Amidst these February Blahs, Moviegoers find solace in Comedy with Universal Pictures’ Identity Thief usurps the top of the Box Office once again in its third week with $14.1 million; tepid but enough to be number one this weekend and just-shy of the $100-million mark domestically.

Snitch starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, opens in second spot with $13 million for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films in 2,511 theatres across North America.  Reviews were mixed for the Action Flick at 54% on the Tomatometer, but audiences responded better with a B CinemaScore.

Escape from Planet Earth, the Canadian-produced Animated Feature, is in third this weekend with $11 million. Its two week tally is $35.1 million.

Holding its position at number four is Nicholas Sparks Adaptation, Safe Haven, with $10.6 million in its second week, just ahead of Horror Flick Dark Skies in number for in its debut with $9 million. Both Films are distributed by eOne Films in Canada.

Experiencing a significant slip is A Good Day to Die Hard in fifth with $10 million for 20th Century Fox. Its cumulative total for two weeks is an impressive $51 million for last week’s number one Film.

Amazingly, Silver Linings Playbook continues to show its grit in seventh spot with $6.1 million as its fate at the Oscars is set to be revealed tonight – the only Film still remaining in the Top Ten in the running for Best Picture.

Side Effects rounds-out this week’s Top Ten with $3 million in this its third week of release.

Sorta uncanny how in The Hunger Games’, Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is propelled rapidly into stardom after her historic first Co-Victory with Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), but is reality now mirroring Art? It surely feels that way with Lawrence‘s v. quick silver-lined ascent to the top of the A-List in Hollywood and front of the Style Pages. And now after Oscar Winner Natalie Portman‘s Reign as the face of Miss Dior comes Lawrence‘s turn, going superglam in these just-released Promotional Photos for their Spring/Summer 2013 Campaign.

After stunning us already this Awards Season in Dior at the Golden Globes and the Critics’ Choice Awards, will Lawrence be making at a three-peeta (lol), donning a creation by the Fashion House again tomorrow at the 85th Academy Awards? Would seem so.

See the images below:

While in the moment of her current Media domination, this amazing -looking Promotional One-Sheet for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire was just released by Lionsgate Fillms yesterday, promoting Katniss and Peeta‘s Victory Tour within the forthcoming Sequel. A Promotional Tour within a Promotional Campaign… how meta!

Check-out the Poster below:

And if you aren’t one of the 8.6 million Facebook Users who have “liked” The Hunger Games Movie Facebook Page, do it here!  Catching Fire hits theatres November 22, 2013.

(Photo credit: Dior/Lionsgate Films)

Some exciting news at last  for Toronto, which currently is going through a virtual Production Drought without a major Feature to film in the City this Winter.  The closest brush we’ve had these past couple months t a major Feature Production is Atom Egoyan‘s Queen of the Night, although a vast majority of filming for that Ryan Reynolds-starring Thriller is taking place in Sudbury. 

Locals in the 705 have marvelled at the sight of him, talented Wife Blake Lively and her cute Yorkshire Terrier Penny, including the Staff at this Sudbury Animal Clinic, who where stunned to see Lively and lucky enough to get this amazing Group Photo with her!  Sudbury Native Larissa Kozoriz admits to me that she’s still ecstatic about the experience saying,  “I’m pretty starstruck… but she is a very very nice woman.. Beautiful.. Pictures do not do her justice! Memorable moment!”.  Production continues until mid-March with hopefully some Toronto sightings to happen soon.  eOne Films will release Queen of the Night in Canada in 2014.

Universal Pictures’ The Best Man 2 might be pencilled-in for a November 2013 release date, but it so slated to film in the City between April and May.  The Sequel to the 1999 Dramedy which grossed $35 million worldwide, stars a brilliant Cast including Terrence Howard, Nia Long, Regina Hall, Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan. Malcolm Lee returns once again as Writer/Director.

Also announced recently was 3-D Action Adventure, Pompeii, from Paul W.S. Anderson, known best for his work helming installments of the Resident Evil Franchise, set to film to Toronto from late April through early July. Starring Game of Thrones‘ Kit Harington, production is slated to film at Cinespace Film Studios.  Additional Casting details to follow, but surely we’ll be seeing  lovely and sweet Mrs. Anderson herself, Milla Jovovich in-town?

