By Amanda Gilmore
On Swift Horses is set in Eisenhower America in the 50s. Just after the war and when California was a promise of the best place to live. It follows married couple Muriel (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Lee (Will Poulter) who plan to move to California. Yet, when Lee’s brother Julius (Jacob Elordi) arrives back from the Korean War, Muriel and Julius notice something inside both of them that creates a bond no matter the distance they are.
Adapting beloved novels is a tough thing to accomplish. On Swift Horses is adapted from the novel of the same name by Shannon Pufahl. This book was a prize winner for lesbian fiction, however, this adaptation has placed more focus on a romantic drama mixed with gambling. It’s clear Muriel and Julius ignite something within the other. They see the need for freedom brimming within. This makes the first half of On Swift Horses focused.
However, we’re soon brought into the world of gambling and stay there for a while. Muriel bets on horses in California while Julius is in Vegas counting cards. During this time, Julius falls for a fellow gambler Henry (Diego Calva). The heart of Pufahl’s novel begins coming through as we see Julius and Henry’s relationship grow. In his supporting role, it’s Calva’s strong performance that stays with the audience. It’s also at this time that Muriel begins having an affair with her neighbour Sandra (Sasha Calle). However, there isn’t enough time spent with the two to truly show the care they have for each other.
Overall, On Swift Horses is a queer romance film that at times loses that focus at the expense of a gambling story and adds the question of a possible love triangle. Yet, it is beautifully shot by Canadian Cinemaographer Luc Montpellier who makes 50s America feel like a neo-noir film.
On Swift Horses screens at TIFF ’24:
Sat, Sept 7 at 6:15 PM at VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre
Sun, Sept 8 at 9 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Sat, Sept 14 at 9:45 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
Sun, Sept 15 at 12:30 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
By Mr. Will Wong
Based on the popular Mystery Novel of the same name by Agatha Christie, BritBox series WHY DIDN’T THEY ASK EVANS? is set for release tomorrow on the popular streaming service. The Series centers on Bobby Jones (Will Poulter), whom after hearing a dying man’s last words, “Why didn’t they ask Evans?”, is left to solve the crime and brings in his childhood socialite friend Frankie (Lucy Boynton) to help. Starring, directed and written by SAG and Golden Globe Award winner Hugh Laurie, the Series takes us along Bobby and Frankie‘s journey in finding themselves, while they find answers to the mystery.
We had the opportunity to sit-in on a junket with Poulter, Boynton and Laurie as they discussed their characters and involvement with the Series.
Hugh Laurie talks about adapting Agatha Christie and his recollection of the source material.
Laurie: “I first read it when I was quite young…and I remembered very particularly the meaning of the question, ‘Why didn’t they ask Evans?’. And when the meaning is revealed, it’s a stroke of absolute genius. I think she was unique in the way she constructed this and the way she has a perfect sense of timing so that at that exact moment you could just flip-over the card and go, “Oh my God! That’s been in front of me all this time and I never saw it!’. And I remember that so clearly. I feel like I knew it well enough not to be thrown by anything.”.
“The Actors were very intuitive. All of them had done their homework. They all came to the set knowing what it was, what the scene required and the rhythm of it, how to play it essentially. I feel very lucky that a lot of my work was done for me. They did it. it wasn’t me playing all the parts. Not me.”.
We ask Boynton and Poulter about the chemistry that Frankie and Bobby share. While we don’t see a lot of their history on-screen, the way they interact gives us lots of insight into their past. They tell us about their preparation.
Boynton: “It was pretty much all on-screen as we didn’t get to meet before.”.
Laurie: “Explain that you didn’t refuse to meet.”.
Boynton: “But we did. (jokingly) COVID obviously prevented us from having an in-person read-through and I was out of the country and such, so I was late to filming. I think we both individually fell in love with our characters and you can’t fall in love with Frankie without falling in love with them together as a duo. And it’s really beautiful seeing them as childhood friends and now they’re reunited for the first time as adults, and seeing how both of them really want to short-cut back to that initial repartee and dynamic they had. They still have to go through this process of re-learning each other and seeing these two characters try to wrangle that with such beautiful intentions and that foundation of knowing each other in such a formative part of their lives. And as you can see, the colloquial dynamic they have, was just incredibly endearing. And the wit they share, the sense of humour, it offers that short-cut. But yeah, trying to wrangle that was a really beautiful experience.”.
