M.O. Pictures and Mr. Will want you to get terrified this Halloween! We want you to win a Digital Download of V/H/S: VIRAL, which follows fame-obsessed teens who unwittingly become stars of the next internet sensation.  Do you want to get famous?

Watch the Red-Band Trailer:

To enter to win, Canadian Readers simply can click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook!

M.O. Pictures release V/H/S: VIRAL, now available for Digital Download in Canada.

(Photo/video credit: M.O. Pictures)

It is no mystery how much I adore HBO Series GIRLS and after being down about missing Creator and Star Lena Dunham‘s Just for Laughs Festival appearance in September last month, fate would give me a second shot at meeting her.  In Toronto promoting her new Book NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL, the 28-year-old Screenwriter, Director, Actress, Producer and now Author, had a busy day of Press which concluded with her speaking at the Toronto Reference Library‘s Bram & Bluma Appel Salon.

Reading excerpts form the Book of Essays, Dunham connected with close to a thousand Fans tonight, followed by an Autograph Signing which saw Fans gushing in delight as they left just how sweet she is.  Her Father, Painter Carroll Dunham even accompanied the Golden Globe-winning Star on this trip.

Although promising to stop for Photos upon arrival, a newly-green-haired Dunham quickly was rushed out of the Venue after her appearance. We caught up with her later in the night and she was an absolute delight, stopping for Photos, while signing copies of her Book with personalizations.

After a bit of a cliffhanger of a third Season, we greatly anticipate the upcoming fourth season of GIRLS, to premiere early 2015!

Doubleday Canada release NOT THAT KIND OF GIRL, now in stores.  More here.

Lena Dunham + Mr. Will:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada and Mr. Will Wong want to give Readers a chance to win the Sing-Along Version of Oscar-winning Animated Feature FROZEN on DVD! Even if you’ve experienced the magic on the Big Screen many times, it’s certainly not too soon to experience it all again at home … and sing along!!

Just follow the bouncing Snowflake!

Official Synopsis:
Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey — teaming up with rugged Mountain Man Kristoff and his loyal Reindeer Sven — to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the Kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical Trolls and a hilarious Snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the Kingdom.

FROZEN features the Voice Work of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff and Josh Gad.

Our Review of the amazing FROZEN here.

Watch the Trailer:

Official Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. You’re encouraged to share this Post via Social Media and you can increase your chances by Re-Tweeting the below:

http:///www.mrwillwong.com/frozen @MRWILLW wants us to #win a Copy of #FROZENSINGALONG on DVD! In stores 11/18!

Walt Disney Animation Studios release FROZEN SING-ALONG  Tuesday, November 18, 2014 on DVD.

Pre-order it here!

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Animation Studios)

Shailene like we’ve never seen her before!  Ever since we first saw the Trailer for WHITE BIRD IN A BLIZZARD from Director Gregg Araki, we’ve been mesmerized and now we’d like to take some Toronto Readers to see it first!

Official Synopsis:
Kat Connors (Shailene Woodley) is 17 years old when her perfect homemaker mother, Eve (Eva Green), a beautiful, enigmatic, and haunted woman, disappears – just as Kat is discovering and relishing her newfound sexuality. Having lived for so long in a stifled, emotionally repressed household, she barely registers her mother’s absence and certainly doesn’t blame her doormat of a father, Brock (Christopher Meloni), for the loss. In fact, it’s almost a relief.

But as time passes, Kat begins to come to grips with how deeply Eve‘s disappearance has affected her. Returning home on a break from college, she finds herself confronted with the truth about her mother’s departure, and her own denial about the events surrounding it…

See the Trailer:

Did we just see Gabourey Sidibe in that Trailer too?!? I think we did!

Official Artwork:

To enter to win, simply “like” this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook.  Entries will be drawn end of day!

Video Services Corp. release WHITE BIRD IN A BLIZZARD in Toronto on Friday, October 24, 2014 and November 1, 2014 in Ottawa.

“Like” Video Services Corp. on Facebook here.

(Photo/video credit: Video Services Corp.)

