Toronto got a huge surprise last night as six-time World Champion Wrestler Dave Batista came to do a day of Press in support of his latest, the eagerly-awaited GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY from Marvel!  The WWE Star has directed his sights to a promising career as an Actor and in the Blockbuster he plays the role of Drax the Destroyer.  In addition to being known for his brute strength and resilience, the Character has the ability to blast energy from his hands.

Batista was up and at it early leaving his Hotel in the Entertainment District with his Entourage –  not without some Starbucks first – before spending much of his day at the Bell Media Building, taping interviews and also doing a live appearance on CP24 Breakfast.  On the Show, he revealed that he had a team of five people whom spent four-and-a-half hours applying makeup each day.  “I think this is the best Film Marvel‘s ever done”, he proclaims.  Visit CP24 Breakfast’s Site under the “VIDEOS” section for the complete interview here.

Making an appearance at an Advance Screening last night held at Scotiabank Theatre, Batista fielded questions on the Red Carpet before heading on in to introduce the Blockbuster, even posing for a group photo with Fans.

See the Snap below:

Special thanks to our Contributor Jon Godfrey for sending over  his Snaps of Batista at the Screening last night!  Review coming soon!

Watch the Trailer:

And remember that time we met Chris Pratt?  He’s absolutely the nicest. We’re thrilled to see his ascension in Hollywood from the Guy-Next-Door to a bona fide Superstar!

Marvel Canada release GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY opens in theatres tomorrow, August 1, 2014.

Expect huge numbers.

(Photo/video credit: Jon Godfrey/Marvel Canada)

Jane Lynch has been a Star long before the Glee Phenomenon which took the World by storm in 2009. Known best for her work as Sue Sylvester on that Fox Musical-Comedy Series which garnered her both Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy Awards, Lynch has built a lofty Resume of work which dates back to the late ’80s. It was her role in Christopher Guest‘s Show Dog Mockumentary, Best in Show, as Ex-Pornstar Christy Cummings which would put her on the map. Memorable and fearless roles in The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and A Mighty Wind (also by Guest) soon would follow and it would only be a matter of time before she became a household name.

The Funnywoman is in Toronto today promoting Febreze and their Noseblind Campaign.  That is, are you so accustomed to odours in your home that you don’t even notice them anymore? If there is anyone who knows the benefits of the Freshening Spray, it would be her – a Pet Advocate and loving Owner of two Dogs, Olivia and Francis. Lynch stopped off at Starbucks on Jarvis x Bloor prior to a couple Radio appearances earlier today and then head out to do a variety of Television appearances including City‘s Breakfast Television and CP24 Breakfast.

She currently can be seen on popular NBC Game Show, Hollywood Game Night and is confirmed to appear on Series Girl Meets World. Earlier this Summer she debuted a limited-run Cabaret Show at 54 Below in Manhattan.  The forthcoming sixth season of Glee has been confirmed to be the final of the popular acclaimed Series – expect to see some familiar faces return.

Lynch was so amazingly nice to stop for a quick Photo earlier today with Billy and I!  She’s just so gorgeous in-person!

See Lynch chat with our beloved Dina Pugliese earlier today:

See our Snap!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/CITY)

Expect TIFF 14 to be even more star-studded an affair than ever before!  As Awards Season approaches, Toronto always gets it first with an array of Premieres, Galas and Special Presentations slated around the City between September 4-14, 2014.   Confirmed earlier today at a Press Conference held at TIFF Bell Lightbox are the latest Films from the likes of Robert Pattinson, Julianne Moore, Reese Witherspoon, Corey Stoll,  Jason Bateman, Kate Winslet, Ansel Elgort, Stanley Tucci, Chris Rock, Jake Gyllenhaal, Al Pacino, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Hardy, Channing Tatum, Steven Carell, Kevin Costner, Sam Worthington, Hailee Steinfeld and several more.  Expect Witherspoon to be the Queen of TIFF 14 with two buzzed Films doing to rounds at the Festival, including The Good Lie and Wild!  Will Tom Hardy finally make an appearance this way?  We can’t wait!

A look at some of the major Titles to be presented at the Festival this year:

OPENING NIGHT GALA: THE JUDGE – Big City Lawyer Hank Palmer returns to his childhood home where his estranged father, the town’s judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth, and along the way reconnects with the family he walked away from years before. Stars Robert Downey Jr., Vera Farmiga and Robert Duvall.

FOXCATCHER – heavily-buzzed Wrestling Drama based on true events involving an obsessive Coach who murders his star Wrestler. Stars Channing Tatum, Steve Carell and Mark Ruffalo.  Director Bennett Miller brought us Oscar-winning Capote.

THE GOOD LIE – A Sudanese refugee is taken in by a straight-talking American woman in their new home in the United States. Stars Corey Stoll and Reese Witherspoon.  From the same people who brought us The Blind Side.

MAPS TO THE STARS – National Treasure David Cronenberg after making a splash at Cannes, premieres his latest at TIFF 14. A tour into the heart of a Hollywood Family chasing celebrity, one another and the relentless ghosts of their pasts. Stars Julianne Moore, Mia Wasikowska and Robert Pattinson.

NIGHTCRAWLER – a look at the underground World of Journalism Crime.  Stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo; this is Gyllenhaal‘s third consecutive year having a Film at the Festival.

THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU – When their father passes away, four grown siblings are forced to return to their childhood home and live under the same roof together for a week, along with their over-sharing mother and an assortment of spouses, exes and might-have-beens. Stars Rose Byrne, Corey Stoll and Jason Bateman.

MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN – TIFF Darling Jason Reitman debuts his latest, which centers on the sexual frustrations that young teenagers and adults face in today’s world. Stars Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, Ansel Elgort and Judy Greer.  Sandler of course, already will be in town as he’s currently filming Pixels.

BLACK AND WHITE – a story of a widowed Grandfather who is left to raise his bi-racial Granddaughter. When the little girl’s paternal Grandmother seeks custody, a bitter legal battle ensues that forces the uneasy family members to have an honest conversation about life, death, anger and America’s racial divide. Stars Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer and Anthony Mackie.

THE EQUALIZER – a Film Adaptation of the popular ’80s TV Show, with McCall believing he has put his past behind him and has dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. Stars Denzel Washington,  Chloë Grace Moretz and Melissa Leo.

THE REACH – an arrogant businessman and big game hunter in pursuit of his ultimate prize who hires a young guide to lead him into the American desert.  Stars Michael Douglas and Jeremy Irvine.

LOVE & MERCY – Biopic about The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson starring Paul Dano and John Cusack.

TOP FIVE – a comeback of sorts for Chris Rock who directs, writes and stars in this Film about a Comedian-turned-Movie Star. Stars Chris Rock, Whoopi Goldberg and Rosario Dawson.

WILD – documents a Woman’s 1,100 mile hike to recover following a catastrophe. Stars Gaby Hoffman and Reese Witherspoon.

WHILE WE’RE YOUNG – an uptight Documentary Filmmaker and his wife find their lives loosened up a bit after befriending a free-spirited younger couple. Stars Naomi Watts, Amanda Seyfried and Ben Stiller.

PAWN SACRIFICE –  Biopic about Chess Legend Bobby Fischer is locked in a gripping championship clash with the Soviets as he struggles against his own psychological demons while the whole world anxiously awaits the outcome. Stars Tobey Maguire and Peter Sarsgaard.

THE RIOT CLUB – a privileged young man is inducted into the exclusive, debaucherous company of Oxford’s elite “Riot Club,” in this scathing dissection of the British class system. Stars Natalie Dormer, Douglas Booth and Max Irons.

BEFORE WE GO  – set in Manhattan, the story follows two strangers after their serendipitous meeting in Grand Central. Over the course of one night, they form an unlikely bond and the conflicts in their own lives become the basis for exploration into each other and themselves. Stars Chris Evans and Alice Eve.

CAKE – the story of the acerbic Claire Bennett who has managed to alienate everyone from her life, with the exception of her loyal Housekeeper. When Claire becomes fascinated with the suicide of a Woman in her chronic pain support group, she develops a poignant relationship with the woman’s grieving husband and comes to terms with her own personal tragedy, catapulting her forward into life. Stars Jennifer Aniston, Anna Kendrick and William H. Macy.

THE DROP – follows lonely bartender Bob Saginowski through a covert scheme of funnelling cash to local Gangsters in the underworld of Brooklyn bars. Under the heavy hand of his employer and cousin Marv, Bob finds himself at the centre of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deep into the neighbourhood’s past where friends, families, and foes all work together to make a living — no matter the cost. Stars Tom Hardy and Noomi Rapace.

GOOD KILL – A Las Vegas-based fighter Pilot turned drone pilot fights the Taliban by remote control for 12 hours a day, then goes home to the suburbs and feuds with his wife and kids for the other 12. But the pilot is starting to question the mission. Is he creating more terrorists than he’s killing? Is he fighting a war without end? This story follows one soldier’s tale with epic implications. Stars Ethan Hawke and January Jones.

THE IMITATION GAME – English Mathematician and Logician, Alan Turing, helps crack the Enigma Code during World War II. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley.

THE HUMBLING – Centers on an affair between an aged, suicidal Actor and a young Woman. Stars Al Pacino and Greta Gerwig.

THE KEEPING ROOM – Three Southern Women – two Sisters and one African American Slave – left without men in the dying days of the Civil War, are forced to defend their home from the onslaught of a band of soldiers who have broken off from the fast approaching Union Army. Stars Hailee Steinfeld, Sam Worthington and Brit Marling.

