It’s a dazzling debut and huge win for the world of Anime at DEMON SLAYER: INFINITY CASTLE opens to a smashing $60 million from 3,315 theatres for Sony Pictures/Crunchyroll. Above this, it gets a stellar 97% on the Tomatometer! This marks the franchise’s biggest opening yet.

Second up is THE CONJURING: LAST RITES with $27 million, in its second weekend after dominating last weekend. Thus far, it has grossed $131 million for Warner Bros.

DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE opens in third with $19.5 million for Focus Features/Universal Pictures, getting an outstanding 90% on the Tomatometer. Franchise best goes to 2019’s DOWNTON ABBEY, bowing with $31 million.

THE LONG WALK gets $12.5 million in its debut from 2,845 theatres for Sony Pictures, opening to a 90% Tomatometer score.

TOY STORY: 30TH ANNIVERSARY earns $3.7 million from 2,375 theatres for Disney.

Tickets to see Disney and Pixar’s original animated feature “Toy Story” in select theatres go on sale today as the 30th Anniversary celebration of the pioneering classic continues. Fans across the country have the unique chance to experience the groundbreaking animated adventure on the big screen in its original format beginning September 12, 2025.

The special theatrical re-release gives fans the chance to celebrate the milestone anniversary of “Toy Story,” the world’s first ever feature length CGI animation that forever changed the future of filmmaking, storytelling and the medium of animation. Initially released in-theatres on November 22, 1995, audiences can reopen the toy box and rediscover the adventure, friendship and fun that Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Bullseye and the rest of the gang have brought to generations of audiences.

Disney·Pixar‘s Toy Story in Concert – Film with Live Orchestra – is a presentation licensed by Disney Concerts, coming to Meridian Hall this November in Toronto!

Some details:

Venue: Meridian Hall, 1 Front St E
Dates: Friday, November 21, 7:30 PM and Saturday, November 22, 2:00 PM
Features: Complete film on the big screen with music performed in sync by live orchestra; introduction by Richard Crouse

This is a can’t-miss event for Toy Story and Disney / Pixar fans, commemorating the Film’s 30th anniversary – Toy Story was originally released on Nov. 22, 1995.

This will be playing for the first time in Canada after runs previously in US, UK, International. 5 packed performances at Sydney Opera House.

The Score in Toronto, will be performed by the FILMharmonique Orchestra, Canada’s top film concert orchestra.

This is a perfect way to experience the original classic ahead of next year’s Toy Story 5!

Promos

Fans can save 10% on amazing orchestra and mezzanine seats with the offer code A11310 — screenshot shows where to enter it on Ticketmaster

Great balcony tickets also available for $34.20, including taxes and fees! Very few remain for Sat. show but a good selection is still available for Fri. — no code required

For more, head over to the Meridian Hall / TO Live event page: https://www.tolive.com/Event-Details-Page/reference/Toy-Story-2025

Ticketmaster links:
Fri, Nov 21 https://www.ticketmaster.ca/toy-story-in-concert-toronto-ontario-11-21-2025/event/10006243E2071AC3
Sat, Nov 22 https://www.ticketmaster.ca/toy-story-in-concert-toronto-ontario-11-22-2025/event/10006243E2091AD8

It’s the definitive story behind Buzz Lightyear, the hero who inspired the beloved Toy Story character, and its set to win the hearts of Moviegoers this Summer. Disney and Pixar‘s LIGHTYEAR features the voice of Chris Evans and we were so thrilled to sit down in a Virtual Press Junket for the Film.

Participating at the Junket, which our Justin Waldman had the pleasure of attending, were:

Angus MacLane who co-directed Finding Dory, talks about developing and pitching the idea of this Film.

MacLane: “The idea came to me because I always wanted to know about the backstory of the Space Rangers, Star Command and Buzz Lightyear – what the Movie is for that. I also wanted to make something that was fun to make after doing Dory, which was fun but it was really challenging when you have a protagonist that’s always forgetting everything about what they want. So I thought, why don’t we make a cool Sci-Fi Movie? That’s the way I pitched it. What’s the Movie that Andy (the boy in Toy Story) saw that made him want a Buzz Lightyear figure? Why don’t we just make something awesome, that’s simple like that? Just make that geeky Buzz Lightyear movie and just make an adventure of that? That was the simple idea we sold to the Studio.”.

