Mr. Will Wong and Mongrel Media are thrilled to give Readers a chance to see Woody Allen‘s new Drama, Blue Jasmine in Toronto and Vancouver!  Screenings take place Thursday, August 1, 2013 in Toronto at Varsity Cinemas and Vancouver’s Fifth Avenue Cinemas.

Starring the incomparable Cate Blanchett, this latest Film from Writer/Director Allen, centers around a Woman named Jasmine (Cate Blanchett) who is led back to San Francisco after a Crisis takes place, reconnecting her with her Sister.  The brilliant Supporting Cast includes: Alden Ehrenreich, Peter Sarsgaard, Alec Baldwin, Louis C.K.,  Bobby Cannavale, Tammy Blanchard, Charlie Tahan and Sally Hawkins!

Watch the Trailer in full below:

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

http://www.mrwillwong.com/bluejasmine @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes across Canada to see #WoodyAllen’s #BLUEJASMINE starring #CateBlanchett. Out 8/2!

Mongrel Media releases Blue Jasmine on August 2, 2013.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

Before Destiny’s Child there was En Vogue. Those of us who grew-up in the early ’90s will have fond memories of our Airwaves dominated by the Girl Group responsible for smash Hits Don’t Let Go, Hold On, My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It), Free Your Mind and their Collaboration with Salt-n-Pepa, Whatta Man.

After surviving multiple Lineup changes which included Founding Members Dawn Robinson and Maxine Jones reuniting/departing the R&B Outfit,  the Group now tours as a  Trio with former The All-New Mickey Mouse Club Alumni Rhona Bennett, whom at one point was in-the-running for a promising Solo Career circa Britney Spears Era.

Those of us celebrating Pride in Toronto had the treat of witnessing a free Performance by En Vogue tonight at the 15th annual Blockorama, held at TD Wellesley Stage. Although there were several issues with sound – Co-Lead Vocalist Terry Ellis got the worst of if with her microphone levels being off the early part of their Set – they definitely wowed the Audience with their still-amazing Vocals.  Zipping through their biggest Hits and also a Tribute Medley to the likes of Chaka Khan, Donna Summer, Anita Ward, The Emotions and more, they certainly left the Crowd wanting more.  And more they gave, performing a rousing Cover of Whitney Houston‘s I Wanna Dance With Somebody!

Their Handler was kind, collecting CDs and Albums from Fans, bringing them in to be personalized and on their way out, Security tried stopping Fans from getting Photos although both the lovely Cindy Herron and Bennett were nice to accommodate me, despite my Camera failing to fire in the dark with the latter.

Photos below:

Earlier in the day, I was lucky enough to meet amazing ’90s R&B/Reggae Diva Diana King, known best for her massive Hits Shy Guy and high-energy Cover of Dionne Warwick‘s I Say a Little Prayer.  Just last year, King came out as a Lesbian on Facebook and even brought along her Girlfriend on-stage, who served as her DJ.  Although her Set was brief, her Voice is still amazing and if not even stronger.  She wrapped things up with Shy Guy, which had the Audience singing out loud as it vamped into a Remix.

See our Snap:

For a second week in-a-row, Monsters University schools its competition with $45 million earned from 4,004 theatres! The Animated Feature from Disney will face some stiff competition with the upcoming release of Despicable Me 2, in theatres across North America on Wednesday. In two weeks alone, the reigning Champ has grossed over $172 million domestically.

Opening above expectations in second is The Heat starring the fantastic Duo of Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy, with $40 million. I saw the Film this weekend and absolutely loved it, with few moments to breathe between laughs in this Buddy-Cop Flick from 20th Century Fox. Opening in 3,181 theatres, the fearless Action-Comedy is heavy on the profanity, earning itself an R-Rating, but nonetheless responses were positive from both Critics (65% on the Tomatometer) and Audiences (A- CinemaScore) responded well. The Paul Feig (Bridesmaids) Film was made for $43 million, practically paying its own bill in its debut.

World War Z continues to perform strongly in its second week of release, earning $29.2 million. To date in North America, it has grossed $124 million already, just ahead of White House Down which debuts below expectations for Sony Pictures with $26 million. Although seemingly decent numbers, when its $150 million Production Budget is considered, the disappointment for the Studio becomes all the more clear. Critics also had with lukewarm response for the Action Flick starring Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx, tallying 49% on the Tomatometer, although Audiences loved it with an A- CinemaScore.

Man of Steel in its third week of release continues to perform well with $20.8 million in fifth for Warner Bros., ahead of Comedy, This is The End, with $8.9 million in sixth, while Now You See Me in seventh spot surpasses the $100-million mark domestically with $5.5 million earned this weekend. Google-inspired Comedy The Internship rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.3 million for 20th Century Fox.

With over 1.2 million people estimated to be in attendance this year, Pride Toronto kicked-off last weekend and concludes today. The annual Festival celebrating history, courage, diversity and future for the LGBTQ Community sees its Marquee event tomorrow, the annual Pride Parade, take place for the 41st consecutive year. Click here to view the Route.

Always a big draw to the Festival, Musical Talent this year includes En Vogue, Carol Pope, Diamond Rings, Anjulie, KAY, Diana King and Carmen Electra.    The latter, whose eclectic talents include Writing, Acting, Modelling, Dancing and Singing too, performed original material tonight on the South Stage at Church x Carlton.  Many don’t realize that Electra actually recorded a debut Disc back in 1993, produced by none other than Prince, and only recently returned to her roots. Sporting an edgy Electro/Hip-Hop/Dance Sound, Electra electrified on-stage even if her performance was brief with Tracks like Bigger D*ck and I Like it Loud,  with the help of two Backing Dancers.

Upon leaving the Venue, Electra was nice enough to stop for a quick Snap (thanks so much to Reader Jay Stoney for taking it!), even offering to take more Photos with Fans before her Entourage shut it down, leaving a couple Fans disappointed.

For those curious about Electra’s sound, check out latest Single, I Like it Loud below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong | Video credit: Citrusonic Stereophonic & Bill Hamel)

Amazing news!  Magnum Ice Cream just about surprised us all with a Flagship Store in Yorkville, which was unveiled today!  Situated in 11 Bloor Street West, at the intersection of Yonge x Bloor, the Shop is a welcome addition to strip lacking in Food/Confectionery options.  The Shop, which has sister stores throughout the World in Cities like Milan and Amsterdam, gives Ice Cream Lovers the opportunity to customize with decadence, their own Ice Cream Bars.

“Yes, we just opened today!”, says a Store Rep to me over the Phone.  He confirms to be their hours currently are Monday-Saturday 11 AM – 9 PM and Sundays 11 AM – 6 PM.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

“Have you been bad?”.

The Counselor I admit, was pretty much off my radar until today when I saw this sizzling International trailer for this latest Drama by Sir Ridley Scott. Michael Fassbender stars as a Lawyer who gets caught-up in Drug Trafficking. A fantastic Supporting Cast here includes: Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, Bruno Ganz, Rosie Perez, John Leguizamo and Brad Pitt.

Watch the Teaser Trailer below:

20th Century Fox releases on October 25, 2013. TIFF 2013? Sure looks it!

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)

We all know Rock Legends like The Rolling Stones, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Ray Charles, Joe Cocker and Tina Turner, but often  when we hum their tunes we neglect that we’re actually singing along with their Backing Vocalists on those famous choruses. 

20 Feet From Stardom from Director Morgan Neville, follows the stories of the talented Performers who appeared on several of these Artists’ Records which have come to define Rock and Roll as we know it today.  He gathers a cross-section of Backing Vocalists over the past 50 years and we learn their sobering stories and the realities of Fame and its unsung Heroes in this fantastic Documentary which captivated audiences at the Sundance Film Festival.  I’ve seen it and loved it!

eOne Films and Mr. Will Wong want to give Toronto Readers a chance to win passes to the Advance Screening of 20 Feet from Stardom. A must-see for any Rock and Roll Fan!

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

http://www.mrwillwong.com/20feetfromstardom  @MRWILLW wants us to win a Double Pass to the Advance Screening of Rock ‘n’ Roll Doc, #20FEETFROMSTARDOM! Out 7/5/13.

The Screening takes place at Cineplex Yonge & Dundas on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 7:00 PM. 

Watch the Trailer below:

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

With filming just about to wrap in-studio for Rom-Com No Stranger Than Love in the next couple weeks, we spotted Nanaimo-born Actor Justin Chatwin in the City after a long day on-set with Co-Star Alison Brie (Mad Men, Community). The Actor known for his work in Blockbuster War of the Worlds and more recently, Showtime Series Shameless, is said to have taken a liking to amazing Thai “It Spot” Khao San Road during his stay.  Despite appearing tired, Chatwin still made the effort to stay for Snaps with Fans.

Meanwhile, Brie was spotted this weekend at the Movies with said Boyfriend Dave Franco and even took-in a Blue Jays Game together this weekend. Colin Hanks whom we spotted last month, recently wrapped work on the Production.

No Stranger than Love, by Toronto Director/Writer Nick Wernham, centers on a High School Art Teacher (Brie) and married Football Coach (Hanks)  who decide to have an affair, before he disappears into a hole in her Living Room.

Perhaps we’ll be seeing it at TIFF ’14?

See our Snap:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

90210h yeah! Jason Priestley may best be recognized as Brandon Walsh from ’90s Hit Series Beverly Hills, 90210, but it is the 416 where he’s been much of late.

After a successful run at St. Lawrence Theatre with David Mamet‘s Play Race, the Actor has kept plenty busy signing-on to direct an episode  of CTV Hit Series, Saving Hope. The Medical Drama, now filming its second season mostly in the West End, continues into late September.

All decked-out in a Blazer in this scorching heat, Priestley instantly was recognized by Fans outside his Hotel in good spirits today, posing for Snaps.

See our Snap:

In addition to Priestley, we spotted Beverly Hills, 90210 Alumni Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling in the City earlier this year.  Fams of the Series will be thrilled that he is reuniting with Co-Star Luke Perry this August in Toronto for Fan Expo Canada!  Details here.

(Photo credit: Entertainment One/Mr. Will Wong)

It was a monstrous weekend at the Box Office with spectacular numbers from the Top Three-finishing Films.  Alas it was Families who ruled Ticket Sales with Monsters Inc. Prequel, Monsters University, opening on-top with a stellar $82 million from 4,004 theatres across North America for Disney.  With John Goodman and Billy Crystal reprising their roles as Mike Wazowski and Sulley, Audiences could not resist getting another chance to see the animated Duo on-screen, giving the Film an A CinemaScore, while Critics agreed it was a solid effort with a decent 77% on the Tomatometer at Rotten Tomatoes.  By comparison, its Predecessor in 2001 opened with $62 million domestically.

Not to be outdone, Paramount Pictures’ World War Z opened in second with $66 million.  Starring Brad Pitt, this continent-hopping Action/Horror/Adventure thrilled Audiences who gave it a B+ CinemaScore, and Critics were on-par with 67% rating on the Tomatometer.  Moviegoers cannot get enough of Zombies, this becoming the highest opening ever for a Zombie Flick, surpassing last year’s Hotel Transylvania which debuted with $42 million.

Man of Steel had a superb opening last week and doesn’t disappoint despite its slip to third spot for Warner Bros. The latest in the Superman Franchise earns $41.2 million domestically this weekend.  Internationally it already has surpassed the $350-million mark.

Sony Pictures Comedy This is the End amidst all the Blockbusters, certainly holds its own in fourth spot with $12.6 million in its second week of release, just ahead of the resilient Now You See Me in fifth with $7/8 million in its third week out for Summit Entertainment/Lionsgate Films/eOne Films.  Meanwhile, former Champion The Purge slips to sixth for Universal Pictures with $3.3 million.

Rounding it out  is Veteran Iron Man 3 which in its eighth week earns $8.1 million placing Disney at the top and bottom of the Top Ten. In limited release, Sofia Coppola‘s The Bling Ring sits in eleventh with $2 million from only 650 theatres.  Overall, Critics gave the Docu-Drama about a group of Teens who robbed the homes of Celebrities, mixed to bordering-positive Reviews with 58% on the Tomatometer.