FIRE AND WINE leads wire to wire in the Grade III Ontario Derby under @SamuelJalon, for trainer Zeljko Krcmar and owner Paul Ryder. Does this victory lock his title for 3-year-old champion male?
4
#Wildwood, I mean truly this is the pinnacle of stop motion animation. No one does it better than Laika, Travis Knight & co have set the bar high, it is impossible not to just be in awe of how magnificent this movie is. Full thoughts later for @mrwillw @vvsfilms @LAIKAStudios
#TIFF15: MR. WILL, DAVID BALDWIN, JONATHAN GODFREY, JUSTIN WALDMAN + GEORGE KOZERA’S TOP TIFF PICKS
With TIFF ’15 about to kick-off in one day, we asked our resident panel of film lovers which films they were most excited for at the Festival this year! Check-out top selections below from David Baldwin, Jonathan Godfrey, Justin Waldman, George Kozera and me!
Of course we will have Reviews posted right here throughout the Festival, so be sure to check-back daily throughout the Festival September 10-20th for the latest!
DAVID BALDWIN
1. The Witch – super excited for this one. The buzz keeps building for this terrifying film, and it pains me that I need to wait until the end of the festival to see it!
2. Room – I read a one sentence synopsis and was hooked.
3. Green Room – Genuinely enjoyed Jeremy Saulnier’s slow-burn thriller Blue Ruin when I saw it at TIFF’13, and have been waiting for a follow-up ever since. Hoping it does not disappoint as this year’s Midnight Madness opening night film.
4. Love – I nearly had a seizure watching Enter the Void a few years back. So when Gaspar Noé’s said he wanted to make a movie with “blood, cum and tears,” and that movie is in 3D, then how can I say no?
5. Anomalisa – the cinematic return of the brilliant and enigmatic Charlie Kaufman. I was thrown off initially by it being animated and filmed in stop-motion, but now it just intrigues me endlessly.
JONATHAN GODFREY
1. Last year I went into TIFF with a focus on France, whereas this year if my focus is anywhere it’s on China. First and foremost I’m dying to see The Assassin. This Tang Dynasty epic about a lovelorn hitman looks absolutely breathtaking.
2. On that note, I’m also eager to see Office. In a category all its own, Office is a 3D musical whose songs sing of love, loss and capitalist corruption.
3. On the other side of the continent comes Kill Your Friends. Starring Nicholas Hoult, it is the tale of an A&R’s ruthless quest to become the king of Britpop.
4. Also taking place in Jolly ol’ England is Legend. Starring Tom Hardy as both Kray twins, Legend is inspired by the rise of their criminal empire.
5. Last but not least is The Lobster. This oddly-titled film follows an equally odd narrative wherein its characters must find a mate or be transformed into an animal.
Those are my top five picks for TIFF ’15, with Angry Indian Goddesses being a very close sixth. The film about a group of Goan women discussing their storied lives is not to be overlooked. All in all it looks like another great year at the Festival of Festivals, one that I am happy to cover alongside Mr. Will‘s Crew.
JUSTIN WALDMAN
1. Room. Because of all the hype its been getting out of Teluride and when isn’t Brie Larson absolutely incredible?
2. Anomalisa. CHARLIE FREAKING KAUFMAN
3. High-Rise. Ben Wheatly directing Tom Hiddleston, what else can someone want?
4. Family Fang. Bateman’s first directorial debut, Bad Words was rib-splitting fun, hopefully his second time out is just as enjoyable.
5. Demolition. Hotly-anticipated new film from Jean-Marc Vallée starring Jake Gyllenhaal who has proven to be excellent in everything he’s been in of late.
GEORGE KOZERA
#TIFF15: OFFICIAL BRAND PARTNERS FOR 2015 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL | PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAY
In the blink of an eye, the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival has arrived and now in its 40th year, the Festival promises to be bigger than better the year. Loaded with megawatts of star-power, we promise to be there every step of the way, giving you some of the most intimate access in the City to the Festival!
Before the TIFF 40/TIFF ’15 begins, we want to take a moment to thank our partners, many who are returning once again to show their support for the MR. WILL WONG brand! This is our sixth year blogging and we certainly are showing no signs of stopping. Star-spottings, Giveaways, Film Reviews and buzz. Our Team including Jonathan Godfrey, Justin Waldman, David Baldwin, George Kozera and myself have previewed some of the hottest titles at the Festival in advance so you’ll know which Films should be on your radars this Award season. We’ll be right in the thick of things with our unique perspective and you’ll be right in the know.
We’d like to thank:
CP24: For the seventh consecutive year, we are partnering with ultra-popular CP24 for up-to-the-minute celebrity sightings around the City! I’ll be in studio and catching-up with the station throughout the Festival, so be sure to tune-in! In the past we’ve appeared also on affiliates like Virgin Radio 99.9 and CTV News, so don’t be surprised that literally we’re everywhere again this TIFF!
ITV & TOURISM TORONTO: For the first time ever we’re appearing on television in the U.K. and we’re thrilled to have worked together with iTV and Tourism Toronto to draw focus on the excitement our City has to offer during TIFF, with a feature spot on popular morning program GOOD MORNING BRITAIN.
TYRRELLS: Made from the aristocratic potatoes of England, Tyrrells rapidly is gaining a reputation as the perfect chip for entertaining! What makes them unique is their intense taste, crunch and the fact they contain just a sliver of skin for that real potato authenticity. Flavours include Lightly Sea Salted, Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar, Sweet Chili & Red Pepper, Mature Cheddar & Chives, Sea Salt & Black Pepper, Worcestershire Sauce & Sundried Tomato and Vegetable Chips! Learn more here. Your friends and family will know you went that extra mile if they know you serve Tyrrells!
FORD CANADA: We’re a huge fan of Ford and once again they are on-board with us for TIFF 40/TIFF ’15! We’ll be driving in style this Festival in a fuel-efficient Ford Focus, which meets out biggest need – compactness and fuel-efficiency – to a t. We won’t miss a step this Festival thanks to Ford Canada. See our sweet ride in all its loaded glory here.
SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT CANADA: This year we’re giving our Readers a chance to win a couple awesome new English-themed releases in celebration of the City to City Programme’s focus on London. Although wildly-popular OUTLANDER Season 1, Volume 1 has already captivated fans, we’re giving you a chance to win also Volume 2 (out Tuesday, September 29, 2015) on DVD! Documentary LAMBERT & STAMP (in stores now) also gives us an intimate look at one of England’s most beloved rock outfits, The Who.
H&M CANADA: We love H&M and estimate that 90% 100% of our wardrobe is in fact H&M. They aren’t afraid of taking risks, have a bit of fun and continue to offer amazing value to Canada’s fashion-conscious. We are excited for you to see some the fun fashions we picked-out from their Fall/Winter 2015 Collection on our Social Media channels, during the Festival! We can’t wait for Katy Perry‘s holiday campaign! See some of their hottest new looks here!
HOTEL NOVOTEL TORONTO CENTRE: Billy and I dream of our cozy bed at Hotel Novotel Toronto Centre and can’t wait to enjoy what little sleep we intend to get at TIFF 40/TIFF ’15 this year. The Hotel is minutes from the thick of it all and their amazing facilities include Wi-Fi, a gym, accessible parking, pool and amazing breakfast buffet at Cafe Nicole offer exceptional value for anyone visiting Toronto during the Festival. Best of all, they’re pet-friendly (yay for Billy)! It’s always reassuring knowing this as we often stress about our loved ones with those long hours during TIFF. Learn more here.
NIKON CANADA: We get tons of compliments on our photography and wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of Nikon Canada and our amazing D3300 HDSLR. We’re gonna take you that extra bit closer with their generosity, helping stay connected with our latest Photo updates via a WU-1a wireless mobile adapter and also a zoom lens. Can you handle that level of intimacy? You’ll basically be right beside the likes of Natalie Portman, Johnny Depp and Matt Damon! More here.
SAMSUNG CANADA: Staying connected is important and there could only be one phone for the job, the Samsung Galaxy S6 with its spacious screen and quick-charge adapter. We’re thrilled to use this TIFF 40/TIFF ’15 and most of our blogging and Social Media will be done through this amazing Smartphone! More here.
But most of all you, thank you Willionaire$ for your making us a part of your day these past six years! We are grateful and appreciative!
Now for a bit of fun, we’re giving one v. English Prize Pack including every flavour of Tyrrells Hand Crafted English Crisps, plus copies of LAMBERT & STAMP and OUTLANDER (Season 1, Volumes 1&2 on DVD)! To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook!
Be following on Social Media:
Instagram: @MRWILLWONG
Twitter: @MRWILLW
Facebook: MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK
(Photo credit: Samsung Canada, Nikon Canada, Ford Canada, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada, H&M Canada, Tyrrells, Hotel Novotel Downtown Centre)
#HORSERACING: 2015 WOODBINE MILE + ROCK N’ RACING FESTIVAL!
Sunday marks a huge day in Woodbine Racetrack‘s 2015 Racing Season with the $1-million RICOH WOODBINE MILE to be run over one of the World’s finest turf courses.
Despite making the headlines as two-time American Horse of the Year WISE DAN‘s big return to the races, it was just announced that the champion has been retired due to an injury. Still expect it to be a superb race with a strong local contingent and some outstanding horses invading Canada for a shot at that huge purse money!
Your probable field for the one-mile turf race:
Grand Arch
Kaigun
Lea
Mondialiste (IRE)
Mr. Owen
Obviously
Platinum Glory
Reporting Star
Tower of Texas
Turncoat
Za Approval
OBVIOUSLY has competed against top-class competition in California earning $1.4 million and will be making the Woodbine Mile is seasonal debut. LEA also is mighty-classy, having run against the top-shelf opposition in the U.S. and certainly in the thick of things with $2.03 million in earnings. MONDIALISTE also is shipping-in from England and coming-off two important wins in 2015. French three-year-old colt MR. OWEN is eyeing the Woodbine Mile after an impressive win in France earlier this month.
Don’t discount Toronto boys though! GRAND ARCH is Woodbine-based mostly, before having achieved success in the U.S. and comes off a win in the important Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga in New York. REPORTING STAR wowed many of us recently with a gutsy win in the Play the King Stakes at Woodbine, beating-out local favourites TOWER OF TEXAS and KAIGUN. Meanwhile, ZA APPROVAL (now based at Woodbine after spending much of his career in the U.S.) ran second to WISE DAN back in 2013 in this very race, en route to an identical placing in the important Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile that year too.
There will be lots of excitement on the undercard also with the $300k Northern Dancer Stakes which will see the hero of last month’s Breeders’ Stakes, DANISH DYNAFORMER, take-on older competition in that 1 1/2 mile turf race. This is seen as a test of his class.
Fillies and mares also will be looking for an automatic birth in the Racing’s championship day, the Breeders’ Cup this November, with a win in the $300k Canadian Stakes and it looks to be a tough one with OVERHEARD up against French filly UCHENNA. Talented Irish-bred and American-based WATSDACHANCES, who recently won the important Beverly D Stakes at Arlington Park in Illinois, also likely will be shipping in.
Top local sprinter CALGARY CAT looks also to solidify his case as one of the best horses in the country in the Bold Venture Stakes, where he will face English-bred filly ENDLESS LIGHT.
Did you know also Woodbine is hosting a Rock N’ Racing Festival with lots of live music for you to enjoy? Acts like Rynheart, The Honest Heart Collective, Aukland, Highs and JJ and The Pillars will be playing, with The Edge 102.1 Hosts Melani Mariani and Wade MacNeil in attendance too!
Admission and parking are free, you get a pair of sunglasses free and your first bet is on them (head to the third floor to get ’em)! It all starts at 12! For directions, click here.
For more on Woodbine Mile Day, click here.
And don’t forget to take a Selfie from Woodbine Racetrack on Woodbine Mile Day and post on Twitter with the Hashtags #WOMile and #OfftotheRaces, for a shot at a prize of $1k! So easy!
Although we’re swamped with TIFF, we’ll be sure to be at Woodbine this coming Sunday, September 13, 2015!
And one for Wise Dan, who will be missed!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: RUPERT GRINT, MING-NA WEN, JASON MOMOA, TOM FELTON, THE PHELPS TWINS, MADS MIKKELSEN, JENNA COLEMAN, HAYLEY ATWELL + MORE IN TORONTO FOR FAN EXPO CANADA 2015
Fan Expo Canada 2015 took place in Toronto this weekend at Metro Convention Centre, drawing at least 127k to the venue as fans were given a rare opportunity to connect with their Pop Culture favourites! Now in its 21st year, the bonanza gives fans a chance at meeting their favourite Artists, Cosplayers, Actors, in addition to screenings, purchasing rare merchandise and playing new games first. Photo Ops, Autograph Signings and Panels were held throughout the weekend, allowing a generous window of opportunity to connect. Installations were on display for upcoming Films like The Little Prince, The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2, The Hateful Eight and more. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
Drawing a large crowd this year were Harry Potter stars Rupert Grint, Tom Felton and The Phelps Twins. Fans also got a chance to see new faces at the Expo like Boxing legend Mike Tyson, Jenna Coleman (Dr. Who), Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf), Christian Slater (Mr. Robot), Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal), Neve Campbell (Scream), Ming-Na Wen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Robin Lord-Taylor (Gotham), Danny Trejo (Machete), Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter), plus returning fan favourite Norm Reedus (The Walking Dead).
As a friendly reminder this year, signs were displayed stating “Cosplay is not consent” promoting a vibe of respect among attendees, many whom utilize Fan Expo as an opportunity to fulfill their wildest fantasies of role playing as a more extraordinary version of themselves.
Our Team, including Justin Waldman, Christine Miguel and myself sat-in on a few of the Panels! Some of the more memorable quotes to come out of Fan Expo Canada 2015:
MING-NA WEN
“I’m such a huge nerd, geek and a fan of the genre. I am one of you guys when it comes to this kinda stuff”. “How crazy are we about Star Wars??!”.
She later jokingly publicly asked George Lucas about potentially casting her in one of the upcoming new Star Wars spinoffs or as she kidded, “whoring herself out”.
TOM FELTON
“There’s something about playing a slimy little git that’s fun” – on playing Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter.
THE PHELPS TWINS
“Normally we hear you’re a lot taller than we thought you’d be” and “You dye your hair? My life is a lie!” – the Twins on the things they hear from fans most often.
MADS MIKKELSEN
“I’ve never seen a #Bond film in my life. I had no idea what I was getting into.” – Mikkelsen on accepting his role in Casino Royale.
JASON MOMOA
“I’m a big fan of laughing. It helps when you are around a crew of people in Belfast, Ireland. I like making her (Emilia Clarke) laugh.” – Momoa on filming Game of Thrones love scenes.
And some Photo Ops, because like you, we’re fans too!
Jason Momoa
Via @jdubs5121: #MadsMikkelsen at @fanexpocanada, “I’ve never seen a #Bond film in my life. I had no idea what I was getting into (for #CasinoRoyale)”. #Hannibal star recently cast in #RogueOne. #StarWars #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada Thanks Marc Levy for the pic! A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Brandi Cyrus (yes, Miley‘s big sis)
A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Rupert Grint
With gorgeous #AgentsofShield star #MingNaWen at @FanExpoCanada. #MULAN #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
The Phelps Twins
Tom Felton
With #ChristianSlater, in #Toronto for #FanExpoCanada and new Showcase series, #MrRobot. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Danny Trejo
Christine had a chance to sit-in on a screening and panel of ADVENTURE TIME (review here) with voice talents Jeremy Shada and Tom Kenny, which can be seen on The Cartoon Network in Canada. Learn more here.
Learn all about FAN EXPO CANADA here.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Christine Miguel/Marc Levy/Justin Waldman)
#BOXOFFICE: “WAR ROOM” TAKES TOP OF THE BOX OFFICE LABOUR DAY WEEKEND
On a tepid weekend at the Box Office this Labour Day weekend, religious Drama WAR ROOM takes the top of the Box Office in its second week out for Sony Pictures with $11.9 million, from 1,526 screens only. Despite not having opened yet in Canada, the Film continues to fare well in limited release.
In second this weekend was three-week champ STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON with $11.5 million for Universal Pictures, surpassing the $150 million-mark in North America.
A WALK IN THE WOODS starring Robert Redford and Emma Thompson debuts in third with $11 million for eOne Films/BGP Films. It gets a B CinemaScore from Audiences and a 47% on the Tomatometer.
THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED opens in fourth for Europa Corp./VVS Films with $8.8 million from 3,434 theatres. Critics gave it 18% on the Tomatometer and Audiences gave it a B- CinemaScore.
INSIDE OUT continues to hang strong in eighth spot for Disney, with $4.3 million, now in its 14th week out domestically. By early this week it will have grossed $350 million in North America.
SINISTER 2 rounds-out the Top Ten in its third week out with $3.9 million for eOne Films/Focus Features.
#SPOTTED: AKON IN TORONTO FOR “STADIUM” + AKON LIGHTING AFRICA
Actor, Producer and Recording Artist AKON is in Toronto today promoting his upcoming five-disc opus, STADIUM. Known best for his hits Lonely, I Wanna Love You (ft. Snoop Dogg) and Smack That (Ft. Eminem), Akon is responsible also for some of the biggest hits from artists like Lady Gaga and T-Pain. The Senegalese star also has spearheaded his own charity campaign, Akon Lighting Africa, bringing electricity to millions of African households. More on that here.
He made an appearance on Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition), doing the rounds at KISS 92.5 and also City‘s Breakfast Television. He was here this time last year at TIFF also!
See our Snap:
(Photo/video credit: Akon/Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: CHRISTIAN SLATER IN TORONTO FOR FAN EXPO + “MR. ROBOT”
Fan Expo fully is in gear this weekend in Toronto, drawing a star-studded cluster of celebrities to Metro Toronto Convention Centre as they gear-up to meet their fans! In Toronto for the occasion and also to promote his hit new series, is ’90s hearththrob Christian Slater. Known best for his roles in classics like Heathers, Pump Up the Volume, True Romance, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles, the Actor is experiencing a resurgence of late. Showcase has picked-up rights to the popular Mr. Robot in Canada on which he stars alongside Rami Malek, and we were lucky to have him in town to promote the Series.
Slater made a visit to The Morning Show (National Edition) today on Global Television, before meeting Fans later today at Fan Expo.
See the Trailer for Mr. Robot below:
Mr. Robot premieres on Showcase tonight, Friday, September 4, 2015. Learn more about it here.
See our Snap:
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Showcase)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN PASSES TO SEE “CAPTIVE”
Paramount Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance in Toronto to see CAPTIVE first! The Screening takes place Wednesday, September 16, 2015.
Synopsis:
CAPTIVE, based on a miraculous true story that drew the attention of the entire nation, is the dramatic, thrilling, and spiritual journey of Ashley Smith and Brian Nichols. After being taken hostage by Brian in her own apartment, Ashley turns to Rick Warren’s inspirational book, The Purpose Driven Life, for guidance. In reading from the book, Ashley not only finds purpose in her own life, but helps Brian find a more peaceful resolution to a harrowing situation.
CAPTIVE stars David Oyelowo, Kate Mara, Leonor Varela, Jessica Oyelowo, with Mimi Rogers and Michael K. Williams.
See the Trailer:
Poster:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook!
Paramount Pictures Canada release CAPTIVE on Friday, September 18, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures)
#TIFF15: “ZOOM”
This TIFF, be sure to check-out Elevation Pictures’ ZOOM – not to be confused with another title from the Canadian distributor also at the Festival, Room. The co-Brazilian/Canadian Fantasy is written by Toronto’s Matt Hansen and directed by Brazilian filmmaker Pedro Morelli.
Synopsis:
A cartoonist draws a comic book about a filmmaker, who shoots a film about a novelist, who writes a book about a cartoonist. In three interwoven stories, Zoom dives into a world of art and sex that sustains both pursuits — along with a sense of unfettered id.
Emma (Alison Pill) is a comic-book artist who works by day in a factory that makes sex dolls, which is messing with her head. In an attempt to get herself closer to the plastic fantasy image that surrounds her, she makes a rash decision. Then she decides she wants to reverse that choice, but it’s too late and too expensive to turn back. Fortunately, Michelle (Mariana Ximenes), the aspiring novelist writing Emma‘s story, gives her a way out. In turn, Emma controls the story of Edward (Gael García Bernal, also appearing at the Festival in Desierto), the filmmaker at the centre of the comic book she’s drawing. He’s a successful action-movie director with no shortage of confidence and an urge to make more artistically ambitious films. But, in a cruel joke, Emma takes her pen to the root of this man’s vanity, shrivelling his confidence instantly. He begins to struggle with his film about Michelle, a Brazilian model living in Toronto and trying to write a novel about a cartoonist. In a bid to escape the fashion world and immerse herself in her writing, she returns to Brazil, finding a small fishing village where the pressure to complete her novel leads her to Alice (Cláudia Ohana), a hotel owner who changes her life. Of course, the hand of Michelle‘s creator, the action-movie director who wants to be a serious auteur, is never far behind.
You can catch ZOOM during TIFF ’15 at:
Tue Sep 15 10:15 PM
SCOTIABANK 12
Wed Sep 16 9:45 PM
SCOTIABANK 12
#TIFF15: “NORTHERN SOUL” TRAILER
After a phenomenal reception in the UK, NORTHERN SOUL is set to make its debut here at TIFF ’15!
Official Synopsis:
The film offers an extensive look into the underground soul music scene in the UK during the 1970s, a scene that Constantine is personally familiar with. As a much-needed escape from the realities of working class teenage life, John (Elliot James Langridge) and Matt (Josh Whitehouse) fall in love with soul music with the intentions of travelling Stateside in search of rare vintage vinyl in the pursuit of becoming DJs.
Watch the Trailer:
Poster:
See at TIFF ’15 at:
Fri Sep 18 9:00 PM
RYERSON THEATRE
Sat Sep 19 4:00 PM
SCOTIABANK 10
(Photo/video credit: Search Engine Films)
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