Luke Evans, Mandy Moore, Nick Jonas, Darren Criss, Aaron Eckhart, Woody Harrelson and Patrick Wilson star in MIDWAY! Check-out this brand new Trailer!

Synopsis:
MIDWAY centers on the Battle of Midway, a clash between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy which marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific Theater during WWII. The film, based on the real-life events of this heroic feat, tells the story of the leaders and soldiers who used their instincts, fortitude and bravery to overcome the odds.

See the Trailer:

Elevation Pictures release MIDWAY Friday, November 8, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

It was a special night in Toronto last night as Ariana Grande not only brought her Sweetener Tour to Toronto’s Scotiabank Theatre, the second of two shows but she also celebrated her 26th Birthday in our City! While her parents Edward Butera and Joan Grande might not be together anymore, they joined together surprising Ariana on-stage to wish her a Happy Birthday! That was so sweet!

We are a huge fan of Grande‘s and her catalog of smash hits which she zipped right through with razor precision. We’re thoroughly impressed how effortless it was for her and how strong her voice was still by the end of the show, she’s definitely a star and we got exactly that.

See the Highlights:

As Security has been upped for Grande since her Manchester incident, fans experienced some delays getting their bags checked with her clear bag policy which saw several guests having the check-in their baggage. Queues also were large to buy Tour merchandise with a variety of sweatshirts and t-shirts available and in high-demand.

Normani, formerly of Fifth Harmony, opened the Show and put on a dazzling display despite having some audio issues.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Photo credit: Money Cortex

The vast majority of us are not and will never be a billionaire. We may be comfortable or even a bit more than comfortable, but we will never have an amount of money that makes us have to consider it a civic responsibility or a threat to our safety if the wrong person were to hear of it. But, we still dream about our ship coming in and winning the lottery. This inevitably brings up the question, if I won a billion dollars, what would I do with it?

Is it possible?

Even dreamers wonder if it is possible to win a billion dollars. While it is rare, it is possible. In the lottery, and other games of chance you are more likely to become a millionaire. The most recent high-winners have won:

• $590.5 Million
• $648 Million
• $656 Million
• $758.7 Million

However, there is also a recent record of a winning of $1,537 Billion in South Carolina, USA.

This is just a small example of many winnings that happen every day.

Photo credit: Rawpixels

Common answers

When you ask people what they would do with a large cash winning and you can expect a few “standard” answers. Here they are:

• Quit my job!
• I would travel around the world.
• Buy a new house and a new car.
• I would give some to charity and save the rest.
• I would retire and invest in the stock market.

The fact is, if you have never had a large amount of money, it is hard to know what you would do. The rules seem to change at that level. The first thing you will face is a winnings tax from the government. That is a substantial amount of money. You will still have a lot of money but not nearly as much as you had.

The next thing you can expect is most of your family and everybody who ever called you friend is suddenly calling you. They all have a need or a cause that they want you to pay for. If you start handing out money it will be hard to stop. It is hard to believe but many millionaires have gone through all of their money in a year or less.

Chase a fantasy

Do you love the glitz and glamour of Hollywood? Are you first in line to see the latest and greatest movie to hit the silver screen? Your fantasy may be to follow the stars through Hollywood. You may see people handing out tickets to anyone who wants to be in a studio audience. Get maps of where television shows and movies are being filmed. Go on tours and see where the stars live. There are many famous sets, restaurants, and shops to visit and who knows who you will meet there. So take a long vacation and take a trip that you will never forget. Who knows? You might get discovered and be the next big star!

Taking a chance on a life-long dream

Maybe you have always wanted to open a bakery or a coffee shop. There is no harm in researching what is needed to make it happen. But you have to face facts. You are not an expert in real estate, employees, labor laws, inventory control, or payroll. You will need to hire someone who is an expert to scout out the property and research the zoning as it applies to that location. He would need to be able to tell you who the competition is and what they sell. You would have to decide what you would sell and if it has enough draw to bring in business. A dream without this information should remain a dream. If you are serious in going for the shop, contact an expert. If not, you will have to decide if your dream is worth all of your winnings.