Michael Giacchino oversaw the Film’s Score and talks about his childhood and what Disney films meant to him growing-up.

Giacchino: “These are the movies I grew-up on. I pretty much was raised on them. One of the things I used to do was sneak a small tape recorder into the theatre so that I could – when I was a kid – record the Movie Audio so that I could have the audience response – all of that on it – and I would listen to it. There was no internet when I was growing up. That was the only way for me to experience that Movie again out of the theatre, was to listen to it. I would record them and at home every night I would play them under my pillow because I loved to listen how the Sound works in these movies. And how Music worked with Sound Effects and Dialogue and all of that. It’s ingrained in my head in a massive way. If someone asked me at 12-years-old, ‘Hey! You get to make your own one of these things. What do you want to do with it?’. I’m like, ‘Great! I would do THIS!’. That’s what I love so much about working with Angus. Often we’d get sidelined into these crazy conversations about a Movie from a certain era or a Character Actor from certain era. We have so much love for what came before and what introduced us to everything we’re now playing with today.”.

Star Chris Evans is asked about how he brought something new to a character we all love and adore so much already in Buzz Lightyear.

Evans: “I loved getting to explore a Character we all know so well and in a slightly more nuanced interpretation. The Buzz we all know is a toy and as a toy there are certain ways they go about the world without the weight that we carry. A toy knows its purpose, a toy doesn’t have to worry about disease or the choices that we have to make.”.

Evans also talks about his relationship with Buzz Lightyear before being cast in this Film, plus he reveals which other Disney Character he would love to play.

Evans: “I love Buzz Lightyear and Toy Story. When Toy Story came out, it kicked the doors down in terms of a new approach to the Medium, so I was thrilled and excited to know there was more to come. I love all the characters in Toy Story deeply. If there were another character to play, I don’t think I could pull it off. But I am a big an of Robin Hood, the old animated Disney Film. I just thought Robin Hood was so cool. When I think of all the Animated Characters in the Disney library, Robin Hood stands alone. He’s smooth, charming and capable, and I don’t have that cool British accent, but I’d love a crack!”.

Keke Palmer tells us about connecting to her Character, Izzy Hawthorne, discovering who she was and what she cared about most.

Palmer: “Her love for her grandmother Alisha, and the legacy she wants to uphold. She wants to make her family proud and I think that’s something we can all relate to. And the fact that she’s not afraid to pivot. I really admire that about her. I feel she displays so many great leadership qualities because sometimes she gets overshadowed. She knows how to push her friends forward, and she knows how to see something in somebody so that they can carry out their duties. She empowers others and I love the character.”.

Taika Waititi stars as Mo Morisson, who is more understated than some of the other characters he’s played in his career. He has made Marvel films as we all know, but he talks about how he approaches Pixar films differently.

Waititi: “I think with Pixar especially, it’s the relentless pursuit of a perfect Story. I go back to them time and time again not just for entertainment or to feel something emotional, but I got back to study how they structure their Films and the Economy of Storytelling, the way that they write their Scripts. And knowingly, they just get it right every time. So I’m not afraid to rip-off those practices that they use, because it’s inspiring as a Filmmaker to see these guys make these perfect films every time.”.

Screen Legend James Brolin talks about that resonated most with him with the Film.

Brolin: “I walked in, didn’t know who I am or what my lines were, so that was a tough one. I saw an unfinished, unpolished version of the Film without Music, and actually realized then that my Character was much more complex than that I had imagined. Even at this point I’m not supposed to tell you everything that Zurg is. Certainly multiple personalities and a Con Man. And could I say even a Shrink and an Alter-Ego? There’s so many things to learn from this Movie. There’s a lot of messages about how we approach things and how we solve our problems, and how we avoid them.”.

Peter Sohn talks about Sox the Cat‘s scene-stealing performance here and if he foresees a Spinoff.

Sohn: “I don’t want any of that burden! What are you talking about? The curse of that burden. I love Sox and I’ve been real lucky hanging-out with all of you right now, doing this process has been awesome.”.

