A new official Trailer has surfaced for A24 and Apple TV+‘s SHARPER starring Sebastian Stan and Julianne Moore.

Synopsis:

Starring Julianne Moore, “Sharper” unfolds within the secrets of New York City, from the penthouses of Fifth Avenue to the shadowy corners of Queens. Motivations are suspect and expectations are turned upside down when nothing is as it seems.

“Sharper” is directed by Benjamin Caron and features a star-studded ensemble cast led by Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, newcomer Briana Middleton and John Lithgow. The film is produced by Jessica Switch and Erik Feig of Picturestart along with Julianne Moore, Bart Freundlich, Brian Gatewood and Alessandro Tanaka, and written by Gatewood and Tanaka. Julia Hammer and Amy Herman serve as executive producers.

Director: Benjamin Caron
Cast: Julianne Moore, Sebastian Stan, Justice Smith, Brianna Middleton, Darren Goldstein and John Lithgow
Writer: Brian Gatewood, Alessandro Tanaka
Producers: Erik Feig, Jessica Switch, Julianne Moore, Bart Freundlich, Brian Gatewood, Alessandro Tanaka
Exec. Producers: Julia Hammer, Amy Herman

“Sharper” will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on February 17, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Apple TV+)

Fresh, pardon the pun, off its Sundance Premiere comes the Horror FRESH starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan. Here’s a look at its new Trailer.

Synopsis:

“FRESH” follows Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones), who meets the alluring Steve (Sebastian Stan) at a grocery store and – given her frustration with dating apps – takes a chance and gives him her number. After their first date, Noa is smitten and accepts Steve’s invitation to a romantic weekend getaway. Only to find that her new paramour has been hiding some unusual appetites.

Jojo T. Gibbs (“Twenties”), Charlotte Le Bon (“Anthropoid”, “The Hundred-Foot Journey”), Andrea Bang (“Luce”), and Dayo Okeniyi (“Runner Runner”, “The Spectacular Now”) round out the cast. The expert crafts team includes cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski (“Hereditary”, “Midsommar”), editor Martin Pensa (“Wild”, “Dallas Buyers Club”), production designer Jennifer Morden (“Riot Girls”), and composer Alex Somers (“Honey Boy”, “Captain Fantastic”).

STAR arrives on Disney+ via its Star banner March 4, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

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.

By Amanda Gilmore

FRESH is a delicious Horror film that’s perfectly twisted, fun and well — fresh.

Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is sick of online dating. It’s only led to bland, often repulsive dates. So when she runs into the seemingly enchanting Steve (Sebastian Stan) she takes a chance and gives him her number. What she soon finds out is that behind Steve’s charming grin lays a surprising appetite.

Screenwriter Lauryn Kahn has written a knockout Horror about the risks women face in today’s dating world. Imagine the worst thing that could happen…Kahn takes it to the next level. In doing so, she’s also created a film about the commodification of women’s bodies. The entire concept is dark, however, she brilliantly infuses witty Comedy through dialogue and situations. Thus, allowing the audience moments of levity while swallowing down its feminist message.

Director Mimi Cave builds on this Dark Comedy by adding textual layers and killer retro hits. Cave and Cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski work together to bring close-up shots that thrust the audience into Noa’s claustrophobia. Further, when it gets to the intoxicating late-second and Third Act the Cinematography dazzles to its zealous finish.

At the forefront is the magnetic, wicked performances from Edgar-Jones and Stan. They share a strong rapport and are radiant together. Edgar-Jones is a force having to balance between desire, terror and survival. Later in the second half, Noa begins putting on a performance of her own. Therefore, causing the talented Edgar-Jones to play a double act, which she excels at. And Stan uses his natural charisma to create a terrifying psychopath hidden within a charming exterior. He is truly great at playing bad.

FRESH screens virtually at Sundance:

Premiere: Jan. 21 at 1:55AM EST
Second Screening: Jan. 23 at 10AM EST (available for 24hrs)

We are way excited for this! Love seeing Sebastian Stan and Lily James transform completely as Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee in one of the biggest scandals of the late ’90s! See the new Teaser for PAM & TOMMY!

Synopsis:

Set in the Wild West early days of the Internet, “Pam & Tommy” is based on the incredible true story of the Pamela Anderson (Lily James, “Yesterday”) and Tommy Lee (Sebastian Stan, “The Falcon & the Winter Soldier”) sex tape. Stolen from the couple’s home by a disgruntled contractor (Seth Rogen, “Long Shot”), the video went from underground bootleg-VHS curiosity to full-blown global sensation when it hit the Web in 1997. A love story, crime caper and cautionary tale rolled into one, the eight-part original limited series explores the intersection of privacy, technology and celebrity, tracing the origins of our current Reality TV Era to a stolen tape seen by millions but meant to have an audience of just two.