Poulter: “Hugh would often remind us of that. I can recall a note Hugh gave that this was that occasion when you were kids that was really, really funny and you were trying not to laugh, and then you look at each other and you were gonna laugh. So channel that kind of energy and it was cool two see these two adults who are kinda falling in love, but there are moments that are punctuated by them kinda being silly kids. Like when he’s in front of the house in uniform and Lucy makes a funny remark. And what rehearsal time we didn’t have, we were able to compensate with some kind of proverbial table time. On Zoom, Hugh, Lucy and I had a lot of discussions. It was really informative understanding the kind of journeys our characters have been on individually and together that we have as young people – how friendly we had been, and the amount of time that had passed between the last time they met and the time you meet them. All of that was really helpful revealing the history.”.
Emma Thompson and Jim Broadbent even make a spirited appearance in the Series. They talk about the experience of working with these greats.
Boynton: “Just getting a front row seat to their dynamic, they all go way back and Patrick Barlow on-set as well. So their comedic timing is so in-sync and allows them a greater freedom to really bounce off each other. This is my external opinion. I think it allows them to bounce off each other much more succinctly, be really free with the text but within the realms of that scene. And it was just really beautiful to watch. I tried to exit that scene as soon as possible and everyone was six inches from the monitors just grinning.”.
Poulter: “Such a cool to see such experienced Actors you’re such a fan of, have so much fun and watching them enjoy it as much as I feel they did. It was so cool and inspiring to see.”.
Laurie: “May I add that it’s incredibly impressive? Because Jim and Emma showed-up with their clanking Oscars – they actually bring them to the set – so everyone knows what’s what. Lesser Actors might easily have been intimidated or thrown by this sort of history and status. But for me, it was absolutely joyous to see all five of you in that scene immediately dispensing of that. It’s just sorta relaxed, fearless and easy-going way. Lots of people would not do that in that position.”.
WHY DID’T THEY ASK EVANS? streams April 12, 2022 on BritBox.
(Photo/video credit: BritBox)
eOne Films x Mr. Will want to take Readers to see DETROIT on Monday, July 31, 2017. Screenings take place in Toronto, Vancouver and Ottawa.
Synopsis:
From the Academy Award®-winning director of The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty, Detroit tells the gripping story of one of the darkest moments during the civil unrest that rocked Detroit in the summer of ’67.
Cast: John Boyega, Will Poulter, Ben O’Toole, Jason Mitchell, Jack Reynor, Anthony Mackie, Jacob Latimore, Algee Smith and John Krasinski.
See the Trailer:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Re-Tweet this Tweet at @mrwillw for an extra chance!
eOne Films release DETROIT Friday, August 4, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)
Well I know what we’ll be doing Victoria Day weekend! Netflix launches the official Trailer for upcoming original feature, WAR MACHINE starring Brad Pitt!
Synopsis:
In a film for our times, writer-director David Michôd (Animal Kingdom) recreates a U.S. General’s roller-coaster rise and fall as part reality, part savage parody – raising the specter of just where the line between them lies today. His is an anti-establishment, pro-soldier exploration in the form of an absurdist war story of a born leader’s ultra-confident march right into the dark heart of folly. At the story’s core is Brad Pitt’s sly take on a successful, charismatic four-star general who leapt in like a rock star to command NATO forces in Afghanistan, only to be taken down by his own hubris and a journalist’s no-holds-barred expose. War Machine addresses the debt we owe to soldiers to question the purposes to which they are being directed.
War Machine stars also Emory Cohen, Topher Grace, Anthony Michael Hall, Will Poulter, Lakeith Stanfield, Meg Tilly, Tilda Swinton and Sir Ben Kingsley.
Some new stills:
See the Trailer:
Netflix Canada stream WAR MARCHINE Friday, May 26, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
We certainly are in a new era of cinema where we’re seeing huge stars like Brad Pitt starring in original Netflix Films! You must see this new Teaser for WAR MACHINE in which he stars alongside a massive supporting cast filled to them brim in starpower!
Synopsis:
An absurdist war story for our times, Writer-Director David Michôd (Animal Kingdom) recreates a U.S. General’s roller-coaster rise and fall as part reality, part savage parody – raising the specter of just where the line between them lies today. His is an exploration of a born leader’s ultra-confident march right into the dark heart of folly. At the story’s core is Brad Pitt’s sly take on a successful, charismatic four-star general who leapt in like a rock star to command NATO forces in Afghanistan, only to be taken down by a journalist’s no-holds-barred exposé.
WAR MACHINE stars Brad Pitt, Tilda Swinton, Sir Ben Kingsley, Anthony Michael Hall, Topher Grace, Will Poulter, Lakeith Stanfield, Emory Cohen, John Magaro, RJ Cyler, Alan Ruck, Scoot McNairy and Meg Tilly.
See the Trailer:
Netflix Canada release WAR MACHINE Friday, May 26, 2017.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
We wanted so bad for this to be at TIFF ’15, but alas The Revenant has a plan of its own and this brand-new Trailer solidifies its status as a real Awards Season contender. The bear attack. That is all.
This Film was the reason Tom Hardy couldn’t come film Suicide Squad here this Summer… so it better be good!
Synopsis:
Inspired by true events, THE REVENANT is an immersive and visceral cinematic experience capturing one man’s epic adventure of survival and the extraordinary power of the human spirit. In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption. THE REVENANT is directed and co-written by renowned filmmaker, Academy Award® winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman, Babel).
See the Trailer:
20th Century Fox Canada release THE REVENANT this Christmas.
(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)
The amount of buzz surrounding Young Adult Adaptation The Maze Runner is deafening. A Trio of Cast Members from the Action-Fantasy headed by star Dylan O’Brien (Teen Wolf), Will Poulter (We’re the Millers) and Kaya Scodelario (Skins) arrived in Toronto last night to promote the new Film by Director Wes Ball.
We caught up with the Cast earlier today as they were out doing a morning of Press with visits to CITY‘s Breakfast Television and CP24 Breakfast. Although O’Brien opted for privacy with a super-protective Bodyguard escorting him out through a hidden exit, Co-Stars Poulter and Scodelario were more than happy to stop and pose for Photos with Fans and happy the Fans were indeed! See their Breakfast Television Interview here.
Official Synopsis:
When Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) wakes up trapped in a massive maze with a group of other boys, he has no memory of the outside world other than strange dreams about a mysterious organization known as W.C.K.D. Only by piecing together fragments of his past with clues he discovers in the maze can Thomas hope to uncover his true purpose and a way to escape. Based on the best-selling Novel by James Dashner.
Watch the Trailer below:
20th Century Fox releases THE MAZE RUNNER on Friday, September 19, 2014.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/20th Century Fox)
12 Years a Slave was awarded Best Picture at the 62nd annual BAFTA Awards at London’s Royal Opera House earlier today and is believed by many to be the definitive choice to win in the same Category at next month’s Academy Awards in Los Angeles. Despite receiving a whopping ten nominations, the Drama directed by Steve McQueen, took home two Awards, with British Actor Chiwetel Ejofor taking Leading Actor in an Awards Season stateside which has been dominated by Matthew McConaughey.
Also awarded today were Cate Blanchett for Leading Actress in Blue Jasmine – a feat she likely will repeat at the Oscars, an absent Jennifer Lawrence for Supporting Actress in American Hustle and Barkhad Abdi for Supporting Actor in Captain Phillips. Will Poulter, who starred in last year’s Box Office Smash We’re The Millers, was awarded the EE Rising Star Award.
While the Hardware may have been handed out today, the Parties were alive and kicking last night and the one to be at certainly was Harvey Weinstein‘s BAFTA Nominees Dinner, sponsored by Burberry and Grey Goose Vodka. Held at Little House in Mayfair, London, the dazzling Affair boasted a Guest List including the likes of Uma Thurman, Keira Knightley, Naomi Harris, Cara Delevingne, Poppy Delevingne, Suki Waterhouse, Paloma Faith, Steve Coogan, Steve McQueen, Douglas Booth, Jamie Campbell Bower, Samantha Barks, Richard E Grant, Philomena Lee, Nick Grimshaw, Sam Claflin, Laura Haddock and Daniel Brühl.
The Star of the Evening being Grey Goose‘s LE FIZZ Cocktail (Recipe here!), the Libation named the Celebratory Drink of Choice. For Appetizers, Guests enjoyed a variety of Canapes, Scallop and Grapefruit Ceviche, Cavolo Nero Crisps and Prawn and Guacamole Skewers. The luxurious three-course Dinner included: Quinoa, Beetroot, Cucumber and Radish followed by Roast Fillet of Beef, with a light Lemon Meringue for Dessert. WWWT (wish we were there)!!!
For a complete List of Winners, click here.
(Photo credit: Getty Images/Rock-It Promotions)
Warner Bros. Canada and Mr. Will Wong are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win a Double Pass to Advance Screenings of We’re The Millers across Canada including Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver on Thursday, August 1, 2013.
If you haven’t yet seen the hilarious Red-Band Trailer for We’re The Millers, I insist you do so. All I have to say is Jennifer Aniston‘s Stripper moves and an amazing Homage to TLC‘s Smash Hit, Waterfalls have me obsessed. Sold!
Official Synopsis below:
David Burke (Jason Sudeikis) is a small-time Pot Dealer whose Clientele includes Chefs and Soccer Moms, but no kids—after all, he has his scruples. So what could go wrong? Plenty. Preferring to keep a low profile for obvious reasons, he learns the hard way that no good deed goes unpunished when he tries to help out some local Teens and winds up getting jumped by a trio of gutter Punks. Stealing his stash and his cash, they leave him in major debt to his supplier, Brad (Ed Helms). In order to wipe the slate clean—and maintain a clean bill of health—David must now become a big-time Drug Smuggler by bringing Brad‘s latest Shipment in from Mexico. Twisting the arms of his Neighbours, cynical Stripper Rose (Jennifer Aniston) and wannabe Customer Kenny (Will Poulter), and the tatted-and-pierced streetwise Teen Casey (Emma Roberts), he devises a foolproof Plan. One fake Wife, two Pretend Kids and a huge, shiny RV later, the “Millers” are headed south of the Border for a Fourth of July weekend that is sure to end with a bang!
We’re The Millers also stars: Nick Offerman, Kathryn Hahn, Thomas Lennon, and Ed Helms.
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Double your chances by sharing this Post or Re-Tweeting the below:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/werethemillers @MRWILLW wants us to #win Double Passes across Canada for #WERETHEMILLERS. In theatres 8/7! #HOWTOBEAMILLER
See for yourself the Red-Band Trailer (NSFW) everyone’s laughing about:
Can’t wait to get home to watch it? Here’s the tame(r) version of the Trailer:
Official Artwork below:
Toronto Festival of Beer
July 26-28
Bandshell Park, Toronto ON
www.beerfestival.ca/
EdgeFest
July 31, 11am
Downsview Park, Toronto ON
http://www.edge.ca/edgefest/
WakeStock
August 9-11
Millennium Waterfront Park, Collingwood ON
http://wakestock.com/
Warner Bros. Canada releases the hilarious We’re The Millers on Wednesday, August 7, 2013.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)
Everyone’s talking about Jennifer Aniston again and this is exactly why! A brand new Trailer for We’re the Millers has just surfaced and you won’t believe your eyes! And trust me, we’re still recovering from her naughty performance in 2011 Box Office Hit, Horrible Bosses. Sorta one part Harold & Kumar, a little like Weeds and kinda The Brady Bunch, this perhaps is the most outlandish Plot Line to hit the theatres this Summer.
Official Synopsis for We’re The Millers:
David Burke (Jason Sudeikis) is a small-time Pot Dealer whose clientele includes Chefs and Soccer Moms, but no Kids—after all, he has his scruples. So what could go wrong? Plenty. Preferring to keep a low profile for obvious reasons, he learns the hard way that no good deed goes unpunished when he tries to help out some local teens and winds up getting jumped by a trio of gutter punks. Stealing his stash and his cash, they leave him in major debt to his Supplier, Brad (Ed Helms). In order to wipe the slate clean—and maintain a clean bill of health—David must now become a big-time Drug Smuggler by bringing Brad‘s latest shipment in from Mexico. Twisting the arms of his neighbors, cynical stripper Rose (Jennifer Aniston) and wannabe Customer Kenny (Will Poulter), and the tatted-and-pierced streetwise teen Casey (Emma Roberts), he devises a foolproof plan. One fake Wife, two pretend Kids and a huge, shiny RV later, the Millers are headed south of the border for a Fourth of July weekend that is sure to end with a bang.
And for the not-so-light-hearted, here is the Red-Band (NSFW) Trailer:
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