Twitter Drama aside, Lady Gaga unleashed her new Video for Single Applause earlier this morning on ABC‘s Good Morning America and soon after it surfaced online. There’s something unmistakably ’90s and Madonna-esque about the Clip which blends Fashion, Art, the Circus and Broadway together into a grand Spectacle.

Directed by Photographers Inez and Vinoodh give us elegance and flash. Not sure that the Public generally can access what Gaga is going for here, but that always has been her way. Bottom line, we need to look at it over and over.

Watch the Clip below:

Universal Music Canada releases Artpop on November 11, 2013, giving us something remember on Remembrance Day.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music)

After having filmed its Pilot in Toronto last Fall, King & Maxwell soon gets its introduction to Canada premiering later this week on Showcase.  Its two Stars Rebecca Romijn (Michelle Maxwell) and Jon Tenney (Sean King) are in the City today promoting the TNT Series centering on two disgraced former Secret Service Agents who solve crimes privately as Private Detectives.

Beginning with an appearance on KISS 92.5‘s The Roz & Mocha Show both Actors looking impeccable, were all smiles greeting Fans upon arrival, kindly taking their time to stop to pose with Fans before later heading to Global Television’s The Morning Show (National Edition).  On the latter, Tenney describes the Series’ two main Characters, stating  “I’m a Man of Words, she’s a Woman of Action”.  The Duo electrified during a Chemistry Read together, him getting cast first and her next.  Romijn praises her Co-Star for being wonderful to work with, revealing that he quickly has become her Childrens’ favourite person. “I think they like him (Tenney) more than they like cake.”, she jokes.  On the most challenging thing about filming the Series, both Stars recall long 18-19 hour work days. “Working out-of-town away from the Family, that’s definitely the hardest thing”, admits Tenney.

Last Fall we were lucky enough to run into Romijn‘s Husband, Jerry O’Connell out and about while she was filming.  More on that here.

King & Maxwell airs Thursday, August 22, 2013 on Showcase in Canada at at 10:00 PM EST.  More details on that here.

See our Snaps below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Shaw Media)

Never under-estimate the power of Oprah. In her first Film Role in over 15 years, the Multimedia Magnate finds herself atop  the Box Office with Lee Daniels’ The Butler, opening in 2,933 theatres across North America at number one with $25 million. Starring Academy Award Winner Forest Whitaker, Audiences loved the Film giving it a coveted A CinemaScore, while Critics gave it 73% on the Tomatometer at Rotten Tomatoes. In addition to its two Stars the Historical-Drama features a plethora of Stars including Mariah Carey, John Cusack, Jane Fonda, James Marsden, Lenny Kravitz, Robin Williams and more.

After a solid debut in second spot last weekend, We’re The Millers remains in second spot with $17.8 million for Warner Bros.  In two weeks, the Comedy has grossed over $70 million domestically.

Last week’s Champ, Elysium lands in third with $13.6 million for Sony Pictures, a total of $55 million grossed in two weeks.

Kick-Ass 2 opens in fourth spot with $13.6 million from 2,381 theatres, just shy of the $19 million its Predecessor made in 2010. The Superhero-Action/Comedy shot in Toronto, earned a B+ CinemaScore from Audiences, although Critics didn’t think much of it with a harsh 26% rating on the Tomatometer. Like the first Kick-Ass Film, it is expected to recoup costs also in Rental and DVD Sales.

jOBS, based on the life of Apple Creator Steve Jobs and starring Ashton Kutcher debuts in seventh spot with $6.7 million from 2,381 theatres for Open Road Films/Remstar Films, earning a B- CinemaScore and 25% on the Tomatometer.

Rounding out the Top Ten is The Wolverine with $4.4 million for 20th Century Fox, for a total $120.4 million to date.

One of 2013’s most eagerly awaited Debut Discs comes from New Zealand’s LORDE (née Ella Yelich-O’Connor), who at the age of 16 is stirring-up just the right amount of buzz in anticipation of her debut Disc Pure Heroine, set for release October 1, 2013 domestically via Universal Music Canada.

Just this past week, she became the first Woman since 1996 to top the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart with her debut Single,  a minimalist Electro-Pop Moment titled Royals. She also accomplished the same feat on the Canadian Alternative Rock Charts, performing well also on the Canadian Hot 100 and US Billboard Hot 100 Charts, meaning the Track successfully has crossed-over to Pop Radio.

The harmonies are Freddie Mercury-esque, the Lyrics are Hip-Hop, feeling oddly familiar yet certifiably fresh.  I won’t deny there’s a bit of Lana Del Rey there, but LORDE definitely has an accessibility that will gain her potentially more Fans Stateside.  I’m awful excited to hear what’s coming next as she is quoted as crafting a “cohesive” Disc. 

ALl I have to say is that it’s about time Maria Bello got cast in Movies again! One of the Films entering TIFF ’13 with the most buzz is Thriller, Prisoners, which centers around an investigation in the disappearance of two girls. Hugh Jackman stars as a Boston Man who takes matters into his own hands when he thinks he’s found the Man behind the disappearance of his Daughter and her Best Friend.

Directed by our v. own Denis Villeneuve (Incendies), Prisoners also stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo, Paul Dano,Viola Davis and of course, Maria Bello. Phenomenal Cast.

Watch the Trailer below:

Warner Bros. releases Prisoners on September 20, 2013.  It debuts at TIFF ’13 on Saturday, September 7. 2013.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)

Tipped hotly as the next Young Adult Franchise to break, The Mortal Instruments, adapted from Cassandra Clare‘s Series of bestselling Novels, soon will see a release on the Big Screen with first installment City of Bones having been shot in Toronto last Fall.  Hence, it is absolutely full circle that Director Harald Zwart and Stars Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Robert Sheehan and Kevin Zegers returned to where it all began last night, this time to promote the Blockbuster set to open next week.  If the fact that a second installment already has been green-lit, beginning production in just five weeks’ time, we can expect nothing but for these Films to be a massive success.

The stage was set as a strip of Richmond Street was closed for the Canadian Red Carpet Premiere of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones at Scotiabank Theatre, where Fans lined the barricades all day to get a glimpse of the Talent and perhaps maybe even get their books signed… and several succeeded!

Director Zwart has built an eclectic Résumé which has seen Box Office Hits like 2003’s Agent Cody Banks and 2010’s The Karate Kid Remake.  The Norwegian Native was first to walk the Carpet tonight and I asked him what drew him most to the Franchise and he admits, “I think this is the Movie I’ve been looking for all my life – a bit of Fantasy and Sci-Fi. That’s really my favourite genre.”.  On which Character   he identifies most with, he reveals, “I think I like Luke (played by The Hobbit‘s Aidan Turner). He’s the Outsider who’s watching everyone from a distance, but still protecting them.”.  Traveling solo last time around, he says “This time around I’m actually gonna bring my Family – my Kids and Wife  – and it will be a great experience having them around!”.

BAFTA-nominated Robert Sheehan has risen to prominence in the UK for his work on the Series Misfits.  Tackling the role of the nerdy but loveable Simon Lewis – Best Friend to Lily Collins‘ Clary Fray – the Irish Actor graced the Red Carpet in style tonight in a fitted suit with 3/4-length pants, complete with leopard-print shoes.  On Simon‘s grappling with his unrequited feelings for Clary, I ask what romantic advice Sheehan would give his own Character.  He jokes, “I’d tell him find the nearest table jump up on it, take your shirt off and claim your love as quickly as possible, because in 50 years’ time you might have a Hernia!”. In addition, he has nothing but praise for Torontonians, stating “People here are enduringly content with themselves. It’s infectious!”.  His one regret?  Sheehan wishes he got to do more “touristy” things during his last stay.  “I’m gonna take my weekends and see some sights like Niagara Falls and Montreal”, as he gestures teasingly at an attractive female Journalist beside me, making a pretend date with her.  Charming, indeed.

Despite being from Woodstock, Ontario originally, Toronto practically has become a second home for recently-wed Kevin Zegers.  The Actor stars as Alec Lightwood, a Character who comes to be defined in this installment for his own struggles with his sexuality and jealousy towards Clary Fray, as she captures the attentions of Jace Wayland (Jamie Campbell Bower).   I ask him what he drew upon in his own life for the role and he states, “I’m not a terrifically jealous person. I’m a little judgmental of people at first and I think that was one of my focuses – to be more renascent and distrustful rather than focusing on the jealousy and whether Clary‘s attached to Jace or not.”.  And for those curious, his lovely Wife Jaime Feld walked the Carpet together with him, standing by his side supportively as he greeted Fans and Press.

Although we’ve seen him in both The Twilight Saga and Harry Potter Franchises, British Actor/Musician Jamie Campbell Bower finally gets his moment to shine in The Mortal Instruments in a Lead Role, which actually is rather physically-demanding especially late in the Film in some highly choreographed action sequences with Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ Valentine Morgenstern.  Bower‘s Jace is seen widely as a bit of a “Bad Boy” and I asked him what influences he drew upon in crafting the role.  He lists for me some of his influences – some more surprising than others, “James Hetfield (Metallica), Kurt Cobain, young Johnny (Depp), young Heath (Ledger) and River (Phoenix) as well”, he says. “I’ve always been interested in Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones) also.”.

It’s always a pleasure seeing Lily Collins, one of Hollywood’s most promising new faces.  I still recall my shock spotting her out and about in the City last Summer while prepping for filming and to see her star rise so quickly fills me with a great sense of pride.  Upon seeing each other on the Carpet, she came over gave me a big hug.  An absolute vision in her white Houghton Dress, I had only a quick moment to chat, but asked her where in Toronto she’d take Clary Fray out on a date.   “Oh my God! Well, it’s funny because I went bowling in that Bowling Alley (pointing down the road to The Ballroom Bowl) when I was creating Clary. I’d  definitely have to go to Yamato for Sushi because Yorkville‘s my ‘hood’.  We’d also just go hang-out on Queen Street and go Vintage Shopping.”.   Reflecting on her meteoric rise, she says “Last time we came here no one knew who we were except you!”.  I invite her to look behind me at her hoards of adoring Fans and she flashes  a brilliant, animated smile. “I’m so thrilled to be here!”.

Watch Video Clips of my Chat with the Director and Cast of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones below:

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)