SCOTIABANK CONTACT PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL: BERLIN STUDIEN EXHIBIT

Memory Void by Patricia Wallace

The Consulate General Federal Republic of Germany hosts the Berlin Studien Exhibit as part of this year's Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival.  This Exhibit showcases Berlin, a City rich in History which has evolved into a fascinating World Capital today. Unavoidable are the remnant scars of its Wartime past.

Patricia Wallace is one of a few Ottawa-based Photographers who ventured to Berlin, compiling a series of Photos seen in this Exhibit.  Gray hues/Black & White dominate this Exhibit and much of the Photography featured here not only has emotional depth, but also a lingering sense of eeriness.  

The above Piece is titled Memory Void, a Photograph of an Exhibit titled Fallen Leaves by Israeli Artist Menasche Kadischman at Berlin's Jüdisches Museumdisches (The Jewish Museum).  This Photograph displays the vast height and emptiness of the Exhibit space which together with the 10,000 Iron Faces seen on the floor, evoke a feeling of heartbreaking agony and helplessness experienced by Holocaust Victims. 

To learn more about the Berlin Studien Exhibit, click here.

Download the official Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival Application here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MARIAH CAREY & NICK CANNON WELCOME TWINS

Mariah Carey in Toronto - March 2010

It's a Boy! It's a Girl! Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon welcomed their Fraternal Twins into the World earlier this morning at an undisclosed Hospital in Los Angeles according to Carey's Publicist Cindi Berger.

According to Berger's Press Release, the Baby Girl was born first weighing "5 pounds, 3 ounces, and was 18 inches long; her Brother was next, at 5 pounds 6 ounces, and was 19 inches". They even listened to Carey's record-breaking We Belong Together shortly after the Twins were born.

The Couple are said to be renewing their Wedding Vows tomorrow, just one day after their fourth Anniversary. An ecstatic Cannon Tweeted around 3:30 PM EST, "My wife just gave me the most incredible anniversary gift ever in life! I won't ever be able to top this!". 

Congratulations, to the Carey-Cannons!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

EMILY BROWNING STARS IN "SLEEPING BEAUTY"

Poster for Sleeping Beauty

"There will be very heavy penalties for breaches of discretion. Am I clear?".

Australian Director Julia Leigh makes her directorial debut with Sleeping Beauty, which is far from an Adaptation of the Fairy Tale of the same title. Jane Campion who brought Bright Star to TIFF 2009 produces the Thriller starring Sucker Punch's Emily Browning. It is a Story about a young Woman who enters a secret Prostitution ring and her specialty is taking pills which make her fall asleep, allowing her Clients to fulfill their most dark, disturbing fantasies on her while she is unconscious.

Sleeping Beauty will be premiere at the Cannes Film Festival next month. Paramount Pictures will be handling distribution it appears, although there is no set release date. Hopefully this will get a Premiere at TIFF 2011? Could it be this year's Black Swan?

Watch its eerie Trailer in full below:

JENNIFER LOPEZ - LOVE REVIEW

In what is easily her best work since 1999 debut On the 6, Jennifer Lopez gives it her all on this her seventh studio effort. She proves once again that she can do it all despite her impossibly hectic itinerary - a Mother of Twins, Wife, Designer, Entrepreneur, Television Personality, Actress and oh yeah, a Singer. Lopez's surprising switch last year to Island Def Jam/Universal Music has played a pivotal role in her sudden musical resurgence after spending some celebrated years at Sony Music - some years not so celebrated. And after spending over two years on this Disc Love?, expectations are heightened but fear not - she delivers.

We all know how infectious On the Floor (ft. Pitbull) is with that Lambada sample it features. In fact it has already reached the top of the Charts in Canada, but on this Disc are a few more missiles waiting to fire thanks to Super-Producer RedOne who not only oversaw that mentioned first Single, but also the thematically similar Papi with its dramatic synths and big choruses; an outstanding piece of Pop. Invading My Mind and Hypnotico also have the Swedish-Moroccan's signature sound imprinted and interestingly, Lady Gaga is credited on both these Tracks. Admittedly they are more telling of her The Fame era rather than her current Born this Way era.

The-Dream and Tricky Stewart who have been rather hit-or-miss since finding meteoric success with Rihanna on her star-making Good Girl Gone Bad Disc from 2008, yield a result leaning more towards  the "hit" side with the aptly-named Good Hit. The Track is defined most by its experience-altering Breakdown complete with a Key Change. Villain and Run the World are met with mixed results and easily could have been eliminated here without much impact.

"BRIDESMAIDS" IN THEATRES SOON

 

This looks absolutely amazing!  Bridesmaids from Veteran Actor/Director Paul Feig, centers around Annie (Kristen Wiig), who is asked by Lillian (Maya Rudolph) to be her Maid of Honour.  Annie, broke and single, is forced to put on a brave face and tough her way through the pre-wedding rituals and what ensues is a series of antics almost sure to draw laughter.  She doesn't have a clue what to do!

And if all else fails, there's a superb Supporting Cast which includes Melissa McCarthy, Jon Hamm, Rose Byrne... and a Cameo by Wilson Phillips!  Yes!!!  Judd Apatow (The 40 Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up) produces.

Universal Pictures releases Bridesmaids on Friday, May 13, 2011.

Watch the Trailer in full below:

"THE GREEN HORNET" ON DVD

One of the funnest Movies of 2011 finally gets a DVD release! Sony Pictures' The Green Hornet hits stores on Tuesday, May 3, 2011 in Standard and Blu-ray Editions.