Dale Soules talks about her thoughts on a potential Spinoff for Darby Steel.

Soules: “I’d like to see more Darby and Sox and their own adventure. I love Sox, though you don’t see that part of her very much. There’s an expression on the face of the animated Darby when Buzz thanks her and says ‘Nice job, elderly convict’. There’s a look on her face that says what I’d like to see more of. It’s not sentimental, mushy but it’s more like, ‘Okay, I gotcha. I hear you.’. I’d like to see more of that attitude in the Series.”.

Disney and Pixar’s LIGHTYEAR arrives in theatres June 17, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Disney and Pixar)

2019 was a remarkable year in Cinema. More than ever are we seeing Netflix and female Directors at the forefront and you will see this in the Team’s year’s best. Once again we are thrilled to share our favourites with you and would love to see how these align with your own personal faves. If you haven’t caught-up yet on your 2019 viewing, we hope the Team gives you some inspiration for your Holiday viewing!

Enjoy the rest of your Holidays and to an even more amazing 2020!

Team Mr. Will

L to R: Jonathan Godfrey, David & Alyssa Baldwin, George Kozera, Justin Waldman x Mr. Will

(There in spirit: Amanda Gilmore, Siobhán Rich)

A farewell to beloved Thompson Diner, where we held our 2019 Holiday Brunch.

In my opinion, this year has been one of the strongest years in Film for a VERY long time. We had amazing diverse creative talents in front and behind the camera who have worked together to make outstanding work, which is precisely why making this Top Ten list has been extremely difficult for me. I would love to write a Top 30 list if I was allowed, but sadly I’m not. Because of this, I have made my list according to my favourite films of the year that I could also re-watch multiple times for years to come. I have also added some honourable mentions because let’s face it, this year was flipping awesome!

DISCLAIMER: I have yet to see 1917 at the time of writing this list.

The Films below are listed in alphabetical order, they are not ranked.

Booksmart
Honey Boy
Jojo Rabbit
Joker
Knives Out
Late Night
Little Women
Marriage Story
Parasite
Us

Honourable Mentions:
The Peanut Butter Falcon: an extremely touching and unique coming-of-age story.
Ready Or Not: an inventive thriller with one wickedly funny and badass female lead.
Rocketman: I LOVE Elton John and this film was a knockout!

Written in order the release, the following are my faves for 2019: winter began with If Beale Street Could Talk, a tale of struggle set to a mesmerizing score. Next, Alita: Battle Angel, a great anime adaptation with mesmerizing MOCAP (Motion Capture) work. Spring brought Toy Story 4, a 3D spectacle for the ages; and Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood, another spectacular Script from Tarantino. IT Chapter 2 scared me silly this summer, and A Hidden Life was my TIFF ’19 darling. Fall brought with it a Trilogy of favorites: the powerful performance piece, Joker; the breathtaking animation of Frozen 2; and of course, a forever favorite, Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. Winter has returned, and with it, Little Women, a wondrous adaption to warm this holiday season. I have high hopes for 2020, including: Dune, Tenet, Mulan, No Time to Die and Bill & Ted Face the Music.

GEORGE KOZERA (@PartyG on Twitter)

2019 was a banner year for me, watching movies in a darkened theatre. I saw many impressive features from either first-time Directors or from established awards winners. Netflix, the little distribution company that could, released movies that were eclectic in genres and superior in quality and for the second year in a row, one of its offerings made my list as Number One. I saw movies that bored deeply into my skin and heart and mind and soul. It is with apologies to the Christmas releases that I have yet to see (Little Women, Bombshell, 1917, Uncut Gems) and too many Honorable Mentions to list that I submit my Top Ten of 2019:

1. Marriage Story
2. Jojo Rabbit
3. Waves
4. Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood
5. Parasite
6. The Irishman
7. Knives Out
8. The Last Black Man in San Francisco
9. Joker
10. Rocketman

JUSTIN WALDMAN (@DubsReviews on Twitter)

2019 has certainly been an interesting year for movies. We saw the end of The Skywalker Saga, the warfare between Netflix and Distributors continues to grow increasingly-tense, Scorsese and Iger are teasing a conversation. Movies had more surprises this year, and there have been some genuinely heartwarming and enlightening movies this year. In alphabetical order here are my top 10 movies to end out the decade.

