Mr. Will Wong, Telefilm Canada and Touchwood PR want to give Readers a taste of the Red Carpet Experience at one of the most important Events to fall during TIFF ’13, the Birks Diamond Tribute to the Year’s Women in Film. The ultra-exclusive Event honours Ten Women in Canadian Film including Actors and Directors. Among those being honoured are the likes of Sarah Polley, Sarah Gadon, Deepa Mehta, Jessica Paré, Allison Pill, Geneviève Bujold and more!

When: September 11, 2013 at 4:00 PM
Where: Toronto Birks Store (55 Bloor Street W. – Manulife Centre)
There  will be a FanZone set-up for Fans to get up close and person with the Stars!  There will be several in attendance in addition to this year’s Honourees.

To enter to win Tickets, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. Share this Post on Facebook and double your chances or Re-Tweet the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/birks @MRWILLW wants us to #win access to the @MAISONBIRKS Diamond Tribute to the Year’s Women in Film on 9/11/13!

Good luck.

(Photo credit: Maison Birks)

Together over the years we’ve built a Brand which has become synonymous with Celebrity Culture, Entertainment and Toronto.  We’re thrilled about all the possibilities which this year’s Toronto International Film Festival holds and with the enthusiasm of a Child, we count down the hours till it all kicks off.

Having already previewed a fair number of this year’s Marquee Films receiving their Premieres here including hotly-tipped Opening Night Gala The Fifth Estate, I can say this is definitely one of the strongest Festivals in recent years not only in terms of quality of Films, but also the Star Power.  And you know how much we love those Stars!

Please join us here at Mr. Will Wong over the next two weeks  as we preview and review some of the most buzzworthy Films to make  a splash at TIFF ’13.  In addition, you know you can count on us to spot both A-List and Up-and-Coming Talent in town in their most candid moments with Fans.

In addition to being present and visible here, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, I will be allover your Television Screens as I partner once again with CP24 as their TIFF Correspondent before upwards of three-million people in Ontario who watch the Channel on a weekly basis.  Be sure to follow my every step online as you won’t want to miss a beat!  My first appearance is scheduled for Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 12:15 PM EST, followed by various appearances throughout the Festival to be looped throughout the day.  I will be capping it all off with an appearance on CP24 Breakfast Live on Saturday, September 14, 2013.

I would not be able to survive the grueling 18-20 hour days that come with TIFF without the generosity of  our official Partners. With gratitude I thank our Friends who kindly have shown their support:

MONGREL MEDIA who for the first time are giving Mr. Will Wong Readers a chance not only to win Red Carpet Premiere Passes, but also access to their mega-exclusive TIFF Party.  I look forward to partying with my lucky Readers!  And just so you know, it’s still not too late to enter here.  Mongrel Media‘s Line-up is fantastic this year, including Only Lovers Left Alive (Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston), The Past (Bérénice Bejo), Tracks (Mia Wasikowska, Adam Driver) and The Face of Love (Annette Bening, Ed Harris).

OLYMPUS who generously have provided me their state-of-the-art E-PL5 to photograph with this Festival. That tiltable Monitor excites me and I can’t wait to capture some unforgettable Selfies and candid moments with the Stars. Its Small Target AutoFocus and Fine Detail Processing will ensure that I get that Snap with great precision.  Did I mention it also photographs in phenomenal 16 MP quality?  More on the E-PL 5 here.

HOTEL NOVOTEL TORONTO CENTRE who amazingly are sponsoring my stay for the most hectic part of the Festival.  I know extremely well the importance of a good night’s rest if even just a Power Nap to recharge just in time to capture more of the Celebrity madness.  Located right at the heart of Downtown Toronto and only a short distance from some of the most glamorous Red Carpet Premieres in the City, I will make a point of making time for their Indoor Pool, Gym, Restaurant and free WiFi!  Cannot wait to see the beautiful scenic view from my window, the Hotel overseeing the bright lights and heights of our fabulous City.  If you’re looking for an affordable option with charm and convenience, there is no better value  than Hotel Novotel.  More here.

HONDA CANADA who as always are wonderfully supportive.  This TIFF, I will be driving the gorgeous and amazing 2013 Honda Accord Sedan which not only boasts superb Fuel Efficiency but also exciting Performance, much needed as I’ll be zooming from venue to venue effortlessly. Its compact style is perfect from City Living (…and parking!). Learn more about the Accord here.

SAMSUNG CANADA who graciously are empowering me with a Samsung Galaxy S4 this TIFF!  Its full HD 1080p Display gives me something to look forward to with great excitement as does its dual front (2 MP) and rear (13 MP) Cameras which give me no reason to  not snap that perfect Selfie with a Celeb!  Its spacious 5″ Display will equip me with the ability to properly type, text and navigate as I communicate with my Readers and Followers throughout the Festival!  More importantly, its extended Battery Life of up to 17 hours Talk Time and 8 hours Internet Usage on the LTE Network will help me get through each long day where others before have failed me.  More on the Samsung Galaxy S4 here.

H&M CANADA who have been amazing these past few TIFFs in fashioning me with some of their latest looks. The Mr. Will Look generally is low-fuss and more about comfort and practicality, especially with the unpredictable weather we get in September. I know I’ll be Camera-ready for TV and my moments with the Stars with my Pieces (especially excited about my Cardigans!) from the H&M Fall 2013 Men’s Collection. Nobody understands the synergy between Celebrity and affordable Fashion like H&M with several exciting Collaborations in recent memory with the likes of Beyoncé, David Beckham, Kylie Minogue, Madonna, Lana Del Rey, Joel Kinnaman and more!

NELLA BELLA who are so thoughtful to provide me with one of their signature Bags to use this Festival.  How else would I survive the day without sophisticated, sturdy and stylish storage for all my gear?  This Canadian Handbang Maker offers sleek looks and durability. Above all else, they are made with Vegan Materials!  I look forward to my treasured Accessory this TIFF, the Stockholm Bag (see above). Check-out their entire Collection here.

OUT THERE WITH MELISSA DIMARCO who so kindly is giving my Readers a chance to visit her TIFF Interview Studio and Hospitality Suite at InterContinental Centre Hotel this year.  We all know her on Television  for her stunning beauty and big heart! I myself look forward to visiting her Oasis amidst all the bustle and am excited for my Readers to get to mingle with Industry and Media Types, not to mention some awesome Food and Drink.  Learn more about the Contest here.

GROLSCH OPEN HOUSE PUBLIC FESTIVAL LOUNGE who are giving Festival Goers an opportunity for refreshment from Friday, September 6 – Monday, September 9, 2013 with amazing Eats, Art Installations, intimate Musical sets from DJs and emerging local Acts… and of course,  Grolsch Premium Lager – the official Beer of TIFF. Do not forget to check it all out at the corner of  Pearl x John!   We’ll definitely see you there. More here.

Bookmark Mr. Will Wong in your Browser and remember to follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for frequent exciting updates this TIFF.

See Mr. Will‘s most Must-See TIFF ’13 Film List here.

See which Stars will be in the City for TIFF here.

Happy Movie-watching and Star-spotting, Wongsters!

(Photo credit: Hotel Novotel/Honda Canada/Samsung Canada/Melissa DiMarco/Olympus/Nella Bella/Grolsch Film Works/H&M Canada/Mongrel Media)

For advertising opportunities, e-mail: mrwillwong@mynkmediagroup.com

“They don’t know who they’re f*cking with.”.

The hilarious Red Band Trailer for Neighbours has just surfaced!  Directed by Nicholas Stoller (Get Him to the Greek, Forgetting Sarah Marshall), the Comedy is about a Couple with a newborn Baby forced to live next to a Fraternity House. Tons of lewd humour and big laughs. This is getting an R-Rating for sure!

Neighbours stars Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Zac Efron, Dave Franco, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jake Johnson, Lisa Kudrow and more.

See the Trailer below:

Formerly known as Townies, the Film gets a release May 9, 2014 via Universal Pictures.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures)

Everyone loves a good Heist Flick! And one that was filmed here in Toronto? Double bonus! Originally titled, The Black Marks, The Art of the Steal will see its Premiere at TIFF ’13 in the latter part of the Festival and we’re super stoked about it! We went all the way to Hamilton and got to meet some of the Cast Members early 2012.  Read about our day in the snow here. Ever since then, we’ve been obsessively checking for updates. Now finally comes a super-slick looking Trailer for the Jonathan Sobol Film!

Official Synopsis:
In this Con Movie about honor, revenge and the bonds of brotherhood, Crunch Calhoun (Kurt Russell), a third rate Motorcycle Daredevil and semi-reformed Art Thief, agrees to get back into the con game and pull off one final lucrative art theft with his untrustworthy brother, Nicky (Matt Dillon).

Jay Baruchel, Terence Stamp, Katheryn Winnick and Chris Diamantopoulous also star.

Our Friends at eOne Films release The Art of the Steal on Friday, September 20, 2013. Those of us attending TIFF ’13 have two chances to see it:

Wednesday September 11 – Roy Thomson Hall at 9:30 PM
Thursday September 12 – Ryerson Theatre at 12:00 PM

(Photo credit: eOne Films)

Everyone loves Céline Dion! With great excitement we finally get to hear her brand new material at last from her first English-language Disc since 2007’s Taking Chances.  Penned by Sia Furler, Loved Me Back to Life is a big, sweeping Track which perfectly captures the essence what the Quebec-born Diva is all about.  Drama, Power and pure Emotion. Oh how we’ve missed that remarkable Voice!

Melodically it reminds us of Whitney Houston‘s I’m Your Baby Tonight no?  Especially in the Hook?

Dion will perform Loved Me Back to Life on Jimmy Kimmel Live!  on Friday, September 6, 2013 and also on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Wednesday, September 11, 2013.

Listen to the Track in full below:

Official Artwork below:

Sony Music Canada releases Loved Me Back to Life, the Album on Tuesday, November 5, 2013. Pre-order here.

Download Loved Me Back to Life, the Single on iTunes now here.

(Photo credit: Sony Music)

He’s been touted as a Breakout Star for a while now, but make no mistake – Charlie Hunnam has been in the game for a while and will be for a long time.  We just received news earlier today that the British Star of acclaimed Series Sons of Anarchy is about to become a Megastar.

Only in June was it announced that Sam Tayl0r-Johnson would be helming this Adaptation of E.L. James’ wildly popular Novels and now it has been confirmed that Charlie Hunnam is tied (pardon the pun) to the coveted role of Christian Grey for which many of Hollywood’s A-List Actors have been vying for.  Don’t be shocked though, as Hunnam‘s Career has seen some daring moves including a fearless performance in 1999’s original Queer as Folk Series as as Nathan Maloney.

Confirmed in the Lead Actress Role of Anastasia Steele is Dakota Johnson, Daughter of Stars Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson.  Having sharpened her skills starring in now-defunct Comedy Series Ben and Kate, she also has appeared in popular Films like 21 Jump Street, The Social Network, Beastly and The Five-Year Engagement.

50 Shades of Grey centers on the  intense, erotic relationship between a Student and a 27-year-old Billionaire.  The Series of Novels by James has sold over 70-million Copies worldwide.

We had the pleasure of meeting both the Director Taylor-Johnson and Hunnam in 2012. Both are amazingly wonderful.  Read more here and here.

Hunnam is set to return to Toronto this Fall to film Guillermo del Toro‘s Crimson Peak.

50 Shades of Grey releases August 1, 2014 via Focus Features & Universal Pictures.

See ours and Hunnam‘s Snap below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Vintage Books)

Monsters are rejoicing this weekend as Lady Gaga finally unveiled new material from her much-discussed fourth Studio Disc ARTPOP, due in November. Performing a Live Set at London’s Roundhouse earlier today, Gaga explained her inspiration behind the forthcoming Disc, which perhaps is her most eclectic and artistic to date, veering from some of the commerciality we loved and adored on The Fame and The Fame Monster.

Lady Gaga states in a British accent:
“When I was making ARTPOP, I was thinking to myself what I truly wanted. What was the intention of the Album? I not only wanted to make Music you love because I want to make you happy, but I also wanted to make Music that made me free. Now I don’t mean to make this about me but when I say that what I mean is that I want to set myself free of this Box – this Box they put you in in Pop Music. It’s as if I have to say inside the box to be a Good Girl. I don’t want to stay in the Box. I want to live outside the Box with all of you. So I made some Music that’s a little bit different from what I made before but I made it because I’m a Fan. I’m a Fan of all different kinds of Music. Aren’t you?”.

Based on what we heard from her iTunes Festival Performance, ARTPOP appears to be a highly experimental mixture of Electronic Dance-Pop, early ’80s-inspired Rock, Hip-Hop – it veers to a much more theatrical, darker direction than ever before for Gaga, but she appears to be in her element here. The question is whether or Mainstream Fans will embrace this, but this surely is something she’s fully aware of as she transitions to another plain in her already massive Career.

Pay particular attention to the Track Swine, the rumoured second Single from ARTPOP which is said to target Perez Hilton, with whom she currently is still feuding. Gaga sings, “I know I know I know you really want me/You’re just a pig inside a human body/Squeal Squeal Squeal/You’re so disgusting/You’re just a pig inside”.

Check-out Lady Gaga‘s iTunes Festival Performance below:

Applause:

MANiCURE:

Sex Dreams:

Swine:

Jewels & Drugs (ft. T.I.):

Aura:

Artpop:

I’m really loving Gaga‘s big hair/bikini Barbarella-look inspired by Jane Fonda and of all the Tracks, I’d say MANiCURE is my fave thus far….

Universal Music releases ARTPOP on November 11, 2013.

Moviegoers knew were headed in one direction and one direction only. Morgan Spurlock‘s One Direction: This is Us Documentary was a big hit at the Box Office this Labour Day weekend, the Sony Pictures release earning $17 million from 2,735 theatres. The Film about the World’s hottest Boy Band right now, received a 68% score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer and Audiences absolutely loved it, giving it an A CinemaScore.

Slipping to second this weekend is The Butler with $14.7 million, after a two week reign atop the Box Office. The Historical Drama has now surpassed the $74-million mark for The Weinstein Co./eOne Films.

In third and still going strong is the hilarious Comedy, We’re the Millers which now in its fourth week earns $12;6 million for Warner Bros. The Film has now official grossed in excess of $109 million.

Lionsgate Films’ Spanish-language Comedy, Instructions Not Included is a surprise hit opening only in 247 theatres in fifth with $7.5 million.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones in its second week of release slips to seventh spot with $5.2 million, just surpassing the $20 million-mark for eOne Films/Sony Screen Gems. This lands just ahead of well-reviewed The World’s End with $4.7 million, good enough for eighth spot in its second week of release domestically for eOne Films/Focus Features.

Getaway starring Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez debuts in eighth spot with $4/5 million from 2,130 theatres for Warner Bros. The Action-Thriller mustered only a 2% rating on the Tomatometer and Audiences gave it a C+ CinemaScore.

Rounding out the Top Ten is Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters with $4.4 million in its fourth week  for 20th Century Fox.

The names have never been bigger.  The 2013 Toronto International Film Festival will run from Thursday, September 5, 2013 – Sunday, September 15, 2013 and our City soon will host some of the biggest names in Cinema internationally. Especially outstanding this year is the Female Contingent.  Thanks to Films like August: Osage County, The Railway Man,Don Jon and Labor Day, Toronto will be seeing the likes of Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Winslet and Nicole Kidman and we couldn’t be more excited not only to see their performances, but also what they’ll be donning on our Red Carpets.

Without Film, we would have no TIFF.  In addition to making it out to catch a glimpse of these A-Listers, it is important that we support the Films which give a reason for these Stars to visit our fabulous City.  I’ve had the chance to preview a number of this year’s major Titles seeing a Premiere here during the Festival, some for which I wait to see still with baited breath.

Here are my 12 most notable Players premiering at TIFF ’13, which will be a major force this forthcoming Awards Season:

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY –  A look at the lives of the strong-willed women of the Weston family, whose paths have diverged until a family crisis brings them back to the Oklahoma house they grew up in, and to the dysfunctional woman who raised them. Stars Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Juliette Lewis and Abigail Breslin. Review to go live September 10th.

Screening times:
Monday September 9 – Roy Thomson Hall 6:30 PM
Tuesday September 10 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) 11:00 AM

Trailer:

RUSH –  A biography of Formula 1 champion driver Niki Lauda and the 1976 crash that almost claimed his life. Mere weeks after the accident, he got behind the wheel to challenge his rival, James Hunt. Stars Liam Hemsworth, Olivia Wilde, Natalie Dormer and Daniel Brühl; Ron Howard directs.

Screening times:
Sunday September 8 – Roy Thomson Hall at 9:30 PM
Monday September 9 – Ryerson Theatre at 12:00 PM

Trailer:

LABOR DAY – Depressed single mom Adele and her son Henry offer a wounded, fearsome man a ride. As police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become increasingly limited. Stars Kate Winslet,  Josh Brolin and Tobey Maguire. Review to go live September 14th.

Screening times:
Saturday September 7 – Ryerson Theatre at 6:00 PM
Sunday September 8 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 9:00 AM
Saturday September 14 – Ryerson Theatre at 6:00 PM

 NO TRAILER

TRACKS – A young woman goes on a 1,700 mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with her four camels and faithful dog. Stars Mia Wasikowska and Adam Driver. Review to go live the evening of September 10th.

Screening times:
Tuesday September 10 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 6:00 PM
Wednesday September 11 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 2:45 PM

Trailer:

DON JON – A New Jersey guy dedicated to his family, friends, and church, develops unrealistic expectations from watching porn and works to find happiness and intimacy with his potential true love. Stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore. Review to go live the evening of September 10th.

Screening times:
Tuesday September 10 – Princess of Wales at 6:30 PM
Wednesday September 11 – Ryerson Theatre at 3:00 PM

Trailer:

ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE – A story centered on two vampires who have been in love for centuries. Stars Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton. Review to go live September 5th.

Screening times:
Thursday September 5 – Ryerson Theatre at 9:00 PM
Saturday September 7 -The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema at 12:15 PM

Trailer:

THE FIFTH ESTATE – A look at the relationship between WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his early supporter and eventual colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg, and how the website’s growth and influence led to an irreparable rift between the two friends. Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Stanley Tucci, Daniel Brühl, Laura Linney and Anthony Mackie. Review to go live September 5th.

Screening times:
Thursday September 5 –Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 6:30 PM and Roy Thomson Hall  at 8:00 PM
Saturday September 7 – Winter Garden Theatre at 12:30 PM

Trailer:

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB – The story of Texas electrician Ron Woodroof and his battle with the medical establishment and pharmaceutical companies after being diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1986, and his search for alternative treatments that helped established a way in which fellow HIV-positive people could join for access to his supplies. Stars Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Jared Leto, Dennis O’Hare and Steve Zahn.

Screening times:
Saturday September 7 – Princess of Wales at 10:00 PM
Sunday September 8 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM

Trailer:

PRISONERS  –  A Boston man kidnaps the person he suspects is behind the disappearance of his young daughter and her best friend. Stars Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Mario Bello, Viola Davis, Melissa Leo, Terrence Howard and Paul Dano. Review to go live September 13th.

Screening times:
Friday September 6 -Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 9:00 PM
Saturday September 7 – Princess of Wales at 12:00 PM
Friday September 13 -Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 2:30 PM

Trailer:

THE RAILWAY MAN – A victim from World War II’s “Death Railway” sets out to find those responsible for his torture. A true story. Stars Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård.

Screening times:
Friday September 6 – Roy Thomson Hall at 6:30 PM
Saturday September 7 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM
Thursday September 12 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM

 NO TRAILER

12 YEARS A SLAVE – In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch and Paul Giamatti.

Screening times:
Friday September 6 – Princess of Wales at 6:00 PM
Saturday September 7 – Ryerson Theatre at 11:30 AM
Saturday September 14 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 9:00 PM

Trailer:

PHILOMENA – A world-weary political journalist picks up the story of a woman’s search for her son, who was taken away from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent. Stars Judi Dench and Steve Coogan.

Screening times:
Sunday September 8 – Princess of Wales at 3:30 PM
Monday September 9 -Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM

Don’t forget to check back as Reviews and loads of Celebrity Photos and Scoops will be posted throughout the Festival. Click here for our Reviews section and get the scoop on what we thought of these TIFF ’13 Titles!

(Photo credit: Fox Searchlight)

Mr. Will Wong and Sony Music Canada are thrilled to give Readers a chance to attend one of this Summer’s hottest Events, the KISS 92.5 WHAM BAM!  We all know how much I love KISS 92.5, Avril Lavigne and Robin Thicke!  Lavigne and Thicke will be co-headlining this year’s Show which features also Shawn Desman, Classified, Nikki Williams and also Set It Off Live with Mocha & DJ Clymaxxx.

Proceeds from Ticket Sales go to Red Cross in aid of Calgary Flood Relief efforts.

The Show starts 5:00 PM at Toronto’s  Molson Amphitheatre.  It’s not too late to get tickets here still!

This Contest runs only for a few hours, so hurry!  To enter, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.  Share this Post right away with your Friends to increase your chances, or Re-Tweet the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/kiss925whambam @MRWILLW wants us to #win Tickets to tomorrow’s #KISSWHAMBAM featuring #AvrilLavigne and #RobinThicke!

Have you checked out Lavigne‘s awesome new Video for Rock N Roll?  Watch here.

Good luck.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)