Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada + Mr. Will want to win a MOANA Blu-ray Combo Pack!

Synopsis:
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana,” the sweeping story of a spirited teenager who sets sail on a daring adventure to save her people, starring newcomer Auli‘i Cravalho as the voice of brave and tenacious Moana and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (HBO’s “Ballers,” “Central Intelligence”) as the larger-than-life demigod Maui, has dazzled both critics and audiences. The film earned a 95% critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Canadian Readers only please.

MOANA sets a new course, arriving to homes on Digital HD/3D on February 21, 2017 and on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on March 7, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

©2016 Disney

Right in time for Family Day weekend, Director Ry Russo-Young and actress Zoey Deutch arrived in Toronto for the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival. The weekend-long event features youth-centric programming and had the distinction of screening for us the Sundance selection, based on the Novel by Lauren Oliver.

The Teen Drama shot over 26 days in British Columbia with a half-Canadian crew, centers on a girl named Samantha (Deutch) who on her school’s annual Cupid Day is set to take her relationship to the next level with her boyfriend Rob (Kian Lawley). Joining her for a party that night are best friends Lindsay (Halston Sage), Elody (Medalion Rahimi) and Allison (Cynthy Wu).

Let’s face it – the girls aren’t the nicest but there are reasons behind that. A victim of their bullying is the fragile Juliet (Elena Kampouris). After a tragic car crash, Samantha awakens to find herself reliving Cupid Day allover again, each time learning something new, yet somehow still unable to avoid tragic circumstances.  Despite its non-linear storytelling which at once advances the plot while repeatedly going back in time to the same starting point, we see Samantha‘s character grow despite her revisiting different ways she could have lived that day until ultimately we see she was actually in control of her own destiny all along.

Make no mistake, despite it feeling and looking on paper much like mainstream Young Adult fare, its marketing and distribution is more geared to the Indie-loving Festival-Goer. Before I Fall goes to much darker places than your typical YA fare, asking more uncomfortable questions than others and for that we applaud it. We love Deutch‘s heartfelt performance, us falling more in love with her Samantha the more the story progresses.  Several performances here are a real revelation including Queen Bee Halston Sage and also Australian Liv Hewson (seen recently in Netflix‘s Santa Clarita Diet) who while only in a couple scenes, really leaves an impression as lesbian classmate Anna Cartullo. Before I Fall gives us light in a dark time and it is impossible not to leave feeling enlightened through it all.

See  some footage of Russo-Young and Deutch who took the time to greet and chat with Fans following the Film:

Director Ry Russo-Young x Zoey Deutch at #TIFFNextWave with #BeforeIFall. #ZoeyDeutch #RyRussoYoung

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Feb 19, 2017 at 6:17pm PST

Best Sandwich ever! 🌯 #ZoeyDeutch x #RyRussoYoung at #TIFFNextWave with #BeforeIFall.

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Feb 19, 2017 at 6:20pm PST

Elevation Pictures release BEFORE I FALL Friday, March 3, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

We absolutely adore Lana Del Rey and it’s been a good minute since we’ve heard new Music from the queen of the cinematic. Check out her gorgeous, nostalgic new track LOVE from her upcoming fifth studio disc.

Listen on Spotify:

For a second straight week, THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE takes the top of the Box Office with $41.9 million from 4,088 theatres for Warner Bros. In two weeks it has made $106 million domestically.

FIFTY SHADES DARKER is in second again in its second week out with $20.8 million for Universal Pictures. Thus far it has made $92.6 million in North America.

THE GREAT WALL debuts in third with $17.1 million from 3,325 theatres for Universal Pictures. The Matt Damon-starring epic gets a 36% on the Tomatometer and a B CinemaScore.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 continues to perform v. well in fourth with $15 million in its second week out for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films, just shy of the $60-million-mark.

FIST FIGHT opens in fifth with $10.7 million for Warner Bros. from 3,185 theatres. Starring Charlie Day and Ice Cube, the Comedy gets a B CinemaScore and 36% on the Tomatometer.

LA LA LAND is in ninth with $4.7 million for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films, a total $134 million since its domestic release.

LION rounds-out the Top Ten with $4 million for eOne Films/The Weinstein Co. It has made $37 million thus far.

Running February 11 through April 9, 2017, THE BODYGUARD THE MUSICAL graces Toronto’s Ed Mirvish Theatre after a smashing debut in London’s West End from 2012-2014. Since then, the production based on the 1992 Blockbuster starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, has toured Seoul, the U.S., Netherlands, and Cologne, among other parts of Europe (including a London revival!) and it next is set to reach Australia. Reprising the lead role is award-winning British Soul Songstress Beverley Knight, while others like Deborah Cox, Heather Headley and Alexandra Burke also have had the distinction of playing the lead role of superstar diva Rachel Marron.

After much debate, we decided finally to see THE BODYGUARD and although we were expecting some degree of melodramatic campiness based on our recollection of its source material, we pleasantly were surprised by some of the performances which the Musical very much is dependent on.  Penned by Alexander Dinelaris, this stage adaptation incorporates even more of Whitney Houston‘s phenomenal repertoire, doubling as a tribute to the career of the deceased megastar and also a stage translation of the Film.

Knight is outstanding, a vision of stamina who powers her way through the show’s two-and-a-half hours plowing through Houston’s demanding catalog of hits. Also fantastic is Rachel John, who plays Rachel Marron‘s sister Nicki.  While Knight and Lead Actor Stuart Reid Frank Farmer might lack the chemistry Houston and Costner had on-film in part due to issues with the script, this is outshone  by the dazzle of Knight‘s solo numbers.  It is impossible not to be affected by the power of nostalgia when you hear Run to You, I Have Nothing and powerful finale I Will Always Love You. You come to The Bodyguard wanting to reconnect with Houston‘s legacy and because you want carefree, soapy escapism and that you get.

Don’t forget to check-out the “I Will Always Love You“-inscribed cookies and the official Queen of the Night Cocktail!

More and how to get tickets here.

See our Pics with the Cast and Snapstory!

With Beverley Knight (Rachel Marron)

By Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

From the moment you step into Casa Loma for The Beauty and the Beast Exhibit, you feel as though you are immersed in the world of Belle and the Beast. The costumes that were used in the Film are on display, the memorable music is played through the main hall, and the rose is held in its case. Everything that’s important from the original Film is back for the live-action version and it’s all on display in Toronto Family Day weekend only!

There are events for children such as a jumpy-castle and face painting, as well as entertainment for adults, such as music and performances. The performances consist of ballroom dances and acrobatics. What better way to spend Family Day weekend than to treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience The Beauty and the Beast Exhibit?

More details here.

See some snaps:

Don’t forget to join the conversation on Social Media with the hashtag #BeOurGuestTO!

(Photo credit: Amanda Gilmore)

Taking place from Friday, February 18 though Sunday, February 26, 2017 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, the Canadian International Auto Show is a must-attend event for any car lover.  We had the pleasure of attending for the first time ever this year courtesy of our friends at Ford Canada and we even got to attend a private luncheon with Ford‘s in-house Futurist, Sheryl Connelly visiting all the way from the automaker’s headquarters in Michigan. Now we must clarify, a Futurist doesn’t predict the future but more is an expert on the analysis of social behaviours globally, to understand what ultimately shapes and crafts trends and this trickles down things we buy, including what we look for in buying a car.

We learned tons of interesting statistics and tidbits about global patterns and behaviours over our delicious lunch at Taverna Mercatto, just minutes from the bustle at the Convention Centre.

According to 80% of globally-surveyed adults feel today’s media outlets are more opinion than objective news coverage. We are living in an age where people are trusting less traditional media as a source of information, hence people are turning more to Bloggers and Influencers for information.

“I’m not a car expert by any means”, Connelly tells a room of Influencers whom have become ambassadors whom in recent years have become local ambassadors for the beloved brand. “I’m into very much many of the same things you are into”.  Perusing the room, I felt a sense of relief among some familiar faces – my worries alleviated of being I’d be stuck in a presentation where lots of technical automotive jargon would be thrown my way.

Did you know the average American spends 4.7 hours a day on their mobile device?   77% of adults globally surveyed agree this is resulting in higher obesity levels.  Studies also show that 47% of people agree that technology is making us dumber. While 63% of people feel that we are becoming less polite due to technology. Need proof?  Read the comments section on YouTube or ask that friend who was “dumped” over text message or e-mail. Ford has a mission not to overwhelm us with technology, but instead be purposeful in a way that allows us to incorporate and integrate it intuitively into their products, enabling us to enjoy that “good life”.

Times also are changing. Survey results show that people over the age of 30 tend to associate social status with the car they drive. Millennials we learned, place more value and associate status with the technology they own.  Perhaps we are approaching more than ever before an era where not every body wants or needs to own a car.  Also we are seeing a shift from what we know as Materialism. 69% of women and 60% of men surveyed feel that wealth is an outdated measure of success. In response to the statement “I care less about material possessions than I did in the past”, 62% (18-29), 67% (30-44) and 73% (45+) responded a definitive “yes”.  Ford continually is trying to explore the balance between need and desire and our many diverse needs. A car is just a ride to some of us, while it is status and something more meaningful to others.

“Decider’s Dilemma” also is a growing phenomenon among consumers today. That is, we are responding to over-buying and the overwhelming abundance of options in the marketplace by wanting to try before we buy, a “Sampling Society” if you will.  Above this, surveyed results show that 98% of kids who took a “gap year” agree that experience helped them develop as a person, hinting that procrastination in some ways helps people be more productive.  Technology like Ford’s Smart Mobility  and FordPass  among other mobility solutions, help each traveler plan their own journey and also stay more connected with their own lives.

86% of adults surveyed around the world also agree that we should be paying closer attention to the production ethics of the products we buy. Ford’s mission is to make products mindful of our growing concern for sustainability and the world economically, socially and environmentally.  In recent years, we are seeing more and more the surfacing of Ecoboost technology and smaller Eco-sport cars which serve the base need for utility.  Ford also has placed focus on a water strategy, receiving an “A” rating from the CDP, the world’s only global environment disclosure agency.

See some of the gorgeous new 2017 offerings from the Ford roster in our Snapchat story and Instagram:

All great ideas happen over lunch. Had a wonderful time listening to Ford’s in-house Futurist Sheryl Connelly talk about what sculpts trends and previewing Ford’s amazing 2017 lineup of vehicles. Will elaborate more on upcoming post on the site. #FordCIAS #FordTrends

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Feb 16, 2017 at 12:11pm PST

Definition of gorgeous. Check out the 2017 Ford GT. #FordGT #FordTrends #FordCIAS #CIAS2017

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Feb 16, 2017 at 12:27pm PST

Super-cute! In classic Ford blue too! The 2017 Ford Focus RS. #FordCIAS #FordTrends #CIAS2017

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Feb 16, 2017 at 12:32pm PST

Can totally see myself driving the 2017 Ford Edge Sport. Can you? #CIAS2017 #FordEdge #FordTrends #FordCIAS

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Feb 16, 2017 at 12:40pm PST

Roll like a celebrity. My dream ride is the 2017 Ford Navigator. #FordCIAS #FordTrends #FordNavigator #CIAS2017

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Feb 16, 2017 at 12:34pm PST

Visit the Canadian International Auto Show’s official website for more here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

We admit a month ago having known v. little about HBO‘s new series BIG LITTLE LIES, based on the novel by Liane Moriarty. Since discovering it though, we’re helplessly hooked. We have previewed the first six of seven episodes and cruelly were left hanging at the end of it.  It consumed us fully this weekend and it’s been on our mind all day.

The seven-part series follows the lives of three mothers in Monterey, California as they cope with family-life balance, each facing their own unique demons. We have Madeline (Reese Witherspoon), a well-to-do stay at home mom of two, invested in a local theatre production of Avenue Q much to the disapproval of the local mayor and conservative locals. Celeste (Nicole Kidman), a lawyer-on-hiatus, has a seemingly-perfect life too with twin boys, a gorgeous house and a handsome husband in Perry (Alex Skarsgård).  Enter to the picture, mysterious single mother Jane (Shailene Woodley) and her son who are new to the area, drawn to its affordable private school education at a public school cost.  Things begin to unravel one day at school when Jane’s son Ziggy (Iain Armitage) is accused of hurting Renata’s (Laura Dern) daughter Anabella (Ivy George). This ignites what becomes a rampant fire as we see these mothers go to all costs to protect their children. Passions flare as Celeste and Madeline rally to support their new friend Jane and the consequences are well, fatal.  As the story unfolds we get eyewitness accounts, some less reliable than others, and we learn the deep, dark secrets each of our three leading women are harbouring, leading them together to where they are today. Who dies?  Why? Who did it?  How?  We have so many questions.

Canada’s very own Jean-Marc Vallée does a phenomenal job at the reins here and while BIG LITTLE LIES at times is a bit of a meditative slow-burn, we nonetheless are invested every step of the way.  Our characters are richly-developed, complex, aware, intelligent and multi-dimensional. Nothing is ever just black or white with them, there is a rather large, beautifully-messy gray area. Domestic violence, consent, sexuality, infidelity are just some of the meaty matters the series examines with great depth and it leaves us with plenty to think about.

Although Witherspoon’s brand has become synonymous with being Elle Woods and Rom-Coms like Sweet Home Alabama, we really love her pairing with Vallée which as we saw in Oscar-nominated WILD, has given her a real opportunity to shine as a dramatic force. Kidman seldom disappoints and she has shown that when she is in full-control of her output (remember the outstanding Rabbit Hole?), as she is here serving with Witherspoon as Executive Producers, she is devastatingly good. We also really enjoy Woodley’s work as Jane, careful never to give too much away about her character as one of the story’s most fascinating aspects. And we love Laura Dern in a performance that is worthy of top-billing, as a woman on fire in the deeply-angry Renata.

See a Tease:

HBO Canada airs BIG LITTLE LIES Sunday, February 19, 2017 at 9 PM EST.

More here.

(Photo/video credit: HBO)

Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Run-of-Engagement Passes to see TIFF ’16 selection THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS! You also will win a copy of the Novel on which it is based. It plays in the following cities:

Toronto / Yonge & Dundas
Vancouver / Park Theatre
Calgary / Eau Claire
Ottawa / South Keys
Halifax / Park Lane

Synopsis:
The near future; humanity has been all but destroyed by a mutated fungal disease that eradicates free will and turns its victims into flesh-eating “hungries”. Only a small group of children seem immune to its effects.

At an army base in rural England, this group of unique children are being studied, subjected to cruel experiments by biologist Dr. Caldwell. Despite having been infected with the zombie pathogen that has decimated the world, these children retain normal thoughts and emotions. And while still being subject to the craving for human flesh that marks the disease these second- generation “hungries” are able to think and feel making them a vital resource in the search for a cure.

The children attend school lessons daily, guarded by the ever watchful Sergeant Parks. But one little girl, Melanie, stands out from the rest. Melanie is special. She excels in the classroom, is inquisitive, imaginative and loves her favourite teacher Miss Justineau.

When the base falls, Melanie escapes along with Miss Justineau, Sergeant Parks and Dr. Caldwell. Against the backdrop of a blighted Britain, Melanie must discover what she is and ultimately decide both her own future and that of the human race.

The Girl With All The Gifts is directed by Colm McCarthy and stars Sennia Nanua, Gemma Arterton, Glenn Close and Paddy Considine.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

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

Elevation Pictures release THE GIRL WITH ALL THE GIFTS at Cineplex Event Cinemas and iTunes Friday, February 24, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

We’ve got an exciting opportunity for those of you in Toronto!  Premiering at the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival this weekend, BEFORE I FALL already has made a splash at Sundance!  In town for the occasion is its star Zoey Deutch and Director Ry Russo-Young!  Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to take you and a friend to the Premiere!

Synopsis:
A high school girl is stuck reliving the day of her death for a week and must untangle the mystery to discover everything she’s in danger of losing, in indie darling Ry Russo-Young‘s (Orphans, Nobody Walks) adaption of the wildly popular novel Before I Fall.

Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK.  Then post on your Instagram account your Selfie using the Valentine’s Day-only  BEFORE I FALL Snapchat Filter (not to be confused with their face-changing lenses).  The photo must include the hashtag #BAEMINEBEFOREIFALL.

Let us know your Instagram handle in the comments section on Facebook so we can verify! We’ll be checking!

The BEFORE I FALL Snapchat Filter looks like this…

Don’t have Snapchat? Get it! Data usage applies according to your mobile provider rates and plans.

Elevation Pictures release BEFORE I FALL Friday, March 3, 2017 in select cities.

Zoey x Mr. Will

#ZoeyDeutch in #NYC for #MetGala. #MetBall

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on May 1, 2016 at 7:24pm PDT

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)