After much acclaim at its debut at SXSW earlier this year, buzz musically-driven heist Film Baby Driver from Writer/Director Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) is shifting into high gear. By no means a stranger to Toronto, Wright‘s affinity for our city is well-documented, having made and premiered his cult hit Scott Pilgrim vs. The World here back in 2009 and 2010, the Film proudly set in the city.

Baby Driver boasts an A-List cast, fronted in the titular role by promising young talent Ansel Elgort (The Fault in our Stars) which sees his character, a runaway driver, coerced into working for a mysterious criminal named Doc (Kevin Spacey) in an ill-fated heist which both could help him start afresh and also destroy everything he has including his burgeoning romance with Debora (Lily James). Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm, Jon Bernthal and Eiza González star also.

Our Siobhán Rich had the pleasure of chatting with Wright about the Film at its recent Premiere here in Toronto. She chats with him about his return to the city, the music that is so integral to the Film and his love for Poutine!

Baby Driver was a massive hit at SXSW where it premiered. Can you tell us about what inspired this Movie?

Wright: “It‘s basically my dream Movie of combining action and music together. I’ve been thinking about it in some form for over 20 years, so it’s exciting having it exist not only in my head but also in cinemas.”.

Music is so important in this Movie and some of the songs are specifically mentioned in the script. Did you already have clearance on all the music before shooting?

Wright: “We didn’t shoot anything without clearing anything first.”.

Were there any songs you couldn’t get?

Wright: “Nothing really famous, some dance songs had samples in them that were not clearable.”.

What is it about Toronto that keeps drawing you back?

Wright: “This is my first time here in four years actually. I wish I came here more often. I did film Scott Pilgrim here eight years ago.”.

Of course, you have the Cornetto trilogy. Do you think we can get you back here for a few more movies? The Poutine Trilogy, perhaps?

Wright: “Sure! I love Poutine!”.

Watch the Chat:

Our Siobhán Rich drawing a chuckle from Director/Writer of #BabyDriver, #EdgarWright, one of this summer’s most buzzed films! He loves Toronto so much he would consider a Poutine Trilogy! Interview coming soon! Photo: @DaveMABaldwin

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 5, 2017 at 10:32pm PDT

In case you haven’t seen it yet, see the new TeKillYah Trailer from Baby Driver:

Sony Pictures Canada release BABY DRIVER Wednesday, June 28, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Siobhán Rich/Mr. Will Wong/David Baldwin)

By Siobhán Rich for Mr. Will Wong

On November 22nd, audiences will be introduced to Miguel, Hector, Danté, and all their friends when Coco opens in theatres across the country. Last week we were fortunate enough to hear Co-Director Adrian Molina and Producer Darla K. Anderson discuss  and share some behind the scenes secrets of Disney-Pixar’s latest original Movie.

When Miguel’s great-great-grandmother was abandoned by her musician husband, she responded by starting a successful business and banning all music from her life – an edict which continues to this day. This rule is tough on 12-year-old Miguel who worships the famous musician Ernesto de la Cruz and has even taught himself how to play guitar by watching old de la Cruz movies in secret. When Miguel tries to borrow his hero’s guitar on Día de los Muertos, he ends up in the Land of the Dead and learns he has only 24 hours to get back to the land of the living or risk becoming a skeleton himself. Joining him on his adventure are his Sholo dog Danté and Hector, a skeleton he meets in the Land of the Dead.

Coco takes place on Día de los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead and explores the universal ideas of “what it means to be part of a family” and “remembering where you come from.” The Pixar team describe on Día de los Muertos as a “celebration of joy and remembrance” and sought to imbue the Film with sense of positivity that children and adults can all connect with.

From local folk art to the beautiful alebrije animals which populate the Land of the Dead, audiences will see evidence of the team’s multiple trips to Mexico and their Pixar believe that “research is incredibly important.” From the varying types of traditional Mexican music heard throughout the movie to the accuracy of the characters’ guitar fingering and playing no detail was too small.

The voice cast, led by newcomer Anthony Gonzalez, is nothing short of stellar. When not searching for traditional Pixar Easter eggs, audiences should keep an ear out for Renee Victor, Gael García Bernal and even a singing Benjamin Bratt.

Molina and Anderson referred to animation as a “collaborative sport” and this extended from the lighting palate to storyboards. During the four-plus years it took for Co-Director Lee Unkrich’s idea of honouring Día de los Muertos to turn into the completed “love letter to Mexico,” an army of people will have contributed to creation of Coco. Based solely on the brief clips Molina and Anderson shared with us, you have the Mr. Will Wong Guarantee™ that you will NOT be disappointed by Pixar’s beautiful new Movie, Coco.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release COCO Wednesday, November 22, 2017.

Real-life couple Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon have turned their love story into the Film known as The Big Sick, which was a huge hit at Sundance earlier this year.  After getting a limited release in the U.S. this past weekend where it is getting huge raves including endorsements from the likes of Amy Schumer, the Film soon is set to open here in Canada.

The Film centers around Nanjiani, a Comedian, known best for his work on HBO‘s Silicon Valley, who meets Emily V. Gordon (played by Zoe Kazan) one night at one of his gigs. With a looming romance and his parents set on an arranged marriage for him, things change when a medical emergency forces Kumail to spend time with Emily‘s parents.  It also explores the comedy in the couple’s cultural differences. The semi-autobiographical Film is directed by Michael Showalter and co-written by the couple, while Judd Apatow produces.

In addition to press today, Nanjiani and Gordon present the Film at a special advanced screening in Toronto followed by a Q&A. We spotted them earlier upon a visit to KISS 92.5 and they were amazing to stop for a quick photo – Billy included – and they were excited that I’ll be at the screening!

With #KumailNanjiani + #EmilyVGordon, in Toronto today for their acclaimed new Film, #TheBigSick! They will present it tonight in Toronto at Scotiabank Theatre!

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 26, 2017 at 8:23am PDT

Our David Baldwin chats with the couple today, so stay tuned for that! Can’t wait to see it.

Elevation Pictures release THE BIG SICK in select cities Friday, June 30, 2017 and across Canada on Friday, July 14, 2017.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Hot off the news that she’ll be filming in Toronto this August the new Paul Feig Thriller A SIMPLY FAVOR alongside Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick returns once again in this awesome action-packed new Trailer for PITCH PERFECT 3! It hits theatres this holiday!

Synopsis:
Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson headline the returning cast of Pitch Perfect 3, the follow-up to 2015’s blockbuster hit that took the honor of highest-grossing live-action movie-musical opening of all time. The eagerly awaited next chapter is led by series producers Paul Brooks of Gold Circle Entertainment and Max Handelman & Elizabeth Banks of Brownstone Productions. The film will be directed by Trish Sie (Step Up All In).

See the Trailer:

Universal Pictures Canada release PITCH PERFECT 3 this Christmas!

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures)

Taking the top of the Box Office is TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT with a $40.1 million opening from 4,069 theatres across North America for Paramount Pictures. Best opening for the Franchise goes to 2009’s TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN with $108 million.  This latest installment gets 16% on the Tomatometer and a B+ CinemaScore.

In second is WONDER WOMAN with $26 million in its fourth week out in 3,933 theatres, a total $319 million thus far.

In third is last week’s champ, CARS 3 with $25 million, a tally of $100 million in its run domestically over two weeks.

47 METERS DOWN is in fourth with $6.9 million for Entertainment Studios/VVS Films, a total of $23.7 million.

ALL EYEZ ON ME is fifth this weekend for Lionsgate Films/VVS Films with $5.8 million, a two week total of $38.7 million over two weeks.

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, VOL. 2 rounds-out the Top Ten for Marvel/Disney with $3 million, a total $380 million over eight weeks.

It’s our favourite event of the summer! The Queen’s Plate is back and bigger than ever, expanded now to a two-day festival taking place Saturday, July 1–Sunday, June 2, 2017 at Woodbine Racetrack!

Tickets for the festival Sunday grant you access to concerts by this year’s headliners, Our Lady Peace (Saturday) and Goo Goo Dolls (Sunday).

In addition to being North America’s most historic horse race, now in its 158th edition, featuring the finest three-year-old horses in Canada, the Queen’s Plate Festival features plenty of fun, fashion, food and drink. You must experience its signature cocktail, the Blue Diamond!

Courtesy of Vaughan Mills, the best-dressed will have a chance to win a $1,000 gift card at the Fashion at the Races contest.

There also will be lots of fun giveaways  throughout the weekend… but only if you are there!

Attendees also will get their first bet free! Don’t forget to download Woodbine‘s official app to qualify! More here.

You must not forget to walk the Red Carpet for a photo op.

Stay connected with the hashtag #QP17!

How about some fashion inspiration?

We want to give our Toronto readers a special opportunity to win special VIP Paddock Party passes, which include access to a private trackside viewing area, light snacks, drinks and access to a premium viewing area of the concerts! You must be 19 years of age to enter.

To enter to win, we need you to do the following.

1. Click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK.

2. Click “like” this Post on our Instagram account too and tell us which #QP17 Contender you think will win at: @mrwillwong

3. Tag as many friends as you wish on this Instagram Post in the comments section whom you wish you could bring to the Queen’s Plate Festival!

To qualify, you must be following Woodbine on
Instagram.

View this year’s Queen’s Plate Contenders, including race favourite and Woodbine Oaks presented by Budweiser winner HOLY HELENA, a filly facing the boys! Hover cursor over left and right to navigate the slideshow:

We’ve got a pair of tickets to the #QueensPlate VIP Paddock Party at @WoodbineRacing Saturday, July 1-Sunday, July 2, 2017! Could they be yours? Tickets include an exclusive race-viewing area, premium spots to see festival headliners #OurLadyPeace and #GooGooDolls, light snacks and drinks! This is the party of the summer, filled with fashion, history and fun! 🔥 To qualify for the #win, “like” this Post and tell us in the comments who your pick is to win the big race. Swipe left to see the #QP17 Contenders. Tag as many friends you wish you could bring under the comments! You will be responsible for your own transportation and must be 19 years of age or older. We’ll see you there, queens and kings! 👑 #BETWOODBINE #CONTEST #TORONTO #PARTY #GIVEAWAY #QP #HORSERACING #WOODBINE #THE6ix

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 24, 2017 at 8:31am PDT

Who’s your Queen’s Plate pick?

We hear another special filly will be racing Queen’s Plate weekend. We wonder who…. 😉

Learn more about the Queen’s Plate Festival here.

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

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to take Readers in Toronto + Vancouver to see GIRLS TRIP! Screenings take place Wednesday, July 19, 2017.

Synopsis:
When four lifelong friends—Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith and Tiffany Haddish—travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival, sisterhoods are rekindled, wild sides are rediscovered, and there’s enough dancing, drinking, brawling and romancing to make the Big Easy blush. James Lopez, head of motion pictures for Will Packer Productions, and Preston Holmes, executive produce.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City. Under the comments there, let us know if you could go on a wild weekend with your friends, where it would be!

Universal Pictures Canada release GIRLS TRIP Friday, July 21, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to take Readers to see ATOMIC BLONDE! Screenings take place Wednesday, July 26, 2017 as follows:

TORONTO CINEPLEX YONGE & EGLINTON 7:00 PM
MONTREAL CINEPLEX FORUM 7:30 PM
VANCOUVER CINEPLEX INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE 7:00 PM
EDMONTON CINEPLEX NORTH COMMONS 7:00 PM
CALGARY LANDMARK SHAWNESSY 7:00 PM
WINNIPEG CINEPLEX MCGILLIVRAY 7:00 PM
OTTAWA CINEPLEX SOUTH KEYES 7:00 PM

Synopsis:
Oscar® winner Charlize Theron explodes into summer in Atomic Blonde, a breakneck action-thriller that follows MI6’s most lethal assassin through a ticking time bomb of a city simmering with revolution and double-crossing hives of traitors.

The crown jewel of Her Majesty’s Secret Intelligence Service, Agent Lorraine Broughton (Theron) is equal parts spycraft, sensuality and savagery, willing to deploy any of her skills to stay alive on her impossible mission. Sent alone into Berlin to deliver a priceless dossier out of the destabilized city, she partners with embedded station chief to navigate her way through the deadliest game of spies.

A blistering blend of sleek action, gritty sexuality and dazzling style, Atomic Blonde is directed by David Leitch (John Wick, upcoming Deadpool 2). Also starring John Goodman, Til Schweiger, Eddie Marsan, Sofia Boutella and Toby Jones, the Film is based on the Oni Press graphic novel “The Coldest City,” by Antony Johnston & illustrator Sam Hart. Kurt Johnstad (300) wrote the screenplay.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate there your City.  Tell us in the comments about an impossible mission you were sent on. For an extra chance Re-Tweet this Post at @mrwillw.

G’luck.

Universal Pictures Canada release ATOMIC BLONDE Friday, July 28, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

We love this time of the year as production picks-up in Toronto. Among the great things filming in our City is an intriguing new Thriller called STRANGE BUT TRUE, which recently was pitched at Cannes.  Starring Greg Kinnear and Amy Ryan, the Film centers around a woman who five years after her boyfriend’s death, shows up at his family’s door to tell them she’s pregnant with his child.  Although they try to believe her, they find out the truth is rather terrifying.  Rowan Athale directs and it films through mid-July.  Nick Robinson, Brian Cox, Blythe Danner and Connor Jessup also star.

We spotted the amazing Kinnear, whom while no stranger to Toronto having filmed The Kennedys here, hasn’t been here in a bit. The weather thankfully cooperated today as it filmed on the Lakeshore and while he was headed to lunch, he was so kind to stop for a quick snap!

See our Snap:

With #GregKinnear, in Toronto filming #StrangeButTrue.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 19, 2017 at 11:52am PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Sony Pictures)

From the Director of Academy Award-winning Best Picture The Hurt Locker and nominated Zero Dark Thirty a new final Trailer has just surfaced for Kathryn Bigelow‘s DETROIT.

Synopsis:
This Film depicts actual events that took place surrounding the civil unrest in Detroit during the summer of 1967. The story has been brought to life by Kathryn Bigelow, the Academy Award®-winning Director of The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty. DETROIT exposes shocking real events that took place in the 60s, which are unfortunately ever-present in today’s society.

See the Trailer:

DETROIT stars John Boyega, Will Poulter, Ben O’Toole, Jason Mitchell, Jack Reynor, Anthony Mackie, Jacob Latimore, Algee Smith and John Krasinski.

eOne Films release DETROIT Friday, August 4, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)