VVS Films and Mr. Will Wong want to give Readers a chance to win the action-packed and gritty Thriller HOMEFRONT Blu-ray Combo Pack!

Official Synopsis:
A widowed ex-DEA Agent retires to a small town for the sake of his 10-year-old Daughter. The only problem is he picked the wrong town.

HOMEFRONT stars James Franco, Jason Statham, Winona Ryder and Kate Bosworth.

Watch the Trailer:

Official Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. You’re encouraged to share this Post via Social Media and you can increase your chances by Re-Tweeting the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/HOMEFRONTDVD @MRWILLW wants us to #win a Copy of #HOMEFRONT on #Bluray Combo Pack! In stores 3/11!

VVS Films release HOMEFRONT on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 on Blu-ray, Video-on-Demand and DVD. Pre-order it here!

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

VVS Films and Mr. Will Wong want to give Readers a chance to win the phenomenal Thriller OUT OF THE FURNACE Blu-ray Combo Pack! If you missed it in theatres, this is your chance to enjoy it finally!

Official Synopsis:
Russell and his younger brother Rodney live in the economically-depressed Rust Belt, and have always dreamed of escaping and finding better lives. But when a cruel twist of fate lands Russell in prison, his brother is lured into one of the most violent and ruthless crime rings in the Northeast – a mistake that will almost cost him everything. Once released, Russell must choose between his own freedom, or risk it all to seek justice for his brother.

Watch the Trailer:

Official Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. You’re encouraged to share this Post via Social Media and you can increase your chances by Re-Tweeting the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/OUTOFTHEFURNACE @MRWILLW wants us to #win a Copy of #OUTOFTHEFURNACE on #Bluray Combo Pack! In stores 3/11!

VVS Films release OUT OF THE FURNACE on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 on Blu-ray, Video-on-Demand and DVD. Pre-order it here!

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

MONGREL MEDIA and MR. WILL want to give Readers a chance to win the outstanding INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS on DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack! Read our Review here.

Official Synopsis:

Despite being extraordinarily talented, folk singer/songwriter Llewyn Davis (Oscar Isaac) plays sparsely attended gigs at small clubs in New York City’s West Village as he struggles to make it. The Film also stars Justin Timberlake, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman and Garrett Hedlund.

Watch the Trailer:

Official Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. You’re encouraged to share this Post via Social Media and you can increase your chances by Re-Tweeting the below:

http:///www.mrwillwong.com/INSIDELLEWYNDAVIS @MRWILLW wants us to #win a Copy of #INSIDELLEWYNDAVIS on #Bluray Combo Pack! In stores 3/11!

Mongrel Media release INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS on Tuesday, March 11, 2014 on Blu-ray, Video-on-Demand and DVD. Pre-order it here!

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

The World of Cinema Elite made their way to Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles tonight for the 86th annual Academy Awards.  Praised as both a  strong year for Red Carpet Fashion and Film with a heated battle between American Hustle, 12 Years a Slave and Gravity, among others for Best Picture, ultimately 12 Years a Slave would prevail with top honours tonight.

The Drama based on the Memoir by Solomon Northrup, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival this past September, before going-on to sweep a litany of accolades this Awards Season including victories at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Broadcast Film Critics Association  and the Independent Spirit Awards just yesterday. In addition, to winning coveted Best Picture, it won also for Supporting Actress (Lupita Nyong’o) and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Alfonso Cuarón‘s Gravity, which has grossed over $700 million worldwide, also premiering at TIFF this last Fall, won the most Oscars this evening, tallying-in at seven wins, primarily in technical categories including Cinematography, Score and Visual Effects. Cuarón himself went-on to win for Directing.

AIDS Drama Dallas Buyers Club won the important Actor and Supporting Actor Categories with Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto respectively.  Both brought along their Mothers to the Awards, the latter making a heartfelt tribute to his Mother who overcame great odds to provide for both him and his Brother.

As predicted by many, Cate Blanchett now is a two-time Oscar Winner, her first win coming for her work in 2004’s The Aviator. The Australian Actress won for her empathetic portrayal of a Woman coping with mental and addiction issues in Woody Allen‘s Blue Jasmine.

The Fashion on the Red Carpet tonight was a huge draw as several Fans via Social Media sounded-off on the tasteful styles of Kate Hudson in Versace, Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé, Amy Adams in Gucci, Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab and perhaps the most-talked-about was a Princess-like Lupita Nyong’o in what is now being called a “Nairobi Blue” Prada Dress with a Hairband.  The light pastel blue Creation was chosen by the eventual Oscar Winner, who told Ryan Seacrest on the Red Carpet that it reminded the Kenyan Native of Nairobi.

Ellen DeGeneres once again did a bang-up job, making herself right at home with the A-List Audience, poking fun at everything from welcoming Liza Minnelli as a Female Impersonator, to some of this year’s Nominees who didn’t attend College (the Camera panned on Amy Adams nodded her head, admitting she too didn’t attend) to bringing out Pizza to some of the Evening’s famous Guests.  Meryl Streep was one of the first to help herself to a slice.  In addition, DeGeneres was out to set a record for the Most Re-Tweeted Selfie and helping her along were the likes of Bradley Cooper, Channing Tatum, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lawrence, Jared Leto, Meryl Streep, Lupita Nyong’o, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Kevin Spacey. Quickly, the Photo received over a million Re-Tweets (overtaking a previous Tweet from President Obama upon his Re-Election) and could’ve received more if it weren’t for reported technical difficulties likely due to the onslaught of traffic.

See it below:

See more Photos here.

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Ellen DeGeneres)

Liam Neeson proves once again that he’s Box Office Kryptonite, stealing the show at the Box Office with a massive $30 million opening from 3,090 theatres with Non-Stop for Universal Pictures. The Film also stars Academy Award Nominees Lupita Nyong’o and Julianne Moore. Audiences gave it a great A- CinemaScore, while Critics weren’t as kind with a 58% rating on the Tomatometer.

20th Century Fox gets a big opening with Son of God, earning $26.5 million from 3,255 theatres.  Audiences gave the Biblical Drama starring Diogo Morgado as Jesus Christ an A- CinemaScore, while Critics gave it 24% only on the Tomatometer.

The Lego Movie continues to perform brilliantly in its fourth week, grossing $21 million, now surpassing $200 million domestically for Warner Bros.

Monuments Men trails in a distant fourth spot for Sony Pictures, with $5 million in its fourth week, just ahead of eOne Films/Relativity Media‘s 3 Days to Kill with $4,9 million in fifth spot.

Frozen, like the Polar Vortex, is here to stay in  eighth spot with $3.6 million for Disney in its 15th week out, closing-in on the $400-million mark across North America.

Ride Along, rounds-out the Top Ten with $3 million for Universal Pictures  placing the Studio on top and bottom in its seventh week.

Being a longtime Fan and Ambassador to Horse Racing, I’ve dreamt of the day I could visit World-famous Santa Anita Park, often the site of Championship Racing Day, the Breeders’ Cup!  It was completely unexpected that I’d be visiting California this past week and there was no way I was visiting without seeing the Track once and for all! I’m always looking for ways to welcome new Fans to the Sport and let me tell you, I absolutely cannot wait till Woodbine Racetrack‘s 2014 Season begins in April!

I was thrilled to be invited for an unforgettable afternoon at the beautiful Arcadia Racecourse which was established in 1934 – now housing over 1,900 Horses – getting an opportunity to see why it is Santa Anita often is touted the most scenic.   I will begin by saying Santa Anita Park is just as beautiful as it looks on TV – even on a rare cloudy, wet day.  The dark clouds descending over the San Gabriel Mountains as the Venue was lit-up colourfully by its recently-installed LED Tote Board. Picture-perfect.  The Art Deco-inspired Decor takes me away to Era of excess, glamour and exquisite taste.

Katie Abbott, Director of Interactive Marketing at Santa Anita was kind enough to take me on an intimate Tour. I visited the super-fancy Box Seats, the ultra-exclusive Chandelier Room (where Jeff Goldbum is slated to play the piano soon!) and I was in awe of the phenomenal Dining Choices including a Salad Bar, a Noodle Bar and Smoked Meat Sandwiches. Let me tell you, Santa Anita fans love their Craft Beer!  Gene Simmons (KISS), Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez are said to be Regulars even.  The air is buzzing with excitement for Santa Anita Handicap Day and you can see Posters everywhere teasing a Rematch between Game on Dude, Will Take Charge and Breeders’ Cup Classic Hero Mucho Macho Man.

To say I’ve now seen the likes of  Hall of Famer Mike Smith,  brilliant and young Joe Talamo, Vancouver’s Mario Gutierrez, Rising Star Drayden VanDyke and leading Jockey Rafael Bejarano,  all in-action on their Home Turf is something of a lifelong wish.

If you ever get a chance to visit California, you must partake in the Santa Anita Experience. The Grandstand puts you up-close to the action and you feel you’re in the moment in the Stretch Run.  The Fans are engaged, making a the festive atmosphere and oh yes, the FrontRunner Lounge.  You must visit the FrontRunner Lounge. Upon recommendation, I tried their famous Crab Cakes and it was most remarkable –  every bite filled with decadent shredded Crab!

My Day at Santa Anita Park is a day I never will forget!

Mr. Will and some of the Stars of Santa Anita (Top: Drayden VanDyke,  Tyler Baze,  Mario Gutierrez, Aaron Gryder; Second Row: Martin Garcia, Joe Talamo; Third Row: Kayla Stra, Alonso Quinonez, Rafael Bejarano, Doug O’Neill):

And check-out Bugler Jay Cohen‘s super-special greeting to us back home in Canada:

For more on Santa Anita Park, click here!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

After having had California Dreams since Childhood, I was incredibly honoured to be invited as the lone  English-speaking Blogger in Canada to cover the inaugural Canada’s Stars of the Awards Season Gala in Beverly Hills. I am pleased to be a part of its history and hope again to be a part of this prestigious affair honouring Canadian accomplishments in Television and Cinema.

Of course, all work and no play makes Mr. Will a dull Boy and in my three-day stay in California, I made sure no moment was wasted, fully seeing and eating everything possible! Whether it be In-N-Out Burger, Pinkberry, Coffee at the amazing Urth Caffe or Chilaquiles.  My tastebuds truly were rocked!

One other thing is for sure – those of us in Toronto sure are spoiled by our Transit System. I couldn’t imagine commuting through Los Angeles without a friendly Cab Driver or some of the lovely Los Angelinos whom I met who were happy to give me a lift! I love my Stars and sure got an eye full and if it weren’t for persistent rain, I am positive the likelihood of seeing more would’ve been greater.

Los Angelinos surely aren’t shy about their aversion to rain. The Celebrity-Spotting Culture certainly is alive and well – if anything I find Toronto folks far more aggressive. This coming from someone who knows his share of being slammed into and/or clipboarded in the head!

Here are some of the Stars (including Kate Beckinsale, Florence Henderson (!), Elisabeth Rohm, Odette Annable, Vera Farmiga, Max Thierot and several more) we spotted around town even with persistent rain and time constraints:

See you soon again Cali! Next time we go even harder!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

levelFILM, District PR and Mr. Will Wong want to give Canadian Readers a chance to win a copy of ICE SOLIDERS on DVD!

Official Synopsis:
ICE SOLDIERS is an action packed Sci-Fi Thriller starring Dominic Purcell (Prison Break), Adam Beach (Flags of our Fathers) and Michael Ironside (The Machinist). The Film follows a Scientist who discovers the bodies of three frozen genetically modified Russians buried in the Canadian North. Upon thawing them out he realizes he has unleashed a deadly threat to Western Society that must be stopped at all costs.

Watch the Trailer below:

Official Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. You’re encourage to share on Social Media!

levelFILM release ICE SOLIDERS on DVD Tuesday, March 11, 2014. Order it here.

“Like” levelFILM on Facebook here.

(Photo video credit: levelFILM)

Some of Canada’s brightest Stars convened in Beverly Hills last night for the inugural Canada’s Stars of the Awards Season Gala, held at L’Ermitage Hotel. Confirmed for the Red Carpet Affair were some of the most popular working names (some seen above) in Hollywood including Laura Vandervoort, Kathleen Robertson, Ellen Wong, Wendy Crewson, Vik Sahay, Amanda Plummer, Tricia Helfer and Suzanne Somers. Not only this, some of the Nation’s brightest Rising Stars including Sophie Nélisse and Cara Gee were present to ring-in the Festivities, which later saw the Party head poolside at the historic Hotel.

The Gala, timed right between the Academy Awards this weekend in Hollywood and the Canadian Screen Awards next month in Toronto, is a partnership between Telefilm Canada, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles, in collaboration with Bell Media and the Toronto International Film Festival.  eTalk‘s Tanya Kim emceed the crowded Reception, toughing it out with flare in a pair of round-toed Guccis, introducing among others, Academy CEO Helga Stephenson, who commanded the Room’s attention, reminding all that aside from the fabulous Cocktails, amazing Burger Sliders and Crabcakes, “We are here to honour Canadian Talent.”.  Rounds of applause were handed to Canadian Screen Award Nominees in attendance.

Nominees below:

Why a glitzy bash in Hollywood though, if this is about the Canadians?  Chair, Founder of the Canadian Film Centre and multiple Academy Award-nominated Director Norm Jewison says it best on the Red Carpet. “We are too polite to tell people we’re talented. I see so much Canadian Talent coming down here and nobody knows. ‘Maybe they won’t like me if I’m Canadian?’. We hide it”, he states sans filter. “I’ve never hid it. I’m very proud and I’m very proud of Canadian Talent”, he adds. Wonder what the Moonstruck and The Thomas Crown Affair Helmer thinks about this year’s Best Picture Contenders? “They all stood out. I loved Philomena, 12 Years a Slave and Nebraska” he reveals. “It’s too tough.”.

What does Wendy Crewson have to say about her two-time Co-Star Rachel McAdams? What was Teen Sensation Sophie Nélisse was wearing?  Does Ellen Wong confirm a possible third season of The Carrie Diaries? Which Toronto Actress just signed-on as a Regular on Hit Series Sleepy Hollow?  Do TIFF Titans Cameron Bailey and Piers Handling reveal any clues what’s to be expected at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival?  Find out below.

See Mr. Will‘s Chats with some of the Talent in Beverly Hills last night:

Formerly known as The Blue Pages, Brooklyn-based Quartet AMERICAN AUTHORS are prepping the release of their major label debut, OH, WHAT A LIFE to be distributed by Universal Music Canada.  Slated to play a Show at The Mod Club tomorrow night in Little Italy, the Band’s Lead Guitarist/Banjoist James Adam Shelley tells me, “I love Toronto!  Even before I was with the Band, I’d come a couple times a year”.  

Shelley, who can speak Mandarin-Chinese I learned, originally hails from sunny Tallahasee, Florida, but his time in New York has prepped him well for dealing with our Extreme Cold Alert. The self-professed Coffee Addict, was rather smitten with Billy, picking him up and playing with him for a bit, insisting he get to hold him in our Group Photo, taken by their awesome Driver.

Bassist Dave Rublin tells me he loves the City and has fond memories of his visit last year, strolling along Queen and King Streets, while Drummer Matt Sanchez wishes he could stay longer.  He reveals the Band is Montreal-bound next.

American Authors already are on-to something big, their super-catchy debut Single Best Day of My Life, on the verge of cracking the Top 20 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Chances are even if you’re not familiar with them by name, their Single should strike a chord of familiarity, having appeared in high rotation in commercial and Trailer formats.

Check-out Best Day of My Life below:

See their Performance on CITY‘s Breakfast Television earlier this morning right here!

Pre-order Oh, What a Life on iTunes here!

 Follow American Authors on Twitter here!

And of course, our Snap:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)