KAHLIL GIBRAN’S THE PROPHET – Inspired by the beloved classic, Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet is a richly-animated story and celebration of Gibran‘s Book, created by Artists, Animators and Musicians from around the world. Stars Liam Neeson, Salma Hayek, and Quevenzhane Wallis.

TUSK – A Man is captured by a Maniac and tortured, physically and mentally, into becoming a walrus.  Directed  by Kevin Smith and stars Justin Long, Haley Joel Osment and Genesis Rodriguez.

THE GUEST – A Soldier introduces himself to the Peterson Family, claiming to be a friend of their Son who died in action. After the young Man is welcomed into their home, a series of accidental deaths seem to be connected to his presence. Stars Dan Stevens and Ethan Embry.

THE FACE OF AN ANGEL – Both a Journalist and a Documentary Filmmaker chase the story of a murder and its prime suspect. Stars Kate Beckinsale, Caral Delevingne and Daniel Brühl .

IT FOLLOWS – For 19-year-old Jay, fall should be about school, boys and weekends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she finds herself plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, or something, is following her. Faced with this burden, Jay and her teenage friends must find a way to escape the horrors that seem to be only a few steps behind. Stars Keir Gilchrist and Maika Monroe.

CLOSING NIGHT GALA: A LITTLE CHAOS – A landscape gardener with a taste for the unconventional is invited to design one of the fountains at the Palace of Versailles. As she  battles with the weather, the perilous rivalries at the court of Louis XIV and her own private demons, she finds herself drawn closer to the formality and enigma of the architect who hired her. Stars Kate Winslet, Stanley Tucci and Alan Rickman (who also directs).

Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks!  This is only the first batch of Films to be announced!  Excited?

(Photo credit: Mongrel Media)

It’s been a long minute since Hilary Duff‘s brought us some new Music and we’re LOLing hard at the brand new Music Video for the Track which truly shows her personality. The light, breezy Track isn’t anything too remarkable, we’ll be honest, but we’re just happy to hear her back. It is her first release under RCA Records/Sony Music after a long, prosperous relationship with Hollywood Records/Universal Music.  The awesome Toby Gad partners with Duff on the Tune.

Watch the Video below:

Sony Music Canada release Chasing the Sun, now on iTunes here!

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music Canada)

300-million-Album-selling British Rock Outfit QUEEN may have been quiet for some time, but in former American Idol Finalist Adam Lambert they appear for now to have found the one Frontman worth of carrying the legacy of their brand established by beloved Freddie Mercury.

Original Members Brian May (Guitars) and Roger Taylor (Drums), combined with some new members including Taylor’s Son Rufus, currently are on tour with Frontman Lambert and stopped-off this weekend in Toronto.  Just earlier this month they played a Show at Air Canada Centre before demand led them to add an additional Show.

The Tour, titled Once in a Lifetime, puts first and foremost a 22+ song Collection of the Band’s greatest Hits.  Although the Tour, which heads to Australia later this year, features Lambert, the Band has expressed a willingness to work with him  on a more permanent basis including recording new material together.

Taylor was spotted out in Yorkville earlier today lunching with his Bodyguard and Daughter Lola Daisy May.  Although his Handler was careful to guard his private time, he was nice enough to make an exception to take one quick Photo after asking me what it was I wanted.  Bandmate May was also in the area, although Fans looking to get close didn’t have as much luck.

Meanwhile, Lambert was spotted at local Gay Bar Woody‘s downing shots last night, a reliable Source tells me. Fans hoping to get a glimpse of the temporary Frontman weren’t so fortunate today as he scooted into his SUV with sunglasses on, although I did manage to get semi-snap through his windshield.  We had the pleasure of meeting him a couple years back. More on that here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Nobody does it bigger than Marvel  at Comic-Con and while we were dreaming of being in San Diego, the Stars were out in full-force at the annual Convention.  Marvel in Hall H before 6,100+ Fans brought out the Casts of Avengers: Age of Ultron and also Ant-Man, the latter which is set to begin filming this August!  Despite much speculation of additional Films to come, Kevin Feige (Chief of Marvel Studios) would only confirm details of ones to come out in 2015.

Feige unveiled the impressive Cast of Ant-Man including:  Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll and Evangeline Lilly.  Stoll thanks to his turn on House of Cards, has seen his stock rise considerably and will be at TIFF ’14 this Fall with two Films!

Avengers: Age of Ultron was represented by some Heavyweights among others including Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey Jr. (who is set to open TIFF ’14 with The Judge), Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen – the latter three new to join the Franchise.

2015 certainly cannot come soon enough for us!

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada/Getty Images)

With all the Comic-Con Festivities taking place this past weekend in San Diego, it’s only fitting a proper Teaser Trailer would surface for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1!  We must admit we’re mighty excited about Julianne Moore giving Donald Sutherland‘s President Snow a run for his money!

Official Synopsis:
With Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) captured by Snow and taken prisoner in the Capitol, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) reluctantly agrees to act as “the Mockingjay“—a poster child for the rebellion spearheaded by District 13.

She has one stipulation however—that District 13‘s President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore) promises immunity to all of the past Hunger Games tributes, including Peeta, and to give Katniss the right to personally kill President Snow (Donald Sutherland) once he is captured.

Watch the Teaser:

eOne Films release THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PT. 1 on Friday, November 21, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

After enamouring Moviegoers with a slickly-cut Trailer earlier this year, it is no surprise Lucy finds itself atop the Box Office this weekend with $45 million from 3,173 theatres, exceeding Studio expectations for Universal Pictures. Audiences didn’t quite get this latest offering from French Director Luc Besson, giving it a C+ CinemaScore. Critics were on the fence also with a 56% score on the Tomatometer. The divide aside, one thing’s for sure – Scarlett Johansson‘s certainly got it.

Hercules debuts in second spot for Paramount Pictures, with $28.5 million from 3,595 theatres. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson it its titular role, the Action-Fantasy drew positive response from Critics overall with a 65% CinemaScore and a B+ CinemaScore shouldn’t hurt word-of-mouth, yet also not help much either.

After two weeks on-top Dawn of the Planet of the Apes slips to third spot with $16.2 million for 20th Century Fox, pushing its earnings domestically past the $175 million-mark.

In its second week, The Purge: Anarchy slips to fourth spot with $10.3 million for Universal Pictures, a two-week tally of $52 million for the Sequel in the Horror Franchise.

And So It Goes debuts in eighth spot for Clarius/VVS Films with $4 million from 1,762 theatres. Critics absolutely hammered on the Rom-Com starring Diane Keaton and Michael Douglas, giving it a 15% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences were a lot more forgiving with a B+ CinemaScore.

Rounding out the Top Ten is 22 Jump Street with $2.5 million in its seventh week, just surpassing $185 million domestically for Sony Pictures.

­ TVA Films, Pacific Northwest Pictures and Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Canadian Screen Award-nominated CAS & DYLAN on DVD!

Official Synopsis:
Cas & Dylan is a comedic drama that follows the 61-year-old self-proclaimed loner and terminally ill, Dr. Cas Pepper (Dreyfuss), who reluctantly agrees to give 22-year-old social misfit, Dylan Morgan (Maslany), a very short lift home. The last thing he anticipates is that he will strike her angry boyfriend with his car, find himself on the lam, and ultimately drive across the country with an aspiring young writer determined to help him overcome his own bizarre case of suicide note writer¹s block.

Suddenly Cas’ solo one-way trip out West isn’t so solo. With Dylan at his side, the two take off on an adventure that will open their eyes to some of life’s lessons ­ both big and small. Cas & Dylan is a story not only about death, but also about life, fate, inspiration, and self-determination. Not to mention, about the perils of offering lifts to strangers.

CAS  & DYLAN is Actor Jason Priestley‘s directorial debut.

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.  Share with your Friends on Facebook to increase your chances!

http://www.mrwillwong.com/casanddylan @MRWILLW wants us to #win a copy of #CASANDDYLAN on DVD!  In stores 8/12!

Watch the Trailer:

Official Artwork:

Priestley, Maslany & Mr. Will:

TVA Films & Pacific Northwest Pictures release CAS & DYLAN on Video-on-Demand, Digital Download and DVD August 12, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: TVA Films/Pacific Northwest Pictures)

Mr. Will and levelFILM want to take you to see the complex and resonant ABOUT ALEX!

Synopsis:
The twenty-something centric dramedy boasts a stellar cast of young stars including Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation), Max Greenfield (New Girl), Jason Ritter (Parenthood), Maggie Grace (Taken, Lost), Jane Levy (Suburgatory), Max Minghella (The Social Network) and Nate Parker (Non-Stop).

Hailed by CinemaBlend as “The Big Chill for Millennials“, About Alex is the story of seven college friends who reunite over a three-day weekend, after one of them has an emotional breakdown. When the friends get together to keep an eye on Alex (Ritter), the weekend that ensues will renew old crushes and resentments, shine light on bad decisions, and ultimately push friendships and relationships to the brink as the group tries to speculate when the simple life of their college years turned so muddy and complex.

The sometimes irreverent, sometimes poetic, and always moving, About Alex is the first feature film from writer/director Jesse Zwick and is an honest look at the changing nature of adult friendship in the Facebook/Twitter generation.

See the Trailer below:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook!
Share with your Friends on Facebook to increase your chances!

Good luck.

Mr. Will and the Cast of ABOUT ALEX:

levelFILM release ABOUT ALEX on Friday, August 8, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: levelFILM)