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pacific rim

#BOXOFFICE: “READY PLAYER ONE” AIN’T PLAYIN’ GAMES

READY PLAYER ONE isn’t playin’ at all this Easter Weekend! The latest Steven Spielberg Film debuts atop the Box Office with a strong $52 million from 4,234 theatres for Warner Bros. It gets 76% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore from Audiences.

Debuting a second this weekend is Tyler Perry‘s ACRIMONY with $16.9 million from 2,006 theatres for Lionsgate Films/eOne Films. It gets 30% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore.

In third is BLACK PANTHER with $11.5 million in its seventh week out. Its gross in North America comes to $650 million.

Faith-based Drama I CAN ONLY IMAGINE is in fourth this weekend with $10.4 million for Roadside Attractions. It has made $55 million over three weeks.

PACIFIC RIM UPRISING lands in fifth spot with $9.5 million in its second week out, a two-week total of $46 million domestically.

Rounding-out the Top Ten is ISLE OF DOGS with $2.8 million, a total $5.9 million over two weeks.

#BOXOFFICE: “PACIFIC RIM” ‘RISES’ TO THE OCCASION

We don’t believe our eyes!  BLACK PANTHER after a five-week reigns is toppled by PACIFIC RIM UPRISING in its debut this weekend with $26.2 million from 2,850 theatres for Universal Pictures. The Film gets a 47% on the Tomatometer and a B CinemaScore. Its 2013 Predecessor opened with $37 million.

BLACK PANTHER settles for second with $16.6 million from 3,708 theatres for Disney/Marvel. In its six-weeks it has made $631 million domestically in an outstanding run.

Faith Drama I CAN ONLY IMAGINE is in third spot with $13.7 million for Roadside Attractions, expanding to 2,553 theatres in North America this weekend. It already has grossed $38 million in two weeks.

TOMB RAIDER settles in fourth with $10 million for Warner Bros., a two-week total of $41.3 million in North America.

Opening in fifth is SHERLOCK GNOMES with $9.7 million for Paramount Pictures from 3,662 theatres. By contrast, its Predecessor, 2011’s GNOMEO & JULIET opened with $25 million. It gets 19% on the Tomatometer and a B+ CinemaScore

PAUL, APOSTLE OF CHRIST gets a timely pre-Easter release, opening with $4.9 million from 1,473 theatres for Sony Pictures, good enough for eighth spot.

MIDNIGHT SUN starring Bella Thorne and Patrick Schwarzenegger, places ninth and opens in 2,173 theatres with $4 million for eOne Films/Open Road Films. It gets 21% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore.

Rounding-out the Top Ten is UNSANE with $3.8 million from 2,023 theatres for 20th Century Fox Canada/Bleecker Street Films. The Steven Soderbergh Film gets 79% on the Tomatometer and a B- CinemaScore.

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE “PACIFIC RIM UPRISING”

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to attend an Advance Screening of PACIFIC RIM UPRISING in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Edmonton + Calgary on Wednesday, March 21, 2018.

 

Synopsis:
The globe-spanning conflict between otherworldly monsters of mass destruction and the human-piloted super-machines built to vanquish them was only a prelude to the all-out assault on humanity in Pacific Rim Uprising.

Rebellious Jake Pentecost (John Boyega) is a once-promising Jaeger pilot whose legendary father gave his life to secure humanity’s victory against the monstrous “Kaiju.” Jake has since abandoned his training only to become caught up in a criminal underworld. But when an even more unstoppable threat is unleashed to tear through our cities and bring the world to its knees, he is given one last chance to live up to his father’s legacy by his estranged sister, Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi)—who is leading a brave new generation of pilots that have grown up in the shadow of war. As they seek justice for the fallen, their only hope is to unite together in a global uprising against the forces of extinction.

Jake is joined by gifted rival pilot Lambert (Scott Eastwood) and 15-year-old Jaeger hacker Amara (Cailee Spaeny), as the heroes of the PPDC become the only family he has left. Rising up to become the most powerful defense force to ever walk the earth, they will set course for a spectacular all-new adventure on a towering scale.

 

See the Trailer:

 

Artwork:

 

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. In the comments there, tell us your City and also one legacy you have to carry-on for your family. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance!

Universal Pictures Canada release PACIFIC RIM UPRISING Friday, March 23, 2018.

 

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING”

We loved the first and can’t wait for the second! You must witness this amazing new Trailer for PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING starring John Boyega!

See the Trailer:

 

 

Universal Pictures Canada release PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING Friday, March 23, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

#BOXOFFICE: “2 GUNS” OPENS WITH A BANG!

2 Guns opens with a bang at the Box Office in North America this weekend, the Action Flick starring Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington debuting with $28 million for Universal Pictures/eOne Films.  It earned a v. decent B+ CinemaScore from Audiences and less receptive 58% from Critics at Rotten Tomatoes.  Made for $61 million, it looks well on its way to paying its bill in coming weeks.  The Film also stars Paula Patton, whose Husband Robin Thicke also in the Music World is set to dominate the Billboard Hot 200 with his latest CD, Blurred Lines in a few days. Talk about Power Couple!

The Wolverine after landing on-top last week, slips to number two this weekend with $21.7 million for 20th Century Fox.  Thus far it has grossed $94 million domestically.

The Smurfs 2 bows with $15 million in third spot, a far cry from the $35 million its Predecessor made in 2011 for Sony Pictures.  Audiences however, loved it giving it an A- CinemaScore, while Critics gave it a less than stellar 12% on the Tomatometer.

The Conjuring continues to scare Moviegoers in fourth spot in this its third week of release, with $13.6 million for Warner Bros.  To date it has made $108 million, already a huge return from its $20 million budget.

Despicable Me 2 in its fifth week of release still is game in fifth with $10 million, a cumulative total of $326 million it its massive North America run so far for Universal Pictures.

The Heat still hangs-on to the Top Ten in its sixth week with $4.4 million for 20th Century Fox, just ahead of Pacific Rim with $4.2 million, grossing $92 million in four weeks in these parts.

#BOXOFFICE: “THE WOLVERINE” CLAWS ITS WAY TO #1

Huge Jackman!  The Wolverine 3-D starring Hugh Jackman opened with a bang Friday night with $21 million and despite a slight slip over the weekend, still tops the Box Office in North America with a powerful $55 million from 3,924 theatres for 20th Century Fox. Critics and Audiences enjoyed the Marvel Adaptation, earning a 68% rating on the Tomatometer and an even better A- CinemaScore.

After a stellar debut atop the Box Office last weekend, Horror The Conjuring slips to number two with a still solid $22.1 million.  In total, it has grossed $86 million in two weeks for Warner Bros. in North America.

In its fourth week, Despicable Me 2 continues to perform strongly in third with $16 million for Universal Pictures, just ahead of another Family-oriented option in Turbo 3-D for 20th Century Fox/DreamWorks with $13.1 million in its second week of release.

Red 2 slips to sixth spot with $8.7 million for Summit Entertainment/Lionsgate Films/eOne Films in its second week, just ahead of Pacific Rim in seventh with $7.3 million for Warner Bros. The latter has gone on to earn $83.8 million in three weeks domestically.

The Heat in eighth spot earns $6.8 million in its fifth week, a cumulative total of $141 million to become the highest-grossing Comedy of 2013.

Fruitvale Station despite expanding to just 1,064 theatres, makes its Top Ten debut with $4.6 million for Focus Features/eOne Films. The acclaimed Drama based on true events surrounding Oscar Grant‘s final day, has the distinction of an impressive 93% on the Tomatometer.

#BOXOFFICE: “DESPICABLE ME 2” AT #1 A SECOND WEEK

For the second week in-a-row, Universal Pictures’ Despicable Me 2 lands on-top of the Box Office after opening on-top in its debut.  It earns $44.7 million this weekend, for a two-week total of $225 million for Universal Pictures domestically from 4,003 theatres.

Sometimes it’s just not about Special F/X or the best Reviews for that matter when it comes to winning Moviegoers’ hearts.  Case in point, Audiences opted for Comedy and familiar faces, making Grown Ups 2 number two for Sony Pictures, earning a strong $42.5 million in its debut. The follow-up to the 2010 Comedy reunites Chris Rock, Kevin James, David Spade and Adam Sandler once again, earning a lackluster 7% on the Tomatometer.  Audiences gave it a B CinemaScore, however which won’t hurt its word-of-mouth buzz.  Made for $80 million, it should have no problems paying its own bill. By comparison, its Predecessor debuted with $40 million, this latest Installment besting it slightly.

Pacific Rim debuts at third with solid reviews for Warner Bros., earning $38.3 million domestically.  The Film, made in Toronto for a budget of $185 million is still expanding overseas, where it is expected to perform strongly, opening in the Top Two in the UK, Russia, Korea and Mexico, among others.  Audiences gave it an A CinemaScore, while Critics gave the Guillermo del Toro Monsters vs. Robots Flick 72% on the Tomatometer.

20th Century Fox’s The Heat slips to fourth this weekend in its third week of release, with $14 million, now earning over $111 million domestically, just ahead of The Lone Ranger with $11.1 million in fifth for Disney.  World War Z slips to seventh with $9.4 million for Paramount Pictures, while Man of Steel rounds-out the Top Ten with $4.8 million for Warner Bros. in its fifth week.

Although it still has yet to open in Canada, Sundance Favourite, Fruitvale Station, gets a timely limited release in the U.S. with the Trayvon Martin Trial verdict having been decided, earning $377k from just seven theatres.  The Oscar Hopeful opens in Toronto on July 26, 2013.

MY WEEK AS AN EXTRA ON “PACIFIC RIM” | SIGNED PHOTO SET GIVEAWAY

Back in January 2012, I had the opportunity to do a bit of work on $180-million mega-opus from Director Guillermo del Toro, Pacific Rim.  I was incredibly honoured to do work days on the Production as a Background Performer. I was unemployed at the time, having lost a job I had for many years and always dreamed of being in a Movie, so, why not?  Because we had signed Confidentiality Agreements, details we weren’t permitted to be disclose any details until filming had completely fully.  After holding on this post for over 22 months, finally I can talk about my experience!

Cast in the role of an Engineer, I learned first-hand how much work can go into filming just one scene, let alone an entire Film.  Some days began as early as 5:30 AM, while ending as late as 10:30 PM.  Now if you think that’s a long day, know that some of the Crew are required to arrive even earlier and to stay later to set-up and pack-up.  Having  worked a 9 to 5 job with a cushy seat, I appreciate just how spoiled I was. A non-unionized Background Performer makes a v. minimal amount of money and endures gruelingly long days.

The futuristic Sci-Fi/Action Flick, taking-up a majority of the eight stages at Toronto’s Pinewood Studios, pits Humans and Robots up against Apocalyptic Monsters, rising from beneath the Pacific Ocean.  A majority of the Film appears is shot against a Green Screen and is F/X-heavy. Set Design is fascinating and intricate – “mechanical” and “martial” are words I would choose to describe it all.   Much of the Film is set on a Compound off the Pacific Ocean shores, with hoards of Labourers working at a feverish pace to build Robots, which ultimately will be piloted by Soldiers to fight-off the destructive Enemies.  Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba) leads the Charge, declaring a War to cancel the Apocalypse.  Working under him in the fight are Right-hand Man Herc Hansen (Max Martini), Australians Raleigh Antrobus (Charlie Hunnam), Yancy Antrobus (Robert Kazinsky) and Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi).  There even is an adorable and talented English Bulldog named Max joining the fight too!

I admit my greatest struggle in being someone who loves snapping Photos of everything, was having to restrain myself this time.  The rules were v. clear – snapping a Photo would have me escorted off-set. Despite witnessing  many magical moments among the Cast, I was determined to do what was right and keep that Blackberry in my pocket.  Instinctively, I’d reach-in and want to grab it when I saw the Actors pranking one another and consciously I had to make an effort to tell myself not to do it.  It was torture. Hence I am left with words only to describe magical moments like when Sons of Anarchy Star Hunnam repeatedly trying to get a rise out of Oscar-nominated Actress Kikuchi telling her, “How about you get up and start doing some work for once?”.  Of course, he was kidding. If anything, of all Cast Members the British Thespian certainly was friendliest and one Background Performer even got to help relieve his back pain with a massage and chill-out in his Trailer.

As much as I would have loved to approach Golden Globe Winner Elba for a Photo the four times we passed each other in the hall going to the Bathroom, it was the right thing just not do it.  Believe me, you are hearing this from the King of “May I please get a Photo with you?”.  Work is work and I was determined not to get the boot!  As always, I have my ways and a month later I got my  moment with him off-set and had the pleasure meeting most of the Principal Cast in the duration Pacific Rim filmed in our City.

Getting to witness Elba as an Artist in his element is something I will never forget.  It was like attending the Dress Rehearsal of a Concert.  His focus is intense and always between takes he was in rehearsal mode.  In what will be one of the defining moments of Pacific Rim where he declares, “Today we cancel the Apocalypse!”, you would never believe the amount of work that went into making that just right.   To put it into perspective, imagine having to keep that level of focus in Kate Hawley‘s (The Hobbit) heavy and intricately-designed armour, delivering take after take, while dealing with one’s own fatigue in the heat on what already was an exceedingly long day.  The first day it just wasn’t happening and the end seemed more distant, the more we tried. On the second day, Elba nailed it in one take and we all applauded because well, he was that good.  Even though that said take was mostly dependent upon him and his delivery, our role as Onlookers had a bearing too in creating that perfect harmony. Collectively, we nailed it.  “That was good!”, one Performer dressed as a member of the Navy says to me with a nudge, as the entire room lets out a sigh of relief.

del Toro is a Master of his Craft and a consummate Perfectionist.  I appreciate this even more seeing him at work. His eye for detail is unparalleled, knowing exactly what he wants from each scene, regardless how many tries it takes.  In one scene he noticed me moving awkwardly and had an Assistant Director come over to coach me. It was discouraging being told I wasn’t moving naturally! I also recall one day when we Background Performers were required to run in a panic across slippery, wet floors and after multiple tries, he squeezed that one final  ounce of effort from us. “I know you’re tired and want to go home but now, I want you to run like your ass is on fire!”, which of course brought as much laughter as it did motivation,  “This spoken like a true Mexican!”.  One young Man took it a bit too literally perhaps, running so hard he collided into another, slipping and appearing to dislocate his shoulder.  For a moment we all looked-on in horror with a gasp before he was treated with urgency by Staff.  It was a long day and del Toro called it a day after that.  Like a Trooper, that young Man arrived back on-set again the next day.

Making Movies requires a great degree of discipline, focus and patience this is something I knew but finally really “got”. My first couple days on-set I admit were grueling and I recall getting home with aching feet, ready to conk-out.  Even more daunting was that I’d have to wake-up again at an obscene hour again the next morning – we’re talking pre-Subway early.  On the inverse though, there also are was one day I remained on Standby pretty much the entire time as the Assistant Director didn’t feel others and I fit into the scene.

Over what seemed like an endless supply of PB & J Sandwiches in our Trailers, it was inspiring getting to know some who were there to make a quick buck and others who aspired to complete the 1,600 hours necessary to gain their Union Apprenticeships as Actors.  And after seeing the delicious meals that came out of the Unionized Actors’ Craft Services Trailer, I couldn’t blame them!  Two consecutive days of charred Meatballs are enough to push anyone to get ahead.  I kid!  I met a Violinist from Russia who did Background Work to feed her Family and met also several Veterans who had obtained their Apprenticeships,  doing this full-time.

I always love to share and you’ll be pleased to know that I’m giving my Readers the chance to win Autographs from the Cast of Pacific Rim!  This Set includes authentic Signed Photos from Charlie Day, Rinko Kikuchi, Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam and Guillermo del Toro.  To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.  Share this Post on Facebook or Re-Tweet the below to double your chances:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/pacificrim @MRWILLW wants us to #win Photos signed by the Cast of #PacificRim. In theatres 7/11 at 7 PM!

For all the days and hours I put into Pacific Rim, my guess is that all that work amounts to one quick moment on-screen, but it all was worth it.  Warner Bros. releases Pacific Rim this Thursday, July 11, 2013 at 7:00 PM.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#SPOTTED: GUILLERMO DEL TORO IN TORONTO FOR “PACIFIC RIM”

Acclaimed Director Guillermo Del Toro is back in Toronto once again, now promoting his latest $300-million Robots vs. Monsters Sci-Fi/Action Epic, Pacific Rim which he filmed in Toronto at Pinewood Studios.

In addition to a series of interviews scheduled today, a noticeably slimmer del Toro did some TV appearances including City‘s Breakfast Television, where he not only charmed Host Jennifer Valentyne, but also wowed Fans stopping generously to pose for Photos and sign Autographs. While on a quick break, del Toro did the impossible, coming out to greet Fans and some workers inside the building too. Often the Talent are content resting in their Green Rooms, but del Toro certainly is something special.

The Director/Producer/Writer known best for Oscar-nominated Pan’s Labrynth and Hellboy will pretty much be making Toronto his home for at least a year as he feels TV Series The Strain in the City this Fall, followed by Crimson Peak next Spring. The latter reunites him with his new Muse, Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy). It is said that del Toro held a private screening of Pacific Rim for the Toronto Cast of the Film.

I had the pleasure of filming a week’s worth of scenes as a Background Performer and cannot wait to see it!

See my Snap of del Toro:

Warner Bros. releases Pacific Rim on Friday, July 12, 2013.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: BRAND NEW TRAILER FOR “PACIFIC RIM”

Go big or go extinct.

Could we ask for anything more?  Careful not to give too much away still, this brand new Trailer for Guillermo del Toro’s Pacific Rim has just been released, focussing almost exclusively on the War between Monsters and Robots.  In a scintillating display of Action, Destruction and neon-lit Chaos, this Toronto-filmed Action-Adventure looks to deliver on every scale in a big way.

Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day, Ron Perlman, Robert Kazinsky, Max Martini, Clifton Collins Jr. and Idris Elba star.

Watch the Trailer below:

 

And while we’re on it, news has just surfaced that del Toro‘s next Feature Crimson Peak will begin production in Toronto July 2014.  Let’s roll-out the Welcome Mat for Emma Stone, Jessica Chastain, Benedict Cumberbatch and once again Hunnam!

Warner Bros. releases Pacific Rim on July 12, 2013.

 

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)

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