Happy New Year! Mongrel Media x Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers a chance to attend Advance Screenings in Toronto and Vancouver, of HARD TRUTHS and THE LAST SHOWGIRL. Both premiered last year at TIFF ’24 to raves. The respective performances by Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Pamela Anderson, respectively, are both in awards contention.

Screenings:

Hard Truths

Legendary filmmaker Mike Leigh returns to the contemporary world with a fierce, compassionate, and often darkly humorous study of family and the thorny ties that bind us. Reunited with Leigh for the first time since multiple Oscar-nominated Secrets and Lies, the astonishing Marianne Jean-Baptiste plays Pansy, a woman wracked by fear, tormented by afflictions, and prone to raging tirades against her husband, son, and anyone who looks her way. Meanwhile, her easygoing younger sister, played by Michele Austin (Another Year), is a single mother with a life as different from Pansy’s as their clashing temperaments – brimming with communal warmth from her salon clients and daughters alike. This expansive film from a master dramatist takes us into the intensities of kinship, duty, and the most enduring of human mysteries: that even through lifetimes of hurt and hardship, we still find ways to love those we call family. In theatres January 24, 2025.

Toronto: Jan 15th at 7pm Varsity Cinema

Vancouver: Jan 15 at 7pm International Village 

The Last Showgirl

A seasoned performer must plan for her future when her show abruptly closes after a 30-year run. Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Dave Bautista star in Gia Coppola’s #TheLastShowgirl —opening JANUARY 17, 2025 in Canadian theatres.

Toronto: Jan 16 at 7pm Yonge and Dundas

Vancouver: Jan 16 at 7pm International Village 

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. In the comments there, please let us know which film you are signing-up for, and which city. And it is fine to sign-up for both! Tag a friend in the comments whom you will take along with you!

Rules and regulations here.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

Hot off its TIFF ’24 premiere, Gia Coppola‘s THE LAST SHOWGIRL gets a new Trailer. Mongrel Media release January 17, 2025.

Synopsis:

A seasoned performer must plan for her future when her show abruptly closes after a 30-year run. Pamela Anderson, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Dave Bautista star in Gia Coppola’s THE LAST SHOWGIRL.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

By Amanda Gilmore

Director Gia Coppola’s latest is a stark look at how society and workplaces treat women as they age.

Shelley (Pamela Anderson) has been working as a showgirl at the last remaining tits and feather show on the Las Vegas strip. She’s been a part of the production since its conception three decades ago. When she finds out the show is being forced to close she has to confront the sacrifices she made in her personal life to be successful in her professional. Especially now that the profession she loves no longer loves her.

Coppola and screenwriter Kate Gersten have created an emotional, raw look at society’s ruthlessness of aging women. The harsh reality is that society treats younger women differently from older women, especially when it comes to the performing arts industries. Having this story set in the world of Las Vegas showgirls just heightens that reality.

The entire Cast comes from a range of generations of women and all give strong performances. The ever-charming Jamie Lee Curtis gives an impactful performance as a cocktail waitress who consistently gets sent home early when new employees get to stay. Brenda Song plays a dancer who gets shut down from all auditions because she’s deemed too old. Kiernan Shipka, the youngest of the dancers, gets hired immediately at a new show. Then there’s Anderson leads the pack in one scene and gets told the only reason she got her job all those years ago was because she was young and hot.

When Shelley hears the news of the show canceling, she immediately calls her daughter played by Billie Lourd who gives a touching performance. They’ve been estranged for years due to Shelley wanting to be bathed in the stage lights. This storyline of a woman’s sacrifice for her career is a clever touch as it takes us deeper into the female experience. Not only does the world judge women on their physical appearance, but also judges them evermore when they’ve got children.

The Last Showgirl screens at TIFF ’24:

Fri, Sept 6 at 3 PM at VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre

Sun, Sept 8 at 2:45 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Fri, Sept 13 at 6:45 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Sat, Sept 14 at 7 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Actress/Model/Activist Pamela Anderson got the pink carpet treatment tonight at a special screening of Netflix Documentary, PAMELA, A LOVE STORY. The BC native has been on a whirlwind Media Tour simultaneously promoting the Film and also her just-released Memoir LOVE, PAMELA, including a book signing at Indigo Eaton Centre.

Anderson shot to fame internationally in the ’90s with starring roles on popular series like Home Improvement and Baywatch and after some time away from the spotlight, she is back to re-frame the narrative of her own story. She is here to deliver an empowering message of forgiveness and embracing oneself and the Documentary chronicles her rise to stardom, the misogyny she was subject to and how while on the verge of superstardom, the theft of a private home video has come to shape her identity in the public eye as a sex symbol.

PAMELA, A LOVE STORY is directed by Ryan White and produced by Anderson’s son Brandon Thomas Lee, the latter who appears in the Film as well. They graced the pink carpet tonight alongside Anderson, being met with warm reception and excitement despite it having been released already on Netflix.

“It’s all very surreal because I feel very rooted-for, I feel loved. I feel like I’ve been such an observer of my life. I know who I am but this cartoon character kind of annexed me for part of my career. Raising two boys, I felt like I could relate to a lot of women. I just wanted to be able to tell my story”, says Anderson.

The Screening was followed by a Q&A with Moderator Richard Crouse, where White, Lee and Anderson spoke to the fantastic response the Film is receiving. Anderson admittedly still has yet to see it in its entirety, but reveals that she feels something great is ahead. Just yesterday, Corus Studios announced that two series with Anderson have just been greenlit. More here.

A Reel of highlights from the evening:

Some Snaps:

PAMELA, A LOVE STORY is streaming now on Netflix. Stream it here.

Anderson‘s Memoir LOVE, PAMELA also is now in stores. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Corus Studios announced today the continuation of their partnership with famed Hollywood icon Pamela Anderson in two new greenlights. Pamela’s Garden of Eden is currently in production on Season 2 (8×60), continuing the renovation of her family’s legacy property on Vancouver Island. Pamela’s presence in the lifestyle space expands with the brand-new food-focused series, Pamela’s Cooking With Love (working title) (8×60), beginning production this summer and scheduled to premiere in 2024 on Food Network Canada. Produced by Fireworks Media Group, these two premium unscripted series spotlight Pamela’s open-book attitude, gift for design and entertaining, and savvy ability to create unique experiences. Corus Studios will distribute both series internationally.

“Corus Studios is proud to collaborate with Pamela Anderson on these two series as we work together to share her passion for food and entertaining with both a Canadian and international audience,” said Lisa Godfrey, Senior Vice President of Original Content and Corus Studios. “ Pamela’s Cooking With Love is the perfect companion series to Pamela’ s Garden of Eden, and services our commitment to authentic story-telling and building a premium library of content for the global market.”

“Creating elegant and inviting spaces that inspire a compassionate, calm and healthy environment has always been important to me and comes naturally,” said Pamela Anderson. “Corus Studios and I have set mutual goals with good intentions. It’s been a learning curve – and I am confident they will be a positive partner in helping bring my true vision to life.”

In Season 2 of Pamela’s Garden of Eden, Pamela’s quest to transform her grandmother’s six-acre legacy property on Vancouver Island continues, resolving renovation issues from Season 1 and tackling a long list of new projects. Simultaneously, Pamela travels back and forth to Los Angeles to help her son Brandon Lee renovate his newly purchased house. As a first-time homeowner, Brandon depends on his mother’s keen eye for design and renovation to help turn his new house into a home he can truly call his own. The new season follows the successful Canadian launch of the series, which ranked within the Top 10 of Canadian original series across specialty television last fall, and was the #1 entertainment specialty program when it premiered on HGTV Canada.*

Pamela sets the table for a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Pamela’s Cooking With Love (working title). In this new Corus Studios distributed series, Pamela is fueled by a craving to learn more about cooking and how she can use food to take entertaining to the next level. She works with a variety of influential chefs to develop delicious plant-based menus, gather the diverse ingredients, and prepare incredible meals and moments for her friends and family. Whether it is a casual afternoon cocktail party in the garden, an intimate dinner with family, or breakfast following a night around the campfire – Pamela shines as a host and sous-chef.

Pamela’s Garden of Eden and Pamela’s Cooking With Love (working title) are produced by Fireworks Media Group with Jesse Fawcett, Brandon Thomas Lee, and Robert Hardy serving as executive producers for both projects. Pamela Anderson serves as executive producer for Cooking With Pamela (working title).

Netflix Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see PAMELA, A LOVE STORY February 7, 2022 7 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox. Pamela Anderson and Director Ryan White will be in attendance.

Synopsis:

An intimate and humanizing portrait of one of the world’s most famous blonde bombshells, Pamela, a love story follows the trajectory of Pamela Anderson’s life and career from small-town girl to international sex symbol, actress, activist and doting mother.

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

Rules and regulations here.

PAMELA, A LOVE STORY arrives January 31, 2023 on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix Canada)

This definitely looks interesting! Canada’s own Pamela Anderson is the subject of upcoming Documentary, PAMELA, A LOVE STORY arriving January 31, 2023 on Netflix. Today we get a brand-new Trailer!

Logline:

An intimate and humanizing portrait of one of the world’s most famous blonde bombshells, Pamela, a love story follows the trajectory of Pamela Anderson’s life and career from small town girl to international sex symbol, actress, activist and doting mother.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

INDIGO present their 2022 WRAPPED and more than ever before readers are craving Memoirs and Romance! Coming this month are new Memoirs from Prince Harry and Canada’s own Pamela Anderson.

Biographies were as popular as ever this past year as we’ve seen Canadians take a particular interest in peeling back the pages on the lives of celebrities, athletes, the royal family and more,” says Rania Husseini, Indigo Senior Vice President, Print. “We’re looking forward to another incredible year for this category, and for non-fiction overall. This month, along with Prince Harry’s book SPARE, Canadian authors like Humble the Poet continue to make their mark with exciting new releases, alongside debut authors like Monica Heisey, all of which support Canadians in their desire to access Canadian content.”

In addition to this, Indigo has compiled some eye-catching insights from its data team:

-A Rise in Romance: In the last two years, romance book sales have more than doubled, with TikTok driving increased interest.
-Biographies are Booming: Over the past five years, three biographies have been in the top 20 bestsellers across all categories, with two in the top five. Based on the success of past celebrity biographies, Indigo predicts 2023 will be the year of the biographies, because once they boom, they REALLY boom.

Year in Review: 2022 Indigo Wrapped

Don’t forget also to check-out some of INDIGO‘s most-anticipated Books of 2023 right here.

HGTV Canada welcomes global icon Pamela Anderson to the network with the highly anticipated debut of Pamela’s Garden of Eden (8×60), premiering on Thursday, November 3 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. The Corus Studios Original series follows Pamela as she takes a break from her Hollywood life and embarks on a massive restoration of her grandmother’s legacy property on Vancouver Island. A project this scale tests Pamela’s patience and her personal life as she tries to remain focused on her dream for the property: to embrace her family’s past and fulfill her vision for the future.

Pamela’s passion for design and gift for renovating spaces has inspired her to redevelop the expansive six-acre waterfront property she purchased from her grandmother 25 years ago. The property encompasses three main areas: The Roadhouse, The Boathouse and The Cabin; and Pamela has major plans for each. Pamela has an ambitious timeline and hopes to finish the “crown jewel” of the property, The Boathouse on the shoreline, before the Christmas holidays and make it into an architectural masterpiece. Pamela enlists a team of contractors, an architect, a designer, and input from her parents and son to execute her romantic and glamorous vision. Over the course of the season, they work alongside Pamela through the stresses, struggles, budget and time constraints of this extraordinary renovation.

In the premiere episode, “I Love Laundry!”, Pamela and her dream team start with a small but essential project, transforming the unfinished Roadhouse basement into a charming laundry area, pantry and mudroom. As they prepare for demolition, Pamela takes a trip down memory lane, going through archival designer clothes and shoes from her Hollywood life that have been stored in her basement for years.

Pamela’s Garden of Eden is produced by Fireworks Media Group with Marni Goldman as Executive in Charge of Production for HGTV Canada. Pamela Anderson is represented by APA. The Corus Studios Original content team driving the slate of Lifestyle series is helmed by industry executives Colin Bohm, Executive Vice President of Content and Corporate Strategy, Lisa Godfrey as Senior Vice President of Original Content and Corus Studios, and Krista Look, Vice President of Lifestyle.

Eight-episode Series PAM & TOMMY thrust its way onto our radar the moment we saw that first look photo of Lily James transforming amazingly into a dead-ringer for Pamela Anderson. Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya, Disney’s Cruella) once again brings us a fascinating glimpse into the world of a misunderstood heroine and we’re here for it.

The ’90s-set Series is very intentional in its nostalgic references, whether it be in its Soundtrack, or keen attention to details in set decor and costumes. Just as many of us were getting our first dial-up modem and signing-up for our first e-mail addresses in the mid-90s, it was impossible to avoid the controversy of Mötley Crüe Drummer Tommy Lee (Sebastian Stan) and Pamela Anderson‘s Sex Tape Scandal. The VHS tape, recorded during the former couple’s honeymoon, was stolen by Rand Gauthier (Seth Rogen), a spiteful electrician owed money by Lee, who had been hired to do some renovation work in their home. Gauthier then began reproducing copies of the tape for sale, before things got out of hand, the tape continued to get pirated and surfaced online before Lee and Anderson even knew how to long onto the internet.

James is just superb as Anderson, really embodying her as a woman in love who wants nothing more than to be a mom, an Actress determined to advance her career, and when probed indignantly about her sexual past. All this, while being the blonde bombshell in a bikini whom America loved. Whether she is tilting her head up defensively or cautiously looking backwards at fans crowding around her, we believe every second that she is Anderson. Stan while given less to work with as the clueless Lee, gives it his all still and is in on the joke and all of Lee‘s absurdities. Similar can be said about Rogen, who is cast well as our eyes and ears into Pam & Tommy‘s world, but also acting often before thinking.

One thing we were fearful of with PAM & TOMMY was that it was taking the couple’s misfortune for the sake of entertainment. After all, wasn’t it enough that they had to go through it all once? Much of the earlier part of the Series has us being annoyed at the hormone-charged escapades between the couple, them oblivious to much else other than themselves. We also get to know Gauthier and establishing the motives for doing what he did. To be frank, these parts could have been condensed into an episode or two.

Where PAM & TOMMY truly takes flight is where we see Gauthier begin to face the consequences of his actions, not exactly getting rewarded for his “big business venture”. Writer Robert D. Siegel explores the impacts of this tape on the couple’s marriage and more so on Anderson‘s career. She seemed to be on the brink of something huge. No disrespect to her legacy. The Series examines gender double standards and how Anderson bears the weight of scrutiny and judgment as a woman, and also the question of consent which still bears just as much today in 2022 as it did when this controversy surfaced. In looking back at it all through fresh lens, we hope viewers not only see the Series as entertaining and often comical, but that what had taken place was a crime with lasting impacts.

PAM & TOMMY streams on Star, via Disney+ February 2, 2022.