#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN AN iTUNES DOWNLOAD OF “TRACKS”

One of our fave Films at TIFF ’13 was TRACKS. We’re pleased our Friends in the U.S. finally will have a chance to see it as it gets a released later this week.  In celebration of the Film’s iTunes and Video-on-Demand release next week, we are offering Readers a chance to win a free iTunes Download of the Film!  Mia Wasikowska is phenomenal in this. You must see it.  It is heart-felt, therapeutic and hugely emotional.

 

Our Review here.

Watch the Trailer below:

 

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Canadian Readers only please.

 

Mongrel Media release TRACKS on iTunes and Video-on-Demand Tuesday, September 23, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

#GIVEAWAY: FREE SCREENING OF “TRACKS” IN TORONTO COURTESY OF MONGREL MEDIA & “NOW” MAGAZINE

One of my favourite Films at TIFF ’13 undoubtedly was John Curran‘s Tracks. The scenic Drama based on the true experiences of Robyn Davidson.  My Review here.

Official Synopsis:

Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland, The Kids Are All Right) stars in the astonishing True Story of Robyn Davidson, who set out on a solo 2,700-kilometre journey by foot across the Australian Outback in 1977. She ultimately wrote about her desert adventure in 1980 in the travelogue Tracks, which has now been beautifully adapted by Director John Curran (The Painted Veil).  GIRLS’ Adam Driver also stars.

NOW Magazine and Mongrel Media are hosting a Free Screening tomorrow night in celebration of the Publication’s THINK FREE Issue! Details here.

Tickets will be available at the BLOOR CINEMA in Toronto after 8:45 PM tomorrow night, Tuesday, February 4, 2014.

Have fun!

Watch the Trailer:

Mongrel Media releases TRACKS in Canada on Friday, May 2, 2014.  More to come.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

#TIFF13: STARS OUT AND ABOUT IN THE CITY AT THE 2013 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL DAY 6 | DANIEL RADCLIFFE, JULIA ROBERTS, TOM HIDDLESTON, EMMA THOMPSON, PIERCE BROSNAN, KEANU REEVES, ADAM DRIVER, JESSICA CHASTAIN AND MORE

As we enter the Halfway Point of TIFF ’13, the Starpower still is v. much alive in Toronto and I even got the chance to see a Movie amidst all my Star Chronicling, seeing Oscar-buzzed August: Osage Country this morning.  Even then, I still spotted a certain Celebrity there!

 

Dermot Mulroney arrives at the Press Conference for August: Osage County and was kind to stop quickly for Fans after its start time was delayed.

 

Juliette Lewis was kindest of all, stopping for Fans before and following the August: Osage Country Press Conference earlier today, working the perimeter of the Barricades to cheers for Fans.  Her performance in the Family-Drama will floor you as the fun-loving, hungry Sister to Julia Roberts and Daughter of Meryl Streep.

 

Ewan McGregor arrived at the Venue for August: Osage County‘s Press Conference by foot and was amazing to stop for Fans after several pleas afterward. Despite not being confirmed as of last week, the Scotsman let his Fans know he’d be visiting Toronto on his Twitter account a few days ago.

  America’s Sweetheart Julia Roberts arrives at the Press Conference for August: Osage County a tad late and despite being rushed-in with the Junket running behind schedule, the stunning Roberts still made time to sign a few Autographs for the lucky on her way out. There already is Oscar Buzz for her work in this Film which premiered last night at Roy Thomson Hall sans Meryl Streep who had cancelled late due to illness.  Already earning his way as an unconventional Sex Symbol, GIRLS Star Adam Driver surprised Fans arriving for a Photo Call for his latest Film TRACKS which premiered tonight at VISA Screening Room to a standing ovation. We also saw the Film in which he stars opposite Mia Wasikowska as a National Geographic Photographer.

 

Academy Award-winning Actress Emma Thompson always has maintained her sincerity and graciousness to Fans. We spotted her arriving in Toronto tonight and although few noticed, our flags were raised right away.  Thompson appears at TIFF ’13 with The Love Punch opposite Pierce Brosnan and later this year she stars in Saving Mr. Banks, as the Author of Mary Poppins, P.L. Travers.

 

It’s Bond himself.  While seeing August: Osage Country earlier this morning at VISA Screening Room, I looked down my row and noticed a familiar face – Pierce Brosnan!  The Actor who appears in The Love Punch opposite Emma Thompson, was ushered-out discreetly after the Screening, where I snapped him leaving the Venue.  I later spotted him at La Bettola di Terroni having Lunch.

 

Anyone who’s ever lined a Red Carpet at TIFF will know that Academy Award-Nominee Jessica Chastain is amazing.  She always takes the time to pose for Fans and sign Autographs and is extremely classy about it.  Although we missed her last year, she definitely is back and everyone’s taking notice as one of the Best-Dressed Starlets to visit our City at the Festival.  Tonight she went to see Al Pacino at Massey Hall and likely will work the Party Circuit tonight afterward.

 

Few have floored me at TIFF ’13 like Daniel Radcliffe. The British Star, best known for his work as Harry Potter, has consistently been kind to Fans this visit to Toronto and tonight he premiered his third and final Film of the Festival, Kill Your Darlings. We will definitely miss him indeed when he’s gone.

 

Although we had no idea he still was in-town after debuting his Only Lovers Left Alive earlier in the Festival, Tom Hiddleston waved goodbye to Fans before flying-out.  Fret not though Toronto, as the handsome Actor best known to Fans as Loki in Thor, will be back later this year, recently replacing Benedict Cumberbatch in Guillermo del Toro‘s Crimson Peak.

  He’s definitely back and in great spirits.  Keanu Reeves unveiled his Martial Arts Flick, Man of Tai Chi tonight at Ryerson Theatre along with Co-Star Tiger Chen.  After stopping for Fans earlier today, he was a bit rushed on the Red Carpet leaving several disappointed.  Reeves was spotted on the Party Circuit last night, including a visit to Entertainment One‘s TIFF Party at The Roundhouse and also the InStyle Party at Windsor Arms Hotel. 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong) *Photos taken with Samsung Galaxy S4 and the Olympus E-PL5

#TIFF13: 12 ABSOLUTE MUST-SEE FILMS AT THE 2013 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The names have never been bigger.  The 2013 Toronto International Film Festival will run from Thursday, September 5, 2013 – Sunday, September 15, 2013 and our City soon will host some of the biggest names in Cinema internationally. Especially outstanding this year is the Female Contingent.  Thanks to Films like August: Osage County, The Railway Man,Don Jon and Labor Day, Toronto will be seeing the likes of Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Winslet and Nicole Kidman and we couldn’t be more excited not only to see their performances, but also what they’ll be donning on our Red Carpets.

Without Film, we would have no TIFF.  In addition to making it out to catch a glimpse of these A-Listers, it is important that we support the Films which give a reason for these Stars to visit our fabulous City.  I’ve had the chance to preview a number of this year’s major Titles seeing a Premiere here during the Festival, some for which I wait to see still with baited breath.

Here are my 12 most notable Players premiering at TIFF ’13, which will be a major force this forthcoming Awards Season:

 

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY –  A look at the lives of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose paths have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Oklahoma house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. Stars Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Juliette Lewis and Abigail Breslin. Review to go live September 10th.

Screening times:
Monday September 9 – Roy Thomson Hall 6:30 PM
Tuesday September 10 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) 11:00 AM

Trailer:

 

RUSH –  A biography of Formula 1 champion driver Niki Lauda and the 1976 crash that almost claimed his life. Mere weeks after the accident, he got behind the wheel to challenge his rival, James Hunt. Stars Liam Hemsworth, Olivia Wilde, Natalie Dormer and Daniel Brühl; Ron Howard directs.

Screening times:
Sunday September 8 – Roy Thomson Hall at 9:30 PM
Monday September 9 – Ryerson Theatre at 12:00 PM

Trailer:

 

LABOR DAY – Depressed single mom Adele and her son Henry offer a wounded, fearsome man a ride. As police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become increasingly limited. Stars Kate Winslet,  Josh Brolin and Tobey Maguire. Review to go live September 14th.

Screening times:
Saturday September 7 – Ryerson Theatre at 6:00 PM
Sunday September 8 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 9:00 AM
Saturday September 14 – Ryerson Theatre at 6:00 PM

 NO TRAILER

TRACKS – A young woman goes on a 1,700 mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with her four camels and faithful dog. Stars Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver. Review to go live the evening of September 10th.

Screening times:
Tuesday September 10 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 6:00 PM
Wednesday September 11 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 2:45 PM

Trailer:

 

DON JON – A New Jersey guy dedicated to his family, friends, and church, develops unrealistic expectations from watching porn and works to find happiness and intimacy with his potential true love. Stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore. Review to go live the evening of September 10th.

Screening times:
Tuesday September 10 – Princess of Wales at 6:30 PM
Wednesday September 11 – Ryerson Theatre at 3:00 PM

Trailer:

 

ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE – A story centered on two vampires who have been in love for centuries. Stars Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton. Review to go live September 5th.

Screening times:
Thursday September 5 – Ryerson Theatre at 9:00 PM
Saturday September 7 -The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema at 12:15 PM

Trailer:

 

THE FIFTH ESTATE – A look at the relationship between WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his early supporter and eventual colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg, and how the website’s growth and influence led to an irreparable rift between the two friends. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Stanley Tucci, Daniel Brühl, Laura Linney and Anthony Mackie. Review to go live September 5th.

Screening times:
Thursday September 5 –Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 6:30 PM and Roy Thomson Hall  at 8:00 PM
Saturday September 7 – Winter Garden Theatre at 12:30 PM

Trailer:

 

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB – The story of Texas electrician Ron Woodroof and his battle with the medical establishment and pharmaceutical companies after being diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1986, and his search for alternative treatments that helped established a way in which fellow HIV-positive people could join for access to his supplies. Stars Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto, Dennis O’Hare and Steve Zahn.

Screening times:
Saturday September 7 – Princess of Wales at 10:00 PM
Sunday September 8 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM

Trailer:

 

PRISONERS  –  A Boston man kidnaps the person he suspects is behind the disappearance of his young daughter and her best friend. Stars Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Mario Bello, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo, Terrence Howard and Paul Dano. Review to go live September 13th.

Screening times:
Friday September 6 -Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 9:00 PM
Saturday September 7 – Princess of Wales at 12:00 PM
Friday September 13 -Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 2:30 PM

Trailer:

 

THE RAILWAY MAN – A victim from World War II’s “Death Railway” sets out to find those responsible for his torture. A true story. Stars Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård.

Screening times:
Friday September 6 – Roy Thomson Hall at 6:30 PM
Saturday September 7 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM
Thursday September 12 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM

 NO TRAILER

 

12 YEARS A SLAVE – In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch and Paul Giamatti.

Screening times:
Friday September 6 – Princess of Wales at 6:00 PM
Saturday September 7 – Ryerson Theatre at 11:30 AM
Saturday September 14 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 9:00 PM

Trailer:

 

PHILOMENA – A world-weary political journalist picks up the story of a woman’s search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent. Stars Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

Screening times:
Sunday September 8 – Princess of Wales at 3:30 PM
Monday September 9 -Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM

Trailer:

 

Don’t forget to check back as Reviews and loads of Celebrity Photos and Scoops will be posted throughout the Festival. Click here for our Reviews section and get the scoop on what we thought of these TIFF ’13 Titles!

 

(Photo credit: Fox Searchlight)

#TIFF13: “TRACKS”

This just-released Preview for TRACKS quite literally gives me goosebumps. One just one minute, I feel uplifted – as if I too could do anything and that’s powerful stuff. Based on the true Story of Robyn Davidson, a 27-year-old Australian Woman who treks across the desert with her Dog and four Camels, this definitely is one to watch at TIFF ’13 and Awards Season.

Official Synopsis:

Mia Wasikowska  and Adam Driver star in Tracks, an inspirational story based on an epic journey taken by Australian Robyn Davidson, also known as the “Camel Lady.” In 1977, Robyn (Wasikowska) sets out from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean – a 2,700-km walk through unforgiving desert – accompanied by her dog and four unpredictable camels. Showing up occasionally is Rick Smolan (Driver), a charismatic New York photographer assigned by National Geographic. Although Robyn agrees to Rick’s visits in return for funding, she sees them as intruding on her solitude. Set against a breathtaking backdrop, the trip pushes Robyn to her emotional and physical limits. Adapted from Davidson’s Book, the Film is directed by American John Curran (The Painted Veil) and written by Marion Nelson.

Watch the Clip below:

Those of you attending TIFF ’13 have two chances to see TRACKS:
Tuesday, September 10, 2013 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 6:00 PM
Wednesday, September 11, 2013 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 2:45 PM

Mongrel Media releases TRACKS in Canada.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)