VVS Films x Mr. Will want to give Canadian Readers a chance to win an amazing THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN Prize Pack!

Synopsis:

Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) feels like she’s all alone in the world. Her mother doesn’t understand her and her older brother Darian (Blake Jenner), who’s popular and handsome, doesn’t seem to have a care in the world. When Krista (Haley Lu Richardson) lets her share her caterpillar, the two become inseparable best friends.

Years later, the two are juniors in high school. When Krista and Darian begin dating, Nadine, who already felt awkward and unpopular, feels more alone than ever. When her classmate Erwin (Hayden Szeto) is nice to her, it gives Nadine an unexpected friendship and a glimmer of hope that her life in high school might not turn out to be as wretched as she’d feared.

Prize Packs include:

–          The Edge of Seventeen backpack

–          The Edge of Seventeen gloves – with text-assist fingers

–          A copy of the film’s soundtrack, courtesy of Sony Music Canada

–          A Run-Of-Engagement pass (admit 2) to see the film in Cineplex theatres

Artwork:

See the Trailer:

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

VVS Films release THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN Friday, November 18, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

With Netflix‘s GILMORE GIRLS: A YEAR IN THE LIFE set to stream in nine days time, isn’t it time for you to make a date with mom for some quality time?

Some interesting stats for you:

· 61% of mothers and daughters feel sharing TV shows with each other helps them build a stronger relationship
· A recent survey revealed that almost half of women (45%) wish they spoke to their mother more often
· More than half of mother-daughter duos surveyed (54%) report post-show discussions are the best part of sharing a show together
· Almost half of moms and daughters (45%) think watching together brings them closer

Here’s what Rory and Lorelei would do…

Also check out this cute Buzzfeed quiz to see which GILMORE GIRLS moment is you and your mom! Click here.

Here’s a couple cute invites you can download and send to mom!

Netflix Canada stream GILMORE GIRLS: A YEAR IN THE LIFE Friday, November 25, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

We want to give our Readers a chance to win a signed poster from the cast of Discovery Canada‘s FRONTIER!

Synopsis:
Frontier is a six-part series that focuses on the North American fur trade of the late 18th century where delicate relations between Aboriginal tribes and Europeans sparked bloody conflicts. The story is rooted in Canadian history and told from multiple perspectives. FRONTIER stars Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones), Alun Armstrong (Braveheart) and Allan Hawco (Republic of Doyle).

See the Trailer:

To enter to win a signed poster from the Cast of FRONTIER, simply click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK!

Discovery Canada airs FRONTIER Sundays at 9:00 PM EST.

(Photo/video credit: Discovery Canada)

North America, get ready for CL! The singer/songwriter/rapper hails from South Korea where she is known as the huge megastar Chae-Lin, being a member of one of the best-selling girl groups of all time there, 2NE1. The quartet-turned-trio has sold over 27 million digital downloads since their meteoric rise after debuting in 2009.

The blonde beauty released catchy solo single Lifted this summer which samples Wu-Tang Clan‘s Method Man, charting on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, a major breakthrough for a foreign artist. Method Man himself even appears in the Video!

Beginning her Hello B***ches Tour in New York late October, she concluded it in Toronto at Rebel (formerly known as Sound Academy). While many would expect her fanbase to be  Asian primarily, there was a mixture of faces, a testament to the high production values and wide appeal of K-Pop. The entire crowd sang along to Lifted in a tightly-tuned, high-energy set which was heavy on her 2NE1 material, saving her English material late including the tour’s titular track and Trap-inspired Doctor Pepper, produced by Diplo.

I had the pleasure meeting CL before her show as one of the lucky individuals who was able to nab a VIP pass. Bunched in groups of five, several ecstatic fans teared-up meeting their idol, who best is described as possessing the style and confidence of Beyoncé, with a splash of Rihanna. Each Fan got a hug and a group photo from CL, who had plenty energy left for her high-energy show, clocking a bit over an hour. She even had time to visit Niagara Falls before her show!

See some Snaps:

#KPop Queen #ChaeLin puts on a killer show, wrapping her #HelloBitches Tour. #CL

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Nov 14, 2016 at 7:04pm PST

Tots in love with #CL!! #KPop #ChaeLin #HelloBitches #Toronto

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Nov 14, 2016 at 7:22pm PST

So excited for North America to discover #CL! She looked and sounded amazing in her first ever Toronto show. A little Beyoncé, a little Rihanna and lotta swag. #ChaeLin

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Nov 14, 2016 at 7:20pm PST

Meeting #KPop icon #ChaeLin a couple weeks ago. So these two girls freaked out and started crying and here I am… the third wheel in someone else's moment. I really dislike group meet and greets. 😑 Lol #CL #2NE1 #HelloBitches #HelloBitchesTor

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 29, 2016 at 7:24am PST

See CL perform Lifted:

Can’t deal with that horrible audio? Check out the original Music Video:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/YG Entertainment)

By Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

And one studio to rule them all. Disney-Pixar, Disney Animation Studios, Disney Live-Action, Marvel and Lucasfilms all call the ‘House of Mouse’ home and that means bigger and better Movies for fans. Whether you’re a fan of Sci-Fi or Comic Book Movies or good old animation, Disney has you covered in 2017.

First out of the gate before the New Year is the hotly anticipated Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Opening on December 18th, the first stand-alone Star Wars Movie ells the story of how the Rebellion obtained the plans to the Death Star.

This tale as old as time is based on an Animated Movie as old as 1991. On March 17th prepare to be transported to an enchanted castle where the furniture sings and dishes dance. The brand new trailer that just dropped today will have fans counting down the day until the new live-action Beauty and the Beast finally opens. The Beast’s voice sounds so much like the original animated one you’ll need to watch the Trailer multiple times to make sure it’s really Dan Stevens talking to Emma Watson’s Belle.

Our next Movie features an all-star cast, an awesome soundtrack, and an adorable sapling named Groot. This May 5th strap in as Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 finds our heroes trying to track down the truth behind Star Lord’s mysterious father and getting up to plenty of trouble along the way.

Nobody does Disney adventure like Captain Jack Sparrow. On May 26 visit with the Captain and his crew as they take on professional villain Javier Bardem in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

Since we’re talking sequels you’d better fasten your seat belts for Pixar’s Cars 3 which will open on June 16th. Lightning McQueen is back in an all new adventure that children are sure to enjoy.

If you missed the long-haired Norse god when his friends were busy having an all-out civil war, then you will definitely be excited for Thor: Ragnarök when it opens on November 3rd. Featuring Thor, Hulk, Loki and even Doctor Strange the latest addition to the MCU is a must-see movie for Marvel fans everywhere.

On November 22nd Pixar returns to the multiplex with an original story called Coco. Not much is known about this Lee Unkrich and Adrian Molina-directed Feature except for this single drawing. That said, it’s Pixar on the American Thanksgiving long weekend so it’s bound to be amazing.

The year wraps up with a Movie that doesn’t even have an official title yet: Star Wars VIII. The Rian Johnson-directed Film is still filming but is due in theatres on December 15th. Details about the plot are a closely held secret but we here at MrWillWong.com can exclusively tell you that…

In the meantime, enjoy this brand new Trailer for Beauty and the Beast!

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

For a second straight week, DOCTOR STRANGE holds the top spot at the Box Office for Marvel/Disney with $43 million from 3,882 theatres.  Over two weeks, the Blockbuster starring Benedict Cumberbatch has grossed $153 million in North America alone.

In second spot is 20th Century Fox‘s TROLLS with $34.8 million from 4,066 theatres. Over two weeks it has made $93.7 million domestically.

ARRIVAL debuts in third spot for Paramount Pictures with a solid $23.4 million. Debuting at TIFF ’16 and starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, the Denis Villeneuve Film gets a strong 93% on the Tomatometer and a B CinemaScore.

ALMOST CHRISTMAS debuts in fourth for Universal Pictures with $15.3 million from 2,376 theatres. It gets 44% on the Tomatometer from Critics and inversely an A- CinemaScore from Audiences.

The Horror SHUT IN starring Naomi Watts debuts in seventh for EuropaCorp. with $3.8 million from 2,886 theatres. It gets 0% on the Tomatometer and a C CinemaScore.

INFERNO rounds out the Top Ten with $3.2 million for Sony Pictures. In three weeks it has made $31 million in North America.

By Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

On Tuesday night, the No-Majs of Toronto gathered in a rainy Yonge-Dundas Square to spot their favourite wizards from upcoming Warner Pictures Canada release Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Director David Yates and Producer David Heyman looked on as fans clamored for a chance to be close to stars Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterson, Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler and Ezra Miller.

The cast was all smiles braving the rain and cold as they paused to sign autographs and snap Selfies with hundreds of devoted Muggles.

On Wednesday, November 9, 2016 for one day only, the public will be able visit the Wizarding World by stopping by Yonge-Dundas Square. Bought to us by Audi and IMAX, the Experience includes the following:

• Fans will be able to see costumes and props from the production including the iconic Newt suitcase!

• Fans will be able to participate in exciting activations including VR and gaming demos

• Fans will be able to win exciting prizes including special advance screening passes, signed posters and gift bags.

• Be one of the first to arrive in your wizard inspired costume for your chance to receive a collectable wand (while supplies last)

Scripted by the Queen of the Wizarding World herself, JK Rowling, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will be released on Friday, November 18, 2016.

See some Snaps of the fun!

A dapper #EddieRedmayne at tonight’s #FantasticBeastsTO Fan Event at Yonge-Dundas Square. (Photo credit: @mstypo for @mrwillwong)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 8, 2016 at 7:20pm PST

The charismatic #EzraMiller (will play #TheFlash in upcoming live-action Film) x #EddieRedmayne are awesome together at #FantasticBeastsTO Fan Event! (Photo credit: @mstypo for @mrwillwong)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 8, 2016 at 7:29pm PST

#EzraMiller brings big energy and style to the #FantasticBeastsTO Fan Event! Look for him in upcoming live-action #TheFlash Film. (Photo credit: @mstypo for @mrwillwong)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 8, 2016 at 7:35pm PST

#AlisonSudol is a name to look out for. She journies east for her fashion inspiration at tonight’s #FantasticBeastsTO Fan Event. (Photo credit: @mstypo for @mrwillwong)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 8, 2016 at 7:23pm PST

Delightful #KatherineWaterston x #EddieRedmayne at tonight’s #FantasticBeastsTO Fan Event at Yonge-Dundas Square. (Photo credit: @mstypo for @mrwillwong)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 8, 2016 at 7:26pm PST

Charming! #AlisonSudol x #EddieRedmayne light-up tonight’s Red Carpet #FantasticBeastsTO Fan Event. (Photo credit: @mstypo for @mrwillwong)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 8, 2016 at 7:31pm PST

#EddieRedmayne goes into the rain for fans at tonight’s #FantasticBeastsTO Fan Event at Yonge-Dundas Square. (Photo credit: @mstypo for @mrwillwong)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 8, 2016 at 7:21pm PST

The Cast, Director + Producer of #FantasticBeasts step out tonight at #FantasticBeastsTO Fan Event! Left to right: #DavidYates, #DanFogler, #KatherineWaterston, #AlisonSudol, #EddieRedmayne, #EzraMiller + #DavidHeyman. (Photo credit: @mstypo for @mrwillwong)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 8, 2016 at 7:40pm PST

Are you ready for the #FantasticBeastsTO Fan Experience? Pop by tomorrow and step into Newt’s suitcase one day only 11.9.16! (Photo credit: @mstypo for @mrwillwong)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 8, 2016 at 8:25pm PST

See the Trailer for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them:

(Photo/video credit: Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong/Warner Bros.)

We were in L.A. this past weekend and although our reason to visit was  the 2016 BREEDERS’ CUP at Santa Anita Park, we always make time for the stars.  We even met culinary master Bobby Flay at the championship races and saw one of our faves Elizabeth Banks, both Ambassadors for the event.

We’re completely exhausted from the trip but finally had a quick minute to share some of our Selfies.  Two events were going on around town that night, the GO FOUNDATION GALA in Downtown L.A. benefiting under-privileged children. While Katy Perry and Kate Hudson attended last year, this year we had chair Robert Pattinson attend and he was a great sport, staying right to the end!  We’ve met him a few times and he is gracious when time and security permits and fortunately it was a low-key situation.  At the Fox Theatre the same night was the Premiere for Oscar Contender, FENCES, directed  by Academy Award winner Denzel Washington. He stars in the Drama alongside Viola Davis, based on the Broadway play which saw him win a Tony!

We also saw Mel Gibson, Andrew Garfield and Vince Vaughn at a screening for HACKSAW RIDGE, but the photos were a no-go. Sad, but fine.

See our Snaps!

Elizabeth Banks

#ElizabethBanks at #BC16 today. Love the mesh fascinator!

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 6, 2016 at 12:23am PDT

Bobby Flay

Love seeing #BC16 Ambassador and culinary genius #BobbyFlay at #BC16. Apparently Taylor Lautner is here too?

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 5, 2016 at 4:23pm PDT

Julia Ormond

With #JuliaOrmond at the #GoGala.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 6, 2016 at 12:19am PDT

Chad Lowe

With #ChadLowe at the #GoGala.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 6, 2016 at 12:20am PDT

Robert Pattinson

Long time no see, Robert! #GoGala #RobertPattinson

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 6, 2016 at 12:21am PDT

Denzel Washington

Me: “How about a pic, Denzel?” Denzel: “Just take it!” (looks up for one sec and purposely looks down when camera goes off). Guys, “Just take it!”, okay??. ✔ #Fences #DenzelWashington

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 6, 2016 at 2:22pm PST

Just take it okay, guys? ✔  Until next visit!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The  20th Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival kicks off today, running through Saturday, November 19, 2016. With 77 titles from 11 regions, the Festival this year will devote a bit of focus to Hong Kong Filmmakers with two feature Films and three Shorts coming from the territory.

In town to ring-in the occasion courtesy of the Festival and the Hong Kong Economic Trade Office (Toronto), is Actor/Filmmaker Derek Tsang,  son of Chinese Cinema and Television icon, Eric Tsang.  His Film SoulMate has the honour of opening the Festival at Isabel Bader Theatre.

A collaboration between Mainland China and Hong Kong, SoulMate has opened to great Box Office and critical success in China and just opened in Hong Kong a couple weeks back. Tsang speaks at a junket for the Festival held at Ramen hotspot Momofuku in Toronto, recalling his journey as a Filmmaker after graduating from University of Toronto, heading to Hong Kong to enter the entertainment business.

He landed his first job with respected Producer Peter Chan, knowing little at the time about film production.  After branching out from acting into filmmaking, it was Chan who reached out to him after seeing his debut effort, Lover’s Discourse, which too premiered at Reel Asian.  Confident that he had enough raw talent but needing still the help of a good Producer and guidance to marketing a Film in Mainland China, it took about five years before they both landed upon on a project they both thought was the right fit.

The project would become SoulMate, adapted from a 21-page Novella which he later learned was a well-loved by many Chinese women growing up in the ’80s.  He promised to ardent fans on the internet of the Novella,  to be faithful to the story seeing how it was such an important part of the social conscience for many women.

I ask Tsang how his experience growing-up in Canada has helped him today as a Filmmaker. He says, “It’s taught me about diversity. Canada is a multicultural country, where we respect each other’s cultures”.  Being from Hong Kong and working in Mainland China, he admits “As a Filmmaker going to China, it was a big culture shock. My experience in Canada helped me make a Film where I was not looking in as an outsider, but someone that understands how Chinese citizens live.”.  He spent much time in China before making the Film to immerse himself in the local culture.

See the Trailer for SoulMate:

See some Snaps of Tsang:

With actor and filmmaker Derek Tsang 曾國祥, son of Chinese cinema and television icon Eric Tsang 曾志偉 . He directs #ReelAsian International Film Festival Opening Gala, Soulmate. Reel Asian runs 11.8.16 through 11.19.16

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Nov 7, 2016 at 8:14am PST

We also are hearing positive buzz on Weeds on Fire at the Festival.

Contributors David Baldwin and Siobhán Rich preview for us a few titles at Reel Asian, including SoulMate.

SoulMate – Review by David Baldwin
July and Ansen become best friends instantly at the age of 13, and are practically inseparable. But by the time they are 15, they begin to drift apart – each taking a radically different path with their life.

There is something inherently beautiful about SoulMate. Director Derek Tsang allows the Film to really hone-in on what it means to be friends, and the emotional toll that time and age takes on all of us. The Film has a habit of meandering through certain time periods before jumping into fascinatingly chaotic montages of others. Tsang’s message about friendship (and his darker messages about societal norms) get lost in some of these whirlwind moments, allowing the Film to fall into ridiculously predicable plot tropes – although a third act twist really shakes things up during the finale. The lead performances by Ma Sichun as July and especially Zhou Dongyu as Ansen more than make up for the plot’s flaws. They bring just the right amount of genuine emotion to their roles, making their characters’ multi-year journeys feel both real and downright devastating.

The Bacchus Lady – Review by Siobhán Rich

After a stunning debut at the 2016 Berlin Film Festival, E J-yong’s The Bacchus Lady has finally arrived in Toronto. The Film centers on So-young (Youn Yuh-jung), a sixty-five-year-old woman who ekes out a living as a prostitute in a society where many senior citizens are destitute. Her life becomes more complicated after taking in Min-ho, a half-Filipino boy whose mother is arrested in the Film’s opening minutes. To make matters worse, her clients have begun asking for far more than simple transactions for sex.

The smartly-written script defies convention at every turn even discussing the economic realities of South Korea and “young vaginas” in one awkwardly earnest five-minute conversation. Whether the Film is attempting to enlighten viewers about the difficulties of old age or the painful indignities of sex work, director J-yong’s lens never wavers. In a scene that could easily turn crass he captures the juxtaposition of So-young having sex in a park on a bed of fallen leaves with the hollow look in her eyes as she takes in the barren trees around her.

The Bacchus Lady is a must-see during the Festival for its poignant story and brilliant performance by lead actress Youn Yuh-jung.

Tyrus – Review by David Baldwin
Tyrus is a Documentary telling the true story of little known artist Tyrus Wong, who celebrated his 105th birthday last year. His style helped shape and influence the look of the landmark Disney classic Bambi from 1942. After getting fired from the studio, he went on to work as an artist within the Film industry for the next three decades.

Director Pamela Tom briskly runs through the highlights of Wong’s life beginning as a Chinese immigrant in the 1920s, all the way through his multitude of works and career achievements. She fills in the gaps through interviews with Wong himself, animation historians, artists and family members. The Doc briefly glazes over some of the xenophobic struggles Wong and other Asian artists faced before, during and after World War II, as well as some family tragedies. But neither subject seems to merit much depth or discussion. Tom just seems content focusing on Wong, his work and the indelible impression his art made at the time and continues to make today.

More on the 2016 TORONTO REEL ASIAN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL here including schedule and Films.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Elevation Pictures + Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a HACKSAW RIDGE Prize Pack!  Packs include Run-of-Engagement Passes, a St. John’s Ambulance Kit, an official T-Shirt and Posters! Directed by Mel Gibson, the Film stars Teresa Palmer, Andrew Garfield, Luke Bracey and Vince Vaughn.

Synopsis:

The film depicts the true-life heroic story of American soldier Desmond Doss who saved 75 men serving as a medic in WWII all while refusing to hold a gun because of his personal beliefs as a conscientious objector.

Trailer:

Artwork:

See the swag:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK! Please specify your request size for the T-Shirt! Canadian Readers only, please.

Elevation Pictures release HACKSAW RIDGE on Friday, November 4, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)