I’d like to introduce you all the my favourite Film all of TIFF ’14! The psychological Musical Drama is unafraid to get mean, gritty and nasty and although it might not have received that coveted People’s Choice Award, it certainly cannot be ignored this upcoming Awards Season. Think Black Swan. But drumming. And Jazz. I cannot describe. You must see for yourself.

Official Synopsis:
Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller) is an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. Plagued by the failed writing career of his father, Andrew hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the school. Fletcher discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man’s life. Andrew’s passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the brink of both his ability—and his sanity.

See the Trailer:

Mark my words, this is the Film that will make Miles Teller a Star. Both him and J.K. Simmons are phenomenal.

Mongrel Media release WHIPLASH Friday, October 24, 2014 in Toronto and Vancouver. Additional cities to follow.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

This always the most bittersweet Post as I know in my exhausted state I am begging for a bit of a break, but this time next week I’ll be wishing we could do it all over again! Is it safe to say it was an amazing TIFF 14? We hope you had as much fun as we did this TIFF!

Whether it be accomplishing our mission of meeting Tom Hardy or Reese Witherspoon we achieved a vast majority of our Celeb Goals this year and even had a few nice surprised thrown in also. How about our moments with John Travolta or Bill Murray!?!? BONUS!

ALAN RICKMAN + KATE WINSLET

Today marks TIFF‘s Closing Weekend and if there was one Party to be at today, it was the Cocktail Party at Soho House for Alan Rickman‘s A Little Chaos, which stars him alongside Kate Winslet. We spotted the Actor-turned-Director heading to his Cocktail and although he said “no” to Photos, he still took time to sign some Autographs. Just nothing Harry Potter though.

Winslet of course met-up with Rickman a bit later to introduce their Film at Princess of Wales Theatre before heading on over to Roy Thomson Hall to introduce the Film to a second audience.

Joining the festivities was former Downton Abbey Star Dan Stevens, whom later was scheduled to premiere his Thriller The Guest at Ryerson Theatre. Super-nice guy!

Until next year, Willionaire$!

Be sure to check back later this week as we look back on our TIFF ’14 Highlights. There will be lots of pretty Pics not yet seen here!

All Photos taken on Nikon D3300 and communicated on Samsung Galaxy Tab S.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

No Good Deed does plenty nice at the Box Office this weekend, taking the top spot with $24.5 million for Sony Pictures from 2,715 theatres.  The Action Flick starring Idris Elba despite getting only 10% from Critics on the Tomatometer, gets a much better B+ CinemaScore.

Dolphin Tale 2 opens in second spot with $15 million for Warner Bros. with an A CinemaScore and a good 73% on the Tomatometer. By contrast, its Predecessor earned $19 million in its 2011 debut.

Guardians of the Galaxy continues to show great resilience in third spot with $9 million for Marvel in now its seventh week, just surpassing the $300 million mark in North America.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles continues to go well in fourth spot for Paramount Pictures with $5 million this weekend. To date it has grossed $181 million in six weeks.

The Drop opens in sixth spot in limited release after a Premiere at TIFF ’14 last weekend, earning a decent $5 million from 809 theatres.

Rounding-out the Top Ten with $2.6 million is The Giver in its fifth week out with a total $41 million grossed domestically.

We’re in the Home Stretch at last!  TIFF ’14 has been a bit of an endurance test to say the least. Normally at this time of year, we’re relaxing and simply enjoying Films but what makes this Festival a bit different is that some of the bigger Titles were saved a bit later in the game.  Not that you have to push us to keep-up. We’re more than willing, trust me.

The names on Day 9 of TIFF ’14 were on-par with some of the Megastars we saw earlier. Believe me, you will be impressed.

JOHN TRAVOLTA
We all grew-up with GREASE (’90s) and HAIRSPRAY (’00s), so you can understand the sheer delight of seeing let alone meeting John Travolta in-person.  He is everything I hoped he would be and more.  The hair (!!!), the persona and the Fan-friendliness.  Despite arriving late to his Press Junket for The Forger, he took the time after to meet and greet every single Fan in waiting and believe me, there were hundreds.  I cannot believe this happened.  Nicest Star of the Festival.

CHRIS EVANS
He may be the Captain of America, but he certainly was in it to win it at the Festival and win he did. Making his directorial debut at TIFF ’14 with BEFORE WE GO, Chris Evans was pleased to announce that his Film picked-up distribution via RADiUS, a Boutique Label from The Weinstein Company. Yes, it must be THAT good.  Remember to check our Reviews Section as Contributor David Baldwin saw it! By absolute chance, we crossed paths with the handsome Star who was adamant this Festival about Selfies only and no Autographs with Fans.  Co-Star Alice Eve was far less giving, disappointing several Photo Seekers.

JENNIFER CONNELLY + PAUL BETTANY
Although we spotted Paul Bettany earlier last week, it was the stunning and brilliant Jennifer Connelly that we were looking for still and we got our wish seeing the Couple arrive at the Junket for his directorial debut, SHELTER. They were amazing about it all and Bettany particularly gratuitous, went around the bend signing Autographs and taking Selfies. He even greeted a Baby!

MICHEL HAZANAVICIUS + BÉRÉNICE BEJO
I loved THE ARTIST. I saw it like six times at the theatre. So you can understand me excitement for not only Jean Dujardin (whom we spotted on TIFF ’14 DAY 8) but also Co-Star Bérénice Bejo and Husband-Director Michel Hazanavicius being in-town at the same time. A reliable source tells me that they all crossed paths yesterday at a Hotel but realized they couldn’t make each other’s Premieres.

The French Power Couple are at the Festival with Chechen Civil War Drama THE SEARCH, which I not only was lucky enough to see (and cry to… multiple times, actually), but also attend the Thompson Hotel Cocktail Party for, organized by none other than our own Property Brothers, Drew and Jonathan Scott. The Brothers were busy this TIFF with their heavily-attended The Producers Ball. The untrained Child Star in the Film, Abdul Khalim Mamutsiev, is absolutely phenomental in this Film and there already is Best Foreign Picture buzz for this.

Bejo was absolutely stunning, pairing a chic leather jacket with a gorgeous sequined black number, perfect for a Premiere and Academy Award-winning Hazanavicius looked incredibly smart. I love this Couple and am honoured to have partied with them both.

Just one more day to go till TIFF ’14 soon becomes a memory. One, we’re loving that we actually are getting some sleep. Two, we are a bit sad. We are hoping to see Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman on Day 10!

All Photos taken on the NIKON D3300 and communicated via the Samsung Galaxy Tab S.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Universal Pictures Canada and Mr. Will want to give Readers in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton,  a chance to win Passes to see the scary OUIJA first!  Screenings take place Wednesday, October 22, 2014.

Official Synopsis:
A group of friends use a Ouija Board to try to make contact with a recently deceased friend, but end up putting their lives in danger when they inadvertently summon a dark presence.

OUIJA stars Olivia Cooke, Ana Coto, Daren Kagasoff, Bianca A. Santos and Douglas Smith.

Watch the Trailer below:

Official Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook and tell me in the comments section after watching the Trailer who you would communicate with via a Ouija Board!

 Share this Post on Facebook with your Friends or Re-Tweet the below to double your chances:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/ouija @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes across #Canada to see #OUIJA. Out 10/24!

Good luck, Willionaire$!

…. remember that time we met Olivia Cooke in L.A.?

Universal Pictures Canada release OUIJA on Friday, October 24, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada/Mr. Will Wong)

Mr. Will and D Films want to give Readers a chance to win Run of Engagement Passes  to see THE GUEST in Toronto.

Official Synopsis:

A mysterious and devastatingly charming stranger (Dan Stevens) arrives at the home of a bereaved family claiming to be the best friend of their dead son.

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post on Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Also share this Post with your friends at Facebook and your chances will be doubled!

Watch the Trailer:

D Films release THE GUEST on Friday, October 17, 2014 in Toronto.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

We always knew Keira Knightley was funny! After premiering at TIFF ’14, LAGGIES is about to see its release and we love everything about its Trailer from one, KEIRA, to its themes of Adults coming-of-age (we adore 13-Going-on-30). The pairing of Knightley and a beyond-her-years Chloë Moretz is a perfect counterbalance.  Lynn Shelton (Your Sister’s Sister. Safety Not Guaranteed) directs.

Official Synopsis:
Megan (Keira Knightley) is a 28-year-old woman stuck in a permanent state of adolescence. Unable to find her career calling, she is still hanging out with the same friends, and living with her high school boyfriend. When an unexpected marriage proposal sends her into a panic, she crosses paths with 16-year-old, Annika (Chloë Grace Moretz) and must finally learn to navigate her own future.

See the Trailer for LAGGIES:

VVS Films release LAGGIES on Friday, October 24, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

It is with great sadness that I’ve come to the realization TIFF ’14 is only a couple days away from its end. Going back into my normal routine once again surely will be especially hard because I had such an amazing Festival this year!  I look forward to catching a couple more Movies this weekend now that the Parade of Stars are about to make an exit.

Today was a special day and I will remember this as the day that I met Ryan Reynolds.  I’ve seen him many times but just simply never have been able to angle myself into contention to get a Snap with him. At last it happened today as I crossed paths with him while he was promoting his new Comedy, The Voices.  The Film which sees him get into some trouble as he hears things from his Dog and his Cat, driving him to murder.

The Canadian-born Star looked particularly dappper in a blue suit tonight on the Red Carpet at Ryerson Theatre and was extremely generous with Fans taking time to sign as many Autographs and take as many Selfies as he could!  No sign however of his Mrs., Blake Lively.

Earlier tonight, we also saw Patricia Clarkson and Scott Speedman on the Red Carpet for Winter Garden Theatre in support of their new Film, October Gale. The Film is about a Doctor who takes-in a wounded Man, only to discover that his Killer is out to complete the job.

Clarkson was absolutely amazing, stopping to sign some Autographs for Fans and I was lucky enough to get a Snap with the remarkable Actress.

Scott Speedman always looks sharp and tonight was an exception as the Toronto-born Actor graced the Red Carpet for October Gale also.

Although we didn’t get a chance to see him, our Contributor David Baldwin was thrilled to attend a Screening of Martin Scorcese‘s latest, The 50 Year Argument which he co-directs. Fan Reports are indicating that things got a little unruly outside the Theatre tonight hindering the Icon from signing more Autographs.

Tomorrow we’re expecting to see John Travolta, Chris Evans and Alice Eve, among others! We can’t wait. So check back!

Don’t forget to follow for immediate updates:

Twitter: @MRWILLW
Instagram: @MRWILLWONG

All Photos were taken on the Nikon D3300 and communciated via the Samsung Galaxy Tab S.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/David Baldwin)

It was amazing today finally getting a chance to enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation during the day before heading out to cover an Event I’m particularly proud to support.  The second annual Birks Diamond Tribute to the Year’s Women in Film took place at Birks (Manulife Centre), drawing a large crowd of Onlookers and Fans in the dedicated Fanzone area, even with the onset of rain.

The Event honours Female Directors and Actors who have had an outstanding year at home and abroad, as selected by a Jury of Media and Entertainment Specialists. Recognized this year were as follows: Jennifer Baichwal; Ric Esther Bienstock; Marie-Hélène Cousineau and Madeline Piujuq Ivalu (co-directors of Uvanga); and Nancy Florence Savard, as well as Actors Anne Dorval; Tatiana Maslany; Sophie Nélisse; Molly Parker; and Cobie Smulders.

The Cocktail Reception saw the Recipients awarded on-stage and among them, Maslany who is riding a career high right now based on the success of internationally-acclaimed series Orphan Black not only garnering her a Critics Choice Award, but also a Golden Globe nomination. Just earlier this year, we witnessed her win a Canadian Screen Award also (more here).

Walking the Red Carpet this afternoon were a bevvy of Canadian Talent including Justin Kelly (Maps to the Stars), Shannon Kook (Empire of Dirt), Julia Sarah Stone (Wet Bum), Katie Boland (The Master), Katie Noland (Pawn Sacrifice), Sophie Desmarais (Sarah Prefers to Run), Ben Lewis & Lauren Collins (Zero Recognition), Eric Johnson (Smallville), Steven Lund (Bitten), Natalie Brown (The Strain), Warren Sonoda (Swearnet), Amanda Brugel (Sex After Kids), Peter Keleghan (Sex After Kids) and an expecting Erica Durance (Saving Hope), among many more.

See some of the Talent here:

In other news, we spotted the Academy Award-winning Actor Jean Dujardin, best known in these parts for his phenomenal performance in The Artist. The French Star is getting ready to premiere his new Film, Action-Thriller The Connection at TIFF ’14. He is every bit as amazing I imagined he’d be!

And on a separate note, we spotted Mike Tyson – not in town for TIFF ‘14 per say, but here to perform his One-Man Show MIKE TYSON: THE UNDISPUTED TRUTH at Air Canada Centre. He may have raised a few eye brows earlier with rampage on CP24 earlier today. More on that here.

Although the names certainly are fewer at this stage of the Festival, do expect a couple big names here tomorrow!

Be following here for up-to-the minute updates and sightings!

Twitter: @MRWILLW
Instagram: @MRWILLWONG

All Photos captured on the NIKON D3300 and communicated via the Samsung Galaxy Tab S.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Universal Pictures Canada and Mr. Will want to give Readers in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa and Winnipeg a chance to win Passes to see DRACULA UNTOLD first!  Screenings take place Wednesday, October 8, 2014.

Official Synopsis:
Luke Evans (Fast & Furious 6, Immortals) stars in Dracula Untold, the origin story of the man who became Dracula. Gary Shore directs and Michael De Luca produces the epic action-adventure that co-stars Sarah Gadon, Dominic Cooper, Diarmaid Murtagh and Samantha Barks.

Watch the Trailer below:

Official Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook and tell me in the comments section after watching the Trailer why you think Dracula turns to darkness!

 Share this Post on Facebook with your Friends or Re-Tweet the below to double your chances:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/draculauntold @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes across #Canada to see #DRACULAUNTOLD. Out 10/10!

Good luck, Willionaire$!

Universal Pictures Canada release DRACULA UNTOLD on Friday, October 10, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)