We’ve had our eye on this one for a while. After getting lots of love at TIFF ’13 and a Canadian Screen Award nomination for Best Picture to boot, Director Michael Dowse (Goon) returns with the charming Romantic Comedy, THE F WORD. The Title decidedly will be known as What If in other territories.
The Film, made in Toronto, centers around Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe), who becomes infatuated with a Girl named Chantry (Zoe Kazan), only to discover that she’s already dating another Man, causing their relationship to be put in the doomed “friend zone”. We’ve all been there, right?
Rafe Spall, Megan Park, Mackenzie Davis and Adam Driver also star.
Watch the official Trailer, which just surfaced this past weekend:
Mr. Will and The Cast of The F Word:
eOne Films release The F Word on Friday, August 1, 2014.
(Photo/video credit: eOne Films/Mr. Will Wong)
It was a memorable year indeed! Join me as I recall some of 2013’s brightest moments in Celebrity, Film and Music with a Toronto twist! As a true Connoisseur of Pop Culture, I certainly was spoiled with several delights this year on all three fronts. Toronto witnessed what could well be the strongest years this City ever has seen in terms of Star Power. Also, as an experienced Digital Photographer of sorts, I am sharing some of my favourite Snaps taken around the City this year too. If you’re a #NOFILTER kinda Guy or Gal, I apologize! A few of them are Horse-related, spending many of my weekends at scenic Woodbine Racetrack, my fave Place since Childhood to escape and recharge from the City. Come Wongsters, let us walk down this luminous Memory Lane together!
TOP TEN SONGS OF 2013
2013 was solid for Pop Music and I was thrilled to hear a return to great, strong melodies. What a year it was for Miley Cyrus who not only wowed us with We Can’t Stop, but slayed us hard with Wrecking Ball! Coming in like a Wrecking Ball she managed to turn all eyes her way in a year which saw Albums released from some Marquee names like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and more. Lana Del Rey put us in a state of euphoria this Spring with her chilling Ballad for The Great Gatsby, Young & Beautiful. Flawless and timeless. Mariah Carey and Miguel provided much of the Soundtrack for my early Summer with their gorgeous Collabo #Beautiful, while Robin Thicke undisputedly had the Song of Summer 2013 with Blurred Lines. His Album of the same name easily is my favourite Disc of 2013.
1. Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball
2. Lana Del Rey – Young & Beautitul
3. Mariah Carey ft. Miguel – #Beautiful
4. Justin Timberlake – Mirrors
5. Miley Cyrus – We Can’t Stop
6. Robin Thicke ft. Pharrell & T.I. – Blurred Lines
7. Capital Cities – Safe and Sound
8. Katy Perry – Roar
9. Icona Pop – I Love It
10. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Same Love
Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball
TOP TEN FILMS OF 2013
I don’t recall a year in recent memory where the Films were quite as strong as this year. It is as if Filmmakers have studied critiques, knew precisely what to avoid and owned it. Time after time I’d make it out to the morning Media Screenings and just when I thought I’d seen my favourite Film of 2013, another would come along and usurp the throne. In all, AIDS Drama Dallas Buyers Club would leave the strongest imprint with Jared Leto touching the core of my soul with his phenomenal performance. 12 Years a Slave left me shaken and speechless and made it really tough to decide a Fave. Saving Mr. Banks truly affected and inspired me, moving me to tears and I could never forget Cate Blanchett‘s empathic portrayal of a Woman battling her own demons in Woody Allen‘s Blue Jasmine. And yes, I really loved Spring Breakers. James Franco is just on another level.
1. Dallas Buyers Club
2. 12 Years a Slave
3. American Hustle
4. Blue Jasmine
5. Saving Mr. Banks
6. Gravity
7. 42
8. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
9. Enough Said
10. Spring Breakers
Watch the Trailer for Dallas Buyers Club below:
TOP CELEBRITY MOMENTS
It was a good bloody amazing year. My experience in New York City seeing the Met Gala is unforgettable, as a revolving door of Celebrities came my direction. I didn’t even know which way to go or who to ask first for a Photo! TIFF ’13 brought me several amazing memories finally getting to meeting one of my favourite Actresses, Nicole Kidman – not to mention getting to meeting personal Heroes Seth McFarlane, Jim Carrey, Mike Myers, Baz Luhrmann and several more throughout the year. My ultimate Highlight however was finally after 15 tries, getting my Lady Gaga moment in November!
As seen top to bottom, left to right in the above Collage are:
Supermodel Cara Delevingne, Shoe Visionary Christian Louboutin, Actress Mia Wasikowska, Actor Jesse Eisenberg, Actor Kit Harington, Astronaut Chris Hadfield, Singer/Songwriter Lorde, Singer/Songwriter Robin Thicke, Television Personality/Actress Kelly Ripa, Domestic Goddess Martha Stewart.
Director Baz Luhrmann, Actress Emma Thompson, Singer/Actress Ariana Grande, Actress Léa Seydoux, Actress Adèle Exarchopoulos, Actress Toni Collette, Singer/Songwriter Lady Gaga, Singer Kylie Minogue, Actress Nicole Kidman, Actress/Singer Selena Gomez.
Writer/Actor Mike Myers, Comedian, Writer/Actor Seth MacFarlane, Writer/Actor Seth Meyers, Writer/Actor Jim Carrey, Actress Dakota Fanning, Actress Taylor Schilling, Singer/Songwriter/Fashion Mogul Pharrell, Television Personality/Actress Rosie O’Donnell, Kentucky Derby-winning Jockey Joel Rosario, Breeders Cup Classic-winning Jockey/Actor Gary Stevens.
Spice Girl/Actress Mel B., Actor Armie Hammer, Actress Kerry Washington, Actor Sam Rockwell, Actor Nicholas Hoult, Actor Tom Hiddleston, Actor Adam Driver, Actor Josh Brolin, Actor Daniel Radcliffe, Actress Dakota Fanning, Actor Sam Claflin, Actress Jena Malone.
TOP SNAPS
And now the ten best Photos of 2013 snapped through my lenses (Samsung Galaxy S2, Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5):
I truly am blessed and can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store for us here in this sight-filled City of Tastemakers!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Earlier tonight I was humming and hawing about where to have Dinner with my Nephew Ken who drove-in from out-of-town to visit the City. Being the trendy Uncle always comes with a bit of added pressure but alas, I would not disappoint, bang-on picking pretty much the hottest spot in Toronto – La Carnita.
A self-proclaimed “celebration of Street Art and Street Food”, the College Street It-Spot boasted an hour-plus wait tonight but dare I say it was well worth it? Service was exceptionally quick in the cramped venue, our Server quick to ensure we got the last of the Special of the Day, Beef Cheek Empanadas. Done!
One-by-one at an electric pace, our Tastebuds were shocked and scintillated by the Hipster-veering Taco-centric Mexican Fare. Tostada de Ceviche (acid-cooked swordfish, guacamole, coconut milk, habanero tomato, cucumber) was remarkably fresh and citrusy – impressive. Pollo Frito (fried chicken, peanut mole sauce, pickled green cabbage & salsa fresca) was recommended highly by our Server and was indeed decent. Carnita (slow-cooked Pork) was almost a mandatory eat although it could’ve used a bit more sauce. The Beef Cheek Empanadas were a hearty and flavourful delight – I’ll even ignore the fact that I saw several others after me receiving their orders at their tables despite the claim we got the last of them (!). The absolute Centerpiece however was In Cod We Trust (deep-fried cod, Voltron sauce, lime crema, pickled red cabbage, green apple & cilantro) – every bite was textured heaven.
Unfortunately there was not much room left for tempting Dessert offerings like Churros and Tres Leche Cake. Perhaps next time!
Prices are super-reasonable, serving sizes appear small to the eye but magically are filling, the ambiance festive and the taste immense. Easily one of my best meals in recent memory and deserving of the feverish buzz. Daniel Radcliffe and Terrence Howard couldn’t possibly be wrong in their adoration.
La Carnita is situated at 501 College Street (west of Bathurst).
Visit their Website for more details here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
With great sadness, we must say farewell to another TIFF. And with fatigue, a limp in my right foot and great pain in my neck today after a gruelling run these past 11 days, I look back at the happy times, the regrets and what TIFF ’14 might hold. Despite all these mixed emotions, I know it won’t be long before I’m begging for more! I live for the Toronto International Film Festival – the greatest in Film Festival the World – and wouldn’t rather be anywhere else.
Here’s a look back at some of the Highlights for me of the Festival in Compiled Lists:
MR. WILL’S MOST GRACIOUS 10
Anyone who encountered these Stars up-close and personal during TIFF ’13 can vouch that they deserve a warm round of applause for the respect, appreciation and courtesy they’ve shown our City. Whether it be Jessica Chastain‘s consistent grace and humility towards her Fans, Brad Pitt‘s surprise Red Carpet appearance in which he took several Photos with Fans at the 12 Years a Slave Premiere, Hugh Jackman stopping in the rain outside the Press Conference for Prisoners to meet and great all his Supporters individually – these Stars understand exactly what the Festival is all about for us Fans!
1. Jessica Chastain
2. Sandra Bullock
3. Tom Hiddleston
4. Daniel Radcliffe
5.. Brad Pitt
6. Josh Brolin
7. Hugh Jackman
8. Jennifer Aniston
9. Nicolas Cage
10. Emma Thompson
MR. WILL’S SUCCESSFUL 6
These six Films gained a great amount of buzz and momentum coming out of TIFF ’13 in advance of their forthcoming Awards Season Best Picture Campaigns. Sadly, August: Osage Country didn’t wind up getting critical love universally (I enjoyed it much!) hoped for, but it still remains a major Contender in the Acting categories – especially for a heartbreakingly-absent Queen Meryl Streep.
1. 12 Years a Slave
2. Labor Day
3. Dallas Buyers Club
4. Prisoners
5. Gravity
6. Rush
MR. WILL’S EMERGING 5
These five up-and coming Stars caused quite a stir wherever they spotted around TIFF ’13. This time next year, expect to know them pretty much on a first name-basis.
1. Benedict Cumberbatch
2. Emilia Clarke
3. Daniel Brühl
4. Jai Courtney
5. Taylor Schilling
MR. WILL’S NAUGHTY LIST
Although we try to keep things positive here, we remain hopeful that next time these Stars visit our City, they show us a bit more Fan Appreciation – not just only when the Cameras are on – than they showed this year. Little things like picking-up a Sharpie or taking time to pose for Photos with Fans, or maybe not distancing themselves a 15 feet from the Barricades where their Fans had queued for hours to see them, would be a first step. In all fairness, some had hyper-assertive Handlers or lateness to blame.
1. Benedict Cumberbatch
2. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
3. Scarlett Johansson
4. Mila Kunis
5. Emilia Clarke
MR. WILL’S FASHIONABLE 5
These Stars certainly made a Statement whether it be out and about in our City or on the Red Carpet. I still cannot get over Kitsch‘s gray-on-gray Suit he wore at the Premiere of The Grand Seduction and certainly was a bit obsessed with Toni Collette‘s new Bangs. Julia Roberts was a Vision in her Dolce & Gabbana Dress at the Premiere of August: Osage County too, but my favourite look was Sandra Bullock at the Gravity Premiere in Narciso Rodriguez!
1. Sandra Bullock
2. Julia Roberts
3. Taylor Kitsch
4. Toni Collette
5. Jessica Chastain
And who exactly did Mr. Will got a Photo-with at TIFF ’13?
Ben Cotton, Dane Cook, Jason Reitman, Josh Brolin, Nicole Kidman, Anika Noni Rose, Bill Condon, Donnie Wahlberg, Paul Wahlberg, Jack Huston, Tom Arnold, John Torturro, Lauren Lee Smith, Sami Gayle, Mary Walsh, Saoirse Ronan, Michael C. Hall, Tye Sheridan, Katie Boland, Aaron Abrams, Kelly Rowan, Daniel Radcliffe, Taylor Schilling, Effie Exarchopoulos, Dan Stevens, Daniel Brühl, Alicia Vikander, Tom Hiddleston, deadmau5, Carice Van Houten, Tom Welling, Vanessa Paradis, Michael Bolton, Alice Cooper, Taylor Kitsch, Toni Collette, Dakota Fanning, Jai Courtney, Ciaran Hinds, Jessica Chastain, Emilia Clarke, Jared Harris, Adelaide Kane, James Lafferty, Jennifer Morrison, David Arquette, Alfre Woodard, Ryan Kwanten, Catherine O’Hara, Mark Boone Junior, Will Forte, Emma Thompson, Cara Gee, Demian Bichir, Jude Law, Tom Wilkinson, Alfonso Cuaron, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Thompson (again!), Lea Seydoux, Robert Baker, Amanda Walsh, Adam Driver, Keanu Reeves and Nicolas Cage.
To re-visit some of the amazing names that I snapped in the City over the Festival, click here.
To read some of my Reviews of the Films that premiered at TIFF ’13, click here. More Reviews to come over the next day or two as I play catch-up after all the madness.
…until next year, Wongsters!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
*Photos taken on Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5
As we enter the Halfway Point of TIFF ’13, the Starpower still is v. much alive in Toronto and I even got the chance to see a Movie amidst all my Star Chronicling, seeing Oscar-buzzed August: Osage Country this morning. Even then, I still spotted a certain Celebrity there!
Dermot Mulroney arrives at the Press Conference for August: Osage County and was kind to stop quickly for Fans after its start time was delayed.
Juliette Lewis was kindest of all, stopping for Fans before and following the August: Osage Country Press Conference earlier today, working the perimeter of the Barricades to cheers for Fans. Her performance in the Family-Drama will floor you as the fun-loving, hungry Sister to Julia Roberts and Daughter of Meryl Streep.
Ewan McGregor arrived at the Venue for August: Osage County‘s Press Conference by foot and was amazing to stop for Fans after several pleas afterward. Despite not being confirmed as of last week, the Scotsman let his Fans know he’d be visiting Toronto on his Twitter account a few days ago.
Academy Award-winning Actress Emma Thompson always has maintained her sincerity and graciousness to Fans. We spotted her arriving in Toronto tonight and although few noticed, our flags were raised right away. Thompson appears at TIFF ’13 with The Love Punch opposite Pierce Brosnan and later this year she stars in Saving Mr. Banks, as the Author of Mary Poppins, P.L. Travers.
It’s Bond himself. While seeing August: Osage Country earlier this morning at VISA Screening Room, I looked down my row and noticed a familiar face – Pierce Brosnan! The Actor who appears in The Love Punch opposite Emma Thompson, was ushered-out discreetly after the Screening, where I snapped him leaving the Venue. I later spotted him at La Bettola di Terroni having Lunch.
Anyone who’s ever lined a Red Carpet at TIFF will know that Academy Award-Nominee Jessica Chastain is amazing. She always takes the time to pose for Fans and sign Autographs and is extremely classy about it. Although we missed her last year, she definitely is back and everyone’s taking notice as one of the Best-Dressed Starlets to visit our City at the Festival. Tonight she went to see Al Pacino at Massey Hall and likely will work the Party Circuit tonight afterward.
Few have floored me at TIFF ’13 like Daniel Radcliffe. The British Star, best known for his work as Harry Potter, has consistently been kind to Fans this visit to Toronto and tonight he premiered his third and final Film of the Festival, Kill Your Darlings. We will definitely miss him indeed when he’s gone.
Although we had no idea he still was in-town after debuting his Only Lovers Left Alive earlier in the Festival, Tom Hiddleston waved goodbye to Fans before flying-out. Fret not though Toronto, as the handsome Actor best known to Fans as Loki in Thor, will be back later this year, recently replacing Benedict Cumberbatch in Guillermo del Toro‘s Crimson Peak.
We’re almost half-way through TIFF ’13 and the Star Sightings just don’t stop. Among the Talent we saw today include Marquee names, and several more were seen at the popular InStyle Magazine Party held annually at the Windsor Arms Hotel.
Michael C. Hall at TIFF ’13 with Kill Your Darlings.
Saoirse Ronan at TIFF ’13 for Mary Queen of Scots.
Daniel Radcliffe at TIFF ’13 with The F Word, Kill Your Darlings and Horns.
Nicolas Cage runs the Red Carpet for Joe at Princess of Wales Theatre, zipping furiously through line of Autograph Seekers in record time.
Sandra Bullock greets hoards of Fans while promoting Gravity. She was absolutely wonderful and in charge of the situation.
James Hetfield of Metallica promoting new Documentary, Through the Never.
David Arquette surprises at the InStyle Magazine Party, donning earrings with his Daughter Coco‘s name.
Jennifer Morrison at the InStyle Magazine Party.
Jared Harris at the InStyle Magazine Party.
Abigail Breslin at the InStyle Magazine Party.
Jessica Chastain at the InStyle Magazine Party.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
*Photos taken with Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5
Great news! Our Friends at VVS Films want you to have a chance to see HORNS before everybody else! Daniel Radcliffe will be taking over Toronto this TIFF with not one, not two but THREE Films at the Festival, and HORNS surely has its share of buzz surrounding it.
Official Synopsis:
When his longtime Girlfriend Merrin (Juno Temple) is brutally murdered, Ignatius “Ig” Perrish (Daniel Radcliffe) is blamed by many in his small town for her death. While the case remains open, public opinion has already condemned Ig for the crime, and the media are poised to crucify him. In the wake of this Tragedy, Ig awakens one day to find horns growing from his head.
Suddenly, people start being strangely honest with Ig, confessing their darkest desires and most hidden secrets. As everyone — Friends, Family and Strangers alike — is compelled to confess to him their ugliest impulses, Ig struggles to understand his newfound power and how he might be able to use it to find Merrin‘s real Killer.
HORNS also stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Juno Temple, Max Minghella, Joe Anderson, Kelli Garner, Heather Graham, David Morse, Kathleen Quinlan and James Remar.
Our Friends at VVS Films and Rue Morgue would like to give you a chance to win a Double Pass to see
HORNS at TIFF ’13:
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Scotiabank 4
1:00 PM
To enter to win, simply click here and fill out the form. Good luck.
VVS Films releases HORNS in Canada.
(Photo credit: VVS Films)
At long last the TIFF ’13 Guest List has been announced and among the Marquee names we can expect to see in Toronto in two weeks are phenomenal! Although speak of Brad Pitt and George Clooney making appearances here didn’t amount to much more than rumour, this year the Female Contingent shines brightest with several of Hollywood’s A-List set to present their latest Oscar Vehicles here.
Among the Celebrities expected this year are:
Emilia Clarke, Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, Tom Felton, Chris Hemsworth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Scarlett Johansson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew McConaughey, Daniel Radcliffe, Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Sarah Gadon, Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, James Franco, Marion Cotillard, Mike Myers, Emma Thompson, Kristen Wiig, Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan, Amy Poehler, Keanu Reeves, Kate Winslet, Adam Driver, Jesse Eisenberg, Mia Wasikowska, Owen Wilson, Ralph Fiennes, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Gyllenhaal, JudeLaw, Jessica Chastain, Jai Courtney, Mila Kunis, Pierce Brosnan, Sandra Bullock, Jason Bateman, Zac Efron, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Colin Firth, Idris Elba, Ed Harris, Michael C. Hall, Annette Benning, James McAvoy, Liam Neeson, Steven Soderbergh, Ben Foster, Anton Yelchin, Maria Bello, Jennifer Garner, Nicolas Cage, Daniel Brühl, Tom Hiddleston, Jack Huston, Hugh Jackman, Jessica Lange, Melissa Leo, Adam Levine, Catherine O’Hara, Kurt Russell, Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Berenger, Tom Wilkinson, Julia Louis Dreyfuss, Clive Owen, Zach Galifianakis, Emily Watson, John Hawkes, Alan Rickman, Toni Collette, Josh Brolin, Alice Cooper, Tiger Chen, Rebecca Hall, Will Forte, Kevin Zegers, Taylor Kitsch, Juliette Binoche, Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Thandie Newton, Terrence Howard, James Hetfield, Thomas Haden Church, Tim Robbins, Glenn Close, Dakota Fanning, Philip Glass and several more!
Keep checking back here as the Toronto International Film Festival makes additions as we get closer to Thursday, September 5, 2013 when TIFF ’13 kicks-off! The Festival runs till Sunday, September 15, 2013.
The official Schedule has been announced and you can now start planning your Festival right here. Download the Official Schedule right here!
Single Tickets go on sale on Sunday, September 1, 2013 on TIFF‘s Website here.
Things are about to get real exciting around here! Happy TIFF, indeed!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
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