Directed by Michel Gondry and starring Seth Rogen, Jay Chou and Cameron Diaz, the DVD includes Special Features like a Gag Reel, Commentary and a Featurette about the Car itself, The Black Beauty. Seth Rogen also talks about the process of writing The Green Hornet for the big screen.

Click here to read my Review of the Film.

CHANNING TATUM & STEVEN SODERBERGH TO COLLABORATE ON MALE STRIPPER STORY "MAGIC MIKE"

Channing Tatum in Toronto - August 2010

Yes, please. Deadline reports that Channing Tatum is set to star in a new Steven Soderbergh Film titled Magic Mike, inspired by Tatum's days as a Stripper. This quashes rumours that the Director of Traffic, Erin Brokovich and Ocean's Eleven is in fact ready to retire.  Magic Mike is said to be about the bond of Friendship among a circle of Exotic Male Dancers. 

Tatum, who was just in Toronto last Summer filming Sony Pictures' The Vow said in a Statement, "This was a wild and pivotal time in my life and I couldn't be more thrilled to go down the rabbit hole with Steven.". Substitute "stripper pole" for "rabbit pole" in that sentence for maximum effect.

Soderbergh is entering Production with Liberace, a Biopic which has Michael Douglas making his big comeback as the world-renowned Pianist.

In case you had any doubts about Tatum's talents, why don't we enjoy this Clip together?

ELLIE GOULDING PERFORMING FOR WILLIAM & KATE'S PRIVATE RECEPTION

Ellie Goulding in Toronto - March 2011

She was only in Toronto last month performing before a packed House at The Phoenix, but as we speak she’s performing at a private Reception for Wiliam & Kate. It is said that the Royal Couple are huge Fans of Goulding and that they love her Cover of Elton John’s Your Song, which she most definitely will be performing this evening. Goulding is the only Performer said to be confirmed for the Reception.

And did you know I was giving away a signed Goulding Photo? I bet not. Click here to read all about Goulding’s recent Show in Toronto. 

Watch the Video for Goulding’s Version of Your Song below:

ROYAL WEDDING CAKES REVEALED

Royal Wedding Cake by Fiona Cairns

As we all know, the real Star of any Party is the Cake. A Party can be absolutely wonderful but if its Cake is sub-par, I for one always remember that one lacking detail. Wedding Guests at Buckingham Palace watched William cut through his and Kate's eight-tier Wedding Cake with his Sword this evening, a Royal tradition. Choosing and refining the Royal Wedding Cake however, required much thought and planning.

Cakemaker Fiona Cairns began meeting secretly with William and Kate as early as February, testing multiple varieties of Fruitcake until just the right one crossed their palettes. Cairns tells US Weekly, "We've used Catherine's list of the 'language of flowers' which is something that was used in Victorian times to express, in a coded way, emotions that couldn't easily or openly be expressed in words but [could be] conveyed in flowers. So all the flowers have meanings.".  Seen on the Cake are Sweet Williams, Bridal Roses and Ivy.

WILLIAM & KATE WED

Kate & William's First Public Kiss

World, bow to the new Duke & Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate!  All eyes were glued to monitors and television sets this morning as Kate Middleton and Father Michael left from the Goring Hotel (within walking distance to Buckingham Palace) in London to Westminster Abbey Church where Kate had joined Prince William and exchanged vows. Together by Horse and Carriage, they greeted onlookers who lined the streets, some queuing  for days, as their Wedding Procession made its way from Westminster Abbey Church to Buckingham Palace.

After much speculation to which Designer would be bestowed the great honour of crafting her Dress, alas it was Sarah Burton for the late Alexander McQueen who was enlisted for the daunting assignment. Commentators noted that Grace Kelly was the inspiration behind the Dress, which many praised as being very "today" without the extravagance of too long a train.

Like clockwork at 8:30 AM EST/1:30 BST, the Couple greeted onlookers from their balcony in Buckingham Palace, as the World watched them kiss for the first time since becoming Husband and Wife. And then moments later, they went-in for a second kiss, drawing loud cheers from the Crowd. Picture-perfect.

William and Kate will be doing a cross-Canada Tour this Summer, including a visit to Ottawa Friday, July 1, 2011 on Canada Day.

(Photo credit: NBC)

LADY GAGA PERFORMS "JUDAS" ON "ELLEN"

Ellen DeGeneres & Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga performed for the first time ever on Television, her new single Judas today on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.  The Performance actually was recorded earlier in the week and she was wonderful.

Perhaps the most surprising thing was how simplistic her Outfit was: a blue PVC Cape and Pants and a Bra-Top. Costumed Fans even got a bit of screentime as they cheered Mother Monster on.

DeGeneres came on-stage at the end mocking Gaga's intense deadpan stare, before Gaga greeted her with a peck on the cheek ...and almost on the lips too?

Watch the Performance in full below:

JODIE FOSTER IN TORONTO FOR CANADIAN PREMIERE OF "THE BEAVER"

Jodie Foster at Toronto Premiere of The Beaver

In an absolute surprise, it was announced last week that two-time Academy Award Winner Jodie Foster would arrive in Toronto to do Press for long-delayed Comedy/Drama, The Beaver.  Also included on her itinerary was an appearance at the Canadian Premiere for the Film at the TIFF Bell Lightbox this evening, treating an intimate audience of Fans and Media to a rare Q&A session.

Foster helms and acts in The Beaver which centers around Walter (Mel Gibson), a Toy Company Executive, Husband and Father of two, who suffers from Depression.  His illness strains his relationship with  Wife Meredith (Foster) and two Sons Porter (Anton Yelchin) and Henry (Riley Thomas Stewart).  Oddly, he gets a second wind in life, finding inspiration in a Beaver Puppet he stumbles upon one day by chance.  The Puppet gives him the strength, self-confidence and the courage to save his Company from Bankruptcy and also drive him to reconnect with his estranged Family.  Things become problematic though when we realize that Walter is unable to act out of his own Free Will with the Beaver deciding his every move.

