Director/Writer Mike Cahill made a huge splash on the Indie scene in 2011 with low-budget Sci-Fi/Drama Another Earth. He’s back with a strong effort this time around, I Origins, starring two of his Muses – Brit Marling (whom also starred in his feature debut) and someone he calls “the greatest Actor of his generation”, Michael Pitt.

Although Pitt certainly is no stranger to Toronto, recently filming Hannibal here locally and also having visited for TIFF, Fans were delighted to see him and Cahill at a special screening of their Film, on which Pitt also served as Executive Producer, tonight at Varsity Cinemas.  Sporting a Björk T-Shirt and smoking an electronic cigarette, Pitt always has been about the Art and tells the Audience at a Q&A following the Movie, that he prefers to work with Artists and jokingly he might need a couch to crash on soon.

The Sci-Fi/Drama laced with elements of romance, follows a Molecular Biologist (Pitt) whose study of the human eye may change the way we look at our scientific and spiritual beliefs.  Odd, sweet and at every turn unpredictable, Cahill once again brings a unique voice to contemporary Film – a bit of a hodgepodge approach which somehow blends beautifully together. “If you can take one thing away from this Movie”, Cahill ponders, “It would be to not be so afraid of death.”.

Watch a Clip from the Q&A tonight, hosted by Richard Crouse below.  Here Pitt is asked about choosing love over money in his careful career choices.

Review to follow…

View the Trailer:

Fox Searchlight release I Origins as follows:
July 25, 2014 – Toronto, Vancouver
August 1, 2014  – Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Winnipeg
August 8, 2014  – Halifax, Ottawa, Victoria

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Fox Searchlight)

The Pop Sensation known as Lady Gaga returns to Toronto once again this Wednesday at Air Canada Centre for her Artrave Tour. Since she had a bit of time off, she decided to make her way to Toronto for a bit of relaxation.

Yesterday she was spotted by fans shopping around Yorkville, but today she took a minute to greet fans before boarding her bus to Buffalo for her show tonight at First Niagara Center. Fans, Monsters as she calls them, delighted at the sight of her French Bulldog Puppy, Asia. The near-30-degree weather couldn’t hold Gaga back from dressing warmly, completely unphased by the humidity.

Gaga performed at Ottawa Blues Fest last week and supported Jazz Legend Tony Bennett at the Montreal Jazz Festival last week. She is prepping the release of a Duets Album with Bennett titled Cheek to Cheek after they had great results with a rendition of The Lady is a Tramp on his Duets II Disc. That Album hits stores September 2014.

A new batch of tickets have been released for Lady Gaga‘s Artrave Show Wednesday in case you missed out!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The Queen’s Plate always is a huge deal for me and I was thrilled this year once again to be a part of it all!  For those unaware, the 155th edition of North America’s most historic horse race was held at Woodbine Racetrack, drawing a huge crowd of Racing Fans and Fashionable types.  The celebrations wouldn’t quit with the Hats & Horseshoes Party going-on into the evening even after the races were over.  Live Music, Food Trucks, some high-profile Media Types like CTV‘s The Social Host Melissa Grelo and a partnership with Rogers Media, including Flare Magazine,  helped the Queen’s Plate reach a new audience, going even deeper into the Canadian consciousness.

Fans of my Blog sometimes are confused about my love for the Sport, but it truly runs deep in my blood.  I grew-up with Horse Racing and my Family is extremely passionate about it.  It  always will hold a dear place in my heart and I am happy to do anything I can to spread awareness to an important Industry which employs over 20k people in Ontario, generating millions in revenue for our province.  Hosting a group of new racing fans in the exclusive Flare Lounge yesterday and seeing their enthusiasm confirmed exactly what I’ve known all along. This is the greatest sport on Earth and all it takes is one afternoon at the races to see it.

It made me so happy to see the Grandstand and Walking Ring filled with people who normally don’t come out to the races, igniting Woodbine with smiles, hats and colourful fascinators.  The thunderous cheer from the Crowd as our hometown girl LEXIE LOU thundered past the boys in the stretch to win the $1-million race is something I will never forget.  The great sense of pride I felt for jockey Patrick Husbands – being just a few feet from him and Lexie Lou in the Winner’s Circle –  as he tore flowers from his victory flower blanket, throwing petals into the air like confetti, is a feeling so magical I wish I could make you experience it just once.

I love this Sport so much and hope it’ll be here to stay forever.

See some Snaps from the Festivities I took yesterday:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

One of the most controversial and daring Films of 2014 certainly is Lars Von Trier‘s NYMPHOMANIAC and now is your chance to own a copy of the fast-selling DVD!

Official Synopsis:
Recounting the erotic journey of self-diagnosed Nymphomaniac Joe (Charlotte Gainsbourg). After being rescued by a stranger following a beating in an abandoned alley, Joe shares her unlikely stories with her charming savior.

NYMPHOMANIAC stars Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stellan Skarsgård, Stacy Martin, Shia LaBeouf, Christian Slater, Jamie Bell, Uma Thurman, Willem Dafoe, Mia Goth, Sophie Kenney Clark, Connie Nielsen, Udo Kier, Jens Albinus and Nicolas Bro.

Watch the Trailer:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook!  Share with your friends on Facebook and increase your chances!

Mongrel Media releases NYMPHOMANIAC on DVD, Blu-ray (also available on iTunes, Digital & Video-On-Demand) Tuesday, July 8, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

Although it got a stiff challenger earlier in the week, Transformers: Age of Extinction would prevail at the Box Office this Memorial Day Weekend. Bringing-in $37 million from 4,233 theatres in its second week out for Paramount Pictures, the Blockbuster already in North America has grossed $180 million.

Tammy may not have gotten much love from the Critics – in fact Media in Canada weren’t even given a chance to review it – but the Melissa McCarthy Comedy is a testament to that Star’s big bankability, earning $21.1 million for Warner Bros. in its debut. Opening in theatres on Wednesday, the Film so far has earned $33.8 million already.  Critics gave it a 27% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it a C+ CinemaScore.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 continues to show great resilience in third spot this weekend with $10 million for 20th Century Fox, just ahead of  22 Jump Street in fourth, which continues to perform great with $9.5 million earned. The latter makes its way to the $150 million-mark for Sony Pictures. Both Films are in their fourth week out.

Earth to Echo, which many are comparing to E.T., opens in fifth spot with $9.2 million for Relativity Media/eOne Films.  The Film receives mixed reviews from Critics with 56% on the Tomatometer and Audiences loved it, giving it an A- CinemaScore.

Deliver Us From Evil makes a statement with a debut in sixth, earning $9.2 million for Sony Pictures.  Critics gave it a negative 32% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it a B- CinemaScore.

Former Champ Think Like a Man Too rounds-out the Top Ten with $3.2 million for Sony Pictures, bringing its total to $3.6 million in five weeks out.

A little something for you Action Fans!  The Raid and The Raid 2 have been hailed as two of the greatest Action Flicks of all time. Now here’s your chance, courtesy of eOne Films and Mr. Will to win THE RAID 2 on Blu-ray!

Official Synopsis:
Written and directed by Gareth Evans, THE RAID 2 picks up right where the first film left off and follows Rama (Iko Uwais) as he goes undercover and infiltrates the ranks of a ruthless Jakarta crime syndicate in order to protect his family and uncover the corruption in his own police force.

Watch the Trailer:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.  Re-Tweet the below also to increase your odds of winning:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/theraid2  @MRWILLW wants us to #win #THERAID2 on Blu-ray!  Out 7/8!

Good luck, Wongsters!

Order it now on Blu-ray Combo here.  It hits stores Tuesday, July 8, 2014 via eOne Films.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

eOne Films and Mr. Will want to give Canadian Readers a chance to win Run-of-Engagement Passes to see EARTH TO ECHO!  Genre Fans have been praising the Film and those of you who loved E.T. might find something to love in EARTH TO ECHO!

Official Synopsis:
When a construction project begins digging in their neighborhood, best friends Tuck (Astro), Munch (Reese Hartwig) and Alex (Teo Halm) start to get strange, encoded messages on their cell phones.

Convinced something bigger is going on, they tell their parents and the authorities, but no one will take them seriously. The three friends set off to crack the code and follow it to its source. But they soon find themselves in way over their heads when they discover an alien from another world who needs their help.

Watch the Trailer below:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Share this Post with your Friends via Facebook and double your chances!  You may also Re-Tweet the below too:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/earthtoechoROE @MRWILLW wants us to #win Run-of-Engagement Passes to see #EARTHTOECHO!  In theatres now!

eOne Films release EARTH TO ECHO on Friday, July 4, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

I don’t believe it’s already time for the  QUEEN’S PLATE! More than ever, Horse Racing is becoming vogue once again with major Canadian Outlets like eTalk, Breakfast Television and Flare several more featuring Canadian Racing’s biggest day! And although we still have a little bit of time left to coordinate our outfits – pink certainly will be the colour of choice with attentions turned to Rethink Breast Cancer – now’s the time to be thinking about who we’ll pick to win the $1-million race! This, believe it or not, is the 155th edition of the race for three-year-old horses bred in Canada – the most historic in all of North America.

Although we briefed you on the Contenders a little while back, the Post Position Draw for the Race has been held at Woodbine Racetrack and here are the official Contenders including 14 Boys and 1 remarkable Girl.  Expect American-based/Canadian-born We Miss Artie to be a clear-cut favourite in the race.

#1 Cap in Hand  – ran third in a prep race June 15th at Woodbine.  His Owners Tucci Stables won the Queen’s Plate last year with Midnight Aria, who also happens to be by the same Father as Cap in Hand, Midnight Lute.  This one has banked $47k.  He’ll need  a huge improvement to be a factor.  Trainer Sid Attard will be up against his two sons, Jamie and Paul who each have entrants.

#2 Coltimus Prime – will be a hit among Transformers Fans and believe me, there are many of you out there!    He certainly is regarded as one with potential and on his best day is capable of a big effort.  He won his June 8th prep for this race at Woodbine, the same race which saw Athenian Guard unseat his rider.  He has earned $114k in seven starts for Cabernet Stable and will be near the front of the pace in the race. He also happens to be the only Social Media-savvy entrant who has his own Twitter account: @COLTIMUSPRIME!

#3 Athenian Guard – appeared to be on his way to victory in a prep race on June 8th at Woodbine, but right into the stretch he booted his rider, Justin Stein.  He has one win to his credit and $40k in the bank for A&L Racing Stables.

#4 Asserting Bear – has the benefit of a couple super-tough races in the U.S. earlier in his 2014 campaign and in March at Turfway Park, he was less than one length from beating the definitive Queen’s Plate favourite, We Miss Artie.  He did technically win his prep for this race, the Marine Stakes, but was disqualified and placed third for interference.  Model/Actress/Jockey Chantal Sutherland-Kruse  will be aboard him for popular Bear Stables.  The gutsy colt has earned $283k thus far in his ten races to date.

#5 Man o’ Bear – is a stablemate of Asserting Bear and although he hasn’t quite shown the same ability as that one, he certainly is no slacker.  He ran third in Canada’s top race for two-year-olds last fall, the Coronation Futurity. More recently, he ran fifth to We Miss Artie in the Plate Trial and might’ve needed that one start to get going.  Shoe-obsessed Trainer Reade Baker still stands by his belief that Man o’Bear is the stronger of the Duo.

#6 We Miss Artie – appears on paper to be heads and shoulders above the competition and is a deserving race favourite.  The son of Artie Schiler, owned by Americans Ken & Sarah Ramsey won the Plate Trial effortlessly on June 15th at Woodbine, his first race ever on Canadian soil after a successful stint in the U.S.   He placed tenth in the Kentucky Derby this May, which by no means is a disgrace, considering the caliber of competition he was facing.  Top American rider Javier Castellano returns to Woodbine for the call.  In ten starts, he has grossed over $691k in earnings.  You certainly can bet on him, but don’t expect a big pay-off. He is listed at 8-5 odds, which is $5.20 back on a $2 investment.

#7 Majestic Sunset – has yet to win his first race, but he is great about bringing home paycheques for his owner, oil tycoon John C. Oxley. The handsome son of Artie Schiller, also the father of race favourite We Miss Artie, is known for having uniquely one blue and one brown eye.  He ran second to We Miss Artie recently in the Plate Trial, by far his best performance yet.  Could the earner of $111k  be saving that big win for the big day?

#8 Lions Bay – appears to be doing everything right and it is just a matter of how good and ready he really is.  In two 2014 starts, he has won both times with something left in the tank.  This will be the toughest test for the $60k-earning colt owned by the Earle family.  Young Trainer Jamie Attard also makes his first appearance in the Queen’s Plate.

#9 Heart to Heart – kicked-off his year in a big way at Keeneland this March winning dominantly, but returned home to Woodbine in the Marine Stakes finishing last.  It is necessary to clarify however, that only one horse length separated the entire field in that competitive  race and that being said, he could be in the thick of it for a piece of the prize.  He has made $111k in seven starts for owner Terry Hamilton.

#10 Matador – also is owned by John C. Oxley and has shown flashes of brilliance on his best day, hence it is just a matter of whether or not he will be on-point Queen’s Plate Day.  He won a prep race easily on May 28th at Woodbine against much easier but certainly will benefit from some tough races earlier in 2014 in the U.S. where he wasn’t much of a factor. I’ve said it once and will say it again – the earner of $260k  is a better horse on the grass.  Unfortunately though, the Queen’s Plate isn’t a grass race.  American Jockey Julien Leparoux will be flying-in for the assignment and he is listed as the third choice at 8-1 odds, which is $18 back on a $2 bet.

#11 One Destiny – is an improving type, but will need to progress leaps and bounds in-time for the weekend.  He ran third in his only start this season at Woodbine June 8th to Coltimus Prime.  Owner/Trainer Alec Fehr and Winston Penny are the connections behind this $34k winner.  He is expected to be close to the pace.

#12 Tower of Texas – has never missed  a cheque for his owners Scott Dilworth and Thomas Van Meter II, banking $108k in eight starts.  It’s taken a bit of time for the expensive purchase (he was bought for $200k) to figure things out, but he’s learning quickly and in the Plate Trial he tried rather hard, placing third ultimately to We Miss Artie. Hall of Fame Inductee Roger Attfield trains (he has won the race eight times!) and New York-based John Velazquez, who certainly knows Woodbine well, flies-in for the task.

#13 Niigon Express – certainly is talented.  The only question is whether or not he is talented enough to win the Queen’s Plate.  He has run two solid races at Woodbine this spring, placing first and then second most recently on June 15th to promising Freitag, who is by-passing the Queen’s Plate.  Owner Chiefswood Stable won this race in 2004 with his father, Niigon who also drew number #13 the year he won. Young Trainer Paul Attard will be in the Queen’s Plate the first time.  His Father Sid and Brother Jamie also have entries in the race.

#14 Lexie Lou  – the only filly in the race will be facing boys for the first time.  She is a model of consistency and more often than not runs with heart.  She recently won the prestigious $500k Woodbine Oaks, regarded as the top race for three-year-old fillies in Canada.  Film-producing giant Gary Barber (The Hobbit) purchased her for an undisclosed large sum earlier this year and he looks quickly to make a return on his investment.  Note that she ran a full second faster than race favourite We Miss Artie on June 15th.  She has earned over $600k in eleven starts and eventually will be racing on the grass surface.  Expect her mid-pack in the race early. She is listed at 4-1 odds, making her the second choice which is a $10 payout on a $2 bet.

#15 Ami’s Holiday – almost won his prep race, the $125k Marine Stakes on May 25th at Woodbine, finishing third  narrowly to Asserting Bear.  The Stewards reviewed the race and found that he had been interfered with in the stretch and was awarded subsequently second place. He has won over $214k for Owner Ivan Dalos.

See Mr. Will‘s Snaps of the official 2014 QUEEN’S PLATE Contenders:

We did a quick survey on our Facebook Fan Page to see which Horse Wongsters think will win the #QP14 and although it was a close one, you guys chose….

 ASSERTING BEAR!!! 

Never discount LEXIE LOU though, as she was a close second!

If you’re coming down to the races for the first time this Sunday, July 6, 2014, dress to impress and come say “hi” as we’ll be at the Hats & Horseshoes Party by the Walking Ring starting at 12:00 PM!   It is going to be an amazing afternoon full of races starting at 1:00 PM and your first bet is on Woodbine!  See a Betting Ambassador for details.  See you there!

If you can’t make it out to #QP14, tune-in from home on TSN in HD between 4:30 – 6:00 PM EST.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Basically, I ROFLd all through 2012′s Horrible Bosses and I am certain from the likes of it, it pretty much will be the same seeing HORRIBLE BOSSES 2!

A Teaser Trailer for the Sequel has just surfaced and the laughs just seem to pick-up where they left-off last time. I personally loved Jennifer Aniston as the sex-crazed Boss of Charlie Day‘s Dale and she’s up to her old tricks yet again here.  Read our Chat with Sudeikis back in 2011 as he was in-town promoting Horrible Bosses.

See the Teaser:

Warner Bros. release HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 on U.S. Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

Taking over Ontario Place this past weekend, the Digital Dreams Music Festival was a heaven for lovers of Electronica and Dance Music as some of the World’s most prolific DJs played to thousands for two straight days.  Although he wasn’t a Performer this year, there is no name bigger than deadmau5 in the World of Producer-DJs and we spotted the Icon, known best for donning his mouse headpiece when he spins.  After enjoying a weekend at the Festival, deadmau5 (né Joel Zimmerman) was spotted having lunch in Yorkville earlier today with a Friend.  He apparently was waiting on DJ Eric Prydz, although we’re unsure where he was!

deadmau5, who is one of the nicest DJs you’ll ever meet was nice enough to chat before getting his bill.  He messages me on Instagram after seeing our Snap that he misses his favourite Raybans which he was sporting in our Pic, apparently losing the shades soon after.  Surely good Karma is on the way for the Star who just released his latest Double LP while(1<2) a couple weeks back.

He also made headlines recently making it known that his famous Purrari, a Ferrari plastered with a digital cat graphic, is up for sale for $380k!  So far there are no takers, but why would anyone not want to hold on to that forever?  More on that here.

More on the Digital Dreams Music Festival here.

See our Snap:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Virgin)