After garnering much acclaim out of TIFF ’19, Destin Daniel Cretton‘s JUST MERCY is soon to hit theatres. The powerful Drama based on a true story about one man’s wrongful conviction and the lawyer who went to battle for him in a history-making fight for justice. The Film stars Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx and Brie Larson.

See the Trailer:

For a limited time only, Toronto will get a chance to witness the #JustMercyNOW Experience courtesy of Warner Bros. Canada and Innocence Canada. The latter since its inception has successfully exonerated 23 innocent people put who were imprisoned.

The installation gives us a peak what it’s like to be in an inmate visitation area, while hearing true stories of wrongful conviction told by the brilliant Cast of Just Mercy and advocate George Stroumboulopoulos.

WHEN: Open to the public from January 7 to 9 from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Brookfield Place (concourse level)

See some Snaps of the #JustMercyNOW Experience:

Can’t make it out? Listen to some of these powerful stories:

Michael B. Jordan

Brie Larson

Jamie Foxx

JUST MERCY is in theatres everywhere Friday, January 10, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Warner Bros. Canada)

Check-out the brand-new Trailer for THE NEW MUTANTS, a new Horror-Thriller starring Maisie Williams and Anya Taylor-Joy, directed by Josh Boone.

Synopsis:
Twentieth Century Fox in association with Marvel Entertainment presents “The New Mutants,” an original Horror Thriller set in an isolated hospital where a group of young mutants is being held for psychiatric monitoring. When strange occurrences begin to take place, both their new mutant abilities and their friendships will be tested as they battle to try and make it out alive.

See the Trailer:

20th Century Fox Canada release #NewMutants Friday, April 2, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox Canada)

The Golden Globe Awards took place tonight at the Beverly Hilton, honouring together the best in Television and Cinema in one star-studded affair. The Awards for the first-time ever, served guests an all-vegan menu with Climate Change being front and center in discussion. Funnyman Ricky Gervais hosted a fifth and final time and once again nobody was spared of his biting humour, whether it be Leonardo DiCaprio being teased for his young girlfriends, The Irishman being too long or everyone as a whole being sent-off for the evening to go enjoy their booze and drugs, which failed to be caught by NBC Censors.

ONCE UPON A TIME… IN HOLLYWOOD  took home three scores including Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical, Best Motion Picture Screenplay (Quentin Tarantino) and Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture (Brad Pitt).

Sam Mendes’ 1917 would win Best Director in a Motion Picture and also Best Motion Picture – Drama. The Film gets a wide release next week.

JOKER would be awarded Best Original Score in a Motion Picture, in addition to heavy favourite Joaquin Phoenix winning for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. Renée Zellweger as predicted, would take Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama after a 17-year absence from the ceremony.

In a couple surprises, ROCKETMAN also took home two Golden Globes, for Best Song with (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again and Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical (Taron Egerton). For Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical, Awkwafina would pull-off the upset winning for her performance in universally-acclaimed The Farewell.

HBO‘s SUCCESSION and Amazon‘s FLEABAG were both the big winners in the Television categories. The former took Best TV Series Drama and Best Performance by an Actor in a TV Series Drama (Brian Cox). The latter took Best TV Series – Musical or Comedy and Best Performance by an Actress in a TV Series – Musical or Comedy (Phoebe Waller-Bridge). In addition to starring in Flebag, Waller-Bridge also wrote the Series, based on her one-woman Play.

Saturday Night Live‘s Kate McKinnon presented Ellen DeGeneres the Carol Burnett Award and reflected on how DeGeneres paved the way for her as a gay woman in Entertainment. “She risked her entire life to tell the truth. If I hadn’t seen her, I wouldn’t be on TV.”. DeGeneres when accepting her Award told the audience, “The real power in Television is not that people watch my Show, but that people watch my show and are inspired to put some of that into their own lives.”.

Charlize Theron presented the Cecil B. DeMille Award to screen veteran Tom Hanks to a standing ovation, recounting how he gave her one of her first big breaks auditioning for 1996’s That Thing You Do and giving her a second chance with a five minute break after being what she called “a sweaty mess”. A tearful Hanks gave thanks to his wife Rita Wilson and five children, stating “They are a loving group of people who put-up me with me being away months and months at a time. I can’t tell you what your love means to me.”. He credits his peers, stating “You’re a dope if you don’t steal from the ones you work with – I’ve worked with many who are known by one name like Meryl, Denzel and Antonio“.  He shares a bit of advice based on his years of experience, saying “Showing-up on-time is one of the greatest liberating acts you can give others in a Movie, because when the time comes you have to hit all the marks and go there.”.

There were several winning looks on the Red Carpet including a glamorous red Vera Wang dress donned by Scarlett Johannson. Nicole Kidman also came in red, appearing every bit a Movie Star in Versace. Rising Star Ana de Armas sparkled like a sapphire in Ralph & Russo at her first-ever Globes appearance.  Jennifer Lopez drew a lot of divided opinions on Social Media with her gold bow dress by Valentino.

Complete list of winners here.

The Oscars air Sunday, February 9, 2020, 8 PM EST on ABC. Nominees will be announced Monday, January 13, 2020.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

In advance of his new Docu-Series on YouTube, SEASONS comes Justin Bieber‘s new Single, YUMMY. We actually like the vibe of this. Looking forward to this new chapter!

Listen here:

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music)

For a third straight week it’s all about STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER with a take of $37 million from 4,406 theatres for Disney. This brings its run in North America to $454 million.

In second is JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL with $24.5 million from 4,134 theatres for Sony Pictures.

Third goes to THE GRUDGE with $13 million from 2,642 theatres also for Sony Pictures. The Reboot gets an F CinemaScore and 19% on the Tomatometer. Franchise best still goes to 2004’s original with $39.1 million and a #1 debut.

Fourth is LITTLE WOMEN with $12 million, a healthy $58 million over two weeks domestically for Sony Pictures.

UNCUT GEMS gets eighth spot with $5.8 million from 2,686 theatres for A24/Netflix.

CATS is at the bottom of the Top Ten with $2.5 million for Universal Pictures in its second week out.

This Trailer will break your heart. Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth star as a couple coping with early-onset Dementia in SUPERNOVA.

Synopsis:

It is deep Autumn and Sam and Tusker, partners of twenty years, are on holiday. They are travelling across England in their old campervan visiting friends, family and places from their past. Since Tusker was diagnosed with young-onset dementia two years ago their lives have had to change. Jobs have been given up and plans put on hold. Their time together is now the most important thing they have. As the trip progresses however, their individual ideas for their future begin to collide. Secrets are uncovered, private plans unravel and their love for each other is tested like never before. Ultimately, they must confront the question of what it means to love one another in the face of Tusker’s irreparable illness. Written and directed by Harry Macqueen (Hinterland), and from the award-winning producers of 45 Years and I Am Not A Witch.

See the Trailer:

Mongrel Media release SUPERNOVA January 29, 2021 in select theatres.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

Following the critical and commercial smash success of A QUIET PLACE, comes A QUIET PLACE PART II.

Synopsis:
Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path.

See the Trailer:

Paramount Pictures Canada release A QUIET PLACE PART II Friday, March 20, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

As we approach the end of this decade, let’s take a look back at some of our favourite memories from the past ten years! I started out late 2009 as a Blogger and never could imagine all the memories that would be created nor all the opportunities the Website would afford me. Back in 2009, we were standing behind the barricade as a fan and in 2019 we are now one of the City’s red carpet staples whether it be TIFF or a Movie Premiere.

People ask me all the time how I juggle several hats and to that I say that when you truly love what you do, you make the effort to strike that balance in your life. You all made me who I am today and the amazing people (Dave, Amanda, George, Siobhán, Jonathan and Justin) who give their time contributing to the Site, shaped our Brand.

Ten years ago I craved love, loyalty and validation. In many ways today those things still drive me, but for it all I am a little bit wiser, a little more able to stand up for myself, a little more weathered, a little more confident.

I’m grateful, humbled and touched by everyone’s continued support and promise to keep on going as far as I can! A Happy New Year to you. I’m beyond thrilled to see what 2020 will bring us all. Thank you for being there.

xMr. Will

Let’s take a walk down this memory lane known as the 2010s!

Being voted Best Blogger by my City at the NOW Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards is something I am so incredibly-grateful for. Sometimes when I look at my Twitter and Facebook and see many old friends who have been there with me all these years, something in my heart tells me I’ve done something right.  Thank you all for sticking with me.

So indebted to Hollywood Suite for inviting me to cover the 2019 Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica. I never, ever could have dreamed I’d be in Hollywood during Awards Season. This was such a gift and I hope something I can experience again in this lifetime! I’m grateful too to Telefilm Canada, the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television and the Consulate General of Canada who on multiple occasions sent me to Beverly Hills to cover the Canada’s Stars of the Awards Season Gala!

To be able to walk the carpet at a Premiere with my beloved Billy before he had passed is something I look back and smile about to this day. I was so proud of my little guy, people wanting to take pictures with him in his Hawaiian shirt, and us posing together with star Adam Pally as legendary George Pimentel photographed. It was a dream come true being able to sit beside Billy at TIFF Bell Lightbox, him tucked comfortably into his reserved seating as the Movie played. I had worked so hard all these years to get where I had gotten and to be able to have Billy there with me to enjoy that meant so much to me. Thank you, Elevation Pictures for this.

Many of you know about my deep passion for horses and I am so touched to have not one, but two namesake racehorses in A Pic by Mrwill and Mr Will. I’m beyond thrilled at what Mr Will might become with him due to start racing in 2020. A Pic by Mrwill (Princess) gave me so many thrills as a fan favourite always fighting hard on the track to bring home a paycheque in her three-year-old season in 2017. I’ll never forget the day she made it to the Winner’s Circle at Woodbine Racetrack and being moved to tears after it all sunk-in at home. She gave it her all and while that would be her last race, that is something I will take with me forever. Thank you, John Ross and Cathy Wong for a lifetime of memories. Thank you, Emily Fisher for giving her an amazing home now that her racing career is over and still welcoming me to come see her. And thank you Michelle Love for all the effort you put into Mr Will, keeping him sound in his exciting journey of development. Thanks Emily Shields for this post-victory snap.

Lady Gaga without a question is one of the biggest stars to come out of the 2010s. I started the decade being obsessed and I still feel the same as the decade comes to a close. Her outstanding catalog of hits is her gift to us, her performance in A Star is Born has left me shaken to this day. This definitely was the Movie that hit me hardest this past decade. I will admit it took me over a dozen frustrating tries to land the Selfie with her, but that day in November when she came to promote Artpop, it finally happened. A true pinch-me moment. I was able to get another with her sans sunglasses when she was at TIFF for A Star is Born, but the first sip is always the sweetest.

Rihanna is indisputably a megastar. I remember this day where she said “no” to the Selfie, giving me a bit of heartbreak. But then she turned right back around, came over and pressed her face against mine and *snap* went my clunky Canon Point-and-Shoot.  Those tears of joy are real in my eyes. It was surreal seeing her and her entourage before a show at then-Molson Amphitheatre wandering-up Peter Street, fighting to keep her skirt down in the wind with several heads turning. Rihanna is a “rihl” presence.

If you asked me ten years ago if I’d wind-up being as big an Ariana Grande fan as I am now, my eyes would’ve shifted “side to side”. But she won me over. Yeah she did. She went from a modest TV star to a global Pop sensation. What a time to be living in the era of Ariana and her endless parade of hits! While I met her just before her Music career took-off in 2013, I did finally see her live on her Sweetener Tour in 2019 and it was outstanding! I’ll never forget her lecturing me for taking a picture of her while she was posing for a photo with another fan. Apparently it was distracting her. A young woman in-charge of her image!

People always ask who the nicest celebrities are whom I’ve ever met and you’d honestly be surprised that often it’s the biggest A-Listers who never disappoint. Angelina still mesmerizes me and she is everything I’d ever hoped for, stopping for what seemed like every fan at the TIFF Premiere of The Breadwinner, which she produced. It is disheartening seeing some celebrities whom are still carving their mark exhibiting “Diva behaviour” and believe me, I’ve seen it.  Listen, if Angelina and George can do it, so can you!

While she certainly has taken her time with new Music the latter part of this decade, few have risen as high as Adele. Her 21 and 25 Discs went right after my heart and still provide my soul some comfort to this day. She was the nicest, taking the time to chat with me, admitting she didn’t really have much fun at all in Toronto on a jam-packed whirlwind press visit for 21. She gave me a hug and told me to get home and that I was silly for wasting time waiting for her. I beg to differ. So worth it.
 

Nicole is one of my favourites of all-time. I remember having to be super-crafty about getting this pic, asking her friend (who took this pic) discreetly if it was okay as she exit a private dinner at TIFF for The Railway Man. Queen Nicole was more than kind about it, letting me give her my heartfelt spiel about what her performances in The Hours and Rabbit Hole meant to me. She seemed genuinely-affected, putting her hand over my shoulder and leaning-in for the snap. Shaken. She’s yet another master of her craft performing at a top level still this decade.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Renée‘s performance in Bridget Jones’s Diary is what sparked my inspiration in starting a Blog. She made it look so fun having something to chronicle her life and I took that, ran with it and made it my own. She was everything I imagined. So gracious, sweet and funny with her Southern accent. Renée defined much of the early 2000s for me and I’m delighted she’s still killing in a decade later!

Before A Star is Born came along and stole top spot, La La Land held the title for a good while this decade as my favourite Film. Emma Stone continues to throw us her best work yet and her performance here absolutely destroyed me. You can see I barely could keep my sh*t together in this pic. She was unreal. Earlier in the day amidst all the chaos I passed her a Plushie (it legit was the cutest, a stuffed puppy in a sweater that read “TIFF“) and when we finally met later in the day she told me she remembered me and told me she appreciated the sweet gesture. So thrilled she’d go on deservedly to win Best Actress at the Oscars a few months after. So excited for her portrayal of Cruella Deville.

The Canadian Chanteuse still is my Queen. Power Ballads might not have stood the test of time, but Céline has. Seeing her on her Courage Tour in Toronto was a dream come true. A master of her craft still performing at the highest level.

The Horse Racing community’s support both north and south of the border has meant so much to me. While I realize the Sport has faced more than its share of challenges this past year,  my love always has been the athletes, their stories and their well-being. I don’t believe it took 37 years for it to happen, but we finally saw another American Triple Crown winner crowned in 2015 and it would be American Pharoah. So honoured I got to cover his Haskell Invitational score at Monmouth Park in New Jersey for Woodbine and see him finally in-person. A pure legend whom even the likes of Julia Roberts fan-girled over, insisting on a meet and greet with him. And even more amazing seeing his kids performing on the track now so brilliantly as we reach the end of the decade.

I will forever be my nephew Kenny‘s hero for taking him to eTalk to see and meet Katy Perry. The Pop Queen’s career was just beginning to launch into stratospheric heights with the impending release of now-classic Teenage Dream.  I’ll never forget being among the first audience to hear her perform the eventual smash hit. While my first photo didn’t turn-out, I caught-up with her later and she remembered me right away, setting a time to meet her to re-take the photo after dinner and she delivered like Uber Eats before that was even a thing!

He is the King of Toronto and rightfully so. Drake has placed our City on the map internationally whether it be his Music or his ardent support of our Raptors, and we are indebted. I remember back in the day you could catch him wandering the streets of Yorkville with his crew. Those were the days! OMG. Good God, I sound so old.

So Tom Cruise just came to our Advance Screening of The Edge of Tomorrow and surprised us all. No big deal. Have always been a supporter of this ageless superstar and can’t wait for him to light-up our 2020 with Top Gun: Maverick! Thanks, Warner Bros. Canada for an unforgettable night!

Bruno Mars this past decade, has stamped himself an icon in-the-making. Seeing him perform at now-defunct Kool Haus before an intimate audience was a thrill. Such showmanship! He’ll definitely be around for some time.

I’ll never forget Will Ferrell taking the stage at his Premiere for Daddy’s Home asking where I was in the audience! Well I was waiting for him on the Red Carpet as he was a bit behind schedule for his interviews, but he came right over to me after his intro, seemingly-thrilled to meet me finally. What exactly was happening?? And was it really happening???  Something similar happened with Simon Pegg too at a screening of  Mission Impossible: Fallout.  Thanks, Paramount Pictures Canada for this.

I could go on forever, but these are some of my favourite memories. I could literally write an Anthology! So many more stories to tell.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

As we close out the Year of the Pig, we welcome-in the Year of the Rat!  Chinese New Year takes place just a little bit earlier this year on Saturday, January 25, 2020.

Those born in the Year of the Rat are known to be diligent, optimistic, clever, frugal, energetic and quick thinkers! Those born in the Year of the Dragon, Ox and Monkey are said to be in harmony with the Rat, so enjoy what good fortunes the year shall bring if that’s you!

Those born in the Year of the Horse, Goat and Rabbit are said to be least compatible with the Rat. This doesn’t mean your year will be horrible, it just means you may have more challenges your way and you can always count on a Chinese Horoscope to help navigate it.

Note that in Chinese Astrology should it happen to be your year this year, that’s known as Fan Tai Sui. So in a nutshell, when it’s your own year we’re observing, this offends the God of Tai Sui and that spills over to affecting your relationships, work and health, so do be careful.

Some notables born in the Year of the Rat include: Prince Charles, William Shakespeare, Eminem, Wayne Gretzky, George W. Bush, Truman Capote, LeBron James, Scarlett Johansson, Olivia Newton-John, The Rock, Katy Perry, Julianne Moore, Robert Redford, Samuel L. Jackson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Selma Blair, Khloé Kardashian, Sean Penn, RuPaul, among others.

As we do every year, we love to share with you some of our favourite Chinese Horoscopes we’ve plucked from the interwebs!

This one is amazing. It is an accurate description of your sign and also breaks down your year’s forecast by quarter with a focus on your love life.

This one is simple to understand, gives you a bit of history behind each sign, compatiblity and recommends things to have which might bring luck your way.

Don’t know your sign? Don’t worry, many of us don’t. Use this handy reference below to find out:

Rat
1924 1936 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 2008 2020 2032

Ox
1925 1937 1949 1961 1973 1985 1997 2009 2021 2033

Tiger
1926 1938 1950 1962 1974 1986 1998 2010 2022 2034

Rabbit
1927 1939 1951 1963 1975 1987 1999 2011 2023 2035

Dragon
1928 1940 1952 1964 1976 1988 2000 2012 2024 2036

Snake
1929 1941 1953 1965 1977 1989 2001 2013 2025 2037

Horse
1930 1942 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002 2014 2026 2038

Sheep
1931 1943 1955 1967 1979 1991 2003 2015 2027 2039

Monkey
1920 1932 1944 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004 2016 2028

Rooster
1921 1933 1945 1957 1969 1981 1993 2005 2017 2029

Dog
1922 1934 1946 1958 1970 1982 1994 2006 2018 2030

Pig
1923 1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007 2019 2031

Justin Bieber has been away for a bit but this is a perfect opportunity to catch-up with him. JUSTIN BIEBER: SEASONS is a YouTube Series recounting the global superstar’s past four years and soul search.

Synopsis:
For the very first time, the world’s biggest superstar, Justin Bieber, is pulling back the curtain and giving fans an intimate look into the past few years of his life. From the joys of marriage to the struggles through difficult seasons, Justin opens up to reveal his biggest challenges as he gets back into the studio to record his first album since 2015. Watch the full trailer now, which features a sneak peek of his new single “Yummy.”

Justin Bieber: Seasons a new documentary series premieres January 27 and you can choose how you want to watch – get early access to new episodes and watch the series ad-free with YouTube Premium or watch two new episodes each week with ads for free on YouTube.

See the Trailer:

JUSTIN BIEBER: SEASONS streams on YouTube Monday, January 27, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: YouTube)