Yes, The Beaver sounds absolutely ridiculous on paper but Foster makes it a heartfelt and tender experience.  Most of all, Gibson puts in a tour-de-force performance as troubled Walter, really giving it his all, drawing from that deep emotional well which has been accumulating under public scrutiny.  Supporting performances from Foster herself, Yelchin and Academy Award nominee Jennifer Lawrence are insightful and authentic. Thanks to Kyle Killen's thoughtful Screenplay, we are entrenched deeply in the mind of a Man who wants to get better, while at once genuinely not knowing how to get better.

Foster answered questions from TIFF's Head of Film Programmes Jesse Wente and also audience members.  She explained what a struggle it was to get this Film off the ground and the fact that it is being released already in itself is a victory for her.  Believe me, those of us in Toronto have been waiting patiently.  With rumours of a TIFF 2010 Premiere never amounting to anything, Film Buffs have been united by their collective eagerness to see what the commotion is all about.

NBC'S "THE VOICE" CLOBBERS "GLEE" IN RATINGS DEBUT

The Judges of NBC's The Voice

In a bit of a Ratings shocker, NBC's singing Reality TV Competition The Voice outperformed FOX's Glee in a special 90-minute episode of the latter last night. The evening marked The Voice's big debut which based on its Star Power with Celebrity Judges Cee Lo, Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton, drew a huge crowd with 11.4 million Viewers at 9 PM, and 12.2 million at 10 PM. ABC's Dancing with the Stars was a clear Winner with 12.8 million Viewers at 8 PM and 18 million at 9 PM.

The Voice is unique from FOX's American Idol in that it has its Judges picking talent over looks with the Contestants dueling with each other for a Recording Contract.  On another level, each of the four Judges are also competing against one another also in that they must convince Contestants to work under their wings, with the Judge yielding the best results being victorious.

Glee paid tribute to Lady Gaga last night with its Born this Way-themed episode celebrating its characters hidden imperfections. The Gaga tie-in however wasn't enough to save it as it pulled in 8.4 million Viewers in the 9 PM slot and 8.6 million in the 10 PM slot.

Is Glee Mania starting to wane?  Are the Story Lines running thin? Uh-oh.

(Photo credit: NBC)

SCOTIABANK CONTACT PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL: PIETER HUGO PERMANENT ERROR EXHIBIT

Pieter Hugo's Permanent Error Collection

The Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival has begun in Toronto and one of the Exhibits I always look forward to seeing most is the Billboards at Spadina x Front St. This year, Photographer Pieter Hugo's Permanent Error Collection gets featured at the intersection.

According to the United Nations, 50 million tons of Waste are generated annually in Western countries - much of this is in fact obsolete Technologies, which are exported to developing parts of the World under the illusion that we are actually helping those local Economies. Instead, what is happening in Ghana for example, is that many of those inhabiting the Land are extracting elements like Copper from incinerating these devices.  This results in the contamination of its Landscape and Waters. 

Juxtaposed against a more gray, industrial area of the City on a pebbled Parking Lot, Hugo's eye and mind-opening Exhibit complements the backdrop in which it is situated perfectly.  Check it out more details here.

Download the official CONTACT Application for your Smartphone here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

SCOTIABANK CONTACT PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL: MAXIMUM EXPOSURE EXHBIT

Peter and Friend at Dusk by Jordan Campbell

What would the Toronto Arts Community be without its up-and-coming new Talent? The Maximum Exposure Exhibit promises to showcase between 150-200 new emerging Artists in multiple Forms: Photography, Film and New Media, from Graduates of the Ryerson School of Image Arts across various venues along Queen St. West's Gallery District. 

The second floor of the Gladstone Hotel will be showcasing various Pieces from these Students and with six separate Exhibits taking place at the venue, surely there is something here even for the most discerning tastes. 

Here I stumbled upon some fabulous work including the above Piece Peter and Friend at Dusk from 1st Year Ryerson Student Jordan Campbell.  Campbell ventured all the way to Kenya for this Exposing Truth Collection. Incredible talent, depth and promise.

Learn more about the Maximum Exposure Exhibit here.

Download the official CONTACT Smartphone Application here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MARTHA STEWART PRESENTS BLAKE LIVELY'S "EASTER DESSERT BUFFET"

Blake Lively's Easter Dessert Buffet

While at the TIME 100 Gala in New York City tonight, Domestic Goddess Martha Stewart spotted Gossip Girl's Blake Lively, an Honoree this year at tonight's festivities.  The Gala honours the year's most influencial people according to TIME Magazine.

Stewart Tweeted the above Photo of Lively's Easter Dessert Buffet, which quite literally is a rainbow of flavours.  And if I'm not mistaken, that's a seven-layer Rainbow Cake featuring every colour of the spectrum up in front.  I only wish Lively used a better Camera minus all the effects on her iPhone so we can better enjoy the details she put into her Table of Yummy.

Lively is known among the Baking Circle as quite the talent. Back in December, she and the Queen of the Cake Pop herself Bakerella, hooked-up and had a bit of a Baking Party.  Wish I were there!

(Photo credit: Blake Lively)

SCOTIABANK CONTACT PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL: I'M NOT HERE EXHIBIT

The Drake Hotel's I'm Not Here Exhibit

The Drake Hotel is sure to have something exciting always for the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival. In-store this year is an Exhibit titled I'm Not Here featuring the work of Alex Prager, Robyn Cumming, Geoffrey Pugen, Daniel Gordon and Sara Cwynar.

