Mr. Will Wong and eOne Films are thrilled to give Readers a chance to attend Advance Screenings in Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax and Winnipeg, of Visionary Director Wong Kar Wai’s latest effort.  From one Wong to another, to you! The Grandmaster stars Chinese Cinema Legends Tony Leung (In the Mood for Love) and Ziyi Zhang (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and recounts the rise of Martial Arts Grandmaster Yip Man, who went on to teach iconic Martial Arts Star Bruce Lee.

Screenings take place on Thursday, August 22, 2013 at:

Toronto – Scotiabank Theatre

Winnipeg – Empire Grant Park 8

Halifax – Bayers Lake Cinemas

Ottawa – Empire 7 Theatre

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing The Grandmaster, which has won raves overseas already and can say that it is an outstanding Film featuring phenomenal action sequences, Cinematography and performances by its two Stars!  You will not be disappointed.

Watch the amazing Trailer below:

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

http://www.mrwillwong.com/thegrandmaster @MRWILLW wants us to #win Double Passes in #Halifax #Winnipeg #Ottawa & #Toronto to see #WONGKARWAI’s #THEGRANDMASTER

eOne Films releases The Grandmaster on Friday, August 23, 2013.

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Wong, Zhang and Leung, being a huge Fan of Chinese Cinema.

See some Snaps of them in Toronto:

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films/Mr. Will Wong)

We all know by now that Kelly Clarkson is set to wed Boyfriend/Manager Narvel Blackstock, but here’s kinda a Dress Rehearsal… kinda! New Single Tie it Up is a celebration of Marriage and this brand new Video was just released. The Track solidifies Clarkson‘s official foray into Country Music, but still is catchy enough for Fans of her Pop material to love.

Check-out the Video for Tie it Up below:

We love that she includes Couples of all types and orientations. ‘Atta Girl, Kelly!

Download Tie it Up here.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music)

Although it’s a bit of a Grower, we’re pleased to know that Lady Gaga‘s brand new Single Applause from forthcoming Studio Disc, Artpop, doesn’t disappoint! After much controversy sparked online last night with word of a possible leak following a trail of Snippets, iHeartRadio got the exclusive first and premiered the Track last weekend and today its official Lyric Video was released.

Written and produced by both Gaga and longtime Collaborator DJ White Shadow, the Track was released a week early to Radio after originally being slated for a release on August 19, 2013.

The Track definitely is in the same vein as Gaga‘s Hit Telephone – high energy, Euro-Electro-Pop and an air of ’80s-ness in its Melody. Certainly years more sophisticated than some of the material we got on Born This Way and we’re glad she took her time this time. Gotta love the Annie Lennox-isms she’s got going on in the Breakdown even though this surely isn’t on the level of Bad Romance nor Poker Face.

Without further ado, check-out the Applause Lyric Video in full:

Applause will be available as a free download with the pre-order of Lady Gaga‘s new Disc Artpop on iTunes. Artpop is in stores November 11, 2013 via Universal Music Canada.

Official Artwork below:

(Photo/audio credit: Universal Music)

If there was one Person I absolutely had to meet this year, without question I would say it is Robin Thicke! For years I’ve enjoyed his Music but no one can deny that this is his year, breaking Airplay records (242.6 million Listeners to be exact) with his Single Blurred Lines, the Song which would define singlehandedly the Summer of 2013.

The R&B Star’s Canadian connections are deeply-rooted. Like his Father, Actor/Singer/Songwriter Alan Thicke, he also holds dual American-Canadian citizenship and the Proud Pop actually accompanied him on his Toronto Press Tour today. Thicke‘s sixth Studio Disc, Blurred Lines released just last week, went on to become his first ever release to reach the summit of the Billboard Hot 200 Albums Chart.  And he is going all out in terms of promotion to ensure we all know how great an Album it is (it really is amazing – read my Review here)!

In addition to visiting CHUM-FM earlier today, Thicke arrived fashionably late with a three-vehicle Entourage to his KISS 92.5 Interview on The Roz & Mocha Show, where both Rogers Media Staffers and Fans awaited with eagerness for his arrival. Looking devastatingly handsome in his Aviators and Blazer, he was absolutely amazing – promising to spend a moment with his Fans on his way out.  And he delivered of course – cool, calm and collected!  Even his Father was generous to stop and pose for Fans, while younger Brother Carter got a glimpse of what greatness his future could hold, being a part a Family with a firmly-planted place in the World of Entertainment.  Did you know that the Father and Son Duo partnered in writing the Track Ain’t No Hat 4 That on the Disc?

In case you missed Thicke, do not fret. His two-day visit to Toronto includes several stop-offs including appearances on CITY‘s Breakfast Television tomorrow, Global Television‘s The Morning Show, an appearance also on CBC‘s Q Radio with Jian Ghomeshi later this week, plus also an intimate performance tonight at an undisclosed location.  Basically, he’s running the City this week and we know we want it (!).

Thicke was super-thoughtful to sign a Photo for my Readers.  If you want it (I know you want it!), head on over to Mr. Will Wong on Facebook and click “like” on this Post to enter!  All are welcome to enter.  Double ballots if you share the Post on Facebook!  Good luck.

See our Snap below:

Order Blurred Lines on iTunes here!

Thicke headlines the KISS 92.5 WHAM BAM on Saturday, August 31, 2013 at Molson Amphitheatre.  More details here!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

This year not only are we giving you the Scoop about Stars and the Films that will come to define the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival, but here is your chance to get on the other side of the Barricade! Our dear Friends at Mongrel Media, who recently have gifted us with Passes to Before Midnight, Frances Ha, Blue Jasmine and more, generously are giving you a chance to win  two tickets to a Premiere Screening and access to the Mongrel TIFF Party!

Some of the fabulous Films to be presented at TIFF ’13 from Mongrel Media this year include:

The full TIFF ’13 Schedule has been announced. See who’s coming and start planning your Schedule now!  More on that here.

The Mongrel Media TIFF ’13 Party will take place on Friday, September 6, 2013 at 9:00 PM.

For now, remember to “like“ their Official Facebook Page. More details on how to win here! When Tweeting about the Contest, please use the #MONGRELTIFF Hashtag!

(Photo credit: Mongrel Media)

Miley Cyrus, One Direction, Selena Gomez, Pretty Little Liars, Glee and Pitch Perfect were among the big Winners at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards, held at Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles tonight.  The Evening  saw screams and also tears  as Glee‘s Lea Michele highlighted the evening with a tearful Acceptance Speech honouring her late Boyfriend and Co-Star, Cory Monteith.

ABC Family‘s Pretty Little Liars won top honours tonight sweeping seven major categories such as Choice TV Show – Drama and Choice Summer TV Show, in addition to various acting categories with Lucy Hale, Troian Bellisario, Janel Parrish, Ian Harding and Keegan Allen getting recognized for their work.

Upon accepting her Award for Choice TV Actress – Comedy for Glee, Michele touched the hearts of those in attendance and those watching on Television.  She dedicate her entire Speech to Monteith, stating: “We were very lucky to witness his incredible talent, his handsome smile and his beautiful, beautiful heart. So whether you knew him personally or just as Finn Hudson, Cory reached-out and became a part of our hearts and that’s where he’ll stay forever”.

Watch the emotional Speech below via Hollywood Life:

Despite several speculating whether or not Cyrus is still in fact together with Fiance Liam Hemsworth, she laid the rumours to rest, accepting awards for not only Choice Summer Song with her major Hit We Can’t Stop, but also Choice TV Scene Stealer – Female for her work on Sitcom, Two and a Half Men and the CANDIE’S Fashion Trendsetter Award.  In her Acceptance Speech, she stated: “I want to thank my Team, my Fans, my Friends, My Boo. Everyone who made this happen for me.”.  The Couple were seen together earlier this week on the Red Carpet at the Los Angeles Premiere for his latest Film, Paranoia.

In addition to sweeping several of the Music categories, including Choice Music Group, Choice Love Song, Choice Summer Song and Choice Single by a Group, One Direction‘s Styles stole the Show tonight performing a quick rendition of the Twerk, which is taking the World by storm.

Watch Styles  “Twerking” below:

Disney‘s D23 Expo 2013 took place this weekend in Anaheim, California, giving Attendees unparalleled access to Disney Films, Movies and Theme Parks! D23, known as the official Disney Fan Club, dates back to 1923 when Walt Disney started with humble beginnings at his then-fledgling Hollywood Studio.

The Stars were out in full force this weekend presenting some of Disney‘s most exciting Films to be released soon including: Angelina Jolie for Maleficent; Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins & Natalie Portman for Thor: The Dark World; Chris Evans & Anthony Mackie for Captain America: The Winter Soldier; Ty Burrell for Muppets Most Wanted and Jason Schwartzman for Saving Mr. Banks and of course, George Lucas for Star Wars: Episode VII. See some of the Photos of the excitement above!

Learn more about D23 right here and maybe next year we’ll be there?

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

As the online Feud between Lady Gaga and Perez Hilton continues, the global Megastar may have created more  Enemies  than Fans with one of her latest Tweets.  Hilton is cited as one of Lady Gaga‘s greatest Champions from the time she had first launched her Career, going on to become a great online presence.  The Blogger seems to have taken sides in the battle of the Pop Queens: Katy Perry vs. Lady Gaga, both who have a crucial month in August with brand new Singles slated for release.

Once known as good friends, their Friendship appears to have soured dramatically over the past year, beginning with a Hilton-directed Tweet last year: “Its alright I’ve had friends betray me this year. Cuz I mean, next time we have a massive success, I’ll know who to take on the ride, and who not to. I used to let everyone on my roller coaster. Now I will be more careful letting people into my life.”.  Hilton later responded, indirectly at Gaga, “I’ve had friends betray me this year. It hurts. Deeply. But I’m still gonna remain open and be real, grounded, honest and not enable! #Love”.

With Perry‘s brand new Single Roar having surfaced online yesterday, Hilton has been somewhat passive-aggressive in his support for her, she also benefiting greatly from his support when launching her Solo Career around the same time as Gaga back in 2008.  He Tweeted yesterday, “And if you haven’t heard it yet, listen to @KatyPerry‘s new smash #Roar HERE: http://perez.ly/13OpXFO“.

Just hours after Roar had surfaced, a seven-second Snippet of Gaga‘s new Single Applause also appeared online.  Hilton Tweeted, “A snippet of @LadyGaGa‘s new single #Applause has leaked. Listen HERE https://soundcloud.com/pawsup1986/lady-gaga-applause-snippet … The chorus is underwhelming!! What do U think?”.  He worsened the blow with an even nastier Tweet, “Bad parts of a song leaking far in advance is way worse than a full song leaking early! Yikes!!!”.

Responding presumably to Hilton‘s lack of support, Gaga had Tweeted this morning: “Dont focus on ANY blogger criticism. I have been a producer/songwriter/musician for over 10 years. Trust the artist bloggers are not critics”.  What Gaga needs to understand is the weight of her statement.

Being a Blogger myself, I recall having received communications from her Online Marketing Team at Atom Factory Inc. on multiple occasions in the thick of her ascension, encouraging us to post about her new Music and partnerships with companies such as Polaroid.  I find it interesting and somewhat hurtful that Lady Gaga now is implying that our opinions really don’t matter.  Is this really the way she wants to go about promoting a new Single in the Digital Age?  As part of the Monster Fandom, we Bloggers helped make Gaga who she is today with her showing up in over 468,000,000 Google Searches.

Although several would say that Lady Gaga‘s statement is directed at Perez Hilton exclusively, her Tweet is what it is, stating specifically not to focus on “ANY blogger criticism”. What’s even more insulting is that I’m actually musically-trained and a Blogger.  Her blanket statement implies that all Bloggers have no musical qualifications.

Although the commercial success of Roar versus Applause still has yet to be determined, what we are witnessing is something both fascinating and terrifying in how online perception can benefit or potentially crumble an Artist’s Publicity Trail. This is why we need Publicists, people. Is Lady Gaga correct in her opinion or is she out-of-line, or is Perez Hilton being outright vicious?  Also, what are Katy Perry‘s thoughts on all of this?

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

With a Cast that boast stars like Matt Damon and Jodie Foster, resistance is futile for Moviegoers and such was the case at the Box Office this weekend as Sony Pictures’ Elysium nabs the top spot at the Box Office with $30.5 million from 3,280 theatres. More impressively, Sci-Fi Flick did this with the handicap of an R-rating in the U.S., made for  a budget of $98 million. With above average reviews overall from Critics (66% on the Tomatometer at Rotten Tomatoes), Audiences gave it a “B” CinemaScore.

Debuting in second was Warner Bros.’ We’re the Millers which actually opened on Wednesday, but over the three-day weekend it grossed $26.6 million from 3,260 theatres.  Since Wednesday, it has made over $38 million already. Starring Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis, the Comedy earned a great A- CinemaScore from Audiences, and 41% from Critics on the Tomatometer. The Film was made for $37 million – already paying its bill.

Disney’s Planes 3-D  featuring the Voicework of Dane Cook, gave Families an option at the theatres this weekend, debuting in 3,709 theatres with $22.5 million. Audiences give it an A- Cinemascore, while Critics gave it a 25% rating at Rotten Tomatoes.

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, based on the popular Novels and second Film in the Franchise, debuts with $14.6 million from 3,031 theatres for 20th Century Fox, good enough for fourth spot with a B+ CinemaSCore and 34% on the Tomatometer. By comparison, the first Installment in 2010 earned $31.2 million in its debut.

Meanwhile, last week’s Champ, 2 Guns, slips to fourth spot with $11.1 million from 3,028 theatres, a cumulative total of $48 million in two weeks for Universal Pictures/eOne Films.

The Conjuring continues to scare audiences with $6.5 million in its fourth week, a total of $120.5 earned thus far domestically. Grown-Ups 2 rounds-out the Top Ten with $3.8 million for Sony Pictures in its fifth week.

Rumours are that Katy Perry is entering a dark phase in upcoming Disc PRISM, which kinda scares me as an avid Fan, but if first Single ROAR is any indication of her new sound, my worries are lifted. The Track which surfaced online earlier today is grand, sweeping and anthemic. Yet another perfect Pop Concoction which secretly makes me feel a sense of victory standing by her when several told me she’d be a One-Hit Wonder.

I love the little Homage to The Cranberries in the Bridge.  Perry is proud of her ’90s influences and everything about this new Track is a reason to celebrate!  “I went from zero to my own Hero”, she sings with absolute deserved entitlement.

Written and produced together with longtime Collaborators Bonnie McKee, Max Martin and Dr. Luke, the Track will be performed live at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards in Brooklyn later this month! I don’t know how she’s done it, but Perry officially has trumped Lady Gaga in terms of buzz, as the latter also will be premiering her forthcoming Single also at the Event.

Listen below:

PRISM hits stores October 22, 2013, while ROAR officially will be available on iTunes on Monday here!

See the gorgeous Artwork below:

(Photo/video credit: Capitol Records/Universal Music)