Perhaps one of the more intriguing TV Series to have been filmed in Toronto of late, GANGLAND UNDERCOVER is based on true events and looks to whet the appetites of those craving more insight into Biker Culture. If AMC‘s Sons of Anarchy’s global phenomena is any indication – still drawing-in strong numbers through Bingewatching even after the Series ended – expect interest to be strong in this brand new “Biker Chic” Series from History Television Canada.

Official Synopsis:

A gritty, fact-based drama series that tells the astonishing story of a drug dealer who was arrested then given a desperate ultimatum: serve over 20 years in jail, or go undercover inside one of America’s most notorious biker gangs. Charles Falco opted to go undercover and for the next three years he led a crazy and dangerous life infiltrating the Vagos motorcycle gang, collecting evidence while faced with the constant risk that he might be discovered and become one of the gang’s victims. Each episode unfolds a different step in Falco’s covert investigation into their illegal activities, while across the series, the drama builds as carefully constructed character arcs unfold bitter personal rivalries. These tensions finally erupt when the gang’s Vice President is killed in a motorcycle accident, unleashing a chain of unforeseen consequences that ultimately tear the gang apart. With suspicions about Falco’s true identity mounting, the operation threatens to unravel, leading to a tense and dramatic conclusion. Drawing on the wealth of material from Falco’s time under cover, along with broader documented historical research of inter gang rivalry, this series dramatically captures the reality of outlaw biker counter culture: a world where freedom is equated with the right to carry guns and trade drugs with impunity, and respect can be earned through fear… Following the conclusion of his undercover operation with the Vagos, the reformed Falco goes into witness protection… but hooked on the adrenaline rush of undercover work, he volunteers to go undercover inside not just one, but two more biker gangs…

GANGLAND UNDERCOVER stars Damon Runyan in the Lead Role of Charles Falco, and Screen Veteran Paulino Nunes plays the role of Vagos Chapter President.  Both Canadian Actors were in the City today promoting the exciting new Series, starting their Press Day at Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition). We caught-up with the pair of Canadian Talent quickly for a chat on their new Series, paced quickly at six episodes.

On Charles Falco, Runyan tells me, “He is a guy who didn’t think about the consequences and here we follow his path to redemption. He goes from bottoming-out, to finding his way, to having his life threatened every day by a Motorcyle Gang – and then eventually taking them down.”.

We fell in love with the first one, and are super-excited about THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL! We want to give Toronto Readers a chance to attend a Toronto Advance Screening on Wednesday, March 4, 2015!

Official Synopsis:
THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL is the expansionist dream of Sonny (Dev Patel) , and it’s making more claims on his time than he has available, considering his imminent marriage to the love of his life, Sunaina (Tina Desai). Sonny has his eye on a promising property now that his first venture, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and Beautiful, has only a single remaining vacancy – posing a rooming predicament for fresh arrivals Guy (Richard Gere) and Lavinia (Tamsin Greig). Evelyn and Douglas (Judi Dench and Bill Nighy) have now joined the Jaipur workforce, and are wondering where their regular dates for Chilla pancakes will lead, while Norman and Carol (Ronald Pickup and Diana Hardcastle) are negotiating the tricky waters of an exclusive relationship, as Madge (Celia Imrie) juggles two eligible and very wealthy suitors. Perhaps the only one who may know the answers is newly installed co-manager of the hotel, Muriel (Maggie Smith), the keeper of everyone’s secrets. As the demands of a traditional Indian wedding threaten to engulf them all, an unexpected way forward presents itself.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

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http://www.mrwillwong/bestexoticmarigold2 @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #THESECONDBESTEXOTICMARIGOLDHOTEL. Out 3/6!

Fox Searchlight release THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL on Friday, March 6, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight)

Oscar and multi-TONY Winner Angela Lansbury is in town in case you didn’t know! The Actress, best known for her work as Jessica Fletcher on long-running Series MURDER, SHE WROTE, reprises her Tony-winning role as Madame Arcati in Mirvish Productions’ BLITHE SPIRIT, running at once-endangered Princess of Wales Theatre till March 5, 2015.

