Based on the his play The Wild Duck, Australian Theatre Director/Writer/Actor Simon Stone‘s The Daughter offers a modernization of the award-winning production. The Drama centers on two childhood friends, Christian (Paul Schneider) and Oliver (Ewen Leslie) as they reunite. A recovering alcoholic, Christian returns home for his estranged father Henry‘s (Geoffrey Rush) wedding to a woman half his age. Upon reuniting, we realize that there are buried tensions between son and father. We meet also Oliver‘s wife Charlotte (Miranda Otto) and their teenage daughter Hedvig (Odessa Young). This reunion, which should be a joyous affair, culminates in great tension with a deep, dark, buried history. Combined with the fact that Henry is forced to close his mill, which employs Oliver and several others in their town, leads to the untangling of a web of secrets and lies which if uncovered, could prove detrimental to all involved.

Despite building-up in unsuspecting enough a manner, The Daughter veers sharply to melodrama late, becoming a full-on theatrical tragedy. And this inconsistency tonally is a little off-putting even with some sprinkles of foreshadowing earlier on. That being said, young talent Odeya Young actually is quite a presence, and it is quite easy to sympathize with her as her world unravels. Australian actor Ewen Leslie begins as the easy Oliver and he transforms also his world unravels, doing so with great commitment. Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush sadly is underutilized and we wish there was a bit more development on his Henry.

Certainly not the feel-good Movie of TIFF ’15, The Daughter should still find an audience at the Festival for those looking for something more emotionally-heavy.

Mongrel Media release THE DAUGHTER, which screen at TIFF ’15:

 Fri Sep 11 5:00 PM

WINTER GARDEN THEATRE

Sat Sep 12 8:45 AM

ISABEL BADER THEATRE

This year at TIFF, we are gifted with not one but two films about Horse Racing. Mongrel Media handles distribution on Dark Horse, a heartwarming documentary about a syndicate of non-experienced, working class pub-goers who wound-up comprising the band of owners behind Welsh racehorse, Dream Alliance. The horse of non-remarkable pedigree was bred from the combined savings of 10£ a week multiplied by 30 people, surpassing all expectations to be good enough to compete in the important 2010 Grand National.

Regardless if you are a fan of the sport or not, Director Louise Osmond does a fantastic job engaging us from the get-go. It is impossible not to be sucked-in by the small village charm of breeders Brian & Jan Vokes, Howard Davies and some of the humble owners in the Syndicate as they recount the brilliant highs and devastating lows of their dream come true of a story. Osmond manages to do this while still maintaining a lightheartedness.  The Film overcomes racing technicality and jargon which can alienate those not familiar with the subject matter, speaking to a wide audience. It is little wonder this got such strong reception at Sundance.

Dark Horse might not be on the radars of many this TIFF, but is a rewarding experience. You can see it:

Tue  Sep 15 4:30 PM

TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX 3

Thu  Sep 17 6:15 PM

THE BLOOR HOT DOCS CINEMA 

An absolute joy being able to ring-in TIFF ’15 at the TIFF 40 Soiree tonight with none other than Natalie Portman. The Academy Award winner before an intimate audience reflected upon a massively-successful career which began at the age of 11 – just a girl from Long Island –  in Luc Besson‘s The Professional.  We received an extra-special surprise later in the conversation with TIFF Artistic Director Cameron Bailey as Black Swan Director Darren Aranofsky made an appearance too.

Several local talents came out to show their support for the affair, gracing the Red Carpet at TIFF Bell Lightbox including Patrick J. Adams, Amanda Brugel, Kristian Bruun,Megan Follows, Natalie Brown, Kristin Booth, Sarah Gadon and many more.

Portman shed some light on her career, admitting a bit of embarrassment after a clip of The Professional played in the background. “I’ve got to be more forgiving on my 11-year-old self”.  She adds that fortunately her childhood was free of unsettling things, especially after hearing stories from some of her colleagues who were child actors who saw drugs or experienced weird passes made at them.  “My parents were always hovering, but they gave me this great freedom to do whatever I wanted.”.

She admits she wasn’t quite thinking about her career path and more just happy to get a job acting when she was cast in The Professional, stating “I have always loved singing, dancing and putting on shows for the family. A lot of kids form Long Island would do commercials and put it into a college fund.  I knew a lot of kids who had agents, so I begged my parents to get me an agent. I think it was pure chance my first job I got a good director.”.

On her role in Beautiful Girls in which she starred opposite a Timothy Hutton, disarming him much like her character in Garden State, she says “It is a trope of cinema to have a very, very young girl disarm a much older man. She’s nubile and wise beyond her years. It’s not particularly a good trend.  It (Beautiful Girls) was more screenwriters writing a fantasy of a young girl who an intellectual equal.”.

Portman openly admits to being a huge fan of the series Broad City, but admits she has some changed feelings now about her performance in Garden State. “Some of the coolest people I know hated Garden State, so that’s got me feeling a little bit insecure.”.

After a bit of time away starting a family, she now is ready to re-immerse herself as an Actress and we wait with great anticipation.

The Actress-turned-Director is set to premiere her directorial debut at Elgin Theatre tomorrow night, a Biopic about Israeli Author Amos Oz called A Tale of Love and Darkness.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

London Road tells the horrific story of murder that shook the town of Ipswich in 2006. Theatrically adapted from the National Theatre musical production, the Film tells the story of how the town of Ipswich deals with the murder of five prostitutes from the side of the prostitutes themselves and the community that was greatly affected. The Film on the surface makes light of this situation which perhaps is its intention to satirize how the community coped, however there are small glimmers of hope.

The saving grace of the Film comes from the films leads, Julie (Olivia Colman), whose singing voice is remarkable. The songs are delivered in such a way at times you forget they actually are singing. However, we would be terribly amiss if we didn’t point out how misleading it is that Tom Hardy (the cab driver, Mark) gets one of the top billings despite being in the Movie for a minute portion only. What makes London Road appeasing for the audience is the final few minutes of some intense drama that leaves the audience wondering the prostitutes’ fate.

Compelling is how the Filmmakers decided to show actual footage of those in Ipswich affected directly by the murders of 2006 that shook their entire neighbourhood.

LONDON ROAD premieres at TIFF ’15 Thursday, September 10th at 9:30 pm at the Elgin VISA Screening Room, with a second screening on Friday, September 11th at 12:30 pm at the Bloor Hot Docs Theatre and a third screening on Sunday, September 20th at 6 pm at the Bloor Hot Docs Theatre.

With TIFF ’15 about to kick-off in one day, we asked our resident panel of film lovers which films they were most excited for at the Festival this year!  Check-out top selections below from David Baldwin, Jonathan Godfrey, Justin Waldman, George Kozera and me!

Of course we will have Reviews posted right here throughout the Festival, so be sure to check-back daily throughout the Festival September 10-20th for the latest!

DAVID BALDWIN

1. The Witch – super excited for this one. The buzz keeps building for this terrifying film, and it pains me that I need to wait until the end of the festival to see it!

2. Room – I read a one sentence synopsis and was hooked.

3. Green Room – Genuinely enjoyed Jeremy Saulnier’s slow-burn thriller Blue Ruin when I saw it at TIFF’13, and have been waiting for a follow-up ever since. Hoping it does not disappoint as this year’s Midnight Madness opening night film.

4. Love – I nearly had a seizure watching Enter the Void a few years back. So when Gaspar Noé’s said he wanted to make a movie with “blood, cum and tears,” and that movie is in 3D, then how can I say no?

5. Anomalisa – the cinematic return of the brilliant and enigmatic Charlie Kaufman. I was thrown off initially by it being animated and filmed in stop-motion, but now it just intrigues me endlessly.

JONATHAN GODFREY

1. Last year I went into TIFF with a focus on France, whereas this year if my focus is anywhere it’s on China. First and foremost I’m dying to see The Assassin. This Tang Dynasty epic about a lovelorn hitman looks absolutely breathtaking.

2. On that note, I’m also eager to see Office. In a category all its own, Office is a 3D musical whose songs sing of love, loss and capitalist corruption.

3. On the other side of the continent comes Kill Your Friends. Starring Nicholas Hoult, it is the tale of an A&R’s ruthless quest to become the king of Britpop.

4. Also taking place in Jolly ol’ England is Legend. Starring Tom Hardy as both Kray twins, Legend is inspired by the rise of their criminal empire.

5. Last but not least is The Lobster. This oddly-titled film follows an equally odd narrative wherein its characters must find a mate or be transformed into an animal.

Those are my top five picks for TIFF ’15, with Angry Indian Goddesses being a very close sixth. The film about a group of Goan women discussing their storied lives is not to be overlooked. All in all it looks like another great year at the Festival of Festivals, one that I am happy to cover alongside Mr. Will‘s Crew.

JUSTIN WALDMAN

1. Room. Because of all the hype its been getting out of Teluride and when isn’t Brie Larson absolutely incredible?

2. Anomalisa. CHARLIE FREAKING KAUFMAN

3. High-Rise. Ben Wheatly directing Tom Hiddleston, what else can someone want?

4. Family Fang. Bateman’s first directorial debut, Bad Words was rib-splitting fun, hopefully his second time out is just as enjoyable.

5. Demolition. Hotly-anticipated new film from Jean-Marc Vallée starring Jake Gyllenhaal who has proven to be excellent in everything he’s been in of late.

GEORGE KOZERA

In the blink of an eye, the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival has arrived and now in its 40th year, the Festival promises to be bigger than better the year.  Loaded with megawatts of star-power, we promise to be there every step of the way, giving you some of the most intimate access in the City to the Festival!

Before the TIFF 40/TIFF ’15 begins, we want to take a moment to thank our partners, many who are returning once again to show their support for the MR. WILL WONG brand!  This is our sixth year blogging and we certainly are showing no signs of stopping.  Star-spottings, Giveaways, Film Reviews and buzz. Our Team including Jonathan Godfrey, Justin Waldman, David Baldwin, George Kozera and myself have previewed some of the hottest titles at the Festival in advance so you’ll know which Films should be on your radars this Award season. We’ll be right in the thick of things with our unique perspective and you’ll be right in the know.

We’d like to thank:

CP24: For the seventh consecutive year, we are partnering with ultra-popular CP24 for up-to-the-minute celebrity sightings around the City! I’ll be in studio and catching-up with the station throughout the Festival, so be sure to tune-in!  In the past we’ve appeared also on affiliates like Virgin Radio 99.9 and CTV News, so don’t be surprised that literally we’re everywhere again this TIFF!

ITV & TOURISM TORONTO: For the first time ever we’re appearing on television in the U.K. and we’re thrilled to have worked together with iTV and Tourism Toronto to draw focus on the excitement our City has to offer during TIFF, with a feature spot on popular morning program GOOD MORNING BRITAIN.

TYRRELLS: Made from the aristocratic potatoes of England, Tyrrells rapidly is gaining a reputation as the perfect chip for entertaining! What makes them unique is their intense taste, crunch and the fact they contain just a sliver of skin for that real potato authenticity. Flavours include Lightly Sea Salted, Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar, Sweet Chili  & Red Pepper, Mature Cheddar & Chives, Sea Salt & Black Pepper, Worcestershire Sauce & Sundried Tomato and Vegetable Chips! Learn more here.   Your friends and family will know you went that extra mile if they know you serve Tyrrells!

FORD CANADA: We’re a huge fan of Ford  and once again they are on-board with us for TIFF 40/TIFF ’15!  We’ll be driving in style this Festival in a fuel-efficient Ford Focus, which meets out biggest need – compactness and fuel-efficiency – to a t. We won’t miss a step this Festival thanks to Ford Canada.  See our sweet ride in all its loaded glory here.

SONY PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT CANADA: This year we’re giving our Readers a chance to win a couple awesome new English-themed releases in celebration of the City to City Programme’s focus on London.  Although wildly-popular OUTLANDER Season 1, Volume 1 has already captivated fans, we’re giving you a chance to win also Volume 2 (out Tuesday, September 29, 2015) on DVD!  Documentary LAMBERT & STAMP (in stores now) also gives us an intimate look at one of England’s most beloved rock outfits, The Who.

H&M CANADA: We love H&M and estimate that 90% 100% of our wardrobe is in fact H&M. They aren’t afraid of taking risks, have a bit of fun and continue to offer amazing value to Canada’s fashion-conscious. We are excited for you to see some the fun fashions we picked-out from their Fall/Winter 2015 Collection on our Social Media channels, during the Festival!  We can’t wait for Katy Perry‘s holiday campaign! See some of their hottest new looks here!

HOTEL NOVOTEL TORONTO CENTRE: Billy and I dream of our cozy bed at Hotel Novotel Toronto Centre and can’t wait to enjoy what little sleep we intend to get at TIFF 40/TIFF ’15 this year.  The Hotel is minutes from the thick of it all and their amazing facilities include Wi-Fi, a gym, accessible parking, pool and amazing breakfast buffet at Cafe Nicole offer exceptional value for anyone visiting Toronto during the Festival.  Best of all, they’re pet-friendly (yay for Billy)!  It’s always reassuring knowing this as we often stress about our loved ones with those long hours during TIFF. Learn more here.

NIKON CANADA: We get tons of compliments on our photography and wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of Nikon Canada and our amazing D3300 HDSLR. We’re gonna take you that extra bit closer with their generosity, helping stay connected with our latest Photo updates via a  WU-1a wireless mobile adapter and also a zoom lens. Can you handle that level of intimacy?  You’ll basically be right beside the likes of Natalie Portman, Johnny Depp and Matt Damon! More here.

SAMSUNG CANADA: Staying connected is important and there could only be one phone for the job, the Samsung Galaxy S6 with its spacious screen and quick-charge adapter.  We’re thrilled to use this TIFF 40/TIFF ’15 and most of our blogging and Social Media will be done through this amazing Smartphone!  More here.

But most of all you, thank you Willionaire$ for your making us a part of your day these past six years!  We are grateful and appreciative!

Your chance to #win a v. English Prize Pack, in celebration of #TIFF15! Link in Bio! #Giveaway #Contest #Toronto #TheSix #Tyrrells #Outlander #LambertandStamp #London #England #TIFF40 #TorontoFilmFestival

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 7, 2015 at 11:59am PDT

Now for a bit of fun, we’re giving one v. English Prize Pack including every flavour of Tyrrells Hand Crafted English Crisps, plus copies of LAMBERT & STAMP and OUTLANDER (Season 1, Volumes 1&2 on DVD)!  To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook!

Be following on Social Media:

Instagram: @MRWILLWONG

Twitter: @MRWILLW

Facebook: MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK

(Photo credit: Samsung Canada, Nikon Canada, Ford Canada, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada, H&M Canada, Tyrrells, Hotel Novotel Downtown Centre)

Sunday marks a huge day in Woodbine Racetrack‘s 2015 Racing Season with the $1-million RICOH WOODBINE MILE to be run over one of the World’s finest turf courses.

Despite making the headlines as two-time American Horse of the Year WISE DAN‘s big return to the races, it was just announced that the champion has been retired due to an injury.  Still expect it to be a superb race with a strong local contingent and some outstanding horses invading Canada for a shot at that huge purse money!

Your probable field for the one-mile turf race:

Grand Arch
Kaigun
Lea 
Mondialiste (IRE)
Mr. Owen
Obviously
Platinum Glory
Reporting Star
Tower of Texas
Turncoat
Za Approval

OBVIOUSLY has competed against top-class competition in California earning $1.4 million and will be making the Woodbine Mile is seasonal debut. LEA also is mighty-classy, having run against the top-shelf opposition in the U.S. and certainly in the thick of things with $2.03 million in earnings.  MONDIALISTE also is shipping-in from England and coming-off two important wins in 2015. French three-year-old colt MR. OWEN is eyeing the Woodbine Mile after an impressive win in France earlier this month.

Don’t discount Toronto boys though!  GRAND ARCH is Woodbine-based mostly, before having achieved success in the U.S. and comes off a win in the important Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga in New York. REPORTING STAR wowed many of us recently with a gutsy win in the Play the King Stakes at Woodbine, beating-out local favourites TOWER OF TEXAS and KAIGUN.  Meanwhile, ZA APPROVAL (now based at Woodbine after spending much of his career in the U.S.) ran second to WISE DAN back in 2013 in this very race, en route to an identical placing in the important Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile that year too.

There will be lots of excitement on the undercard also with the $300k Northern Dancer Stakes which will see the hero of last month’s Breeders’ Stakes, DANISH DYNAFORMER, take-on older competition in that 1 1/2 mile turf race. This is seen as a test of his class.

Fillies and mares also will be looking for an automatic birth in the Racing’s championship day, the Breeders’ Cup this November, with a win in the $300k Canadian Stakes and it looks to be a tough one with  OVERHEARD up against French filly UCHENNA. Talented Irish-bred and American-based WATSDACHANCES, who recently won the important Beverly D Stakes at Arlington Park in Illinois, also likely will be shipping in.

Top local sprinter CALGARY CAT looks also to solidify his case as one of the best horses in the country in the Bold Venture Stakes, where he will face English-bred filly ENDLESS LIGHT.

Did you know also Woodbine is hosting a Rock N’ Racing Festival with lots of live music for you to enjoy? Acts like Rynheart, The Honest Heart Collective, Aukland, Highs and JJ and The Pillars will be playing, with The Edge 102.1 Hosts Melani Mariani and Wade MacNeil in attendance too!

Admission and parking are free, you get a pair of sunglasses free and your first bet is on them (head to the third floor to get ’em)! It all starts at 12! For directions, click here.

For more on Woodbine Mile Day, click here.

And don’t forget to take a Selfie from Woodbine Racetrack on Woodbine Mile Day and post on Twitter with the Hashtags #WOMile and #OfftotheRaces, for a shot at a prize of $1k!  So easy!

Although we’re swamped with TIFF, we’ll be sure to be at Woodbine this coming Sunday, September 13, 2015!

And one for Wise Dan, who will be missed!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Fan Expo Canada 2015 took place in Toronto this weekend at Metro Convention Centre, drawing at least 127k  to the venue as fans were given a rare opportunity to connect with their Pop Culture favourites!  Now in its 21st year, the bonanza gives fans a chance at meeting their favourite Artists, Cosplayers, Actors, in addition to screenings, purchasing rare merchandise and playing new games first. Photo Ops, Autograph Signings and Panels were held throughout the weekend, allowing a generous window of opportunity to connect. Installations were on display for upcoming Films like The Little Prince, The Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 2, The Hateful Eight and more. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Drawing a large crowd this year were Harry Potter stars Rupert Grint, Tom Felton and The Phelps Twins. Fans also got a chance to see new  faces at the Expo like Boxing legend Mike Tyson, Jenna Coleman (Dr. Who), Tyler Hoechlin (Teen Wolf), Christian Slater (Mr. Robot), Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal), Neve Campbell (Scream), Ming-Na Wen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Robin Lord-Taylor (Gotham), Danny Trejo (Machete), Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter), plus returning fan favourite Norm Reedus (The Walking Dead).

As a friendly reminder this year, signs were displayed stating “Cosplay is not consent” promoting a vibe of respect among attendees, many whom utilize Fan Expo as an opportunity to fulfill their wildest fantasies of role playing as a more extraordinary version of themselves.

Our Team, including Justin Waldman, Christine Miguel and myself sat-in on a few of the Panels!  Some of the more memorable quotes to come out of Fan Expo Canada 2015:

MING-NA WEN

“I’m such a huge nerd, geek and a fan of the genre. I am one of you guys when it comes to this kinda stuff”. “How crazy are we about Star Wars??!”. 

She later jokingly publicly asked George Lucas about potentially casting her in one of the upcoming new Star Wars spinoffs or as she kidded, “whoring herself out”.

TOM FELTON

“There’s something about playing a slimy little git that’s fun” – on playing Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter.

THE PHELPS TWINS

“Normally we hear you’re a lot taller than we thought you’d be” and “You dye your hair? My life is a lie!” – the Twins on the things they hear from fans most often.

MADS MIKKELSEN

“I’ve never seen a #Bond film in my life. I had no idea what I was getting into.” – Mikkelsen on accepting his role in Casino Royale.

JASON MOMOA

“I’m a big fan of laughing. It helps when you are around a crew of people in Belfast, Ireland. I like making her (Emilia Clarke) laugh.” – Momoa on filming Game of Thrones love scenes.

And some Photo Ops, because like you, we’re fans too!

Jason Momoa

Handsome #GameofThrones star and your upcoming #Aquaman, #JasonMomoa at @FanExpoCanada. On nude #GoT scenes: “I’m a big fan of laughing. It helps when you are around a crew of people in Belfast, Ireland. I like making her (#EmiliaClarke) laugh.”. #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 5, 2015 at 12:55pm PDT

 

Via @jdubs5121: #MadsMikkelsen at @fanexpocanada, “I’ve never seen a #Bond film in my life. I had no idea what I was getting into (for #CasinoRoyale)”. #Hannibal star recently cast in #RogueOne. #StarWars #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada Thanks Marc Levy for the pic! A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 5, 2015 at 11:36am PDT

Brandi Cyrus (yes, Miley‘s big sis)

With #BrandiCyrus at @FanExpoCanada promoting horror, #Old37. Guess who her little sister is… #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 5, 2015 at 1:41pm PDT

Delicious like a #Hawaiian Pizza. With #JasonMomoa, #GameofThrones star and future #Aquaman. #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo #GoT

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 6, 2015 at 11:57am PDT

Can we take a second to appreciate #HayleyAtwell’s daring neon pink lipstick at @FanExpoCanada? So many young women dressed as her this year! #AgentCarter #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo (Photo by Christine Miguel @xtinegram)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 7, 2015 at 12:54pm PDT

#DrWho’s #JennaColeman at @FanExpoCanada! #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo Photo credit: Christine Miguel (@xtinegram)

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 7, 2015 at 1:04pm PDT

#GillianAnderson at @FanExpoCanada this weekend. She reveals she originally was rejected for role of #Scully in #TheXFiles, with Canadian Jill Hennessy getting the edge. Upon a final audition she promised Hennessy a ride home and had to pretend on the ride home she didn’t know she was told by a casting director she got the part. #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 6, 2015 at 11:26am PDT

Rupert Grint

With the star attraction of @FanExpoCanada, #RupertGrint! #FanExpoCanada #FanExpo #RonWeasley #HarryPotter

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 5, 2015 at 10:47am PDT

With gorgeous #AgentsofShield star #MingNaWen at @FanExpoCanada. #MULAN #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 5, 2015 at 12:21pm PDT

The Phelps Twins

Via @jdubs5121 – The #PhelpsTwins at @fanexpocanada: ” “Normally we hear you’re a lot taller than we thought you’d be” and “You dye your hair? My life is a lie!” are the most common things these #HarryPotter stars hear from fans. #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 4, 2015 at 4:37pm PDT

Tom Felton

#TomFelton at @fanexpocanada (via @jdubs5121). “There’s something about playing a slimy little git that’s fun”, re: #DracoMalfoy. #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada #HarryPotter.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 4, 2015 at 11:26am PDT

With #ChristianSlater, in #Toronto for #FanExpoCanada and new Showcase series, #MrRobot. #NikonD3300 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 4, 2015 at 7:01am PDT

Danny Trejo

With #Machete himself, #DannyTrejo. He is meeting and greeting fans at @fanexpocanada this weekend. #FanExpo #FanExpoCanada

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 5, 2015 at 8:58am PDT

Christine had a chance to sit-in on a screening and panel of ADVENTURE TIME (review here) with voice talents Jeremy Shada and Tom Kenny, which can be seen on The Cartoon Network in Canada. Learn more here.

Learn all about FAN EXPO CANADA here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Christine Miguel/Marc Levy/Justin Waldman)

On a tepid weekend at the Box Office this Labour Day weekend, religious Drama WAR ROOM  takes the top of the Box Office in its second week out for Sony Pictures with $11.9  million, from 1,526 screens only. Despite not having opened yet in Canada, the Film continues to fare well in limited release.

In second this weekend was three-week champ STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON with $11.5 million for Universal Pictures, surpassing the $150 million-mark in North America.

A WALK IN THE WOODS starring Robert Redford and Emma Thompson debuts in third with $11 million for eOne Films/BGP Films. It gets a B CinemaScore from Audiences and a 47% on the Tomatometer.

THE TRANSPORTER REFUELED opens in fourth for Europa Corp./VVS Films with $8.8 million from 3,434 theatres. Critics gave it 18% on the Tomatometer and Audiences gave it a B- CinemaScore.

INSIDE OUT continues to hang strong in eighth spot for Disney, with $4.3 million, now in its 14th week out domestically. By early this week it will have grossed $350 million in North America.

SINISTER 2 rounds-out the Top Ten in its third week out with $3.9 million for eOne Films/Focus Features.

Actor, Producer and Recording Artist AKON is in Toronto today promoting his upcoming five-disc opus, STADIUM.  Known best for his hits Lonely, I Wanna Love You (ft. Snoop Dogg) and Smack That (Ft. Eminem), Akon is responsible also for some of the biggest hits from artists like Lady Gaga and T-Pain.  The Senegalese star  also has spearheaded his own charity campaign, Akon Lighting Africa, bringing electricity to millions of African households. More on that here.

He made an appearance on Global Television‘s The Morning Show (National Edition), doing the rounds at KISS 92.5 and also City‘s Breakfast Television. He was here this time last year at TIFF also!

See our Snap:

With megaproducer and artist, #Akon, in #Toronto to promote 5-disc album STADIUM. #NikonD3300

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Sep 4, 2015 at 7:01am PDT

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