Finally, Funnyman Russell Brand made his long-awaited Toronto debut tonight. We all remember that kerfuffle last year with his postponed CasinoRama Show, but this officially was his bow in the City and Fans were ecstatic.

Brand arrived in Toronto earlier this week before flying off to Ottawa for his Show last night. During his stay, the Star known best for his performance as fictional Rockstar Aldous Snow in Comedies Get Him to the Greek and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, was spotted multiple times by shocked Onlookers. The charismatic Brit was spotted at the CN Tower, The Distillery (Balzac’s Coffee Roasters), Royal Ontario Museum and he even was seen jogging our streets!

Although he was avoidant of Photo-seeking Fans for much of his stay, Brand on the way to his Show threw a quick wave, rewarding one lucky Fan his due Photo after seeing him a multiple times throughout the day, summoning him over for a  Snap and a quick peck on the face.  I was lucky too to get a quick Roll-down, hand-grasp and a Photo, although it didn’t capture the moment quite in time.  Boo!  “I’ve got to go to work!”, he explained to Fans-in-waiting about his one Photo only, declining them diplomatically. “This will have to be a true test of your Friendship!”.

Brand next can be seen in the Comedy Paradise alongside Julianne Hough this October.

Watch Brand interact with hoards of Fans outside Sony Centre for the Performing Arts tonight:

See our hilarious Snap:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Everyone loves The Hoff! The Actor/Singer/Producer who first gained international recognition in the mid-80s in hit TV Series Knight Rider has become an Icon in his own right. He proved his longevity in the late ’80s in what would go on to become yet another Hit in Beach Action-Drama Series Baywatch, it lasting till 2000.

Hasselhoff arrived in Toronto yesterday to partake in this weekend’s Fan Expo at Metro Toronto Convention Centre where Fans will not only have a chance to see him, but also Photo Ops and Autographs!  More on his appearance here.

The Hoff promoted his appearance this weekend with Stop-offs at KISS 92.5, CP24 Breakfast, CITY‘s Breakfast Television and Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition). Billy and I met him at the latter where he was amazing to stop for Fan Photos with those waiting outside and also happy Shaw Media Staffers in the Building Lobby.  Watch his The Morning Show Interview here.

Hasselhoff next stars in Chauffeur Action-Comedy, Stretch, in theatres March 2014, alongside Chris Pine, Jessica Alba and Patrick Wilson.

See our Snap below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Filmed in Toronto, a Teaser Trailer for Paul W.S. Anderson’s Pompeii has just surfaced. And although it is rather poetic, all eyes are on Kit Harington who clearly worked hard in preparation for his Leading Role, looking a vision of fitness. The Film is set around an ancient Roman Town which was destroyed following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. A Slave (Harington) must return back home to find the Woman (Emily Browning) he loves.

Watch the Trailer in full below:

eOne Films releases Pompeii on February 24, 2014.

We were lucky enough on multiple occasions to spot Harington out and about in Toronto. Read more about that here!

We also spotted his Co-Star Adewale (pronounced Ah-day-wa-lay) out and about too!  More here.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

One of the most eagerly-awaited Films to debut at TIFF ’13 is Peter Landesman‘s Parkland. The Historical Drama centers on the events of November 22nd, 1963 – a day that changed the world forever – when young American President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. This Film follows a handful of individuals forced to make split-second decisions after an event that would change their lives and forever alter the world’s landscape.

Parkland stars Paul Giamatti, Billy Bob Thornton, Colin Hanks, James Badge Dale, Jacki Weaver, Zac Efron and Marcia Gay Harden.

Watch the riveting Trailer below:

Remstar Films releases Parkland  in Toronto on Friday, October 4, 2013 with additional cities to follow. You have two opportunities to see Parkland at TIFF ’13:

Friday, September 6, 2013 at 9:30 PM – ROY THOMSON HALL
Sunday, September 8, 2013 12:30 PM – WINTER GARDEN THEATRE

(Photo/video credit: Remstar Films)

Now in its 134th year, the Canadian National Exhibition, known affectionately by Torontonians as The Ex for the 18 days leading up to and including Labour Day, promises novelty, guilty pleasures and an opportunity for Families and Friends to create memories together.  I admit I’ve long outgrown my love for the rides at The Midway and arrive later in the day to take advantage of the $5 Admission Charge after 5:00 PM, enjoying the benefits of less congestion.  I am drawn by the festivity, the lights and all that over-the-top charm.

The highlight for me every year is visiting the Food Building, which essentially is one gigantic Food Court filled with every single variety of not-so-great-for-you, whether it be Tiny Tom’s Donuts, Beaver Tails (a fried Pastry topped with lemon, cinnamon and sugar), Homemade Fudge, Fish & Chips or $0.99 Pasta. The rage this year, The Cronut Burger, combines the Pastry Craze which has consumed New Yorkers, The Cronut (combination Croissant and Donut) with an all-time favourite in The Hamburger.  The item is available exclusively at the Epic Burgers & Waffles Food Stand only.

Although I’ve been on an all-Vegetarian Diet since January, I decided to make one meat-eating exception to try this Novel Delicacy. Splitting it with my BFF Fran after already being decidedly full, the $10 investment came with mixed reactions.  Fran found it “not bad”, while simply it wasn’t a Love Connection for me. For one, the Cronut itself lacked any resemblance to a Croissant, sans flakiness and it appeared to have been sitting out for a while – tough, if you will.  A Maple-Bacon Drizzle was completely unnecessary and did little to complement the flavour other than to cash-in on the Bacon trend, giving the Burger a bit of added relevance.  The Patty itself was smokey though – not bad. Surely, acclaimed New York City Pastry Chef Dominique Ansel would be fuming if he saw for himself what we were doing to his prized Creation north of the Border.  Consumers of the Krispy Kreme Donut Burger at $9, seemed much more pleased with themselves.

If you have $10 in your pocket and want a sure-fire Hit, I’d say go for Far East Tacos, which took noted Korean-American Chef David Chang‘s concept of the milk-infused Steamed Bun (Bao), which can be enjoyed at his Momofuku Noodle Bar in Toronto, fusing it with Asian-inspired fillings like Breaded Fish Filets, Kalbi Ribs and more.  Add a bit of cheese, lettuce, tomato, hot sauce and Kimchi (Pickled Cabbage) and what you have is a sensational delight. You get two for $10 and you have the option of enjoying it in Taco form also.  We learned sadly that the Shop only will be available at The Ex with no immediate plans to launch into a Restaurant just yet.

Learn more about The Ex and start planning your visit right here!

UPDATE 8/21/13 9:00 AM EST: Thank you for everyone’s concern as I’ve received multiple messages asking if I’m well after News of this broke this morning.  Multiple Outlets are reporting that at least 12 people fell ill last night after eating at The Ex and some are reporting that these Patrons consumed The Cronut Burger.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

I really don’t care what anyone says, I still love Avril Lavigne and this new Video for latest Single Rock N Roll has her going all out!  See Avril and The Wonder Years’ Danica McKellar (Winnie Cooper) take on the evil forces against Rock N Roll in this amazing Comic-inspired Clip directed by Chris Marrs Piliero.

Spoiler Alert: there is an epic kiss, a fancy guitar solo and a shark-headed bear!

See the Video below (Warning: NSFW language):

Rock N Roll is available on iTunes August 27, 2013. Pre-order here.

We met Avril earlier this year finally.  Read about that here!

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music)

As is the case every year, Alliance Films and eOne Films are a great presence at the Toronto International Film Festival, where we get a chance to see first some of their most prized Films which see a release throughout the year thereafter.  For the first time, together they are uniting as a giant force at the Festival, with an impeccable Line-up of Films headlined by the likes of Rush and August: Osage County, premiering here in just two weeks’ time!

See eOne Films‘ Complete Roster of Films at TIFF ’13 below:
12/12/12
Afflicted
Amazonia
The Art of the Steal
August: Osage County
Blue Ruin
Le Démantèlement
Enemy
The F Word
Gabrielle
The Grand Seduction
The Green Inferno
How I Live Now
Kill Your Darlings
The Love Punch
Man of Tai Chi
Mandela Long Walk for Freedom
Metallica Through the Never
One chance
Our Man in Tehran
Philomena
Rhymes for Young Ghouls
The Right Kind of Wrong
Rush
Sarah Préfère La Course
Stay
Tom à la Ferme
Tryptyque
The Unknown Known

Also today, eOneLive.com has officially launched giving Fans a chance to interact with Celebrities and Media alike, with a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes at the Distributor’s TIFF Headquarters are Intercontinental Toronto Centre!  There also are chances to win Passes to Movies and some awesome Prizes!

The Website will feature:

• Photos, videos and interviews capturing the entire eOne TIFF Experience.

• An opportunity to submit questions to eOne‘s visiting Actors and Filmmakers and a chance to receive a personalized Video answer through a partnership with Carlton Cards called ‘the envelope.’

• Details on where to spot the Smart fortwo x BlackBerry. eOne‘s Smart fortwo will travel through downtown Toronto entertaining film fans with festival trivia and offering chances to win BlackBerry® 10 Smartphones, Dell Tablets, Tim Hortons Gift Cards and Screening Tickets.

• Entertaining tips and recipes featuring the President’s Choice^® Black Label Collection and festival-inspired cocktail ideas from SKYY Vodka

Don’t forget to check it out!

See who’s coming to town and how you can start planning your schedule right here!

(Photo credit: eOne Films)

At long last the TIFF ’13 Guest List has been announced and among the Marquee names we can expect to see in Toronto in two weeks are phenomenal!  Although speak of Brad Pitt and George Clooney making appearances here didn’t amount to much more than rumour, this year the Female Contingent shines brightest with several of Hollywood’s A-List set to present their latest Oscar Vehicles here.

Among the Celebrities expected this year are:

Emilia Clarke, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Tom Felton, Chris Hemsworth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Scarlett Johansson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew McConaughey, Daniel Radcliffe, Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Sarah Gadon,  Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, James Franco, Marion Cotillard, Mike Myers, Emma Thompson, Kristen Wiig, Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan, Amy Poehler, Keanu Reeves, Kate Winslet, Adam Driver, Jesse Eisenberg, Mia Wasikowska, Owen Wilson, Ralph Fiennes, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Gyllenhaal, JudeLaw, Jessica Chastain, Jai Courtney, Mila Kunis, Pierce Brosnan, Sandra Bullock, Jason Bateman, Zac Efron, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Colin Firth, Idris Elba, Ed Harris, Michael C. Hall, Annette Benning, James McAvoy, Liam Neeson, Steven Soderbergh, Ben Foster, Anton Yelchin, Maria Bello, Jennifer Garner, Nicolas Cage, Daniel Brühl, Tom Hiddleston, Jack Huston, Hugh Jackman, Jessica Lange, Melissa Leo, Adam Levine, Catherine O’Hara, Kurt Russell, Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Berenger, Tom Wilkinson, Julia Louis Dreyfuss, Clive Owen, Zach Galifianakis, Emily Watson, John Hawkes, Alan Rickman, Toni Collette, Josh Brolin, Alice Cooper, Tiger Chen, Rebecca Hall, Will Forte, Kevin Zegers, Taylor Kitsch, Juliette Binoche, Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Thandie Newton,  Terrence Howard, James Hetfield, Thomas Haden Church, Tim Robbins,  Glenn Close, Dakota Fanning, Philip Glass and several more!

Keep checking back here as the Toronto International Film Festival makes additions as we get closer to Thursday, September 5, 2013 when TIFF ’13 kicks-off!  The Festival runs till Sunday, September 15, 2013.

The official Schedule has been announced and you can now start planning your Festival right here. Download the Official Schedule right here!

Single Tickets go on sale on Sunday, September 1, 2013 on TIFF‘s Website here.

Things are about to get real exciting around here!  Happy TIFF, indeed!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

With TIFF ’13 just two weeks away, a brand new Poster for Opening Night Gala Film, The Fifth Estate has just been released.  After having reviewed it just last week, I’d say it just about captures its mood perfectly – chilly, gray, modern and industrial.  The Fifth Estate is directed by Bill Condon (The Twilight Saga, Dreamgirls) and sees a release on Friday, October 18, 2013.

Official Synopsis:

Triggering our age of high-stakes secrecy, explosive news leaks and the trafficking of classified information, WikiLeaks forever changed the game. Now, in a Dramatic Thriller based on real events, The Fifth Estate reveals the quest to expose the deceptions and corruptions of power that turned an Internet upstart into the 21st century’s most fiercely debated organization. The Story begins as WikiLeaks Founder Julian Assange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg (Daniel Brühl) team up to become underground watchdogs of the privileged and powerful. On a shoestring, they create a platform that allows Whistleblowers to anonymously leak covert data, shining a light on the dark recesses of Government secrets and Corporate crimes. Soon, they are breaking more hard news than the world’s most legendary media organizations combined. But when Assange and Berg gain access to the biggest trove of confidential intelligence documents in U.S. history, they battle each other and a defining question of our time: what are the costs of keeping secrets in a free society—and what are the costs of exposing them?

A Dramatic Thriller based on real events, The Fifth Estate reveals the quest to expose the deceptions and corruptions of power that turned an Internet upstart into the 21st century’s most fiercely debated organization.

See the brand new Official Poster below:

If you are looking to see The Fifth Estate (a term used to describe Citizen Journalism) at TIFF ’13, you have two chances on the evening of Thursday, September 5, 2013 at both Roy Thomson Hall and Elgin Theatre (VISA Screening Room).

See who’s coming to town this TIFF, in addition to Cumberbatch and Brühl, right here!

(Photo credit: DreamWorks Pictures/Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

A brand new Teaser Trailer has just been released for the upcoming third season of HBO‘s Girls.    Told through a series of Instagram Photos and Robert ToTeras’ Track Break Out The Boom Boom, we see lots of smiles and happy times on the Beach among the Cast. Is that Hannah‘s (Lena Dunham) scorned Ex-Roommate Elijah (Andrew Rannells) we see making a return? Love that.

Watch the Trailer below:

Season Three of Girls is set to air January 2014.

(Photo/video credit: HBO)