Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and Mr. Will want to give Readers across North America a chance to win THE LEGO® MOVIE on DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack!  We saw the Film back in February and it holds a special place in our heart and now we want you to experiencing how after seeing it, EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!!!!  Read our Review here.

Official Synopsis:

The LEGO® Movie, the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO® adventure, directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller is an original 3D computer animated story that follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO® minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

Chris Pratt (Moneyball) stars as the voice of Emmet. Will Ferrell (The Campaign) stars as the voice of his primary adversary, President Business, an erudite, anal-retentive CEO who has a hard time balancing world domination with micro-managing his own life; while Liam Neeson (Taken) voices the president’s powerful henchman, known as Bad Cop, who will stop at nothing to catch Emmet.

Starring as Emmet’s fellow travelers are Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (Million Dollar Baby), as Vitruvius, an old mystic; Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games, Emmy nominee for 30 Rock), as tough-as-nails Lucy, who mistakes Emmet for the savior of the world and guides him on his quest; Will Arnett (Emmy nominee, 30 Rock), as the mysterious Batman, a LEGO® minifigure with whom Lucy shares a history; Nick Offerman (NBC‘s Parks and Recreation) as a craggy, swaggering pirate, obsessed with revenge on President Business; and Alison Brie (Community) as a sweet, loveable member of the team, with a powerful secret.

In addition to entering to win a copy of it, you must check-out this crazy awesome THE LEGO® MOVIE App where you can make and record your own 6-second character clip and share it with your friends on Facebook!  You even can add music!

Check it out below:

After checking-out the App, you can head over to Mr. Will Wong on Facebook and enter by clicking “like” on this Post. You are encouraged to share it with Friends on Facebook and Twitter.  In the comments section also tell us who your favourite LEGO® Character is from the Movie! Increase your odds of winning by Re-Tweeting the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/thelegomovie-2 @MRWILLW wants us to #win copies of #THELEGOMOVIE on DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack!  Now in stores!

Good luck, Wongsters!  Once again, we have the most exciting Giveaways just for you!

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment release THE LEGO® MOVIE on DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack, available now!

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)

With less than five weeks to go till the 155th edition of the QUEEN’S PLATE, we’re counting down the days to one of our favourite events of the Summer! We’ll be separating the Contenders from the Pretenders and also remembering some of our favourite looks from recent Queen’s Plates! May together we too can get a bit of inspiration what to wear on the Big Day, Sunday, July 6, 2014?

Hint: you can never go wrong with blue, a Top Hat or a lovely Fascinator! The colour of choice this year just might have to be pink as Woodbine Entertainment partner with Rethink Breast Cancer for the first time! $1 from every Queen’s Plate Tickets in fact go to Breast Cancer Research and Awareness!

The mile-and-a-quarter $1-million Race held annually at Woodbine Racetrack, puts Canada’s best three-year-old Horses against one another in the Test of a lifetime. Past Winners of the Race whom would go on to achieve great fame include the likes of Dance Smartly, Awesome Again, Northern Dancer and With Approval, their offspring changing the face of Horse Racing on an international scale. Members of the Royal Family have made their way to Woodbine in previous years to celebrate the Race, with Queen Elizabeth II visiting most recently in 2010.

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THE CONTENDERS

The Field for the Queen’s Plate is shaping-up nicely and we can expect some Canadian-born Invaders based in the U.S. to make their way north for a shot at the Winner’s Purse.  Keep in mind, a lot can happen in five weeks, so these names are subject to change.

We can expect WE MISS ARTIE, who won the Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park in Kentucky back in March before a tenth-place finish against Horse Racing’s It Boy, California Chrome, in the famed Kentucky Derby.  Mind you, that is by no means a disgrace. He should really be renamed We Welcome Artie as we waited way too long on his Canadian debut, but it was well worth it as he effortlessly won the Plate Trial at Woodbine with plenty left in the tank under top U.S. rider Javier Castellano.

Owner Ivan Dalos and Trainer Josie Carroll (the first female Trainer ever to win the Queen’s Plate) have a strong Duo in undefeated filly ARAGORN AMI, Winner of the Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas in February and also  the promising colt AMI’S HOLIDAY, who had a horrendous trip this past weekend to finish third (although awarded second place through disqualification) in the Marine Stakes at Woodbine.  That Race is seen as an important stepping stone to the Queen’s Plate.  The Plate Trial on Sunday, June 15, 2014 will paint us a clearer picture of where he fits, but he definitely is one of the ones to beat.

ASSERTING BEAR last weekend won the Marine Stakes before being disqualified and placed third for interfering with AMI’S HOLIDAY. That Race aside, the tenacious colt has shown he belongs with the best, winning the Nation’s top race for two-year-olds last fall, the Coronation Futurity. His Stablemate MAN O’BEAR comes highly-touted by their Trainer Reader Baker, although he has yet to make his first start in 2014 after a successful, promising two-year-old campaign.

Iconic Sam-Son Farms have won the Plate five times and just might have a shot with their speedy colt SPEIGHTSONG, a half-brother to reigning Canadian Horse of the Year Up with the Birds, who ran second in Queen’s Plate last year. Although his Trainer Malcolm Pierce has some concerns whether he can handle the classic mile-and-a-quarter distance –  a real test of stamina –  he is seen as a major contender.

Never discount the girls as seven fillies have won this prestigious Race prior. In addition to the aforementioned ARAGORN AMI, expect the superb PALADIN BAY to face the Boys in the Plate. The Finalist for Champion 2-year-old Filly honours last year at the Sovereign Awards appears to be peaking at the right time. After a dynamic win in the Selene Stakes at Woodbine last month, she faltered in the Woodbine Oaks, but could well re-group if the cards line-up right in the Queen’s Plate.

LEXIE LOU, who recently was purchased by American Film Mogul Gary Barber (21 Jump Street, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey), has fought tooth-and-nail with PALADIN BAY for much of her career and her win in the prestigious $500k Woodbine Oaks solidifies her not only as a leader in her division, but also a major threat to win the Queen’s Plate.

Looking for a Dark Horse? Several of this year’s Queen’s Plate Nominees are light on racing experience – some which have yet to win a race. Do keep a tab on the likes of UNIKAT, owned by Canadian Billionaire Frank Stronach‘s Adena Springs. The colt with regal bloodlines recently shipped to Woodbine to train and looks still to win his first race here. Fans of The Lego® Movie, which we’re giving away copies of, might find something to like about his name!

Chiefswood Stables might know a thing or two about having a Horse ready for the Queen’s Plate having won in 2004 with Niigon. Their LATIN PIPER is handled by Trainer Rachel Halden and Rider Steve Bahen (partners both on and off the track), looking to be ripe and ready for the Big Race and he continues to improve; the same applies for his brother, the consistent NIIGON EXPRESS, trained by Paul Attard and also being primed for the Plate.

FREITAG is owned now by Tycoon Earle I. Mack who won the Canadian Triple Crown in 1993 with Peteski.  The handsome colt looks to be peaking at the right time with a win mid-June in preparation for the Plate.

American Oil Tycoon John C. Oxley always is well-represented with an A-List roster of Horses based at Woodbine.  This year he has the sometimes-great MATADOR, who despite not showing consistent form, certainly isn’t to be discounted even though he disputably is a better horse on the grass (the Queen’s Place is raced on a synthetic dirt Polytrack).After a tough winter campaign, he returned home victoriously in a key prep race against lighter competition.

LEIF ERIKSON also is showing rapid improvement and the colt named after the Norse Explorer of the same name, looks like he might like the added distance of the Plate. He ran second to MATADOR in what will serve as a prep for the Plate Trial June 15, 2014, but faltered in another prep mid-June.

We’re sure even his Owners J. Peri, Frank DiGiulio Jr. and Bob Tiller (who also trains him) didn’t expect the gray THE IMPOSTER to be as good as he is, but he’s built an almost-flawless race record in three starts. More recently, he ran second to SPEIGHTSONG in the Queenston Stakes at Woodbine and looks to be improving just at the right time.

Those of you who love a good hunch bet will love Transformers-inspired COLTIMUS PRIME, who has shown good consistency at Woodbine and most recently won a prep for the Queen’s Plate. The Film (and Franchise Character) for which he is named after, actually will be in theatres about a week before the Queen’s Plate and as a side note, we will be giving away Passes shortly for TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION right here rather soon! Stay tuned.

See my Snaps of some of the 2014 Queen’s Plate Contenders below:

 Rethink Breast Cancer  will for the first time be throwing a Bash and you can attend their Rethink at the Races Vintage Garden Party! Details here.

There will be plenty of Food Trucks at Woodbine on Queen’s Plate Day this year including local Faves like Beavertails, Smoke’s Poutinerie, Nathan’s Hot Dogs and Curbside Bliss Cupcakes and more!  All are welcome to attend the Hats & Horseshoes Party (it’s free!) which begins at 12:00 PM near the Walking Ring where the Horses come out and parade before their races.

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If you want to be a part of MR. WILL’S 2014 QUEEN’S PLATE VIP EXPERIENCE, here’s your chance to party with me at the ultra-exclusive Flare Magazine Lounge.  There will be amazing food, cocktails, glamour and tons of fun to be had!  The Winner also will receive Grandstand Tickets to enjoy an amazing afternoon at the Races! And let’s not forget the chance to win some money!

  Worried about transportation? No worries, we’ll see to it that you have access to our private luxury shuttle!

To enter to experience the Party of a lifetime, Toronto Readers simply can click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook and tell me which of the Queen’s Plate Contenders (named above) you’re rooting for.  You are encouraged to share this Post with your Friends on Facebook to increase your chances at winning! You also may Re-Tweet the below:

http://mrwillwong.com/QueensPlate14  @MRWILLW wants us to #win the experience of a lifetime to party at the #QUEENSPLATE 7/6/14 at @WoodbineRacing!  #QP14

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Learn more about the Queen’s Plate here and start planning your visit like right now!

Tickets are still available, but always sell-out!  Click on the banner below to get yours now:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Woodbine Entertainment)

Would you have guessed BRANGELINA would have lasted as long as they have? Cineplex Entertainment soon will be celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Film that brought together Hollywood’s top Power Couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie!

In a survey conducted among Canadians, we are pretty divided on Brangelina‘s most memorable moment:

· 16% – When they were first photographed together in Kenya in 2005
· 17% – When Angelina’s right leg dominated coverage of the 2012 Academy Awards
· 20% – The birth of their first child, Shiloh, in 2006
· 20% – The birth of their twins, Knox and Vivienne, in 2008
· 27% – When they first announced their engagement in 2012

For one night only, Cineplex Entertainment across Canada will for one night be screening MR. & MRS. SMITH Sunday, June 22, 2014.  Don’t miss your chance to see that electric chemistry once more on the Big Screen!

Watch the Trailer:

Check your local listings for showtimes!

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)

We had the pleasure of chatting with the amazing Chloë Moretz today, following her appearance at the 2014 MuchMusic Video Awards.  Although the talented 17-year-old Actress known best for her work in KICK-ASS, Hugo and Carrie has been in Toronto many a time before to film, she actually got to go out and enjoy the City this time in addition to her Press Day.

Moretz made sure to stop-by at Hillary Clinton‘s Book Signing today at Indigo Manulife Centre.  One of the perks of being a Celebrity is bypassing queues and the Actress and her Brother Trevor were lucky enough to be able to meet the former First Lady, Secretary of State and Senator as she signed copies of her Book, Hard Choices.

See her Autograph below:

Although that piece won’t be up till August, we will tell you to watch the Trailer below for the Vancouver-filmed Romantic Drama:

I’ve seen it and loved it. Many of you might remember Funnywoman Jenny Slate from Parks & Recreation or her Stand-up Comedy, but the former Saturday Night Live Alumni is doing it on her own terms now. Her latest Film, Obvious Child, directed and written by Gillian Robespierre,  is sure to win your heart with its pure wit, charm and cuteness.