Official Synopsis:

Researching for his new novel, Charles Condomine invites the implausible medium Madame Arcati to his house for a séance. While consumed in a trance, Madame Arcati unwittingly summons the ghost of Charles’ dead wife Elvira. Appearing only to Charles, Elvira soon makes a play to reclaim her husband, much to the chagrin of Charles’ new wife Ruth. Now if he wants his latest marriage to stand a GHOST of a chance, he’d better conjure up a solution quickly. One husband, two feuding wives and a whisper of mischief in the air – who will win in Noel Coward’s unworldly comedy?

The Comedy also stars Downton Abbey‘s Charles Edwards as Charles Condomine, the Thespian kind enough to stop for pictures and autographs for Fans in the cold. Lansbury we were advised would not be stopping, although she did advise “You can take a photo of me!”. After asking her nicely she stopped and posed for a Photo with me in it, advising me “I don’t know what you’re gonna do with this!”.The camera unfortunately snapped just one second to slow! Oh nooo!

For more on tickets to see BLITHE SPIRIT, click here.

Charles Edwards + Mr. Will:

Charming Thespian + #DowntonAbbey Star, #CharlesEdwards in #Toronto for #Mirvish’s #BlitheSpirit. Runs till 3/15. #Theatre

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Feb 17, 2015 at 8:21pm PST

Angela Lansbury + Mr. Will:

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Feb 17, 2015 at 8:20pm PST

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Mirvish Productions)

In case you didn’t know what a DUFF is, the new Film Adaptation of the Novel by Kody Keplinger is about to do what Mean Girls did for the term “fetch”. The Teen-Comedy centers on charismatic and aspiring young Writer Bianca (Mae Whitman), whose world crumbles one day when hunky jock and potential Homecoming King Wesley (Robbie Amell) tells her that all along she has been “The DUFF” in her friendship with her BFFs Casey (Bianca Santos) and Jessica (Skyler Samuels). That is, she is the approachable one who guys use to get closer to her attractive friends. Hence, DUFF = Designated Ugly Fat Friend.

Despite some denial initially, quickly Bianca ends her friendships with Casey and Jessica after this realization. She seeks to carve her own identity, striking a deal with a Chemistry-failing Wesley to help him improve his grades should he help her transition out of DUFF-ness with a makeover. The two childhood friends begin to form a connection, rekindling some of that bond they had as next-door neighbours when little. One wrench in the plans: Manipulative and judgmental “Queen Bee” Madison (Bella Thorne) is out to win back Ex-Boyfriend Wesley. Another hitch, Bianca is a little bit torn as she has feelings for guitar-playing Toby (Nick Eversman), while grappling with her growing feelings for Wesley.

After years in supporting turns, Mae Whitman (The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Arrested Development) shines bright in The DUFF with a smart and engaging performance as Bianca. Amell also is funny and irresistible the more the Story progresses and the layers of vulnerability are peeled.

Amell and Fiancée Italia Ricci, both from Toronto, got a Homecoming King and Queen’s welcome home tonight at Scotiabank Theatre, with a Red Carpet Canadian Premiere for The DUFF, which had the Audience chuckling. Their proud Families also came out to show their support, stopping to pose for a group Photo.

We chat quickly with Ricci and Amell about their own Homecoming and their lives growing up in Toronto.  Ricci, we learn, grew-up in Newmarket, while Amell went to Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute.

Ricci: “I didn’t have a Prom Date in High School.  I was definitely a bit weird. I went through a witchcraft phase and a dreadlock phase. I had  friends I made towards the end of High School. They’re here tonight and they’re still here.  I think The DUFF does a really good job making you realize High School is only as daunting as you make it.”.

On the recent second Season renewal of ABC Family Series in which she stars, she tells us “It’s about April, who’s 24-years-old. She’s diagnosed with Lieukemia and forced to navigate her world – her job, love life and friends.  It’s all about hope and never giving up.”.

Amell: “I had good friends, good grades and I played a lot of sports (in High School). But everyone has had their DUFF moments. I had bad skin in High School, so that was my confidence thing.”. “The whole thing about being a DUFF isn’t so much what someone labels you. It’s more your frame of mind.”.

On his Character Wesley, the quickly-rising The Flash Star admits, “I definitely relate to Wesley about the time you cross 35% of the way into this Movie. He starts off a dumb jock and I was a bit worried this was how his Character would be throughout.”.  “Then you get to know him and you get to see he has a big heart.”.