“Pam & Tommy” is executive produced by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver and Alex McAtee at Point Grey, and Megan Ellison, Sue Naegle and Ali Krug at Annapurna. The series is written by executive producers Rob Siegel and DV DeVincentis, and directed by executive producer Craig Gillespie. Dylan Sellers, Dave Franco, Chip Vucelich and Sarah Gubbins also serve as executive producers.

The drama series premieres with three episodes on February 2, 2022 on Disney+ under the Star banner. New episodes stream weekly.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

By Mr. Will Wong

Taking place after the events of AVENGERS: ENDGAME, THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER reunites Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) over six episodes as the duo take on a ruthless anti-patriotism group, the Flag-Smashers. The new Series continues Marvel‘s foray into Television, hot off the success of WandaVision. These two Series are just the first of least ten in development right now for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the MCU.

The Series in the vein of Buddy Cop Comedies like Rush Hour/Lethal Weapon and 48 Hours, pairs Sam and Bucky together as they cope with PTSD, exploring its emotional repercussion on these characters.

We were fortunate to join the Global Press Conference for THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER today. Speaking today were:

Anthony Mackie – Sam Wilson
Sebastian Stan – Bucky Barnes
Kevin Feige – Producer
Malcolm Spellman – Writer/Producer
Kari Skogland – Director

Interesting Canadian connections, the Series stars Canada’s Emily VanCamp, reprising her role as Sharon Carter, and Director Skogland hails from Ottawa and has been behind the lens on acclaimed Series like The Handmaid’s Tale and The Loudest Voice.

Mackie and Stan are asked about getting an opportunity and more room to explore new sides to their characters on THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER.

Mackie: “It’s always a surprise when the minds get together and the information trickles down to you. When I first read the Script, I was really happy and acknowledged the fact that Sam was from Louisiana, the best state in the union and New Orleans is the best city in the world. I had one request that if he was from Louisiana that he got to eat crawfish on camera. I don’t know who said ‘no’, but somebody said ‘no’. I don’t know if it was because they were out of season, but it was too much to eat crawfish.”.

“The idea of Sam Wilson, he’s always evolved in the world of Marvel Comic Books and now he’s evolved in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Because if you remember when Sam Wilson first started out, he was a hustler from Harlem and as African-American culture evolved, Stan Lee evolved him in the Comic Book to different incarnations of himself. I’m excited for everyone to see the new and improved Sam Wilson.”.

Stan: “I always learn something about myself from this character. But ten years with this character, it’s impossible not to. You grow and you evolve with the character and I was pretty freaked out. Again, I felt like we had established the character a certain way and there were certain things I knew about him that I was comfortable with tonally in the movies and we had the contrast of going into this now and asking ‘What is he like now?’.”.

“Part of this was us really honing-in on his sense of humour so to speak, into the tone of the Series, particularly with is dynamic with Sam Wilson along with my own dynamic with Anthony – kinda just marrying the two. I think that was scary and exciting and Malcolm (Head Writer/Producer) really honed-in on that. I think we’re really finally zooming-in on his quest for identity in terms of really accepting his past and re-educating himself. The world that he’s in currently, the ideas and principles he might’ve lived by and been driven by at one point, no longer serve him the same way. He’s really an interesting trajectory when we start-out the Show and that’s always exciting for an Actor.”.

Mackie and Stan talk about their working dynamic together.

Mackie: “What I enjoy so much is that you can’t find two people further opposite from each other than Sebastian and I. But there’s a mutual respect, appreciation and understanding. We listen, learn and we teach each other. We’re friends and that’s a term I don’t think either of us would use lightly. I think because of that as Mr. T would say, ‘There’s no jibber-jabber‘. We allow ourselves to be our best selves and correct ourselves when we’re not our best selves. So you always look for that other person, that second hand. And I think that’s kind of our relationship. We allow ourselves to be ourselves.”.

Stan: “I think he said it best. I always believed you were always better because of the people you surround yourself with and I feel particularly in acting, the scenes and material, it’s always about the people that bring out things in you actually. I think in this particular situation it was important because I think about the tone and it was a fine line between making sure these characters were grounded real and deal with very serious issues. There’s sorta another piece to this about having fun, connecting and I always turn to Anthony for guidance in that and it works out.”.