I'm Not Here showcases the Art of Portraiture, focusing on Nuance and Environment rather than drawing focus to the actual Subject of the Photo.  These Pieces perhaps were my favourite as a Fan of Colour and things of an Abstract nature.  Gordon's Purple Bust also was memorable, constructing a Face out of magazine Cut-outs.

Prager, whose work is featured also on Billboards on Strachan x Adelaide, is the one of the highlights of this Exhibit with the above piece Irene - moody, gorgeous and in-the-moment.  Note that the Staff at The Drake Hotel would prefer that Photographs not be taken at the venue.

Learn more about the I'm Not Here Exhibit right here.

Download the official CONTACT Smartphone Application here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF "GLEE: THE MUSIC PRESENTS THE WARBLERS"

The Dalton Academy Warblers have taken on a life of their own on Fox's Golden Globe Award-winning Series Glee and Sony Music Canada wants two lucky Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven Readers to win a copy of the Boys' first CD! 

Glee: The Music Presents The Warblers is now in stores and contains your favourite Tracks from the Choir, who happen to be the New Directions' biggest threat at the Regionals.  Its Tracklist is as follows:

1. "Teenage Dream"

2. "Hey Soul Sister"

3. "Bills, Bills, Bills"

4. "Silly Love Songs"

5. "When I Get You Alone"

6. "Animal"

7. "Misery"

8. "Blackbird"

9. "Candles"

10. "Raise Your Glass"

11. "Somewhere Only We Know"

12. "What Kind Of Fool"

13. "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?"

BRITNEY SPEARS "FEMME FATALE" TOUR TICKET PRE-SALES ANNOUNCED

Britney Spears VIP Package

Pre-sale Tickets have been announced today for Britney Spears' upcoming Femme Fatale Tour and if I may, I will express my discontent at her appalling Ticket Prices.  Tickets range from $193 to $368 CAN and Specialty Packages also are available. Peruse here.

Particularly shocking is a Britney Spears VIP Package which gives Fans among other things, a Front Row Ticket and an Autographed Tour Book at $999 CAN.  Yes you read that right, a thousand dollars - a Paycheque for many of her Fans - which doesn't even give them a chance to meet her.

As you might recall, Spears took to Twitter in February confirming for Fans that she will be offering Meet & Greets on this Tour, a promise which doesn't look to have been fulfilled.  Come on, Britney - you're an Icon, not God.

Pre-sale Tickets will be available for American Express Cardholders this Thursday, before Tickets are available to the Public on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 10:00 AM EST.

UPDATE: JustJared has just announced that Britney Spears in fact will be doing Meet & Greets with those Fans who purchase the VIP Package after all.  Now that's more like it!  

MARIAH CAREY REVEALS EASTER BELLY

Mariah Carey - April 2011

Mariah Carey posted this cute Photo of her Belly Art over the Easter Holiday - an Easter Egg with a blue and pink heart, one for the Baby Boy and Girl she is expecting with Husband Nick Cannon. 

Although it is becoming a running joke that Carey seemingly has been pregnant forever, Cannon did confirm on a Radio interview with 92.3 NOW that she is expected to deliver any time in the next couple weeks.

Coincidentally, the Couple will be celebrating their fourth Anniversary together on April 30, 2011.  Could it all happen at once?

(Photo credit: Mariah Carey)

WATCH A PREVIEW OF HBO'S " LADY GAGA PRESENTS THE MONSTER BALL"

This totally will break your heart. Watch this Sneak Preview from HBO's Lady Gaga Presents The Monster Ball Tour: Live at Madison Square Garden.  Gaga has a breakdown, talking about her own insecurities and feeling as though others are out to destroy her.  She is defiant, telling the Camera, "Sometimes I feel like a Loser Kid in High school ... and tell myself I'm a Superstar every morning and be for my Fans what they need me to be.".  She goes on to say how others sometimes "see Wigs and Lipstick and just shut down because they don't know".  

The HBO Special airs Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST.

SCOTIABANK CONTACT PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL: ALEX PRAGER'S WEEK-END EXHBIT

Alex Prager's Week-End Exhibit

Los Angeles native Alex Prager showcases her Week-End Collection at this year's Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival. She draws upon inspiration from the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and David Lynch in her Cinematic Photos.The Collection is  presented on Billboards at the intersection of Adelaide x Strachan here in Toronto and have a unique and glamorous air of Mystery to them - reminiscent Hollywood's Golden Era of Femme Fatales like Ginger Rogers.  And who doesn't love to look at beautiful Women - photographed from a Woman's perspective above that?

Situated at the former site of a Drive-in Theatre, Prager's Week-End Collection's location craftily pays homage to a bit of our City's history at once.

Learn more about the Exhibit here.

Download the official CONTACT Application for your Smartphone here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

JESSIE J AT PRIVATE SHOWCASE IN TORONTO

Jessie J in Toronto - April 2011

In a stunning display of Showmanship, Soulful British Siren Jessie J wowed a lucky invite-only Crowd at The Mod Club. Despite canceling various Radio appearances due to a Migraine, Jessie J would not let her Fans (known also as her Heartbeats) down, resting-up and powering her way through a four-song performance on MuchMusic's New.Music.Live and an electrifying six-song at the Club in Little Italy.

From the crotch-grabbing bravado of Do it Like a Dude to an all-out tour-de-force rendition of third Single Nobody's Perfect and finally a sunny six-minute version of her biggest Hit yet Price Tag, Jessie J had the Crowd begging for more of those flawless Vocals. Many onlookers were shocked to see Universal Music Canada label mates Far East Movement also in-town for a Show, in the audience supporting their Girl Jessie.