Watch our Chats with Ricci and Amell:

Attending The DUFF‘s Premiere held more than one significance for me. In Grade 12, a big part of my year was looking forward to Graduation and of course, Prom Night. Without a part-time job and knowing I couldn’t really afford the rental Tux, tickets nor cab ride for that matter, my Mom secretly went to my Guidance Counselor while I was in class and in her broken English, managed to purchase a pair of Prom Tickets, knowing my excitement for it. As soon as I found out I had tickets after getting pulled-in to see the Guidance Counselor (I thought I was in trouble!), I was overjoyed and knew exactly who I’d ask as my date – one of my Best Friends Dani, who was ahead of me a year. I had fast-tracked ahead to an OAC (Grade 13) Sociology Course and remember having the most amazing time sitting beside her in class. She was so bright, pretty, eloquent and a strong character – actively involved in many extra-curricular activities, like Student Council. We would make each other Mix Tapes and to this day I can remember all the songs she recorded for me.  She gave me an eclectic mix ranging from R.E.M. to Rod Stewart.  Mine to her usually had Madonna on them – which actually is kinda hilarious considering how age-inappropriate her Music was.

Although I was extremely appreciative of my Mom’s gesture, I felt terrible the more I thought about what sacrifice going to the Prom meant for my Parents. I knew my Mom already was on Disability at work from an injury. My Dad was recovering from his Heart Attack and at a financial loss after he had to give up his dreams of owning a Restaurant since falling ill.  Despite my efforts fundraising for my Vocal Jazz Ensemble’s trip to Banff, any remaining savings I had went already to that Trip. My Parents also were paying for my boarding at the time since they had just bought a new home, meaning I would have had to change High Schools for my final year – something I wasn’t willing to do since I loved my School so much.

I came to realize that attending Prom wasn’t going to be a reality and I had to break the news to Dani that I would refund the tickets and give the money back to my Mom.  So back I went to see my Guidance Counselor, begging for her to refund the non-refundable Tickets. Word caught-on and all the Teachers were talking about it.  My History Teacher Mr. Foy, commended me in class for being what he thought was “noble”. Dani handled it so well and it never sat well with me that I couldn’t deliver my promise.

The Premiere tonight gave me a chance to do something I’d wanted to do since High School and after getting the invite to cover the Red Carpet, I knew who exactly I’d be bringing as my Guest if she happened to be free!

And she said “yes”!!

See our Prom Photos from tonight:

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Feb 17, 2015 at 7:10pm PST

And guess who joined one of our many Do-Over Prom Photos? ROBBIE AMELL!!!

A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Feb 17, 2015 at 4:03pm PST

Epic.

eOne Films release THE DUFF on Friday, February 20, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong | Photos taken on Nikon D3300)

Celebrating its 40th year, NBC‘S Saturday Night Live has on the hearts of North Americans, giving us something to look forward to every weekend since 1974. 11 Films based on Characters have been made. Several Superstars have been born out of the Series. Even if they already were a Star, hosting Saturday Night Live in many instances solidified one’s Star Power and Celebrity or even boosted it.  Eddie Murphy. Bill Murray. Martin Short. Maya Rudolph. Seth Myers. Dan Aykroyd. Tina Fey. Amy Poehler. Kristen Wiig.  Gilda Radner. Will Ferrell. Mike Myers. Chris Rock. Billy Crystal. Ben Stiller.  These are just handful of the comedic Geniuses to come out of the beloved Series.

The Cast and Crew came together along with several other beloved talents in Hollywood last night for a one night only affair celebrating the Series’ milestone accomplishment and laughs, interspersed with some amazing musical performances, paid tribute to what SNL has accomplished and also those we have lost.

See some of the amazing Sketches from last night one more time!

Jimmy Fallon + Justin Timberlake Opening:

Celebrity Jeopardy with Will Ferrell:

The Californians with Bradley Cooper, Taylor Swift + Betty White:

Dana Carvey + Mike Myers – Wayne’s World

Adam Samberg + Adam Sandler – That’s When You Break (Music Video)

Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Jane Curtin – Weekend Update with Emma Stone:

To another amazing 40 years!  It’s still our dream to see SNL live one day!

(Photo/video credit: NBC)

Judd Apatow never disappoints us. To be honest, we aren’t v. familiar with the work of Comedienne Amy Schumer, but once glance at this and we’re already a Fan! A brand new Trailer for what could be the Rom-Com of Summer ’15 – TRAINWRECK – has just surfaced.  Apatow helms and we are happy to see SNL Alumni Bill Hader getting that Leading Man status he deserves.

Synopsis:
A magazine writer (Amy Schumer) who was raised to believe that monogamy isn’t realistic finds herself falling for the subject of the article she’s writing, a successful sports doctor (Bill Hader).

See the Trailer:

Universal Pictures Canada release TRAINWRECK on Friday, July 17, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Toronto-filmed CRIMSON PEAK finally gets a Trailer release and it looks bloody terrifying! This is Director Guillermo Del Toro like we’ve never seen! We don’t think we can wait till Halloween for this!

See the Trailer:

Official Synopsis:
Legendary Pictures’ Crimson Peak, a co-production with Universal Pictures, is a haunting gothic horror story directed by the master of dark fairy tales, Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy series, Pacific Rim), written by del Toro & Matthew Robbins and starring Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam and Jim Beaver.

In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds… and remembers. 

Universal Pictures Canada release CRIMSON PEAK on Friday, October 16, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Not that there ever was a doubt about it, but FIFTY SHADES OF GREY  manages to exceed expectations  still with a smashing $81.7 million opening from 3,646 theatres for Universal Pictures. This feat makes it one of the highest-grossing R-rated openings of all time with the likes of The Passion of the Christ and Matrix Reloaded. The E.L. James Adaptation from Director Sam Taylor-Johnson, might not have gotten much love critically this Valentine’s Day weekend, but Fans certainly are in love at the Box Office.  It received a 22% from Critics on the Tomatometer. Audiences gave it a C+ CinemaScore.  It was just announced the Sequel starts filming this Summer in Vancouver!  We don’t care what anyone thinks. WE LOVE IT. Our Review here.

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE opens solid with an amazing $35.6 million from 3,204 theatres for 20th Century Fox.  The Action/Mystery starring Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson and Tagar Egerton opens with a strong 71% on the Tomatometer and B+ CinemaScore from Audiences.

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER continues to go well in its second week with $30.5million from 3.654 theatres for Paramount Pictures. In already has surpassed the $100-million-mark domestically.

AMERICAN SNIPER slips to fourth spot for Warner Bros. in its eighth week out with $16.4 million.  To date, it has grossed $307 million in North America.

THE IMITATION GAME continues to get positive word of mouth, hanging-on to the Top Ten in eighth with $3.3 million for The Weinstein Co./eOne Films, reaching the $80-million-mark domestically.

PROJECT ALMANAC rounds-out the Top Ten for Paramount Pictures with $2.7 million in its third week.

D Films and Mr. Will want to scare you good! THE LAZARUS EFFECT screens on February 25/26 and we want Readers in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Halifax to see it first.

Official Synopsis:
A group of medical research students accidentally kill one of their team while doing an experiment on the brain. They discover a way to bring their dead colleague back to life, but while doing so, unwittingly unlock a deadly force. Fighting for their own lives, the team has to keep their colleague in the lab before she gets out and threatens the world.

THE LAZARUS EFFECT stars Olivia Wilde (House), Evan Peters (American Horror Story), Sarah Bolger (Once Upon A Times), Mark Duplass (The Mindy Project) and Donald Glover/ Childish Gambino (Community).

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

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G’luck Willionaire$!

D Films release THE LAZARUS EFFECT on Friday, February 27, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: D Films)

Holy!  Where did his come from? How did we have no idea?  Who’d have thought Sofia Vergara and Reese Witherspoon would make such a great Team?  See this brand-new Trailer for the hilarious-looking HOT PURSUIT!

See the Trailer:

Synopsis:
In Hot Pursuit, an uptight and by-the-book cop (Witherspoon) tries to protect the sexy and outgoing widow (Vergara) of a drug boss as they race through Texas, pursued by crooked cops and murderous gunmen.

John Carroll Lynch (“Crazy, Stupid, Love.”) and Rob Kazinsky (“Pacific Rim”) also star.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release HOT PURSUIT on Friday, May 8, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)