Searchlight Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal a chance to see Wes Anderson’s star-studded opus, THE FRENCH DISPATCH!
Screenings take place as follows:
October 20:
October 27:
October 28:
Synopsis:
THE FRENCH DISPATCH brings to life a collection of stories from the final issue of an American magazine published in a fictional 20th-century French city. It stars Benicio del Toro, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, Léa Seydoux, Frances McDormand, Timothée Chalamet, Lyna Khoudri, Jeffrey Wright, Mathieu Amalric, Stephen Park, Bill Murray and Owen Wilson.
To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City there. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for an extra chance.
We've got your shot to win Advance Passes in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver to see #TheFrenchDispatch!
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) October 13, 2021
Details: https://t.co/1tuu6hRk70 pic.twitter.com/7isj3lNHrm
NOTE: Winners will only be contacted from the official account above. Please do not accept friend requests from other accounts asking you to input your personal information on a link. We will never ask you for credit card information with our contests.
Rules and regulations here.
Searchlight Pictures release THE FRENCH DISPATCH October 22, 2021 in Toronto, with additional cities to follow.
(Photo/video credit: Searchlight Pictures)
Sofia Coppola is back with ON THE ROCKS, reuniting her with Bill Murray! Rashida Jones stars as a woman who becomes growingly-suspicious of her husband cheating on her and at the insistence of her father (Murray), investigates!
Synopsis:
A young New York mother faced with sudden doubts about her marriage teams up with her larger-than-life playboy father to tail her husband. What follows is a sparkling comic adventure across the city – drawing father and daughter closer together despite one detour after another. Acclaimed filmmaker Sofia Coppola brings a light touch to this blend of an exuberant love letter to New York, a generation-clash comedy about how we see relationships differently from our parents, and a funny celebration of the complications that bind modern families even as they tie us in crazy knots.
Laura (Rashida Jones) thinks she’s happily hitched, but when her husband Dean (Marlon Wayans) starts logging late hours at the office with a new co-worker, Laura begins to fear the worst. She turns to the one man she suspects may have insight: her charming, impulsive father Felix (Bill Murray), who insists they investigate the situation. As the two begin prowling New York at night, careening from uptown parties to downtown hotspots, they discover at the heart of their journey lies their own relationship.
See the Trailer:
ON THE ROCKS arrives on Apple TV+ in October.
(Photo/video credit: Apple TV+)
Visionary Jim Jarmusch (Broken Flowers, Paterson) brings us his latest effort, THE DEAD DON’T DIE featuring one or the most eclectic Casts ever!
Synopsis:
THE DEAD DON’T DIE – the greatest zombie cast ever disassembled starring Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tilda Swinton, Chloë Sevigny, Steve Buscemi, Danny Glover, Caleb Landry Jones, Rosie Perez, Iggy Pop, Sara Driver, RZA, Selena Gomez, Carol Kane, Austin Butler, Luka Sabbat and Tom Waits. Written and directed by Jim Jarmusch.
See the Trailer:
Universal Pictures Canada release THE DEAD DON’T DIE Friday, June 14, 2019.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
Running Thursday April 26 through Sunday, May 6, 2018, the 2018 HOT DOCS CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL is set to take over Toronto. The annual Festival brings together lovers of Cinema with an extensive programming line-up cover Films from a wide array of topics. Films about Bill Murray, Imagine Dragons Frontman Dan Reynolds, M.I.A., Alexander McQueen, Gilda Radner and Andy Irons are among the most high-profile of the 246 Films to screen at the Festival.
Highlighting this year’s Festival is a free World Premiere of THE TROLLEY at Ontario Place’s Cinesphere. Hot Docs also will present special 25th anniversary screenings of THE WAR ROOM and KANEHSATAKE: 270 YEARS OF RESISTANCE with Directors in attendance.
Our Amanda Gilmore (@GilmoreAmanda) had the pleasure of previewing some of the Festival’s key titles already and shares with us some thoughts on what you should check-out at Hot Docs this year!
In order, she lists her Top Five Must-See Films at Hot Docs this year:
1. Inventing Tomorrow
2. The Guardians
3. Active Measures
4. Alt-Right: Age Of Rage
5. On Her Shoulders
Inventing Tomorrow
Inventing Tomorrow follows teenagers from around the world who are working on innovative solutions to fight against environmental issues. Due to their brilliant minds, they have become finalists at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles, which is the biggest school science fair in the world, to showcase their work.
Director Laura Nix puts her focus on brilliant teen minds in Indonesia, India, Mexico and Hawaii who have been effected by the environmental issues they are trying to fix. In doing this, Nix showcases how children and teenagers will be the ones to save our earth. She also crafts a Documentary that will make the audience want to spark environmental change in their community.
Inventing Tomorrow screens at Hot Docs on Sunday, April 29 at 9:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, Monday, April 30 at 12:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, Saturday, May 5 at 8:30PM at Fox Theatre, and Sunday, May 6 at 12:30PM at Isabel Bader Theatre.
The Guardians
The Guardians exposes the corrupt guardianship program within the state of Nevada. Director Billie Mintz interviews those involved in the guardianship program, including lawyers, private and public guardians, the victims, and the victims family members who are trying to free them.
This Documentary is a shocking investigative examination of a corrupt system that is legally stealing the wealth of Baby Boomers. Mintz is relentless in his pursuit to expose the hidden truths behind the guardianship program in the state of Nevada. As well as revealing those in charge of this horrifying legal reality. Therefore making The Guardians an important and shocking Documentary.
It screens at Hot Docs on Wednesday, May 2 at 6:00PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Thursday, May 3 at 4:00PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, and Friday, may 4 at 10:15AM at TIFF bell Lightbox 2.
Active Measures
Active Measures examines Trump and his close White House staffers and their connections to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin staffers.
Director Jack Bryan does a phenomenal job of getting political insiders to give in-depth examinations of Russian interference in the 2016 US Presidential Election. But Bryan goes further into the past to other democratic elections that were interfered with by Russian Intelligence Officials. What the audience is left with is a mind-blowing journey that gives substantial information of collusion.
Active Measures screens at Hot Docs on Monday, April 30 at 9:00PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Wednesday, May 2 at 3:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, and Friday, May 4 at 6:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1.
On Her Shoulders
On Her Shoulders follows Nadia Murad, a 23-year-old Yazidi genocide and ISIS sexual slavery survivor, who is thrust onto the international stage as a spokesperson for change. As her journey leads down paths of advocacy and fame, she uses her voice to spark activism worldwide to help the Yazidi people.
This Documentary works because it not only brings Murad’s story to the world, but also the stories of the Yazidi people. It becomes as a second lens to what Murad has been advocating for years. Director Alexandria Bombach brilliantly shows the immense pressure put on Murad by world leaders and politicians, as well as her close aides and herself. Yet, she never struggles under this heavy weighted stress she has on her shoulders. On Her Shoulders is a powerful examination of a truly inspiring woman.
On Her Shoulders screens at the Hot Docs on Tuesday, May 1 at 6:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Wednesday, May 2 at 10:00AM at TIFF Bell Lightbox, and Saturday, May 5 at 4:00PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
The Cleaners
The Cleaners follows the “digital janitors” whose job it is to make decisions on what content and images we are allowed and not allowed to see on Social Media.
This Documentary follows workers in Manila, Philippines that watch tens of thousands of content, spanning from pornography to war zone photography, a day and decide if it should be censored or not. The Cleaners works because it examines the negative impact the job has on the individuals and organizations involved. They feel the weight of the world is on their shoulders and look at horrific images and videos that become imprinted on their mind, so they won’t be on ours.
The Cleaners screens at Hot Docs on Monday, April 30 at 6:30PM at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema as part of the Big Ideas Series presented by the Scotia Wealth Management Programme. It also screens at the Festival on Wednesday, May 2 at 2:45PM at Scotiabank Theatre 3, and Friday, May 4 at 9:00PM at Revue Cinema.
Blowin’ Up
Blowin’ Up is an inside look into a New York City special intervention court, that helps sex workers escape the unjust cycle of arrests and clear their record of the charges against them. But after the 2017 US election their efforts become endangered by the new White House administration.
The Documentary is a powerful expression of human compassion. Director Stephanie Wang-Breal’s focuses not only on the sex workers, but the judges, lawyers and organizations trying to help them. This aides in telling all sides of the human trafficking perspective. Wang-Breal also uses her camera to better understand the reasons why some become sex workers. And why it’s often threatening to get out of. Resulting in the viewers preconceived judgement to dissipate.
Blowin’ Up screens at the Hot Docs on Tuesday, May 1 at 6:45 PM and Hart House Theatre, Thursday, May 3 at 12:30PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox, and Saturday, May 5 at 9:00PM at The Revue.
Alt-Right: Age Of Rage
Alt-Right: Age Of Rage follows the race war in the United States through the eyes of alt-right white supremacist leader Richard Spencer, and anti-racist activist Daryle Lamont Jenkins.
What Director Adam Bhala Lough creates with Alt-Right: Age Of Rage is a chilling expose on the tensions in America since Trump’s presidency. Lough focuses on interviews from alt-right members and anti-racists members to give an in-depth look at two opposing sides. And it all leads up to the shocking 2017 Charlottesville riots and the moment an alt right member drove a car into counter-protestors.
Alt-Right: Age Of Rage screens at Hot Docs on Friday, April 27 at 9:30PM at Hot Docs Red Rogers Cinema, Saturday, April 28 at 1:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre and Friday, May 4 at 3:45PM at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema.
The Heat: A Kitchen (R)evolution
The Heat: A Kitchen (R)evolution follows female chefs in Toronto, New York City, London and Paris who have been kept in the background while male chefs dominate magazine covers and TV shows.
This timely Documentary brings women into the boss role in the kitchen. Director Maya Gallus has found rich subjects who are all women, yet they have different perspectives on how to run their kitchen. They also all have unique experiences about how they were treated before and after becoming chef. The overall message is that chefs don’t need to be angry and kitchens don’t need to be stress induced.
The Heat: A Kitchen (R)evolution screens at Hot Docs on Thursday, April 26 at 9:30PM at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, Saturday, April 28 at 1:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 as part of the Food on Film Programme, and Sunday, May 6, at 3:30PM at Isabel Bader Theatre.
United We Fan
United We Fan follows countless women and men who created fan campaigns to save their favourite TV shows from being canceled.
Director Michael Sparaga examines multiple fan campaigns that have saved TV shows such as Star Trek, Veronica Mars, Chuck and more. This is a fun Documentary that anyone who has cared about a show will love. And for all of those who don’t understand fandom this is a great study in why fans care so much. United We Fan is an inspiring Documentary that examines the change voices can make when they put in blood, sweat and tears.
United We Fan screens at Hot Docs on Saturday, April 28 at 5:30PM at Scotiabank Theatre 4, Monday, April 30 at 3:00PM at Hart House Theatre, and Thursday, May 3 at 12:!5PM at Hart House Theatre.
McQueen
McQueen follows the professional life of Alexander McQueen from the time he got his first tailoring job on Savile Row to his sudden death in 2010.
Directors Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui gather real footage which brings the audience closer to the talented McQueen. They mix this real footage with colleagues, friends and family interviews that bring audiences closer to the fashion designer. Overall, McQueen chronicles the rags-to-riches story of this fashion icon that will have an impact on those who loved him and his designs.
McQueen screens at Hot Docs on Saturday, April 28 at 9:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, Sunday, April 29 at 2:30PM at Hart House Theatre, and Sunday, May 6 at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2.
The Blue Wall
The Blue Wall follows the media, police, activists, lawyers and politicians that were or have become involved with the police shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald in Chicago in 2014.
Director Richard Rowley crafts an engaging Documentary that tells all sides of the 16 shot shooting of a black teenager by a white police officer. With interviews spanning all different perspectives on the problem there is a clear narrative leading to the truth. The Blue Wall is a timely Documentary that uncovers the corrupt truth and tries to expose the reasons why there is rarely any justice.
The Blue Wall screens at Hot Docs on Tuesday, May 1 at 9:00PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Wednesday, May 2 at 12:30PM at Hart House Theatre, and Thursday, May 3 at 9:00PM at Scotiabank Theatre 3.
The Accountant of Auschwitz
The Accountant of Auschwitz follows the trial of Oskar Gröning who was an accountant at Auschwitz during World War II. The trail made headlines around the world because the man was 94-years-old and he was the first Nazi to admit to everything he did.
This Documentary is a powerful look at the history of the justice system in Germany when prosecuting Nazis, and former Nazis that worked and concentration camps during World War II. It chronicles all the trails for World War II Nazis over the years and how they had an impact on the trail of Gröning. With interviews from Auschwitz prisoners, lawyers and people with varieties of views on Gröning’s participation within Auschwitz this Documentary provides the whole picture on the Gröning trail.
The Accountant of Auschwitz screens at Hot Docs on Sunday, April 29 at 5:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2, Monday, April 30 at 3:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, and Friday, May 4 at 9:00PM at Scotiabank Theatre 13.
Chef Flynn
Chef Flynn chronicles the tremendous talent and passion for cooking that teenage chef Flynn McGarry has had since he was a young child. Director Cameron Yates mixes his footage with those of home videos to tell the whole story of who Chef Flynn is. And what we are left with is a study of a strong young man with ambition. Yates also chronicles McGarry’s mother’s dedication given to make sure her son achieves every goal he has. In doing this, Yates tells the story of the pressure and sacrifices experienced by a family not only the dreamer.
Chef Flynn screens at Hot Docs on Saturday, April 28 at 6:45PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Sunday, April 29 at 10:45AM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, and Saturday, May 5 at 1:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre.
The Sunday screening of Chef Flynn will be part of the Food & Film Programme and will be followed by a Brunch at The Anne Boleyn at 1:00PM.
Call Her Ganda
Call Her Ganda chronicles the violent murder of transgender woman Jennifer Laude in Olongapo City, Philippines, and the trail of her murderer, US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton.
This timely Documentary gives an inside look at the family of Laude and the fight they gave to get justice for her murder. Call Her Ganda also works as a education in history of US and the Philippines relationship to each other. As well as an eye-opening look at the consistent violence by US Marines when on liberty leaves in Olongapo City.
Call Her Ganda screens at Hot Docs on Saturday, April 28 at 9:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Sunday, April 29 at 3:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, and Sunday, May 6 at 5:45PM at Scotiabank Theatre 3.
Playing Hard
Playing Hard follows Jason Vandenberghe on his journey in bringing his passion project video game, For Honor, to life.
This Documentary brings audiences into the world of video game creation. Though this Documentary wouldn’t be interesting if not for the entirely unique Vandenberghe. The stresses that Vandenberghe has during the entire development of his video game brings audiences along on his journey. Playing Hard manages to capture all audiences attention, even those who aren’t interested in the gaming world.
Playing Hard screens at Hot Docs on Wednesday, May 2 at 9:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2, Thursday, May 3 at 2:45PM at Scotiabank Theatre 13, and Friday, May 4 at Scotiabank Theatre 3.
306 Hollywood
306 Hollywood is a loving examination of Sibling-Directors Elan Bogarin and Jonathan Bogarin’s late-grandmother, Annette Ontell. The Directors go through their late-grandmother’s house within the first year of her passing, and investigate all of the objects within it to hold on to the woman they deeply miss.
This may be one of the most unique Docs at the Festival as it plays out like a Feature Film. The Directors mix video footage of Annett, live-reenactments, and dance sequences to bring audiences close to their grandmother. Siblings Elan and Jonathan teach us that the remnants of our homes speak volumes to the people we are. And 306 Hollywood makes an important point that not all lives may be extravagant, but there is importance in every single life.
306 Hollywood screens at Hot Docs on Monday, April 30 at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2, Wednesday, May 2 at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2, and Saturday, May 5 at Scotiabank Theatre 13.
Get Tickets here!
(Photo credit: Hot Docs)
Running April 26 through May 6, 2018 at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, the 25th edition of the HOT DOCS CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL is about to kick off! Comprised of 246 Films from 56 countries and 14 programs, diversity is front and center with female Filmmakers accounting for 50% of the Films.
Highlighting this year’s Festival is a free World Premiere of THE TROLLEY at Ontario Place‘s Cinesphere. Hot Docs also will present special 25th anniversary screenings of THE WAR ROOM and KANEHSATAKE: 270 YEARS OF RESISTANCE with Directors in attendance.
Maya Gallus’ THE HEAT: A KITCHEN (R)EVOLUTION will be premiering opening night of the Festival, taking viewers inside the kitchens of the World’s top female chefs. Other high-profile Films include ANDY IRONS: KISSED BY GOD dealing with the surfing champion’s battle with mental illness, THE BILL MURRAY STORIES: LIFE LESSONS FROM A MYTHICAL MAN following Murray on random adventures, and LOVE, GILDA a Biopic about the beloved Comedian.
Rapper and Activist M.I.A. will be appearing as part of Scotia Wealth Management‘s BIG IDEAS Series and has a Film at the Festival also, MATANGI / MAYA / M.I.A.. Imagine Dragons Frontman Dan Reynolds also has a Film at the Festival, BELIEVER, which premiered at Sundance recently and it has him questioning his faith and its stance on homosexuality. McQueen, a Documentary about the late Fashion icon also will screen at Hot Docs.
More on the Festival here including schedule and tickets.
(Photo credit: Hot Docs)
Right in time for the Super Bowl comes this gorgeous looking new Trailer for THE JUNGLE BOOK!
Synopsis:
“The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub raised in the jungle by a family of wolves, who embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery when he’s forced to abandon the only home he’s ever known.
THE JUNGLE BOOK also stars Ben Kingsley, Lupita Nyong’o, Christopher Walken, Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson and Giancarlo Esposito.
See the Trailer:
See the Poster:
Those who Re-Tweet the Trailer from the official Trailer from the @TheJungleBook Twitter account will get a special message from Director Jon Favreau!
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release THE JUNGLE BOOK on Friday, April 15, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)
We all love Bill Murray, but a Bill Murray Christmas Special has us wondering why the heck this wasn’t done sooner! Directed by Lost in Translation helmer Sofia Coppola whom the funnyman once again teams-up with, we have A VERY MURRAY CHRISTMAS set soon to stream on Netflix!
Synopsis:
This winter, Bill Murray brings an extra-special dose of holiday cheer to Netflix with the premiere of an all-star musically-driven holiday special, A Very Murray Christmas. Set inside New York City’s iconic Carlyle hotel, A Very Murray Christmas opens with Murray preparing to host a live, international holiday broadcast. After a blizzard shuts down the production, he makes the best of the situation by singing and celebrating with friends, hotel employees and anyone else who drops by.
A new Trailer was just released today for what surely will bring us tons of holiday cheer!
See it below:
Netflix Canada streams A VERY MURRAY CHRISTMAS on Friday, December 4, 2015.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix Canada)
VVS Films + Mr. Will want to take Readers to see ROCK THE KASBAH! Screenings will take place as follows:
• Toronto: Monday, October 19 at 7:00 pm at Cineplex Yonge and Dundas
• Montreal: Monday, October 19 at 7:30 pm at Cinéma Banque Scotia Montreal
• Calgary: Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 pm at Scotiabank Chinook
• Edmonton: Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 pm at Cineplex North Edmonton Cinemas
• Vancouver: Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 pm at Scotiabank Vancouver
Synopsis:
A has-been rock manager from Van Nuys, California stumbles upon a once-in-a-lifetime voice in a remote Afghan cave in Rock the Kasbah, a dramatic comedy inspired by stranger-than-fiction, real-life events and directed by Oscar winner Barry Levinson. Richie Lanz (Bill Murray), dumped and stranded in war-torn Kabul by his last remaining client (Zooey Deschanel), discovers Salima Khan (Leem Lubany), a Pashtun teenager with a beautiful voice and the courageous dream of becoming the first woman to compete on national television in Afghanistan’s version of “American Idol.” Richie partners with a savvy hooker (Kate Hudson), a pair of hard-partying war profiteers (Danny McBride and Scott Caan) and a hair-trigger mercenary (Bruce Willis) and, braving dangerous cultural prejudices, manages his new protégée into becoming the “Afghan Star.”
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will on Facebook and indicate your city! For an extra chance, you can click “share” from there or Tweet the below:
http://www.mrwillwong.com/rockthekasbah @mrwillw wants us to #win Advance Passes to see #ROCKTHEKASBAH! Out 10/23!
G’luck Willionaire$!
VVS Films release ROCK THE KASBAH on Friday, October 23, 2015!
(Photo/video credit: VVS 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
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
American Pharoah Merch
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
Mike Smith
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
Paco Lopez
Donna Brothers
The lovely #DonnaBrothers for NBC. #Haskell2015 #MonmouthPark #BetWoodbine #HorseRacing #GetintheGame A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on
Victor Espinoza
Wildcat Red
WILDCAT RED wins the Teddy Drone Stakes. #Haskell2015 #HorseRacing #GetintheGame #BetWoodbine A photo posted by Woodbine Racetrack (@woodbineracing) on
Casual Smile
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
Hothersal
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
American Pharoah
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
Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi)
Justin Zayat (Zayat Stables)
Congrats to @JustinZayat of Zayat Stables, which owns #AmericanPharoah. #Haskell2015 A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on
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
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)
Let’s be real. We can never have enough Celeb Selfies! 2014 was a year I’ll never forget and will forever go down as one of our most star-studded yet! Our travels brought us to L.A. and New York, but our most exciting adventures took place here in our Hometown of Toronto! Let’s take a walk down our star-studded memory lane to some of our fave Celeb moments of 2014!
Who were you most excited to see? The red-hot Benedict Cumberbatch? The private Usher? The iconic Tom Cruise? The adorable Anna Kendrick? “It Boy” Ansel Elgort? How about “It Girl” Shailene Woodley? The incredibly-tough Reese Witherspoon? The irresistible Tom Hardy?!
Also, we want to share with you some of our fave of the several thousand Celeb Snaps we took in 2014! Chances are if there was a major Star in-town this year, we at some point snapped them!
2014 will go down as one of the strongest years for Cinema in recent memory, but which Movies rocked our World? And which Singles ruled our iPod? You’re about to find out!
Re-live some of our Fave Celeb Selfies of 2014 (click HD for better quality):
TOP PHOTOS:
Tinashe, Tattoo Rock Parlour
Rachel McAdams at Canada’s Walk of Fame
Ryan Reynolds + Peter Fonda at Canada’s Walk of Fame
Tove Lo, The Phoenix
Robert Pattinson at the NKPR IT Lounge, TIFF ’14
Channing Tatum, TIFF ’14
Steve Carell, TIFF ’14
Denzel Washington, TIFF ’14
Felicity Jones, TIFF ’14
Kevin Costner, TIFF ’14
Adam Sandler, TIFF ’14
Robert Downey Jr., TIFF ’14
Tom Hardy, TIFF ’14
Ian Somerhalder, Fan Expo 2014
Elijah Wood, Fan Expo 2014
Norman Reedus, Fan Expo 2014
Shawn Mendes, Universal Music Canada
One Direction, Where We Are Tour
5 Seconds of Summer, Summer 2014
Daniel Radcliffe + Zoe Kazan, The F Word Toronto Premiere
Katy Perry, Prismatic World Tour
Lady Gaga, Artrave Tour
Charlie Sheen, Joe Carter Classic Afterparty
Gordon Lightfoot, SOCAN Awards
Missy Peregrym + Charlotte Sullivan, Shaw Media Upfronts
Charlie Barnett + Jesse Lee Soffer, Shaw Media Upfronts
Stephen Amell, Bell Media Upfronts
Kirsten Vangsness, Bell Media Upfronts
Elizabeth Henstridge, Bell Media Upfronts
Katie Holmes, Met Gala, NYC
Blake + Ryan, Met Gala, NYC
Hugh Jackman, Met Gala, NYC
Lily Aldridge + Kate Upton, Met Gala, NYC
Dakota Johnson (50 Shades of Grey), Met Gala, NYC
Marion Cotillard, Met Gala, NYC
Joshua Jackson + Diane Kruger, Met Gala, NYC
Zac Efron, NYC
Iggy Azalea, The New Classic Tour
Cher, D2K Tour
Miley Cyrus, Bangerz Tour
Katheryn Winnick, Canadian Screen Awards
Martin Short, Canadian Screen Awards
Shay Mitchell, Canadian Screen Awards
Maria Bello, David Cronenberg + Viggo Mortensen, Canadian Screen Awards
Laura Vandervoort + Olivier Trevena, Canada’s Stars of the Awards Season Gala, L.A.
Ellen Wong, Canada’s Stars of the Awards Season Gala, L.A.
TOP FILMS:
1. WHIPLASH
2. GONE GIRL
3. NIGHTCRAWLER
4. WILD
5. BIRDMAN
6. THE IMITATION GAME
7. FOXCATCHER
8. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
9. THE FAULT IN OUR STARS
10. THE LEGO MOVIE
Perhaps under-seen, WHIPLASH is the one Film you absolutely must see this year. J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller will shatter your World with their performances! You’ll leave shaken and sobered.
TOP SINGLES
1. ALL ABOUT THAT BASS – Meghan Trainor
2. BLANK SPACE – Taylor Swift
3. WEST COAST – Lana Del Rey
4. BOOM CLAP – Charli XCX
5. POMPEII – Bastille
6. STAY WITH ME – Sam Smith
7. SHE LOOKS SO PERFECT – 5 Seconds of Summer
8. COUNTING STARS – OneRepublic
9. SHAKE IT OFF – Taylor Swift
10. SAY SOMETHING – A Great Big World ft. Christina Aguilera
2014 was all about that bass for us. Meghan Trainor blew our mind with her positive message about body image. We’re sold and extremely excited for her 2015 full-length Debut.
Won’t you join us as we embark on more exciting adventures in Entertainment 2015? Also stay tuned for an upcoming Post where our Contributors Jonathan Godfrey, Justin Waldman, David Baldwin and George Kozera share their fave Films of 2014 too!
Happy Holidays, Willionaire$!
Photos Post-TIFF ’14 taken on Nikon D3300. Photos pre-TIFF ’14 taken on Olympus E-PL5/Samsung S4.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com