Buzz has enormous for STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON, but nobody would product a debut this huge. The Musical Biopic about N.W.A. opens right at the top to staggering numbers, a $59.4 million debut from 2,757 theatres for Universal Pictures. Reviews peg the Film at 88% on the Tomatometer while Audiences gave the Film by F. Gary Gray, an A CinemaScore.

Two-week champ MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION slips to second with $17 million for Paramount Pictures. In three weeks it has grossed $138 million domestically.

THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. opens in third with $13.6 million from Warner Bros., from 3,686 theatres.  Reviews for the Reboot of the TV Series of the same name have been veering to the positive with 67% on the Tomatometer and a B CinemaScore. The Ensemble Cast landed in Toronto earlier this week in a jet-set Promo Tour. More here.

FANTASTIC FOUR lands in fourth this weekend with $7.9 million for 20th Century Fox. In two weeks it has earned $41 million.

THE GIFT is in fifth spot this weekend, in its second week out with $6.1 million for SFX Entertaiment/D Films.  Thus far it has made $23.2 million.

TRAINWRECK still is going strong in its fifth week out with $3.8 million for Universal Pictures, rounding-out the Top Ten. The Critical success is verging on the $100-million-mark in North America.

First run in 1889, the Breeders’ Stakes will take place this Sunday at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. The race, known as the third jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown will be run over 1 1/2 miles on Woodbine‘s lush turf course with a 5:13 PM EST post-time and a value of $500k.  For those of you following the story, Triple Crown veterans DANISH DYNAFORMER, CONQUEST BOOGALOO and BREAKING LUCKY will be squaring-off once again, the latter looking to capture two out of three legs of the series after an upset win late July at Fort Erie in the Prince of Wales Stakes.

Sunday’s field includes:

Obstacles the field face are that this is the only race in the Triple Crown run on the grass, the third race in six weeks for the Triple Crown veterans and most of all, the challenging 1 1/2 mile distance will be a true test of stamina for all. DANISH DYNAFORMER, SAMUEL DECHAMPLAIN, CONQUEST BOOGALOO and LUCKY LINDY all have proven themselves on the grass either having won a race or finishing within the top three against stakes company on the surface.

If you are attending Sunday, there also is an exciting race earlier on the card, the $200k Grade 2 Sky Classic Stakes which features an exciting field including Sam-Son Farm‘s ALDOUS SNOW, who won on Queen’s Plate Day in the Singspiel Stakes.  U.S. invader MR. SPEAKER comes from the reputed Phipps Stable, having won a stellar $1.06 million against top-class competition includng the Grade 1 Belmont Derby.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME is having a career season, absolutely unbeatable in a pair of Grade 2 races locally including the Eclipse and Nijinsky Stakes.

Things to keep in mind:

1. Your first bet is free!  Register on the third floor for your free bet upon arrival.
2. Parking and admission are absolutely free.
3. The first race goes-off at 1:00 PM EST.
4. You also can tune in on TSN 4:30 PM EST.

Can’t make it out Sunday? You won’t want to miss the $1-million Ricoh Woodbine Mile on Sunday, September 13, 2015, buzzed highly as two-time North American Horse of the Year WISE DAN’s big return to the races.  The racing icon has overcome multiple health issues and is fit and ready to fight against the young ones and all eyes are on him.  He in fact has won the race twice already.

If you see me, come say “hi” and remember to Tweet that Selfie of yourself at Woodbine using the Hashtag #OFFTOTHERACES for a shot at $1,000!

Easy.

Now for the fun stuff!  I want to invite one Reader for lunch and drinks at Woodbine this Sunday in celebration of the Breeders’ Stakes! You’ll even get a free betting card! All you have to do is “like” this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook by tomorrow, Friday, August 14, 2015. In the comments section, tell me why you would make an awesome lunch date!

See you at the races! The weather should be great!

To learn more, including directions how to get there, CLICK HERE.

Mr. Will and winner of the 2014 Breeders’ Stakes, AMI’S HOLIDAY:

Who’s coming to the #BreedersStakes Sunday at @woodbineracing? Final jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown! I’m with the charming Ami’s Holiday, last year’s winner. #BetWoodbine #OfftotheRaces #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 13, 2015 at 6:59am PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

This post was created in partnership with Woodbine Racetrack.

Sony Pictures Canada are set to release the adaptation to WOLF TOTEM, acclaimed and best-selling novel by Jean-Jacques Annaud.

Synopsis:

A young Beijing student is sent to live among the nomadic herdsmen of Inner Mongolia. Caught between the advance of civilization from the south and the nomads’ traditional enemies – the marauding wolves – to the north; humans and animals, residents and invaders alike, struggle to find their true place in the world. Feng Shaofeng, Shawn Dou, Ankhnyam Ragchaa, Yin Zhusheng and Basen Zhabu star.

See the Trailer:

Sony Pictures Canada release WOLF TOTEM on Friday, September 11, 2015 in select cities.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)

The buzz is deafening for Quentin Tarantino‘s THE HATEFUL EIGHT but at long last we get a concrete first look at one of this winter’s most anticipated Films.

Synopsis:

Eight hard-bitten gunslingers find themselves trapped together in a way station deep in the snow-capped mountains of Wyoming.

Samuel L. Jackson, Zoë Bell, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Bruce Dern, Demian Bichir and Michael Madsen star.

See the Trailer:

eOne Films release THE HATEFUL EIGHT on Christmas Day in select theatres.

(Photo/video credit: The Weinstein Co.)

Scotiabank Theatre was the place to be this evening as the stars of eagerly-awaited The Man from U.N.C.L.E. descended upon Toronto for a one-night only Red Carpet extravaganza on Richmond Street.  Fans braved the rain for what would well be a worthwhile experience as stars Henry Cavill (Man of Steel), Armie Hammer (The Social Network), Elizabeth Debicki (The Great Gatsby) and Alicia Vikander (Ex_Machina) graced the Red Carpet to ecstatic reaction. It’s been a summer of starstruck for Toronto with the Cast of of Suicide Squad driving Toronto star-crazy, but this certainly is the icing on the cake!

The slick and stylized Action-Adventure directed by Guy Ritchie (Snatch), comes with a fair amount of buzz, based on the Television Series of the same name.  Set in the ’60s, we see CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Cavill) and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin (Hammer) participate in a joint mission against a mysterious criminal organization, which is working to proliferate nuclear weapons.

The whirlwind promotional tour has taken the Ensemble from London to New York to Toronto, giving fans a rare opportunity to connect with this talented and emerging cast of superstars. Drawing the most reaction was none other than Superman himself, Cavill, dapper in a fitted navy Dunhill suit making every effort to stop for Selfies and Autographs for his legions of admirers, leaving no fan left unsatisfied. Moviegoers can look forward to seeing him next in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, in theatres March 2016.

See the Trailer for The Man from U.N.C.L.E.:

Our Review to come shortly…

Let’s more Snaps from the evening, shall we?

Henry Cavill

Okay, twist my leg won’t you! One more of #HenryCavill aka #Superman at the Toronto Premiere of #ManFromUNCLE. He’s in #Dunhill. #DawnofJustice #BatmanvSuperman

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 11, 2015 at 6:52pm PDT

Henry Cavill

#HenryCavill (#Superman) at the Toronto Premiere for #ManFromUNCLE. #BatmanvSuperman #DawnofJustice #ClarkKent

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 11, 2015 at 5:07pm PDT

Elizbaeth Debicki

#ElizabethDebicki at the Toronto Premiere for #ManFromUNCLE.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 11, 2015 at 5:04pm PDT

Alicia Vikander

#AliciaVikander at the Toronto Premiere for #ManFromUNCLE.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 11, 2015 at 5:03pm PDT

Armie Hammer

#ArmieHammer at the Toronto Premiere for #ManFromUNCLE.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 11, 2015 at 5:05pm PDT

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E. on Friday, August 14, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Warner Bros.)

Mongrel Media and Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win ROBOT OVERLORDS on Blu-ray.

Synopsis

Following an alien invasion, Earth’s inhabitants are forbidden from leaving their homes while their new Robot Overlords carry out their mysterious research. But when a band of adoptive siblings find a way to override their implants, a quest begins to find a missing father, even if it means defying an empire.  Gillian Anderson and Ben Kingsley star.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

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

Mongrel Media release ROBOT OVERLORDS, now in stores.

(Photo/video credit: Mongrel Media)

The competition came from every which direction. Neither Meryl nor Marvel could take it down!  For the second week in a row MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION take the top of the Box Office with $29 million for Paramount Pictures, from 3,988 theatres. In two weeks it has surpassed $108 million domestically.

FANTASTIC FOUR, a third attempt at rebooting the Franchise into Film, opens in second with $26 million for 20th Century Fox from 3,995 theatres.  This latest Adaptation starring Kate Mara, Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan failed to please critically with a 9% on the Tomatometer and a C- CinemaScore. Word is that Director/Writer Josh Trank really was displeased with what came of the Film, having originally a completely different vision for it.

THE GIFT opens in third with $12 million for D Films and STX Entertainment, from 2,503 theatres. Critics adored the Thriller with a 93% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it a B CinemaScore.  Joel Edgerton stars and directs the Film.

VACATION lands in fourth spot with $9 million in its second week out, now grossing $37 million thus far for Warner Bros.

RICKI AND THE FLASH opens in seventh with $6.7 million from 1,603 theatres for Sony Pictures. The Jonathan Demme Comedy starring Meryl Streep gets a B CinemaScore from Audiences and a mixed 59% from Critics.

SOUTHPAW rounds-out the Top Ten with $4.7 million for eOne Films and The Weinstein Co.  In three weeks it has just suprassed the $40-million-mark.

It was a Country Music Fan’s dream come true a little outside of Toronto this weekend as the Boots & Hearts Festival took place for the third time in Oro-Medonte, Ontario. Among the marquee names to make it this way was Grammy-winning Singer/Songwriter Thomas Rhett. Other Acts included Brad Paisley and Eric Church. The handsome Crooner with a sparkling personality, is known best for his hits Get Me Some of That and Make Me Wanna and he also penned I Ain’t Ready to Quit for Superstar Jason Aldean and Round Here by Florida Georgia Line. Above this, he’s only 25! What have you been doing all your life?

Rhett is making the most of his time here, promoting his upcoming sophomore disc TANGLED UP which is in stores next month. He made stop-offs at Breakfast Television and The Morning Show (National Edition) and was nice to stop for minute after, and was seen walking on-foot along Bloor Street even. Among the anticipated tracks on the Disc is potential crossover hit, I Feel Good ft. Lunchmoney Lewis (co-written by Charlie Puth and Teddy Geiger, among others).

Check-out the single Crash and Burn below:

See our Snap:

With Grammy-winning Country Sensation, #ThomasRhett (@thomasrhettakins), in Toronto for #BootsandHearts. Yet another flawless #SamsungGalaxyS6 Selfie!

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 10, 2015 at 6:25am PDT

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Universal Music)

eOne Films + Mr. Will want to take Readers across Canada to see A WALK IN THE WOODS. Screenings take place in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Halifax, Victoria on Monday, August 31, 2015.

Synopsis:
In this new comedy adventure, celebrated travel writer, Bill Bryson (Academy Award winner Robert Redford), instead of retiring to enjoy his loving and beautiful wife (Academy Award winner Emma Thompson), and large and happy family, challenges himself to hike the Appalachian Trail – 2,200 miles of America’s most unspoiled, spectacular and rugged countryside from Georgia to Maine. The peace and tranquility he hopes to find, though, is anything but, once he agrees to being accompanied by the only person he can find willing to join him on the trek – his long lost and former friend Katz (Academy Award nominee Nick Nolte), a down-on-his-luck serial philanderer who, after a lifetime of relying on his charm and wits to keep one step ahead of the law – sees the trip as a way to sneak out of paying some debts and sneak into one last adventure before its too late. The trouble is, the two have a completely different definition of the word, “adventure”. Now they’re about to find out that when you push yourself to the edge, the real fun begins.

A WALK IN THE WOODS stars Robert Redford, Nick Nolte and Emma Thompson.

See the Trailer:

Official Artwork:

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and remember to state your City.

G’luck, Willionaire$!

eOne Films in theatres A WALK IN THE WOODS on Wednesday, September 2, 2015.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

We had the sheer joy of experiencing the $1.75 million 2015 Haskell Invitational in-person at Monmouth Park. With crowds reaching record attendance (60k+) and fans hoping for a chance to witness a piece of history in star entrant American Pharoah – the first horse to win the American Triple Crown in 37 years –  New Jersey Transit pulled-out all precautions needed, adding service to the Racetrack on four more routes.

The vibe was festive as several families planted themselves trackside for an exhilarating afternoon of races. Baseball caps commemorating the race were handed out, food trucks were parked and the afternoon would place the exciting undercard front and center, with jockey Paco Lopez boasting four wins.

Winners today included:

-$100k The Lady’s Secret Stakes won by Got Lucky under Paco Lopez for Hill ‘n’ Dale & P.J. Steiner,  trained Todd Pletcher.

-$150k Grade III The Winstar Matchmaker Stakes won by Casual Smile, owned by William S. Farish and trained by Chad Brown, under Abel Castellano Jr.

-$150k Grade III The Oceanport Stakes won by Heart to Heart, owned by Terry Hamilton and trained by Woodbine‘s Brian Lynch with Hothersal,  also an Ontario-bred, placing second.

-$100k The Teddy Drone Stakes won by fan favourite Wildcat Red, for Honors Stable and Jose Garoffalo, under Paco Lopez.

-$200k Grade II The Monmouth Cup won by Bradester, owned by Joseph W. Sutton, trained by Eddie Kenneally and ridden by Corey Lanerie.

This year’s renewal of the Haskell Invitational was full of star power. In addition to American Pharoah being the first American Triple Crown winner in 37 years as a primary draw, stars were scattered throughout every corner of the facility, which rings with a charm of another era. Rumours spread that Bruce Springsteen, Eli Manning, Michael Jordan and Derek Jeter were milling about, although physically we saw Bon Jovi‘s Richie Sambora and a Haskell “Riders Up” call by none other than Bill Murray! Despite the Paddock area being open much of the day to Media, a mass exodus was done prior to the Haskell, with only a select few granted access due to some of the high profile types in attendance.

At 5:45 PM EST, the main event would run, but not without Jersey darling Springsteen‘s Born to Run blaring as the field came onto the Track. Cheers were deafening for American Pharoah, an elegant, lean and unsuspecting bay colt who would capture the heart of a nation. Not to take anything away from his peers, but the man of the hour certainly was jockey Victor Espinosa, riding a late career Renaissance piloting back-to-back Kentucky Derby winners and presumably Horse of the Year honours two years in-a-row (last year with California Chrome). The race would go off without a hitch and American Pharoah would rate just off the pace before making a sweeping move into the final turn, winning effortlessly in a quick 1:47.9 for 1 1/8 miles.

See a Replay:

The post-race festivities were grand. American Pharoah would be paraded out after his victory, causing a bumpy frenzy of photography – some who came as far as Australia to cover the race. What ensued next looked like hundreds of people crammed into the compact Winner’s Enclosure as trainer Bob Baffert spoke to the Media for a minute before appearing at a Press Conference with winning owners, Zayat Stables LLC and rider, Espinoza.

The experience will not be forgotten. Let’s relive the 2015 Haskell Invitational through a series of our Photos!

Monmouth Park Walking Ring

The gorgeous Walking Ring at Monmouth Park. #Haskell2015 #BetWoodbine #GetintheGame #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 9:33am PDT

Barn 12: Hotel Suite of American Pharoah

#AmericanPharoah resting up in Barn 12 for #Haskell2015 later today! #BetWoodbine #MonmouthPark #HorseRacing #GetintheGame A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 9:37am PDT

American Pharoah Merch

I mean, who wouldn’t want an #AmericanPharoah T-Shirt, right? #Haskell2015 #GetintheGame #BetWoodbine #HorseRacing #MonmouthPark

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 10:51am PDT

Got Lucky

The secret is out! GOT LUCKY (#APIndy) steals the show in the Lady’s Secret for Todd Pletcher, under Paco Lopez! #GetintheGame #Haskell2015 #HorseRacing #BetWoodbine A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 10:23am PDT

Mike Smith

Legendary #MikeSmith greeting fans on the #Haskell2015 Undercard. #Jockey #MonmouthPark #GetintheGame #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 9:43am PDT

Abel Castellano and Son

#AbelCastellano sharing a tender moment with his son as “God Bless America” plays. #Haskell2015 #Jockey #HorseRacing #BetWoodbine #GetintheGame #MonmouthPark A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 10:55am PDT

Paco Lopez

#PacoLopez leads #Haskell2015 Day so far with three wins! #GetintheGame #BetWoodbine #Jockey #HorseRacing

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 11:25am PDT

Donna Brothers

The lovely #DonnaBrothers for NBC. #Haskell2015 #MonmouthPark #BetWoodbine #HorseRacing #GetintheGame A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 1:14pm PDT

Victor Espinoza

Man of the hour, #VictorEspinoza. #AmericanPharoah #Haskell2015 #MonmouthPark #Jockey #BetWoodbine Woodbine #GetintheGame

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 1:05pm PDT

Wildcat Red

WILDCAT RED wins the Teddy Drone Stakes. #Haskell2015 #HorseRacing #GetintheGame #BetWoodbine A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 1:08pm PDT

Casual Smile

CASUAL SMILE (#SeatheStars) wins the Winstar Matchmaker Stakes! #Haskell2015 #GetintheGame #MonmouthPark #BetWoodbine #GetintheGame

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 1:09pm PDT

Heart to Heart

Ahh, there’s a sight for sore eyes. We miss #HearttoHeart. Here he is heading off to run in the Oceanport Cup; #VictorEspinoza aboard. #Haskell2015 #GetintheGame #HorseRacing #BetWoodbine A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 2:04pm PDT

Hothersal

Eugene Melnyk Ontario-bred Hothersal finishes second to #HearttoHeart in the Oceanport. #MonmouthPark #Haskell2015 #BetWoodbine #HorseRacing #GetintheGame

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 2:10pm PDT

Bill Murray

“Riders up!” – #BillMurray was a special celebrity guest today at #Haskell2015. #GetintheGame #HorseRacing #BetWoodbine #MonmouthPark A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 4:07pm PDT

American Pharoah

 

Our boy, #AmericanPharoah! #Haskell2015 #HaskellInvitational #MonmouthPark #BetWoodbine #HorseRacing #GetintheGame

A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 2:32pm PDT

American Pharoah

Congratulations to #AMERICANPHAROAH, Zayat Stables LLC, Team Baffert and Victor Espinoza on a smashing (effortless too!) win in #Haskell2015! #HorseRacing #GetintheGame #BetWoodbine #MonmouthPark A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 3:51pm PDT

Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)

So cool meeting pride of #NewJersey, #RichieSambora of #BonJovi at #Haskell2015!

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 2, 2015 at 4:43pm PDT

Justin Zayat (Zayat Stables)

Congrats to @JustinZayat of Zayat Stables, which owns #AmericanPharoah. #Haskell2015 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Aug 2, 2015 at 4:41pm PDT

Monmouth Park

Thank you for all your engagement @WoodbineRacing Fans! And congrats to @MonmouthPark on record-breaking numbers today at #Haskell2015! #BetWoodbine – Mr. Will – A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on Aug 2, 2015 at 4:21pm PDT

And of course we never leave you guys empty-handed!  How about an official 2015 Haskell Invtational program signed by Victor Espinoza, jockey of American Pharoah?

Simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook to enter. All are welcome.  G’luck.

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