After receiving much praise at TIFF ’13, Richard Ayoade‘s THE DOUBLE soon will see a Canadian release and both D Films and Mr. Will want to take Toronto Readers to an Advance Screening!  The Screening takes place Wednesday, June 11, 2014.

Official Synopsis:

Inspired by Dostoyevsky‘s Novella of the same name, THE DOUBLE  is a Dark Comedy written by Ayoade and Avi Korine (Mister Lonely), a funny and frightening story about an insignificant man driven to near breakdown by the appearance of his Doppelganger.

Simon (Jesse Eisenberg) is a timid Man, scratching out an isolated existence in an indifferent world. He is overlooked at work, scorned by his Mother, and ignored by the Woman of his dreams (Mia Wasikowska). He feels powerless to change any of these things. The arrival of a new Co-worker, James (also Jesse Eisenberg), serves to upset the balance. James is both Simon‘s exact physical double and his opposite – confident, charismatic and good with women. To Simon‘s horror, James slowly starts taking over his life.

Watch the Trailer below:

Jesse Eisenberg, Mia Wasikowska & Mr. Will:

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

http://www.mrwillwong.com/thedouble @MRWILLW wants us to #win Advance Screening Passes to see #THEDOUBLE in #Toronto! Out 6/13!

D Films release THE DOUBLE on Friday, June 13, 214.

(Photo/video credit: D Films)

With 12 number one Singles and a flawless trail of Chart-topping Albums to their name, Country Music Trio Rascal Flatts might know a thing or three about surviving the Music Industry. Hailing originally from Ohio, they achieved Nashville dreams in a huge way receiving a Grammy Award for Best Country Song, Bless the Broken Road (which I actually sang at a Wedding once!) and a Star even on the Walk of Fame. Today they were in Toronto to promote their ninth Studio Disc, Rewind.

Comprised of Members Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Rooney,  the Trio made visits to CTV‘s Canada AM where they performed live on their Soundstage this morning. They also pretaped an Interview to air at a later date on Global Television‘s The Morning Show. Despite traveling in separate vehicles, the three were kind to group together for a Selfie I’ll never forget! While I self-consciously handcombed my windswept hair, Lead Vocalist LeVox was nice enough to assure me, “You look great man!”. I love it when rightfully big names remain approachable and down-to-earth. And in Country Music the names don’t get any bigger than Rascal Flatts!

Check-out their latest Single Rewind below:

See our Snap:

>

Universal Music Canada released Rewind on Tuesday, May 13, 2014. Order it here!

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

The 24th annual INSIDE OUT Film Festival runs in Toronto from Thursday, May 22, 2014 through Sunday, June 1, 2014.  I was fortunate enough to preview some of this year’s Marquee Titles and want to tell you all about ’em!

THE NORMAL HEART

Many eyes will be on this exciting new HBO Film Adaptation of the TONY Award-winning Stageplay of the same name. Directed by American Horror Story and Glee Creator Ryan Murphy, the Drama is set in New York City, in the early ’80s at the onset of the AIDS epidemic – a time when many turned a blind eye to its seriousness.

At the center of it all is AIDS Activist Ned Weeks (Mark Ruffalo) in one of his most compelling performances to date.  His passionate relationship with Lover Felix Turner (played beautifully by Matt Bomer) is the heart and soul of the Story,  succumbing tragically too to the Disease. Julia Roberts as a wheelchair-bound Doctor Emma Brookner, is phenomenal  in her plea to raise awareness of the far-reaching effects of the Disease not just as a “Gay Cancer”.  Particularly memorable too is a poignant performance by  Joe Mantello as Mickey Marcus in one pivotal moment in the Film.

We witness the internal struggles of this Activist Group, hindered by the pressures of having to deal with the spotlight in times when AIDS stigma was epidemic as the Disease itself. At moments its Screenplay restricted by the confines of the Small Screen, the Film manages to leave a lasting impression based on the strength of its performances.  A definite major player this forthcoming Awards Season.

Friday, May 23, 2014 at TIFF BELL LIGHT BOX, 9:00 PM

THE DOG

Perhaps my favourite Film of the Festival, this Documentary centers around infamous gay New York Bank Robber John Wojtowicz, on whom the 1975 Film starring Al Pacino, Dog Day Afternoon was based.  The unlikeliest of Heroes, Wojtowicz had robbed a bank brazenly in hopes of funding his Lover’s Sex Change.

Directors Alison Berg and Frank Keraudren takes ten years’ worth of footage and interviews with the Subject himself, his endearing Mother, Ex-Wife and multiple Lovers, painting a Portrait of a Man whose wrong choices would go on to change his life forever.  We learn all about his ordeal in prison, what life was like leading-up to his 2006 death after a battle with Cancer.  Although unconventional, Wojtowicz was ahead of his time in his unwavering stance on Gay Rights, inspiring others who felt marginalized and powerless.

And you’ll never believe what happened after his Lover’s Sex Change…

Saturday, May 31, 2014 at TIFF BELL LIGHT BOX, 4:00 PM

I ALWAYS SAID YES: THE MANY LIVES OF WAKEFIELD POOLE

How does a sweet, young Jacksonville Boy with the voice of an Angel and on the verge of Broadway Stardom,  wind-up going-on to create some of the most iconic Gay Porn Films of all time?  This Documentary, directed by Jim Tushinski, gives us an in-depth look at the rise of a fascinating Man of many talents, his struggles, disappointments and a behind-the-scenes look at how with little budget – even using his own apartment as a studio space, he would helm acclaimed and pioneering Films like Boys in the Sand and Bijou.  Through candid interviews from others close to affected by his work, we learn about Poole and his bittersweet road to finding contentment.

Anyone  who’s ever struggled  in making their dream a reality will identify with some of the sentiments explored here in this well-made exploration of a Man who would go on to leave an indelible mark on the face of Gay Culture.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at TIFF Lightbox Cinema, 5:15 PM

MATT SHEPARD IS A FRIEND OF MINE

Beyond the news reports and 2002 Biographical Film (The Laramie Project) made about Matthew Shepard, but what really do we know about one of the most talked about Gay Public Figures of all time, whose impact posthumously would change the conversation about Gay Rights forever?

This Documentary made by Shepard‘s Friend Michele Josue and narrated by her also, hits home with touching, candid interviews with his Family and Friends.  We learn about Shepard‘s own fears in coming to terms with his own sexuality – a revelation tragically which led eventually to his torture and murder.   Josue gives us a deeply humanistic perspective to  Shepard which ultimately makes us feel as though we knew him too.

Why would she revisit something so painful?  “Guilt. Confusion for not being there.  If the World knows our Matt – the real Matt – I know it wouldn’t be able to let him go either”, Josue says in her narration. A beautiful Piece which answers several questions many of us have long wanted to know.

Saturday, May 24, 2014 at TIFF Lightbox Cinema, 1:30 PM

 It’s still not too late to order Tickets for this year’s Festival!

Click here to #SEEFORYOURSELF ticket availabilities and to order online!

(Photo credit: HBO)

Justin Timberlake was the big Winner at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards this evening, held in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Arena! The R&B Crooner took home a whopping seven trophies, including wins for Top Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Male Artist (Female went to Katy Perry), Top Billboard 200 Album for The 20/20 Experience and more!  Timberlake, like Perry, had accepted his Awards via satellite.

Following behind closely were Rock Outfit Imagine Dragons, who are slated to visit Toronto next month for the MuchMusic Video Awards. The Quartet won Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Duo/Group and Top Rock Artist.  

Controversial Hit Blurred Lines earned Robin Thicke, Pharrell and T.I. a total four Billboard Music Awards tonight including Top Hot 100 Song, Top Digital Song, Top Radio Song and Top R&B Song.

Country Star and former American Idol was awarded the  Milestone Award, while Multimedia Empire Jennifer Lopez was given the important Icon Award, on-hand to accept the honour with a heart-felt speech.

Many tonight were talking about Michael Jackson‘s resurrection in Hologram form, performing new posthumous Single, Slave to the Rhyhtm. The surprise struck a chord with Audience members, some seen tearing-up.

Watch it below:

The 2014 Calgary Stampede takes place this year between Friday, July 4 –  Sunday, July 13, 2014 and in Toronto to ring-in the fun this weekend were Stampede Queen herself, Danica Heath and Stampede Princesses: Shannon Black and Stephanie Patterson.  Also in attendance today were Aboriginal Hoop Dancer Dallas Arcand and Indian Queen Carly Weasel.

Setting-up shop at the Harbourfront Centre under their #UNDERTHEHAT Kiosk marked fittingly with a giant Cowboy Hat,  the West Coast Talents met and greeted Fans of all ages. Particularly popular was their Stampede Hat Giveaway, which had Torontonians queuing in hoards for a chance to nab one!

The Calgary Stampede is bringing-out the Heavyweights this year and performing at the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth this year include the likes of Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Paul Brandt and none other than our v. own Shania Twain!

As is the case in previous years, the Rodeo is a huge draw and so is the GMC Truckland Chuckwagon Derby.  A Parade will kick-off all the fun, circling a two-and-a-half mile radius.

Tickets still are available for the Calgary Stampede!  Click here for more details!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

There certainly was destruction at the Box Office this weekend as Godzilla clobbers its way past its competition, opening to a stellar $93.2-million opening this weekend from 3,952 theatres in its debut for Warner Bros.! Made for $195 million, the British Columbia-filmed Blockbuster from Director Gareth Edwards, just in Toronto this week, looks quickly to make a profit for the Studio. Critics the Film starring Bryan Cranston and Aaron Taylor-Johnson a 72% on the Tomatometer and similarly, Audiences gave it a B+ CinemaScore.

Neighbors after a fantastic opening last weekend, finds itself in second spot this weekend, still performing v. well with $26 million for Universal Pictures. By mid-week it should surpass the $100-million mark already.

In its third week out, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 places third with $16.8 million. To date it has grossed $172 million domestically.

Million Dollar Arm opens in fourth spot with $10.5 million for Disney. Critics gave the Baseball Dramedy starring Jon Hamm and Lake Bell (also just in Toronto this week) a mixed 59% rating on the Tomatometer. Audiences however, loved it and gave it an A CinemaScore.

The Other Woman is in fifth spot with $6.3 million in its fourth week out for 20th Century Fox. It just surpassed the $70-million mark in North America.

Captain America: The Winter Solider in its seventh week surpasses the $250-million mark with $4 million earned this weekend. It sits in eighth spot this weekend, showing big resilience.

Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return rounds-out the Top ten with $1.9 million in its second week out.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada and Mr. Will Wong want to take Readers in Toronto and Vancouver on a magical journey to see DISNEY‘S MALEFICENT, in 3D starring ANGELINA JOLIE and ELLE FANNING. Screenings take place Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 7:00 PM.

Official Synopsis:

Maleficent explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic Sleeping Beauty and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king’s newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever.

The Film stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.

Watch the Trailer:

To enter to win Advance Screening Passes to see  DISNEY‘S MALEFICENT in Toronto and Vancouver, simply by clicking “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Indicate your City, please.

You are encouraged to share with your Friends on Facebook or Re-Tweet the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/maleficent @MRWILLW wants us to #win Advance Screening Passes to see Disney‘s #MALEFICENT in #Toronto + #Vancouver. Out 5/30!

Good luck, Wongsters!

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release DISNEY‘S MALEFICENT in 3D on FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014.

Official Artwork:

©2014 Disney Enterprises, Inc.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

Without giving away too much, here’s your first Teaser and Poster for 2015’s eagerly-awaited Live-Action version of CINDERELLA from Disney.  Here we see a gorgeous computer-animated re-imagining of Cinderella’s famous Crystal Slipper! Enough said.

Official Synopsis:

The story of Cinderella follows the fortunes of young Ella (Lily James) whose merchant father remarries following the death of her mother. Eager to support her loving father, Ella welcomes her new stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and her daughters Anastasia (Holliday Grainger) and Drisella (Sophie McShera) into the family home. But, when Ella’s father unexpectedly passes away, she finds herself at the mercy of a jealous and cruel new family. Finally relegated to nothing more than a servant girl covered in ashes, and spitefully renamed Cinderella, Ella could easily begin to lose hope. Yet, despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Ella is determined to honor her mother’s dying words and to “have courage and be kind.” She will not give in to despair nor despise those who mistreat her. And then there is the dashing stranger she meets in the woods. Unaware that he is really a prince, not merely an apprentice at the Palace, Ella finally feels she has met a kindred soul. It appears her fortunes may be about to change when the Palace sends out an open invitation for all maidens to attend a ball, raising Ella’s hopes of once again encountering the charming Kit (Richard Madden). Alas, her stepmother forbids her to attend and callously rips apart her dress. But, as in all good fairy tales, help is at hand, and a kindly beggar woman (Helena Bonham-Carter) steps forward and – armed with a pumpkin and a few mice – changes Cinderella’s life forever.

See the Teaser:

Official Artwork:

The praise already is pouring in for Gareth Edwards’ upcoming Reboot of GODZILLA.  Toronto was lucky enough to host a Premiere for the Action-Adventure filmed in British Columbia and coming-in to support the Blockbuster was none other than the Director himself!

Those of you who have walked by Yonge x Elm Streets these past few days might have noticed an eye-popping disaster-themed installation courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures Canada.  The smokey street-level Exhibit which had Torontonians Instagramming away, simulates a Subway crashing into the concrete and a Helicopter on-the-scene.

Following a round of Interviews in the rain, Edwards was a great sport greeting Fans, regardless of the weather and fielding Media questions before heading-off to the Premiere at Cineplex Yonge & Dundas.  The Film sees the Father-Son Duo of Scientist Joe Brody (Bryan Cranston) and his Son, Lieutenant Ford Brody (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) teaming to investigate the Janjira collapse.  Sally Hawkins, Juliette Binoche, Ken Watanabe, David Strathairn and Elizabeth Olsen round-out an extremely talented Cast.

See the Trailer below:

See some Snaps of the Festivities:

In case you were wondering, the Installation will be around till this Sunday, so don’t forget to check it out and use the Hashtag #GodzillaTO!

Our Review of GODZILLA is right here.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release Godzilla this Friday, May 16, 2014.

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

Part of what makes ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK so special is the abundance of rich, complex characters. What way better to ring in the second season of the eagerly-awaited Netflix Original Series than with some brand-new Character Posters?

NICKY (Natasha Lyonne), LORNA, (Yael Stone), ALEX (Laura Prepon), BIG BOO (Lea Delaria) and SOPHIA (Laverne Cox) are among the first batch of Characters to have their Posters released.  More to come!

Uzo Aduba also talks about her now famous Crazy Eyes Character in this Snippet below:

New Episodes stream Friday, June 6, 2014!

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)