#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE “DEVOTION”

Sony Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see TIFF ’22 selection DEVOTION starring Jonathan Majors, Glen Powell and Joe Jonas.

Screenings take place as follows:

TORONTO – Monday, 11/21, 7PM @ Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas

VANCOUVER – Monday, 11/21, 7PM @ Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas

Synopsis:

Devotion, an aerial war epic based on the bestselling book of the same name, tells the harrowing true story of two elite US Navy fighter pilots during the Korean War. Their heroic sacrifices would ultimately make them the Navy’s most celebrated wingmen.

Directed by: JD Dillard

Screenplay by: Jake Crane & Jonathan A. H. Stewart

Based on the book by: Adam Makos

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and in the comments there, indicate your City. Re-Tweet the below for an additional chance.

Enter for a chance to #win Advance Passes to see TIFF '22 selection DEVOTION in Toronto and Vancouver!

Details: https://t.co/bx8tr2lRtF

Note: We will be drawing quickly for these so please ensure you get your entry in asap! pic.twitter.com/tUhyOEIQXl

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) November 15, 2022

Rules and regulations here.

Sony Pictures Canada release DEVOTION November 23, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)

#TIFF22: “DEVOTION”

By David Baldwin

Ensign Jesse Brown (Jonathan Majors, the future big bad of the MCU) is an outsanding pilot and the US Navy’s first black Aviator in history. Sadly, the racist troops around him do not think much of this incredible achievement. Enter Lieutenant Tom Hudner (Glen Powell) who joins Brown’s squadron just before they are deployed to fight in the Korean War. Hudner wants to get close to his new Wingman, but Brown is suspicious of his motivations.

The true story of Brown and what happened to him before, during and after Korea is incredible. That story is the beating heart of DEVOTION, and is the exact reason why the Film feels so disappointing and uninteresting. It merely goes through the motions telling the story and embellishing facts along the way, never really stopping for any moments of introspection or even reactions to some of the tragic things that happen. It is not given the love and attention it needs, and feels so callously put together rather than being a powerful story of Heroism and the strength of the human spirit. This is a story that deserves to be told, yet feels like it could and should have been done better. The flight scenes are great (even if they will unfavourably be compared to the ones in Top Gun: Maverick), the sound is top-notch as is the look of the Film. But if we are not really caring about the characters or the story, then why do any of these technical achievements matter?

All of that said, Majors is very good in the role of Brown. He feels a little stifled in some scenes, yet still manages to do an admirable job carrying the film under the weight of the lackluster script. Powell is wonderful as always, and supporting turns from Thomas Sadoski, Joseph Cross, Joe Jonas and especially Christina Jackson (playing Brown’s firecracker of a wife Daisy) are all well-done. I just wish they were all in a better movie.

DEVOTION screens as follows at TIFF ’22:

Mon, Sep 12 IN-PERSON Cinesphere IMAX Theatre 6:00pm

Wed, Sep 14 IN-PERSON Cinesphere IMAX Theatre 9:00pm

Thu, Sep 15 IN-PERSON Cinesphere IMAX Theatre 5:30pm

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW GAG REELS FOR “JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE”

Following its $850-million-earning success at the Box Office, JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE now is in stores and yours to take home on 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ & DVD!

In celebration of this Event, here are two hilarious new gag reels from the Film!

 

Synopsis:

When four high-school kids discover an old video game console with a game they’ve never heard of–Jumanji–they are immediately drawn into the game’s jungle setting, literally becoming the avatars they chose: gamer Spencer becomes a brawny adventurer (Dwayne Johnson); football jock Fridge loses (in his words) “the top two feet of his body” and becomes an Einstein (Kevin Hart); popular girl Bethany becomes a middle-aged male professor (Jack Black); and wallflower Martha becomes a badass warrior (Karen Gillan). What they discover is that you don’t just play Jumanji–you must survive it. To beat the game and return to the real world, they’ll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, discover what Alan Parrish left 20 years ago, and change the way they think about themselves–or they’ll be stuck in the game forever …

 

Gag Reel 1

 

Gag Reel 2

 

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment release JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE, now in stores.

 

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures)

#FIRSTLOOK: “JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE”

The new Trailer for JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE has just surfaced and we can’t wait for its holiday release!

Synopsis:
In the brand new adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, the tables are turned as four teenagers in detention are sucked into the world of Jumanji.  When they discover an old video game console with a game they’ve never heard of, they are immediately thrust into the game’s jungle setting, into the bodies of their avatars, played by Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan.  What they discover is that you don’t just play Jumanji -Jumanji plays you.  They’ll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, or they’ll be stuck in the game forever…

See the Trailer:

Sony Pictures Canada release JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE Friday, December 20, 2017.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures)

#SPOTTED: STARS IN TORONTO FOR 2017 IHEARTRADIO MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Known affectionately as the MMVAs, the iHeartRadio MuchMusic Video Awards took place in Toronto this weekend, honouring the best and hottest Music Videos.  Co-hosting this year were Brampton’s own Alessia Cara and Joe Jonas, the latter who has appeared on multiple occasions dating back to his days with his fraternal trio.

In town for the occasion were a litany of talent including performers Imagine Dragons, Arkells, Camila Cabello (formerly of Fifth Harmony), Julia Michaels, Iggy Azalea, Jessie Reyez, Lorde, Post Malone, DNCE (Jonas’ new band) and Niall Horan (formerly of One Direction).

Presenting awards this year are a who’s-who of television among the intended target audience of the awards show including KJ Apa (Riverdale), Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), Brandon Flynn (13 Reasons Why), Keke Palmer (Scream Queens), Dove Cameron, Lilly Singh, Nikka Bella, Darren Criss (Glee), Kat Graham (Vampire Diaries), Shay Mitchell (Pretty Little Liars), Carly Rae Jepsen, Bea Miller and supermodel Martha Hunt.

Shutting down a portion of Queen Street at the famed Bell Media headquarters, fans lined the streets and braved the rain for the Red Carpet.  The evening’s biggest winners included:  A Tribe Called Red ft. Yasiin Bey, Black Bear and Narcy – R.E.D. for Video of the Year, Shawn Mendes – Mercy for Best Pop Video and iHeartRadio International Artist of the Year went to Lorde.

Most Buzzworthy Canadian Artist was awarded to Drake, who beat out Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, The Weeknd and Alessia Cara.

We spotted some of the stars of the 2017 iHeartRadio MuchMusic Video Awards around town this weekend. Check out our Snaps!

With #NiallHoran, of #OneDirection, in Toronto for the #MMVAs. He was super-nice! Love his new single #SlowHands! #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 19, 2017 at 11:56am PDT

Ziggy Igs. She’s the realest. #IggyAzalea in town for the #MMVAs #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 17, 2017 at 5:49am PDT

#BrandonFlynn, star of hit Netflix series #13ReasonsWhy in Toronto for the #MMVAs. #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 17, 2017 at 8:22pm PDT

Seeing red. Loved seeing again birthday boy #KJApa in #Toronto for the #MMVAs! Still the nicest! #MuchMusicVideoAwards #Riverdale #Archie

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 17, 2017 at 8:22pm PDT

#KJApa celebrated his birthday in Toronto last night. Fans of #Riverdale wished him a very Happy Birthday! The party continues at the #MMVAs. (@kjapa). #Archie

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 18, 2017 at 6:43am PDT

She’s got issues. We’ve got ’em too. With up-and-coming singer/songwriter #JuliaMichaels, at the #MMVAs! #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 18, 2017 at 8:06pm PDT

With Post Malone, here for the #MMVAs. He is back next weekend for #NXNE at the Port Lands! #MuchMusicVideoAwards #WhiteIverson #PostMalone

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 18, 2017 at 7:57pm PDT

The lovely #KatGraham, of #VampireDiaries at #MMVAs. #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 18, 2017 at 8:35pm PDT

#OneDirection’s #NiallHoran asks for a bit of privacy after some Chinese for dinner. He performs at tomorrow’s #MMVAs. #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 17, 2017 at 8:22pm PDT

#TorranceCoombs (#Reign) x #AlyssaCampanella (Miss USA) at the #MMVAs. #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 18, 2017 at 11:21pm PDT

#DarrenCriss in Toronto for the #MMVAs. Cannot wait to see him in #Versace: #AmericanCrimeStory. #MuchMusicVideoAwards

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 19, 2017 at 11:54am PDT

See a complete list of winners here.

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

#REVIEW: “GREASE LIVE!”

Admit it! You didn’t think GREASE LIVE! was gonna be any good, did you??! I mean, how is it possible to top a Masterpiece?  We tried erasing the less-than-stellar GREASE 2 right out of our memories, but have failed time and time again.

Little did we know sitting on our couches at 7:00 PM – an unassuming Sunday night – that Television forever would be transformed for us!  What made Alex Rudzinski (Dancing with the Stars) and Thomas Kail (2 Broke Girls)‘s Live TV Adaptation of one of the greatest Films ever made wonderful, was that it captured precisely the charm and energy that made us fall in love with the 1978 Original. This we remind you, is not an easy feat.  We’ve seen so many Remakes on the Big Screen in recent years disappointingly fall flat.

Everything from a  sophisticated stage design which brought us back to Rydell High right down to the almost identical frame-for-frame replication of the original Film had us in awe.  As we cut in and out of commercial break, we got quick flashes of the pandemonium behind-the-scenes, the Actors getting transported in trollies from stage to stage at a frenetic pace, keeping us engaged and rooting for them  a la Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.  Most important of all, the casting was phenomenal.  Actors like Vanessa Hudgens, Keke Palmer, Carly Rae Jepsen, Julianne Hough and Aaron Tveit didn’t exactly have us jumping for excitement initially, but were we ever off the mark!

Hudgens although a little shaky in her rendition of Look At Me, I’m Sandra Dee, got it together in the Second Act wowing us in full force as a sassy, no-nonsense Rizzo, just mesmerizing in her delivery of There Are Worse Things. What is even more heartbreaking is that Hudgens just yesterday lost her father Greg, channeling her emotions completely tonight on-stage for her biggest Audience yet.

Keke Palmer whom often has been relegated to supporting roles on the likes of Scream Queens and 90210, really shined as flirty Marty, giving Freddy My Love an injection of soul.  Promising and underrated describe only the tip of the iceberg for this burgeoning star, who actually is already a veteran.

Broadway star Aaron Tveit was excellent as our Danny Zuko, embodying exactly the endearing unpredictability of being a hormonal teenager.  Although making a few modifications to the melodies we loved vocally early, he saved it all for late, stealing our hearts in his powerful performance of ballad Sandy.  We only knew him prior from 2012’s Les Misérables, but we now are obsessed.

Julianne Hough perhaps carries the greatest weight of all in the beloved role of Sandy and she did not disappoint at any step, although a bit of fatigue could be heard late after a demanding First and Second Act.  She was the perfect Sandy, capturing her naiveté and level-headedness.  Vocally, she possessed the strength to deliver for the three-hour show and physically, she was spot-on in her choreography which had her cheerleading and dancing her way beginning to end. It didn’t take us long into the broadcast to realize that we’ve long under-estimated Hough.

What also was amazing is that one of our favourites from the Original surfaced as a Cameo – Didi Conn (originally Frenchy) as waitress Vi and above that, appearances from The Brady Bunch‘s Eve Plumb as Shop Teacher Mrs. Murdock and even Boys II Men as our Teen Angels performing Beauty School Drop-Out. Joe Jonas and his new band DNCE also appeared as Johnny Casino and The Gamblers, while vocal powerhouse Jessie J kicked it all off singing the show’s theme, Grease is the Word.

Although we enjoyed the Broadcast greatly, we knew we were “hopelessly devoted” by the Final Act – the end-of-year Carnival scene to be exact.  We didn’t want to say goodbye – which is exactly the same way we felt when he first saw the Original.  Truly magical.

Learn more about GREASE LIVE! here and how to stream it.

Download the complete Soundtrack from GREASE LIVE! here.

My instant reaction to GREASE LIVE!:

#GREASELive had me simultaneously shaking, singing, laughing, dancing, crying, sh*tting… So damn good!! You need to on-demand that sh*t if you missed it!!! I would die to be an extra in that final carnival scene!!! 🚗

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong ⛄ (@mrwillwong) on Jan 31, 2016 at 6:53pm PST

(Photo/video credit: FOX)

#SPOTTED: DNCE IN TORONTO FOR “THE GREATEST TOUR EVER”

Dance-Pop quartet DNCE already are making a splash on the airwaves with debut single Cake By The Ocean which for sure you’ve heard by now. Fronted by a familiar face in pop royalty Joe Jonas and bandmates JinJoo Lee, Jack Lawless and Cole Whittle, the group played an intimate show previewing new material and covers at Adelaide Hall on the Toronto leg of their The Grestest Tour Ever. Although a press day was planned, a delay in flight would postpone this for another day.

The party head westbound on King Street after the show at EFS, where some fans got the chance to party with the band as Jonas took control of the DJ booth, sporting fresh blue hair.  The band is Michigan-bound next.

Although we had no luck with the band earlier after their show, they were amazing to stop for Selfies before heading to their hotel.

We also got to meet Pop-Duo supporting act POWERS too!

See our Snaps:

DNCE

With new pop sensations #DNCE with #JoeJonas! #Toronto #The6ix #JonasBrothers #CakeByTheOcean #TheGreatestTourEverTour

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Nov 19, 2015 at 12:05am PST

POWERS 

With emerging act #POWERS! #PowersBand #Toronto #The6ix #TheGreatestTourEverTour #GiveMePowers A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong (@mrwillwong) on Nov 19, 2015 at 12:10am PST

 

Check out Cake By The Ocean below:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)