Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong

After dominating the TV landscape with This Is Us, Writer/Director Dan Fogelman has the big screen in his sights as he presented the World Premiere of Life Itself at TIFF. The Film is a multi-generational story revolving around two families and how they cope with tragedy, happiness and everything in-between.

Having watched This Is Us, I was prepared for melodrama, lengthy monologues and sheer moments of emotional devastation. All of these elements are accounted for over the course of Life Itself multiple times over, with some being a lot less effective than others. But what sets it apart from the popular Series is the pitch-black humour and surprisingly vulgar Script. Both are honest, unflinching and at times, shocking. The problem with all of this is that Fogelman never nails down a proper tone, which makes some scenes come off more awkward than they do genuine. The cast takes it in stride though, committing to every ludicrous plot turn Fogelman throws at them. Just be sure to bring a Kleenex box when you watch it.

Life, Itself screens on Saturday, September 9 at 6:30 PM at Roy Thomson Hall and 8:00 PM at Elgin Theatre, and Monday, September 10 at 9:30 AM at Elgin Theatre.

From the same man who brought us acclaimed TV Series THIS IS US, Dan Fogelman, comes LIFE ITSELF! See the new Trailer for the touching Film which hits theatres this fall!

Synopsis:
As a young New York couple goes from college romance to marriage and the birth of their first child, the unexpected twists of their journey create reverberations that echo over continents and through lifetimes in Life Itself. Director and writer Dan Fogelman (“This Is Us”) examines the perils and rewards of everyday life in a multigenerational saga featuring an international ensemble including Oscar Isaac, Olivia Wilde, Antonio Banderas, Annette Bening, Olivia Cooke, Sergio Peris- Mencheta, Laia Costa, Alex Monner and Mandy Patinkin. Set in New York City and Carmona, Spain, Life Itself celebrates the human condition and all of its complications with humor, poignancy and love..

See the Trailer:

VVS Films release LIFE ITSELF Friday, September 21, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

Gorgeous women looking empowered. Drake‘s new Video for NICE FOR WHAT, the Track sampling Lauyrn Hill‘s Ex-Factor, features a star-studded Cast of familiar faces. Tiffany Haddish, Tracee Ellis Ross, Emma Roberts, Issa Rae, Bria Vinaite, Zoe Saldana, Olivia Wilde, Letitia Wright and several more appear in the Clip, reminiscent of George Michael‘s Freedom! 90.

See the Video:

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music)

With a standout Cast to its credit, LIFE ITSELF is due to hit theatres this fall. See the Trailer for the Film brought to us from the same man who brought us This is Us, Dan Fogelman.

Synopsis:
Life Itself centers on a couple (Oscar Isaac and Olivia Wilde) that lead a multi generational love story spanning both decades and continents, from the streets of New York to the Spanish countryside, and are all connected by a single event.

See the Trailer:

VVS Films release LIFE ITSELF Friday, September 21, 2018. Hmmm… TIFF ’18?

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

NBA All-Star Weekend has taken over Toronto for the first time ever. Kicking-off the festivities tonight at Ricoh Coliseum on CNE grounds was the much-buzzed Canada vs U.S. Mountain Dew 2016 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, headed by captains Drake and Kevin Hart respectively. Drake tonight was given the honours of holding the key to the City based on his outstanding contributions locally.

Team Canada alas would prevail under Drake‘s guidance with a score of 74-64 with Win Butler and Tracy McGrady leading the pack.

Spotted in the audience tonight were some huge names like Vin Diesel, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh and more. The three were on the set of XXX: The Return of Xander Cage filming at the penthouse of one of the City’s most historic hotels.  Wrapping just before 7, they head-on over quickly to Ricoh Coliseum, making it in time despite Fans waiting in the cold for them. It is said during halftime show, Diesel stopped to pose for Selfies with several Fans who clamoured for him, soaking-up all the adoration.

Selfie with Dom aka. Vin Diesel 😀 #vindiesel #selfie #NBAAllStatTo #fastandfurious #fast7 #toronto #celebrityallstar

A photo posted by Sebastian H N (@lifebyshn) on Feb 12, 2016 at 6:07pm PST

Olivia Wilde also was seen cheering Jason Sudeikis who is here promoting Jesse Owens Biopic RACE, alongside Co-Star Stephan James who played for Team Canada.

Rapper Snoop Dogg also is in-town too, leaving a trail of heartbreak this morning after no-showing at appearances on Breakfast Television and The Morning Show after a night of partying Thursday!

