Say what you must about Miley Cyrus, but her and her people sure know how to generate a frenzy.  These brand new Promotional Photos for her new Disc, Bangerz have just surfaced and she really is owning it.

 Although I agree the crotch-touching and tongue-showing are getting a bit much, we cannot deny that we cannot stop looking.  I know I can’t!  Thank you Miley in an age of Political Correctness and hyper-awareness for making Pop Music edgy, controversial and exciting again.  Inasmuch as many would like to discount her as being all gloss and  little substance, the two Tracks we’ve been presented from the Disc both have been phenomenal, so certainly she has the goods to back it all up. I haven’t been this excited about a Pop Disc in quite some time, really.

Sony Music Canada releases Bangerz on Tuesday, October 8, 2013.

(Photo credit: RCA Records/Sony Music)

Published in 2010,  Actor/Director/Screenwriter/Producer/Author James Franco‘s Collection of Short Stories, Palo Alto, was inspired by some of his own memories as a Teen and those stories submitted by the students of Palo Alto High School. The Stories centers mostly on experimentation and Family conflict.  The Film Adaptation of the Book, directed by Gia Coppola (Granddaughter of Francis Ford), will see its premiere at TIFF next week!

See the brand new Trailer below:

Palo Alto stars: James Franco, Emma Roberts, Nat Wolff, Val Kilmer, Zoe Levin and Keegan Allen.

Those of you attending TIFF ’13 have three chances to see it:
Friday September 6, 2013 – Scotiabank 4 at 9:00 PM
Saturday September 7, 2013 – The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema at 9:30 AM
Friday September 13, 2013 – The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema at 6:00 PM

Pathé International handles sales for the Film, which still has yet to find North American distribution.

(Photo credit: Sammy Bandini)

One of the Films I’m looking forward to seeing most at TIFF ’13 is Jason Reitman‘s Labor Day. Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin, star in the mega-intense Drama, adapted from Joyce Maynard‘s Novel.

Official Synopsis:

For many of us, Labor Day weekend evokes bittersweet memories of first loves, family vacations, and a final gasp of freedom before the new school year. For thirteen-year-old Henry and his reclusive, divorced Mother, Adele, it offers a chance for the happiness that they have long lived without.

With the first day of school approaching, Adele (the formidable Kate Winslet) and Henry (newcomer Gattlin Griffith) have ventured on a rare outing together to buy him some new clothes, when the Boy is approached by Frank (the brooding Josh Brolin) — whose bloodied forehead and clear sense of desperation signal the need for help. Setting aside their suspicions, Henry and his Mother reluctantly bring the Stranger home, only to discover they got more than they bargained for. It’s not long before they find themselves hostages of an escaped Felon, and convicted Murderer. And yet there’s something comforting about Frank. What begins as a kidnapping slowly evolves into something else.

Indiewire’s Anne Thompson posted a glowing review for the Drama following its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival tonight and here’s an excerpt: “The Movie played to strong applause. I’d like to think that these movie-loving adults will spread the word that audiences around the country should let the studios know that it’s ok to make these Movies”.  Read her complete Review here.

In Contention‘s Kristopher Tapley also had praise for the Film, stating: “The edge that has defined Reitman‘s work has been set aside while a more refined, lived-in aesthetic has taken hold.”.  Read his Review here.

Those of us attending TIFF ’13 have three chances to see Labor Day:

Saturday, September 7, 2013 – Ryerson Theatre at 6:00 PM
Sunday, September 8, 2013 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 9:00 AM
Saturday September 14, 2013 – Ryerson Theatre at 6:00 PM

Paramount Pictures releases Labor Day on Christmas Day.

(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures)

Great news! Our Friends at VVS Films want you to have a chance to see HORNS before everybody else! Daniel Radcliffe will be taking over Toronto this TIFF with not one, not two but THREE Films at the Festival, and HORNS surely has its share of buzz surrounding it.

Official Synopsis:

When his longtime Girlfriend Merrin (Juno Temple) is brutally murdered, Ignatius “Ig” Perrish (Daniel Radcliffe) is blamed by many in his small town for her death. While the case remains open, public opinion has already condemned Ig for the crime, and the media are poised to crucify him. In the wake of this Tragedy, Ig awakens one day to find horns growing from his head.

Suddenly, people start being strangely honest with Ig, confessing their darkest desires and most hidden secrets. As everyone — Friends, Family and Strangers alike — is compelled to confess to him their ugliest impulses, Ig struggles to understand his newfound power and how he might be able to use it to find Merrin‘s real Killer.

HORNS also stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Juno Temple, Max Minghella, Joe Anderson, Kelli Garner, Heather Graham, David Morse, Kathleen Quinlan and James Remar.

Our Friends at VVS Films and Rue Morgue would like to give you a chance to win a Double Pass to see
HORNS at TIFF ’13:

Sunday, September 8, 2013
Scotiabank 4
1:00 PM

To enter to win, simply click here and fill out the form. Good luck.

 VVS Films releases HORNS in Canada.

(Photo credit: VVS Films)

After having set-up shop in October 2011, Wahlburgers soon will begin its Canadian expansions starting with a City which Brothers Donnie and Mark both love – Toronto! Amidst all the TIFF ’13 festivities, Donnie, Mark and their Brother Paul, whose title is Executive Chef for the Burger Chain,  are  all expected to attend a Green Carpet event in celebration of its launch at the SoHo-Metropolitan Hotel, where its first location will be built.

Among the Comfort Food Offerings:

Donnie’s Choice: “The BBQ Bacon Burger” topped with white cheddar cheese, bacon and avocado, finished with jalapenos and a house-made BBQ sauce.

Mark’s Choice: “The Thanksgiving Burger” made with fresh ground and seasoned turkey dressed with Paul‘s orange cranberry sauce, homemade roasted butternut squash and stuffing.

Paul’s Choice: The Wahlburgers original “Our Burger” made fresh to order with the restaurant’s special blend of beef topped with government cheese (American cheese), dill pickles, lettuce, tomato, onion and finished with the signature Wahl sauce.

Expect Macaroni Salad, Sweet Potato Tots, Fresh-Cut Fries and Alcoholic Milkshakes!   There will be a Sports Bar, Seated and Takeaway options available as part of the dining experience.

More here.

(Photo credit: Wahlburgers)

Amidst all the bustle of TIFF last year, we had the pleasure of being invited to the Oasis that is Melissa DiMarco‘s Out There TIFF Interview Studio and Hospitality Suite.  We had a wonderful time mingling with Industry and Media Types and did I mention there was Food, Beer, Cocktails, Wine and most importantly, Coffee?

We love Melissa DiMarco and her big heart. This TIFF, we’re honoured that she’d like to invite one of my lucky Readers and their Guest to come chill-out at her Hospitality Suite.  With the amount of Star Power that she draws, don’t be surprised if you spot a Star or two milling about.  Winners also get a personal Meet & Greet with our dear friend Melissa!

Melissa’s Out There TIFF Interview Studio and Hospitality Suite sets-up shop at the InterContinental Centre Hotel throughout the Festival.

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post on Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.  Double your chances by sharing this Post on Facebook with your Friends or Re-Tweeting the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/outthere @MRWILLW & @MELISSADIMARCO want to give us a chance to visit the #OUTTHEREVIP Hospitality Suite during #TIFF13!

Good luck.

Learn more about the amazingly entertaining Out There with Melissa DiMarco if you haven’t discovered it yet!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

This actually looks super-cute! Directed and written by Nicole Holofcener, who brought us 2010’s well-reviewed Please Give, ENOUGH SAID will be debuting at TIFF ’13. Although it now has become known as the late James Gandolfini‘s final Film, the Romantic–Comedy‘s Trailer looks rather enticing giving the amazing Julia Louis-Dreyfus finally a chance to shine on the Big Screen.

ENOUGH SAID centers on a divorced Woman who begins to fall for a Man, only to realize that he is the Ex-Husband of her new Friend. Toni Collette, Ben Falcone and Catherine Keener also star.

Watch the Trailer below:

Fox Searchlight Canada releases ENOUGH SAID in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg on Friday, September 27, 2013. Additional cities to follow.

Those of you hoping to catch it first at TIFF ’13 have three chances:

Saturday, September 7, 2013 –Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 2:30 PM
Sunday, September 8, 2013 –  Isabel Bader Theatre at 10:00 AM
Sunday, September 15, 2013 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 9:00 PM

(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight)

Finally, some House of Cards news!  Live from the Set of the acclaimed Netflix Original Series, which happens to be up for nine Emmy Awards, the New York Times will be hosting a Chat tonight with Executive Producer and Star Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Writer Beau Willimon  and New York Times Magazine‘s Chief National Correspondent Mark Leibovich.

The Chat takes place live from the Set of the Series, which currently is filming its second season, and runs from 7:30 – 8: 30 PM EST.  Remember to follow and Tweet your questions @TIMESTALKS.  Video will be made available on their YouTube Channel also here.

Season Two of House of Cards will see a release early 2014 and we cannot wait!  As an aside, did you do know that Bill Clinton like the rest of us, binge-watched Season 1 of the Series?

(Photo credit: Netflix)

This just-released Preview for TRACKS quite literally gives me goosebumps. One just one minute, I feel uplifted – as if I too could do anything and that’s powerful stuff. Based on the true Story of Robyn Davidson, a 27-year-old Australian Woman who treks across the desert with her Dog and four Camels, this definitely is one to watch at TIFF ’13 and Awards Season.

Official Synopsis:

Mia Wasikowska  and Adam Driver star in Tracks, an inspirational story based on an epic journey taken by Australian Robyn Davidson, also known as the “Camel Lady.” In 1977, Robyn (Wasikowska) sets out from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean – a 2,700-km walk through unforgiving desert – accompanied by her dog and four unpredictable camels. Showing up occasionally is Rick Smolan (Driver), a charismatic New York photographer assigned by National Geographic. Although Robyn agrees to Rick’s visits in return for funding, she sees them as intruding on her solitude. Set against a breathtaking backdrop, the trip pushes Robyn to her emotional and physical limits. Adapted from Davidson’s Book, the Film is directed by American John Curran (The Painted Veil) and written by Marion Nelson.

Watch the Clip below:

Those of you attending TIFF ’13 have two chances to see TRACKS:
Tuesday, September 10, 2013 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 6:00 PM
Wednesday, September 11, 2013 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 2:45 PM

Mongrel Media releases TRACKS in Canada.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

For years now New Yorkers have been going crazy for Momofuku‘s Milk Bar, enticing their discerning palates with Ice Cream, Milkshakes, Cookies, Cakes and Pies.  Now Torontonians too have a chance the savour the sweetness with shipments coming direct from Brooklyn. And better yet, pricing is on-par to our American Friends!

You might already have discovered the phenomenal Ramen at Shangri La Hotel‘s Momofuku Noodle Bar, but with all that additional real estate not being utilized upstairs, all it took was a Walk-in Refrigerator to be installed and now we have officially a Milk Bar of our own.  Hopefully in the future these Sweets too will be made on premises and we will be able to taste for ourselves the rage that is Cereal Milk Soft Serve Ice Cream and their Milkshakes!

I’ve tried the greatness that is their Crack Pie ($6 a slice), a thin Biscuit-like Pie which can be described as a buttery, Butter Tart-esque concoction minus the runny-ness.  The Compost Cookie ($2 each) is a mixture of Butterscotch, Chocolate, Coffee and Pretzel Bits – absolutely delicious!

Prices are actually rather reasonable and I am intrigued by the Corn Cookie and Birthday Truffles, but alas there is only so much sugar one can ingest within a given period!  And I admit it, I kinda want a signature Lucky Peach (official Momofuku Logo) T-Shirt and Tote Bag!

More on Momofuku Milk Bar Toronto here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)