THE GARFIELD MOVIE claws to top spot in its second weekend with $13 million from 4,018 theatres for Sony Pictures. Its two week total is $50.5 million.

In second is FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA with $11.5 million for Warner Bros. Over two weekends, it has made $50.4 million domestically.

IF lands in third with $11.million, taking it to $80 million in its third weekend with Paramount Pictures.

KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES takes fourth with $9 million, a tally of $140 million for 20th Century Studios.

HAIKYU!! THE DUMPSTER BATTLE is in fifth in its debut with $3.7 million for Sony Pictures/Crunchyroll. It gets 75% on the Tomatometer.

FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA is set to dominate Memorial Day weekend with $27.5 million (and $35 million through Monday) from 3,804 theatres, garnering 89% on the Tomatometer. This is a Prequel to 2015’s MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth.

In second is Animated Feature GARFIELD THE MOVIE with a solid $24 million ($30 million through Monday) from 4,035 theatres for Sony Pictures. It gets 35% on the Tomatometer.

Third goes to IF with $16.8 million ($21.7 million through Monday) from 4,068 theatres for Paramount Pictures. In its second week its tally is brought to $64.2 in North America.

Fourth goes to KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES with $12.8 million ($16 million through Sunday), taking its run to $125 million for 20th Century Studios.

THE FALL GUY gets fifth with $5 million ($7 million through Monday), a run of $73 million for Universal Pictures to date.

His films have touched the hearts of moviegoers around the world. Having directed all five Mad Max films, fan favourites Babe and Babe: Pig in the City, The Witches of Eastwick and having won an Academy Award for Happy Feet, George Miller is a Filmmaker of incredible range. His ability to tell a story in his writing and directing still with laser-precision at 79-years-old.

The Australian helmer made a rare appearance in Toronto with the red carpet rolled out at Scotiabank Theatre for the Canadian Premiere of FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA, the latest in the celebrated franchise which already has won universal acclaim and also a seven-minute standing ovation at Cannes. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, its story focuses on a young Imperator Furiosa (Taylor-Joy), abducted from her homeland and summoning all her strength in the name of survival and a promise of revenge.

Miller was a great sport walking the Black Carpet, speaking to several Canadian outlets, followed by an. introduction on-stage with CBC‘s Tom Power, before the first audience in the country to see the Film. The theatre was transformed into a stylish wasteland as War Boys inspired by those seen in the Film.

Some highlights from the night:

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA Friday, May 24, 2024. Review here.

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

Toronto! If you’re around this weekend, there will be an exiting activation at Roundhouse Park starting tomorrow, Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 1 PM in celebration of FURIOSA: A MAD MAD SAGA.

WHAT:

FURIOSA FAN FURY – INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE

To rev up excitement for the highly anticipated theatrical release of FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA and visionary filmmaker George Miller’s upcoming visit to Toronto, Roundhouse Park across from the CN Tower has transformed into a thrilling post-apocalyptic spectacle. Fans are invited to witness the chaotic twenty-foot tall display and stop-by for the opportunity to:

· Meet and pose with the wild War Boys of the iconic MAD MAX films

· Take home exclusive merchandise

· Enter for the chance to win tickets to attend a red-carpet screening with George Miller in Toronto on May 21 and other great prizes!

· Witness wildly entertaining War Boy antics from world record holder contortionist and performer, Jared Rydelek

WHEN:

Active Hours:

Saturday, May 18

1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 19
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Monday May 20

1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

*The FURIOSA display will be on-site for the entirety of the long weekend, however, will only have active brand ambassadors, war boys, performers and giveaways between the hours listed above.

WHERE:

Roundhouse Park

255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3M9

(Across from the CN Tower and adjacent to The Rec Room)

About the Movie:

Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth star in Academy Award-winning mastermind George Miller’s “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” the much-anticipated return to the iconic dystopian world he created more than 30 years ago with the seminal “Mad Max” films. Miller now turns the page again with an all-new original, standalone action adventure that will reveal the origins of the powerhouse character from the multiple Oscar-winning global smash “Mad Max: Fury Road.” The new feature from Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures is produced by Miller and his longtime partner, Oscar-nominated producer Doug Mitchell (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Babe”), under their Australian-based Kennedy Miller Mitchell banner.