What the experts tell you not to do with your Billion dollars!

There are some tips that experts tell you not to do. These tips can apply to many things in life, so let’s take a look.

• Do not take the reduced amount in one lump sum payment.

The organization will offer you a lump sum payment that is less than what you won. Not only have you just given away your own money, you now have all the money you are going to get. After taxes, you will be tempted to blow money (like most winners) and your money will not go as far as you expect. You may actually blow all your winnings at one time. Instead, accept your winnings on an annuity plan.

• Hire an accountant and a financial adviser

Hire an accountant and a financial adviser to manage your account. However, make it clear that neither of them can touch your money. Any money that is spent must be paid by you.

• Wait for 1-year before buying anything.
  • Unless something is beyond repairs, wait one year before making a large purchase. If it is something like a house, car, vacation property or a business, think about it and think some more. Wait a year then revisit the topic and see if you still feel the same way.
• Do not invest your money
  • Experts suggest that you put your money in the bank and live comfortably off of the interest. It is a no-risk venture. This is not the time to begin playing with investing.

Following the smash success of last year’s Herditary, Writer-Director Ari Aster is in Toronto to present his latest, Psychological Thriller-Horror MIDSOMMAR. The Film follows a young couple, Dani (Florence Pugh) and Christian (Jack Reynor) on the down and out, this as Dani is coping with a devastating loss. They venture to Sweden with his friends to a Pagan Festival which takes place only once every 90 years. Much to their horror, they witness some gruesome rituals and soon find themselves deeper involved than imagined.

Aster and Reynor spoke at the Q&A presented by Rue Morgue. Contrary to rumour, this isn’t Aster’s last Horror Film, he tells the audience We ask Aster about the gorgeous locations and what went into filming there. He explains the Film, which he’s described jokingly as “The Wizard of Oz for perverts”, despite being set in Sweden, was filmed in Hungary. His challenge was finding the perfect field on which the set, comprised of about ten houses, was built from scratch and on a tight budget.

Reynor tells us about his amazing Co-Star Pugh, who continues to see her star rise.  “I feel as an Actress, there’s nothing that she can’t do. I’ve never had experience of doing a scene with someone like where in that scene where she’s discovered what ‘s happened to her family. She’s screaming. This guttural, animalistic response to this horrific trauma.”. He adds, “I’ve never had another Actor just give me my performance. I didn’t have to think. I just started crying instantly because of the way she’s playing her.”.

See some Clips from the Q&A:

Elevation Pictures release MIDSOMMAR Tuesday, July 2, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Easily one of 2019’s most anticipated Films, we get a sneak peek at the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack for THE LION KING!

Synopsis:
Disney’s “The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s “The Lion King” roars into theatres on July 18, 2019.

Track list as follows:

1. “Circle of Life”/“Nants’ Ingonyama” – Performed by Lindiwe Mkhize; African vocals performed by Lebo M; written and composed by Elton John and Tim Rice; “Nants’ Ingonyama” written by Lebohang Morake and Hans Zimmer; produced by Hans Zimmer; vocals produced by Stephen Lipson
2. “Life’s Not Fair” – Hans Zimmer
3. “Rafiki’s Fireflies” – Hans Zimmer
4. “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” – Performed by JD McCrary, Shahadi Wright Joseph and John Oliver; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Pharrell Williams; co-produced by Stephen Lipson
5. “Elephant Graveyard” – Hans Zimmer
6. “Be Prepared” (2019 Version) – Performed by Chiwetel Ejiofor; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Hans Zimmer and David Fleming
7. “Stampede” – Hans Zimmer
8. “Scar Takes the Throne” – Hans Zimmer
9. “Hakuna Matata” – Performed by Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, JD McCrary and Donald Glover; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Pharrell Williams; co-produced by Stephen Lipson
10. “Simba is Alive!” – Hans Zimmer
11. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” – Performed by Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen; written by Luigi Creatore, Hugo Peretti, George David Weiss and Solomon Linda; produced by Pharrell Williams
12. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” – Performed by Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Pharrell Williams; co-produced by Stephen Lipson
13. “Reflections of Mufasa” – Hans Zimmer
14. TBA
15. “Battle for Pride Rock” – Hans Zimmer
16. “Remember” – Hans Zimmer
17. “Never Too Late” – Performed by Elton John; African vocal and choir arrangements created and produced by Lebo M; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Greg Kurstin; additional production by Elton John and Matt Still
18. “He Lives in You” – Performed by Lebo M; written by Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin and Lebohang Morake; produced by Lebo M and Mark Mancina
19. “Mbube” – Performed by Lebo M; African vocal and choir arrangements created and produced by Lebo M; written by Solomon Linda; produced by Pharrell Williams

Walt Disney Records release THE LION KING Original Motion Picture Soundtrack digitally July 11th and physically on Friday, July 19, 2019. Available for pre-order now wherever music is sold.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Records)

The 90’s Nostalgia Tour took over Vaughan this weekend, just north of the City. The Festival at Interchange Park, brought out fan favourites Right Said Fred, Vengaboys, Prozzak, Aqua and S Club for a one night only dance affair.

Simon Fuller, the same man behind American Idol and Spice Girls, formed S Club 7 back in the late ’90s and they became a household name with hit Television Shows Miami 7 and L.A. 7. They also saw international success with 10 million albums sold, a U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten hit, four UK number one hits and a number one album in the UK as well, plus winning two prestigious BRIT Awards. Two in a Million, S Club Party and Never Had a Dream Come True garnered them chart success internationally. Although some of the members have moved on, members Tina Barrett, Bradley McIntosh and Jo O’Meara still are keeping the legacy alive touring as a Trio and fans at the ‘90s Nostalgia Tour were lucky enough to catch them in a rare appearance in these parts!

We were lucky enough to meet S Club and there were amazingly-nice, offering handshakes and hugs despite being on a bit of a time crunch having just done an appearance last night in the UK and operating on a few hours of sleep.

See our Snap:

Aqua was given the headlining spot, capping off the night of nostalgia best-selling Danish Pop Band of all time with 33 million albums sold, now is a Trio consisting of René Dif, Søren Rasted and lead Vocalist, Lene Nystrøm.  Around the World, Doctor Jones and of course Barbie Girl were impossible to avoid in the late ’90s and we’ve missed them! Travelling as a sizable entourage, Nystrøm tells us she was a bit down about some obstacles with her performance which saw her donning a green wig. She says, “Some are good and some are bad” and she was happy as long as the fans enjoyed it. Completely gracious and lovely.

In case you missed the Show, here’s more on it!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

TOY STORY 4 plays with the competition in its opening, earning $118 million from 4,575 theatres across North American for Disney. Reviews are outstanding for this latest installment in the Franchise, pulling-in 98% on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore from Audiences. This records a best for the Series, topping 2019’s TOY STORY 3 which opened with $110 million. This positions the Animated Feature for the third-best opening of all time for an Animated Film, behind last year’s INCREDIBLES 2 and its $182 million opening.

Opening in second is CHILD’S PLAY with $14 million for United Artists Releasing/Elevation Pictures from 3,007 theatres. It gets a passing 60% on the Tomatometer and a C+ CinemaScore from Audiences.

In third is last week’s champ MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL, landing with $12 million, a total $54 million over two weeks for Sony Pictures.

In fourth is THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 with $11.8 million, a three week total of $119 million domestically for Universal Pictures.

SHAFT rounds things out in its debut for Warner Bros. with $3.4 million, a two-week total of $14 million.

Based on Daniel O’Malley‘s Novel of the same name, a new Starz Mini-Series is soon to surface. THE ROOK centers on a woman who wakes up to find out she is an agent with supernatural abilities. Starring Emma Greenwell (Shameless), Paula Patton (Precious) Joely Richardson (Red Sparrow), Olivia Munn (Predator) and more, it is directed by Kari Skogland.

Greenwell and Richardson were in Toronto recently to promote the Series, with Stopoffs at Global‘s The Morning Show and CTV‘s The Marilyn Denis Show. Both who were just in Denver for Seriesfest, were so lovely to stop for a Snap.

Emma Greenwell

Joely Richardson

THE ROOK premieres Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 8 p.m. ET on STARZ, available through Crave in Canada.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

We’re a week away from the party of the Summer, the Queen’s Plate Festival! North America’s most historic horse race, the 160th edition of the $1-million Queen’s Plate, caps-off a two-day Festival of Horse Racing, Fashion, Music, Drink and Food at gorgeous Woodbine Racetrack.

Canadian Country sensations THE WASHBOARD UNION headline the Festival’s Friday night, followed by HIGH VALLEY on the Saturday night, among other musical acts.

An awesome card of races is slated for the Festival including some world-class talent arriving for the Dance Smartly Stakes, the Highlander Stakes and King Edward Stakes.

Let’s meet some of the top Queen’s Plate contenders (Horse Name/Trainer/Owner/Jockey) in the big race, shall we?

Avie’s Flatter / Josie Carroll / Ivan Dalos / Javier Castellano

Desert Ride (filly) / Neil Howard / Sam-Son Farm / Steven Bahen

Federal Law / Mark Casse / Qatar Racing Limited / Jamie Spencer

He’s a Macho Man / Josie Carroll / Di Scola Boys Stable / Patrick Husbands

Krachenwagen / Angus Buntain / Greenoaks Farm / Jeffrey Alderson

Lucas n’ Lori / Kevin Attard / Frank Cirillo / Kazushi Kimura

Moon Swings / Michael De Paulo / Zilli Racing Stables / Jesse Campbell

One Bad Boy / Richard Baltas / Sayjay Racing LLC / Flavien Prat

Pay for Peace / Rachel Halden / Team Penney Racing and Lisa Moser / Rafael Hernandez

Rising Star / Michael De Paulo / Zilli Racing Stables / Justin Stein

Skywire / Mark Casse / Gary Barber and Lou Tucci / Eurico Rosa Da Silva

Don’t forget to support the Queen’s Plate 50/50 Raffle to support Rethink Breast Cancer, where there’s a guaranteed prize of $2,500 CAN. Details at http://qp5050.ca.

Need inspiration for your perfect Queen’s Plate look? Check-out this awesome 2019 Queen’s Plate Style Guide by Zach Ramelan, featuring some of Canadian Racing’s most familiar personalities and Toronto influencers!

We’re thrilled to share one of our favourite joys with you and give Toronto Readers a chance to win a pair of passes to this amazing experience! These passes are good for both days of the Queens Plate Festival.

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK! Tell us in the comments who your pick is to win the 2019 Queen’s Plate, the first leg of Canada’s Triple Crown. You also may enter on Twitter by Re-Tweeting this Tweet from @mrwillw or “liking” this Instagram Post from @mrwillwong and leaving a comment with your pick there also!  Increase your chances and enter on all three platforms!!!

You are responsible for your own transportation.

The Queen’s Plate Festival takes place Friday, June 27 through Saturday, June 28, 2019 at Woodbine Racetrack. More on how to get tickets here.

Follow Woodbine Racetrack on Instagram here and Twitter here.

You’ll see me there, trust me!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Woodbine Entertainment/Zach Ramelan)

You might remember Dacre Montgomery from Blockbuster hit POWER RANGERS, but since then he’s gained a lot of popularity also on Netflix‘s Stranger Things in a recurring role as lifeguard Billy Hargrove.  The Australian star is in Toronto today promoting Season Three of the hit Series along with The Princess Bride star Cary Elwes and together they are doing the rounds on Television in the City.

We snapped the star arriving at Breakfast Television for a taping and he was amazing to Fans, stopping for everyone.  We chat with his Co-Star David Harbour earlier this year and he told us that this Season of Stranger Things is about the “summer of love”.  Can’t wait!  It streams July 4th!

See our Snaps: