Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

MOUTHPIECE is the newest Film from Canadian Director Patricia Rozema and is adapted from the two-woman Play by Amy Nostbakken and Norah Sadava. It follows Cassandra (Amy Nostbakken and Norah Sadava) in the aftermath of her mother’s death and her struggle coming to terms with her life and the life of her mother. It will have its World Premiere in the Special Presentations Programme at TIFF.

It’s rare to see the whole facet of what it means to be a female entirely laid out in a Film but the combination of Rozema, Nostbakken and Sadava do that. This Film is a touching exploration of how women from multiple generations get socialized. Not only that, but how people think of them and how they think about themselves.

MOUTHPIECE screens Thursday, September 6 at 9:15 PM at Winter Garden Theatre, Friday, September 7 at 12:45 PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 and Saturday, September 15 at 6 PM at Jackman Hall.

Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong

Controversial Documentarian Michael Moore returns to TIFF with the highly anticipated pseudo-sequel, Fahrenheit 11/9. The Documentary chronicles the events that lead-up to Donald Trump becoming the President of the United States, while also skewering the American political system and the Water Crisis in Moore’s hometown of Flint, Michigan.

As expected, Fahrenheit 11/9 is Moore’s most incendiary and powerful film since his Palme d’Or-winning Doc Fahrenheit 9/11. The film is surprisingly balanced in its criticisms of the Trump administration, and often takes more time to address issues with the Democrats than with the Republicans. But while it is frequently-entertaining and downright heartbreaking to watch in some scenes (and a not so subtle call to arms against corruption and injustice), Moore never seems to know what to focus in on – drifting-in and out of longwinded topics recklessly. And as fascinating as the Flint Water Crisis story is, it feels like it was shoehorned in-between his main talking points about Trump and the American political system.

Fahrenheit 11/9 screens on Thursday, September 6 at 8:45 PM at Ryerson Theatre [World Premiere] and Saturday, September 8 at 5:45 PM at Scotiabank Theatre.

By Mr. Will Wong

It was an action-packed Day One at TIFF ’18! We had a blast doing the rounds including an appearance on Global News Toronto with Farah Nasser, plus a stop-off at NKPR‘s famed gifting lounge where Rolling Stone will be doing their portraits this year!

Check-out our segment!

It was an intense day but we were game snapping stars of the Opening Night Gala THE OUTLAW KING, a Netflix Film starring Chris P,ine and Aaron Taylor-Johnson! The stars did doubke-duty walking the carpets at Princess of Wales Theatre and Roy Thomson Hall, super-gracious!

The Midnight Madness Programme kicked-off woth Shane Black’s THE PREDATOR Reboot, drawing a starstudded bunch including Boyd Holbrook, Olivia Munn, Keegan-Michael Key, Jake Busey, Trevante Rhodes and more!

One of TIFF ’18‘s biggest breakout stats in John David Washington, son of Denzel who mesmerizes in MONSTERS AND MEN. You might recognize him from BALLERS.

Chloë Grace Moretz, Maika Monroe and Isabelle Huppert dazzled ay their Premiere of GRETA, making time for fun. Thanks to our Amanda Gilmore for the Snap!

Some Can-Con for you. Toronto’s Patrick J. Adams, formerly of SUITS, was spotted back in town for CLARA. Stephan James stars in IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK, the latest by Barry Jenkins who directed Best Picture, MOONLIGHT, at TIFF a couple years back!

(Photo credit: Amanda Gilmore/Mr. Will Wong)

Review by George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong

There is a common thread throughout all the movies that Oscar-winning Quebec Writer/Director Denys Arcand puts his unique stamp on: the characters are well-read, intelligent to a fault and socially conscious. THE FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE is no different.

Pierre-Paul (Alexandre Landry) is a shy, academic and socially awkward delivery truck driving young man who spends his money and time helping the homeless living in Montreal. When he accidentally arrives at the tail end of a robbery and massacre, he spies on two huge bags, filled to the brim with cash, totalling in the millions, and stashes them in his truck. After a dalliance with Montreal’s most expensive escort, Aspasie (newcomer Maripier Morin) and meeting-up with a recently released from jail ex-biker who is a financial wizard (a ponytailed Remy Girard), the Trio devise a plan on how to best use this money to benefit the disenfranchised. All the while, they are being pursued by the police and assassins trying to recover the money. THE FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE is a sly and insightful indictment on how money rules everything.

THE FALL OF THE AMERICAN EMPIRE screens Thursday, September 6, 6:00 PM, Elgin Theatre and Friday, September 7, 9:45 AM, TIFF Bell Lightbox.

Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong

Let Me Fall chronicles the lives of teenagers Magnea (Elín Sif Halldórsdóttir) and Stella (Eyrún Björk Jakobsdóttir). They hang out, they party and they do hard drugs. They enter in and out of rehab, but keep resorting back to their old ways. And as they age into adulthood, they learn that their earlier decisions have a habit of catching up with them.

Using interviews with addicts and their families, Director Baldvin Z has created a harrowing and deeply disturbing portrait of addiction and the destruction it causes. The film goes to some very dark and visceral places, frequently becoming increasingly difficult to watch. But the camera work and visual style Baldvin Z brings to the piece, not to mention the strength of the cast (including Kristín Thóra Haraldsdóttir and Lara Johanna Jonsdottir as the adult Magnea and Stella) keeps Let Me Fall compelling at all times, even when the storyline and editing are not always coming together as well as they should.

LET ME FALL screens at the following times:

Thursday, September 6, 6:00 PM, Scotiabank Theatre [World Premiere], Friday, September 7, 9:30 PM, Jackman Hall and Sunday, September 16, 12:15 PM, Scotiabank Theatre.

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Greta follows sweetheart Frances (Chloë Grace Moretz) who after finding a woman’s purse left on the subway returns it to its owner, Greta (Isabelle Huppert). When Frances and Greta soon start up a friendship together, Greta’s dark and true intentions come to light. It will have its World Premiere in the Special Presentations Programme at TIFF.

Director Neil Jordan is back again with another Psychological Thriller that chills us to the bone. With every beautifully-captured frame of this, we see the sinister mind of Greta come more and more to the surface. No one else but Huppert could pull off a role that is as horrifying as it is comical.

Greta screens at TIFF on Thursday, September 6 at 5:45 PM at Ryerson Theatre, Monday, September 10 at 2:30 PM at Ryerson Theatre and Friday, September 14 at 9:45 PM at Scotiabank 12.

We’re a bit slower to start this year, but thrilled still to spot some marquee names at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival, making their way in!  Power Couple Aaron (Nocturnal Animals) and Sam Taylor-Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey) are at the Festival for the latter’s adaptation of James Frey‘s bestseller, A MILLION LITTLE PIECES. The former also is here for Opening Night Gala, THE OUTLAW KING. While they were held back for quite some time, they were all smiles, relieved to make they way out. Love everything about this couple!

We love Amber Heard (The Danish Girl) and it was a lovely surprise seeing her arrive incognito in sunglasses, which she later took off once spotted! She is here for HER SMELL, starring alongside Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) who plays a self-destructive Rocker! Heard also will speak at an event for L’Oréal on Friday, celebrating the power of women!

Bonus sighting! Fans of Marvel’s Jessica Jones will recognize right away Erin Moriarty, in-town filming Series, THE BOYS.

We don’t know about you, but we’re so ready for our favourite time of the year! We’ve been out doing the rounds and doing lots of Press ourselves. In case you missed it, here’s our segment on CP24 on LIVE AT NOON!

Up next are an appearance on Breakfast Television Friday morning right before 7 AM! Tune-in or PVR it!

We caught wind of Chris Pine flying-in today for The Outlaw King also, while earlier in the day The Predator stars Trevante Rhodes, Olivia Munn and Boyd Holbrook all were spotted around the City.

Hoping we pick-up the pace a bit more tomorrow for Day One of TIFF ’18!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

Dogman follows the story of Marcello (Marcello Fonte) who is a mild-mannered dog groomer, father, and drug dealer. When the violent and impulsive bully of the small Italian town he lives in wrongs him, Marcello’s temper becomes tested. Dogman competed for the Palme d’Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and Marcello Fonte won the Cannes Award for Best Actor. It will have its Canadian Premiere at TIFF ’18 in the Special Presentations Programme.

This Film is a slow burn that shows the evolution of a wholesome turned violent man. Throughout the entire running time, Fonte completely evolves with it. He portrays the anxiety of constantly wanting to be liked, the fury of being betrayed and the euphoria of getting revenge.

Dogman screens on Thursday, September 6 at 6 PM at Scotiabank 1 and Saturday, September 8 at 3 PM at Scotiabank 1.

With TIFF ’18 being just a week away, we’re super-excited to present to you some of our official partners of the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival! We live for TIFF and are thrilled as a team to be accredited to the Festival and also bring you as always unparalleled intimate access to the stars and Films of the Festival!

We’re thrilled to give our Readers a chance to be just as stoked as us and we give you a chance to win our TIFF SURVIVAL PRIZE PACK, which is bigger and better than ever!

We’d like to thank the following parnters:

DUFFLET PASTRIES – Toronto’s reigning Queen of Cake® still is going strong with an uptown and down location. When there’s a celebration, it’s always been about Dufflet Pastries’ cakes and pastries for us. TIFF is no exception. There are two locations: 787 Queen Street West and 2638 Yonge Street. Did you know the Queen Street West location offers High Tea on Sundays? Learn more at http://dufflet.com.

ESTIA is just one of several TIFF hotspots owned by popular restauranteur, hotelier and night club owner Charles Khabouth. Known for its acclaimed Mediterranean cuisine, Estia situated at 90 Avenue Road, is a must-try this TIFF. More at http://estiatoronto.com.

WESLODGE owned also by Charles Khabouth, for years has been a hotspot for the stars during the Festival. Known for its classic cocktails and Canadian fare, this vintage tavern at 480 King Street West, has and will continue to host several stars TIFF ’18.  We hear the Fried Chicken is superb! More at http://weslodge.com.

STARBUCKS CANADA – TIFF is about the coming of fall and nothing says autumn comfort like Starbucks‘ signature PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE, now back in stores! We have fond memories of warming-up in many a cold line-up at TIFF with this fan favourite and can’t wait to get reacquainted this TIFF! More at http://starbucks.ca.

BLACKBERRY CANADA – We can’t wait to show you all the celebrity selfies and up-close star sightings at TIFF ’18. This year our official smartphone will be the super-sleek and functional Blackberry Key2. Learn all about this reborn icon at https://blackberrymobile.com/ca/product/blackberry-key2.

BRITBOX CANADA – We can’t wait for a bit of downtime post-TIFF and what better way to relax than to catch-up with some of our favourite British programming from BBC and iTV? Britbox Canada is brought to us by BBC Worldwide, the commercial arm of the BBC, and ITV, bringing home iconic favorites, exclusive premieres, and current series and soaps. Learn more about their latest programming options: https://www.britbox.com/ca/collection/premieres.

ACURA CANADA – Mobility is so important for us during TIFF and once again we’ll be partnering with Acura Canada and driving the 2018 Acura ILX. Acura Canada will be front and center at TIFF this year as a major sponsor and we’re thrilled to experience some of that starpower! Sleek, compact and stylish, we’ll be travelling in style in this beauty! More here: https://www.acura.ca/ilx.

KANDLE ARTISTIQUE – Purveyor of luxurious candles, you now can make your own candles at their gorgeous Yorkville location at 88 Avenue Road in Toronto. More here.

NIKON CANADA – We can’t wait to show you our photos, taken on none other than the state-of-the-art Nikon D850, shooting at 45.7 megapixels, with 4k and 8K video options! More here.

H&M CANADA – We love H&M and are thrilled to be donning H&M and H&M only at TIFF ’18. Can’t wait to show you some pieces from their Fall/Winter 2018 Collection. More at http://hm.com.

CHATIME CANADA – We’ll never get sick of Bubble Tea and to us there’s only Chatime! With various locations across Canada we can’t wait for too to discover the refreshment! Our fave midday beverage? Grapefruit Green Tea (half-sweet, less ice) is our perfect afternoon pick-me-up! Discover your new favourite. More here: http://chatime.com

CP24 – For the past 10 years, we’ve been a contributor at this popular news network and can’t wait to reunite this TIFF ’18 to deliver you the scoop and sightings, plus all the buzz on the hottest Films at TIFF! Don’t forget to tune in as we kick it all off tomorrow, Wednesday, September 5 in the 12 o’clock hour on Live at Noon with George Lagogianes!

Now for the fun stuff! We want to give Readers to win our TIFF ’18 Survival Pack which is bigger and more delicious than ever! Contents include:

One free six-month Britbox Canada membership

$25 Starbucks Canada Gift Card

A Dufflet Pastries Gift Card for one cake

A $200 Estia Gift Card

H&M Canada VIP Card

Two Chatime Canada Vouchers

One Kandle Artistique Candle

Stay tuned to our Social Media throughout TIFF ’18 as we give away

A $200 Weslodge Gift Card

Chatime Canada Drink Vouchers

Starbucks Canada Gift Cards

Britbox Canada Six-Month Memberships

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. Click “share” on this Post or Re-Tweet this Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance!

Don’t forget to join us on our TIFF ’18 adventures and be following on Social Media for real-time updates! You won’t regret it!

Twitter: @mrwillw

Instagram: @mrwillwong

Facebook: http://facebook.com/mrwillwongblog

Don’t forget to be following Team Mr. Will also:

Dave Baldwin: @davemabaldwin

Amanda Gilmore: @gilmoreamanda

George Kozera: @partyg

Siobhan Rich: @typo_eh

Justin Waldman: @dubsreviews

Jonathan Godfrey: @skot_somers

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

With tickets now being on sale at TIFF ’18, Team Mr. Will come together to give you a few of what we anticipate will be great at the Festival! Check-out our Picpicks!

GEORGE KOZERA

BEAUTIFUL BOY: A tragic story of how drug addiction affects a family, will this be the movie that gives Timothée Chalamet the Oscar he richly deserved to get last year?

A MILLION LITTLE PIECES: Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Nocturnal Animals) reunites with Director Sam Taylor-Johnson after their brilliant collaboration with Nowhere Man, this movie could be the Feel-Bad Movie of the Year with a rocking Soundtrack.

BOY ERASED: A powerhouse cast that includes Nicole Kidman, Lucas Hedges, Russell Crowe, Joel Edgerton, Xavier Dolan and Flea, this Conversion Therapy Movie should enrage, engage and explore religious dogmas.

FIRST MAN: Director Damien Chazelle does not disappoint and this Biopic on astronaut Neil Armstrong (played by Ryan Gosling) could be his winning Trifecta.

THE OLD MAN AND THE GUN: When Robert Redford announced that this would be his last movie as an actor, how can anyone not want to see his swan song?

SIOBHÁN RICH

WIDOWS – Strong female leads and a unique story make this a must-see on anybody’s list.

FIRST MAN – Ryan Gosling and Damien Chazelle are back with a new take on a familiar story.

FAHRENHEIT 11/9 – Michael Moore loves bringing his films to Toronto and this modern sequel to his award winning Fahrenheit 9/11 has been much anticipated for years.

EVERYBODY KNOWS – You can’t go wrong with this cast and this Director.

THE EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY OF CELESTE GARCIA – Without giving too much away – my sleeper pick of the Festival is sure to be a favourite with both foreign film and Sci-Fi fans.

JUSTIN WALDMAN

THE OLD MAN & THE GUN: Robert Redford is a bonafide legend. If rumours are to be believed and thus his final film, let’s see what the legend has in for us.

FIRST MAN: Damien Chazelle. Ryan Gosling. Space. IMAX. I’m so incredibly excited for this title. Chazelle has yet to disappoint and early reviews out of Venice say this is another hit.

RED JOAN: Judi Dench playing a KGB British spy. Is there anything else that needs to be said?

MID90s: Everything A24 has put out that I’ve seen, I’ve adored. Now Jonah Hill is making a movie about the 90s. Yeah, I’m sold.

HOLD THE DARK: Jeremy Saulnier can do no wrong. Green Room. Blue Ruin. I’m ready for this movie to be projected into my eyeballs Clockwork Orange style.

DAVID BALDWIN
While I lament the loss of dream picks The Favorite and Suspiria, I must admit that this year’s crop of films at TIFF has a little bit of something for everyone. Here are my top must-sees:

A STAR IS BORN — the hype for this one has been off the charts for well over a year, and it just keeps building. Bradley Cooper’s debut behind the camera and a supposedly towering leading performance from Lady Gaga makes this one of this year’s hottest tickets, and you better believe I’m doing everything I can to see it.

FIRST MAN — I’ve gone 2/2 with Damien Chazelle, going in blind and absolutely adoring both Whiplash and La La Land. I can only hope I’ll go 3/3 with this one. And while it still stings that Ryan Gosling turned me down for a selfie the last time he was here, he still can do no wrong in my books.

HALLOWEEN — I’m still more curious than I am excited about this “Sequel” to the legendary Horror Film, mostly because Danny McBride is co-writing and they managed to bring Scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis back for another round against Michael Myers. But with the involvement of original Director John Carpenter and producing credits from Blumhouse, they may just end up creating a new bonafide classic.

CLIMAX — Gaspar Noé never fails to shock and impress, so forgive me when I say the sounds of a 90 minute LSD trip of a film sounds like an absolutely wicked time at the Movies. It may prove to be challenging to schedule, but after the head trips provided by Love and Enter the Void, I’m willing to move heaven and earth to see what he’s cooked-u next.

HOLD THE DARK — Jeremy Saulnier is one of the best up and coming Directors in genre filmmaking right now, and his latest film sounds like his most thrilling and brutal entry yet. This one hits Netflix in a few weeks, but being able to see it on a big screen is too great an opportunity to pass up. Especially when the Cast includes Jeffrey Wright, Riley Keough and Alexander Skarsgård.

JONATHAN GODFREY

What keeps me interested in TIFF is not the stars, premieres or topical trends. What keeps me interested in TIFF is offbeat projects like the following:

DIAMANTINO: a soccer player stumbles through the surreal in an effort to redeem himself.

GIRL: a deeply personal and visually driven transgender experience.

LEGEND OF THE DEMON CAT: an Emperor is possessed and an odd couple seek out the demon.

RAFIKI: a pair of star-crossed lovers must face a world who hates and fears them.

SCREWBALL: Baseball’s doping secrets are drudged up in this hilarious Documentary.

AMANDA GILMORE

A STAR IS BORN: Before this Film screened at Venice, reviews got released stating it’s a near-perfect Film. Plus the combination of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper should not be missed.

BEAUTIFUL BOY: Right from the Trailer being released this looked like a special Family Drama with yet another flawless performance from Timothée Chalamet.

WILD ROSE: This is a passionate music drama Film that will have you feeling every emotion. It also cements the fact that Jessie Buckley is a chameleon.

MONSTERS AND MEN: This Film about a police shooting of a black man told from three different perspectives is not only a must see because it’s timely, it also received a tone of buzz coming out of Sundance.

WILDLIFE: Paul Dano‘s directorial debut about a boy watching his parents marriage fall apart is both heartbreaking yet hauntingly beautiful with a tour-de-force performance from Carey Mulligan.

MR. WILL

A STAR IS BORN: All this buzz can’t be wrong. I love when Film meets Music, my two greatest loves.

BEAUTIFUL BOY: So ready to be Chalametized!

FIRST MAN: I love Ryan Gosling. Could it finally be his year? Him + Director Damien Chazelle are perfect together.

THE HATE U GIVE: This is all looking like all sorts of yes. Never read the book, but ready for Amandla Stenberg to school me.

DESTROYER: Nicole rarely disappoints. So ready to get ‘destroyed’.

Don’t forget to be following Team Mr. Will also:

Dave Baldwin: @davemabaldwin

Amanda Gilmore: @gilmoreamanda

George Kozera: @partyg

Siobhan Rich: @typo_eh

Justin Waldman: @dubsreviews

Jonathan Godfrey: @skot_somers

Tickets are on sale now here!