The Series really focuses in on its characters in the aftermath of PTSD. Its stars elaborate on this.

Mackie: “To be able to go back and dive into his back story, his family and his surroundings only betters the character for the audience. We’re in a place now where we want the audience to know and learn these new characters especially since Kevin Feige killed Iron Man! (jokingly) We have to introduce these new characters to the audience and give them that relationship, that history that they’ve built over ten years. We have six episodes to play catch-up, post-Blip. It’s always great to learn more and give more from your character and have it not feel like heavy exposition and just like a good cinematic experience.”.

Stan: “The whole subject of PTSD and the experience they both share as soldiers and men who have served is one of the things that brings them together. There’s a bit of an honour code between and even though they come from different ideas and opinions of things, there’s a mutual respect. As everybody knows, PTSD isn’t something you’re just done with, it’s something that one has to continue to grow with to become better at dealing with. It’s a major part of our Show and grounds both of these characters in very realistic ways.”.

Producer Feige comments on the possibility of additional seasons to come.

Feige: “It’s one we get asked a lot more in Television because people expect it to be like things they’ve known before. We really did approach it like the Movies in that we better make this great or we won’t be able to make another one! If we were able to make another one, we’ve definitely got ideas. The slight difference is like in Wandavision, they will go back and forth between the Disney+ Series and Marvel Studios movies, so where characters show up and whether it be in Season Two or a Feature, we’re just not going to say who does what right this second.”.

At the end of Avengers: Endgame, we see Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) pass-on his shield to Falcon (Sam Wilson). Mackie is asked why it is so tough for his character to accept the shield.

Mackie: “Sam Wilson went on this Avengers journey over six movies with Steve Rogers (Captain America) because of his respect and admiration for Steve. He says in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, ‘When Captain America shows up at your door, you answer.'”.

“There’s still people out there who appreciate camaraderie and friendship. Sam is one of those people. He enjoys his friend. Just like everyone else, you don’t want to see Steve Rogers go away. Because just like Captain America was your captain, he was Sam Wilson‘s captain. That’s why at the end of Avengers: Endgame, he’s holding Steve‘s shield and says, ‘It feels like someone else’s, it feels like it’s yours’, because he was a fan just like everyone else.”.

“Sam Wilson is just a regular guy who won the lottery just because Black Widow knocked on his door and needed a place to hide. And he fell in love and was hoping to have a spinoff with Black Widow.“. (he jokes again)

The stars are asked about the difference between Stunt Work for TV and Film.

Stan: “It was pretty on-par with the films and actually even more evolved and intense. Definitely for Falcon it feels like the action really intensified, even for Bucky as well. We’re always finding new ways to have them evolve with their action sequences, but it’s totally the same as the movies.”.

Mackie: “The great thing about what we were able to do with this is that nothing was watered-down. The same stunt guys we work with on the films are the same guys who choreographed and did all of our stunts on the Show. Because of that, the stunts are really amazing. Kari (Director) had a great idea of taking weaponry away, so there’s a lot more hand-to-hand combat, it’s more assertive and more utilizing our strengths instead of something else. Because of that, the stunt guys had a field day. Some of the stuff you see is us, but we had amazing Stuntmen go in to kick ass for us.”.

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER is just one of many productions that was impacted by the Pandemic. Director Skogland explains how it worked out for the better even.

Skogland: “The story didn’t really change, though yes, we had to pivot reacting to everything that was happening in the world. What really was exciting was that once we were shut-down through COVID, we just didn’t skip a beat and went right into Post-Production. We were able to continue editing and sharpening the pencil. While the world was changing, we were really able to sharpen our focus. When we went back, we really knew what we were going for and shooting to finalize the Series.”.

This Series will contain many surprises and new characters. Mackie and Stan are asked which characters they are most excited for. Note, Stan fumbles a bit recalling the name of his favourite, which Mackie teases him about, only for Stan to snap-back and reveal that Mackie seen from waist-up only, isn’t even wearing pants.

Stan: “One character I think that sounds really, really cool is Oscar Isaac‘s Moon Knight. I heard that story and thought ‘That’s going to be amazing!’. That’s got my vote.”.

