BEAUTY AND THE BEAST lives up to expectations, debuting at the Box Office this weekend for Disney with a stellar $173.5 million from 4,210 theatres, toppling previous March record-holder BATMAN V. SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE’s opening last year of $166 million. Simultaneously it becomes the highest-opening for a Film ever pre-summer. While Critics were lukewarm about the live action adaptation starring Emma Watson and Dan Stevens with a 71% on the Tomatometer, audiences resoundingly were positive in their feedback giving it an A CinemaScore. If there were ever any doubt about Watson‘s bankability as a star, this is her highest opening ever, just ahead of 2011’s Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and its $169.1 million opening.

KONG: SKULL ISLAND slips to second with $25.7 million from 3,846 theatres in its second week out for Warner Bros., earning a total $107 million already domestically.

LOGAN in its third weekend out for 20th Century Fox still is going strong with $17 million, tallying-in a total $184 million already in North America.

GET OUT continues to be the little engine that could, motoring home with a solid $12.8 million now in its third week out for Universal Pictures. It has made $132 million thus far.

THE BELKO EXPERIMENT debuts in seventh with $3.4 million from 1,336 theatres for High Top Releasing. It has not yet been released in Canada. The office-Horror starring Tony Goldwyn gets a 49% on the Tomatometer from Critics

BEFORE I FALL rounds-out the Top Ten with $958k in its third week out, totaling $11.2 million thus far.

This song is everything.  British trio Clean Bandit since their Grammy winning success with Rather Be (ft. Jess Glynne) are back and already are dominating our airwaves with the smash hit Rockabye (ft. Anne-Marie and Sean Paul).  They are back again with another banger, Symphony (ft. Zara Larsson) which the two pop forces almost certainly will perform at their upcoming Toronto show at The Phoenix in April.

Check out the visceral Video for this masterpiece below directed by members Grace Chatto and Jack Patterson:

Download or stream the Track here.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music)

The legacy of Anne of Green Gables is unparalleled. With over 50 million copies of Lucy Montgomery‘s novel being sold and fans spanning the globe, CBC is ready to unveil a new seven-episode television adaptation of the beloved story, known simply as ANNE. Its sights are set high working with a substantial budget, comparable to that of a U.S. cable television series (and it certainly looks it), and it already has secured global distribution via leading internet television service Netflix. Acclaimed Filmmaker Niki Caro (Whale Rider, McFarland, USA) signed-on to direct the two-hour premiere. Fans old and new can expect this to be a darker take, exploring deeper some of the aspects of the story previous Films and Mini-Series had not, speaking to an audience of now.

At the center of it all is fresh-faced and well-spoken 15-year-old actress Amybeth McNulty whom while being part-Canadian (her mother is from Calgary), resides in and is home-schooled in Ireland. McNulty, whose background primarily has been in theatre, starred in 2016 Thriller Morgan as the ten-year-old version of the titular character. She takes on the ambitious task in Anne of portraying the iconic talkative red-haired orphan and does so more than ably.

We sit down and chat with McNulty at the CBC Headquarters coincidentally on St. Patrick’s Day, about becoming Anne and winning the coveted role over 1,800 young actresses in an international search just last year. On what we can expect from the Series, she tells us “It really shows a lot more of her abuse and the trauma. It shows with full brutal honesty what she and a lot of orphans went through back then.”.

McNulty, who actually is a natural blonde, tells us about filming in P.E.I. where the story is set in the late 1800s. “I live in Ireland myself, so it reminds me a lot of Ireland with its rolling hills and those beautiful cliffsides.”. She even went to the actual Anne of Green Gables Store (it actually exists!) and shares an awkward but humorous anecdote. “I went down to the Anne shop when I had just got my red hair done and the people there were like, ‘Oh, you’d make a great Anne!’ she laughs. “And I was like ‘thank you’ and then I just quickly left!”.

While being a huge fan of Lucy Maud Montgomery‘s books, the Series’ source material, she admits never to having watched the previous Mini-Series and Films which followed. “It wasn’t really a conscious decision”, she says. “I didn’t really want to be affected. I wanted my portrayal really to come from me and Moira (Walley-Beckett, Series Writer) and the rest of the team.”.

Spending much of her spare time dancing and singing, working on Anne also has taught McNulty a thing or two about filmmaking, developing her own YouTube channel, chronicling her life and travels.  “I learned a lot about filming and editing through the crew and I use it in filming vlogs.”. Check it out here.

“I think anyone living in P.E.I. is going to be very proud of their hometown and how beautiful it looks”, McNulty leaves us on a parting note as she gets ready to head out to do a live hit on TV downstairs – a face that soon will be familiar around the world.

Our Chat:

Some Snaps:

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Loved chatting with #AmybethMcNulty, star of new series #ANNE, premiering Sunday on CBC and coming soon to Netflix! 🍀 #AnneofGreenGables #AnneTheSeries.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Mar 17, 2017 at 7:31am PDT

CBC premieres ANNE Sunday, March 19, 2017 at 8 PM. It streams globally on Netflix this May.

Photos taken on the NIKON D3300, Selfie taken on the Samsung S7.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Mongrel Media x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Run-of-Engagement Passes in Canada to see PERSONAL SHOPPER starring Kristen Stewart.  The TIFF ’16 selection was one of our favourites of the Festival.

Synopsis:
Kristen Stewart reunites with director Olivier Assayas (Clouds of Sils Maria) for this artful ghost story about a young woman trying to reconnect with the spirit of her departed brother.

Trailer:

Artwork:

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

Mongrel Media release PERSONAL SHOPPER in select cities Friday, March 24, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

An intimate audience at TIFF Bell Lightbox tonight at a special advance screening of AMC‘s new 10-episode saga THE SON, were in for a huge surprise tonight. The series’ star, legendary Irish-born, London-trained actor Pierce Brosnan appeared post-screening for a Q&A after a busy day of press in the city. Brosnan last visited Toronto TIFF 2014 for comedy The Love Punch. Since gracing the big screen in memorable roles in blockbusters like Mamma Mia!, The Thomas Crown Affair and his time as iconic James Bond, The Son marks his formal return to television after some  30 years away.

Also appearing at the Q&A were series producer Kevin Murphy and author/producer Philipp Meyer, whose best-selling novel provides the source material for the new series.

Synopsis:
The ten-episode, one-hour drama traces the transformation of Eli McCullough (Brosnan) from good-natured innocent to calculating killer. He loses everything on the wild frontier, setting him on the path to building a ranching-and-oil dynasty of unsurpassed wealth and privilege. The series deftly explores how Eli’s ruthlessness and quest for power triggers consequences that span generations, as the McCulloughs’ rise to become one the most powerful family dynasties in Texas.

See the Trailer:

The Son sees Brosnan  back in fine form as Eli McCullough, who can be kind and gentle as a grandfather, at once governing his home and business with an iron fist. Multi-dimensional, we also see him unflinchingly ruthless and violent to anyone who impedes on his domain.We cannot help but want to know about Eli‘s rise as the story cuts to his tragic earlier life (played by Jacob Lofland) where he is separated from his family to a life of captivity, to the present where his family is on the verge of an oil fortune – but at what cost this will come at remains to be seen.

While admittedly a bit of a slow burn, the series explores racial tensions between white society, Mexicans and Native Indians and the brutal, all-consuming battle for supremacy. All at once we see familial tensions between Brosnan‘s Eli and his two sons Peter (Henry Garrett) and Phineas (David Wilson Barnes), intrigued where the imminent rise of their empire will take them next.

Sipping on a glass of wine (he prefers red, by the way) on-stage, Brosnan in the Q&A moderated by Maclean‘s Elio Iannucci, talks to his experience filming in Texas in a role that was cast to Sam Neill. Brosnan says “It is like a 10-hour film. I read the book when it first came in 2013 and was bedazzled by the writing and glorious prose of Philipp.”. “I came into this role at the 11th hour so to speak. There was a certain image and reflection of what Texas was about but I was totally enamoured by the people there and totally intoxicated by playing the role of Eli in the company of these actors.”.

On The Son‘s parallels to the current political climate, he states “We certainly are in a turbulent time in history which is most unsettling. Yet as moviemakers and people doing entertainment, it is quite serendipitous and wonderful that we have story like The Son which reflects the times of 1915 and the prejudice and racism that happened then, which still continues to this day.”.

On the United States and President Trump he adds, “Politically, we have to have some grace under pressure and some humor although it is very difficult to hear what is being torn apart and pulled asunder by such a man.”.

Some images from the evening:

Brosnan x Team Mr. Will

#PierceBrosnan in #Toronto for brand new 10-episode saga #TheSon on AMC. Premieres 4.8.17.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Mar 15, 2017 at 6:47pm PDT

AMC premiere THE SON on Friday, April 8, 2017.

All photos taken on the Nikon D3300, Selfie on the SAMSUNG S7.

More on THE SON here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/AMC)

Our day really is that much better after seeing the new Trailer for MEGAN LEAVEY, based on a true story, starring Kate Mara.

Synopsis:
This summer, witness loyalty in action. Kate Mara stars in MEGAN LEAVEY, based on the true story of a Marine’s best friend.

Watch the Trailer:

Elevation Pictures release MEGAN LEAVEY Friday, June 9, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

Like many of you, we’ve been trying to get fitter since the new year and we confess our love for Harvey’s Build-a-Bowl!

Launching officially nationwide this week, Harvey’s are going beyond the bun to satisfy our burger cravings and they might know a thing or two about that having been a Canadian staple since 1959!

How to Build-a-Bowl:

Step 1: Pick your base. Choose from rice, salad or fries. (Yes, we said rice!)

Step 2: Add your favourite Chicken (Grilled, Crispy or Buffalo) or Burger (Original Burger, Angus Burger or Veggie Burger); diced in bite-sized pieces, it’s up to you.

Step 3: Like all things Harvey’s, make it your own! Make it beautiful with their 21 classic toppings and sauces or 9 new ones, from guacamole (it’s not extra!) and corn and black beans, to Sweet Chili Thai Sauce! Whatever your taste, Harvey’s has you covered.

Want a treat? Go for fries! Feeling lighter? Go for salad!  We love choice and Harvey’s Build-a-Bowl give us exactly that.

We want you to be able to enjoy a Harvey’s Build-a-Bowl l for yourself and are offering Canadian readers a chance to win a $10 Harvey’s Gift Card!

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and built for us in the comments your own Harvey’s Build-a-Bowl!

“Favourite” this Tweet on Twitter: @mrwillw or “like” this Post on Instagram: @mrwillwong

Our personal fave?

1. Salad

2. Angus Burger

3. Gaucamole, Corn Salsa, Hot Sauce, Tomatoes, Sweet Thai Chili Sauce and Jalapeños!

G’luck!

For more, check out Harvey‘s official Facebook Page!

(Photo credit: Harvey’s)

Taking over Toronto last week at their star-studded Red Carpet for the World Premiere of GOON: LAST OF THE ENFORCERS, the long-awaited Sequel to the Canadian Classic of tomorrow later this week hits theatres nationwide. Co-written, starring and directed by Montreal’s Jay Baruchel, the Film has us reuniting with our beloved hockey brawler Doug Glatt (Seann William Scott) as he delays a much due retirement after his beloved Halifax Highlanders undergo new ownership, captained by his greatest nemesis.

Our David Baldwin had the pleasure of chatting with the Film’s stars, Scott, Marc–André Grondin(Xavier LaFlamme) and Wyatt Russell (Anders Cain).

“The script was awesome”, says Scott on why he returned to reprise his memorable role. “It took my character and all the characters, I felt as I was reading it, I was watching it.”. “I went from, ‘Should we make a Sequel?’ to ‘We have to make this!'”.

Grondin, reveals some of the less flattering things he dealt with for his craft in this Film. “You’re sitting in that gear all day and it’s not good for you skin. It’s gross. After 12 hours, you remove your stuff and you’re like ‘What is this?!'”, he says. “It’s fun but it doesn’t smell good.”.

Russell, a former goalie-turned-actor who also is the son of Hollywood icons Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, reveals how grueling the physical aspects of his role were versus playing hockey in real life. “12 hours per day I was in skates versus one hour in skates. After it was all done, I felt tingly in the toes all day.”.

Watch David’s chats with the Cast below:

Seann William Scott

Marc-André Grondin, x Wyatt Russell

Fox Searchlight x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to see WILSON! Screenings take place as follows:

TORONTO

Monday, March 20

7:00PM

Scotiabank Toronto

VANCOUVER

Monday, March 20

7:00PM

International Village

Synopsis:

A neurotic middle-aged man named Wilson (Woody Harrelson) is completely uninspired, and wonders about his purpose in life. He has a bad relationship with his ex-wife Pippi (Laura Dern) and is trying to move on, but is very lonely.

To his surprise, Wilson gets news that his wife put their child up for adoption 17 years ago. Invigorated with the excitement of being a father, he reunites with his estranged ex and sets out to meet his teenage daughter Claire (Isabella Amara) for the very first time.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your city.

For an extra chance, “favourite” this Tweet on Twitter: @mrwillw.

G’luck.

Fox Searchlight release WILSON Friday, March 24, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Fox Searchlight)

Taking place tonight at the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, the fifth annual Canadian Screen Awards honoured the year’s best in Television, Film and Digital Media.  Earning top honours tonight was ORPHAN BLACK with five wins for Best Dramatic Series, Original Score, Supporting Actor (Kevin Hanchard), Writing and Lead Actress (Tatiana Maslany).  The Toronto-made Series, which currently is filming its final episode, will be premiering its fifth and final season Saturday, June 10, 2017.

Leading the way in the Film categories was Xavier Dolan‘s IT’S ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD. The French-Canadian Film which was Canada’s submission at the Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film this year, took home Best Picture, Best Director (Dolan), Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Makeup and Best Supporting Actor (Vincent Cassel).

Regina-born Actress Tatiana Maslany was the queen of the night, winning for both her work on Orphan Black and as Lead Actress in the Feature Film The Other Half in which she stars opposite her real-life partner Tom Cullen.

Toronto’s Stephan James took home Lead Actor for his work on sports drama RACE.  He stated, “The greatest honour of my career was to portray Jesse Owens.”. The Film also won for Visual Effects, Overall Sound and Sound Editing.

Hosted by a spirited Howie Mandel, the evening also saw icon Christopher Plummer win a Lifetime Achievement Award.  He says, “I’ve spent almost 70 years making a fool of myself in this crazy profession of ours.  And I’ve had the time of my life.”.

Comedian Dave Chappelle also flew-in for the occasion, presenting the Icon Award to JUST FOR LAUGHS.  He credits the organization for helping him achieve his big break, joking “I’d never came to Canada before I came to this festival and when I did, I found that Canada was kinder and gentler, like a little gay brother I didn’t know about.”.

See Red Carpet Highlights from the 2017 Canadian Screen Awards:

See Amanda Gilmore‘s and my Interviews with some of the evening’s stars on the Red Carpet including the cast of Kim’s Convenience and Dave Chappelle:

Some Snaps from the Evening:

Shailyn Pierre-Dixon, “Between”

Sangita Patel, “ET Canada”

Dylan Authors x Mike MacMillan, “WEIRDOS”

Simu Liu, “Kim’s Convenience”

Emmanuel Kabongo

Karine Vanasse, “Cardinal”

Michelle Nolden, “Saving Hope”

Rick Mercer

Erica Durance, “Saving Hope”

Chloe Wilde, “eTalk”

Penny Oleksiak, Gold Medal Olympian

Kim Coates, GOON

Francesco Yates

Wendy Crewson

Kevan Funk x Jared Abrahamson, “Hello Destroyer”

Christopher Plummer, Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

Jason Priestley x Cindy Sampson, “Private Eyes”

Stephan James, “Race”

Dave Chappelle

Cast of “Orphan Black”

#OrphanBlack x #ItsOnlytheEndoftheWorld win top honours at the #CanadianScreenAwards. More on link in Bio! #CdnTalent #CDNScreen17 #CDNScreenAwards #CloneClub #TatianaMaslany

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Mar 12, 2017 at 9:09pm PDT

Complete list of winners here.

All photos taken on the NIKON D3300, video on SAMSUNG S7.

(Photo/video credit: Amanda Gilmore/Mr. Will Wong)