Taking breaks to sign Autographs between Songs on-stage, she also passed the Microphone into the Audience, allowing Fans to ask questions. One Fan asked, "When are you coming back to Toronto?", to which she replied "That depends on the label Big Wigs!", adding "the same serious ones who just stand and never dance!".  During her performance of Nobody's Perfect, she snatched a Fan's Camera and recorded herself singing right into it, drawing cheers from the audience.

Watch Jessie J perform Price Tag in full below:

INTERVIEW: THE CAST OF DISNEY'S "PROM" - AIMEE TEEGARDEN, JONATHAN KELTZ & NICHOLAS BRAUN

Nicholas Braun, Aimee Teegarden & Jonathan Keltz for Disney's PROM

Canadians, meet your next big Teen obsession because if you don't know them yet, then soon you will. And there shall be no escape from the Hysteria.  Nope.  I had the pleasure yesterday of sitting down with talented Actors Aimee Teegarden, Jonathan Keltz and Nicholas Braun of Disney's PROM on the Toronto stop-off of their Press Tour.

After flying into the City late into the evening, Teegarden and her Publicist despite being rushed still made time to peruse the threads of Holt Renfrew. Not yet having a chance to eat, Teegarden dressed in a smart looking navy blue Dress cinched with a Belt and sporting Curls, moved up alongside me eying some Gluten-free Banana Bread at the Refreshment Table; she opted for a Snack Bar. "I love your Wellies", she commented after glancing at my green Boots.  I was caught off-guard completely after obsessing at length over the Cookie Platter. "I wish that I brought my own pair", she mumbled watching the five-day Weather Forecast promising nothing but rain all week. I nudged her over and confessed secretly that my Boots in fact have small tears in the seem to which she gasped, "You need to get them to take them back. That's just not right!".

FAR EAST MOVEMENT IN TORONTO

Kev Nish (Far East Movement) & Mr. Will-W.

The first-ever Asian-American Act to top the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with massive Hit Like a G6, will forever and always be Far East Movement. The Electropop/Hip-Hop Quartet rolled into town on Sunday after having only recently replaced their faulty Tour Bus. All is well now and the Boys are ready to roll again and I learned they are actually in-town for a Private Show organized by Ryerson University at Kool Haus on Tuesday night, plus some Press.

I crossed paths with Frontman Kev Nish (né Kevin Nishimura) twice actually - once at  a private Showcase for Jessie J. who also is in town and another time out grabbing some Middle Eastern fare on-the-go. Humbled with one hand by offering a handshake ( ...and holding Hummus in the other), he told me how much it meant that I was a Fan of Far East Movement, their Free Wired easily one of my favourite Albums of 2010.

NICHOLAS BRAUN, AIMEE TEEGARDEN & JONATHAN KELTZ IN TORONTO FOR DISNEY'S "PROM"

 Nicholas Braun (L), Aimee Teegarden (R)

Canada, are you ready for PROM Fever?  With Disney's PROM hitting theatres this Friday, April 28, 2011, three of its biggest stars have officially descended upon Toronto.  Aimee Teegarden and Nicholas Braun flew in from Los Angeles today for their Media Blitz in the City, eager and excited.  Braun exclaimed, "Welcome to Toronto!" upon exiting his SUV. Greeted by Fans, he smiled and said "Well, that's a warm welcome. Thanks for waiting for me!".

Among the Cast's appearances tomorrow are a visit to MuchMusic's New.Music.Live and an exciting appearance at the Toronto Premiere for PROM in the evening.  Joining Teegarden and Braun is Toronto's v. own Jonathan Keltz. Although Thomas McDonnell was scheduled originally to arrive for Press today, unfortunately he fell ill and was unable to make it.  Regardless, many will be thrilled to hear that Braun has made it in.

An exclusive Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven Interview will be posted shortly including juicy stories from the Set of the Film, so stay tuned.  Are you ready?

In the meantime, visit the official website for Disney's PROM right here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

JESSIE J ARRIVES IN TORONTO | SIGNED CD CONTEST

Jessie J in Toronto - April 2011

The absolutely gorgeous and immensely-talented Jessie J arrived in Toronto this Easter Sunday morning to embark on a Media Blitz for her debut Disc from Universal Music Canada, Who You Are. Already a Pop sensation overseas, Jessie J is in-town to do Radio Press and also an appearance on MuchMusic's New.Music.Live is slated. She will be capping it all off with an invite-only appearance at The Mod Club, performing a six-song Set.

The Singer/Songwriter has already been awarded the distinction of winning the 2011 BRIT Awards Critics  Choice Award, an honour in prior years bestowed upon the likes of Adele. Above this, her promise has translated to actual commercial success, debuting at number two on the UK Albums Chart, also a respectable number six on the Canadian Albums Chart and number eleven on the U.S. Billboard Hot 200 Chart.

Jessie J was all smiles today as she head out to grab some Groceries with her Manager. Most stores however were closed today due to the Holiday but that didn't stop her in her determination to prepare a delicious meal for her Band and Management.  Even with light Makeup, the 23 year-old Firecracker looked stunning in her Toque.

Despite it being rather chilly, she made some time to hang-out with her Toronto Heartbeats (her term for her Fans), signing Autographs and offering to take Photos too. It appears after a bit of a search, she was able locate a nearby Convenience Store to do her Groceries, resolving her problem of what to eat for Easter Dinner.  Earlier in the day she had pondered the matter for a while on Twitter, able to locate only a package of McVities HobNobs in her grasp.

More Photos and Video will come from Jessie J's The Mod Club Show, so remember to check back. And yes, I'm giddy like a School Girl.  Huge Fan.

"JESUS HENRY CHRIST" GETS TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL PREMIERE

Still from Jesus Henry Christ

I swear, it's like watching my old Kid graduate! Julia Roberts-produced Jesus Henry Christ, which many of you might remember was filmed in Toronto last Summer, has received a Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City's BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center.

 

Roberts showed-up to the Premiere last night  looking amazing as always together with her Sister Lisa Gillian. Among others in attendance were Robert DeNiro, Closer Director Mike Nichols and his Wife, Diane Sawyer.

Check out the Photos from the Premiere last night here.

To see some of my Photos and read about Jesus Henry Christ, click here.

(Photo credit: Red Om Films)

"RIO" MAKES IT TWO-FOR-TWO

Still from RIO 3-D

20th Century Fox's RIO 3-D makes it two-for-two at the Box Office this Easter weekend, with $26.8 million from 3,842 theatres. Showing no signs of stopping, perhaps we can expect it on-top for a third?

It always amazes me how loyal Tyler Perry's following is and their support along got him to second spot this weekend with the tenth installment of his Madea Franchise, Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family bringing in $25.7 million from 2,288 theatres. The Film ranks as the Director/Screenwriter's fourth-highest grossing opening ever.

Water for Elephants makes it two Films in the Top Three for 20th Century Fox with the Romantic Drama earning $17.5 million. The Film starring Reese Witherspoon and Twilight Hunk Robert Pattinson, was made for $38 million, looking to be a profitable venture for the Studio.

Former Champion Hop from Universal Pictures fares well still in its fourth week of release, landing in fourth with $12.4 million, doubtedly aided by the fact that it is Easter weekend and it is an Easter-themed Film. To-date it has made $147.7 million worldwide.

The Weinstein Co.'s Scream 4 places fourth this weekend with $7.1 million. Thus far in its two-week run, its tally is $31.2 million in North America and it was made for $40 million.

Disney's African Cats fares well in its debut, showing in only 1,220 theatres, but still landing in sixth spot. The Documentary narrated by Samuel L. Jackson has fared well with Critics, earning a 69% rating on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.

Summit Entertainment's well-reviewed Source Code rounds out the Top Ten this week with $5 million this weekend in its fourth week of release.

KYLIE MINOGUE IN TOKYO FOR "APHRODITE - LES FOLIES TOUR"

Kylie Minogue in Tokyo - April 2011

Our dear Friend MiT is an absolute Goddess! She sent over some Photos from Kylie Minogue's first Arena Tour in Japan in over two decades at Tokyo's Makuhari Messe International Convention Complex. Arriving in Tokyo a couple days ago at Narita Airport, it is said that Minogue was v. generous with Fans in signing Autographs.

Our favourite Australian import has offered her assistance in raising some money for Japanese Disaster Relief on Friday night attending a Gala which raised over $100k for the Japanese Red Cross Society.  Amazing!

Although there were quite a number of empty seats at the venue, Minogue made it an intimate evening presenting a more scaled-down version of her Show, performing an array of Hits from her glitter-filled Repertoire.  MiT notes that the stage set-up was rather simple, equipped only with  "three sets of stairs, four dancers, no horses, no flying angels" as seen on the other stops of her Tour.  Fewer costume changes too, I'm guessing?

NEW MUSIC: BRITNEY SPEARS FT. NICKI MINAJ & KE$HA - TILL THE WORLD ENDS REMIX

Although I'm not really sure it qualifies as an actual Remix, we are surprised with this new version of Britney Spears' Till the World Ends featuring an Intro by Nicki Minaj and Choruses by its Writer Ke$ha; also heard is a new Breakdown.

It appears that Minaj recorded her part in the Studio and Ke$ha's Demo Vocals were incorporated into the mix.  Nonetheless, it's pretty cool  to hear three of the hottest Ladies of Pop together on one Track.  Hopefully this will be enough to help its rise up the Billboard Hot 100, as it has been hovering at the bottom-end of the Top Ten for a couple weeks now.

This week alone, Spears scored another Billboard number one on the Chart with her S&M Remix with Rihanna, helping the latter reach a record for the shortest span of time an Artist has achieved ten number one Singles  in the Chart's history.

Listen to the Till the World Ends Remix below (Audio content owned by Sony Music):

 

WATER FOR ELEPHANTS - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Water for Elephants

Jacob (Robert Pattinson) is a Veterinary student at Cornell University who takes up an assignment with the Benzini Brothers' Most Spectacular Show on Earth during the Great Depression. Among those Animals under his care are Rosie the Elephant (Tai), who is deemed untrainable until Jacob taps into her full potential essentially saving the floundering Circus from demise.

It is at the Circus where Jacob meets and becomes enamored with a beautiful and translucent-skinned Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), the Star of the Show. Marlena however, is married to volatile and abusive Animal Trainer August (Christoph Waltz).  

Jacob and Marlena work closely together with Rosie and along the way, they find their attraction to one another insuppressible. As passions flare, August becomes suspicious of his Wife's loyalties and we wonder whether Marlena, Jacob, the Circus Performers and Rosie will be able to escape August's wrath before he destroys them all.

Based upon the best-selling Novel by Canada's Sara Gruen and directed by Francis Lawrence, Water for Elephants actually surpassed all my expectations.  Lawrence strikes a fine balance here, making this Adaptation equally suspenseful as it is a Love Story.   Masterfully, he keeps the Pot at a simmer, offering small jolts of heat until everything culminates in a fiery Boiling Point.

TRAILER FOR "LARRY CROWNE"

Still from Larry Crowne

This Trailer totally brought a smile to my face. Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks - together again! Universal Pictures' Larry Crowne opens July 1, 2011, re-teaming Roberts and Hanks for the first time since 2007's Charlie Wilson's War.

The Comedy is about a Man who gets fired from his job, going back to College where he meets and falls in love with his Professor.  Larry Crowne is directed by Hanks and is Co-written by him also with My Big Fat Greek Wedding Helmer Nia Vardalos.  Can we all agree that Vardalos is long overdue for a hit?

Watch the Trailer in full below:

TIME MAGAZINE REVEALS ITS MOST INFLUENCIAL PEOPLE OF 2011

May 2011 issue of TIME

TIME Magazine has announced its annual TIME 100, honouring the most influencial People in the World. whose ideas have sparked dialogue and even revolution.  Included on the list this year are Arianna Huffington, Bruno Mars, Chris Colfer, Blake Lively,  Justin Bieber, Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Matt Damon, Mark Zuckerberg, Colin Firth, Sting, Amy Poehler, Michelle Obama and more!

Check out the complete list here.

(Photo credit: TIME)

CANADIAN TV PERSONALITY KEN KOSTICK PASSES ON

Ken Kostick

Sad news. One of Canada's favourite TV Personalities Ken Kostick passed away yesterday due to Brain Damage resulting from Acute Pancreatitis (sudden inflammation of the Pancreas). He was 58 years-old only and is survived by his Partner, Desi Cabrera.

Many of us remember Kostick for his Cookbooks and of course his turn on Life Network's What's for Dinner? with longtime Co-host Mary Jo Eustace, who I caught-up with in Toronto earlier this week.  More recently the Pair were seen on W Network's He Said, She Said.  

In addition to appearing on Television, Kostick was the Host of What's for Breakfast? on PROUD-FM, where I had the pleasure of interacting with him and he was a lovely Man whose positive energy spread to and was felt by those around him.  He will be missed.

(Photo credit: Corus Entertainment)

INTERVIEW: JESSIE AND THE TOY BOYS

Jessie and the Toy Boys

Although she’s had a couple false starts, Jessie Malakouti appears to be on the verge of something meteoric. Known now as the Pop Act Jessie and the Toy Boys – Malakouti being “Jessie” and “The Toy Boys” actually being a group of male Mannequins. This time around, the 22 year-old Singer/Songwriter is calling all her own shots. The fiery Blonde called me from Los Angeles, where she’s presently working on her debut Disc.

After her Band Shut Up Stella had been dropped by Epic Records in 2008, Malakouti decidedly went solo after citing artistic differences with her Band mates. But why now a band full of Mannequins though? She admits, “I’m a bit of a Control Freak and I want full control over everything including my Art Direction. I need a Band which won’t talk back. These Mannequins will shut the fuck up”. Now that she's got your attention...

Not only serving as Props in her Performance Act, The Toy Boys as she sees them, are actual extensions of her personality, “I like to paint pictures with them when I’m on stage” - of course, not literally as in with a Brush - but you get it. Hours are spent putting together Mood Boards, mapping-out her performances visually. The Singer jokes, “If you ever visit my place, you’ll get attacked by Clippings falling out of my Microwave”.

Only recently was it announced that Britney Spears had handpicked Jessie and the Toy Boys to join her this Summer on the Blockbuster Femme Fatale Tour across North America. “I cried instantly” Malakouti reveals, “I couldn’t tell anyone as per my Management and I was actually in the Studio when I had found out.”. Careful not to ask too many questions, others around her just wrote-off her being emotional as being  Feminine problems. “I’m just grateful, thankful and honoured. Britney Spears is an Icon – that’s all I have to say”. When quizzed about what her favourite Track was off of Spears’ new Disc, she told me “Criminal. I love it – it’s so amazing!”.

It wasn’t until after Shut Up Stella broke-up that Malakouti had reflected upon what it was that made her happiest. She put aside the Punk Rock and delved into Dance Pop fully.  She remembers, “I woke-up one morning and just wasn’t happy. I knew I loved dancing and that made me happy, so I took some classes and finally realized that I’m actually a fucking great Dancer!”.

ANNA DELLO RUSSO IN TORONTO FOR THE BAY'S "WHEN TOMMY MET ANNA" EXHIBIT

Anna Dello Russo & Tommy Ton at When Tommy Met Anna Exhibit

Vogue Japan Editor at Large and self-proclaimed Fashion Collector/Maniac Anna Dello Russo made a rare visit to Toronto Tuesday afternoon. Officially a part of this year's Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival, Toronto Fashion Photoblogger Tommy Ton's When Tommy Met Anna Exhibit at The Bay - Queen Street's The Room, is one of the more high-profiled this year. Some of you might know Ton from his widely-read Blog, Jak & Jil?

Known as the "Lady Gaga of Fashion Week", Milan's Dello Russo has come to be defined by her unique and quirky sense of style. More recently she has been noted for incorporating fruits among other edibles into her look. She tells Marilyn Denis this morning on her CTV Television Show, "You should not be afraid to look like a Clown", donning a pink 1950s-inspired frock by Giles Deacon.

ELIZABETH OLSEN & SIGOURNEY WEAVER IN TORONTO FOR "RED LIGHTS"

Elizabeth Olsen & Mr. Will-W.

Don't even doubt that 22 year-old Elizabeth Olsen already is one of the hottest new names in Hollywood. The younger Sister of Multimedia Queens Mary-Kate & Ashley is just now working on her third Feature Film Red Lights, a Thriller directed by Rodrigo Cortés (Buried). Only recently did she win accolades for her work in Horror The Silent House at this year's Sundance Film Festival in Park City.  She also goes by Lizzie.

