Despite not being much of a Sci-Fi Fan, Anthony Daniels has had an incredibly lucky run as a star of the genre.  Known best as the voice of C-3P0, the beloved golden robot of the Star Wars Franchise, the English Actor is in Toronto today to promote the highly-awaited movie event of the decade Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Making it an early day, Daniels was at the CITY TV building doing radio interviews and an appearance on Breakfast Television with Dina Pugliese, where he had coached her on how to sound like his iconic character.  As expected, nothing about the mysterious plot of the Film was revealed. He sports a red arm in the upcoming installment and like before, he dons the suit in addition to providing voice work for C-3PO.

Although he was kind to take his time greeting Fans, he only signed a few autographs and took a photo or two, leaving at least a dozen Fans who arrived early to see him without his coveted signature or a Selfie.  He is to appear later today at the Toronto The Force Awakens Exhibit at the Bell Media Campus.

See our Snap of Daniels earlier today:

#AnthonyDaniels, who plays #C3PO in #Toronto today for #StarWars: #TheForceAwakens. #TheForceAwakensTO

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Dec 11, 2015 at 5:01am PST

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Friday, December 18, 2015.

More on the Pop-Up Exhibit for The Force Awakens here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

We finally got around to see this amazing Teaser for THE BFG (Big Friendly Giant) after a busy week! Our jaws dropped. Many of us read the book on which this is based, by Roald Dahl.

Synopsis:

The talents of three of the world’s greatest storytellers – Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg – finally unite to bring Dahl’s beloved classic “The BFG” to life. Directed by Spielberg, Disney’s “The BFG” tells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants like Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumber and Frobscottle. Upon her arrival in Giant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams. Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows, but Sophie’s presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome. Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see the Queen (Penelope Wilton) and warn her of the precarious giant situation, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Rebecca Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all.

See the Teaser:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release THE BFG on Friday, July 6, 2016.

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

Despite not yet being released, ’50s-set Drama CAROL leads the way at the 73rd annual Golden Globe Awards, with nominations taking place earlier this morning with Actors Angela Bassett, Chloë Moretz, Randy Quaid and America Ferrera revealing nominees. The Film, directed by Todd Haynes centers on a romance between two women and stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara. Nominees are decided by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, with the ceremony to take place Sunday, January 10, 2016 and air on NBC at 8:00 PM EST.

In the Motion Picture categories, there is a three-way tie for second with four nominations apiece between The Big Short, The Revenant and Steve Jobs – with only the latter having seen a release thus far.

Two Toronto-made Films in ROOM and SPOTLIGHT, both which premiered here at TIFF ’15 in September to rousing reception, received three nominations each alongside THE HATEFUL EIGHT, THE DANISH GIRL and THE MARTIAN.

The Television categories didn’t have as definitive a leader with AMERICAN CRIME, FARGO, MR. ROBOT, WOLF HALL, TRANSPARENT and OUTLANDER each getting three nominations.

Among some of the biggest snubs this year are Canadian child actor Jacob Tremblay who just received a Screen Actors Guild nomination earlier this week for his work in ROOM, Michael B. Jordan who won acclaim for his performance in latest ROCKY installment CREED and Johnny Depp, thought to be a major contender for Best Actor in a Drama for his portrayal of gangster Whitey Bulger, failed to make the cut here also.

Many also are baffled that Fox Musical Series EMPIRE is in the running for Drama Series versus Musical or Comedy Series and there is some debate about Sir Ridley Scott‘s Sci-Fi Box Office champ THE MARTIAN being classified a Comedy.

Click here for a complete list of Nominees.

Ricky Gervais hosts this year’s Golden Globes. Visit the official site here.

(Photo credit: NBC)

After bringing the giggles with a Teaser a couple months back, we get a full THREE-MINUTE Trailer for The Brothers Grimsby!

This spring, the only thing more dangerous than the world’s greatest spy is his brother. Don’t miss the hilarious new comedy by Sacha Baron Cohen.

See the full Trailer:

Sony Pictures Canada release THE BROTHERS GRIMSBY Friday, March 11, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)

We can’t get enough of ’em!  A new Teaser Trailer has been released today for TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES 2!

Returning and joining us this time around are Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Alan Ritchson, Noel Fisher, Pete Ploszek, Jeremy Howard, Stephen Amell, Tyler Perry, Laura Linney, Brian Tee, Stephen “Sheamus” Farrelly and Gary Anthony Williams.

See the Teaser:

Paramount Pictures Canada release TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS on Friday, June 3, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

26-year-old Australian actor Luke Bracey is a rising star in Hollywood and after a few supporting roles in Films like Monte Carlo, G.I. Joe: Retaliation and recently Nicholas Sparks’ The Best of Me, he stars next in Point Break, a remake of Kathryn Bigelow‘s 1991 classic.

Starring in the leading role of Johnny Utah, a role played originally by Keanu Reeves, Bracey is in Toronto to promote the Action Thriller which goes up against some stiff competition at the Box Office this Christmas.  He and Director Ericson Core last night surprised Fans at a screening of the Film at Cineplex Yonge & Dundas and Bracey was out doing press early today including stops at KISS 92.5 and CITY‘s Breakfast Television.  Watch here.

On the gravity-defying stunts seen in this Remake, Bracey says, “I did as much as I could do before we let the professionals step in, that’s the one thing that drew me to the Movie – being such a fan of the original – is that if we’re gonna do it again, let’s really pay respect to the original sports and athletes”.  He adds, “We’ve got the world’s best wingsuiters, surfers, rock climbers, motocross guys in the world. I did everything until they jumped in. “

On his most scary stunt he reveals, “I actually did get to hang-off Angel Falls about 1 km above the earth”. “They say do one thing a day that scares you. That was about enough for a 100 days”.

See the Trailer:

Despite there being a crowd of Fans earlier out for Bracey, he made time for every one and stopped for Photos and Autographs. A gentleman and we love his new hair.

See our Snap:

With #PointBreak star #LukeBracey, in #Toronto today! Out Christmas.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Dec 10, 2015 at 5:51am PST

If you look carefully, you’ll see I’m wearing some official POINT BREAK gear!

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release POINT BREAK Christmas Day.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Warner Bros.)

By Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Last night, I was incredibly-lucky to experience a Holiday Classic at the new VIP Cinemas at Cineplex Yonge-Eglinton. First off, when I heard that Yonge-Eglinton was getting the VIP treatment, I was skeptical about screen size mostly because the theatre seemingly already used all the space it had…or so I thought. Thankfully, I was wrong and the spacious new VIP area  actually is beyond stunning, located just across from the concession area and in a secluded VIP area for a nice night out with some friends or a significant other.

Most notably different about Yonge-Eglinton VIP unlike others of its kind in Greater Toronto is that there are two designated dining areas. The first area, right when you walk in is an ambient bar/lounge area with a comfortable seating area, a beautiful view of bustling Yonge-Eglinton and a dozen or so bar tables that seat four for a quick drink before the cinematic escape begins. Upon walking down the stairs towards the cinema, there is another eating area and this is for the guests who wish to have more than an appetizer or a drink and enjoy an actual meal before or after their Movie. The area is nice and secluded, which is perfect for a cozy date night.

Secondly, the theatre size is truly remarkable. Similar to Yonge-Dundas and Don Mills, the screens are a sized generously, similar to screens we’ve come to enjoy at other Cineplex locations.  As well, the cushy seating heightens the experience just that much more. If you have ever experienced the VIP at Don Mills, Auditoriums 1 and 2 are the most comfortable due to the completely reclining theatre chairs. However, in Cinemas 3, 4 and 5, only the front two rows recline and sitting that close is not for everyone. Thankfully though, the new VIP at Yonge-Eglinton has fully-reclining chairs in all three auditoriums to bring the ultimate luxury and relaxation to the cinema viewing experience.

As well, the menu items and drink selections were quite delicious and had a vast variety of options. From Shrimp Cocktail to Pulled Pork Sandwiches to Poutine, offerings you’d want pre/post Movie was accessible… and flavourful. There is no better way to enjoy a Movie than in a comfortable, reclined seat, with popcorn in one hand and wine in another.  Yonge-Eglinton VIP will be getting the most in-demand titles starting with Creed, Hunger Games and Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, giving us a refined way to enjoy the season’s best.

Cineplex Yonge-Eglinton VIP opens to the public on Friday, December 11, 2015.  More here.

We are incredibly-honoured to host an Advance Screening for the one Film which has had Film Lovers in great anticipation for a v. long time now. eOne Films + Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers in Toronto and Vancouver a chance to see Quentin Tarantino‘s THE HATEFUL EIGHT in 70mm.  Screenings take place Monday, December 21, 2015.

Synopsis:

In THE HATEFUL EIGHT, set six or eight or twelve years after the Civil War, a stagecoach hurtles through the wintry Wyoming landscape. The passengers, bounty hunter John Ruth (Kurt Russell) and his fugitive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh), race towards the town of Red Rock where Ruth, known in these parts as “The Hangman,” will bring Domergue to justice. Along the road, they encounter two strangers: Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), a black former union soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), a southern renegade who claims to be the town’s new Sheriff. Losing their lead on the blizzard, Ruth, Domergue, Warren and Mannix seek refuge at Minnie’s Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass. When they arrive at Minnie’s, they are greeted not by the proprietor but by four unfamiliar faces. Bob (Demian Bichir), who’s taking care of Minnie’s while she’s visiting her mother, is holed up with Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), the hangman of Red Rock, cow-puncher Joe Gage (Michael Madsen), and Confederate General Sanford Smithers (Bruce Dern). As the storm overtakes the mountainside stopover, our eight travelers come to learn they may not make it to Red Rock after all…

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook.  Click “share” from there for an extra chance or Tweet the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/thehatefuleight @MRWILLW wants us to win Passes to an Advance Screening of #TheHatefulEight. Out Christmas.

G’luck.

eOne Films release THE HATEFUL EIGHT Christmas Day.

Quentin + Mr. Will:

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Dec 8, 2015 at 8:25am PST

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

What a year it’s been!  The Racing Season at Woodbine ended last weekend and although it’s only been a week, I do miss it!  It brings be so many mixed emotions to see so many of our human and equine friends in the industry ship south to the warmer weathers of Kentucky and Florida this winter, but I know they’re all just a Facebook post away and I can keep a tab on the horses like they are my children.

Over the course of the year I have taken well over 25k photos.  Hence, to narrow them down to 400 even was a great feat on my part. I take so much pride in every photo I take, discarding one literally is like getting rid of a memory for me and I have a hard time letting go.

Bit by bit since last Saturday, I’d paste together pieces in what little spare time I had to compile my annual 2015 Year in Horses Video.  These Snaps span from April through November, my travels taking me to Fort Erie, New Jersey and Lexington.  It was an historic year and no racing fan can deny the sheer delight of witnessing a Triple Crown champion in American Pharoah.  The three-year-old colt not only would become the first horse since 1978 to accomplish the illusive feat, but he’d also go on to be the first ever to sweep a Grand Slam (Triple Crown + Breeders’ Cup Classic) en route to capping his career off with $8.6 million in earnings, making him a likely Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year.

Although racing certainly was exciting south of the border, we had plenty to be proud of in Canada with a competitive three-year-old division which saw three separate horses win each leg of our own Triple Crown: Shaman Ghost, Breaking Lucky and Danish Dynaformer respectively.  A Woodbine-based filly named Academic however would travel out west and accomplish some great feats including the Canadian Derby, which could definitely sway voters in Horse of the Year voting in her favour.

To me, the strongest performances came in the two-year-old divisions. For the first time ever a Woodbine-based filly would go south  to win the $1-million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in Catch a Glimpse.  Caren also has been a monster, showing great versatility no matter short nor far including a win in the country’s most important race for fillies in her division, the Princess Elizabeth Stakes.  Riker was undefeated in Canada before performing respectably in the $1-million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, under Jesse Campbell, who also pilots Caren.  And Conquest Enforcer dropped the jaws of everyone including Woodbine‘s CEO, Jim Lawson, with a powerful display in the $250k Cup and Saucer at Woodbine, leaving us wanting more.  Meanwhile Shakhimat (translation: “check mate”) gave us every reason to believe he well could be the favourite in next year’s Queen’s Plate, to be held Sunday, July 3, 2016.  He crushed a talented field in the $250k Coronation Futurity last month.

Enough words, more pictures.  Enjoy.

Mr. Will

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Although fewer visited the theatres this weekend, THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY, PART 2 still reigns supreme at the Box Office in North America for a third consecutive week.  Playing at 4,086 theatres, it pulls-in $18.8 million, a tally of $227.3 for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films.

Debuting in second is the Horror KRAMPUS, opening with $15.3 million from 2,902 theatres for Universal Pictures. Starring Adam Scott and Toni Collette, the Film earned a respectable 63% on the Tomatometer and Audiences gave it a B- CinemaScore.

THE GOOD DINOSAUR is in third in its second week out with $15.1 million for Disney, grossing $75 million thus far domestically.

CREED is in fourth this weekend with $14.6 million in its second week out for Warner Bros., playing at 3,424 theatres.

SPECTRE places fifth with $5.6 million in its fifth week out for Sony Pictures, now having made $184 million in its North American run.

Oscar Contender SPOTLIGHT is in eighth spot for Open Road/eOne Films with $2.9 million. In five weeks it has made $16.6 million, mostly in limited release.

BROOKLYN is in ninth with $2.7 million for Fox Searchlight/Mongrel Media, playing at 906 theatres. It has made $11.4 million thus far in five weeks, also mostly in limited release.

SECRET IN THEIR EYES rounds-out the Top Ten with $2 million in its third week out for STX/eOne Films.