#TIFF14: THE BEST-OF TIFF ’14!

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)

#TIFF14: DAY 1 RECAP – ROBERT DOWNEY JR., TOM HARDY, MELISSA MCCARTHY, JULIETTE BINOCHE

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.

Thanks Steve Neville for the Capture!

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)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN RUN-OF-ENGAGEMENT PASSES TO SEE “THE DROP” IN CANADA!

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)

#FIRSTLOOK: WATCH THE TEASER TRAILER FOR “MAD MAX: FURY ROAD”

“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.)

 

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN ADVANCE SCREENING PASSES IN TORONTO TO SEE “LOCKE” STARRING TOM HARDY

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)

#FIRSTLOOK: TOM HARDY CAST AS ELTON JOHN IN BIOPIC “ROCKETMAN”

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)