’S “THE OUTSIDER” ON BLU-RAY

HBO x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a copy of HBO‘s acclaimed Series, THE OUTSIDER on Blu-ray™.

Synopsis:

Based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel of the same name, The Outsider is a new drama series that follows a seemingly straightforward investigation into the gruesome murder of a local boy. When 11-year-old Frankie Peterson’s body is found mutilated in the Georgia woods, police detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn) sets out to investigate – with eyewitnesses and physical evidence pointing to Terry Maitland (Jason Bateman), a popular high school teacher, Little League coach, doting husband and father. While the case appears ironclad, Ralph is baffled by the emergence of contradictory evidence that places his suspect in a neighboring city at the time of the murder. The mysterious set of circumstances surrounding this horrifying crime leads Ralph, a seasoned cop still grieving the recent death of his own son, to bring in unorthodox private investigator Holly Gibney (Cynthia Erivo), whose uncanny abilities he hopes will help explain the unexplainable.

BONUS FEATURES:

• EL CUCO. THE BABA YAGA. THE OUTSIDER – All New Featurette
• Invitation to Set
• Stephen King and The Outsider
• Jason Bateman and The Outsider
• Adapting The Outsider
• Analyzing Holly Gibney
• The Outsider: Inside Episodes 1-10

10 ONE-HOUR EPISODES

1. Fish in a Barrel
2. Roanoke
3. Dark Uncle
4. Que Viene el Coco
5. Tear-Drinker
6. The One About The Yiddish Vampire
7. In the Pines, In the Pines
8. Foxhead
9. Tigers and Bears
10. Must/Can’t

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. You can click “share” on this Post from there or Re-Tweet the Contest Tweet below for an extra chance. Contest open to Readers in U.S. and Canada. You must be following on Facebook and Twitter.

Enter for a chance to #win HBO’s acclaimed Series THE OUTSIDER on Blu-ray™.

How: https://t.co/9AiwCQmfnI pic.twitter.com/pL5MKBCqdM

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) July 22, 2020

Rules and regulations here.

HBO‘S THE OUTSIDER is out now digitally and on DVD/Blu-ray™.

order now:

(Photo credit: HBO)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR SEASON THREE OF “OZARK”

Season Three of acclaimed Series OZARK is soon before us. See this brand-new Trailer!

Synopsis:
It’s six months later, the casino is up and running, but Marty and Wendy are fighting for control of the family’s destiny. Marty preaches keeping the status quo. Aided by an alliance with Helen and drug cartel leader Omar Navarro, Wendy plots for expansion. But when Wendy‘s brother Ben comes into town, everyone’s lives are thrown into chaos.

The new season stars Emmy Award® Winner Jason Bateman, Emmy Award® Winner Laura Linney, Emmy Award® Winner Julia Garner, Emmy Award® nominee Janet McTeer, Tom Pelphrey, Sofia Hublitz, Skylar Gaertner, Charlie Tahan, Lisa Emery and Jessica Frances Dukes.

 

See the Trailer:

 

OZARK: SEASON THREE streams on Netflix Friday, March 27, 2020.

 

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#FIRSTLOOK: SEASON 2 OF “OZARK”

We’ve missed the enthralling OZARK ever since we binged season one in one night this past winter.  Are you ready for some big news about season two?

 

About Ozark S2:

In its much-anticipated second season, Ozark continues to follow Marty Bryde and his family as they navigate the murky waters of life within a dangerous drug cartel. With Del out, the crime syndicate sends their ruthless attorney Helen Pierce to town to shake things up just as The Byrdes are finally settling in. Marty and Wendy struggle to balance their family interests amid the escalating dangers presented by their partnerships with the power-hungry Snells, the cartel and their new deputy, Ruth Langmore, whose father Cade has been released from prison. The stakes are even higher than before and The Byrdes soon realize they have to go all in before they can get out.

 

Get a first look at new stills from Season Two:

 

 

 

 

OZARK SEASON 2 streams on Netflix Friday, August 31, 2018.

 

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE “OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY”

9Paramount Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to take Readers to see OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY starring Jason Bateman + Jennifer Aniston. Screenings take place in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal on Wednesday, December 7, 2016.

Screenings take place at:

Toronto – Scotiabank Theatre @ 7:00PM

Montreal – Cinema Banque Scotia @ 7:30PM

Ottawa – TBD

Synopsis:

In OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY, when the CEO (Jennifer Aniston) tries to close her hard-partying brother’s branch, he (T.J. Miller) and his Chief Technical Officer (Jason Bateman) must rally their co-workers and host an epic office Christmas party in an effort to impress a potential client and close a sale that will save their jobs. The latest comedy from directors Josh Gordon and Will Speck (BLADES OF GLORY) co-stars Kate McKinnon, Olivia Munn, Jillian Bell, Rob Corddry, Vanessa Bayer, Randall Park, Sam Richardson, Jamie Chung and Courtney B. Vance in the funniest movie of the holiday season.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City!

Paramount Pictures Canada release OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY on Friday, December 9, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures)