DreamWorks Pictures and Mr. Will Wong want to take Readers across Canada on a high-octane ride to a 3D Advance Screening of NEED FOR SPEED, the latest from Director Scott Waugh, starring red-hot Aaron Paul.

3D Screenings are set to take place on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 in the following Cities:

TORONTO

OTTAWA

VANCOUVER

CALGARY

EDMONTON

Official Synopsis:

NEED FOR SPEED centers around Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul), a blue-collar Mechanic who races Muscle Cars on the side in an unsanctioned Street-Racing Circuit. Struggling to keep his Family-owned Garage afloat, he reluctantly partners with the wealthy and arrogant ex-NASCAR Driver Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper). But just as a major sale to Car Broker Julia Bonet (Imogen Poots) looks like it will save Tobey‘s Shop, a disastrous race allows Dino to frame Tobey for a crime he didn’t commit, and sending Tobey to prison while Dino expands his Business out west.

Two years later, Tobey is released and set on revenge — but he knows his only chance to take down his rival Dino is to defeat him in the high-stakes race known as De Leon — the Super Bowl of Underground Racing. However to get there in time, Tobey will have to run a high-octane, action-packed Gauntlet that includes dodging pursuing Cops coast-to-coast as well as contending with a dangerous bounty Dino has put out on his Car. With the help of his loyal Crew and the surprisingly resourceful Julia, Tobey defies odds at every turn and proves that even in the flashy world of exotic Supercars, the Underdog can still finish first.

NEED FOR SPEED is presented by DreamWorks Pictures, produced by Patrick O’Brien, John Gatins and Mark Sourian, and directed by Scott Waugh. The screenplay is by George Gatins. The story is by George Gatins & John Gatins, and, based on the video game series created by Electronic Arts. The Film releases in theatres on March 14, 2014.

Watch the Trailer:

To enter to win Advance 3D Screening Passes to see NEED FOR SPEED, simply by clicking “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Indicate your City and also tell me what your ideal Dream Car would be!

You are encouraged to share with your Friends on Facebook or Re-Tweet the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/needforspeedCANADA @MRWILLW wants us to #win Advance 3D Screening Passes to see #NEEDFORSPEED across Canada. In theatres 3/14!

We’re also giving away a Signed Photo from the Star of NEED FOR SPEED, AARON PAUL! Details here!

Good luck, Wongsters!

Take a moment out also to check-out a couple Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes from NEED FOR SPEED here!

Dreamworks Pictures release NEED FOR SPEED on FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014.

Official Artwork:

“Like” NEED FOR SPEED on Facebook here!

©2013 DreamWorks II Distribution Co., LLC

NEED FOR SPEED™ AND LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF EA

(Photo/video credit: DreamWorks Pictures)

Debuting atop iTunes Album Charts in over 65 countries around the World, Pharrell definitely wants you to know he’s back. The Multimedia, Music and Fashion Mogul returns with his first Disc in eight years, G I R L, a rhythmic, decadent celebration of Women. The Disc also is his first to be distributed via Sony Music Canada.  Review here.

The sizzling ten-song Collection features Oscar-nominated Happy, which had Amy Adams, Meryl Streep and Lupita Nyong’o on their feet this past weekend at the Academy Awards. The Collaborations are star-studded, featuring appearances from Jojo, Kelly Osbourne, Tori Kelly, Timbaland, Alicia Keys, Miley Cyrus and Justin Timberlake!

Stream G I R L in full here!

To enter to win a Copy of G I R L by Pharrell, click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. You are encourage to share this Post via Social Media and you can even Re-Tweet the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/pharrellGIRL @MRWILLW wants us to #win a copy of #GIRL by #PHARRELL. In stores now!

Mr. Will had the pleasure of meeting Pharrell himself on a recent visit to Toronto. Read all about that here!

Pharrell & Mr. Will:

Official Artwork:

Download G I R L on iTunes here!

(Photo credit/audio content: Sony Music Canada)

VVS Films and Mr. Will Wong want to give Readers a chance to win the action-packed and gritty Thriller HOMEFRONT Blu-ray Combo Pack!

Official Synopsis:
A widowed ex-DEA Agent retires to a small town for the sake of his 10-year-old Daughter. The only problem is he picked the wrong town.

HOMEFRONT stars James Franco, Jason Statham, Winona Ryder and Kate Bosworth.

Watch the Trailer:

Official Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong 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/HOMEFRONTDVD @MRWILLW wants us to #win a Copy of #HOMEFRONT on #Bluray Combo Pack! In stores 3/11!

VVS Films release HOMEFRONT on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 on Blu-ray, Video-on-Demand and DVD. Pre-order it here!

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

VVS Films and Mr. Will Wong want to give Readers a chance to win the phenomenal Thriller OUT OF THE FURNACE Blu-ray Combo Pack! If you missed it in theatres, this is your chance to enjoy it finally!

Official Synopsis:
Russell and his younger brother Rodney live in the economically-depressed Rust Belt, and have always dreamed of escaping and finding better lives. But when a cruel twist of fate lands Russell in prison, his brother is lured into one of the most violent and ruthless crime rings in the Northeast – a mistake that will almost cost him everything. Once released, Russell must choose between his own freedom, or risk it all to seek justice for his brother.

Watch the Trailer:

Official Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong 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/OUTOFTHEFURNACE @MRWILLW wants us to #win a Copy of #OUTOFTHEFURNACE on #Bluray Combo Pack! In stores 3/11!

VVS Films release OUT OF THE FURNACE on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 on Blu-ray, Video-on-Demand and DVD. Pre-order it here!

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

MONGREL MEDIA and MR. WILL want to give Readers a chance to win the outstanding INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS on DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack! Read our Review here.

Official Synopsis:

Despite being extraordinarily talented, folk singer/songwriter Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) plays sparsely attended gigs at small clubs in New York City’s West Village as he struggles to make it. The Film also stars Justin Timberlake, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman and Garrett Hedlund.

Watch the Trailer:

Official Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong 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/INSIDELLEWYNDAVIS @MRWILLW wants us to #win a Copy of #INSIDELLEWYNDAVIS on #Bluray Combo Pack! In stores 3/11!

Mongrel Media release INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 on Blu-ray, Video-on-Demand and DVD. Pre-order it here!

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

The World of Cinema Elite made their way to Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles tonight for the 86th annual Academy Awards.  Praised as both a  strong year for Red Carpet Fashion and Film with a heated battle between American Hustle, 12 Years a Slave and Gravity, among others for Best Picture, ultimately 12 Years a Slave would prevail with top honours tonight.

The Drama based on the Memoir by Solomon Northrup, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival this past September, before going-on to sweep a litany of accolades this Awards Season including victories at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Broadcast Film Critics Association  and the Independent Spirit Awards just yesterday. In addition, to winning coveted Best Picture, it won also for Supporting Actress (Lupita Nyong’o) and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Alfonso Cuarón‘s Gravity, which has grossed over $700 million worldwide, also premiering at TIFF this last Fall, won the most Oscars this evening, tallying-in at seven wins, primarily in technical categories including Cinematography, Score and Visual Effects. Cuarón himself went-on to win for Directing.

AIDS Drama Dallas Buyers Club won the important Actor and Supporting Actor Categories with Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto respectively.  Both brought along their Mothers to the Awards, the latter making a heartfelt tribute to his Mother who overcame great odds to provide for both him and his Brother.

As predicted by many, Cate Blanchett now is a two-time Oscar Winner, her first win coming for her work in 2004’s The Aviator. The Australian Actress won for her empathetic portrayal of a Woman coping with mental and addiction issues in Woody Allen‘s Blue Jasmine.

The Fashion on the Red Carpet tonight was a huge draw as several Fans via Social Media sounded-off on the tasteful styles of Kate Hudson in Versace, Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé, Amy Adams in Gucci, Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab and perhaps the most-talked-about was a Princess-like Lupita Nyong’o in what is now being called a “Nairobi Blue” Prada Dress with a Hairband.  The light pastel blue Creation was chosen by the eventual Oscar Winner, who told Ryan Seacrest on the Red Carpet that it reminded the Kenyan Native of Nairobi.

Ellen DeGeneres once again did a bang-up job, making herself right at home with the A-List Audience, poking fun at everything from welcoming Liza Minnelli as a Female Impersonator, to some of this year’s Nominees who didn’t attend College (the Camera panned on Amy Adams nodded her head, admitting she too didn’t attend) to bringing out Pizza to some of the Evening’s famous Guests.  Meryl Streep was one of the first to help herself to a slice.  In addition, DeGeneres was out to set a record for the Most Re-Tweeted Selfie and helping her along were the likes of Bradley Cooper, Channing Tatum, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lawrence, Jared Leto, Meryl Streep, Lupita Nyong’o, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Kevin Spacey. Quickly, the Photo received over a million Re-Tweets (overtaking a previous Tweet from President Obama upon his Re-Election) and could’ve received more if it weren’t for reported technical difficulties likely due to the onslaught of traffic.

See it below:

See more Photos here.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Ellen DeGeneres)

Liam Neeson proves once again that he’s Box Office Kryptonite, stealing the show at the Box Office with a massive $30 million opening from 3,090 theatres with Non-Stop for Universal Pictures. The Film also stars Academy Award Nominees Lupita Nyong’o and Julianne Moore. Audiences gave it a great A- CinemaScore, while Critics weren’t as kind with a 58% rating on the Tomatometer.

20th Century Fox gets a big opening with Son of God, earning $26.5 million from 3,255 theatres.  Audiences gave the Biblical Drama starring Diogo Morgado as Jesus Christ an A- CinemaScore, while Critics gave it 24% only on the Tomatometer.

The Lego Movie continues to perform brilliantly in its fourth week, grossing $21 million, now surpassing $200 million domestically for Warner Bros.

Monuments Men trails in a distant fourth spot for Sony Pictures, with $5 million in its fourth week, just ahead of eOne Films/Relativity Media‘s 3 Days to Kill with $4,9 million in fifth spot.

Frozen, like the Polar Vortex, is here to stay in  eighth spot with $3.6 million for Disney in its 15th week out, closing-in on the $400-million mark across North America.

Ride Along, rounds-out the Top Ten with $3 million for Universal Pictures  placing the Studio on top and bottom in its seventh week.

Being a longtime Fan and Ambassador to Horse Racing, I’ve dreamt of the day I could visit World-famous Santa Anita Park, often the site of Championship Racing Day, the Breeders’ Cup!  It was completely unexpected that I’d be visiting California this past week and there was no way I was visiting without seeing the Track once and for all! I’m always looking for ways to welcome new Fans to the Sport and let me tell you, I absolutely cannot wait till Woodbine Racetrack‘s 2014 Season begins in April!

I was thrilled to be invited for an unforgettable afternoon at the beautiful Arcadia Racecourse which was established in 1934 – now housing over 1,900 Horses – getting an opportunity to see why it is Santa Anita often is touted the most scenic.   I will begin by saying Santa Anita Park is just as beautiful as it looks on TV – even on a rare cloudy, wet day.  The dark clouds descending over the San Gabriel Mountains as the Venue was lit-up colourfully by its recently-installed LED Tote Board. Picture-perfect.  The Art Deco-inspired Decor takes me away to Era of excess, glamour and exquisite taste.

Katie Abbott, Director of Interactive Marketing at Santa Anita was kind enough to take me on an intimate Tour. I visited the super-fancy Box Seats, the ultra-exclusive Chandelier Room (where Jeff Goldbum is slated to play the piano soon!) and I was in awe of the phenomenal Dining Choices including a Salad Bar, a Noodle Bar and Smoked Meat Sandwiches. Let me tell you, Santa Anita fans love their Craft Beer!  Gene Simmons (KISS), Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez are said to be Regulars even.  The air is buzzing with excitement for Santa Anita Handicap Day and you can see Posters everywhere teasing a Rematch between Game on Dude, Will Take Charge and Breeders’ Cup Classic Hero Mucho Macho Man.

To say I’ve now seen the likes of  Hall of Famer Mike Smith,  brilliant and young Joe Talamo, Vancouver’s Mario Gutierrez, Rising Star Drayden VanDyke and leading Jockey Rafael Bejarano,  all in-action on their Home Turf is something of a lifelong wish.

If you ever get a chance to visit California, you must partake in the Santa Anita Experience. The Grandstand puts you up-close to the action and you feel you’re in the moment in the Stretch Run.  The Fans are engaged, making a the festive atmosphere and oh yes, the FrontRunner Lounge.  You must visit the FrontRunner Lounge. Upon recommendation, I tried their famous Crab Cakes and it was most remarkable –  every bite filled with decadent shredded Crab!

My Day at Santa Anita Park is a day I never will forget!

Mr. Will and some of the Stars of Santa Anita (Top: Drayden VanDyke,  Tyler Baze,  Mario Gutierrez, Aaron Gryder; Second Row: Martin Garcia, Joe Talamo; Third Row: Kayla Stra, Alonso Quinonez, Rafael Bejarano, Doug O’Neill):

And check-out Bugler Jay Cohen‘s super-special greeting to us back home in Canada:

For more on Santa Anita Park, click here!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

After having had California Dreams since Childhood, I was incredibly honoured to be invited as the lone  English-speaking Blogger in Canada to cover the inaugural Canada’s Stars of the Awards Season Gala in Beverly Hills. I am pleased to be a part of its history and hope again to be a part of this prestigious affair honouring Canadian accomplishments in Television and Cinema.

Of course, all work and no play makes Mr. Will a dull Boy and in my three-day stay in California, I made sure no moment was wasted, fully seeing and eating everything possible! Whether it be In-N-Out Burger, Pinkberry, Coffee at the amazing Urth Caffe or Chilaquiles.  My tastebuds truly were rocked!

One other thing is for sure – those of us in Toronto sure are spoiled by our Transit System. I couldn’t imagine commuting through Los Angeles without a friendly Cab Driver or some of the lovely Los Angelinos whom I met who were happy to give me a lift! I love my Stars and sure got an eye full and if it weren’t for persistent rain, I am positive the likelihood of seeing more would’ve been greater.

Los Angelinos surely aren’t shy about their aversion to rain. The Celebrity-Spotting Culture certainly is alive and well – if anything I find Toronto folks far more aggressive. This coming from someone who knows his share of being slammed into and/or clipboarded in the head!

Here are some of the Stars (including Kate Beckinsale, Florence Henderson (!), Elisabeth Rohm, Odette Annable, Vera Farmiga, Max Thierot and several more) we spotted around town even with persistent rain and time constraints:

See you soon again Cali! Next time we go even harder!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

levelFILM, District PR and Mr. Will Wong want to give Canadian Readers a chance to win a copy of ICE SOLIDERS on DVD!

Official Synopsis:
ICE SOLDIERS is an action packed Sci-Fi Thriller starring Dominic Purcell (Prison Break), Adam Beach (Flags of our Fathers) and Michael Ironside (The Machinist). The Film follows a Scientist who discovers the bodies of three frozen genetically modified Russians buried in the Canadian North. Upon thawing them out he realizes he has unleashed a deadly threat to Western Society that must be stopped at all costs.

Watch the Trailer below:

Official Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. You’re encourage to share on Social Media!

levelFILM release ICE SOLIDERS on DVD Tuesday, March 11, 2014. Order it here.

“Like” levelFILM on Facebook here.

(Photo video credit: levelFILM)