Booksmart
Olivia Wilde directing Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever may have been the most unexpected, most hilarious thing I have seen all year but this Movie is endlessly-fantastic. It is the only Movie I have seen countless times this year, it became an instant classic for myself, that will be adored for the ages.

Jojo Rabbit
Taika Waititi in my mind can do no wrong when it comes to filmmaking. Ragnarok, What We Do In The Shadows,and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Waititi constantly delivers genuinely heartwarming and hilarious movies. Jojo Rabbit is no exception to that, the WWII satire is everything I expected of it and more.

Joker
I love some brilliant Joaquin. I love me some Joker. I just love this Movie. It is haunting and ingenious, but please for everything that makes this great, do not make a Sequel.

Knives Out
This Whodunit was one of the biggest questions from this Agatha Christie-esque film. It was marvelously-acted, packs a punch, and let’s face it, were all obsessing about knitted sweaters now.

The Lighthouse
I couldn’t begin to tell you what I thought I was getting myself into when I went to see this. All I can tell you is that it is one of the strangest, brilliant movies I’ve seen all year and I still think about it all these months later.

Little Women
Moment of truth, this was my first Little Women and what Greta Gerwig manages to do with it is nothing short of inspiring. However when you have Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep and Saoirse Ronan its also hard not to be delighted the entire time.

Midsommar
This was horrifying. Ari Aster still manages to haunt me with his brilliant Horror Film. The Director’s Cut is significantly better than the theatrical cut as well, as well as more haunting when you pay attention to the background. There is nothing else to say.

Parasite
If you’ve seen it, you know EXACTLY why its on the list. If you have not, why are you waiting? Stop reading immediately and go see the Movie. There is literally no reason not to. It is brilliant and deserves all the acclaim.

Uncut Gems
Give Sandman everything. This Movie is neurotic, anxiety-inducing acid and you cannot look away. I felt dirty after watching the Movie, but I can’t shake it. Adam Sandler has never delivered a better performance.

Waves
This Movie broke me, is the easiest way to put it. It is beautiful, it is tragic, it is heartwarming, it is heartbreaking. This Movie launches a rocket right into the feelings and explodes on impact.

2020, you’re the start of a new decade, you better deliver as well as if not better than 2019.

DAVID BALDWIN (@DaveMABaldwin on Twitter)

1. Parasite
2. Jojo Rabbit
3. Marriage Story
4. The Farewell
5. Us
6. Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood
7. Honey Boy
8. Blinded By The Light
9. 1917
10. Booksmart

2019 will go down as one of the best years for Film this decade – maybe even the singular best one. There is so much to say about these ten brilliant Films, and even more to say about the multitude of films that did not make this list. Yes, many will remember this year for the end of The Avengers and Star Wars Sagas. But others will remember it for the magnificent new discoveries that were made, for the masters making some of their best work to date and for the actors we completely wrote-off giving us plenty of reasons to remember them again. I lived, breathed and loved so many movies this year. And know that with the impending birth of my first child, that so much about next year and the next decade of my filmgoing life is going to be so drastically different. So it might just be the nostalgia talking, but I doubt I will ever see another exquisite year of Cinema like this ever again.

Mr. Will’s 2019 Best-Of List is here.

(Photo credit: Netflix/Fox Searchlight/MK2/Mongrel Media/Sony Pictures/Mr. Will Wong)

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a copy of TOY STORY 4 on Blu-ray!

Synopsis:
This summer, Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” took audiences on a hilarious and heartwarming road trip with Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the whole gang, earning a 98 percent critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes and more than $1 billion at the global box office. Packed with old friends and new faces, the fourth film in the beloved Toy Story series, which leads Woody to an unexpected fork in the road, arrives home on Digital in 4K Ultra HD™ and HD Oct. 1, and on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray,™ DVD Oct. 8. Fans who bring home “Toy Story 4” will be treated to over an hour of bonus features celebrating the film’s iconic characters, Pixar’s filmmaking team and the legacy of “Toy Story,” which began as the world’s first fully computer-animated feature film released nearly 25 years ago. Extensive extras includes deleted scenes such as an alternate ending, an all-new featurette with an endearing look back on Woody and Buzz’s legendary friendship throughout the years; entertaining studio stories shared by members of the Pixar team; a nostalgic look back at the creation and first storyboard screening of “Toy Story” with filmmakers; and the pioneering efforts of Pixar artists who created the sets, characters, look and feel of the original film and much more.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance. Canadian Readers only, please.