Mackie: “Okay, so you had to bring-up that I wasn’t wearing pants! I would have to say that She-Hulk is an interesting character. Kevin, I’d really like to spend some time in Blade world. I remember they were shooting Spider-Man 2 in Harlem on 25th Street and there was this restaurant where I was sitting outside having lunch with a friend, who was the manager of the restaurant. I was a huge Tobey Maguire fan and I saw Joy Bryant and she had one line and said “It’s Spider-Man!“. And I called my Agent and said, “Damn! I better have one line in one of these movies!”. So Kevin, I want to be the Joy Bryant of She-Hulk or Blade!”.

Head Writer and Producer Spellman is asked about the bigger message to take away from this Series.

Spellman: “I think what worked out really nicely was that where Endgame leaves-off, Thanos has really created a situation where the entire world is dealing with one single issue, which is very familiar to what’s going on today. Everything is born from that. The villains in the Series are responding to that. In fact, every villain in the Series would tell you he/she is a hero. The hero is always responding to that in their personal lives and a story plot is born from one single organic thing in this continuum from what happens after Endgame. That sorta galvanizes and affects everyone on the planet at the same time and creates a nice cohesion and direct lineage to the MCU.”.

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER arrives on Disney+ Friday, March 19, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Marvel Entertainment)

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER arrives later this month on Disney+ and to get you pumped, you now can check-out this new Character Posters from the Series with Anthony Mackie, Emily Van Camp, Daniel Brühl and Sebastian Stan!

See the Trailer:

THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER arrives March 19, 2021 on Disney+.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

As we roll into Autumn, we get some of the weightier subjects and programming arriving. Here’s our thought on some recent releases worth your attention.

THIS IS PARIS (YOUTUBE)

This one was a pleasant surprise! Free to view for all right now on YouTube is this compelling look at Paris Hilton, known best as “the original influencer” and tabloid staple in the early 2000s, occupying much of our attentions whether we wanted it or not. Director Alexandra Dean really gets intimate with Hilton as for the first time ever, the Socialite discussed some past emotional trauma she had in solitary confinement as a rebellious teenager. Above this, she discusses her public persona and the character she has crafted. We’ve always known there’s a deeper layer to Hilton and this proves it. She is incredibly hard-working, tired, raw and vulnerable here and one cannot help but feel for her. A fascinating and eye-opening watch that digs deeper in a way that no others have before with our subject.

Also important to note this happened!

THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME (Netflix)

Director/Writer Antonio Campos gave us something truly riveting in 2016’s CHRISTINE. He’s back with Jake Gyllenhaal-produced THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME, which he co-wrote with brother Paulo, adapting the Novel of the same name by Donald Ray Pollock. The Film with a copious amount of blood and violence, explores religion and corruption in a small rural American town. The First Act gives us back story behind the Film’s central character Arvin (played both by Tom Holland and Michael Banks Repeta), setting-up a backdrop to a world where violence is a form of justice, co-existing in a world of prayer and repent. Arvin loses his parents at a young age and the Second Act sees an intersection of story lines as we meet Sandy (Riley Keough) and Carl (Jason Clarke) who are in pursuit of male victims to photograph, luring them in with a promise of sex before murdering them. We also meet a crooked Sherriff named Lee (Sebastian Stan) who is in pursuit of Arvin, not knowing the twisted things his brother-in-law and sister are up to. Some fantastic performances including that by Holland and interesting character studies here, even though the Film suffers from some issues with pacing, too many characters and hence, story lines and ultimately saying what it needs to say. That doesn’t mean that the 138 minutes aren’t without some rewarding moments, including Robert Pattinson as a flawed Reverend and Bill Skarsgård as Arvin‘s dad, Willard.

FATHER OF THE BRIDE (Netflix’s YouTube Channel)

This was incredibly-sweet. The Cast of FATHER OF THE BRIDE reunite in 2020 as does Director/Writer Nancy Meyer who helms this Short Film reuniting your favourites once again. Four new Cast additions arrive, played by Florence Pugh, Ben Platt, Alexandra Shipp and Robert De Niro. The video conference-set story takes place current day as the family under caring patriarch George (Steve Martin) and Nina (Diane Keaton) are navigating the Pandemic away from one another. Despite the Short Film taking place over split-screen, Meyers still manages to make this experience feel intimate, as if they family are all in a room together as Matty (Kieran Culkin) has an important announcement to make! Martin particularly is wonderful and you really feel everything he is going through as he goes through a spectrum of emotions. A heartwarming watch which many of us didn’t realize existed before now. There also is a call to donate to WORLD CENTRAL KITCHEN, details here. And note, right now you can only see this on Netflix‘s YouTube channel.

