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
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN PASSES TO SEE “BACKCOUNTRY”
D Films + Mr. Will want to take Readers to see an Advance Screening of TIFF ’14 Selection, BACKCOUNTRY! All screenings take place in Toronto (featuring Director Adam MacDonald) and Vancouver either Wednesday, August 12, 2015 and Thursday, August 13, 2015. Please note that the Distributor no longer will be hosting screenings in Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary, Halifax and Edmonton as planned originally. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Official Synopsis:
Young couple Alex (Jeff Roop) and Jenn (Missy Peregrym) go camping in the Canadian wilderness. Although she’s not a seasoned camper like Alex, she agrees to let him take her to one of his favorite spots, the secluded Blackfoot Trail.
On their first night, they have a strange encounter with a guy named Brad (Eric Balfour). By the time they’re on their third day trekking in the forest, they still haven’t reached the Blackfoot Trail and Eric has to admit he’s gotten them lost. Without food or water, they struggle to get their bearings and find their way out of the woods, when terror sets in.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. You may click “share” on this Post from there for an extra chance or Tweet the below:
.@MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #BACKCOUNTRY. In theatres 8/28! http://www.mrwillwong.com/backcountry
G’luck Willionaire$!
D Films release THE GIFT on Friday, August 28, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: D Films)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN PASSES TO SEE “THE GIFT”
D Films + Mr. Will want to take Readers to see an Advance Screening of THE GIFT! All screenings take place in Toronto, Ottawa, Edmonton, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg and Halifax on Wednesday, August 5, 2015.
Official Synopsis:
Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robyn (Rebecca Hall) are a young married couple whose life is going just as planned until a chance encounter with an acquaintance from Simon’s high school sends their world into a harrowing tailspin. Simon doesn’t recognize Gordo (Joel Edgerton) at first, but after a seemingly coincidental series of encounters proves troubling, a horrifying secret from their past is uncovered after nearly 20 years. As Robyn learns the unsettling truth about what happened between Simon and Gordo, she starts to question: how well do we really know the people closest to us, and are past bygones ever really bygones?
See the Trailer:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. You may click “share” on this Post from there for an extra chance or Tweet the below:
.@MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #THEGIFT. In theatres 8/5! http://www.mrwillwong.com/thegift
G’luck Willionaire$!
D Films release THE GIFT on Friday, August 5, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: D Films)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN PASSES TO SEE IN “AMERICAN ULTRA” |OFFICIAL T-SHIRT PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAY
Mr. Will + Elevation Pictures are happy to offer Readers a chance to see Kristen Stewart + Jesse Eisenberg in the hilarious and quirky AMERICAN ULTRA! All screenings take place on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, Halifax, Victoria, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Calgary!
Some lucky Winners will also get an official AMERICAN ULTRA T-Shirt and Prize Pack!
Official Synopsis:
American Ultra is a fast-paced action comedy about Mike (Eisenberg), a seemingly hapless and unmotivated stoner whose small-town life with his live-in girlfriend, Phoebe (Stewart), is suddenly turned upside down. Unbeknownst to him, Mike is actually a highly trained, lethal sleeper agent. In the blink of an eye, as his secret past comes back to haunt him, Mike is thrust into the middle of a deadly government operation and is forced to summon his inner action-hero in order to survive.
See the Trailer:
Official Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook. You may qualify for an extra chance with “share” of this Post from there or Tweeting the below:
G’luck!
.@MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #AMERICANULTRA! Out 8/21! http://www.mrwillwong.com/americanultra
Elevation Pictures release AMERICAN ULTRA on Friday, August 21, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
#SPOTTED: FOO FIGHTERS IN TORONTO AT THE MOLSON AMPHITHEATRE
Eleven-time GRAMMY Award Winners, FOO FIGHTERS played a sold-out show at the Molson Amphitheatre tonight, just one of two concerts they are to play at the venue back-to-back. Playing a mixture of hits spanning their 21 active years, the Quintet were full of energy despite Frontman Dave Grohl having injured his leg in Sweden recently, almost canceling the entire Tour in support of latest Disc, Sonic Highways which has since been coined the Broken Leg Tour. Being the Trouper that he is, Grohl had an operation and in the blink of an eye is ready to go. Due to his limited mobility, his Team helped craft a throne for him to sit in and perform from – not letting a little hitch getting in the way of the Band performing for their adoring Fans.
Grohl told the Toronto crowd, which was on its feet for well-over three hours surpassing the 11:00 PM curfew, that the City always will hold special significance for him. At the young age of 18, he one fateful night would be asked by Iggy Pop to play drums for him at the Horseshoe Tavern, a venue he and his Band also were scheduled to appear at that night too. The rest is just a memory and Grohl has seen massive success, deservedly garnering Rock God status for his tireless energy and talent.
We had the pleasure of meeting Grohl, Taylor Hawkins and Chris Shiflett from the Band and they were amazingly-nice to stop after a long, grueling Show! Grohl used a scooter to navigate to his Hotel with ease and speed.
Mr. Will + Foo Fighters:
Dave Grohl playing guitar with his cast:
#DaveGrohl of #FooFighters plays guitar with his cast.
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Dave Grohl doing handography with his crutches, before throwing them into the Audience:
Dave Grohl taking a bow with Bandmates:
#DaveGrohl and fellow #FooFighters take a bow at Molson Amphitheatre.
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Opening Act Royal Blood:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#NEWMUSIC: INTRODUCING JESS GLYNNE
Let me tell you about Jess Glynne. She is amazing. The 25-year-old British Singer/Songwriter already has a Grammy win to her credit without even an Album out yet. You might remember her vocals on labelmates Clean Bandit‘s hit last summer, Rather Be, on which she was featured. Glynne is ready for her close-up now and already in the UK she reached number one with her ’90s-licious Hold My Hand, which stayed there a consecutive three weeks. The Track is now gaining airplay here in North America and hopes to repeat its success.
Glynne will be embarking on her first North American Tour this fall in support of her debut Disc, I CRY WHEN I LAUGH, which includes a Toronto stop on Monday, September 21, 2015 at Adelaide Hall. The Ain’t Got Far To Go Tour wraps in England mid-November.
I absolutely am in love with Glynne and it really has been a long time since I’ve been this excited about a new Artist. Her voice, her writing, her songs are all accessible, yet have a lotta heart. I can’t stop singing along.
Check-out Glynne‘s Hold My Hand:
And of course, Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself:
Warner Music Canada release I CRY WHEN I LAUGH on Tuesday, September 11, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Music)
#PRODUCTWATCH: THE ALL-NEW 2015 ACURA TLX
I recently had the pleasure of driving the 2015 ACURA TLX. Elegant, sleek and sporty, this affordable beauty features super-handling all-wheel drive for an extra-smooth ride. Operating at 206 hp @ 6800 rpm, I felt fully in-control of the road and felt like a more confident Driver. Just this past week I had to do quite a bit of highway driving and in one instance, it saved me completely.
It was late at night and my friend lived quite a distance away. All it took was one wrong turn, to lead to another before I found myself lost somewhere in the farm fields of King City. Trust me, it’s actually quite petrifying for a City Driver not to have a streetlight in sight for miles. Acura‘s super-smart and easy to use navigation system had me literally in and out of the woods, back to the City in no time. I also couldn’t have done it without those trusty automatic headlights which ensured I had clear sight when I completely was uncertain where I was headed.
Let’s be honest, nobody wants to be on the Don Valley Parkway during these Pan Am Games with those HOV Lanes and that navigation system had me zipping through highways and local routes, arriving to my destinations at a reasonable time.
What I truly love about the TLX is its intuitiveness and user-friendliness. Non-intrusive flashing lights are concerned for my safety every time another car is getting close in front or to the side. The keyless ignition and push-button shift (verus a traditional stick) certainly are an asset, the latter a bit daunting at first I’ll admit. I did get the hang of it quickly though. And what did we do before rear-view cameras existed? Parallel Parking is a breeze now!
The TLX‘s power-Moonroof was no-fuss, adding greatly to the driving experience especially considering how wonderful the weather’s been. The touchscreen navigation panel had me adjusting temperatures and fan speed quickly with the touch of a finger. The leather seats were super-comfy and spacious and I’ll be honest, I didn’t want to leave the car at times!
The engine idle stop option when pressing the breaks for a duration does admittedly take a bit of getting used to and it was a bit frustrating not being able to get my Android phone to connect via Bluetooth nor USB to listen to my tunes, but rest assured SIRIUS XM and the TLX‘s seven-speaker system more than ably kept me entertained!
Learn more about that TLX here!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#FOOD: MAMAN TORONTO OPENS ITS DOORS
After making a splash in the notoriously-tough New York City market, MAMAN now is set to bring to Toronto’s Financial District a taste of home. The collaboration between Michelin-star Chef Armand Arnal, Entrepreneur/former Lawyer Benjamin Sormonte and Baker/Event Planner Elisa Marshall, has drawn raves already from The New York Times and Time Out New York in the nine months it has resided in Soho.
A marquee item at the French-inspired Eatery is their chocolate chunk cookie, but a quick perusal of their offerings including a decadent strawberry tart, a wide array of Quiche, soups, salads, Madeleines, Financiers, Sandwiches and more – suggests a repeat visit is warranted. A sip of their Cranberry-Thyme Pink Lemonade was light, blissful refreshment on an unforgivingly-hot day. Certainly do not forget their Coffee!
The space, located on the top floor of First Canadian Place with outdoor patio Seating – a rustic French Getaway amidst the bustling traffic of the area. Attention must be paid to details, including painted concrete flooring, and re-purposed giant whisk lamps dangling from the ceiling.
One of the Muses behind Maman was present opening day. Joelle Sormonte, mother of Benjamin, spent much of her time in the kitchen ensuring everything was up to standard. Its debut also was celebrated charitably with customers having the option to pay what they could and proceeds going to Pathways to Education Canada.
Maman opens Monday to Friday only. Click here for more details.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: KATHERINE MCNAMARA IN TORONTO FOR “SHADOWHUNTERS”
Always a pleasure! We spotted the lovely Katherine McNamara making her way back to the City after an extended July 4th weekend break in Los Angeles! The Actress, cast in the lead role of Clary Fray in upcoming The Mortal Instruments TV Series, Shadowhunters, continues filming in Toronto through October. The Series will air on ABC Family.
McNamara, sporting her red locks for the role and overalls, was nice enough to stop for Fans, signing one Autograph each and posing for a couple Selfies! She did indicate that the Series is asking her to be a bit more judicious in signing Autographs, hence imposing a limit for Autograph Seekers.
Definitely a name to keep a tab on. She next can be seen in The Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials.
See our Snap:
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#HORSERACING: SHAMAN GHOST WINS THE 2015 QUEEN’S PLATE!
Fascinators! Fashion! Fast Horses! Fabulaaaas! Woodbine Racetrack was the place to be yesterday for the 156th running of North America’s most historic Horse Race, the Queen’s Plate. If there were any doubt of a sharp resurgence in the popularity of the Sport, record betting handles were reported yesterday with a total $11.06 million bet, smashing 2009’s $9.7 million record. Attribute it to new icon AMERICAN PHAROAH and his U.S. Triple Crown feat, or a smart advertising strategy – either way, Horse Racing is back.
SHAMAN GHOST would go-on to win the $1-million race restricted to three-year-old horses born in Canada, with a total twelve males and one female entrant. The handsome Frank Stronach-owned colt by the stallion Ghostzapper (also owned by Stronach) would sweep on by the competition late to win by 1 1/4 lengths under U.S. jockey Rafael Hernandez, paying $8.60 to a $2 bet. Race Favourite DANISH DYNAMFORMER almost looked like he was going to win the race under Patrick Husbands – who won the race with LEXIE LOU last year – but simply was outfinished. CONQUEST BOOGALOO who was thought widely to be a second-tier colt from the barn of champion trainer Mark Casse, rose to the occasion to finish third after a horrific start to the race which saw him shut-out. His two more high profile stablemates DANZIG MOON and CONQUEST CURLINATE were thought to be top contenders before suffering unfortunate fates, the former being euthanized tragically and the latter being retired after a brief but promising career.
Earlier on the 13-race Card, we saw promising two-year-old BELIVEAU win under Patrick Husbands for trainer Mark Casse and owners Windways Farm & Partners in the $150k Clarendon Stakes. Champion mare STRUT THE COURSE did exactly as her name suggests before a packed grandstand in the $200k Grade II Dance Smartly Stakes, under Luis Contreras for Owner John Unger and trainer Barb Minshall. The speedy GO BLUE OR GO HOME would win the $200k Highlander Stakes a second time (he won it in 2013) for Owners Jim & Susan Hill and trainer Reade Baker, with now-Woodbine-based jockey Alan Garcia. ALDOUS SNOW, named after Russell Brand‘s memorable character in Get Him to the Greek, would defend his title successfully in the $150k Singspiel Stakes for iconic Canadian outfit Sam-Son Farm, trainer Malcolm Pierce and jockey Eurico Rosa Da Silva.
From a fashion standpoint, we definitely saw men and women bringing their Fashion A-Game to the table, thanks to the high-profile presence of CTV‘s The Social, which had a tent set-up by the Hats & Horseshoes Party by Woodbine‘s scenic Walking Ring. Ladies put thought into their looks with a rainbow of Fascinators, while men are embracing tailoring and more form-fitting cuts. Hosts Cynthia Loyst, Lainey Lui, Traci Melchor and Melissa Grelo heightened the fun and prestige as several high-profile entertainment industry-types were seen taking-in the atmosphere. Rethink Breast Cancer also had a great presence with a tent set-up, hosting several influencial fashion-types, with ticket proceeds going towards research and awareness.
See the Race:
Enough typing, let’s do some gawking!
With the stunning Bri Mott of Fashion at the Races:
My female equivalents:
They are basically the female equivalents of me. So cute! Asian Girls love their Technology. #QueensPlate #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Anita Clarke, Fashion Blogger for I Want I Got and Influencer – in my opinion, best-dressed!
Metallic Man:
This. Taking my inspiration from him and incorporating some #metallic into my life. #QP15 #QueensPlate A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
David Dunkley, official Queen’s Plate Milliner at The Social Tent:
This ain’t the Run for the Roses, but…
This ain’t the Run for the Roses, but I am loving everything about this. #QueensPlate #QP15 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Michael Balaz of Sam-Son Farms and his Guest, Christina:
The Family of jockey Luis Contreras:
I love the Contreras Family. Always looking on-point. Life goals. #HorseRacing #LuisContreras #Jockey #QP15 #QueensPlate A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Conquest Stables’ Ernie Semersky, Dory Newell & Family… love these guys!
How amazing is it that the Team Casse boys co-ordinated their outfits for Conquest Stables?
Woodbine‘s Stacey Boyd and the official Queen’s Plate Cocktail, the Blue Diamond:
Was two Blue Diamonds excessive?! No???
Are two #BlueDiamonds at once too many? Savouring the signature #QueensPlate Cocktail at the #HatsandHorseshoesParty. #QP15 #Cocktail #HorseRacing #DoubleFisting A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
My darling Dawn Lupul, who did a bang-up job pickin’ the Winners and interviewing!
Jockeys Alan Garcia (left) and Jesse Campbell (right) getting briefed by Trainer Reade Baker:
Showing the lone Queen’s Plate filly ACADEMIC some support.
With Woodbine Oaks Winner, #Academic. I always root for the filly. Thanks @reddogcw for this pic. #QueensPlate #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Emma-Jayne Wilson snapping a photo with EASY INDYGO‘s connections before the Queen’s Plate:
Beautiful Champion STRUT THE COURSE victorious in the Dance Smartly Stakes!
Promising two-year-old BELIVEAU under reigning Champion Patrick Husbands after winning the Clarendon Stakes:
ALDOUS SNOW under jockey Eurico Rosa Da Silva winning the Singspiel Stakes:
#AldousSnow, who was named after #RussellBrand’s character in #GetHimToTheGreek, victorious in the Singspiel Stakes. We always joke at the barn how his father must be a black man because he has such a full, rich head of hair! #QP15 #QueensPlate #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Loved seeing my girl and top Film Publicist Charlene Coy (right) & Friends at The Social Tent:
New Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson, who guided the Track to record numbers yesterday + Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell:
Top Mark Casse Exercise Rider and former jockey, Corey Fraser + me:
Woodbine‘s John Siscos + Steve Lym sharing a laugh:
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Camera Crews gotta get that shot on-fleek!
Gotta get that shot. #QueensPlate #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
The glamorous ladies of Chiefswood Stable:
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Queen’s Plate-winning jockey Rafael Hernandez:
Your handsome #QueensPlate winning #jockey, #RafaelHernandez. #QP15 #HorseRacing
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Queen’s Plate-winning trainer Brian Lynch:
Introducing #QueensPlate winning Trainer of #ShamanGhost, the Aussie #BrianLynch. #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
SHAMAN GHOST winning the 156th Queen’s Plate under a fist-pumping Rafael Hernandez:
#RafaelHernandez brining #ShamanGhost home in the #QueensPlate. #HorseRacing #QP15
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Frank Stronach leading SHAMAN GHOST into the Winner’s Circle:
So happy for the good people at #FrankStronach’s Stable on their #QueensPlate victory with #ShamanGhost. #QP15 #HorseRacing A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Expensive Confetti:
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Riding into the Sunset:
Until next year… #ShamanGhost #QueensPlate #QP15 #HorseRacing
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
A special thanks to Acura Canada for letting me try their amazing TLX and Tytan Ties for custom-designing my Bowtie!
Mr. Will + Shaman Ghost:
Mr. Will + Danish Dynaformer:
With the official favourite for tomorrow’s #QueensPlate, #DanishDynaformer… and his teddy bear! #QP15 A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Mr. Will + Conquest Boogaloo:
With #ConquestBoogaloo, not to be overlooked in tomorrow’s #QueensPlate. #QP15
A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Mr. Will + Conquest Curlinate:
With #ConquestCurlinate, who is recovering nicely from his sesamoid injury. Had a great appetite today. #QP15 #QueensPlate A photo posted by Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
Did you know that all it takes is a quick Selfie at Woodbine Racetrack at any point in their 2015 season to win $1k? Simply use the Hashtag #OFFTOTHERACES on Social Media to qualify!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
This post was created in partnership with Woodbine Racetrack.
#BOXOFFICE: “INSIDE OUT” FLIPS POSITIONS, LANDING ON-TOP AT BOX OFFICE
In its third week out, INSIDE OUT climbs its way to the summit for Disney/Pixar earning $30 million over July 4th weekend from 4,158 theatres. For consecutive weeks since its release, it has played Bridesmaid to a certain Dinosaur-themed Blockbuster. In its domestic run thus far, it has grossed $246 million.
JURASSIC WORLD after three weeks on-top slips to second spot for Universal Pictures, earning $28.9 million. In four weeks alone it has surpassed $556 million in earnings.
TERMINATOR: GENISYS opens in third spot for Paramount Pictures with $27.3 million from 3,758 theatres. Since Wednesday when it opened, the Franchise’s fifth installment has earned $42.8 million. Critics weren’t impressed giving it a 27% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences were more forgiving with a B+ CinemaScore.
MAGIC MIKE XXL opens in fourth spot with $15.2 million from 3,355 theatres for Warner Bros., after opening on Wednesday. Audiences gave it an A- CinemaScore, while Critics were on-board with a 63% rating on the Tomatometer.
TED 2 slips to fifth spot with $11.2 million in its second week out for Universal Pictures, just surpassing the $50 million mark.
ME & EARL & THE DYING GIRL continues to get strong word of mouth earning $1.3 million from 870 theatres for Fox Searchlight – good enough for ninth.
DOPE also continues to get lots of buzz through word of mouth also, rounding-out the Top Ten with $1 million from 863 theatres for Sony Pictures.
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com