Indie-Pop Singer/Songwriter Ryn Weaver despite making her third trip to Toronto in 2015 today as part of her Misfit Toys Tour, still counts as an emerging name. And if you don’t know her, thank us later for the introduction.

After the viral success of outstanding single OctaHate last year, the California-born and New York-educated Artiste released her debut album The Fool via Universal Music Canada this year. She’s a bit ethereal, electric and very much ‘today’ with her fresh perspective of what it means to be a young woman in a world of changing definitions. What makes her music so interesting is its many unpredictable and intricate layers. Her voice and spontaneity are a thing of wonder.

Weaver played The Mod Club tonight to an intimate crowd, taking the stage decidedly late around 10 PM for a school night, before meeting some lucky VIP members afterward. Despite it being a cold one, Weaver was in great spirits stopping for a few patient fans after her show. A handler picked out a couple fans to invite onto her tour bus for a meet and greet, before she would head off to her next stop in Boston. She promised to be back soon in support of her sophomore disc.

My last experience with Weaver back in the summer wasn’t the greatest but I am beyond happy to have done it proper this time after she made it clear she prefers to meet fans after her shows. Point taken, and she was more than nice this time around!

See our Snap:

With the cool and awesome #RynWeaver, who played her third #Toronto show this year alone tonight at Mod Club. Love her mesmerizing debut disc, #TheFool.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Nov 16, 2015 at 9:59pm PST

Check out OctaHate below:

You must also discover The Fool:

Download The Fool by Ryn Weaver here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Universal Music Canada)

eOne Films + Mr. Will want to take you to see one of our favourite films of TIFF ’15, TRUMBO!  Screenings take place in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Victoria, Winnipeg, Halifax and Ottawa on Thursday, November 26, 2015.

Synopsis:

Blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo’s (Bryan Cranston) successful career comes to a grinding halt because of his political beliefs.

The controversy shines an even brighter light on Hollywood and pits Trumbo in a fight against the U.S. government.

Trumbo also stars John Goodman, Alan Tudyk, Elle Fanning, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren, Michael Stuhlbarg and Louis C.K.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and indicate for me your city. Click “share” from there for an extra chance to Tweet out the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/trumbo  @MRWILLW wants us to #win advance passes to see #TRUMBO. Out 11/27.

G’luck.

#BryanCranston at the #EntertainmentWeekly #TIFF15 Party. #TIFF40 #TIFF #TorontoFilmFestival #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 12, 2015 at 4:15pm PDT

eOne Films release TRUMBO on Friday, November 27, 2015.

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

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to give Readers to see the gripping latest installment of the ROCKY franchise, CREED!  These are Run-of-Engagement Passes so you can see them on your schedule as long as it is in Canadian theatres in your city or town!

Synopsis:
From Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema comes award-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler’s “Creed.” The film reunites Coogler with his “Fruitvale Station” star Michael B. Jordan as the son of Apollo Creed, and explores a new chapter in the “Rocky” story, starring Academy Award nominee Sylvester Stallone in his iconic role.

Adonis Johnson (Jordan) never knew his famous father, world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, who died before he was born. Still, there’s no denying that boxing is in his blood, so Adonis heads to Philadelphia, the site of Apollo Creed’s legendary match with a tough upstart named Rocky Balboa.

Once in the City of Brotherly Love, Adonis tracks Rocky (Stallone) down and asks him to be his trainer. Despite his insistence that he is out of the fight game for good, Rocky sees in Adonis the strength and determination he had known in Apollo—the fierce rival who became his closest friend. Agreeing to take him on, Rocky trains the young fighter, even as the former champ is battling an opponent more deadly than any he faced in the ring.

With Rocky in his corner, it isn’t long before Adonis gets his own shot at the title…but can he develop not only the drive but also the heart of a true fighter, in time to get into the ring?

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook.  Indicate which city you are from also, kindly!  You can click “share” from there for an extra chance or Tweet the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/creed @MRWILLW wants us to #win Run-of-Engagement Passes to see #CREEDMovie!  Out 11/25.

The Cast of CREED were in-town recently. Our snaps:

Michael B. Jordan

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Nov 9, 2015 at 9:54am PST

The beautiful #TessaThompson in #Toronto promoting #CREEDMovie, latest in #Rocky franchise. A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Nov 9, 2015 at 9:52am PST

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release CREED on Wednesday, November 25, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada/Mr. Will Wong)

A must-have for Meryl fans and really, who’s not one? RICKI AND THE FLASH hits stores and on-demand Tuesday, November 24, 2015. Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada + Mr. Will want to give you a chance to win yourself a copy on DVD!

Synopsis:
Ricki (Meryl Streep) is an aging rock star who abandoned her family to chase fame and stardom. The sacrifice delivered the stardom she craved, but it cost her a relationship with her family.

After years of rocking with her band, the Flash, her life is interrupted by a call from her ex-husband (Kevin Kline). She discovers their estranged daughter (Mamie Gummer) is going through a tough situation and decides to head back home. Given the opportunity to reconcile and make things right, Ricki must again choose between the music she loves and the family she lost.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win a copy simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook!

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada release RICKI AND THE FLASH on Tuesday, November 24, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada)

In its second week out, SPECTRE continues to demolish its competitors at the Box Office.  Earning $33.9 million from 3,929 theatres in its second week out for Sony Pictures, the Film in its domestic run thus far has grossed a whopping $129 million.

Charming THE PEANUTS MOVIE for a second week is in second spot with $23.9 million from 3,902 theatres for 20th Century Fox. It has made $82 million in two weeks domestically.

LOVE THE COOPERS gets a headstart on the holidays for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films in a third-place debut with $8.4 million from 2,603 theatres. Audiences gave the Comedy starring John Goodman and Diane Keaton a B- CinemaScore and Critics gave it 16% on the Tomatometer.

THE MARTIAN is showing amazing staying power for 20th Century Fox with $6.7 million in its seventh week out.

THE 33, based on the escape of trapped Chilean miners and starring Antonio Banderas, opens in fifth for Warner Bros. with $5.6 million from 2,452 theatres.  Critics gave it a 40% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences totally loved it with an A- CinemaScore.

Bollywood Blockbuster PREM RATAN DHAN PAYO opens in ninth with $2.2 million from only 286 theatres in North America for Fox International Productions. It plays in select theatres north and south of the border.

Inspirational Sports-Drama MY ALL AMERICAN starring Aaron Eckhart opens in tenth spot for AVI with $1.5 million. It garners 33% on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore.

Paramount Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to take you to see star-studded THE BIG SHORT first!  Screenings take place in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary on Wednesday, December 16, 2015.

Synopsis:

When four outsiders saw what the big banks, media and government refused to, the global collapse of the economy, they had an idea:  The Big Short. Their bold investment leads them into the dark underbelly of modern banking where they must question everyone and everything.    Based on the true story and best-selling book by Michael Lewis (The Blind Side, Moneyball),  and directed by Adam Mckay (Anchorman, Step Brothers) The Big Short stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook only and state your city. You may click “share” from there or Tweet the below for an extra chance:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/thebigshort @MRWILLW wants us to #win Advance Passes to see #THEBIGSHORT! Out everywhere 12/23.

G’luck.

Paramount Pictures Canada release THE BIG SHORT in select cities Friday, December 18, 2015 and everywhere Wednesday, December 23, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Paramount Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to take Readers in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to see Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg in DADDY’S HOME! Screenings take place in Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton + Calgary on Sunday, December 13, 2015. A special screening in Toronto takes place Monday, December 14, 2015 with a special guest.

Official Synopsis:
DADDY’S HOME follows a mild-mannered radio executive (Ferrell) who strives to become the best stepdad to his wife’s two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling and freeloading real father (Wahlberg) arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the kids.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook.  Remember to state your city. Click “share” from there for an extra chance or Tweet the below too:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/daddyshome @MRWILLW wants us to #win Advance Passes to see #DADDYSHOME!  Out Christimas.

G’luck.

Paramount Pictures Canada release DADDY’S HOME on Friday, December 25, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

eOne Films + Mr. Will want to take Readers to see one of this Fall’s most anticipated Thrillers, SECRET IN THEIR EYES. Julia Roberts, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman. Casts don’t come more packed with star power than that! Screenings take place Thursday, November 19, 2015 in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Ottawa.

Official Synopsis:
A tight-knit team of FBI investigators, along with their District Attorney supervisor, is suddenly torn apart when they discover that one of their own teenage daughters has been brutally murdered. Written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Billy Ray (Captain Phillips, The Hunger Games), and produced by Academy Award® winner Mark Johnson (Rain Man, “Breaking Bad”), Secret In Their Eyes is an intense, powerful, haunting thriller starring Academy Award® nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Academy Award® winners Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and state your city. For an extra chance, click “share” from there or Tweet out the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/secretintheireyes @mrwillw wants us to #win Advance Passes to see #SECRETINTHEIREYES. Out 11/20.

G’luck, Willionaire$!

eOne Films release SECRET IN THEIR EYES on Friday, November 20, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

It’s been a real long wait but Missy Elliott would not disappoint as a new video surfaced today for new single, WTF (Where They From). Dave Meyers, whom she has collaborated with on numerous occasions in her celebrated career, returns to collaborate on the Video.  She hasn’t lost a step and we love the rhythm – it’s unlike anything we’ve ever heard.

See it here:

Download WTF here.

WE NEED MORE!

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music Canada)

At age 24, diminutive Hong Kong singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist G.E.M. (an acronym for “Get Everybody Moving”) has accomplished the impossible, continuing to raise the bar of Asian Pop Music with great flare, innovation and mastery.

As the story would go, at age 15 in 2006, she entered a talent competition and what made her stand out most – in addition to her powerful vocals – was her ability and desire to write tunes and play instruments.  Many of her opponents were content doing karaoke, in a market filled with sons and daughters of such-and-such and where singing lessons sometimes come after a record deal.

G.E.M. is the complete package. She is a bona fide entertainer just as much as she is a musician. And her doll-like features would never have you believing she was a day over 16.

Only in Chinese-speaking Asia does a singer after being a top-selling artist and being signed to a record deal, still have to compete on reality television like an American Idol contestant for popularity. After building a sizable Cantonese-speaking following in her native Hong Kong, she and her team at Hummingbird Music had their eyes set on the domination of the lucrative Mandarin-speaking Asian market. Week after week G.E.M. would wow millions on popular staple reality series  I Am A Singer.  And although she lost-out in voting to a more seasoned veteran in the end – a phase in her career deleted noticeably from her Wikipedia page after reported creative differences with show producers – she gained millions of new fans on Social Media.

I don’t hand out compliments musically very often being a trained musician myself, but G.E.M. perhaps is the most talented vocalist ever to come out of Chinese-speaking Asia. And she did it at an age where many of us are/were figuring out what to do with our lives.

It is rare for an Asian artist to get to play at a prestigious venue like Air Canada Centre, reserved normally for blockbuster acts like Drake, Adele, Madonna or Taylor Swift, but G.E.M. managed to fill those seats on the Toronto leg of her X.X.X. Live Tour. Fans were devout, lighting-up their cell phones in unison as she powered her way through signature ballads showcasing that incredible control over that mezzo-soprano of hers.

She danced, she played drums with great fervour, she tickled the ivories of a baby grand piano and she rocked an electric guitar. And despite Chinese concerts often having a reputation of being dull and stuffy, the entire arena was dancing and on its feet. Young mixed-race couples – gay and straight – mom, dads, teens.  The audience was a testament to G.E.M.’s wide appeal and certainly makes a case for her expansion stateside.

A huge part of her success is Austrian producer Lupo Groinig who has the looks and talent to be performing on the most prolific stages, Asia or not. In addition to creating music together, he tours with G.E.M., giving an explosive display of riffs and licks on his electric guitar, plus an energetic showmanship. In their partnership, he is the mentor and a big part why G.E.M. continues to grow leaps and bounds as an artist. In a business where divas are always looking for new producers and sounds, the two are incredibly loyal to one another.

G.E.M. tells her Toronto fans, “This city has a special significance to me. The first time I ever laid my eyes on snow was right here”. “The first promo tour I ever did was in Toronto also and I played for about 1,000 of you back then”, she adds. A quick tally of the crowd would prove that this number obviously has multiplied exponentially.

After churning through her repertoire of Cantonese and Mandarin hits with several shimmery outfit changes, she  paid homage to some of her favourites, including a cover of Adele‘s Rolling in the Deep and current single, Goodbye. A total two-and-a-half hours on-stage with two encores and real value for the fan.

A little later into the evening, we caught up with G.E.M. who appeared tired after performing a soundcheck for VIP fans earlier before her show, the actual concert itself and meeting VIP fans who paid upwards of $1,000 for Photo Ops. She was more than nice to chat with fans but her handler refused photo requests in fairness to fans who had paid earlier, encouraging them in a formulaic statement to go to Hong Kong for a chance to meet G.E.M. next time. Okay, working on that…

G.E.M. did glance into my cell phone quickly though after asking her in English, but that was the end of it. I snapped the Selfie and I’ll just have to settle for a blurry one. Sure G.E.M. is delightful and charming but even on her off-time, the business machine is in full gear. A model and strategy of fan accessibility not unlike that of Taylor Swift, right?

Some Photos from the evening:

Selfie + An Autograph

Worst Selfie ever, but still with Asia’s Queen of Pop, #GEM. #GEMTang #XXXTOUR #XXXLIVE #鄧紫棋

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Nov 11, 2015 at 9:04pm PST

Following in the footsteps of Beyonce, G.E.M. has just released her fifth Chinese album, a visual one with a concise ten tracks, all with accompanying music videos.  Heartbeat is available now on iTunes.

A western expansion is in the works for the talented Artiste.

Follow G.E.M. on Twitter @GEMOVING and Instagram @GEM0816.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Hummingbird Music)