Women love their shoes and there is no Shoemaker more revered and celebrated than Christian Louboutin, who has not looked back since launching his first Shoe Salon in Paris in 1991.  The French Designer has been in Toronto all week to launch his Exhibition at the Design Exchange, which runs from June 21 – September 15, 2013.  Being touted as a Celebration of Style, Glamour, Power, Femininity and Elegance, the Retrospective showcases first and foremost his Artistry.

Louboutin earlier today met his Fans at Holt Renfrew (Bloor Street) autographing those famous red lacquered Soles of his and a few lucky Fans were lucky enough to nab a Snap with him!

As I was getting ready to wind-down, I received a tip-off that the charming Genius was down-the-road from me enjoying Cocktails at Hotspot Amber in Yorkville and I couldn’t resist.  He was kind to stop for  Snap before other French Admirers called out, “Mon Aussi, Christian! Mon Aussi!”.

Click here to purchase your Tickets to the 2013 Christian Louboutin Exhibition.

See our Snap:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Basically, a dream come true. I have absolutely no shame in admitting that the Spice Girls are my favourite Music Group of all time and the moment I hear Stop, Say You’ll Be There, 2 Become 1 or Spice Up Your Life, my day can go from catastrophically bad to amazingly great. I have idolized and still idolize them greatly. My heart still is filled with hope for a possible Reunion Tour even though at my core I know it is unlikely with each of them having moved along their own respective paths.

Seeing them reunite one more time on stage at Air Canada Centre back in February 2008 was an experience I never will forget. I will say hands-down it was the best Concert I’ve ever been to in my life and believe me, I’ve been to several. The spirit of Pride, Empowerment and Fun which the Spice Girls embody, is something   missing in Pop Music right now. I love all five of them equally and although I’ve only met Victoria, I will be candid in revealing that I snuck into their Hotel several years ago, waiting for them in their Lobby. After an hour or so of waiting, I froze-up instantly after seeing Geri and Emma walk right past by me. Ultimately, I never could muster enough courage to ask them for a Photo, but that memory forever lives with me even if it is one marred by regret.

Upon learning earlier this week that Melanie Brown (known more affectionately as Scary Spice/Mel B) was in town filming a Lifetime Television Movie, Twelve Trees of Christmas, I became ecstatic and made it a mission to get my Snap with her. I was not taking “no” for an answer after having been paralyzed by fear and left Spice-less five years prior. With my erratic schedule and long days, this became problematic as filming was taking place an hour outside the City in Hamilton. Fate shone a light on me as work freed-up tonight and I got out of work early.  I knew where exactly I was headed.

My heart raced as I saw her and Film Producer Husband Stephen Belafonte (Thank You For Smoking) pull-into their Hotel in a Taxi. After flagging them down, they agreed to take a Snap after placing their Holt Renfrew bags inside quickly.  I learned that the Couple earlier in the week took-in a late-night screening of Man of Steel and enjoyed some Japanese Cuisine at Ki during their short stay.

“Your Dog is just beautiful!”, she says noticing Billy with me. Belafonte was kind to grab my Cell Phone and take our Photo, actually a bit surprised I wanted a Photo with him too, which he also took of us with skilled precision. After telling Brown all about my Fandom, which surely she must get everywhere she goes still to this day, she seemed genuinely affected and was oh-so-gracious about it. She is just as gorgeous as  imagined and this is one of the biggest highlights of my Celebrity-Spotting. I will never, ever, ever forget this.

Things are definitely on the up-and-up for Brown as she recently was cast as a Judge on America’s Got Talent, set to tape in New York City this Summer, hence allowing a small break for her to pursue this acting opportunity.  See some Snaps our Friend Sean O’Neill took of Brown on-set earlier this week here!  Stunning.

See my Snaps with Brown and Belafonte below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

I absolutely love the level of detail Jimmy Kimmel puts into making his Show funny and this week alone he had two stellar moments including two Parody-type Music Videos which got me laughing!

Officially number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 this week, Robin Thicke and Pharrell joined-in on the fun with Kimmel and Sidekick Guillermo, with a hilarious re-shot take on Blurred Lines. You won’t believe what they spell with those balloons!  I love how annoyed Thicke looks the whole time.

Watch below:

Three months ago, White House Down Co-Stars Jamie Foxx and new Dad Channing Tatum were on the Show, the former simply declaring “Channing is the best!”. They made an entire Music Video (appropriate for late-night viewing) and Track poking-fun at our Tatum-obsessed Society. Suggestively vulgar, they bring-on the laughs with the help of Miley Cyrus, Olivia Munn, Gabourey Sidibe, Matt Damon and more! Kimmel even gets all confused not knowing what the Song really is about.

Watch below:

Although it’s not quite exactly the news we’re all waiting on, this will do for now!  Nowhere Boy Director/Visual Artist Sam Taylor-Johnson, has just been announced as the Director of upcoming Erotic-Romance 50 Shades of Grey.  The hotly-buzzed Film Adaptation of the Bestseller by E.L. James is still being scripted and the Author took to Twitter today to announce: “I’m delighted & thrilled to let you guys know that Sam Taylor-Johnson has agreed to direct the Film of Fifty Shades of Grey.”.

Several Actors and Actresses have been named to be in the running for the coveted roles of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, a Business Magnate and Student whom are – pardon the pun –  bound initially by their highly dominant/submissive sexual relations.  We’re all still eagerly awaiting the casting choices for the Universal Pictures Production.

We had the pleasure of meeting Tayl0r-Johnson in Toronto last Fall as she accompanied Husband Aaron at the Premiere of his Film Anna Karenina.  Lovely Woman.  She was actually incredibly shocked anyone wanted a Photo with her!

See our Snap:

“Remember only God can judge us/Forget the Haters/Somebody loves ya”.

Can I say how obsessed I am with this Song?  It honestly took a number of listens but I am basically playing this Mike WILL Made It-producer Track on repeat.   Miley Cyrus’ new mid-tempo Jam We Can’t Stop highly is  a Candidate to be a massive Summer Hit and this brand new Video seals the deal. 

Hyper candy-coloured, the Clip is unforgettable after seeing it. I appreciate that Cyrus is pushing the envelope with her image, even if it is a disconnect from the Girl we know her as, and I am growing to love her.  This fourth Studio Disc needs to drop NOW.

Watch the Video:

Download the Track on iTunes here.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music)

His Career couldn’t be any hotter right now!  Yes, that’s James Badge Dale, known also as Badgett Dale, whom those of us who grew-up in the early ’90s will remember him from Boys-turned-Savages Thriller, Lord of the Flies.  After a bit of a hiatus which saw him focus on Hockey, fate could not be avoided as his Star would rise once again with successive Blockbusters lined one right after the other.

Although he’s in town to promote Gore Verbinski‘s The Lone Ranger which has him starring as Ranger Dan Reid alongside Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp, he also has a little Zombie/Apocalypse Movie called World War Z coming out this weekend.  That Film is  expected to debut huge with Brad Pitt front-and-center, going head-to-head with Disney Heavyweight in Monsters University.  And did I mention the record-breaking success of Iron Man 3, in which Dale stars as the villainous Savin?

The Actor arrived at KISS 92.5 Studios super-early this morning, casual in a Button-Down, Jeans and Toque, bringing some of that effortless New York City Style to our City.  Although strapped for time, he still made time to stop for a Photo, heading right over after greeting Roz & Mocha Show Producer, Maurie Sherman. Shortly after, he head over to City‘s Breakfast Television to chat with Jennifer Valentyne, singing the praises of Co-Star Johnny Depp stating that The Lone Ranger will be a complete surprise for Moviegoers.

A busy day of Press is scheduled ahead for Dale in advance of the Wednesday, July 5, 2013 release of The Lone Ranger from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Dale can next be seen in Parkland, produced by Tom Hanks, about the Events of Parkland Hospital the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated.  Colin Hanks who also stars in that Film, also currently is in town filming RomCom, No Stranger Than Love.

See our Snap:

We are familiar with Billy Crystal as a Funnyman, whether it be for his Golden Globe-nominated work in When Harry Met Sally or City Slickers. Did you know though how personable this nine-time Academy Awards Host really is?  In Toronto to promote  much-buzzed Monsters University, set ten years prior to the events of Monsters, Inc., the Actor greets a near-capacity room of Journalists on the Rooftop Lobby of his Hotel.   A young-looking 65, he has a commanding presence over the room, quickly routing all attentions off him for a moment onto Moderator Richard Crouse‘s colourful shoes and socks. “Good for you!”, says Crystal as quickly our eyes revert back to him.  At that moment we realize that despite such a celebrated career which has seen several highs, he’s really just one of us.

I set my Alarm Clock extra early to ensure I get to see Crystal greet Fans at City‘s Breakfast Television and equally he is gracious there to a sizable crowd, stopping to sign Autographs on his way in and out of the appearance. Although I sensed he didn’t love doing it, he still obliged for a quick Photo with me and my Dog – named Billy coincidentally – a meeting of three Williams.  “He’s just super-nice”, one smiling Fan tells me as he admires his signed 8×10.  Crystal delivers a Master’s Class in Celebrity Etiquette, which a far-less accomplished ’90s TV Actress who followed him on that Show should register for,  sneaking-out a hidden Exit sheepishly.

We learned that Crystal once had aspired to be a Baseball Player which thankfully wasn’t meant to be, before graduating from the Film Program  at New York University.  Despite his scholastic focus being Film, it was Theatre which he claimed as his true passion. He recalls, “I sorta became Mike-ish in the Theatre Department, where we started to really act. We built our own theatre, took the lead on that with a bunch of other people and formed our own Actors’ Equity Company. That’s where I got my Actors’ Card.”.

The Mike he is referring to of course is the beloved Character he reprises in Monster’s University, Mike Wazowski.  “I love this Guy.  I actually think this is my most favourite Guy I’ve never played”, he admits.  “I love that he’s forever positive.  I love that he’s a Leader of Monsters, has a great sense of humour, stands up for himself and I love that he’s cranky too.”.  This Prequel to $562-million-grossing Monster’s, Inc. focuses on how both Mike and his Buddy Sulley (John Goodman) overcome their differences to form a bond a Friendship as A-List Scarers.

On achieving a believable chemistry, Crystal credits fully a close-knit collaborative process with Co-Star Goodman.  “We just insisted on being together.  The funny moments have a great reparte because we’re with each other. In the tender moments like the scene at the lake when Mike realizes it’s just not gonna be and he tells Sulley, ‘I’m your friend’. It’s heartbreaking…  we worked together and I think that’s why it played-out so well.”.

While we’re on the topic of scaring, he bares his soul to us admitting that his greatest fear is not being able to spend enough time with his beloved Grandchildren aged ten, seven and three-and-a-half.  “I fear not having enough time to do all the things in my life (forgetting my business) that I want to do and accomplish and especially now with these little ones”, he says.  “In life we never know just how far we’re gonna get. Fear is a really great motivator.”.

Crystal recalls the first time he had to explain his Celebrity to his Grandchildren. “The Girls and I were walking in the mall and a Paparazzi jumped out and started taking pics and it really freaked them out”, he remembers.  “I had to explain what I did and that I was internationally famous (laughs), so I showed them Monsters, Inc. and obviously not the Orgasm Scene from When Harry Met Sally! I had to be Mike Wazowski for about a year.  Now they see billboards and are kinda used to it.”.

On the secret to his longevity in Hollywood, we learned that in addition the ardent support of his Audience, Crystal has been with the same Team since 1974.   “They are my second Family. You need to be told the truth – good or bad – and it has to be done in the right way. You have to have someone you know who always is gonna be there for you. That way you can make mistakes but they don’t seem so bad.”.

Last but not least, he credits his the Woman behind it all.  “My Wife Janice and I have been together since 1966, so anytime anything happens good or bad, she’s there”, he states.  “Any moment of self-doubt, she lets me have them and talks me out of them. That’s most important.”.

Watch Video Excerpts from Crystal‘s Press Conference below:

“Spring Brea-eak. Spring Break forever, B*tches!”.

Part-Arthouse Flick, part-Teen Fantasy, Director/Writer Harmony Korine’s Spring Breakers has been winning accolades since it debuted last September at the Toronto International Film Festival. With an All-Star Cast which includes Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson, Vanessa Hudgens, Rachel Korine and of course, a blinged-out James Franco, I personally have witnessed its greatness.  Read my Review here.

Synopsis:

Four College Girls who land in jail after robbing a restaurant in order to fund their spring break vacation find themselves bailed out by a Drug and Arms Dealer who wants them to do some dirty work.

Watch the Trailer here.

Official Artwork below:

To enter to win a Copy, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on  Facebook.  Share it on Facebook to double your chances or Re-Tweet the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/springbreakersdvd @MRWILLW wants us to #win copies of #SPRINGBREAKERS on DVD!  In stores 7/9/13. Spring Break forever, B*tches!

 Good luck!

Spring Breakers is available on DVD and Blu-Ray Combo Pack Tuesday, July 9, 2013 via VVS Films.

Pre-order now here.

(Photo credit: VVS Films)

Reprising once again the beloved role of Mike Wazowski, Funnyman Billy Crystal landed in Toronto to promote eagerly-anticipated  Monsters University for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictues.  The Film set ten years prior to the events of Monsters, Inc., centers around the friendship between Mike and  James P. “Sulley” Sullivan (John Goodman) and how they went on to become elite Scarers.

The nine-time Academy Awards Host was up and at it early today with a visit to City‘s Breakfast Television, before speaking to a room full of Journalists at the Rooftop Lobby Peess Conference in his Hotel, moderated by Film Critic/Author Richard Crouse.  Appearances on eTalk, Entertainment Tonight Canada and CBC also were slated.  Watch Crystal‘s Breakfast Television appearance right here.

Crystal, who looks a young 65, was amazingly nice to stop for a couple round of Autographs, signing generously despite initially stating “One only each”, to a large group of Fans. Bringing my own little “Monster” along for the occasion, he was beyond nice to stop of a quick Snap with another popular Billy (of the Doggy variety).  “Now, I know you didn’t name your Dog after me!”, he tells me upon being introduced.

Our Snap:

Video Excerpts and Recap from Crystal‘s Press Conference right here.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada releases Monsters University on Friday, June 21, 2013.

 To enter to win a photo signed by the gracious Crystal himself, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.  Share on Facebook and double your chances!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Acclaimed Director Guillermo Del Toro is back in Toronto once again, now promoting his latest $300-million Robots vs. Monsters Sci-Fi/Action Epic, Pacific Rim which he filmed in Toronto at Pinewood Studios.

In addition to a series of interviews scheduled today, a noticeably slimmer del Toro did some TV appearances including City‘s Breakfast Television, where he not only charmed Host Jennifer Valentyne, but also wowed Fans stopping generously to pose for Photos and sign Autographs. While on a quick break, del Toro did the impossible, coming out to greet Fans and some workers inside the building too. Often the Talent are content resting in their Green Rooms, but del Toro certainly is something special.

The Director/Producer/Writer known best for Oscar-nominated Pan’s Labrynth and Hellboy will pretty much be making Toronto his home for at least a year as he feels TV Series The Strain in the City this Fall, followed by Crimson Peak next Spring. The latter reunites him with his new Muse, Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy). It is said that del Toro held a private screening of Pacific Rim for the Toronto Cast of the Film.

I had the pleasure of filming a week’s worth of scenes as a Background Performer and cannot wait to see it!

See my Snap of del Toro:

Warner Bros. releases Pacific Rim on Friday, July 12, 2013.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)