WILL ARNETT & JERRY SEINFELD TEAM-UP FOR TORONTO EAST GENERAL HOSPITAL

Jerry Seinfeld & Will Arnett

How awesome is this? Toronto's v. own Will Arnett will be flying-in to host Laughter is the Best Medicine, a $1000-per-head Black Tie Affair in support of Toronto East General Hospital. Proceeds from the Event will be going towards the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre, which will provide greater access to critical inpatient and outpatient care for up to half a billion people in the GTA.  The question on all of our minds is whether or not the Up All Night star will be bringing his lovely Mrs., Amy Poehler!

If that already weren't major enough, another NBC star - the one and only Jerry Seinfeld - will be providing the Entertainment at this first-ever Comedy Gala!

Laughter is the Best Medicine takes place Thursday, April 12, 2012 at Allstream Centre, located at the Canadian National Exhibition.

(Photo credit: NBC)

ENTER TO WIN TORONTO ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE "THIS MEANS WAR" & "STAR WARS EPISODE 1 - THE PHANTOM MENACE 3-D"

Official Artwork for This Means War & Star Wars Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace 3-D

20th Century Fox Films Canada & Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven are thrilled to offer Readers a chance to attend two exciting Advance Screenings in Toronto!

Star Wars Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace 3-D hits theatres on February 10, 2012, giving you a chance to see a new, enhanced take on George Lucas' 1999 Box Office smash starring Natalie Portman, Liam Neeson, Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor. For the first time ever, audiences around the World can experience Star Wars as never before, in 3-D. The epic Saga has captivated millions with exotic worlds, iconic characters and unforgettable action, and now fans share the theatrical phenomenon with a new generation.

Click here to watch the Trailer in full.

The Screening for Star Wars Episode 1 - 3-D takes place on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at Scotiabank Theatre - 7:30 PM.

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One of the most eagerly-awaited Action-Comedies to come in quite some time is Director McG's This Means War, in theatres Valentine's Day. Boasting an all-star Cast which includes Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy, we see the World's deadliest CIA operatives are inseparable partners and best friends until they fall for the same woman. Having once helped bring down entire enemy nations, they are now employing their incomparable skills and an endless array of high-tech gadgetry against their greatest nemesis ever - each other.

18TH ANNUAL SCREEN ACTORS GUILD AWARDS RECAP

Viola Davis - 18th Annual SAG Awards

The 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards were held at The Shrine in Los Angeles earlier this evening, with Winners being determined by 2,100 Actors voting to honour their Peers for their brilliant work.  Viola Davis was Queen of the Red Carpet in a gorgeous white Marchesa dress, while her The Help Co-star Emma Stone looked stunning also in a black Alexander McQueen number.  Although the Ladies of Bridesmaids won over the audience re-enacting a drinking game on-stage around the word "Scorese", it was the Cast of The Help which was awarded Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

Viola Davis was a bit of a surprise winning Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role in The Help (defeating Meryl Streep) and Jean Dujardin for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role in The Artist. Both wins for further solidify that they too just  might win Best Actress and Actor at next month's Academy Awards.

A recurring theme among tonight's SAG Award Winners was that it's never too late to be recognized.  For one, 82-year-old Christopher Plummer earned his first SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Beginners.  Some also might have been surprised that 90-year-old veteran Actress Betty White won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for Hot in Cleveland, beating-out Julie Bowen, Sofia Vergara, Tina Fey and Edie Falco. Another late to gain recognition is 62-year-old Jessica Lange, honoured for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series with American Horror Story.  

"THE COLONY" STARRING LAURENCE FISHBURNE & KEVIN ZEGERS TO FILM IN TORONTO

Kevin Zegers at TIFF 2008

Although originally there was talk of it back in 2008, Director/Writer Jeff Renfroe finally will begin production on his Sci-Fi/Thriller The Colony. Starring Laurence Fishburne and Toronto's v. own Kevin Zegers, the Film begins filming at the end of February through the end of March at Pinewood Studios here in Toronto.