The Comedy centers around a young Woman named Donna whom after a drunken night finds herself pregnant with Max‘s (Jake Lacy) baby. Unable to bring herself to tell him, he continues trying to court her, which complicates matters because he has many of the attributes she finds desirable in a Partner.  She worries her revealing her pregnancy will change things.

Slate after a grueling weekend stranded in Dallas, made her way to Toronto today and did a round of Press on the Morning Show Circuit with visits to KISS 92.5, CP24 Breakfast, CITY‘s Breakfast Television and more!  Unfortunately a majority of her interviews scheduled for the afternoon were cancelled due to exhaustion, but she still made time for Fans tonight at a special Advance Screening of Obvious Child.  The Actress also walked the Red Carpet last night at the MuchMusic Video Awards and reportedly is smitten by Prime Ministerial Candidate Justin Trudeau, whom she ran-into at Breakfast Television!

I caught-up with Slate at a taping earlier, and despite being in a rush she made a quick exception to snap a Photo.  She’s even bubblier and cuter than imagined!  And she’s in-love reportedly with my Billy too!

See our Snap:

Watch the Trailer for OBVIOUS CHILD below:

Fox Searchlight release OBVIOUS CHILD on Friday, June 20, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/A24 Films)

No other Internet-based Series has taken the World by storm like ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK! The Series which we were so excited about last year recently has returned again for a second Season via Netflix and everyone we know is binge-watching it.

Stars Taylor Schilling and Uzo Aduba, the former playing the Lead Role of Piper Chapman, the latter playing Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren, are two of the Series’ most beloved Characters.  Both were in Toronto today to promote the new Season of the Dramedy, based on the Memoir of the same name by Piper Kerman.

Starting their day early arriving via a Loading Dock at KISS 92.5 before 7:00 AM,  Fans, some who got-up earlier than 5:00 AM to see their Idols up-close, were left disappointed as the Duo and their Entourage drove-off without so much as a wave.  Schilling and Aduba then head east-bound to CTV‘s Canada AM in Scarborough, encountering traffic unfortunately, resulting in their arriving at their Global Television The Morning Show (National Edition) appearance at least twenty minutes late.  When leaving, their Entourage once again opted for a hidden entrance, leaving Fans who came supportive with Posters and 8×10s from the Show, saddened at the snubs.

On the contrary, Media Reports found the Duo warm and friendly, many praising an unrecognizable Aduba particularly as being “warm”.  Some speculate that Schilling simply was carrying-out requests from her reportedly “stern-faced” Publicist, which saw multiple local outlets, which normally are in-the-loop, denied access to the two Stars.  For the record, we have met the lovely Schilling before and found her to be kind at TIFF ’13 when she came to promote Stay.  So what gives?  Is a couple minutes out of a Press Day too much to ask for at this stage in the game for the Fans?

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK Season Two is now available for streaming via Netflix Canada.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Hot on the heels of last night’s MuchMusic Video Awards, the 25th annual SOCAN Awards honouring accomplishments across multiple genres in Canadian Music. Held by the Waterfront at the Westin Harbour Castle, some of the Country’s most accomplished Musical Acts, Songwriters, Producers, Lyricists and more came out to celebrate their peers.

The likes of Dragonette, Ovi, Serena Ryder, Tom Cochrane, Carly Rae Jepsen, Gowan, Johnny Reid, Alan Frew (Glass Tiger), Mia Martina, Walk off the Earth, Magic, Josh Ramsay (Marianas Trench), Kardinal Offishall and more were in attendance, the Star of the evening was Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Gordon Lightfoot, who graciously walked the Red Carpet, taking his time fielding media questions. “Thank you for appreciating my music”, he was overheard saying. “I love to work!”.

The Belle of the Ball certainly was a recently back-from-Broadway (she starred in Cinderella) Jepsen who is working on her second major label album. “I’d have to say some of Tegan and Sara‘s stuff”, she says when asked which Canadian Song she wishes she had written.  She and the Team of Tavish Crowe and Josh Ramsay received the International Achievement Award for their Smash, Call Me Maybe.

Hip-Hop Megastar Drake also was honoured with the Global Inspiration Award, helping spark the careers of dozens of Songwriters, Beat-Makers and Producers.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

“Let’s go back one more time and show them what’ were made of.”.

In what is being touted as Michael Keaton‘s big Comeback, BIRDMAN‘s official Teaser Trailer was released earlier this week and it looks just absolutely phenomenal. We can only hope it gets a Premiere at TIFF ’14 en route to what looks like an Awards Season Campaign.

In several ways mirroring reality, the new Film by Alejandro González Iñárritu, has a former Action Star who looks to make a comeback on Broadway. As all of us know, Keaton reached the pinnacle of his success in the late ’80s portraying Batman, but things certainly have been a lot more quiet since.

Watch the Trailer below:

Fox Searchlight release BIRDMAN on Friday, October 17, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight)

NOTE: FINAL NUMBERS TO COME

It was a battle of the Sequels this weekend at the Box Office and prevailing just like its Predecessor was Sony Pictures’ 22 Jump Street which brought in $62 million. By comparison, the first Film in the Franchise opened back in 2012 with $36 million, this time around doubling its take.  Critics have been kind, giving the Action-Comedy a great 83% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences also responded strongly with an A-CinemaScore.

A valiant second is How to Train Your Dragon 2 for 20th Century Fox, opening with $52 million at the Box Office!  The Film which got a bit of a boost recently from Star America Ferrera‘s Red Carpet incident involving a Prankster at Cannes, got great reviews from Critics tallying 92% on the Tomatometer, and an equally strong A CinemaScore. Its 2010 Predecessor by comparison debuted with $41 million, easily besting the performance of that one.

Disney’s Maleficent continues to ride high in its third week with $20 million this weekend, normally enough for the number one spot some weekends, but good enough for third against the current slate of Blockbuster releases.

The Fault in our Stars opened atop the Box Office last weekend, but slips to fourth spot this weekend with $19 million for 20th Century Fox. It already has grossed $85 million across North America.

Edge of Tomorrow in its second week out accounts for the fifth spot at the Box Office with $16 million for Warner Bros., cumulatively earning $56 million domestically.

X-Men: Days of Future Past finds itself in sixth spot with $9 million for 20th Century Fox also in its its fourth week out, just surpassing the $200 million mark this week in these parts.

Chef rounds out the Top Ten with $2.1 million in its sixth week out in a limited number of theatres. To date, it has grossed $14 million.

Some of Italian Cinema’s most influencial names came out to support the third annual Italian Contemporary Film Festival tonight at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Following the Festival’s Opening Night Gala Presentation of The Best Offer, starring Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess and Donald Sutherland, the likes of Director Paolo Genovese, DJ Tony Monaco, Producer Andrea Iervolino, Actress Vittoria Puccini, Actor Nick Mancuso, Philanthropist/Socialite Lady Monika Bacardi (yes, THAT Bacardi) and American Star Stephen Baldwin graced the Red Carpet. The elite room of guests clinked champagne flutes, toasting the momentous occasion, enjoying a sumptuous catered Buffet Dinner, before dancing the night away to some soulful grooves.

It was announced this evening that Iervolino and Bacardi would be launching together AMBI Canada, the latter serving as Honourary President for the Canadian branch of the Film Distribution Company which focuses on backing high-budget international Films with Hollywood names.

Arriving fashionably late after several delays with his New York flight, anticipation grew rampant for a dapper Baldwin –  in purple pinstripes over pink – and he did not disappoint, making the rounds with Guests, with an uncanny ability of remembering names. In fact, he came over to say “hi” to my friend Dawn and I, striking-up a conversation, nick-naming us “The Beauty (Dawn), The Bodyguard (me), The Business (his Buddy) and THE BALDWIN“!  Charmer. He is scheduled early tomorrow to do the Morning Show circuit.

The Festival, which launched tonight, runs across Toronto, Vaughan, Hamilton, Montreal and Quebec City through June 20, 2014. Danny Glover, in town filming currently, also will lend his vote of confidence, making an appearance in support of AIC and AMBI Canada‘s 2047 Sights of Death (Baldwin also stars) which has its World Premiere tonight at the Festival.

For more details on the 2014 Italian Contemporary Film International, visit here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)