Contest rules and regulations here.

TOY STORY 4 is in stores Tuesday, October 8, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

It’s a new July opening record for Disney’s The Lion King, which opens on a high note to the tune of  $185 million from 4,725 theatres across North America. The previous record was held by 2011’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 with $169.1 million. This incarnation of The Lion King fares well with Audiences, getting an A CinemaScore, but less well with Critics with 55% on the Tomatometer.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME has no choice but to acquiesce in second with $22 million this weekend for Sony Pictures, in its third week. It has grossed $320.5 million thus far in these parts.

Former champ TOY STORY 4 lands in third with $$12.6 million for Disney in its fifth week, totaling $375 million in North America.

CRAWL is in fourth with $6.4 million from 3,170 theatres for Paramount Pictures, week two, a total $23.5 million

MIDSOMMAR is in ninth week three with $1.9 million for A24/Elevation Pictures, a three-week tally of $22.4 million.

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.6 million for Universal Pictures, a domestic total of $151.4 million over seven weeks.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME takes the top of the Box Office a second straight week with $44.5 million from 4,634 theatres across North America.  This takes its  tally to $273.7 million for Sony Pictures.

TOY STORY 4 takes the second spot with $20.6 million in its third week out for Disney. Over four weeks it has grossed $346.3 million domestically.

CRAWL is in third with $10.6 million for Paramount Pictures in its debut at 3,170 theatres. It gets 88% on the Tomatometer despite not being previewed for Canadian media and Audiences gave it a B CinemaScore.

STUBER opens in fourth with $8 million from 3,050 theatres for 20th Century Fox. The Comedy starring David Bautista and Kumail Nanjiani, gets 47% on the Tomatometer and a B CinemaScore.

MIDSOMMAR lands in eighth spot with $3.5 million for A24/Elevation Pictures, a two week total of $18.4 million.

MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL rounds-out the Top Ten with $2 million for Sony Pictures, a five-week total of $76.3 million.

It’s a huge opening for SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME, taking-in $87 million for Sony Pictures from 4,634 theatres in North America. The Film gets 92% on the Tomatometer, tallying $178 million since its Tuesday 4th of July Holiday opening. Best opening for the Franchise in this era starring Tom Holland, still goes to 2017’s SPIDER-MAN HOMECOMING with $117 million.

TOY STORY 4 is going strong still in second with $33 million this weekend from 4,540 theatres for Disney, a total $305 million grossed over two weeks.

Third spot goes to YESTERDAY with $10.1 million for  Universal Pictures. The Beatles-themed Musical has grossed $36.2 million over two weeks.

ALADDIN lands in fifth with $8.2 million, a total $321 million for Disney in seven weeks domestically.

MIDSOMMAR is in sixth with $6.2 million  for A24 Pictures/Elevation Pictures, a total $10.4 million since its Wednesday opening. It gets 82% on the Tomatometer and C+ CinemaScore.

ROCKETMAN rounds things out in tenth with $2.2 million for Paramount Pictures.

TOY STORY 4 prevails again a second week at the Box Office, taking $56 million in week two from 4,575 theatres for Disney, taking it to $235 million in a two week run thus far.

ANNEBELLE COMES HOME lands a distant second with $16.4 million in its debut from 3,613 theatres for Warner Bros. Franchise best still belongs to the first Film in the Series, with $37.1 million back in 2014. It gets 69% on the Tomatometer and a B- CinemaScore.

YESTERDAY debuts in third with $15 million from 2,603 theatres for Universal Pictures. The latest from Danny Boyle gets 61% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore.

ALADDIN is in fourth with $8.8 million, a total $305 million grossed in North American to date for Disney.

AVENGERS:ENDGAME gets a re-release with additional footage, placing in fifth with $6.3 million from 2,025 theatres for Disney.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM rounds-out this Top Ten with $2.5 million for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films.