As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe. While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home.

Taylor-Joy stars in the title role, and along with Hemsworth, the film also stars Alyla Browne and Tom Burke.

Miller penned the script with “Mad Max: Fury Road” co-writer Nico Lathouris. Miller’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes first assistant director PJ Voeten and second unit director and stunt coordinator Guy Norris, director of photography Simon Duggan (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “The Great Gatsby”), composer Tom Holkenborg, sound designer Robert Mackenzie, editor Eliot Knapman, visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson and colorist Eric Whipp. The team also includes other longtime collaborators: production designer Colin Gibson, editor Margaret Sixel, sound mixer Ben Osmo, costume designer Jenny Beavan and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt, each of whom won an Oscar for their work on “Mad Max: Fury Road.”

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, A Kennedy Miller Mitchell Production, A George Miller Film, “Furiosa.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theatres only nationwide on May 24, 2024 and internationally beginning on May 22, 2024.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada x Mr. Will are thriled to give Readers in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver a chance to attend an Advance Screening of FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA.

Screenings take place as follows:

SYNOPSIS
Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth star in Academy Award-winning mastermind George Miller’s “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” the much-anticipated return to the iconic dystopian world he created more than 30 years ago with the seminal “Mad Max” films. Miller now turns the page again with an all-new original, standalone action adventure that will reveal the origins of the powerhouse character from the multiple Oscar-winning global smash “Mad Max: Fury Road.” The new feature from Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures is produced by Miller and his longtime partner, Oscar-nominated producer Doug Mitchell (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Babe”), under their Australian-based Kennedy Miller Mitchell banner.

As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe. While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home.

Taylor-Joy stars in the title role, and along with Hemsworth, the film also stars Alyla Browne and Tom Burke.

Miller penned the script with “Mad Max: Fury Road” co-writer Nico Lathouris. Miller’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes first assistant director PJ Voeten and second unit director and stunt coordinator Guy Norris, director of photography Simon Duggan (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “The Great Gatsby”), composer Tom Holkenborg, sound designer Robert Mackenzie, editor Eliot Knapman, visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson and colorist Eric Whipp. The team also includes other longtime collaborators: production designer Colin Gibson, editor Margaret Sixel, sound mixer Ben Osmo, costume designer Jenny Beavan and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt, each of whom won an Oscar for their work on “Mad Max: Fury Road.”

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, A Kennedy Miller Mitchell Production, A George Miller Film, “Furiosa.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theatres only nationwide on May 24, 2024 and internationally beginning on May 22, 2024.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK, IG or X. Tell us there which city you are entering for, in addition to liking the post.

Rules and regulations here.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA in theatres May 25, 2024.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth star in Academy Award-winning mastermind George Miller’s “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” the much-anticipated return to the iconic dystopian world he created more than 30 years ago with the seminal “Mad Max” films. Miller now turns the page again with an all-new original, standalone action adventure that will reveal the origins of the powerhouse character from the multiple Oscar-winning global smash “Mad Max: Fury Road.” The new feature from Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures is produced by Miller and his longtime partner, Oscar-nominated producer Doug Mitchell (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Babe”), under their Australian-based Kennedy Miller Mitchell banner.

As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe. While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home.

Taylor-Joy stars in the title role, and along with Hemsworth, the film also stars Alyla Browne and Tom Burke.

Miller penned the script with “Mad Max: Fury Road” co-writer Nico Lathouris. Miller’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes first assistant director PJ Voeten and second unit director and stunt coordinator Guy Norris, director of photography Simon Duggan (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “The Great Gatsby”), composer Tom Holkenborg, sound designer Robert Mackenzie, editor Eliot Knapman, visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson and colorist Eric Whipp. The team also includes other longtime collaborators: production designer Colin Gibson, editor Margaret Sixel, sound mixer Ben Osmo, costume designer Jenny Beavan and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt, each of whom won an Oscar for their work on “Mad Max: Fury Road.”

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, A Kennedy Miller Mitchell Production, A George Miller Film, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theaters only nationwide on May 24, 2024 and internationally beginning on 22 May, 2024.

After MAD MAX: FURY ROAD won Oscars and grossed $375 million worldwide, FURIOSA, the latest in the Franchise, is currently in production in Australia. George Miller also will direct this latest installment which will star Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth and Tom Burke. Taylor-Joy has been prepping mentally and physically for some time to prepare for this. Cannot wait to see her carry this Film!

Synopsis:

As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus.  Sweeping through the Wasteland they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe.  While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home.

Taylor-Joy was most recently seen in Edgar Wright’s “Last Night in Soho” and Robert Eggers’ “The Northman.”  She also played the lead in the romantic comedy “Emma,” based on the Jane Austen novel.  Her additional features include the sci-fi thrillers “Split” from M. Night Shyamalan, and his follow up “Glass,” in which she reprised her role from the previous film.  She also starred as a chess prodigy in the massively successful miniseries “The Queen’s Gambit.”

Hemsworth is right at home with high-octane action, having starred in the “Avengers” and “Thor” films as well as the recent “Extraction.”  His other film credits include “Bad Times at the El Royale,” “12 Strong,” “In the Heart of the Sea,” “Rush,” “Snow White and the Huntsman,” and “Star Trek,” among many others.

Burke is perhaps best-known for his award-nominated role in Joanna Hogg’s film “The Souvenir,” as well as playing the lead in the popular UK crime series “C.B. Strike.” He also starred as Athos in the BBC series “The Musketeers,” appeared in such feature films as Nicholas Winding Refn’s “Only God Forgives,” and played famed filmmaker Orson Welles in David Fincher’s Oscar-winning “Mank.”

Miller penned the script with “Mad Max: Fury Road” co-writer Nico Lathouris and produces alongside his longtime partner, Oscar-nominated producer Doug Mitchell (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Babe”).  Miller’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes such longtime Australian collaborators as production designer Colin Gibson, editor Margaret Sixel, sound mixer Ben Osmo, costume designer Jenny Beavan and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt, each of whom won an Oscar for their work on “Mad Max: Fury Road,” as well as first assistant director PJ Voeten and second unit director and stunt coordinator Guy Norris.  The director of photography is Simon Duggan (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “The Great Gatsby”).

More details to come. Warner Bros. Pictures Canada will release.

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

SPOTLIGHT, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brie Larson and Alejandro González Iñárritu emerge as the big winners of the 88th Academy Awards, marking a finale to Awards Season in Hollywood.

Despite pundit predictions pointing to The Big Short winning Best Picture based on its Producers Guild Awards win, it would be Toronto-filmed SPOTLIGHT to take the coveted golden statue. The Catholic molestation scandal Drama also won for Best Original Screenplay.

With the acting categories being less open to discussion, we would witness Leonardo DiCaprio’s long overdue Best Actor win in a celebrated career with several close calls. He in addition, THE REVENANT Director Alejandro González Iñárritu would get recognized for the Film, which was seen also as a legitimate contender to take Best Picture. Filming for the Movie took place in Alberta.

Brie Larson after building Oscar buzz during the festival circuit for ROOM, became a clear frontrunner in an Awards Season trail which saw her win virtually every Lead Actress award including the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, SAGs, Critics’ Choice Awards and many more. The Actress who filmed her Oscar-winning role in Toronto, next can be seen in Skull Island, the latest in the King Kong franchise.

Swedish star Alicia Vikander quickly has risen in Hollywood after multiple plum roles of late including Ex_Machina (winner for Visual Effects), wins Supporting Actress for The Danish Girl. After seeing her Friday night in Hollywood, we whispered to her “You’re so winning on Sunday”, to which she replied back “You’re so sweet! Thank you!”.

Mark Rylance would win Supporting Actor shining brightest in Steven Spielberg’s Cold War Drama BRIDGE OF SPIES.

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD dominated the technical categories, winning Sound Editing, Sound Mixing, Costume Design, Hair & Makeup, Production Design and Editing.

Chris Rock had many debating just how controversial he would go on #OSCARSSOWHITE and he would not disappoint as host with a biting opening which snapped at Hollywood, which he says flat-out is “racist” and also those who would boycott the Oscars this year due to a lack of diversity. He jokes about Jada Pinkett-Smith‘s refusal to attend this year comparing it to Rihanna‘s panties, “Neither of us were invited!”. He also makes valid points about dividing actors by sex having categories for Actor and Actress stating there shouldn’t be a separation. He also points to progress, calling Michael B. Jordan‘s success in Creed, or as he says “Black Rocky“, and the fact that the race of nominees at Awards shows being a hot topic also is indicative of positive change as black people were dealing with more important concerns like social rights issues in the decades leading to this.

In addition to playing a pivotal role in the filming of SPOTLIGHT and ROOM, Canada would win for Short Documentary with THE GIRL IN THE RIVER by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. AMY, a detailed recounting of fallen singer Amy Winehouse, would win for Documentary.

Fashion always is at the forefront at the Oscars and Rooney Mara in Givenchy, Charlize Theron in Dior, Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé, Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein, Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton and Jennifer Lawrence in Dior, would win on the Red Carpet.

Complete list of Winners here.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

NOTE: These are estimates.  Final totals to come Sunday.

If there ever were any doubt that Dwayne Johnson was a big Movie Star, this oughta settle it!  SAN ANDREAS debuts at number one this weekend with a stellar $46.5 million for Warner Bros.  from 3,777 theatres. As a Leading Actor, this would be his highest debut yet, besting 2013’s G.I. Joe: Retaliation, which opened with $40.1 million.  Critics were on-the-fence with a 49% on the Tomatometer, but Audiences were pleased with an A- CinemaScore.

TOMORROWLAND after debuting on-top last weekend lands in second his weekend with $16.5 million for Disney, from 3,972 theatres.  In its two weeks domestically, it has made $64 million.

PITCH PERFECT 2 won’t quit singing in third for Universal Pictures, with $13.9 million in its third week out, well on its way to surpassing $150 million early this week.

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD continues to do well in fourth this weekend with $11.6 million for Warner Bros., a three-week tally of $114 million.

ALOHA is Cameron Crowe‘s latest and despite a superb Cast including Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone and Rachel McAdams, it missed he mark among Critics, getting 18% only on the Tomatometer.  Audiences were more forgiving with a B- CinemaScore. It opens in 2,815 theatres with $10.4 million, placing sixth.

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD continues to hang-on to the Top Ten with a smart release strategy from Fox Searchlight. In its fifth week out, it has made $1.2 million, good enough for eighth. Thus far in a limited number of theatres, it has made $8.2 million.

HOT PURSUIT rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.1 million for Warner Bros., in its fourth week out.  Its total is at $32 million in North America.

PITCH PERFECT 2 hits a high note with a stellar debut at the Box Office!  The Musical-Comedy picks-up where its Predecessor left-off in 2012, earning $64 million from 3,473 theatres in its opening for Universal Pictures.  In comparison, its Installment, opened wide with $15 million only. Critics gave it a solid 68% on the Tomatometer, while Audiences gave it an A- CinemaScore.

Despite big expectations of MAD MAX: FURY ROAD, it opens in second with a still-impressive $43 million for Warner Bros., from 3,702 theatres.  This latest Chapter in a Franchise directed by George Miller which dates all the way back to 1980, is winning over Critics abound with an outstanding 98% on the Tomatometer and a B+ from Audiences. By comparison, the first Film in the Mad Max Series back in 1980 would go-on to gross $8.7 million, while Sequel Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome would earn $36 million in its run in 1985.

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON in its third week still is going strong with $37 million for Disney/Marvel.  In three weeks it has made a whopping $370 million domestically.

HOT PURSUIT is a distant fourth with $5.6 million for Warner Bros., now earning $26 million in its two weeks out thus far.

FURIOUS 7 is in fifth this weekend with $3.5 million in its seventh week out, now grossing $343 million.

Acclaimed Sci-Fi Flick EX_MACHINA is in ninth spot this weekend with $2 million for A24 Films/Mongrel Media, nearing the $20 million mark domestically.

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.3 million for Fox Searchlight.