Chronicling the rise of the gym movement, BIGGER is about to hit theatres!

Synopsis:
Bigger stars Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf) as the charismatic Joe Weider alongside Julianne Hough (Footloose) as Betty Weider and Aneurin Barnard (Dunkirk) as Joe’s brother and business partner, Ben Weider. The film chronicles the Weiders as they champion women’s rights, sexual freedom, fight discrimination in all forms, create the Mr. Olympia competition and discover Arnold Schwarzenegger. Against all odds, two boys from Montreal, Quebec launched the gym movement and created an empire.

See the Trailer:

levelFILM release BIGGER Friday, October 12, 2018 as follows: Toronto (Yonge and Dundas) Vancouver (International Village) and Montreal (Montreal Forum).

(Photo/video credit: levelFILM)

Admit it! You didn’t think GREASE LIVE! was gonna be any good, did you??! I mean, how is it possible to top a Masterpiece?  We tried erasing the less-than-stellar GREASE 2 right out of our memories, but have failed time and time again.

Little did we know sitting on our couches at 7:00 PM – an unassuming Sunday night – that Television forever would be transformed for us!  What made Alex Rudzinski (Dancing with the Stars) and Thomas Kail (2 Broke Girls)‘s Live TV Adaptation of one of the greatest Films ever made wonderful, was that it captured precisely the charm and energy that made us fall in love with the 1978 Original. This we remind you, is not an easy feat.  We’ve seen so many Remakes on the Big Screen in recent years disappointingly fall flat.

Everything from a  sophisticated stage design which brought us back to Rydell High right down to the almost identical frame-for-frame replication of the original Film had us in awe.  As we cut in and out of commercial break, we got quick flashes of the pandemonium behind-the-scenes, the Actors getting transported in trollies from stage to stage at a frenetic pace, keeping us engaged and rooting for them  a la Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.  Most important of all, the casting was phenomenal.  Actors like Vanessa Hudgens, Keke Palmer, Carly Rae Jepsen, Julianne Hough and Aaron Tveit didn’t exactly have us jumping for excitement initially, but were we ever off the mark!

Hudgens although a little shaky in her rendition of Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee, got it together in the Second Act wowing us in full force as a sassy, no-nonsense Rizzo, just mesmerizing in her delivery of There Are Worse Things. What is even more heartbreaking is that Hudgens just yesterday lost her father Greg, channeling her emotions completely tonight on-stage for her biggest Audience yet.

Keke Palmer whom often has been relegated to supporting roles on the likes of Scream Queens and 90210, really shined as flirty Marty, giving Freddy My Love an injection of soul.  Promising and underrated describe only the tip of the iceberg for this burgeoning star, who actually is already a veteran.

Broadway star Aaron Tveit was excellent as our Danny Zuko, embodying exactly the endearing unpredictability of being a hormonal teenager.  Although making a few modifications to the melodies we loved vocally early, he saved it all for late, stealing our hearts in his powerful performance of ballad Sandy.  We only knew him prior from 2012’s Les Misérables, but we now are obsessed.

Julianne Hough perhaps carries the greatest weight of all in the beloved role of Sandy and she did not disappoint at any step, although a bit of fatigue could be heard late after a demanding First and Second Act.  She was the perfect Sandy, capturing her naiveté and level-headedness.  Vocally, she possessed the strength to deliver for the three-hour show and physically, she was spot-on in her choreography which had her cheerleading and dancing her way beginning to end. It didn’t take us long into the broadcast to realize that we’ve long under-estimated Hough.

What also was amazing is that one of our favourites from the Original surfaced as a Cameo – Didi Conn (originally Frenchy) as waitress Vi and above that, appearances from The Brady Bunch‘s Eve Plumb as Shop Teacher Mrs. Murdock and even Boys II Men as our Teen Angels performing Beauty School Drop-Out. Joe Jonas and his new band DNCE also appeared as Johnny Casino and The Gamblers, while vocal powerhouse Jessie J kicked it all off singing the show’s theme, Grease is the Word.

Although we enjoyed the Broadcast greatly, we knew we were “hopelessly devoted” by the Final Act – the end-of-year Carnival scene to be exact.  We didn’t want to say goodbye – which is exactly the same way we felt when he first saw the Original.  Truly magical.

Learn more about GREASE LIVE! here and how to stream it.

Download the complete Soundtrack from GREASE LIVE! here.

My instant reaction to GREASE LIVE!:

#GREASELive had me simultaneously shaking, singing, laughing, dancing, crying, sh*tting… So damn good!! You need to on-demand that sh*t if you missed it!!! I would die to be an extra in that final carnival scene!!! 🚗

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Jan 31, 2016 at 6:53pm PST

(Photo/video credit: FOX)

So you might’ve heard I was in New York City this past week enjoying the Met Gala (see the Photos!) and it was an amazing thrill seeing the Fashions and the Celebrity in-person after admiring them online for many years now.  Red Carpets and flashing Cameras are something I vow to never get sick of!   Promise.  Hoping to visit again next Spring!

Although I did get to meet Met Gala Host Rooney Mara in-person and she was lovely to stop and say “hi” and blow me a kiss, unfortunately she didn’t do the Photo but I still will have the memory!  One day I’ll have my Gwen Stefani and Anne Hathaway moment!  I did get Photos with Jennifer Morrison (Once Upon a Time) and Tommy Hilfigger but unfortunately they just didn’t turn out:(

Fortunately, most of the Celebrities I met were more than obliging and here are some of the Stars I got to get  Snap with below. And yes, that is KYLIE MINOGUE!!!!  She is just as lovely as I’d dreamed!  Ditto for Kelly Ripa!!  Armie Hammer too!! And I don’t believe Zooey Deschanel said “yes”!  She never does!!

See it all:

(Photo video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

eOne Films and Mr. Will Wong are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win Double Passes to an Advance Screening in Toronto to SAFE HAVEN. The Screening takes place in Toronto on Monday, February 11, 2013 at Cineplex Yonge & Dundas, 7:00 PM.

SAFE HAVEN is the latest Film Adaptation of Bestselling Author Nicholas Sparks, centering on a Woman (Hough) who arrives in Southport, North Carolina looking for a fresh start, with a mysterious past.  She meets a Widower  (Duhamel) and falls in love with him and his two Kids, only to realize that as their relationship progresses, it becomes increasingly hard to her darkest Secret from him.

We were honoured to be on the Red Carpet for the Canadian Premiere of SAFE HAVEN recently. Read all about it and my Chat with Stars Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough and learn how you can win a Signed Photo right here!

To enter for a chance, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook before February 7, 2013! You should also be following on Twitter. If you have increased your Privacy Settings, please ensure you leave me your Twitter account so I can reach you. Good luck!

Safe Haven is everything. It is suspenseful, romantic and heartwarming at once.  eOne Films releases on Valentine’s Day.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

The fun just don’t stop!  Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough graced the Red Carpet at Scotiabank Theatre tonight in celebration of Safe Haven, a Romantic Thriller adapted from the bestselling Nicholas Sparks Novel of the same name.   Its Story centers on a Woman (Hough) who arrives in Southport, North Carolina with a mysterious past.  She meets a Widower  (Duhamel) and falls in love with him passionately, only to realize that as their relationship progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to veil her deepest, darkest Secret.

A large crowd of Fans and Media lined the Red Carpet, the first ever for Alliance Films under the eOne Films Brand, and after just appearing across the road at MuchMusic‘s New.Music.Live, both Stars hurried-over to the Theatre, masking any trace of a super-quick Wardrobe Change.  The handsome on-screen Couple wowed Onlookers – Duhamel  gorgeous in a gray Suit and and Hough picture-perfect in pink, as the latter’s proud Hair Dresser admired her gorgeous creation, snapping Photos on her iPhone from the side.

Both Stars generously divided their time between Fans (believe me there were any in particular for Duhamel!) and giving quick Interviews to Media.  One Autograph Collector tells me, “Duhamel has a photographic memory. He saw me earlier in the day and told me one only, but still was a  nice Guy about it!”.

I had the absolute pleasure of  fitting in a question each with both Actors and quizzed Duhamel on his Canadian Ancestry and what it is like to be the self-proclaimed, “The 267th Most Interesting Man in the World”.    He jokes, “Well, I’ve got a lot of room to move, you know what I mean? There’s only room to move-up!”.  Duhamel also breaks-down for me exactly how much a Canadian he actually is. Meanwhile, Hough details for me what inspired her to choose a heavier Role compared to some of the more lighthearted fare we’ve seen her in so far like last year’s Rock of Ages and 2011’s Footloose Remake.  An admitted die-hard  Sparks Fan, Hough tells me, “I relate to Katie.  In my life I tend to be guarded and in my life I tend to find the joy in life, so it definitely makes sense for me to do this.”.

Following tonight’s Premiere, Duhamel and Hough were amazing to spend a bit of time chatting with Fans via a Q&A moderated by KISS 92.5‘s Taylor Kaye, where we learned that a good portion of Safe Haven actually is improvised.  Duhamel, who is married to Popstar Fergie, reveals to us also that he had her full blessing on filming love scenes with Hough, as Fergie was all for whatever would make Safe Haven a better Film.  Another interesting tidbit is that Hough actually is v. good Friends with the Villain in the Film, played by David Lyons. She commended him for making her feel comfortable enough to tackle some of the Film’s more uncomfortable moments. And before heading out for the night, Duhamel walked right over to me and gave me a high-five.  How cool is that?

See more Snaps of Duhamel and Hough I took earlier in the day right here.

Our trusty Helper Michelle, was sweet enough to help nab a couple Autographs from the beautiful Hough.  To enter to win one, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook before February 22, 2013.  All are welcome to enter. Good luck!

Safe Haven opens in theatres on Valentine’s Day via eOne Films’ Alliance Films.  I admit it, I cried!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

And they’ve arrived – safe and sound.  Mega-Hotties Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough arrived quietly into Toronto last night,  up and at ’em early for a hectic Press Day for their Romantic Thriller, Safe Haven.  The Adaption of the best-selling Novel by Nicholas Sparks is set to open this Valentine’s Day via Entertainment One‘s Alliance Films in Canada.  The Film centers on Katie (Hough), a Woman who arrives in Southport, North Carolina, falling in love with Widower (Duhamel), which forces her to confront her dark, mysterious past.

Duhamel and Hough who looked a picture-perfect Duo together, appeared at KISS 92.5‘s Roz & Mocha Show (listen here) earlier today, before stopping-off at City‘s Breakfast Television (watch here), before completing a morning Trifecta capped-off at CP24 Breakfast (watch here).  The Actors will be doing an afternoon of Press out of their Hotel, before appearing on an action-packed New.Music.Live at MuchMusic, which also will see Warm Bodies Stars Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer. A Star-filled Day in the City indeed.

I caught-up with the Stars as they arrived for their Breakfast Television appearance this morning and they both were gracious to Fans stopping to sign Autographs and snap Photos despite being in a crazy rush to their next destination.  The Festivities continue at Scotiabank Theatre tonight where the Canadian Premiere of Safe Haven takes place, as Duhamel and Hough walk the Red Carpet.  We’ll be there, so stay tuned for our Interview!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Entertainment One’s Alliance Films & Mr. Will Wong want to take five lucky Readers to the Canadian Premiere of Safe Haven! Based upon the Best-Selling Novel by Nicholas Sparks, the Romantic Thriller centers around Jo (Julianne Hough), a Woman with a mysterious past who arrives in Southport, Carolina, encountering a Widower in Alex (Josh Duhamel), forcing her to confront a dark Secret that haunts her.  Fans of The Notebook, The Lucky One and Dear John will be ecstatic to know that hunky Duhamel will be serving a gratuitous help of shirtlessness!

… and to sweeten the deal, Stars Hough and Duhamel will be in-attendance at the Red Carpet Premiere next Monday at Scotiabank Theatre. Breathe!

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook before Friday, January 18, 2013.  Double your chances by following on Twitter here and Re-Tweeting the below:

http://tinyurl.com/aug6rxq @MRWILLW wants to take me to the Canadian Premiere of SAFE HAVEN with Josh Duhamel & Julianne Hough!  In theatres 2/14.

Watch the Trailer in full below:

(Photo/video credit: Entertainment One’s Alliance Films)

Toronto hasn’t seen this much action since TIFF!  Next Monday will be a day of epic proportions as the Stars descend upon the City for two of February’s most anticipated Films.  I’ve been super-excited about 50/50 Director Jonathan Levine‘s Warm Bodies for quite some time now and the Adaptation of the Isaac Marion Zombie Novel will see both Nicholas Hoult (About a Boy) and Teresa Palmer (I Am Number Four) here Monday, January 21, 2013.  The Duo will be at MuchMusic‘s New.Music.Live to promote the February 1, 2013 release for eOne Films.  Frozen Yogurt Chain Yogurty’s is giving away Prize Packs and Passes to a Private Screening.  Details here.

If that weren’t exciting enough, equally-Hotties Josh Duhamel (Win a Date with Tad Hamilton) and Julianne Hough (Rock of Ages) will be promoting Safe Haven that same day and they are expected to walk the Red Carpet for the Canadian Premiere of the Romantic-Thriller later that night.  The Adaptation of the Bestselling Nicholas Sparks Novel also will see the two Actors doing a round of Press earlier in the day in support of the February 14, 2013 release for Entertainment One‘s Alliance Films.  Tickets for the Premiere will be made available via KISS 92.5 and also the Alliance Films Facebook Page.

I had the pleasure of meeting both Leading Ladies, Palmer and Hough, back in 2011 and they are both as gracious and lovely as they appear.  We are blessed to host them once again and without a doubt, both Films are expected to perform massively.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)