Although announced incorrectly via the Ontario Media Development Corporation‘s Website that Anderson would also be directing Sci-Fi Flick Debug, it is confirmed that Actor David Hewlett is directing the Film. Production is taking place currently at Pinewood Studios, up till early March. The official Synopsis describes it as being about  “six young Computer Hackers, sent to work on a derelict Space Freighter, are forced to match wits with a vengeful Artificial Intelligence that would kill to be Human”. 

Secret Ballot Director Babak Payami will begin production on his Drama Manhattan Undying, which centers around a female Vampire who hires an Artist to paint a portrait of her so that she can see herself for the first time.  Brothers & Sisters Star Luke Grimes plays Lead in the Film, which will see its production based out of Hamilton up till late March. This has TIFF  2013/2014 written allover it.

ABC recently green-lit a new TV Pilot titled Lucky 7 which is based on a BBC Series The Syndicate, about  seven Service Station Workers from Queens who win the Lottery.  So far, Isaiah Whitlock Jr. is confirmed among the Cast and it will film between March through May in the City.

Even though his critically-panned Thriller A Dark Truth starring Eva Longoria, Forest Whitaker and Andy Garcia filmed partly in Sudbury and Toronto last year, Director Damian Lee will be returning to both locales late March through mid-April with another Thriller in A Fighting Man. Casting details to follow.

Last but not least, there may have been some doubts that CTV Medical Drama Series Saving Hope would be returning for a second season after mixed response south of the Border where it aired on NBC, but alas it is ready to begin production again mid-March through late September out in Mississauga.  Stars Daniel Gillies, Michael Shanks and Erica Durance are expected to return.

(Photo credit: Larissa Kozoriz)

Soft Drink Giants Coca Cola and Pepsi will be butting heads and their weapons?  Fashion and Celebrity.  Style Icons Beyoncé and Marc Jacobs are set to make a carbonated splash soon with Ad Campaigns, the former for Pepsi, the latter for Diet Coke/Coke Light.  But who does it better and who will gain the most from these Celebrity affiliations?

Jacobs, named Creative Director at Coca Cola recently, is helping celebrate their 30th Anniversary with his limited edition Pop Cans, paying tribute to empowered Women of the 80s, 90s and 2000s.  The accompanying Ad Campaigns, true to form whether it be his Handbags or Fragrances, feature his Yoga-toned Body in all its partially-nude glory, savouring and then splashing the Diet Coke/Coke Light into the Camera, before crushing his self-designed Can presumably for Recycling?  The Cans are set to debut on February 28, 2013 in the U.S., Coca Cola Canada confirms they have no plans to carry the cans in Canada.

Beyoncé‘s reported $50-million Campaign with Pepsi comparably humbles the  Jacobs’ collaboration with Coca Cola, getting major exposure at the recent Super Bowl with the company sponsoring her much talked-about Halftime Show and just yesterday the look of her edition Warhol-inspired Pop Art Ads were unveiled. Some Fans are criticizing that the Ads don’t show her African-American heritage enough, while others are criticizing that Michelle Obama‘s v. public stance in the fight against Obesity is being disrespected with Beyoncé – who is supported v. publicly by Obamas – endorsing such a sugary Soft Drink.  Critics though, fail to acknowledge that the Pop Star’s relationship with Pepsi began back in 2001,  long before Obama being elected into the White House.  Really, who in their right mind would  $50-million?  Blue Ivy needs a College Fund.  Europeans will be first to get the limited edition Beyoncé Cans in March 2013.

See the Ads below:

(Photo credit: Coca Cola/Pepsi)

The 2013 BRIT Awards took place tonight at London’s 02 Arena and walking away with top honours tonight was last year’s Critics’ Choice Award Winner Emeli Sandé.  The Singer/Songwriter won British Album of the Year for her Disc, Our Version of Events and also won British Female Solo Artist. Meanwhile, 25-year-old Folk Artist Ben Howard was also a big Winner, victorious in the categories of British Breakthrough Artist and British Male Solo Artist, a feat accomplished last year by Crossover Sensation, Ed Sheeran.

Surprising many, Lana Del Rey was awarded International Female Solo Artist defeating the likes of Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys and Rihanna.   Meanwhile, Frank Ocean was awarded International Male Solo Artist.

22-year-old Folk Artist Tom Odell also was awarded what surely is predictive of future success as we can see from Sandé, the Critics’ Choice Award.

Hot on the heels of their four GRAMMY wins recently, The Black Keys were awarded International Group.

Click here for a complete list of Winners.

Early last year, I had the pleasure of meeting Sandé who was just visiting Toronto for the first time:

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Mr. Will Wong)

With just two months till the 2013 JUNO Awards, this year’s Nominees were announced today and dominating this year is Carly Rae Jepsen, who has made a big splash internationally with her Hit Call Me Maybe.   Jepsen is in the running to win: JUNO Fan Choice, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Artist of the Year and Pop Album of the Year.

Although he was responsible for helping her Call Me Maybe become a major Hit virally, Justin Bieber was no match for Jepsen, but certainly not disgraced. He’s up for four JUNOs this year including: Album of the Year, JUNO Fan Choice, Artist of the Yearand Pop Album of the Year.

Up for International Album of the Year this year are Mumford & Sons (Babel), Rod Stewart (Merry Christmas, Baby), Taylor Swift (Red), One Direction (Up All Night) and Maroon 5 (Overexposed), the latter coincidentally in Toronto today on-tour.

In addition to Canada’s Cream of the Crop in Music being at Regina’s Brandt Centre on JUNO Day, Megastar Michael Bublé will be performing a brand new Single that day.  Fans have been hungry for non-Christmas Music from the Crooner since his Crazy Love was released in 2009.

Complete list of Nominees click here.

Also, Sony Music Canada, Universal Music Canada and Warner Music Canada are teaming together to release a Compilation Disc containing this year’s Nominees, titled The JUNO Awards 2013 Nominee Compilation, in-stores March 19, 2013.  Proceeds will go to MusiCounts, Canada’s Music Education Charity.

Tracklisting below:

1.       Carly Rae Jepsen                                 Call Me Maybe

2.       Justin Bieber                                         Boyfriend

3.       Hedley                                                   Kiss You Inside Out

4.       Marianas Trench                                 Desperate Measures

5.       Metric                                                    Breathing Underwater

6.       Billy Talent                                           Surprise Surprise

7.       The Sheepdogs                                     Feeling Good

8.       Victoria Duffield                                  Shut Up and Dance

9.       Deadmau5                                            The Veldt ft. Chris James

10.    Johnny Reid                                         Dedicated to You

11.    Serena Ryder                                        Stompa

12.    Big Wreck                                             Albatross

13.    Rush                                                       Headlong Flight

14.    Leonard Cohen                                    Darkness

15.    Celine Dion                                           Parler à Mon Père 

16.    Walk Off the Earth                             Somebody That I Used to Know

17.    Hey Ocean!                                          Big Blue Wave

The 2013 JUNO Awards air Sunday, April 21, 2013 on CTV.

(Photo credit: JUNOAwards.ca)

Country Megastar Tim McGraw has descended upon Toronto and the Actor/Singer/Songwriter is here to promote his latest Disc from Universal Music, Two Lanes of Freedom, released on February 5, 2013. The hunky husband of equally-a-Megastar Faith Hill, arrived bright and early at City‘s Breakfast Television to kick-off his day-long Press Tour before returning to Las Vegas for three consecutive weeks of shows at Venetian Theatre in support of the Disc.

Despite being snuck-through a hidden entrance at the Studio as understandably there is madness wherever he goes, McGraw was absolutely amazing to come out and greet his Fans who stood out in the rain for him, braving the freeze.  Donning one of his signature Cowboy Hats and an awesome black Faux Leopard Print Scarf, McGraw certainly is a Man of confidence and style, making his devout Followers (including me!) extremely happy with Autographs and Photos, despite being rushed off to his next appearance over at CP24 Breakfast.

The Album represents a hard-fought Victory to be freed from his Record Label of 20 years, Curb Music, now being signed to U.S. Country Label Big Machine, which also features Taylor Swift on its Roster.  In his massively successful Career, he has sold over 40 million album worldwide. Debuting at number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 200 Album Chart, Two Lanes of Freedom  has garnered some favourable reviews from the likes of Los Angeles Times, USA Today and Rolling Stone.

More Photos below:

Check-out McGraw‘s latest Single, One of those Nights below:

I always give back and want to give one Reader an authentic signed Photo from McGraw himself.  Simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook before March 1, 2013 to qualify! All are welcome to enter. You should be following on Twitter!  Good luck.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Video content: Universal Music)

“Food Porn” Queen Nigella Lawson is currently in Toronto in support of both her latest Book, Nigellissima: Instant Italian Inspiration available via Random House in Canada.  The stunning British Food Writer and Television Personality met hundreds of Fans at Indigo – Manulife Centre yesterday, signing copies of her Book and earlier today was at City‘s Breakfast Television cooking-up recipes from it also.

Stunning, even at 7:00 AM, Lawson stepped-out of her Mercedes and was sweet enough to stop for a Photo with me, as she was kept dry under the rain by her Handler.

Lawson also currently can be seen on ABC‘s The Taste, pairing her with Culinary Greats Anthony Bourdain, Ludo Lefebvre and Brian Malarkey, a Cooking competition all about… you guess it, taste.  The Series airs Tuesday nights at 8:00 PM EST on CTV in Canada.

Order Nigellissima: Instant Italian Inspiration here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Random House)

Now this totally made my day! Those of us in North America likely have little idea who Karen Mok is, but in Asia she is an Icon. The Hong Kong-born and British/Italian-educated Singer Actress first made her debut in 1993 as a Singer with moderate success, before branching out into Film and signing to Rock Records in Taiwan, which quickly propelled her Career.

Soon before she knew it, she was working with A-List Directors like Wong Kar Wai and at one point she even was considered for the Steven Spielberg-produced Adaptation of Memoirs of a Geisha.  Accolades have been huge for her, winning both acting and Music Awards in her native Hong Kong and Taiwan, including Best Female Artist.

I met Mok back in 1997 when she performed at Varsity Arena here in Toronto, with no idea she could speak fluent English at all, until I heard her thick British accent – she was humble and had an air of sophistication to her.  I think I may even have had a Geocities Fanpage for her at one point, which she wrote to tell me she loved!  I remember even receiving a signed Poster from her too at point… now where is it?!

Mok is now set to make her stateside debut finally in North America with her first-ever English Language Album, a Jazz Disc titled Somewhere I Belong, to be released via Universal Music.   On the Album are Cover Versions of Classics like Wicked Game, Stormy Weather, Funny Valentine and While My Guitar Gently Weeps.

Click here to hear her sublime take on Chris Isaak‘s Wicked Games.

Universal Music Canada releases Somewhere I Belong on February 26, 2013.

(Photo credit: Universal Music)

After much teasing, finally  we  get the full stream of Mariah Carey‘s new Single, Almost Home – the Theme Song to Oz The Great and Powerful, co-written and produced by Norwegian Duo Stargate, who are responsible for  Beyoncé, Ne-Yo and Rihanna‘s biggest Hits.

As a die-hard Fan of Mariah‘s, my complete CD and Deluxe Editions Collection dating back to her 1990 Debut, I am rather pleased with the results. The Track sounds fresh and maybe even somewhat reminiscent of Katy Perry‘s Wide Awake – this is exactly the direction Mariah needed to head, versus the tired-sounding misfire of a Single that was Triumphant (Get ‘Em), released last August, failing to crack the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart. We’re getting a more relaxed version of Mariah, less concerned with Vocal Tricks and focused entirely on evoking an experience.

Listen to Almost Home below:

Cover Art below:

In addition to her gig on American Idol, 2013 is shaping to be a big year for Mariah, who stars in Lee Daniels’ The Butler (Precious, The Paperboy), while a 14th Studio Disc is set to be released this Spring.

Oz The Great and Powerful hits theatres March 8, 2013. Almost Home will be released next Tuesday. We’re almost there!

Buy Almost Home on iTunes here.

Mariah also is on Instagram.  Follow her here!

(Photo credit/audio content: Universal Music)