The Colony centers around a group of Survivors whom after being forced underground by the coming of the next Ice Age, must protect Humanity against an unknown savage force. The Film has a budget of $16 million and is being backed by Telefilm Canada.

Currently, a vast majority of the stages at Pinewood Studios are dedicated to Guillermo Del Toro's Pacific Rim.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

NEW STILL FROM "SPARKLE": MUSICAL OUT AUGUST 2012

Still from Sparkle

After several delays, it looks like Sparkle finally will see a release August 10, 2012 via Sony Pictures. Fans of 2006's Dreamgirls will be excited as the Musical also is based loosely on the story of The Supremes and also a 1976 Film of the same name.

Directed by Sam Akil and scored by Curtis Mayfield with new Music by R. Kelly, Sparkle centers around three sisters and the trials and tribulations of Fame. Houston not only stars in this her first role in 15 years, but also serves as Executive Producer in the Detroit-filmed production. Aaliyah originally was to play the role of Sparkle, now played by American Idol Winner, Jordin Sparks.  "We had our Sparkle, but God wanted her more. We just put it down.", says Houston. "Jordin Sparks just came up and we were like, okay.  And everything just started to come into play.".  Houston credits her Daughter Bobbi Kristina for preparing her well for the role of the Mother (Emma) in the Film.

See Houston's Interview with EXTRA back in November:

NEW ARTWORK FOR MADONNA'S "GIVE ME ALL YOUR LUVIN'"

Official Artwork for Give Me All Your Luvin'

With her Super Bowl performance of the Track eagerly anticipated next weekend, Madonna's brand new Artwork for Give Me All Your Luvin' surfaces today.  Here we see Squad Captain Madonna scantily-clad in a sheer outfit that is Cheerleader-esque, either being a v. long shirt or a really short skirt over some short-shorts, bearing the title of the Song.  Nowhere do we see though a "featuring M.I.A. & Nicki Minaj" credit though...

The Video directed by MegaForce, premieres Thursday night (February 2, 2012) on FOX during American Idol and the Track gets a special Friday release on February 3, 2012 via Universal Music.  Both the Video and Super Bowl performance  are said to include lots of Pom-Poms! 

(Photo credit: Universal Music)

LIAM NEESON TAKES TOP OF BOX OFFICE WITH THIRD MOVIE IN-A-ROW

Still from The Grey

Liam Neeson finds himself atop the North American Box Office yet again, proving that older Men too can draw a crowd at the theatres. In fact, five of his last nine films to be released since 2010 have all debuted in the Top Two including his last three, The Chronicles of Naria: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Unknown and now this $25-million Action-Thriller The Grey earning $20 million from 3,185 theatres in its debut.

Underworld: Awakening which topped the Box Office last weekend, slips to second spot this weekend with $12.5 million, aheead of One for the Money, an Adaptation of the Janet Evanovich novel, opening in third with $11.8 million for Lionsgate Films from 2,737 theatres. Starring Katherine Heigl, the Action-Comedy was made for $42 million and fared well among older Women. Ticket sales also were driven by a partnership with Groupon in the U.S., offering tickets for just $6 and $12 for a pair of tickets, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Last week's runner-up Red Tails slips to third with $10.4 million.

Man on a Ledge from Summit Entertainment (recently acquired by Lionsgate Films in the U.S.), debuts in fifth spot with $8.3 million. The Action-Thriller starring Sam Worthington, edges-out Best Picture nominees Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close in sixth spot earning $7 million and also The Descendants in seventh with $5.7 million; both received a boost with Oscar nominations being announced last week.

MICHEL HAZANAVICIUS WINS DIRECTORS GUILD OF AMERICA AWARD FOR "THE ARTIST"

Michel Hazanavicius

Congratulations again to The Artist which saw its Director Michel Hazanavicius win the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Film tonight. If you weren't convinced that this is your clear favourite for Best Picture at the upcoming Oscars, this should finally convince you.

Other Winners named this evening at Los Angeles' Grand Ballroom include Canada's Jon Cassar awarded in the category of Movies for Television and Mini-Series for his work on The Kennedys, filmed here in Toronto Summer 2010.  Patty Jenkins who helmed 2003's Monster - which saw Charlize Theron win an Oscar in the category of Best Actress - also earned a win for Dramatic Series with The Killing, for which she directed the Pilot.

For a full list of Winners, click here.

(Photo credit: The Weinstein Co.)

"DIRTY GIRL": NOW IN-STORES ON DVD

Official Artwork for Dirty Girl

One pitfall of screening Movies during the week is that sometimes the screening times conflict and that was the case with Dirty Girl, which until now I never got to see!  I am absolutely in love with Juno Temple after seeing this Comedy from Director/Writer Abe Sylvia.  She is pretty much the Girl in High School I wish I was BFFs with!  Heart-felt and hilarious - mostly hilarious - Dirty Girl is daring, honest and uplifting.  Please do yourself a favour and rent, video-on-demand or even own it! Amaze.

Dirty Girl is the story of Danielle (Juno Temple), the dirty girl of Norman High School in Norman, Oklahoma, circa 1987. When Danielle’s misbehavior gets her banished to a remedial class, she is paired on a parenting project with Clarke (Jeremy Dozier), an innocent closet-case with no friends.  Danielle is determined to get to California to find the father she’s never met, and Clarke is desperate to escape being sent to military school by his homophobic Dad (Dwight Yoakam).  Together, the mismatched misfits light out for California, and discover each other and themselves through a funny and serendipitous friendship.

Alliance Films releases Dirty Girl on DVD, now in-stores.

(Photo credit: Alliance Films)

CHAT WITH DIRECTOR AND CAST OF "THE AVENGERS" ON JANUARY 31, 2012

Still from The Avengers

Great news for fans of The Avengers!  The eagerly-awaited Action-Adventure won't be hitting theatres till May 4, 2012, but Fans in the meantime will have a chance to chat with Writer/Director Joss Whedon, Tom Hiddleston and Clark Gregg much sooner.  For the first time ever on the Big Screen, we'll be seeing Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow on-screen together.

Marvel Studios will be sponsoring a 30-minute Live Chat on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 2:00 PM EST and to participate, you can follow @Avengers on Twitter and Tweet with the Hashtag #Avengers. During the Chat, Fans will have a chance to answer Avengers Trivia and win Prize Packs too!

  A 30-second TV Spot will be airing also during Super Bowl XLVI on February 5, 2012 on NBC. Stay tuned.

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

ENTER TO WIN AN AUTHENTIC SIGNED DANIEL RADCLIFFE PHOTO

Signed Daniel Radcliffe Photo

Daniel Radcliffe officially has taken over Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven and what better way to celebrate his visit to Toronto this week than to offer my Readers a chance to win an authentic signed Photo from Harry Potter himself?  To protect the Photo for a lifetime, I've had it laminated. This Giveaway would not be possible without the help of Mavenatis, Lucas who provided the Photo and Michelle who obtained the Autograph for us!  Thanks Guys.

Want it?  Well, it's rather simple.  All you have to do is "like" on Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and also click "like" on this corresponding Post.  You must also be following on Twitter here.  One Winner will be chosen at random March 10, 2012.

In case you missed it, my coverage of Radcliffe's Toronto visit can be read here:

• DANIEL RADCLIFFE IN TORONTO FOR "THE WOMAN IN BLACK" PREMIERE

• DANIEL RADCLIFFE PROMOTES "THE WOMAN IN BLACK" IN TORONTO 

  
  
  Alliance Films releases The Woman in Black on February 3, 2012.

  Good luck, Mavenati!

"THE ARTIST" STAR UGGIE RETIRING

Uggie

Sad news! Uggie, our favourite Jack Russell and star of The Artist, is retiring from Show Business, well from Feature Films in the v. least following his February 25th appearance at the Oscars. One of his Trainers, Sarah Clifford at Animal Savvy tells The Hollywood Reporter, "We don’t force our dogs to do this. And it always has to be fun for them. Uggie's still enjoying it but he’s getting up there and he’s slowing down a little.".

Many don't realize that Uggie already is 10-years-old and that the 15-hour days on-set just might be a bit too grueling for him.  Before The Artist, he appeared in Water for Elephants alongside Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson.

Check out this adorable Interview he did with Lynn Hirschberg at W Magazine!

(Photo credit: W Magazine)

"LIBERAL ARTS": A CROWD-PLEASER AT SUNDANCE

Still from Liberal Arts

As the Sundance Film Festival approaches and end, yet another Crowd Please has emerged in How I Met Your Mother star Josh Radnor's Liberal Arts. Written, directed and starring himself and emerging star Elizabeth Olsen, the Dramedy sees Radnor playing a burnt-out 35-year-old Man who returns back to his College for inspiration, but instead winds up falling in love with a 19-year-old Student (Olsen). Allison Janney and Zac Efron also star.

IFC Films is confirmed to have picked-up distribution rights and IndieWire notes that it received two standing ovations at Sundance.  Impressive.

(Photo credit: BCDF Pictures)

MARIAH CAREY & JERMAINE DUPRI WORKING ON NEW MUSIC

Mariah Carey & Jermaine Dupri - January 2012

After several winning collaborations together including One Sweet Day (ft. Boyz II Men), Always Be My Baby, It's Like That, We Belong Together, Don't Forget About Us and Shake it Off, Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri are teaming-up again in the Studio together down in Atlanta!  These new collaborations will be appearing on her 14th Studio Album.

Although I had my doubts about Mariah's Jenny Craig Diet, I am in awe at how amaze she looks already after delivering Twins Moroccan & Monroe. I'd swear this Photo was taken in 1997... but it's not!

Just earlier this month, Mariah was recognized at BET Honors '12. It's so refreshing to see her speak candidly without the self-awareness, the angles, the sippy straws.  Love her.  Patti LaBelle and Kelly Rowland paid tribute to her on-stage, which we'll soon be seeing on TV.

See her talk about it below:

BET Honors '12 airs on February 13, 2012 at 9:00 PM PAC/12:00 AM EST.

(Photo credit: Jermaine Dupri | Video credit: BET)

DANIEL RADCLIFFE PROMOTES "THE WOMAN IN BLACK" IN TORONTO

Daniel Radcliffe in Toronto - January 2012

A double dose of Daniel!  For those of you who couldn't get enough of the Harry Potter star at last night's Black Carpet Canadian Premiere for The Woman in Black, Daniel Radcliffe embarked on his second day of Press in Toronto beginning bright and early at CHFI 98.1 and KISS 92.5.  He then made his way over to Global Television's recently-launched The Morning Show for a quick chat. 

Although Fans were supportive, many rising early and waiting out in the rain in hopes of an Autograph, Radcliffe and his Entourage had opted for hidden entrances and exits at both appearances.  He apologized, "I'm really sorry, I'm running late!", throwing a wave before their adoring yet disappointed faces.  Reportedly, some Fans took a chance and trespassed into an Underground Parking Lot but they too ultimately were denied a moment with their Idol.  Alas, a Wizard's work is never done and Radcliffe had more interviews slated for much of the day.

The Thespian returns back to New York tonight after visiting there a couple weeks ago for his Saturday Night Live appearance. He is scheduled to promote The Woman in Black on the Talk Show Circuit, including filling Co-Host duties on Live! with Kelly, an appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tonight and more.

See more Photos of Radcliffe below: