DESPICABLE ME tops the Box Office across North America this long weekend with a stellar $83 million opening from 4,259 theatres for Universal Pictures.  It gets a 62% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore. 2015’s Minions with its $115 million debut still remains a high for the Franchise.

BABY DRIVER benefits from tons of word of mouth to open in second with $27 million from 3,226 theatres for Sony Pictures. The Edgar Wright Film gets an outstanding 97% on the Tomatometer from Critics and an A- CinemaScore.

TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT lands in third with $16.2 million from 4,132 theatres for Paramount Pictures. Over three weeks it has made $101.3 million domestically.

THE HOUSE debuts in sixth with $9.3 million for Warner Bros. from 3,134 theatres.  The Comedy starring Amy Poehler and Will Ferrell gets 17% on the Tomatometer and a B- CinemaScore.

THE BEGUILED, the latest from Sofia Coppola, opens in eighth with $3.1 million from 674 theatres for Focus Features/Universal Pictures. It gets 77% on the Tomatometer.

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES rounds-out the Top Ten with $2.7 million for Disney in its sixth week out. It has made $165 million in its run domestically.

Review by David Baldwin for Mr. Will Wong

After ten years of marriage and multiple projects together, Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon are still very much in love. They finish each other’s sentences, have similar thoughts and opinions, and have no trouble cutting off each other’s answers. When we get the opportunity to interview the pair during a recent press day in Toronto for their critically acclaimed Film The Big Sick, they are sitting together on a couch that could seat three comfortably. But with how close they are sitting together, there’s no room for a third.

The semi-autobiographical Film revolves around the relationship between Kumail (Nanjiani) and Emily (Zoe Kazan). They are happily dating, but Kumail is harbouring a secret — his strict Muslim parents are keen on him entering into an arranged marriage with a Muslim woman. Emily has very little time to process this news, as she lands in the hospital with a severe lung infection. This emergency only gets worse, leading Kumail to rethink everything about their relationship and his relationship with his parents.

Despite having iconic Comedy Producer Judd Apatow on-board from the beginning, the writing process was anything but easy. The pair would bring drafts of their screenplay to Apatow for approval, and he “would rip it to shreds and send us off on our way,” says Gordon. “And then after three years, he was like ‘Okay, I think we can get a director now’.” When asked about how much of the Film’s story happened in real life, the pair laugh and give different answers. Gordon settled the debate quickly – claiming the Film being 60% factual. “The broad strokes are pretty accurate to what happened,” Nanjiani says. “But the specifics and some of the characterizations and the order of events, that’s the stuff we changed.”

Having lived the events of the Film, Nanjiani and Gordon recalled certain moments in their lives quite differently. “In doing press, I found out that our relationship before I got sick was way more casual than I thought. That’s something I’ve been discovering that’s been super fun,” Gordon mentions. “I don’t regret saying it all,” Nanjiani says with a laugh. “Every time we found in writing this that we would have a disagreement about how we experienced some from our past. We tried to fold both perspectives into the Movie.” While their emotions would range from “That was a really happy memory” to “No that was a horrible memory”, Nanjiani was quite happy with the end result it had on the screenplay: “I think it made for a much more complicated dynamic between the main characters.”

While the appreciation and gratitude for Apatow was evident throughout our conversation (“We’d never written a movie before and Judd getting behind us and helping us through this has been very exciting” Nanjiani says), the pair also praised the Film’s female lead, Kazan. Gordon explains that after watching her audition, she felt “she was absolutely right for the part. I don’t really know what would have happened if I really wanted her and other people didn’t.” Nanjiani adds, “She has that really fun, funny side, but she’s also a very, very serious person who takes herself serious.”

For all of the enthusiasm the pair shared about the writing and casting process, both Nanjiani and Gordon were more apathetic when asked about the Film’s take on religion and culture. “We didn’t think that we really wanted to say anything with this Movie. We just wanted to tell our story,” Nanjiani explains. “If we’re writing a personal story that’s about us and [religion] is something that is part of that story, not having it in there just felt disingenuous.” Gordon was a little more direct in how she felt: “It’s just another aspect of the story.”

Religious and cultural apprehensions aside, the pair are satisfied with all of the work that went into making The Big Sick. “We wrote this Movie for three years with no money, no plan, no guarantee that it would ever become a thing. And we worked our asses off,” Gordon says. “It was really, really great to make a movie where we could pour in everything that we think about,” Nanjiani mentions. “It’s pretty great to be a part of a Movie where we can be proud of every character.” And if the spectacular limited US box office results from this past weekend are any indication, The Big Sick may just become the breakout Comedy of the summer.

Elevation Pictures release THE BIG SICK in select theatres starting Friday, June 30, 2017 and across Canada on Friday, July 14, 2017.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The new Trailer for JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE has just surfaced and we can’t wait for its holiday release!

Synopsis:
In the brand new adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the tables are turned as four teenagers in detention are sucked into the world of Jumanji.  When they discover an old video game console with a game they’ve never heard of, they are immediately thrust into the game’s jungle setting, into the bodies of their avatars, played by Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan.  What they discover is that you don’t just play Jumanji -Jumanji plays you.  They’ll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, or they’ll be stuck in the game forever…

See the Trailer:

Sony Pictures Canada release JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE Friday, December 20, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures)

levelFILM x Mr. Will want to take Readers in Toronto to see RIPPED. Screenings take place Thursday, July 6, 2017 Cineplex Yonge & Dundas, 9 PM.

Synopsis:
Two free spirited stoners who, after smoking some top secret pot created by the CIA in 1986, find themselves catapulted into 2016. With 30 years of their lives lost, our now balding and overweight friends use their uncomplicated enthusiasm to get their lives back on track and figuring out the modern world.

See the Trailer:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK.

levelFILM release RIPPED Friday, July 7, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: levelFILM)

Victory is so close, we can almost taste it!  After a smashing effort from Princess on June 11th on Woodbine Oaks Day, our girl is back again of all days, Queen’s Plate Day!  What a dream! We know this much, our girl sure loves an audience.  We’re so excited we can’t even function!

What are we going to wear?!

In her previous race, Princess was paired for the first time ever with Woodbine‘s leading rider Eurico Rosa Da Silva and despite traffic issues in the stretch resulting in a lengthy claim of foul, our darling ran a game third, losing only by a length to Kentucky-bred Lady Brie.  That one since has stepped-up to Allowance-level company, a narrow second last weekend!

What thrilled us most is that Princess never gave up and kept fighting to the finish in that return to the main track after an okay effort on the wet turf the time before. She heard your cheers!  This last effort very much is reminiscent of her second 2017 start where she showed that same fire. 🔥

Eurico adores Princess and tells us that she was perfect that day, doing everything right.  He knew right away he wanted to be on her again for this next start. He’s confident Princess is on her way to a win. We’re so honoured and what better validation than that?

Grab some popcorn, let’s watch the race again!🍿

If we could compare Princess mentally to where she was last year, she still is the same sweet girl but we love that she’s so much more vocal and confident.

Her effortless workout this week under Joshua Scott speaks volumes! This girl is ready.

Nothing’s gonna stop us now. 💥

A post shared by Princess 🍎 (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 26, 2017 at 9:00am PDT

Thank you @ShemarFMoore for the love and luck! Love, your ‘Babygirl’ Princess. p.s. I love brown sugar cubes! 💋

A post shared by Princess 🍎 (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 8, 2017 at 4:23pm PDT

KJ Apa (Riverdale):

OMG. I LOVE #KJApa of #Riverdale!! He heard I was running on #QueensPlate Day! 😍 #qp17

A post shared by Princess 🍎 (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 28, 2017 at 3:33pm PDT

Happy Pride! 🌈 #Pride #PrideToronto

A post shared by Princess 🍎 (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 25, 2017 at 2:25pm PDT

Thinking about #CanadaDay weekend, the wonderful country I live in… and all the yummy bonuses I get as an Ontario-bred. 🍁

A post shared by Princess 🍎 (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 27, 2017 at 10:18am PDT

Got my #QueensPlate outfit ready. Will I see you Sunday? 👑 Race 11, #7 (6:25 PM EST) #QP17

A post shared by Princess 🍎 (@apicbymrwill) on Jun 28, 2017 at 3:40pm PDT

See you all Queen’s Plate weekend and good luck!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

We live our musicals and what better way to spend the holidays than with Hugh Jackman in one? Check out the new Trailer for THE GREATEST SHOWMAN!

SYNOPSIS
Inspired by the imagination of P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman is an original musical that celebrates the birth of show business & tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.

Cast includes Hugh Jackman; Zac Efron; Michelle Williams; Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya.

See the Trailer:

20th Century Fox Canada release THE GREATEST SHOWMAN Christmas Day.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)

By Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

Twenty years ago, the world was introduced to Harry, Ron, Hermoine and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Five years later Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson gave those characters life in the Chris Columbus-directed Movie Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone. On June 27th through 29th, you will have the rare opportunity to see this wonderful Movie on the big screen with an orchestra performing the score live at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts.

As a devoted Potterhead and proud Slytherin, you can imagine how excited I was to hear that the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts and Attila Glatz Concert Productions were bringing Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone in Concert to Toronto and had engaged the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Women’s Chorus from Amadeus Choir and the Elmer Iseler Singers to perform the score on-stage. Fans will feel chills as the first haunting notes of Hedwig’s Theme fill the Sony Centre and we finally meet baby Harry for the first time.

While searching for my missing letter from Hogwarts, I was lucky enough to catch the TSO rehearsing with conductor Justin Freer and was amazed at true magic created by the live orchestra. Freer’s familiarity with the score was on display as he guided the orchestra and brought John Williams’ Oscar-nominated score to life.

Tickets have sold out for Tuesday night’s performance and limited seats are available for Wednesday but the good news is that Sony Centre for the Performing Arts and Attila Glatz Concert Productions just added a THIRD night and great seats are still available at the link below for Thursday. Whether you’re a Potterhead or simply a fan of the TSO, don’t miss your opportunity to attend Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone in Concert.

Great news Potterheads who like to plan ahead, The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts and Attila Glatz Concert Productions will be returning in October with performances of the second movie in the franchise, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

More on tickets here.

(Photo credit: Siobhán Rich)

After much acclaim at its debut at SXSW earlier this year, buzz musically-driven heist Film Baby Driver from Writer/Director Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) is shifting into high gear. By no means a stranger to Toronto, Wright‘s affinity for our city is well-documented, having made and premiered his cult hit Scott Pilgrim vs. The World here back in 2009 and 2010, the Film proudly set in the city.

Baby Driver boasts an A-List cast, fronted in the titular role by promising young talent Ansel Elgort (The Fault in our Stars) which sees his character, a runaway driver, coerced into working for a mysterious criminal named Doc (Kevin Spacey) in an ill-fated heist which both could help him start afresh and also destroy everything he has including his burgeoning romance with Debora (Lily James). Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm, Jon Bernthal and Eiza González star also.

Our Siobhán Rich had the pleasure of chatting with Wright about the Film at its recent Premiere here in Toronto. She chats with him about his return to the city, the music that is so integral to the Film and his love for Poutine!

Baby Driver was a massive hit at SXSW where it premiered. Can you tell us about what inspired this Movie?

Wright: “It‘s basically my dream Movie of combining action and music together. I’ve been thinking about it in some form for over 20 years, so it’s exciting having it exist not only in my head but also in cinemas.”.

Music is so important in this Movie and some of the songs are specifically mentioned in the script. Did you already have clearance on all the music before shooting?

Wright: “We didn’t shoot anything without clearing anything first.”.

Were there any songs you couldn’t get?

Wright: “Nothing really famous, some dance songs had samples in them that were not clearable.”.

What is it about Toronto that keeps drawing you back?

Wright: “This is my first time here in four years actually. I wish I came here more often. I did film Scott Pilgrim here eight years ago.”.

Of course, you have the Cornetto trilogy. Do you think we can get you back here for a few more movies? The Poutine Trilogy, perhaps?

Wright: “Sure! I love Poutine!”.

Watch the Chat:

Our Siobhán Rich drawing a chuckle from Director/Writer of #BabyDriver, #EdgarWright, one of this summer’s most buzzed films! He loves Toronto so much he would consider a Poutine Trilogy! Interview coming soon! Photo: @DaveMABaldwin

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 5, 2017 at 10:32pm PDT

In case you haven’t seen it yet, see the new TeKillYah Trailer from Baby Driver:

Sony Pictures Canada release BABY DRIVER Wednesday, June 28, 2017.

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

By Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

On November 22nd, audiences will be introduced to Miguel, Hector, Danté, and all their friends when Coco opens in theatres across the country. Last week we were fortunate enough to hear Co-Director Adrian Molina and Producer Darla K. Anderson discuss  and share some behind the scenes secrets of Disney-Pixar’s latest original Movie.

When Miguel’s great-great-grandmother was abandoned by her musician husband, she responded by starting a successful business and banning all music from her life – an edict which continues to this day. This rule is tough on 12-year-old Miguel who worships the famous musician Ernesto de la Cruz and has even taught himself how to play guitar by watching old de la Cruz movies in secret. When Miguel tries to borrow his hero’s guitar on Día de los Muertos, he ends up in the Land of the Dead and learns he has only 24 hours to get back to the land of the living or risk becoming a skeleton himself. Joining him on his adventure are his Sholo dog Danté and Hector, a skeleton he meets in the Land of the Dead.

Coco takes place on Día de los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead and explores the universal ideas of “what it means to be part of a family” and “remembering where you come from.” The Pixar team describe on Día de los Muertos as a “celebration of joy and remembrance” and sought to imbue the Film with sense of positivity that children and adults can all connect with.

From local folk art to the beautiful alebrije animals which populate the Land of the Dead, audiences will see evidence of the team’s multiple trips to Mexico and their Pixar believe that “research is incredibly important.” From the varying types of traditional Mexican music heard throughout the movie to the accuracy of the characters’ guitar fingering and playing no detail was too small.

The voice cast, led by newcomer Anthony Gonzalez, is nothing short of stellar. When not searching for traditional Pixar Easter eggs, audiences should keep an ear out for Renee Victor, Gael García Bernal and even a singing Benjamin Bratt.

Molina and Anderson referred to animation as a “collaborative sport” and this extended from the lighting palate to storyboards. During the four-plus years it took for Co-Director Lee Unkrich’s idea of honouring Día de los Muertos to turn into the completed “love letter to Mexico,” an army of people will have contributed to creation of Coco. Based solely on the brief clips Molina and Anderson shared with us, you have the Mr. Will Wong Guarantee™ that you will NOT be disappointed by Pixar’s beautiful new Movie, Coco.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release COCO Wednesday, November 22, 2017.

Real-life couple Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon have turned their love story into the Film known as The Big Sick, which was a huge hit at Sundance earlier this year.  After getting a limited release in the U.S. this past weekend where it is getting huge raves including endorsements from the likes of Amy Schumer, the Film soon is set to open here in Canada.

The Film centers around Nanjiani, a Comedian, known best for his work on HBO‘s Silicon Valley, who meets Emily V. Gordon (played by Zoe Kazan) one night at one of his gigs. With a looming romance and his parents set on an arranged marriage for him, things change when a medical emergency forces Kumail to spend time with Emily‘s parents.  It also explores the comedy in the couple’s cultural differences. The semi-autobiographical Film is directed by Michael Showalter and co-written by the couple, while Judd Apatow produces.

In addition to press today, Nanjiani and Gordon present the Film at a special advanced screening in Toronto followed by a Q&A. We spotted them earlier upon a visit to KISS 92.5 and they were amazing to stop for a quick photo – Billy included – and they were excited that I’ll be at the screening!

With #KumailNanjiani + #EmilyVGordon, in Toronto today for their acclaimed new Film, #TheBigSick! They will present it tonight in Toronto at Scotiabank Theatre!

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 26, 2017 at 8:23am PDT

Our David Baldwin chats with the couple today, so stay tuned for that! Can’t wait to see it.

Elevation Pictures release THE BIG SICK in select cities Friday, June 30, 2017 and across Canada on Friday, July 14, 2017.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)