Review by Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong
Legend is sure to be beloved by both critics and audiences alike, and the reason is simple: Tom Hardy.
Tom Hardy plays brothers Ronnie & Reggie Kray, England’s notorious twin gangsters. In the 1950/60’s the Kray Twins operated a criminal empire known as “The Firm.” Throughout their criminal career their notoriety was often coupled with adoration, and this Film about their rise and fall gives us insight into the fascination.
Well constructed, written, and cast, Legend is an excellent addition to the Gangster Cinema genre. It is also exemplary of Hardy‘s talents. His abilities as a leading man, and a character actor are on display throughout the Film, and for Festival attendees you can see for yourselves starting this Saturday.
Elevation Pictures release LEGEND and it screens at TIFF ’15:
Sat Sep 12 9:30 PM
ROY THOMSON HALL
Sun Sep 13 11:00 AM
VISA SCREENING ROOM (ELGIN)
Sat Sep 19 9:15 PM
PRINCESS OF WALES
From the Director who brought us Academy Award Best Picture Winner BIRDMAN, comes THE REVENANT.
Synopsis:
Inspired by true events, THE REVENANT is an immersive and visceral cinematic experience capturing one man’s epic adventure of survival and the extraordinary power of the human spirit. In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption. THE REVENANT is directed and co-written by renowned filmmaker, Academy Award-winner Alejandro González Iñárritu (Birdman, Babel).
See the Trailer:
Oscar$!!? TIFF ’15?!?
20th Century Fox release THE REVENANT Friday, January 8, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)
After blowing our minds with BIRDMAN, Director Alejandro González Iñárritu unveils a new still from upcoming Drama THE REVENANT starring Tom Hardy and Leonardo DiCaprio. Due for a Holiday 2015 release, expect this to be at the forefront of the Awards Season race!
Official Synopsis:
Deep in the uncharted American wilderness, trapper Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is severely injured and left for dead by a traitorous member of his team, John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). With sheer will as his only weapon, Glass must navigate a hostile environment, a brutal winter, and warring Native American tribes in relentless quest to survive and exact vengeance on Fitzgerald. Based on a true story, THE REVENANT is directed and co-written by renowned filmmaker Alejandro González Iñárritu (“Birdman,” “Babel”).
Rumours are that filming on this has been extended, resulting in Hardy no longer being able to commit to The Suicide Squad, set to film here this April in Toronto!
20th Century Fox Canada release THE REVENANT on Christmas Day 2015.
(Photo credit: 20th Century Fox)
Let’s be real. We can never have enough Celeb Selfies! 2014 was a year I’ll never forget and will forever go down as one of our most star-studded yet! Our travels brought us to L.A. and New York, but our most exciting adventures took place here in our Hometown of Toronto! Let’s take a walk down our star-studded memory lane to some of our fave Celeb moments of 2014!
Who were you most excited to see? The red-hot Benedict Cumberbatch? The private Usher? The iconic Tom Cruise? The adorable Anna Kendrick? “It Boy” Ansel Elgort? How about “It Girl” Shailene Woodley? The incredibly-tough Reese Witherspoon? The irresistible Tom Hardy?!
Also, we want to share with you some of our fave of the several thousand Celeb Snaps we took in 2014! Chances are if there was a major Star in-town this year, we at some point snapped them!
2014 will go down as one of the strongest years for Cinema in recent memory, but which Movies rocked our World? And which Singles ruled our iPod? You’re about to find out!
Re-live some of our Fave Celeb Selfies of 2014 (click HD for better quality):
TOP PHOTOS:
Tinashe, Tattoo Rock Parlour
Rachel McAdams at Canada’s Walk of Fame
Ryan Reynolds + Peter Fonda at Canada’s Walk of Fame
Tove Lo, The Phoenix
Robert Pattinson at the NKPR IT Lounge, TIFF ’14
Channing Tatum, TIFF ’14
Steve Carell, TIFF ’14
Denzel Washington, TIFF ’14
Felicity Jones, TIFF ’14
Kevin Costner, TIFF ’14
Adam Sandler, TIFF ’14
Robert Downey Jr., TIFF ’14
Tom Hardy, TIFF ’14
Ian Somerhalder, Fan Expo 2014
Elijah Wood, Fan Expo 2014
Norman Reedus, Fan Expo 2014
Shawn Mendes, Universal Music Canada
One Direction, Where We Are Tour
5 Seconds of Summer, Summer 2014
Daniel Radcliffe + Zoe Kazan, The F Word Toronto Premiere
Katy Perry, Prismatic World Tour
Lady Gaga, Artrave Tour
Charlie Sheen, Joe Carter Classic Afterparty
Gordon Lightfoot, SOCAN Awards
Missy Peregrym + Charlotte Sullivan, Shaw Media Upfronts
Charlie Barnett + Jesse Lee Soffer, Shaw Media Upfronts
Stephen Amell, Bell Media Upfronts
Kirsten Vangsness, Bell Media Upfronts
Elizabeth Henstridge, Bell Media Upfronts
Katie Holmes, Met Gala, NYC
Blake + Ryan, Met Gala, NYC
Hugh Jackman, Met Gala, NYC
Lily Aldridge + Kate Upton, Met Gala, NYC
Dakota Johnson (50 Shades of Grey), Met Gala, NYC
Marion Cotillard, Met Gala, NYC
Joshua Jackson + Diane Kruger, Met Gala, NYC
Zac Efron, NYC
Iggy Azalea, The New Classic Tour
Cher, D2K Tour
Miley Cyrus, Bangerz Tour
Katheryn Winnick, Canadian Screen Awards
Martin Short, Canadian Screen Awards
Shay Mitchell, Canadian Screen Awards
Maria Bello, David Cronenberg + Viggo Mortensen, Canadian Screen Awards
Laura Vandervoort + Olivier Trevena, Canada’s Stars of the Awards Season Gala, L.A.
Ellen Wong, Canada’s Stars of the Awards Season Gala, L.A.
TOP FILMS:
1. WHIPLASH
2. GONE GIRL
3. NIGHTCRAWLER
4. WILD
5. BIRDMAN
6. THE IMITATION GAME
7. FOXCATCHER
8. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
9. THE FAULT IN OUR STARS
10. THE LEGO MOVIE
Perhaps under-seen, WHIPLASH is the one Film you absolutely must see this year. J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller will shatter your World with their performances! You’ll leave shaken and sobered.
TOP SINGLES
1. ALL ABOUT THAT BASS – Meghan Trainor
2. BLANK SPACE – Taylor Swift
3. WEST COAST – Lana Del Rey
4. BOOM CLAP – Charli XCX
5. POMPEII – Bastille
6. STAY WITH ME – Sam Smith
7. SHE LOOKS SO PERFECT – 5 Seconds of Summer
8. COUNTING STARS – OneRepublic
9. SHAKE IT OFF – Taylor Swift
10. SAY SOMETHING – A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera
2014 was all about that bass for us. Meghan Trainor blew our mind with her positive message about body image. We’re sold and extremely excited for her 2015 full-length Debut.
Won’t you join us as we embark on more exciting adventures in Entertainment 2015? Also stay tuned for an upcoming Post where our Contributors Jonathan Godfrey, Justin Waldman, David Baldwin and George Kozera share their fave Films of 2014 too!
Happy Holidays, Willionaire$!
Photos Post-TIFF ’14 taken on Nikon D3300. Photos pre-TIFF ’14 taken on Olympus E-PL5/Samsung S4.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
It was a great TIFF ’14. I admit things were looking a bit scary with a smaller-than-expected Celebrity Guest List initially and lack of confirmations, but the Festival truly brought its A-Game and this indeed was one for the books! I distinctly remember feeling a bit of panic on the first Friday of the Festival trailing far off the pace I’m normally at, nabbing only a handful of Celeb Snaps. Once the Festival picked-up by the weekend, I found myself barely able to hang-on! What a wild ride!
Many will attribute the shift in pace of the Festival due to the well-publicized guideline changes set this year, making it impossible for any Studios/Filmmakers to premiere at TIFF within its first four days had it premiered elsewhere on the North American Festival Circuit. This in turn created room for several star-studded In-Conversation-Withs as part of the Festival’s Mavericks Programme with the likes of Denzel Washington & Antoine Fuqua, Richard Gere, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Juliette Binoche. We felt the pinch, believe me. This however is a Statement the Festival must make to secure its exclusivity and maintain its place as an important Fixture for Films on the Award Trail.
We loved seeing the Publicity Machine at work before our eyes. Stars in previous years who were on the inaccessible side, suddenly became warm to Fans. On the contrary though, we noticed a few Stars who normally are friendly and accessible become tough to access this TIFF. We’re looking at you, Channing. It always is a true testament to how much the Stars believe in their product when they are willing to bring it!
We also are not surprised that THE IMITATION GAME (review here) was awared the Grolsch People’s Choice Award. Upon seeing it in advance of the Festival, we knew the Film had that something special and this will be the Film that makes Benedict Cumberbatch a household name in North America. How it shall fare this Awards Season remains to be seen, but given its Oscar-bagging connections – The Weinstein Co. – it should do just fine!
Our Contributors Jonathan Godfrey, David Baldwin, Justin Waldman and myself also might also have a thing or two to say about other deserving Contenders which premiered here at TIFF, which might not have gotten recognition. Baldwin has the highest praise for Eddie Redmayne‘s performance in The Theory of Everything (review here), while Godfrey still is singing the patriotic praises of the “cosmic” Maps to the Stars (review here). Waldman has a place in his heart for the overlooked Mommy (review here) and Pride (review here) – both which he feels will be Awards Season Candidates. I myself was spellbound by the meditative slow-burn of Foxcatcher (review here) and the devastatingly-good Whiplash (review here). Never discount Jake Gyllenhaal too as his self-starring and produced Nightcrawler was a bit of a Hit among Fans (review here)! And although we didn’t see it, Chris Rock‘s triumphant return Top Five had multiple Studios in a bidding war for distribution rights.
… and now for some Lists!
MR. WILL‘S TOP TIFF ’14 MOMENTS
1. Meeting Tom Hardy
2. Meeting Bill Murray
3. Meeting Benedict Cumberbatch x 2
4. Epic Reese Witherspoon Photo Op (after six tries prior)
5. Meeting Steve Carell
6. Meeting Melissa McCarthy
7. Ansel Elgort saying he had to get a Selfie with Mr. Will, followed by comment from him on Instagram.
8. Mr. Will‘s Epic Hat Fail, blocking Jennifer Garner‘s beautiful face
9. Meeting Miles Teller/J.K, Simmons WHIPLASH Combo
10. John Travolta‘s Fan Buffet outside The Forger Press Junket
MOST FAN-FRIENDLY CELEBS AT TIFF ’14
1. John Travolta
2. Tom Hardy
3. Reese Witherspoon (we are shocked!)
4. Benedict Cumberbatch
5. Chris Evans
CELEBS WHO OWNED TIFF ’14
1. Bill Murray
2. Al Pacino
3. Benedict Cumberbatch
4. Anna Kendrick
5. Steve Carell
SURPRISE! CELEBS
1. Melissa McCarthy
2. Kristen Bell
3. Chris Pine
4. Elizabeth Banks
5. Cara Delevingne
LEAST-ACCESSIBLE CELEBS
1. Robert Downey Jr.
2. Tina Fey
3. Keira Knightley
4. Denzel Washington
5. Kate Winslet
CELEBS WHO MADE THE MOST OF TIFF ’14
1. Chris Evans
2. Steve Carell
3. Benedict Cumberbatch
4. Jon Stewart
5. Bill Murray
BUZZMETER
1. Benedict Cumberbatch
2. Eddie Redmayne
3. Miles Teller
4. Felicity Jones
5. Ansel Elgort
FILMS TO LOOK-OUT FOR AWARDS SEASON FROM TIFF ’14
1, The Imitation Game
2. St. Vincent
3. The Theory of Everything
4. Foxcatcher
5. Whiplash
And last but not least, we must thank our wonderful Supporters throughout TIFF who make it all possible.
CP24 & Bell Media: Thank you for continuing to provide and support me with an Outlet to share my greatest passion with Ontarians at my favourite time of year. I look forward to working together again TIFF ’15!
H&M Canada: Everything I wear is H&M. Your Cardigans and Jackets were perfect for the indecisive hot-cold of TIFF ’14. Your clothing gives me confidence and comfort. Thank you.
Nikon Canada: Although I am still mastering my Nikon D3300 admittedly, many of my Photos were another level of fantastic. Capturing Photos in 24MP has given my Pictures a depth, clarity and level of detail which I’ve never before achieved. In the words of Joel McHale (at the Festival with Adult Beginners), “Are you sure this is the best Camera to take a Selfie with?” *SNAP* “I guess it is!”.
Novotel Centre Toronto: I am happy to have called you my home once again TIFF ’14. Billy and I miss our amazingly cozy bed and we appreciate the Puppy Welcome Package. This shows the level of attentiveness you have for your Clients. To be only minutes away from the thick of it all: the Movies, Parties and Celebrities and be able to crash in my Hotel Room for a quick recharge when I was in dire need of it was an absolute luxury I will not take for granted. The in-and-our privileges of your Parking Lot were a blessing as was the reliable Wi-Fi. The Staff always are accommodating, understanding and friendly. Without a doubt, I can recommend Novotel Centre Toronto as the place to stay during TIFF.
Samsung Canada: Communication is key to my Brand during TIFF and having access to the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Tab S this year ensured I always was able to stay in touch and charged. When there was the ever rare lull in my day, I could whip-out my Devices and prep my Photos and Blog Posts, ensuring that I could actually spend precious time in my Hotel Room sleeping versus working. This meant so much to me and I basically cannot imagine my life without a Galaxy Tab S. Really!
Ford Canada: I have never experienced luxury like a LINCOLN MKZ. The Panoramic Roof was a dream. The 6-Speed SelectShift® was absolute state-of-the-art. The massaging chairs were decadent. The THX® II Certified Audio System was symphonic. The customizable interior lighting let me changing colours according to my mood. The Lincoln MKZ‘s concern for my safety with frequent alerts kept me focused on the road. Did I mention it’s awful easy on the eyes? I will never forget the TIFF in which Billy and I rolled in that silky, smooth Lincoln!
Out There with Melissa DiMarco: We always have a blast at Melissa’s Out There VIP Interview Studio and Hospitality Suite! Thank you for keeping Team Mr. Will fed and hydrated with your delectable goodies and thank you for embracing my Willionaire$!
NKPR IT LOUNGE: We are thrilled to have experienced the goodness enjoyed by the likes of Julianne Moore, Robert Pattinson, John Cuasack, Justin Long, Jena Malone, Felicity Jones and several more! Thank you also for giving my Willionaire$ a taste of that Celeb Life with your generosity!
Touchwood PR: We love you and appreciate the Golden Tickets my Readers and I have been given thanks to your kindness. We value your friendship and are excited about what’s next to come!
Rock-It Promotions: We are honoured by some of the plum opportunities we were given this TIFF and we look forward to building our relationship with you in the future!
Shinan Govani: We are so proud to call you a Friend. You are one of TIFF‘s most omnipresent Stars. We continue to look-up to you and your profound influence on our thriving Celebrity Culture.
We hope you had a blast on our Digital Journey this TIFF ’14 and we can’t wait to do it all over.
Stick around, we’re at this year-round.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
I live for this Festival! TIFF ’14 Day One has arrived at long last and what an eventful day it was. I appreciate everyone taking the time to tune-in to CP24 for my Interview with Stephen LeDrew! As always, it’s a blast contributing every year and I’m honoured to be asked to help-out again this year. Catch me throughout the Festival and visit their official website for some of my exclusives!
In case you missed it, my Interview can be streamed here.
The Carpet tonight was absolutely crazy for The Judge, the Drama sees Robert Downey Jr. play a Big City Lawyer who returns to his hometown to learn that his Father, a Judge, stands accused of Murder! Stars Dax Shepard (and Wife Kristen Bell!), Vera Farmiga and Robert Duvall also graced the Roy Thomson Hall Carpet. One lucky young Man dressed as Iron Man even got a Photo Op with Downey! More pics to come tomorrow of the Cast, but here’s one of Downey greeting Fans. He was spotted afterward at Ivan Reitman‘s new Restaurant, Montecito although Fans and Media were barred access seeing the Cast’s arrivals.
French Star Juliette Binoche always is a Vision and it was amazing seeing her up-close over at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The Actress stars alongside Kristen Stewart (absent tonight) in the Drama about an aging Actress’ struggles and her Friendship with her Assistant. See a Snap below of Binoche greeting Fans.
Everyone doubted me but here’s proof for your own eyes. TOM HARDY IS IN TOWN! I was one of the few lucky ones who got a Snap of him tonight. The Actor stars in The Drop, known as the late James Gandolfini‘s final performance on-screen. The New York-filmed Movie sees Hardy as a Bartender caught between the Mafia and what’s right. As anticipated, he was amazingly gracious and those who are following know he was my #1 this Festival. I’m on Cloud Nine.
As if things couldn’t get any better, we also spotted the brilliant Melissa McCarthy who stars alongside Bill Murray in St. Vincent. Although it took the Bridesmaids Star a while to confirm, she eventually made it. She was exhausted but made an exception for a quick Snap. I’m dying.
As always, we LOVE a good Giveaway! How about an authentic signed TOM HARDY Photo?
Want it? Simply click “like” on the Post with that Signed Tom Hardy Photo over at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook to enter! All are welcome. Now’s the time to let all your Friends in on Toronto’s best-kept Secret!
This is just a taste of what’s to come, my Willionaire$. Keep checkin’ back and be following on Social Media for more excitement!
Twitter: @MRWILLW
Instagram: @MRWILLWONG
Photos were taken on the Nikon D3300 and uploaded via the Galaxy Tab S!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Soon to premiere at TIFF ’14, THE DROP, starring Tom Hardy and the late, great James Gandolfini, also will be followed with a nationwide release! Fox Searchlight and Mr. Will want to give Readers across Canada the chance to win Run of Engagement Passes!
Official Synopsis:
THE DROP follows lonely bartender Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) through a covert scheme of funneling cash to local gangsters — “money drops” — in the underworld of Brooklyn bars. Under the heavy hand of his employer and cousin Marv (James Gandolfini), Bob finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deep into the neighborhood’s past where friends, families, and foes all work together to make a living — no matter the cost.
THE DROP is directed by Academy Award Nominee Michaël R. Roskam.
Watch the Trailer:
To enter to win a Run-of-Engagmenet Pass to see THE DROP, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Double your chances by Re-Tweeting the below or sharing this Post on Facebook with your Friends!
http://mrwillwong.com/thedrop @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #TomHardy in #TheDrop! Out 9/12.
Good luck, Willionaire$!
Fox Searchlight release THE DROP on Friday, September 12, 2014.
(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight)
“My name is Max, my World is fire and blood.”.
Now, I remember watching Mad Max when I was a Kid but it was nowhere near this level of slick! See the gorgeous new Trailer for what should be one of 2015’s biggest highlights! Original Mad Max Director George Miller returns to the Director’s Chair!
Official Synopsis:
Haunted by his turbulent past, Mad Max believes the best way to survive is to wander alone. Nevertheless, he becomes swept up with a group fleeing across the Wasteland in a War Rig driven by an elite Imperator, Furiosa. They are escaping a Citadel tyrannized by the Immortan Joe, from whom something irreplaceable has been taken. Enraged, the Warlord marshals all his gangs and pursues the rebels ruthlessly in the high-octane Road War that follows.
See the Teaser:
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD stars our fave Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Nicholas Hoult and Zoë Kravitz.
Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release MAD MAX: FURY ROAD on Friday, May 15, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)
Elevation Pictures and Mr. Will Wong want to give Toronto Readers a chance to attend the Advance Screening on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, of LOCKE, starring TOM HARDY! Director Steven Knight will even be in attendance!
Official Synopsis:
Ivan Locke (Tom Hardy) has worked hard to craft a good life for himself. Tonight, that life will collapse around him. On the eve of the biggest challenge of his career, Ivan receives a phone call that sets in motion a series of events that will unravel his family, job, and soul.
LOCKE also stars Ruth Wilson, Andrew Scott, Olivia Coleman, Ben Daniels, Tom Holland and Bill Milner; Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things, Seventh Son, Eastern Promises) directs and writes.
Watch the intriguing Trailer below:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Re-Tweet the below to increase your chances and remember, you are encouraged to share this Post on Social Media with your Friends:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/locke @MRWILLW wants us to #win Advance Screening Passes to see #LOCKE starring #TOMHARDY! In theatres 5/9!
Good luck, Wongsters!
Elevation Pictures release LOCKE on Friday, May 9, 2014 in Toronto and Vancouver.
Official Artwork:
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
Yet another reason why Tom Hardy is amazing. The Britsh Actor who continues to be Toronto-shy, has just been confirmed to star as Elton John in an upcoming Biopic about the 300-million-record-selling Singer/Songwriter, titled Rocketman.
The Film is far from your run-of-the-mill unauthorized Biopic though as John’s Partner David Furnish will be producing the Film along with Steve Hamilton Shaw under their Rocket Pictures; Lawrence Bender of Al Film also will be co-producing. Surely this bodes well for authenticity? The Film will go as far back as John being a Child Prodigy at the age of five, according to Variety.
FilmDistrict acquired U.S. rights for the Film this past Spring, although it remains to see who will be distributing in Canada.
Hardy next can be seen in Animal Rescue, which filmed this Spring in New York City, along with Mad Max: Fury Road, in which he takes over the Titular Role made famous by Mel Gibson.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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