Ice Cream may sure cool you down, but Joe Manganiello certainly will turn your temperatures up!  The Actor best known for his work on top-rated HBO Series True Blood and Magic Mike is in Toronto today doing Press for Magnum Ice Cream, which in previous years has brought in Talent like Ivanka Trump and Rachel Bilson for their introduction to the Canadian market.

Arriving last night in the City, Manganiello made visits bright and early before 7:00 AM to City‘s Breakfast Television, where Fans outside the Studio were delighted to get free samples from him.  He later head over to Canada AM at CTV‘s Studios in Scarborough and then taped an Interview, to air at a later date on Global Television‘s The Morning Show, where I caught-up with him quickly, looking extremely sharp in a light gray Suit.  Watch his Breakfast Television Appearance here.

Later tonight, Manganiello will visit the Magnum Pleasure Store on 11 Bloor Street West for its launch and he and his Entourage earlier today were spotted on Bloor Street walking over to the temporary Shop, which was covered-up and closed for business in preparation of tonight’s Festivities. Performers from the Cirque du Soleil also will appear tonight.  The Store opens till July 28, 2013.

See our Snap:

I had the pleasure of chatting with Manganiello and Channing Tatum on the Toronto Stop-off of the Magic Mike Press Tour last Spring. Read more here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

He’s definitely on fire!  Earlier this year when Justin Timberlake was set to make that big Comeback of his, already R&B Lovers were drawing parallels to his resembling of Robin Thicke‘s sound.  So how does Thicke counter back?  He delivers a fresh, new Sound thanks to the expertise of Pharrell Williams, who single-handedly is defining our Airwaves this Summer with not one, but two Hits in Blurred Lines (Thicke ft. T.I.) and Get Lucky (Daft Punk).

Actually, you can make that three now with this brand new Single, Give It 2 U, which already is buzzing with controversy with its racy, racy Lyrics.  The Collaboration between Thicke and Rapper Kendrick Lamar undoubtedly is stellar  and highly danceable even if it does pose some challenges for Adult Pop/Top 40 Radio, which both have embraced current Billboard Hot 100 Chart-topping Blurred Lines.  In fact, that Track has reached number one in over 28 countries – a certified International Smash, appearing as though it won’t be giving-up its dominance any time soon.

Check-out Give it 2 U below:

Also check-out the official Stream on Myspace right here!

Robin Thicke‘s sixth Album Blurred Lines hits stores Tuesday, July 30, 2013 via Universal Music Canada.  

Complete Tracklisting below:

1. Blurred Lines ft. T.I. + Pharrell 

2. Take It Easy On Me 

3. Ooo La La 

4. Ain’t No Hat 4 That 

5. Get In My Way 

6. Give It 2 U ft. Kendrick Lamar 

7. Feel Good 

8. Go Stupid 4 U

9. 4 The Rest Of My Life 

10. Top Of The World 

11. The Good Life

Official Artwork:

Pre-order the Album here.

(Photo/audio content: Universal Music)

A few things about this brand new Sneak Peek Trailer for The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones:

-We get to witness adorable Lily Collins introducing the Trailer
-We see that Demi Lovato, Zedd and Colbie Caillat have contributed Tracks to the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack from Universal Republic
-We can hear Previews of the Soundtrack here; it is available for Pre-order here (out August 20, 2013)
-The Film is PG-13 as per the MPAA
-It will be available in IMAX

Watch the Sneak Peek Trailer at Yahoo! Movies in full here or watch it in HD below:

eOne Films releases The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones on Wednesday, August 21, 2013.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

Mr. Will Wong and Mongrel Media are thrilled to give Readers a chance to see Woody Allen‘s new Drama, Blue Jasmine in Toronto and Vancouver!  Screenings take place Thursday, August 1, 2013 in Toronto at Varsity Cinemas and Vancouver’s Fifth Avenue Cinemas.

Starring the incomparable Cate Blanchett, this latest Film from Writer/Director Allen, centers around a Woman named Jasmine (Cate Blanchett) who is led back to San Francisco after a Crisis takes place, reconnecting her with her Sister.  The brilliant Supporting Cast includes: Alden Ehrenreich, Peter Sarsgaard, Alec Baldwin, Louis C.K.,  Bobby Cannavale, Tammy Blanchard, Charlie Tahan and Sally Hawkins!

Watch the Trailer in full below:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook and state your City. Double your chances by sharing this Post on Facebook or Re-Tweeting the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/bluejasmine @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes across Canada to see #WoodyAllen’s #BLUEJASMINE starring #CateBlanchett. Out 8/2!

Mongrel Media releases Blue Jasmine on August 2, 2013.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

Before Destiny’s Child there was En Vogue. Those of us who grew-up in the early ’90s will have fond memories of our Airwaves dominated by the Girl Group responsible for smash Hits Don’t Let Go, Hold On, My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It), Free Your Mind and their Collaboration with Salt-n-Pepa, Whatta Man.

After surviving multiple Lineup changes which included Founding Members Dawn Robinson and Maxine Jones reuniting/departing the R&B Outfit,  the Group now tours as a  Trio with former The All-New Mickey Mouse Club Alumni Rhona Bennett, whom at one point was in-the-running for a promising Solo Career circa Britney Spears Era.

Those of us celebrating Pride in Toronto had the treat of witnessing a free Performance by En Vogue tonight at the 15th annual Blockorama, held at TD Wellesley Stage. Although there were several issues with sound – Co-Lead Vocalist Terry Ellis got the worst of if with her microphone levels being off the early part of their Set – they definitely wowed the Audience with their still-amazing Vocals.  Zipping through their biggest Hits and also a Tribute Medley to the likes of Chaka Khan, Donna Summer, Anita Ward, The Emotions and more, they certainly left the Crowd wanting more.  And more they gave, performing a rousing Cover of Whitney Houston‘s I Wanna Dance With Somebody!

Their Handler was kind, collecting CDs and Albums from Fans, bringing them in to be personalized and on their way out, Security tried stopping Fans from getting Photos although both the lovely Cindy Herron and Bennett were nice to accommodate me, despite my Camera failing to fire in the dark with the latter.

Photos below:

Earlier in the day, I was lucky enough to meet amazing ’90s R&B/Reggae Diva Diana King, known best for her massive Hits Shy Guy and high-energy Cover of Dionne Warwick‘s I Say a Little Prayer.  Just last year, King came out as a Lesbian on Facebook and even brought along her Girlfriend on-stage, who served as her DJ.  Although her Set was brief, her Voice is still amazing and if not even stronger.  She wrapped things up with Shy Guy, which had the Audience singing out loud as it vamped into a Remix.

See our Snap:

For a second week in-a-row, Monsters University schools its competition with $45 million earned from 4,004 theatres! The Animated Feature from Disney will face some stiff competition with the upcoming release of Despicable Me 2, in theatres across North America on Wednesday. In two weeks alone, the reigning Champ has grossed over $172 million domestically.

Opening above expectations in second is The Heat starring the fantastic Duo of Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy, with $40 million. I saw the Film this weekend and absolutely loved it, with few moments to breathe between laughs in this Buddy-Cop Flick from 20th Century Fox. Opening in 3,181 theatres, the fearless Action-Comedy is heavy on the profanity, earning itself an R-Rating, but nonetheless responses were positive from both Critics (65% on the Tomatometer) and Audiences (A- CinemaScore) responded well. The Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) Film was made for $43 million, practically paying its own bill in its debut.

World War Z continues to perform strongly in its second week of release, earning $29.2 million. To date in North America, it has grossed $124 million already, just ahead of White House Down which debuts below expectations for Sony Pictures with $26 million. Although seemingly decent numbers, when its $150 million Production Budget is considered, the disappointment for the Studio becomes all the more clear. Critics also had with lukewarm response for the Action Flick starring Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx, tallying 49% on the Tomatometer, although Audiences loved it with an A- CinemaScore.

Man of Steel in its third week of release continues to perform well with $20.8 million in fifth for Warner Bros., ahead of Comedy, This is The End, with $8.9 million in sixth, while Now You See Me in seventh spot surpasses the $100-million mark domestically with $5.5 million earned this weekend. Google-inspired Comedy The Internship rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.3 million for 20th Century Fox.

With over 1.2 million people estimated to be in attendance this year, Pride Toronto kicked-off last weekend and concludes today. The annual Festival celebrating history, courage, diversity and future for the LGBTQ Community sees its Marquee event tomorrow, the annual Pride Parade, take place for the 41st consecutive year. Click here to view the Route.

Always a big draw to the Festival, Musical Talent this year includes En Vogue, Carol Pope, Diamond Rings, Anjulie, KAY, Diana King and Carmen Electra.    The latter, whose eclectic talents include Writing, Acting, Modelling, Dancing and Singing too, performed original material tonight on the South Stage at Church x Carlton.  Many don’t realize that Electra actually recorded a debut Disc back in 1993, produced by none other than Prince, and only recently returned to her roots. Sporting an edgy Electro/Hip-Hop/Dance Sound, Electra electrified on-stage even if her performance was brief with Tracks like Bigger D*ck and I Like it Loud,  with the help of two Backing Dancers.

Upon leaving the Venue, Electra was nice enough to stop for a quick Snap (thanks so much to Reader Jay Stoney for taking it!), even offering to take more Photos with Fans before her Entourage shut it down, leaving a couple Fans disappointed.

For those curious about Electra’s sound, check out latest Single, I Like it Loud below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Video credit: Citrusonic Stereophonic & Bill Hamel)

Amazing news!  Magnum Ice Cream just about surprised us all with a Flagship Store in Yorkville, which was unveiled today!  Situated in 11 Bloor Street West, at the intersection of Yonge x Bloor, the Shop is a welcome addition to strip lacking in Food/Confectionery options.  The Shop, which has sister stores throughout the World in Cities like Milan and Amsterdam, gives Ice Cream Lovers the opportunity to customize with decadence, their own Ice Cream Bars.

“Yes, we just opened today!”, says a Store Rep to me over the Phone.  He confirms to be their hours currently are Monday-Saturday 11 AM – 9 PM and Sundays 11 AM – 6 PM.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

“Have you been bad?”.

The Counselor I admit, was pretty much off my radar until today when I saw this sizzling International trailer for this latest Drama by Sir Ridley Scott. Michael Fassbender stars as a Lawyer who gets caught-up in Drug Trafficking. A fantastic Supporting Cast here includes: Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, Bruno Ganz, Rosie Perez, John Leguizamo and Brad Pitt.

Watch the Teaser Trailer below:

20th Century Fox releases on October 25, 2013. TIFF 2013? Sure looks it!

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)

We all know Rock Legends like The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Ray Charles, Joe Cocker and Tina Turner, but often  when we hum their tunes we neglect that we’re actually singing along with their Backing Vocalists on those famous choruses. 

20 Feet From Stardom from Director Morgan Neville, follows the stories of the talented Performers who appeared on several of these Artists’ Records which have come to define Rock and Roll as we know it today.  He gathers a cross-section of Backing Vocalists over the past 50 years and we learn their sobering stories and the realities of Fame and its unsung Heroes in this fantastic Documentary which captivated audiences at the Sundance Film Festival.  I’ve seen it and loved it!

eOne Films and Mr. Will Wong want to give Toronto Readers a chance to win passes to the Advance Screening of 20 Feet from Stardom. A must-see for any Rock and Roll Fan!

To win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.  Double your chances by sharing on Facebook or Re-Tweeting the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/20feetfromstardom  @MRWILLW wants us to win a Double Pass to the Advance Screening of Rock ‘n’ Roll Doc, #20FEETFROMSTARDOM! Out 7/5/13.

The Screening takes place at Cineplex Yonge & Dundas on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 7:00 PM. 

Watch the Trailer below:

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)