Meanwhile not far from the Celebrity Game, Gwen Stefani and Usher would headline an Afterparty at a specially-constructed for the occasion True North Lounge sponsored by Bell. Stefani quietly head to the venue around 9 with bodyguard picking her up from the underground of her Hotel and a trunk full of luggage. She is to appear in the first ever Live Music Video to be filmed Grammys night for her single Make Me Like You, dedicated to boyfriend and The Voice Co-Star Blake Shelton. Earlier in the day she had an Album Listening Party for upcoming Disc, This Is What the Truth Feels Like.

Gwen Stefani just killed it! #lescapeworldwide #gwenstefani #nbaallstarweekend #allstartoronto2016 #allstarweekend2016 #truenorth #toronto #yyz

A photo posted by Jasprit Kaul (@jkkaul) on Feb 12, 2016 at 8:54pm PST

I’ve been a fan of hers for over 20 years and today I had the pleasure of hanging with @gwenstefani as she played us some tracks off her new album #ThisIsWhatTheTruthFeelsLike. She was so candid. So raw. So passionate. So inspiring. Thank you @universalmusicc for this experience. #LoveHer #Truth #MakeMeLikeYou #GwenStefani #NoDoubt 🙌🏻

A photo posted by Lisa Grossi (@lisa_grossi) on Feb 12, 2016 at 7:45pm PST

Other parties taking place in the City tonight included Kevin Hart‘s bash at Roy Thomson Hall, Shaquille O’Neal and Snoop Dogg are expected at Muzik Nighclub and also Amber Rose and Blac Chyna at Stadium Nightclub.

See our Snaps with NBA Megastar Chris Paul and man of the hour Kevin Hart!

With Funnyman and Captain of Team USA at the #DewCelebGame, #KevinHart! Love this dude! #allstargame #allstarweekend #AllstarweekendTO #NBAAllstarTO #NBAAllstar

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Feb 12, 2016 at 8:44pm PST

With top #NBA star #ChrisPaul, in #The6ix for #NBAALLSTAR! #Toronto #NBAAllstarTO. #LAClippers #LosAngelesClippers

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Feb 12, 2016 at 8:38pm PST

The main event, the All-Star Game takes place Sunday night at Air Canada Centre, 7 PM. Watch on TSN.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Right in time for the Holidays! eOne Films + Mr. Will want to take Readers to see LOVE THE COOPERS! Screenings take place Wednesday, November 11, 2015 in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Halifax and Victoria.

Official Synopsis:
LOVE THE COOPERS follows the Cooper clan as four generations of extended family come together for their annual Christmas Eve celebration. As the evening unfolds, a series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events turn the night upside down, leading them all toward a surprising rediscovery of family bonds and the spirit of the holiday.

LOVE THE COOPERS stars Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Ed Helms, Diane Keaton, Amanda Seyfried, Marisa Tomei, Olivia Wilde and more.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and state your city. For an extra chance, click “share” from there or Tweet out the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/lovethecoopers @mrwillw wants us to #win Advance Passes to see #LOVETHECOOPERS! Out 11/13!

G’luck, Willionaire$!

eOne Films release LOVE THE COOPERS Friday, November 13, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

D Films and Mr. Will want to scare you good! THE LAZARUS EFFECT screens on February 25/26 and we want Readers in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Halifax to see it first.

Official Synopsis:
A group of medical research students accidentally kill one of their team while doing an experiment on the brain. They discover a way to bring their dead colleague back to life, but while doing so, unwittingly unlock a deadly force. Fighting for their own lives, the team has to keep their colleague in the lab before she gets out and threatens the world.

THE LAZARUS EFFECT stars Olivia Wilde (House), Evan Peters (American Horror Story), Sarah Bolger (Once Upon A Times), Mark Duplass (The Mindy Project) and Donald Glover/ Childish Gambino (Community).

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and indicate your City. Click “share” on this Post from there for an extra chance!

G’luck Willionaire$!

D Films release THE LAZARUS EFFECT on Friday, February 27, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: D Films)

Mr. Will and D Films want you to win THIRD PERSON on DVD.  The Paul Haggis-directed Film debuted at TIFF ’13 and now Readers across Canada will have the chance to own this star-studded Drama!

Official Synopsis:

New York writer Michael (Liam Neeson) has recently split with his wife. His lover, Anna (Olivia Wilde), comes to visit him in a Paris hotel, but their relationship is complicated due to her inability to commit—he doesn’t know it, but she’s hiding a terrible secret.

Despite being accused of negligence in an accident that almost caused her son’s death, New Yorker Julia firmly denies being responsible. Charged with negligence, she loses custody of her son to his father Rick, who tries his best to take the boy away from her permanently.

American businessman Sean falls in love with a Gypsy woman while on a trip to Rome. He gets caught up in her life to the point that he’s involved in trying to free her kidnapped daughter from an Italian gangster. When he’s asked to help put up money for her ransom, Sean begins to wonder whether he’s being set up.

THIRD PERSON stars also Mila Kunis, James Franco, Kim Basinger, Maria Bello and Adrien Brody.

See the Trailer below:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook!
Share with your Friends on Facebook to increase your chances!

Good luck.

D Films release THIRD PERSON on Video-on-Demand and DVD Tuesday, December 2, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: D Films)

The World of Cinema Elite made their way to Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles tonight for the 86th annual Academy Awards.  Praised as both a  strong year for Red Carpet Fashion and Film with a heated battle between American Hustle, 12 Years a Slave and Gravity, among others for Best Picture, ultimately 12 Years a Slave would prevail with top honours tonight.

The Drama based on the Memoir by Solomon Northrup, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival this past September, before going-on to sweep a litany of accolades this Awards Season including victories at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Broadcast Film Critics Association  and the Independent Spirit Awards just yesterday. In addition, to winning coveted Best Picture, it won also for Supporting Actress (Lupita Nyong’o) and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Alfonso Cuarón‘s Gravity, which has grossed over $700 million worldwide, also premiering at TIFF this last Fall, won the most Oscars this evening, tallying-in at seven wins, primarily in technical categories including Cinematography, Score and Visual Effects. Cuarón himself went-on to win for Directing.

AIDS Drama Dallas Buyers Club won the important Actor and Supporting Actor Categories with Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto respectively.  Both brought along their Mothers to the Awards, the latter making a heartfelt tribute to his Mother who overcame great odds to provide for both him and his Brother.

As predicted by many, Cate Blanchett now is a two-time Oscar Winner, her first win coming for her work in 2004’s The Aviator. The Australian Actress won for her empathetic portrayal of a Woman coping with mental and addiction issues in Woody Allen‘s Blue Jasmine.

The Fashion on the Red Carpet tonight was a huge draw as several Fans via Social Media sounded-off on the tasteful styles of Kate Hudson in Versace, Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé, Amy Adams in Gucci, Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab and perhaps the most-talked-about was a Princess-like Lupita Nyong’o in what is now being called a “Nairobi Blue” Prada Dress with a Hairband.  The light pastel blue Creation was chosen by the eventual Oscar Winner, who told Ryan Seacrest on the Red Carpet that it reminded the Kenyan Native of Nairobi.

Ellen DeGeneres once again did a bang-up job, making herself right at home with the A-List Audience, poking fun at everything from welcoming Liza Minnelli as a Female Impersonator, to some of this year’s Nominees who didn’t attend College (the Camera panned on Amy Adams nodded her head, admitting she too didn’t attend) to bringing out Pizza to some of the Evening’s famous Guests.  Meryl Streep was one of the first to help herself to a slice.  In addition, DeGeneres was out to set a record for the Most Re-Tweeted Selfie and helping her along were the likes of Bradley Cooper, Channing Tatum, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lawrence, Jared Leto, Meryl Streep, Lupita Nyong’o, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Kevin Spacey. Quickly, the Photo received over a million Re-Tweets (overtaking a previous Tweet from President Obama upon his Re-Election) and could’ve received more if it weren’t for reported technical difficulties likely due to the onslaught of traffic.

See it below:

See more Photos here.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Ellen DeGeneres)

One of the best-reviewed Films of the year didn’t make it to many theatres, but now’s your chance to own it on DVD and Blu-ray. MONGREL MEDIA and Mr. Will Wong want to give Readers an awesome chance to win a DVD Copy of DRINKING BUDDIES!

Official Synopsis:
Luke (Jake Johnson) and Kate (Olivia Wilde) are co-workers at a Chicago Brewery, where they spend their days drinking and flirting. They’re perfect for each other, except that they’re both in relationships. Luke is in the midst of marriage talks with his girlfriend of six years, Kate is playing it cool with her Music Producer boyfriend Chris (Ron Livingston). But you know what makes the line between “friends” and “more than friends” really blurry? Beer.

Drinking Buddies stars Olivia Wilde, Jake Johnson, Jason Sudeikis, Anna Kendrick and Ron Livingston.

Watch the Trailer below:

Official Artwork:

To enter to win a Copy, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.  Canadian Readers only please. Double your chances by sharing this Post on Facebook!

http://www.mrwillwong.com/drinkingbuddies @MRWILLW wants us to #win a copy of #DRINKINGBUDDIES. In stores 12/3!

Mongrel Media releases Drinking Buddies in stores on Tuesday, December 3, 2013.

Pre-order here!

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)