Amidst all the bustle of TIFF last year, we had the pleasure of being invited to the Oasis that is Melissa DiMarco‘s Out There TIFF Interview Studio and Hospitality Suite.  We had a wonderful time mingling with Industry and Media Types and did I mention there was Food, Beer, Cocktails, Wine and most importantly, Coffee?

We love Melissa DiMarco and her big heart. This TIFF, we’re honoured that she’d like to invite one of my lucky Readers and their Guest to come chill-out at her Hospitality Suite.  With the amount of Star Power that she draws, don’t be surprised if you spot a Star or two milling about.  Winners also get a personal Meet & Greet with our dear friend Melissa!

Melissa’s Out There TIFF Interview Studio and Hospitality Suite sets-up shop at the InterContinental Centre Hotel throughout the Festival.

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post on Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.  Double your chances by sharing this Post on Facebook with your Friends or Re-Tweeting the below:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/outthere @MRWILLW & @MELISSADIMARCO want to give us a chance to visit the #OUTTHEREVIP Hospitality Suite during #TIFF13!

Good luck.

Learn more about the amazingly entertaining Out There with Melissa DiMarco if you haven’t discovered it yet!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

This actually looks super-cute! Directed and written by Nicole Holofcener, who brought us 2010’s well-reviewed Please Give, ENOUGH SAID will be debuting at TIFF ’13. Although it now has become known as the late James Gandolfini‘s final Film, the Romantic–Comedy‘s Trailer looks rather enticing giving the amazing Julia Louis-Dreyfus finally a chance to shine on the Big Screen.

ENOUGH SAID centers on a divorced Woman who begins to fall for a Man, only to realize that he is the Ex-Husband of her new Friend. Toni Collette, Ben Falcone and Catherine Keener also star.

Watch the Trailer below:

Fox Searchlight Canada releases ENOUGH SAID in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg on Friday, September 27, 2013. Additional cities to follow.

Those of you hoping to catch it first at TIFF ’13 have three chances:

Saturday, September 7, 2013 –Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 2:30 PM
Sunday, September 8, 2013 –  Isabel Bader Theatre at 10:00 AM
Sunday, September 15, 2013 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 9:00 PM

(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight)

Finally, some House of Cards news!  Live from the Set of the acclaimed Netflix Original Series, which happens to be up for nine Emmy Awards, the New York Times will be hosting a Chat tonight with Executive Producer and Star Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Writer Beau Willimon  and New York Times Magazine‘s Chief National Correspondent Mark Leibovich.

The Chat takes place live from the Set of the Series, which currently is filming its second season, and runs from 7:30 – 8: 30 PM EST.  Remember to follow and Tweet your questions @TIMESTALKS.  Video will be made available on their YouTube Channel also here.

Season Two of House of Cards will see a release early 2014 and we cannot wait!  As an aside, did you do know that Bill Clinton like the rest of us, binge-watched Season 1 of the Series?

(Photo credit: Netflix)

This just-released Preview for TRACKS quite literally gives me goosebumps. One just one minute, I feel uplifted – as if I too could do anything and that’s powerful stuff. Based on the true Story of Robyn Davidson, a 27-year-old Australian Woman who treks across the desert with her Dog and four Camels, this definitely is one to watch at TIFF ’13 and Awards Season.

Official Synopsis:

Mia Wasikowska  and Adam Driver star in Tracks, an inspirational story based on an epic journey taken by Australian Robyn Davidson, also known as the “Camel Lady.” In 1977, Robyn (Wasikowska) sets out from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean – a 2,700-km walk through unforgiving desert – accompanied by her dog and four unpredictable camels. Showing up occasionally is Rick Smolan (Driver), a charismatic New York photographer assigned by National Geographic. Although Robyn agrees to Rick’s visits in return for funding, she sees them as intruding on her solitude. Set against a breathtaking backdrop, the trip pushes Robyn to her emotional and physical limits. Adapted from Davidson’s Book, the Film is directed by American John Curran (The Painted Veil) and written by Marion Nelson.

Watch the Clip below:

Those of you attending TIFF ’13 have two chances to see TRACKS:
Tuesday, September 10, 2013 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 6:00 PM
Wednesday, September 11, 2013 – TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 at 2:45 PM

Mongrel Media releases TRACKS in Canada.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

For years now New Yorkers have been going crazy for Momofuku‘s Milk Bar, enticing their discerning palates with Ice Cream, Milkshakes, Cookies, Cakes and Pies.  Now Torontonians too have a chance the savour the sweetness with shipments coming direct from Brooklyn. And better yet, pricing is on-par to our American Friends!

You might already have discovered the phenomenal Ramen at Shangri La Hotel‘s Momofuku Noodle Bar, but with all that additional real estate not being utilized upstairs, all it took was a Walk-in Refrigerator to be installed and now we have officially a Milk Bar of our own.  Hopefully in the future these Sweets too will be made on premises and we will be able to taste for ourselves the rage that is Cereal Milk Soft Serve Ice Cream and their Milkshakes!

I’ve tried the greatness that is their Crack Pie ($6 a slice), a thin Biscuit-like Pie which can be described as a buttery, Butter Tart-esque concoction minus the runny-ness.  The Compost Cookie ($2 each) is a mixture of Butterscotch, Chocolate, Coffee and Pretzel Bits – absolutely delicious!

Prices are actually rather reasonable and I am intrigued by the Corn Cookie and Birthday Truffles, but alas there is only so much sugar one can ingest within a given period!  And I admit it, I kinda want a signature Lucky Peach (official Momofuku Logo) T-Shirt and Tote Bag!

More on Momofuku Milk Bar Toronto here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

There is absolutely no way this isn’t going to be amazing. Based on the Award-winning Play August: Osage County, The Weinstein Co. just released this brand new Trailer for this  upcoming Film Adaptation.  It centers around three strong-willed Women brought back to the Midwest after a Crisis takes place, reuniting them with the dysfunctional Woman who raised them;  John Wells (Shameless, ER) directs.

Take a deep breath.  The Cast includes: Julia Roberts, Abigail Breslin, Juliette Lewis, Ewan McGregor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Cooper, Sam Shepard and of course, MERYL STREEP!

August: Osage County looks to deliver tons of sass and lands in theatres November 8, 2013.  

Watch the Trailer:

Those of you attending TIFF ’13 can see it first:
Monday, September 9, 2013 – Roy Thomson Hall at 6:30 PM
Tuesday, September 10, 2013 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM

(Photo/video credit: The Weinstein Co./eOne Films)

It was totally grande.  Singer/Actress Ariana Grande is one of several Teen Actresses in recent years to enter the Top 40 Realm, but what separates her contemporaries is that remarkable voice – all four octaves of it! We’ve all heard the evidence on debut Single The Way (ft. Mac Miller)!

Known best for her work on popular TV Series Victorious, she also reprises her signature role of Cat Valentine on Sam and Cat, seen in Canada on YTV. Unfortunately due to flight delays from New York City where she appeared at the MTV Video Music Awards last night, her Fans camped outside KISS 92.5 in Toronto were left disappointed on a grande scale. She is said however to reschedule an appearance tomorrow in advance of her Sound Academy Show.

We caught-up with Grande on her way to a secret TV taping and although a bit concerned due to delay, she still was awesome to make time for Fans! “One at a time please” she said, unsure which Camera to look at to be sure of the perfect Photo for her Fans. So thoughtful!

She was sweet enough to sign a Photo which will go to one lucky Reader! Simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook! Share this Post with your Friends and double your chances! Good luck.

Check out her new Single Baby I below:

Grande also recorded Almost is Never Enough for The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones’ OST featuring The Wanted‘s Nathan Sykes:

See our Snap below:

Grande‘s debut Disc Yours Truly gets a release via Universal Music Canada on Tuesday, September 3, 2013. Pre-order here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Universal Music)

Bringing some much needed California Sunshine today, Teen Pop Band R5 are in Toronto to promote their debut Disc Louder, which hits stores next month.  Signed to Hollywood Records, the same Label responsible for Hilary Duff, Demi Lovato, Bridgit Mendler and Selena Gomez & The Scene‘s Music, the Quintet consists of Brothers and Sister; Riker (Lead Vocalist, Bass), Rocky (Lead Vocalist, Guitars), Ross ( Lead Vocalist, Guitar), Rydel (Backing Vocals, Keyboards), in addition to Ellington Ratliff (Backing Vocals, Drums).

R5 visited Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition) earlier today performing outside the Shaw Media Building a free Show as part of their Summer Concert Series as hoards of young Fans looked on in adoration.  The Band were super-kind to stop for Photos with Fans behind the barricade, some having waited as early as 6:00 AM. Rocky from the Band was smitten most by my Dog Billy and even held him for a bit before heading back to their Luxury Coach Bus, jokingly taking Billy with him!

The Band performed their latest Single Pass Me By. Check-out the Single below:

Also, watch their Performance of Pass Me By (not Loud, Liza Fromer… love you still though!) on The Morning Show below:

Universal Music Canada releases Louder on Tuesday, September 24, 2013. Pre-order on iTunes here.

See our Snap:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Video credit: Universal Music/Shaw Media)

Big night in Brooklyn!  The Stars of Music were out in full force tonight at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York for the MTV Video Music Awards, with the neighbouring streets being shut down for a huge Red Carpet Spectacle not unlike our v. own MuchMusic Video Awards.  Funnyman Jimmy Fallon hosted the festivities.

Marquee names like Robin Thicke, Miley Cyrus, One Direction, Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Lady Gaga walked the Carpet, many impressing with their style – some choices wilder than others.  Perry scored high points for her Leopard-print Emanuel Ungaro dress adorned with gold butterflies, sporting a Grill in her mouth.  Gomez also was a Winner on the Carpet with her daring  and revealing Versace dress which proclaimed loud and clear that she’s all grown up now!  Gaga meanwhile was understated, sexy and elegant with a black Prabal Gurung dress adorned with a train and bow on her waist.

In addition to ‘NSync reuniting with Justin Timberlake for the first time in several years making headlines, they performed  Bye Bye Bye and Girlfriend together with the Pop Megastar, who also won Best Editing (Mirrors) and Best Direction (Suit & Tie).  More importantly, top honours of Video of the Year went to Timberlake also for Mirrors, a touching eight-minute  Tribute to his Grandparents; his Grandfather had passed away just last November.  Watch the ‘NSync Reunion here.

Also garnering importance was Hip-Hop Act Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, who won Best Hip-Hop Video for Can’t Hold Us (ft. Ray Dalton) and also winning with Same Love (ft. Mary Lambert) for Best Video with a Social Message.  The Duo performed the latter live before the Audience and were joined on-stage in a surprise performance from Oscar and Grammy Winner Jennifer Hudson.

Lady Gaga kicked-off the night with a band as we saw her transform through her several evolutions via wigs during her Performance of new Single, Applause.  An impressed Macklemore was seen admiring her Performance greatly nodding his head in awe. Watch her performance here.

Miley Cyrus also caught our attentions in a revealing Teddy Bear Bodysuit with giant dancing Teddy Bears on-stage, performing her Summer Hit We Can’t Stop. She then was joined on-stage by red-hot Robin Thicke who performed both Blurred Lines and latest Single Give it 2 U.  Jaws dropped as she Twerked before the Audience with her tongue sticking out! Watch the Performance here.

Bruno Mars gets high points for electrifying the Audience with a stirring Prince-inspired rendition of latest Single, Gorilla as green lasers filled the Arena.

Katy Perry after much hype, capped-off the night performing latest Single Roar from underneath the Brooklyn Bridge dressed in a Michelle Rodriguez/Girlfight-inspired outfit in a Boxing Ring.  A grand Affair indeed!  Watch her Performance here.

Other big Winners tonight include Selena Gomez winning Best Pop Video for Come & Get It and also her Friend Taylor Swift for Best Female Pop Video with I Knew You Were Trouble.   Newcomer Austin Mahone also was named Artist to Watch.

More Red Carpet Photos here at Zimbio!

Complete Winners List here!

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

On what traditionally is a slower time of the year at the Box Office, Historical-Drama, The Butler, remains the number one Film in North America for a second week in-a-row with $17 million from 3,110 theatres.  The Film starring Forrest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey in two weeks has grossed over $52.2 million for The Weinstein Co. and eOne Films.

We’re the Millers for the third consecutive week remains the number two Film with $13.5 million earned for Warner Bros.  The Comedy has earned$91.4 million thus far and is showing at 3,445 theatres.

Despite higher expectations, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones manages to debut in third with $9.2 million, a five-day gross of $14 million from 3,118 theatres after a Wednesday opening for Sony Screen Gems and eOne Films.  Although Critics were harsh on the first Adaptation of Cassandra Clare‘s bestselling Novels, giving it 21% on the Tomatometer, Audiences enjoyed it far more with a B+ CinemaScore.  A second Installment films in Toronto this September.

Edgar Wright certainly has loyal Fans on both sides of the Atlantic and after performing well in the UK earlier this Summer, his latest The World’s End debuts in fourth spot with $8.9 million from only 1,549 theatres.  Critics loved the Sci-Fi/Action/Comedy starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, giving it 91% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it a decent B+ CinemaScore.

After debuting at TIFF two years ago, You’re Next debuts finally in fifth with $7 million for Lionsgate Films and eOne Films from 2,437 theatres.  Critics responded well to the Horror starring Sharni Vinson, with an 80% rating on the Tomatometer, while Audiences weren’t as responsive with a B- CinemaScore.

Blue Jasmine in its fifth week continues to see the benefit of strong word-of-mouth thanks to Cate Blanchett‘s stellar performance in ninth spot $4.3 million for Sony Classics and Mongrel Media. Kick-Ass 2 slips to tenth spot this weekend already in its second week with $4 million for Universal Pictures.