Five episode Mini-Series DOPESICK arrives on Disney+ right in time for Disney+ Day. Based on the Book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America by Beth Macy, the Series by Danny Strong recounts the Opioid Crisis that began in the ’90s as Americans were misled down the path that a new-to-market prescription pain medication OxyContin. was not addictive with its delayed release. Subsequent to that, we see the impacts as doctors are incentivized to prescribe this to their patients, and then the impacts on communities with a surge in associated addictions and deaths.

Michael Keaton (who serves also as Executive Producer), stars as Dr. Samuel Finnix at the center of the story, who despite showing reluctance to embrace narcotics for pain, begins prescribing it to his patients. He then begins to question its safety and finds himself in a real dilemma of accountability. We fast-forward about ten years and meet two lawyers, Rick Mountcastle (Peter Sarsgaard) and Randy Ramseyer (John Hoogenakker) begin to launch an investigation into Purdue Pharma, manufacturer of OxyContin after it leaves a trail of devastation among its users.

We also meet Bridget Meyer (Rosario Dawson), the highest-ranking woman at the Drug Enforcement Administration. The story cuts back in time as we see her marriage dissolve from a once-happy place. We witness her ordeal with sexism in her work, as Dawson delivers us a rich performance here. Most affecting is Betsy Mallum (Kaitlyn Dever) who really brings to life what it meant to be a promising young woman who worked in the mines, getting injured, coping with pain and then becoming addicted to OxyContin. Her battle halts her plans for a new beginning with her girlfriend, with her family being unsupportive of her being a Lesbian.

DOPESICK looks at an important issue which still impacts us today, but does it with a fresh lens and what it meant to those key players surrounding the crisis. Deeply-enthralling, DOPESICK is meant to be difficult to watch, meaning it has succeeded in its intentions.

Disney+ premieres DOPESICK November 12, 2021.

Michael Keaton stars in eight-episode series DOPESICK, which is coming to Disney+ this November. Here’s a first look at the just-released Artwork.

Synopsis:

The series takes viewers to the epicenter of America’s struggle with opioid addiction, from the boardrooms of Big Pharma to a distressed Virginia mining community to the hallways of the DEA. Defying all the odds, heroes will emerge in an intense and thrilling ride to take down the craven corporate forces behind this national crisis and their allies. The limited series is inspired by the New York Times bestselling book by Beth Macy.

The eight-episode series stars Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, Michael Stuhlbarg, Will Poulter, John Hoogenakker, with Kaitlyn Dever and Rosario Dawson. Guest stars include Phillipa Soo and Jake McDorman. 

DOPESICK arrives on Disney+ November 12, 2021.

(Photo credit: Disney+)

By Mr. Will Wong

While many Broadway plays have been given the Big Screen treatment, not all have succeeded. Fortunately, Stephen Chboksy‘s DEAR EVAN HANSEN is the real deal!

The deeply-heartfelt coming-of-age story centers on Evan (Ben Platt) who finds himself caught in a spiraling lie after a classmate’s family confuses him aa their son’s secret best friend. The problem is they were never actually friends.

The Musical explores the aftermath of a tragic loss, how we construct the truths we want and at what cost this comes. And ultimately what it means to find your own truth.

Headlined by an outstanding reprised performance by role-originating Platt, the Film is a visceral journey. The odd thing is while many read the humour as Comedy, I could feel his Evan‘s deep anxiety and pain, which was truly palpable.

Supporting turns from Amy Adams, Julianne Moore and Kaitlyn Dever are deeply-affecting. The glue that binds it all is that mesmerizing Soundtrack by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul.

Chbosky ambitiously covers a lot of ground but nails it! Fans are going to love this wonderful translation.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN screens at TIFF ’21:

Thu, Sep 09
IN-PERSON
Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre
Premium
5:30pm

Thu, Sep 09
IN-PERSON
Roy Thomson Hall
Premium
7:00pm

Thu, Sep 09
RBC Lakeside Drive-In at Ontario Place
8:30pm

Thu, Sep 09
DIGITAL PREMIERE SCREENING
digital TIFF Bell Lightbox
Premium
Availability: Canada
9:00pm

Buzz for Olivia Wilde‘s directorial debut has been wild since its Premiere at SXSW. The Coming-of-Age Comedy centering on two best friends, Molly (Beanie Feldstein) and Amy (Kaitlyn Dever), whom on the eve of their high school graduation come to the realization they’ve never let loose at all in their time there. They embark on one last chance at fun before beginning their paths as adults and that comes at finding the party that all the cool kids are at even if they aren’t invited.

See the Trailer:

Stars Feldstein (Lady Bird, Neighbors 2) and Dever (Detroit, Beautiful Boy), the former who happens to be the younger sister of Jonah Hill, came to Toronto to introduce the Film to fans at a special screening held at Cineplex Yonge & Dundas. Many will be pleasantly surprised how the duo have come into their own in Booksmart and also their undeniable chemistry. Feldstein and Dever were amazing to Fans, snapping Selfies and signing autographs, ensuring everyone was taken care of. They embark on a second day of Press on Friday in support of the Movie including television and radio appearances.

See some Snaps (left Dever, right Feldstein)

eOne Films x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see BOOKSMART, the directorial debut of Olivia Wilde! Screenings take place Wednesday, May 22, 2019 in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Halifax and Ottawa.

Synopsis:
Academic superstars and best friends Amy (Kaitlyn Dever) and Molly (Beanie Feldstein) realize on the eve of their high school graduation that they should have worked less and played more, because even though their good grades got them into top-notch colleges, their fellow students, who partied hard, got into the same colleges.

Determined to cram four years of fun into one night, the two girls, whose parents think they are a couple, set out on a mission when they hear about a wild party.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City! Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for another shot!

eOne Films release BOOKSMART Friday, May 24, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

We are on Day Three of the SXSW Festival and the majority of our day was spent walking around some pretty great installations.

The first one we attended was a fan art installation for Jordan Peele‘s Us. The moment you walk in, you’re faced with the costumes the Actors wore and the soon to be iconic scissors they use. You are then given a card that gets you one free download for the Soundtrack of the Film. They also treat guests to two drinks as they walk around the Exhibit. The Art is stunning to look and even more amazing considering it is Fan Art based on its Trailer alone.

Then we headed to Amazon Prime Video’s Good Omens exhibit, taking place over an entire outdoor parking lot, and had quite the queue to get in. Once inside, you are given a free umbrella and tote bag that displays the Show’s title. As you walk around, Top 40 music is blared from Drake, Ariana Grande, Cardi B as you are treated to free chicken and pork, drinks, beers and wines. There is an area for people to get their hair and nails done, once again for complimentary, and a huge floor chess board for people to use. However, one of the greatest parts for us was getting to see the adorable puppies they had for guests to pet and swoon over! It is hands down one of the best times I’ve experienced so far this SXSW. It’s also certainly put the new show Good Omens, starring David Tennant and Martin Sheen, on our must-see list with all its hype. Check out the Trailer if you don’t believe us!

When it came to the evening, the Premieres started down at the Stateside and Paramount Theatres. The first of the evening was Netflix‘s The Highwaymen, starring Woody Harrelson and Kevin Costner. Word has it that Willie Nelson and Matthew McConaughey came to the Premiere also.

Next was Adopt A Highway, it’s a Blumhouse Production and stars Ethan Hawke, Betty Gabriel and more. While fans were waiting to catch a glimpse of Hawke from outside the theatre, they were surprised by two actors who were waiting to go in. Both André Holland (Moonlight) and Sterling K. Brown (This is Us) were outside Stateside Theatre talking on the sidewalk. When fans noticed it was them, they formed a crowd circling around them. Both were very patient and took Selfies with any fans who asked.

The final Premiere of the night was Booksmart, which is the directorial debut for Olivia Wilde. Nearly everyone in the Cast was on-stage for the affair. When they arrived at the Red Carpet, many were friendly with the fans, but none more so than Wilde and her partner, Jason Sudeikis who stars in the Film too. Both came over immediately from exiting their vehicle and took time with fans. It was an extra special night for Wilde as she was celebrating her birthday. When she came on-stage to intro the Film, the SXSW team surprised her with a cake and the entire audience serenaded her with Happy Birthday. When the Film was over, the audience gave a standing audience with loud cheers. It’s true, Wilde‘s first Feature is a beautiful and near-perfect coming-of-age story. Review here.

There are no signs of SXSW slowing down as there are even more Red Carpet Premieres are taking place tomorrow. There will also be some Panels consisting of Jason Blum, Ethan Hawke, Aidy Bryant and Elizabeth Banks. So stay tuned!

(Photo credit: Amanda Gilmore)

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

On the last day of high school before graduation two education driven best friends (Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever) decide to go into unchartered territory and attend a high school party.

Booksmart is a beautiful study of how strong the bond between best friends can be, while being an authentic and hilarious coming-of-age story. Director Olivia Wilde’s precision makes it hard to believe this is her first time directing a feature. When it comes to the performances every actor is perfectly cast in each of the multi-layered characters. Feldstein and Dever make star-turning leading roles that are infectious. The two of them together light up the screen with their magnetic chemistry.

Booksmart screens at SXSW on March 10 at 9:40 PM at The Paramount Theatre.

After winning much praise at TIFF ’14, Jason Reitman‘s MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN is about ready to see a release! Paramount Pictures Canada and Mr. Will want to take Readers in Toronto (October 1, 2014), Montreal (October 8, 2014) and Ottawa (October 14, 2014) to an Advance Screening!

Official Synopsis:

“MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN” follows the story of a group of high school teenagers and their parents as they attempt to navigate the many ways the internet has changed their relationships, their communication, their self-image, and their love lives. The film attempts to stare down social issues such as video game culture, anorexia, infidelity, fame hunting, and the proliferation of illicit material on the internet. As each character and each relationship is tested, we are shown the variety of roads people choose – some tragic, some hopeful – as it becomes clear that no one is immune to this enormous social change that has come through our phones, our tablets, and our computers.

MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN stars Ansel Elgort, Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, Judy Greer, Rosemarie DeWitt, Emma Thompson, J.K. Simmons, Dean Norris and Dennis Haysbert.

We caught-up with the Cast of MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN at TIFF ’14! See some Snaps here.

Watch the Trailer: