Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada + Mr. Will want to give readers a chance to win a copy of Box Office success, MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN along with a T-Shirt and the Book.
Synopsis:
Based on Christy Beam‘s memoir of the same name, Miracles From Heaven tells the true story of 12-year-old Annabel Beam (Kylie Rogers) who suffers from a rare incurable digestive disorder, while her mother Christy (Jennifer Garner) searches for a solution.
After surviving a freak accident, Anna finds herself miraculously cured of the rare disease.
Miracles From Heaven follows a series of miracles as they unfold that leave Anna’s family, doctors and the whole Texas community in awe.
Artwork:
Trailer:
To enter to win, simply click “like” at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK.
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada release MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN in Blu-ray and DVD on Tuesday, July 12, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada)
It was a great TIFF ’14.  I admit things were looking a bit scary with a smaller-than-expected Celebrity Guest List initially and lack of confirmations, but the Festival truly brought its A-Game and this indeed was one for the books!  I distinctly remember feeling a bit of panic on the first Friday of the Festival trailing far off the pace I’m normally at, nabbing only a handful of Celeb Snaps. Once the Festival picked-up by the  weekend, I found myself barely able to hang-on!  What a wild ride!
Many will attribute the shift in pace of the Festival due to the well-publicized guideline changes set this year, making it impossible for any Studios/Filmmakers to premiere at TIFF within its first four days had it premiered elsewhere on the North American Festival Circuit. Â This in turn created room for several star-studded In-Conversation-Withs as part of the Festival’s Mavericks Programme with the likes of Denzel Washington & Antoine Fuqua, Richard Gere, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Juliette Binoche. Â We felt the pinch, believe me. Â This however is a Statement the Festival must make to secure its exclusivity and maintain its place as an important Fixture for Films on the Award Trail.
We loved seeing the Publicity Machine at work before our eyes. Â Stars in previous years who were on the inaccessible side, suddenly became warm to Fans. On the contrary though, we noticed a few Stars who normally are friendly and accessible become tough to access this TIFF. Â We’re looking at you, Channing. It always is a true testament to how much the Stars believe in their product when they are willing to bring it!
We also are not surprised that THE IMITATION GAME (review here) was awared the Grolsch People’s Choice Award.  Upon seeing it in advance of the Festival, we knew the Film had that something special and this will be the Film that makes Benedict Cumberbatch a household name in North America.  How it shall fare this Awards Season remains to be seen, but given its Oscar-bagging connections – The Weinstein Co. – it should do just fine!
Our Contributors Jonathan Godfrey, David Baldwin, Justin Waldman and myself also might also have a thing or two to say about other deserving Contenders which premiered here at TIFF, which might not have gotten recognition.  Baldwin has the highest praise for Eddie Redmayne‘s performance in The Theory of Everything (review here), while Godfrey still is singing the patriotic praises of the “cosmic” Maps to the Stars (review here).  Waldman has a place in his heart for the overlooked Mommy (review here) and Pride (review here) – both which he feels will be Awards Season Candidates.  I myself was spellbound by the meditative slow-burn of Foxcatcher (review here) and the devastatingly-good Whiplash (review here).  Never discount Jake Gyllenhaal too as his self-starring and produced Nightcrawler was a bit of a Hit among Fans (review here)!  And although we didn’t see it, Chris Rock‘s triumphant return Top Five had multiple Studios in a bidding war for distribution rights.
 … and now for some Lists!
MR. WILL‘S TOP TIFF ’14 MOMENTS
1. Meeting Tom Hardy
2. Meeting Bill Murray
3. Meeting Benedict Cumberbatch x 2
4. Epic Reese Witherspoon Photo Op (after six tries prior)
5. Meeting Steve Carell
6. Meeting Melissa McCarthy
7.  Ansel Elgort saying he had to get a Selfie with Mr. Will, followed by comment from him on Instagram.
8. Mr. Will‘s Epic Hat Fail, Â blocking Jennifer Garner‘s beautiful face
9. Meeting Miles Teller/J.K, Simmons WHIPLASH Combo
10. John Travolta‘s Fan Buffet outside The Forger Press Junket
MOST FAN-FRIENDLY CELEBS AT TIFF ’14
1. John Travolta
2. Tom Hardy
3. Reese Witherspoon (we are shocked!)
4. Benedict Cumberbatch
5. Chris Evans
CELEBS WHO OWNED TIFF ’14
1. Bill Murray
2. Al Pacino
3. Benedict Cumberbatch
4. Anna Kendrick
5. Steve Carell
SURPRISE! CELEBS
1. Melissa McCarthy
2. Kristen Bell
3. Chris Pine
4. Elizabeth Banks
5. Cara Delevingne
LEAST-ACCESSIBLE CELEBS
1. Robert Downey Jr.
2. Tina Fey
3. Keira Knightley
4. Denzel Washington
5. Kate Winslet
CELEBS WHO MADE THE MOST OF TIFF ’14
1. Chris Evans
2. Steve Carell
3. Benedict Cumberbatch
4. Jon Stewart
5. Â Bill Murray
BUZZMETER
1. Benedict Cumberbatch
2. Eddie Redmayne
3. Miles Teller
4. Felicity Jones
5. Ansel Elgort
FILMS TO LOOK-OUT FOR AWARDS SEASON FROM TIFF ’14
1, The Imitation Game
2. St. Vincent
3. The Theory of Everything
4. Foxcatcher
5. Whiplash
And last but not least, we must thank our wonderful Supporters throughout TIFF who make it all possible.
CP24 & Bell Media: Thank you for continuing to provide and support me with an Outlet to share my greatest passion with Ontarians at my favourite time of year. I look forward to working together again TIFF ’15!
H&M Canada: Everything I wear is H&M. Â Your Cardigans and Jackets were perfect for the indecisive hot-cold of TIFF ’14. Your clothing gives me confidence and comfort. Â Thank you.
Nikon Canada: Although I am still mastering my Nikon D3300 admittedly, many of my Photos were another level of fantastic.  Capturing Photos in 24MP has given my Pictures a depth, clarity and level of detail which I’ve never before achieved.  In the words of Joel McHale (at the Festival with Adult Beginners), “Are you sure this is the best Camera to take a Selfie with?” *SNAP* “I guess it is!”.
Novotel Centre Toronto: I am happy to have called you my home once again TIFF ’14.  Billy and I miss our amazingly cozy bed and we appreciate the Puppy Welcome Package.  This shows the level of attentiveness you have for your Clients.  To be only minutes away from the thick of it all: the Movies, Parties and Celebrities and be able to crash in my Hotel Room for a quick recharge when I was in dire need of it was an absolute luxury I will not take for granted.  The in-and-our privileges of your Parking Lot were a blessing as was the reliable Wi-Fi.  The Staff always are accommodating, understanding and friendly. Without a doubt, I can recommend Novotel Centre Toronto as the place to stay during TIFF.
Samsung Canada: Communication is key to my Brand during TIFF and having access to  the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy Tab S this year ensured I always was able to stay in touch and charged.  When there was the ever rare lull in my day, I could whip-out my Devices and prep my Photos and Blog Posts, ensuring that I could actually spend precious time in my Hotel Room sleeping versus working.  This meant so much to me and I basically cannot imagine my life without a Galaxy Tab S. Really!
Ford Canada: I have never experienced  luxury like a LINCOLN MKZ.  The Panoramic Roof was a dream.  The 6-Speed SelectShift® was absolute state-of-the-art. The massaging chairs were decadent. The THX® II Certified Audio System was symphonic. The customizable interior lighting let me changing colours according to my mood. The Lincoln MKZ‘s concern for my safety with frequent alerts kept me focused on the road. Did I mention it’s awful easy on the eyes? I will never forget the TIFF in which Billy and I rolled in that silky, smooth Lincoln!
Out There with Melissa DiMarco: We always have a blast at Melissa’s Out There VIP Interview Studio and Hospitality Suite! Thank you for keeping Team Mr. Will fed and hydrated with your delectable goodies and thank you for embracing my Willionaire$!
NKPR IT LOUNGE: We are thrilled to have experienced the goodness enjoyed by the likes of Julianne Moore, Robert Pattinson, John Cuasack, Justin Long, Jena Malone, Felicity Jones and several more! Thank you also for giving my Willionaire$Â a taste of that Celeb Life with your generosity!
Touchwood PR: We love you and appreciate the Golden Tickets my Readers and I have been given thanks to your kindness. Â We value your friendship and are excited about what’s next to come!
Rock-It Promotions:Â We are honoured by some of the plum opportunities we were given this TIFF and we look forward to building our relationship with you in the future!
Shinan Govani: We are so proud to call you a Friend. Â You are one of TIFF‘s most omnipresent Stars. Â We continue to look-up to you and your profound influence on our thriving Celebrity Culture.
We hope you had a blast on our Digital Journey this TIFF ’14 and we can’t wait to do it all over.
Stick around, we’re at this year-round.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
After winning much praise at TIFF ’14, Jason Reitman‘s MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN is about ready to see a release! Paramount Pictures Canada and Mr. Will want to take Readers in Toronto (October 1, 2014), Montreal (October 8, 2014) and Ottawa (October 14, 2014) to an Advance Screening!
Official Synopsis:
“MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN” follows the story of a group of high school teenagers and their parents as they attempt to navigate the many ways the internet has changed their relationships, their communication, their self-image, and their love lives. The film attempts to stare down social issues such as video game culture, anorexia, infidelity, fame hunting, and the proliferation of illicit material on the internet. As each character and each relationship is tested, we are shown the variety of roads people choose – some tragic, some hopeful – as it becomes clear that no one is immune to this enormous social change that has come through our phones, our tablets, and our computers.
MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN stars Ansel Elgort, Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, Judy Greer, Rosemarie DeWitt, Emma Thompson, J.K. Simmons, Dean Norris and Dennis Haysbert.
We caught-up with the Cast of MEN, WOMEN & CHILDREN at TIFF ’14! See some Snaps here.
Watch the Trailer:
Today will forever go down as the most explosive day of all time for TIFF! Stars were bursting at every seam after what was felt by the consensus as a a slow start to the Festival on Thursday. Parties were held all around the City and we made several successful Pit Stops around the City and got fueled by Starpower!
The day began with a Press Conference for Jason Reitman‘s new Film about  sexual frustrations, Men, Women & Children and although normally Fans get a chance to see and interact with the Cast, it would be the running-behind-schedule which hindered the experience. We still managed to see the following:
Jennifer Garner
Jason Reitman
Kaitlyn Dever
Adam Sandler
Ansel Elgort/Kaitlyn Dever
We also got a little surprise from Australian Actor Alex Russell, whom we met filming CARRIE here a couple years back! The Actor stars in CUT SNAKE at TIFF ’14! Â He remembers us!
We love Paul Bettany and were ecstatic about meeting him as he went about his Press Day for self-directed Shelter, which premieres at TIFF ’14.
Not too far long after, we made our way over to the official Audi-sponsored Party for Oscar Contender, PRIDE over at Hotspot The Citizen. Â All I have to say is Truffle Poutine. Â Delish. The light-hearted Dramedy documents the true struggle of a Gay Activist Group in England, supporting Miners in need. The only thing however, is that the striking Miners didn’t want to be associated with the Group. The Film won a two-minute Standing Ovation from its Audience yesterday afternoon. See some Snaps of the talented Cast:
Bill Nighy
Ben Schnetzer & Jessie Cave
Dominic West
Andrew Scott
The Cast and Team behind PRIDE
We thought we’d re-visit the Cast of Paramount Pictures‘ Men, Women & Children once more at the official Party for the Film at new It-Spot, Montecito which happens also to be owned be legendary Filmmaker Ivan Reitman, Father of  Director Jason. Fans and Cameras lined the Carpet in eager anticipation as the Stars paraded by one-by-one including a few surprises! I was so happy to see our Friend Ansel Elgort, whom we met here in the City a couple years back when he was filming CARRIE. He noticed us right away at the Carpet proclaiming, “I’ve got to get a Selfie with Mr. Will!”. We’re incredibly proud how well he’s done and also what’s next to come for the Divergent and The Fault in our Stars Talent, who clearly has been propelled into Mega-stardom from the ecstatic screams I heard from Fans everywhere he went today.
Jennifer Garner
Rosemarie DeWitt
Ansel Elgort
Eugene Levy
Adam Sandler
An annual favourite Fixture of ours at TIFF is the InStyle Magazine Party, which shuts down a strip of Yorkville for a night and the amount of Starpower seen here was s t a g g e r i n g. We admit it was a bit of on the decline mostly due to unfortunate timing later in the Festival after an abundance of Stars leave town, but was it ever a night to remember for the Fans! We’re talking Megawatts!
Chris Evans (Before We Go)
Robert Downey Jr. (The Judge)
Noomi Rapace (The Drop)
Missy Peregrym dressed in Intermix (Backcountry)
Sarah Rafferty
Paul Dano (Love & Mercy)
Madeleine Stowe
Miles Teller (Whiplash)
Lacey Chabert (aka GRETCHEN WIENERS!!!)
Mark Ruffalo (Infinitely Polar Bear, Foxcatcher)
Jessica Chastain (Miss Julie)
Timothy Spall (Mr. Turner)
Ben Stiller (While We’re Young)
Jake Abel (Good Kill)
J.K. Simmons (Whiplash)
Abigail Spencer (This is Where I Leave You and The Forger)
Chloë Moretz (Laggies, Clouds of Sils Maria and The Equalizer)
Rick Hoffman
Nicola Peltz
Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything)
Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game)
Kevin Costner (Black & White)
Will Peltz (Men, Women & Children)
Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything)
Salma Hayek (Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet)
We spotted Channing Tatum, Jon Stewart and many, many more there also!!
Okay, we admit it. We were on a high and kept going right after till 5 AM (!!!) Â when we also spotted several other Stars out and about! Look!
Anna Kendrick (The Last Five Years)
Douglas Booth (The Riot Club)
Rosario Dawson (Top Five)
Cedric the Entertainer (Top Five)
Jay Pharoah (Top Five)
We ain’t done. Wait till you see what we have in store next, Willionaire$!
Find out first here:
Twitter: @mrwillw
Instagram: @mrwillwong
All Photos captured on the NIKON D3300 and communicated via the Samsung Galaxy Tab S.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Remstar Films, Touchwood PR and Mr. Will Wong are thrilled to give Readers a chance to see the Film walking into Awards Season with an insane amount of Oscar Buzz! After premiering at TIFF ’13, several walked away deeply affected by the scintillating performances seen in Jean-Marc VallĂ©e‘s Dallas Buyers Club. Now you too can witness the magic, Canada! This is indeed a special Film and my favourite Film of 2013 thus far!  You will be blown away by performances from Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto.
Official Synopsis:
When Texan Cowboy Ron Woodroof is diagnosed with HIV, he is prescribed a highly toxic drug and given thirty days to live. Refusing to accept this death sentence, Woodroof taps into the world of underground pharmaceuticals and becomes a kingpin of an unapproved alternative treatment that is both restorative and life extending. Woodroof struggles with the FDA as he helps spread awareness of the government’s misinformation, taking a stand against the politically corrupt who prefer to profit from the sick instead of aiding them in their recovery.
We have Double Passes available in the following Cities for an Advance Screening on Monday, November 18, 2013:
Calgary – Eau Claire Theatre
Edmonton – Windermere Cinemas
Winnipeg – Macgillivray Cinemas
Ottawa – Empire 7 Theatres
Halifax – Parklane Cinema
Watch the Trailer below:
To enter to win a Double Pass to see DALLAS BUYERS CLUB in Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Halifax and Winnipeg, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook and state your City. Double your chances by Re-Tweeting the below:
http://mrwillwong.com/dallasbuyersclub @MRWILLW wants us to #win Passes to see #DALLASBUYERSCLUB!
Good luck.
Official Artwork:
Read my Review of Dallas Buyers Club here.
Dallas Buyers Club already has opened in Toronto and Montreal and will open in Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Halifax and Ottawa on Friday, November 22, 2013.
(Photo/video credit: Remstar Films)
A bit of a slower day today on the Photo front, Wongsters! It rained and rained and rained and finally after subsiding a bit I think we’re good to go again. We did spot some pretty exciting names though today, thus far!
Kate Winslet is just too perfect. Love her and it tears me apart that my first time seeing her today was under less than ideal circumstances. The Academy Award Winner arrived at her Press Conference for Labor Day (premiering tonight at Ryerson Theatre), throwing over a quick wave to Fans before being rushed in. On her way out she rolled down her window quickly and threw a hand wave. Mesmerized.
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Josh Brolin, who stars opposite Winslet in Labor Day under more ideal circumstances would’ve given more to Fans, but I managed to get this Snap of him waving goodbye through a sea of Umbrellas to Fans after completing a Press Conference for the Oscar-buzzed Drama by Director Jason Reitman.
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By total chance, I crossed paths with the lovely Jennifer Garner as she was downtown doing a bit of shopping. Mrs. Ben Affleck was seen without the Mr. and it is said she enjoyed a Salad for lunch today in advance of her Red Carpet Premiere for HIV-Drama Dallas Buyers Club in which she stars opposite Matthew McConaughey.
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Although not here for TIFF ’13 specifically, they sure timed it well. Brothers Donnie and Paul Wahlberg arrived in Toronto today to promote their upcoming upscale Burger Restaurant, WAHLBURGERS, meeting Fans at the Soho-Metropolitan Hotel today. After running out of Burgers quickly, the rest of the Fans were given Gift Cards for future purchase of a Burger when the first Canadian location opens in 2014!
Funnyman Tom Arnold made a surprise appearance at the Roy Thomson Hall Premiere of Mike Myers‘ Documentary, Supermensch: The Legend of Shep Gordon today and he was spotted out and about partying this evening, much to my surprise. The former Husband of Roseanne Barr was even awesome enough to stop to pose for Pics!
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Jack Huston is definitely an emerging Talent to come into TIFF ’13 with a significant amount of buzz. The Nephew of Danny Huston and Anjelica Huston stars in Kill Your Darlings, which premieres tomorrow night at Roy Thomson Hall. He has been seen most recently on HBO‘s Boardwalk Empire.
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Perhaps one of the biggest surprises we’ve seen at TIFF was ’90s Megastar Crooner Michael Bolton out partying tonight with his Buddy, Toronto Director Paul Haggis (second below), who presents his latest work Third Person, a Romantic-Drama starring Olivia Wilde and Liam Neeson Monday night at VISA Screening Room! Both Bolton and Haggis were extremely gracious to stop and pose for Fans.
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Maroon 5 Frontman debuted his first Feature Film, Can a Song Save Your Life tonight at the Princess of Wales Theatre. The handsome Singer was spotted at the uber-trendy Patria following his Premiere before calling it an early night. He soon will begin mentoring duties on the fourth Season of NBC‘s The Voice, premiering late September.
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Still going strong, Director-Actress Couple Eli Roth and Lorenza Izzo are back at TIFF again this year with Green Inferno, premiering at the Festival’s Midnight Madness Program tonight. The two were spotted heading together to their Premiere. They certainly are not Strangers to Toronto having filmed Netflix‘s Hemlock Grove here last year.
Dane DeHaan‘s star is rising rather fast and in addition to starring in Kill Your Darlings alongside Daniel Radcliffe, he stars this time as Harry …Osborn in Amazing Spider-Man 2. The Actor was here last TIFF with The Place Beyond the Pines.
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The stunning Freida Pinto is in Toronto partaking in the TIFF ’13 festivities and word is, she is raising awareness for an Indian Film Festival in development in the City. Definitely one of the few Actresses I know who can pull-off orange so effortlessly.
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Actor/Director John Turturro and French Actress/Singer Vanessa Paradis (formerly Partner of Johnny Depp) were seen partying together in support of their TIFF ’13 Film, Fading Gigolo. Both were awesome to stop and interact with Fans tonight.
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(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
*Photos taken on Samsung Galaxy S4 and Olympus E-PL5.
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 BrĂĽhl, 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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