Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see CATS. Screenings take place as follows:

Screenings: Wed. Dec 18

TORONTO // Cineplex Yonge and Dundas @ 7:00PM
VANCOUVER // Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver @ 7:00PM
MONTREAL // Cinema Banque Scotia Montreal @ 7:00PM
CALGARY // Cineplex Odeon Eau Claire Market Cinemas @ 7:00PM
EDMONTON // Scotiabank Theatre Edmonton @ 7:00PM

Synopsis:
Oscar®-winning director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech, Les Misérables, The Danish Girl) transforms Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-shattering stage musical into a breakthrough cinematic event.

Cats stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson and introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward in her feature film debut.

Featuring Lloyd Webber’s iconic music and a world-class cast of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, In the Heights), the film reimagines the musical for a new generation with spectacular production design, state-of-the-art technology, and dance styles ranging from classical ballet to contemporary, hip-hop to jazz, street dance to tap.

The film also stars Robbie Fairchild (Broadway’s An American in Paris), Laurie Davidson (TNT’s Will), hip-hop dance sensation Les Twins (Larry and Laurent Bourgeois), acclaimed dancer Mette Towley (featured in videos for Rihanna and Pharrell Williams’ N.E.R.D.), Royal Ballet principal dancer Steven McRae, and rising-star singer Bluey Robinson.

Universal Pictures presents a Working Title Films and Amblin Entertainment production, in association with Monumental Pictures and The Really Useful Group. Cats is produced by Debra Hayward, Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner and Tom Hooper. The screenplay is by Lee Hall (Billy Elliot, Rocketman) and Hooper, based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot and the stage musical by Lloyd Webber. Cats is executive produced by Lloyd Webber, Steven Spielberg, Angela Morrison and Jo Burn.

One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, the stage musical “Cats” received its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981, where it played for 21 years and earned the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical. In 1983, the Broadway production became the recipient of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and ran for an extraordinary 18 years. Since opening in London in 1981, “Cats” has continuously appeared on stage around the globe, to date having played to 81 million people in more than fifty countries and in nineteen languages. It is one of the most successful musicals of all time.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance.

Rules and regulations here.

CATS is in theatres Friday, December 20, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see 1917. Screenings take place as follows:

Screenings: Wed. Dec 18

TORONTO //  Cineplex Cinemas Varsity and VIP @ 7:00PM

Screenings: Wed. Jan 8

VANCOUVER // Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver @ 7:00PM    

MONTREAL // Cinema Banque Scotia Montreal @ 7:00PM

Synopsis:
Sam Mendes, the Oscar®-winning director of Skyfall, Spectre and American Beauty, brings his singular vision to his World War I epic, 1917.

At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield (Captain Fantastic’s George MacKay) and Blake (Game of Thrones’ Dean-Charles Chapman) are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers—Blake’s own brother among them.

1917 is directed by Sam Mendes, who wrote the screenplay with Krysty Wilson-Cairns (Showtime’s Penny Dreadful).

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance.

Rules and regulations here.

1917 is out Christmas Day in Toronto and across Canada Friday, January 10, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

By George Kozera for Mr. Will Wong

Walt Disney Studios Canada sure knows how to throw an event! Invited guests were treated to goodies galore and then asked to take their seats at the Bell TIFF Lightbox Theatre where Disney had a lot to celebrate. Their streaming service, Disney+, had over 10 million sign-ups in its first day. And now, their Film Libraries include movies from Marvel, Fox, Fox Searchlight and much more. Alongside FROZEN 2, their other big end-of-year releases include STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER and what looks to be a quirky animated spy movie, SPIES IN DISGUISE featuring the voices of Will Smith and Tom Holland. But what had me excited was some of their Feature Films to be released in 2020.

THE KING’S MAN: An Action Adventure piece set during World War I and starring Harris Dickinson, Ralph Fiennes, this one has all the makings of a monster hit. The sequences shown were exquisitely filmed with a Cast of characters that tickle the imagination.

BLACK WIDOW: If the rest of this Movie has the same intensity as the fight scene between Scarlett Johannson (reprising her AVENGERS character) and Florence Pugh, it is going to soar! No more spoilers.

SOUL: Pixar definitely has another classic on its hands with this Animated Movie about a musician who has lost his passion for music is transported out of his body and must find his way back with the help of an infant soul learning about herself. The talented voices include Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey and Daveed Diggs and a sultry jazz Soundtrack, I cannot wait to see this.

ONWARDS: Set in a suburban fantasy world, two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, go on a journey to discover if there is still a little magic left out there in order to spend one last day with their father, who died when they were too young to remember him. This Animated Feature, voiced by Tom Holland, Chris Pratt and Julia Louis-Dreyfus should appeal to the young in age and the young at heart.

MULAN: A live-action version of the Disney Animated Classic about a young girl who disguises herself as a male warrior to save her father, just might hit all the right notes. The sequences shown were dazzling and the all-Asian Cast, exuded sheer power.

THE JUNGLE CRUISE: Another movie inspired by a Disney Amusement Park ride and starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, this one looks to be pure entertainment with a story that looks to be inspired by the Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn Classic THE AFRICAN QUEEN. The energy is high, the puns instill giggly groans and everyone on screen looks like they are having the time of their life.

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Canada)

Chinese retailer MINISO in less than a decade, has stamped itself a household name in these parts with their economical, stylish and practical household and consumer goods including cosmetics, stationery, toys, and kitchenware. Tonight at their flagship Queen Street location, they unveiled their MINISO x MARVEL Collection including adorable Miniheroes.  The Collection brings consumers adorable superhero-themed houseware and lifestyle products right in time for the Holidays. Prior, the products were available exclusively at their Vaughan Mills location and over the next weeks, select locations also will be launching the Collection.

Check-out some of their offerings:

Marvel Plushies (large, smaller options also available)

Water Bottles

Mugs

Neck Pillows

Fragrances

Wireless Mouse

Baseball Caps

Wireless Speakers

Umbrellas

Pouches

We’ve waited a while for this, so be sure to *grab* your MINISO x MARVEL Collection items before they’re gone!

  #BEYOUROWNHERO

It is expected that MINISO will expand to 6,000 locations around the world by 2020. Check here to see if the MINISO x MARVEL Collection is coming to a Miniso near you!

We don’t believe in leaving you guys out, so courtesy of us, here’s a chance to win a MINISO x MARVEL Tote Bag!

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook on Mr. Will on Twitter!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

He’s back with a splash! Check-out the new Trailer for THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN!

SYNOPSIS:
This Memorial Day weekend, SpongeBob SquarePants, his best friend Patrick Star and the rest of the gang from Bikini Bottom hit the big screen in the first-ever all CGI SpongeBob motion picture event. After SpongeBob’s beloved pet snail Gary is snail-napped, he and Patrick embark on an epic adventure to The Lost City of Atlantic City to bring Gary home. As they navigate the delights and dangers on this perilous and hilarious rescue mission, SpongeBob and his pals prove there’s nothing stronger than the power of friendship.

See the Trailer:

Paramount Pictures Canada release THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN May 22, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

She’s a Pop Icon and we’re thrilled to get the opportunity not only to see her in concert tonight at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts, but we got to introduce her and meet her again!  TIFFANY rocked our worlds as kids of the late ’80s with smash hits like I Think We’re Alone Now, I Saw Him Standing There, All This Time and of course, Could’ve Been.  Her coming our way has long been awaited after a stint on New Kids on the Block‘s Mixtape Tour earlier this year.

While she’s been out of the public eye for a bit, Tiffany has been hard at work making great music and her 2010 Disc The Color of Silence garnered several raves breaking her out of her Pop Star labeling into a Singer-Songwriter.

Her current single Waste of Time is available to stream and download now!

Our friends were awesome enough to tape our intro. We will NEVER forget this!

See an Album from tonight. Hover cursor right to navigate!

The Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts has a great programming lineup year-round. Check it out here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Opening its 40th location, EATALY officially opens in Toronto. The Italian Food Hall/Marketplace with locations allover the world including America, Japan, South Korea, UAE and more calls Manulife Centre its home, spanning over 50,000 sq. ft.  Eataly Toronto will feature pizza, pasta, gelato, seafood, cheese, chocolate, a brewery, a cafe, a bakery and several more options to thrill the City’s discerning tastebuds. This has created over 400 jobs in the City, plus also given top local sourcers a chance to showcase their products on a world-class platform.

In attendance to ring in the occasion at today’s official pasta ribbon cutting ceremony, were the likes of Toronto Mayor John Tory, Italy’s Ambassador to Canada H.E. Claudio Taffuri and Executives from Eataly including Nicola Farinetti (below on the left) and The Wittington Group of Companies.

Tory took to the stage to thank the Italian community for their contributions to Toronto. “I’ve said this before, but back when I was much younger, Toronto was boring and it was boring in a nice way, but it really started to change when we had our first wave of immigrants from Italy, Peru and Portugal”. “The Italian community grew so big and so fast here that all the sudden there was a food culture here. Before, you could go downtown to a place and the idea of a night out was to get a piece of roast beef, mashed potatoes and peas. And that was fine, it filled your stomach but it wasn’t exactly great cuisine. But it started to change culturally and food wise when we began to have a big wave and it was the beginning of our great embrace of diversity. The Italian community here has made a massive contribution to the well-being of the City.”.

It was an exciting day, with Eataly Toronto opening officially to the public, with the first 100 guests getting a special gift! People were wrapped around Manulife Centre for a chance to be first to shop and dine!

Before shopping, it is an Italian tradition to gather at the Piazza, a common area where shoppers and diners can convene for a drink or snack before heading to the market. You will be dazzled by the sensory delights to be taken-in.

May we recommend some our favourites and must-sees of Eataly Toronto?

House-made Pasta by Pastaio Luca Donofrio with 400+ (!) pasta shapes to be found.

The Macelleria, or Butcher, where meats are dry-aged on-site.

Here you can try their outstanding tartare, Carne Cruda Con Tartufo Bianco D’Alba, Piedemonte – untampered, sensational.

Arrosto Di Manzo – Roasted Porcini-rubbed Top Sirloin from PEI with ROI Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Sea Salt on Homemade Bread. Simple, clean and delightful!

Pizza!  While there are a variety of Pizza options to be found at Eataly Toronto, our favourite was that of Rossopomodoro! We tried both their Prosciutto and Margherita Pizzas, both great on an exquisite thin crust, the latter getting the edge. No, unfortunately the gorgeous man doesn’t come with the order!

The Pescheria by local favourite, Diana’s Seafood. Oysters, fresh fish and seafood of several varieties.

The Gelato Lab, which features gelato made fresh every day with milk from Sheldon Creek Dairy.

Fresh handmade Mozzarella Cheese by Quality Cheese. We’re in love. The Cheese section contains some rounds valued at thousands of dollars!

The Bakery – over 1,000 loaves are baked a day here!

You also can take home some Eataly-branded merchandise, which are perfect for any Foodie in your circle of friends and family. See below for a chance to win a tote!

Cooking classes also are available at Eataly Toronto. Today they made a Parmigiano Risotto. Superb.

There also is a Mercatto (market) for you to buy products to go and try your hand at making some Eataly favourites at home! You won’t believe the produce! I’ve never seen anything more vibrant!

Enoteca (wine and cocktail bar) – if you look carefully you see each glass is branded. Details.

Birroteca Brewery (located in basement)

Cannoli – piped fresh on-demand.

Chocolates by Venchi

La Pasticceria – while there were several sweet treats to beheld, the Tiramisu reigns. The best we’ve had. EVER.

Follow Eataly Toronto on Instagram and on Facebook for more inspired eating.

Enter to win an Eataly Toronto Tote Bag, courtesy of us. “Like” this Post on Mr. Will on Facebook or Twitter for a chance!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Check it out! The new and improved Sonic the Hedgehog gets unveiled in this brand-new Trailer for the Valentine’s Day release!

Synopsis:
Based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from Sega, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG tells the story of the world’s speediest hedgehog as he embraces his new home on Earth. In this live-action adventure comedy, Sonic and his new best friend Tom (James Marsden) team up to defend the planet from the evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and his plans for world domination. The family-friendly film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.

See the Trailer:

New Poster:

Paramount Pictures Canada release SONIC THE HEDGEHOG Friday, February 14, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Mongrel Media x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see KNIVES OUT on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 in the following cities:

TORONTO // Cineplex Yonge & Dundas
VANCOUVER // Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver
MONTREAL (ENGLISH) // Scotiabank Theatre Montreal
MONTREAL (FRENCH) // Starcite Montreal
CALGARY // Scotiabank Chinook
EDMONTON // Scotiabank Edmonton
WINNIPEG // Scotiabank Theatre Winnipeg
HALIFAX // Scotiabank Halifax

SYNOPSIS:
Acclaimed writer and director Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper, Star Wars: The Last Jedi) pays tribute to mystery mastermind Agatha Christie in KNIVES OUT, a fresh, modern-day murder mystery where everyone is a suspect. When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan’s dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan’s untimely death. With an all-star ensemble cast including Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford and Jaeden Martell, KNIVES OUT is a fun, witty and stylish whodunit guaranteed to keep audiences guessing until the very end.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance.

Rules and regulations here.

Mongrel Media release KNIVES OUT Wednesday, November 27, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

MIDWAY takes the top of the Box Office this weekend in a shocker with $19.2 million from 3,242 theatres for Elevation Pictures/Lionsgate Films. The Roland Emmerich film centering around its namesake battle, gets 40% on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore.

In second is Stephen King’s DOCTOR SLEEP with $17.2 million from 3,855 theatres for Warner Bros. The Shining‘s Sequel gets 75% on the Tomatometer and a B+ CinemaScore.

LAST CHRISTMAS starring Emilia Clarke, debuts in third with $14.5 million for Universal Pictures. The Holiday Rom-Com gets 49% on the Tomatometer and a B- CinemaScore.

TERMINATOR: DARK FATE lands in third this weekend with $13.4 million for Paramount Pictures, bringing its two week run to $37.6 million domestically.

In fifth is JOKER with $8.5 million, taking its run to $304 million for Warner Bros.

PLAYING WITH FIRE opens in sixth with $8 million for Paramount Pictures from 3,125 theatres. It gets 25% on the Tomatometer and B+ CinemaScore.

Rounding things out is ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP with $4.5 million for Sony Pictures.