At long last. We thought we’d never hear new Solo Music from Gwen Stefani! We love No Doubt, but we adore and cannot live without Gwen Stefani as a Solo Act! Her first Solo Single in over eight years does not disappoint and at long last we have a proper clean, crisp Audio + Video for new Single BABY DON’T LIE from her upcoming new Studio Disc due in stores later this year. The Track is co-produced and co-written by Benny Blanco, Ryan Tedder and Noel Zancanella and everything we hoped for. Fresh, synthy, edgy and full of fervor.  Longtime Collaborator Sophie Muller directs the festive and colourful romp!

See the Video below:

BABY DON’T LIE is now available on iTunes.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music)

Somewhere along her recent Toronto Press Tour, Meghan Trainor found a quick minute to pop by over at the National Post and record an Acoustic version of Sam Smith‘s Stay With Me as per of their NP Sessions Series. And let me tell you – your mind will be blown! Dare I say I like it even more than the original? Sorry, Sam! You know I love you too!

Surely we can’t be the only ones to see a little Dolly Parton in her?

Check it out in full below:

We cannot sing high enough praises for this Girl. We adore her and need that full-length Album like yesterday! Trainor‘s Disc TITLE will be in stores on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 via Sony Music!

Official Artwork:

If you haven’t checked out her new Single LIPS ARE MOVING, here‘s a sample.

Read about that time we meet Meghan Trainor right here.

(Photo/video credit: National Post)

The 77th  Pattison Canadian International was held at Woodbine Racetrack  yesterday, the $1-million one-and-a-half mile race drawing competitors domestic and abroad for a shot at the big prize!  Post-Time Favourite HILLSTAR would go on to win by just under a horse length, under now two-time Pattison Canadian International-winning jockey Ryan Moore over  U.S. invader BIG BLUE KITTEN, ridden by Joel Rosario.  The Winner paid $4.50 on a $2 bet, the final time a respectable 2:29, about four seconds off the Course Record.

The afternoon certainly was not without its share of drama as Co-Favourite Brown Panther, also from England, was started moments before the race startled, bolting off with his rider Richard Kingscote, who eventually was dismounted. The Horse’s owner, English Football Star Michael Owen took to Twitter to express his disappointment, but was glad nonetheless that his prized Star and its rider were unharmed.

Earlier on the Card, Racing Fans were delighted with some remarkable Races on the Program including the $500k E.P. Taylor Stakes (regarded as a top turf fixture internationally for female horses), the $300k Nearctic Stakes (a respected turf event for sprinters) and also the $150k Ontario Fashion (a sprint race on the main track for female horses). JUST THE JUDGE would prevail in the E.P. Taylor under soon-to-retire jockey Jamie Spencer winning by a half-length over ODELIZ, both Irish-bred fillies. The Winner returned $5.20 to a $2 bet. Canada’s DECEPTIVE VISION placed third in the Race for historic Sam-Son Farms.

I had the pleasure of entertaining a group of Social Media Influencers earlier in the day, who took delight in meeting one of Woodbine’s top riders Patrick Husbands just moments before he went-on to win on race favourite HILLABY! We enjoyed the one-day only international flavours including Funnel Cakes, Smoked Turkey Legs, Philly Cheesesteaks, Crepes and so much more!

Patrick Husbands + Friends: 

Also, those limited edition and fashionable Pattison Canadian International Scarves clearly were a cross-generational hit!

It’s not too late still to check-out the races at Woodbine Racetrack, which conclude this December!  Let’s make a day of it!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The stars shined bright tonight on the yellow carpet at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts as the 2014 Canada’s Walk of Fame Tribute Show commenced on a chillier-than-average October day.  The annual Fixture which originated in 1998 honouring individuals who have contributed greatly to the Canadian Cultural landscape, saw representatives from multiple disciplines recognized with an equally star-studded list of Presenters.  Their achievements are commemorated via a star plaque situated between John to Simcoe Streets in Toronto, in and around the Entertainment District.

Among those  honoured this year were the likes of Actor Ryan Reynolds, Actress Rachel McAdams, Olympian and Hockey Icon Hayley Wickenheiser, Philanthropist Louise Arbour, Musician Jeff Healey and iconic Rock Outfit, The Band.  Their Peers including Jian Ghomeshi, Wendy Crewson, Tom Cochrane, Jay Baruchel, Clara Hughes, Peter Fonda and more were on-hand to introduce each of this year’s Star Recipients.

Director and Film/Television Star Jason Priestley filled Host’s duties more than ably with his quick wit, poking fun at everything from the traffic in Toronto to the perception that all Canadian Actors hang with one another while in Hollywood. We had the pleasure of chatting with Priestley  on who his Canadian Heroes are and why it is he chose to be involved with Canada’s Walk of Fame.  On his Idol, he says “It was The Relic on The Beachcombers back in the day. That’s how long ago I left Canada.”.  He adds, “I left Canada in the mid-80s but  I’m so thankful every day I grew up here. I want to Theatre School here and Canada’s been extremely important to me as an Artist and a Man.  That’s why it’s important for me to be here recognizing these great Entertainers and Political Figures.”.

We spoke quickly to Ryan Reynolds who arrived sans pregnant Wife Blake Lively and he reveals to us his greatest Canadian Heroes.  “Michael J. Fox for starters, Atom Egoyan (whom he collaborated with on 2014’s The Captive), Gordon Lightfoot… I loved Barenaked Ladies growing-up” says the Vancouver-born Honouree. “There’s no shortage of Canadian Heroes, I could definitely do this all day!”.   Reynolds upon receiving his Star, spoke to some of the highs and lows he’s faced in his Career, telling the Audience “My ability to laugh at myself has saved my life.  Canada’s greatest export in fact is sarcasm.”.  He proceeded to thank his Mother Tammy who was in-attendance and Lively, whom he describes as “An Alien.  Like MacGyver-meets-Brigitte Bardot!“.

Prized Hockey Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser had full control of the stage today, speaking eloquently about her success and how our national treasure of a sport, Hockey, has afforded her many privileges in life.  She brought along a ten-year-old Cancer-surviving Hockey Player named Grace whom had her leg amputated, lauding her courage to continue fighting in the name of the Sport.  Wickenheiser also thanked her Son Noah on-stage, whom she admits isn’t a Hockey Fan.  She went-on to thank him for his understanding in all her travels away from home, drawing emotional reactions from some of the Audience members.

McAdams certainly was the Belle of the Ball, looking one-part Classic Hollywood Starlet and one-part Grecian Goddess in a dual-tone flowy number.  Despite being rushed-in and unable to accommodate many Media interviews, she made a strong impression, tearfully receiving her Star on the Walk of Fame.  The Actress, in-town currently filming the Drama Spotlight, admits “As much as I love adventure, there is nothing more nourishing to my soul than coming home.”.  McAdams went-on to credit York University for giving her a foundation and skills which she still draws-upon still  to this day as one of Hollywood’s top Actresses.

Musical Tributes also were given to Inductees Jeff Healey and The Band, with JUNO Winner Sean Jones and The Treasures (ft. Tom Cochrane and more) putting on a dazzling display for the Audience respectively.  Scarborough’s The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) was named Recipient of the Allan Slaight Award, honouring one young Canadian for making a positive impact.  His latest Disc KISS LAND debuted atop the iTunes Album Chart and in three short years, he has seen his star rise on the international front.

Global Television airs the 2014 CANADA’S WALK OF FAME TRIBUTE SHOW on Friday, December 19, 2014 at 8:00 PM EST.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Living up to its name, World War II Drama FURY takes the top of the Box Office for Sony Pictures this weekend, opening in 3,713 theatres across North America with an impressive $23.5 million in its debut. This also gives Director David Ayer (who wrote Training Day) the distinction of the second time debuting atop the Box Office.  He accomplished the feat first in September 2012 with End of Watch.  Made for a reported $68 million budget, the Film starring a talented male Ensemble including Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Joe Bernthal, Michael Peña and Megastar Brad Pitt tallied in at 80% on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer, a strong consensus from Critics.  CinemaScore also indicates Audiences gave it an A- which bodes well for word of mouth.

Slipping to second spot this weekend is 20th Century Fox‘s commercially and critically successful GONE GIRL. After remaining on-top for two consecutive weeks domestically, the Film earns $17.8 million this weekend in its third week out from 3,248 theatres.  The Film also just surpassed the $100 million-mark this weekend in North America also.

20th Century Fox also has a solid showing in third spot with THE BOOK OF LIFE with $17 million from 3,071 theatres.  The Animated Feature from Director/Writer Jorge Gutierrez and Producer Guillermo del Toro featuring the Voice Work of Zoe Saldana, Channing Tatum and Diego Luna, critically has been well-received with an 80% tally on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore also. Many are calling this a Contender Awards Season in its respective category.

ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY continues to capitalize on a lack of Family-oriented options at the Box Office, in fourth this weekend with $12 million from 3,088 theatres in its second week for Disney.

THE BEST OF ME, the latest Film Adaptation from best-selling Romance Writer Nicholas Sparks, opens in fifth spot with $10.2 million for Relativity Media and eOne Films from 2,936 theatres.  Starring James Marsden and Michelle Monaghan, Critics were harsh on it with a 7% on the Tomatometer, but a decent B+ CinemaScore from Audiences.

ANNABELLE continues to scare Moviegoers in eight with $7.9 million in its third week out from 2,878 theatres.  In its North America run so far, this Prequel to The Conjuring has made just shy of $80 million for Warner Bros.

THE EQUALIZER hangs-on to the Top Ten in ninth spot for Sony Pictures with $5.4 million from 2,262 theatres in four weeks, cumulatively grossing just under $90 million.

THE MAZE RUNNER rounds-out the Top Ten with $4.5 million in its fifth week out, just surpassing the $90 million-mark domestically.

One of my favourite annual Fixtures in the City is The Delicious Food Show and now in its third year, I’ve seen the Event develop from spectacular to somehow even more polished. Taking place at the Direct Energy Centre this weekend, the three-day Food Expo brings-in a star-studded list of Celebrity Chefs with countless opportunities to delight your tastebuds. Cooking Demonstrations, Autograph Signings, Food and Drink Sampling – the question is, what isn’t there to do at The Delicious Food Show?

The Chew Star, renowned Chef and Author Mario Batali headlines the Event this year delighting Fans by putting on a Demo, followed by a Signing today for his new Book AMERICA FARM TO TABLE, offering them a rare chance to get up close and personal. The new Book brought him one-on-one with Farmers across the U.S. gathering stories. He says, “We took pics of their mailboxes, their food, their chickens. Their food is even more delicious after knowing their stories”. The famous Croc-Wearer adds, “There is no gift more selfless and emotionally delightful than giving something delicious.”. Just last night, the Chef in a once-in-a-lifetime Op collaborated with BUCA‘s Rob Gentile at that Hotspot “gifting” palettes with some scintillating offerings and we hear Truffles were plentiful.

Popular Culinary Personality Tyler Florence also graced the Stage today promoting also his latest Book, INSIDE THE TEST KITCHEN. The Book  is comprised of Recipes based on Twitter Fan Feedback and Photos  shot entirely on his iPad. With the assistance of Technology, he was able to put together the Book at one-third the Budget which a Cookbook normally costs (approximately $130k). “I spent three hours on Twitter, thanks to in-flight Wi-Fi, crowdsourcing Recipes from the Community”, says Florence on the 125-Recipe release. “We found a way to cook a 16 lb. turkey in one-and-a-half hours and make bread rise with no yeast”.

Canadian Celebrity Chef/Hunk Chuck Hughes returns to the Event this year and as always is a Favourite. On the topic of cooking for Children, he revealed to Media that his Son absolutely is into chopped liver and he is experimenting with lots of pureeing currently. There was a consensus among Batali, Hughes and Florence at today’s Junket and that would be for Parents to stop offering their Children the “Kids’ Menu” option when dining out. As Batali says succinctly, “I hate Chicken Fingers”.

One huge announcement was made at today’s Gathering and we learned that in September 2015, the City will host the first-ever TORONTO FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL. Although details are still yet to be confirmed, it is said that it won’t be exclusive to downtown Toronto only. That is, other parts of Greater Toronto also will be engaged. This comes hot on the heels of successful Festivals in New York, Austin, LA, Hawaii, Atlanta, Barbados, and Aspen  from the respected Publication.

The Delicious Food Show runs from Friday, October 17, 2014 through Sunday, October 19, 2014. More details here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)