ENOLA HOLMES (Netflix)

Based on Nancy Springer‘s popular Young Adult novel series, ENOLA HOLMES is a delightful coming of age Mystery-Thriller which likely will be the first in a Series of Films for Netflix. Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown stars in the titular role as a young woman whom on her 16th birthday finds her mother (Helena Bonham Carter) has disappeared. She is the younger sister of world-renowned Sherlock (Henry Cavill) and Mycroft (Sam Claflin), the latter who insists she be sent-off to school against her wishes, to become a lady after Enola had spent her childhood being schooled by her mother. Along the way, she meets Tewkesbery (Louis Partridge), a young man on-the-run while he and Enola learn that his uncle wants him dead. Enola must find her mother, while escaping to clutch of her brother Mycroft and protecting her new friend. Brown is fantastic in the Film’s Lead Role, capturing her character’s essence of youth, rebellion and also possessing that special strength which makes her more than just an average teenage girl. While an at-times whimsical adventure, Director Harry Bradbeer tightens the reins at the right moment, creating suspense and tension which make this a fun watch.

TEHRAN (APPLE TV+)

This was a pleasant surprise! TEHRAN is an Espionage-Thriller Series which centers on Niv Sultan as our protagonist Tamar Rabinyan, a Secret Agent and Computer Hacker who was born in Iran, but raised in Israel. She is on a mission to disable an Iranian nuclear reactor, swapping identities with a worker at the company named Zhilla. Just as she’s about to succeed in her mission, in an act of self defense, Tamar winds up killing Zhilla‘s predatory boss. Things begin to spiral horribly out of control and Tamar finds herself hiding from the Head of Armed Forces in Iran, Faraz Kamali (Shaun Toub) who is determined to find her. As the story unfolds, we see Tamar begin to connect with her lost past. The intense eight-episode Series manages to capture well also the tensions between Israel and Iran through its characters including its central character, giving us deep insight into what it means to be caught between the crossfires.

THE CHEF SHOW – SEASON 2 (NETFLIX)

We honestly adore this Series with Chef Roy Choi and Jon Favreau. Our mouth waters at everything they make and finally we get to see how some of the famous treats at MILK BAR are made with Christina Tosi including their famous Cornflake Cookies, Grasshopper Pie and Chocolate Birthday Truffles! We also learn how elevated twists are made to Italian Wedding Soup, Meatball Lasagne and Spaghetti & Meatballs and more! We enjoy the friendly banter which never feels pretentious and some times we learn a thing or two about the history of dishes. Some of the most educational bits of the Show are where things go wrong and Choi shows us how to overcome.

EMILY IN PARIS (NETFLIX)

Darren Star (Sex and the City) returns with his latest brainchild, EMILY IN PARIS which stars Lily Collins. While travelling to Paris right now might not be an option for many amidst the pandemic, the ten-episode Series sweeps us away in the most timely manner. Emily (Collins) works for an American marketing company which acquires a French marketing firm, and is hired with being the American voice for their Social Media platforms. The stylized Series is gorgeous and borrows elements of Sex and the City including its take on romance and searching for love and of course the fantastic fashion, but also it possesses of that fish-out-of-water perspective on life that helps draw us into Emily‘s new world, clumsily learning the language an in turn, so do we. Emily‘s character navigates some acceptance issues from her colleagues, being “The American” in the office and this propels much of the journey as Emily struggles to find her place amidst all this. Collins is cast perfectly. We foresee more seasons to come!

And thank you Netflix for this!

YELLOW ROSE (Sony Pictures Canada)

This Diana Paragas written and directed Musical Drama did the Festival rounds and is set for a limited theatrical release. The Film centers on an undocumented Filipina teen named Rose (Eva Noblezada) from a small town in Texas, who dreams of becoming a Country Music singer. She also must decide between staying with her family or leaving the only home she has ever known. At the center of the YELLOW ROSE is a story about the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter that is truly affecting, while also dealing with a frightening reality for many in America today. Front and center is the talented Noblezada who carries the entire Film on her own navigating Rose‘s youth, but also displaying a wisdom beyond her character’s young age. She excels both in the Film’s Drama and Comedy, and more so the musicality required of her role. Liam Booth as Rose‘s love interest Elliot possesses an organic awkwardness which pairs well with her and the Film’s biggest surprise is Broadway legend Lea Salonga as Rose‘s unlikable aunt, Gail. The timely Film opens our eyes to a reality many are facing today in America and succeeds largely in making a statement, while exploring the world from the view of an outsider hoping so much to find her place in the world. YELLOW ROSE is in select theatres Friday, October 9, 2020.

THE FORTY-YEAR-OLD VERSION (Netflix)

Starring, directed and written by Radha Blank, this Sundance U.S. Dramatic Competition Directing Award winning Comedy makes its way to Netflix for us to enjoy. The Film centers around Radha (Blank) who once showed great potential as a Playwright but finds herself struggling and teaching a community class, to a group of snappy young adults. She re-invents herself as a Rapper, RadhaMUSPrime, and with the help of her friend Archie (Peter Kim), sees a play of hers brought to life as a stage production. The Film grapples with what it means to Radha to put out something authentic as a Black Artist, versus something that is expected of her. Along the way, she meets Producer D (first-time Actor Oswin Benjamin) and a romance looms between him and Radha which helps set her on the path to finding herself in her craft. The Comedy is searing and the insults burn, but THE FORTY-YEAR-OLD VERSION leaves a mark and we look forward to more from the fresh voice that is Radha Blank.

HUBIE HALLOWEEN (Netflix)

Happy Madison Productions are back and they delivery some goofy, spooky antics in time for Halloween. Make no mistake, HUBIE HALLOWEEN won’t be up for any Awards, but if you’re a fan of Adam Sandler and his zany brand of humour, this might be a worthwhile way to be entertained. Sandler plays Salem’s resident “Halloween Helper” Hubie Dubois (Sandler) often the butt of others’ jokes. After a disappearance takes place, coincidentally of one of Hubie‘s bullies, Hubie finds himself both suspected and in the thick of investigating what happened. Sometimes the answers are closer than you think. The star-studded HUBIE HALLOWEEN is what it is and it means well as Sandler has a knack for tackling these underdog roles and delivering some laugh-out-loud moments along the way.

AMERICAN MURDER: THE FAMILY NEXT DOOR (Netflix)

Jenny Popplewell directs this concise and riveting Documentary which centers around the murder investigation of Shanann Cathryn Watts and her daughters Bella and Celeste. What makes Popplewell’s storytelling so compelling is the access she had to footage as Watts had been very active on Social Media and she was very candid with her friends in sharing details of her marriage. Through this she is able to paint a vivid picture of the events leading-up to this great tragedy. Her husband Christopher finds himself at the center of the investigation as a suspect and as the story progresses, we get a clearer picture of the shocking motives behind this heinous act. Definitely an intriguing watch.

We also have reviews for new releases THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7, ON THE ROCKS, POSSESSOR (UNCUT) and SPONTANEOUS right here.

(Photo/video credit: YouTube/Netflix)

Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Sebastian Stan and more star in Antonio Campos‘ THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME, coming soon to Netflix! Check-out this new Trailer!

Synopsis:
In Knockemstiff, Ohio and its neighboring backwoods, sinister characters — an unholy preacher (Robert Pattinson), twisted couple (Jason Clarke and Riley Keough), and crooked sheriff (Sebastian Stan) — converge around young Arvin Russell (Tom Holland) as he fights the evil forces that threaten him and his family. Spanning the time between World War II and the Vietnam war, director Antonio Campos’ THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME renders a seductive and horrific landscape that pits the just against the corrupted. Co-starring Bill Skarsgård, Mia Wasikowska, Harry Melling, Haley Bennett and Pokey LaFarge, this suspenseful, finely-woven tale is adapted from Donald Ray Pollock‘s award-winning novel.

See the Trailer:

THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME streams on Netflix Friday, September 16, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Daphne (Shailene Woodley) attempts to get her life back in order following a breakup, however, that proves difficult after meeting bad boy Frank (Sebastian Stan) and rational Jack (Jamie Dornan).

Director Drake Doremus is back with a highly-collaborative Feature about losing yourself and being responsible to find who you are again. Endings, Beginnings has a Script, but not in the traditional sense. Doremus had plot points and scenarios he wanted his characters to experience, however, his actors improvised all the dialogue. As his camera work lingers on his cast, there is an immense authenticity to each scene due to this improvisational method. Woodley completely immerses herself in adrift Daphne, Stan is a firecracker as the flawed yet enchanting Frank, and Dornan is charming as noble professor Jack.

Endings, Beginnings screens at TIFF on Sun, Sep 8 at Ryerson Theatre at 9 PM, Mon, Sep 9 at Scotiabank Theatre at 3 PM, and Sat, Sep 14 at Elgin Theatre at 9 PM.