Olsen, who graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts (yes, the School of Lady Gaga) not long ago, stars in Red Lights as the love interest of Cillian Murphy. The Film is about a Psychologist named Margaret (Sigourney Weaver) who with her Assistant Tom (Murphy) study Paranormal Activity.  They then travel to Spain, visiting a world-renowned Psychic (Robert DeNiro).

Although a majority of filming for the Movie has taken place in Barcelona, two weeks' worth of Production was completed Toronto. Olsen wrapped early today and was actually a bit surprised to see that she had Fans asking for Autographs and wanting to take a Photo with her.  "Ugh, I look like a mess!", she chuckled.  Still though, she was incredibly friendly about posing for Photos as opposed to her Co-Star Murphy who was reported to be a little more shy about being photographed.  Filming wrapped officially after midnight with Olsen being the first to finish today; Murphy was the last to leave the Set at Pinewood Studios this evening.

STEVE CARELL INTERVIEWS RYAN GOSLING FOR "INTERVIEW" MAGAZINE

Ryan Gosling - May 2011 Issue of Interview

Perfect timing. Just as he’s in-town right now relaxing, this charming Interview with Ryan Gosling by Funnyman Steve Carell surfaces. The two Actors who will be appearing in eagerly-awaited Comedy Stupid, Crazy, Love this July, appear on the May issue of Interview Magazine.  Here we learn about everything from Gosling’s experience on The Mickey Mouse Club with Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears to the creative process behind his acclaimed work in Blue Valentine.

Gosling tells Carell, “I loved growing up in Canada. It’s a great place to grow up, because—well, at least where I grew up—it’s very multicultural. There’s also good health care and a good education system. So it’s a great place to be from, although, when I was 8, I was walking to school one day and I saw a frozen cat by the side of the road, and I picked it up and hit it against a tree.”.  Uh-oh.  PETA won’t like this.

On how he feels about watching his own Films, Gosling says, “ I hate it… there’s no way that a Film can capture in two hours the experience of making it, so it’s always disappointing in some way. The thing that’s so exciting when you’re making a film is that it can be anything and there are no limitations on it. So I do have to remind myself that most people watching the film weren't involved in making it, so they don’t really know what’s missing.”.

NEW TRAILER FOR "THE HELP" STARRING EMMA STONE

Just days after releasing those new Stills from Disney's The Help, this two and a half-minute Trailer surfaces today for the Movie. Ooh - just watch Bryce Dallas Howard get all up in the Drama with Emma Stone  - pure Ginger Fire.

Viola Davis then lays the Smackdown on troublesome Howard, telling her with Southern conviction, "You are a Godless Woman".  Somebody please fan me down because it sure gets hot down in Mississippi.

The Help hits theatres this August.

SIGOURNEY WEAVER SPOTTED IN TORONTO FOR "RED LIGHTS"

Sigourney Weaver - TIFF 2007

Too awesome!  Walking in and around Union Station today after work, I spotted none other than a low-key Sigourney Weaver bundled-up in her puffy black Winter Coat.  The three-time Academy Award nominee is in-town til the end of the week filming Rodrigo Cortes' Red Lights. She was holding what looked like some Dinner in a brown Paper Bag from Richtree Market.  Yum.

There was nothing Diva about her, as she was channelling Aliens-era Weaver, toughing the light hail/rain the City saw today. Longest Winter ever. 

Weaver will be seen in a whopping seven Movies this year, including upcoming Maple Pictures release, Abduction starring Taylor Lautner and Lily Collins.  Red Lights, also starring Cillian Murphy, Robert DeNiro and Elizabeth Olsen,  is scheduled for a 2012 release.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

NEW MUSIC: BEYONCÉ - RUN THE WORLD (GIRLS)

Beyoncé in Toronto - July 2009

Although I'm not quite sure to make of this new Beyoncé Track, Girls (Who Run the World), a lot of her up-tempo numbers have been Growers for me in the past. At first I despised Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) but low and behold, I wound-up loving it after the Overkill.

This first bit of new material from her as-yet untitled fourth Disc, due in June, is produced by Switch.  She veers further away from Melody and more towards Ethnic Rhythms again here as she has in recent years. The manipulated loop of her voice I admit is a bit jarring - yet at the same time difficult to purge from my mind.  What do you think of it?

Stream the Track in full below:

Run The World (Girls) by Beyoncé

To see Photos from the Video Shoot for Run the World (Girls), click here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W. | Audio content: Sony Music)

NEW STILLS FROM "THE HELP" STARRING EMMA STONE

Still from The Help

Although it’s not due in theatres until August, Disney has just released some new Stills from upcoming Drama The Help starring the magnetic Emma Stone.  The Film which studies Race relations in the ‘60s in a small Mississippi Town, is said to be a heart-warming tale about an unlikely Friendship being formed – shocking in a time when racial segregation was ever-prevalent. The Film is based upon the Novel of the same title by Kathryn Stockett.

The Help stars a female Cast of heavy-hitters including Sissy Spacek, Viola Davis, Allison Janney, Bryce Dallas Howard and also Jessica Chastain. The latter many of us will be excited to see this May in Fox Searchlight’s The Tree of Life with Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.

Check out another Still below:

"SEX & THE CITY" STAR JASON LEWIS IN TORONTO FOR "TEXTUALITY"

Jason Lewis & Mr. Will-W.

Sex & the City's Jason Lewis arrived in Toronto Sunday to promote his latest Film by Canadian Director Warren P. Sonoda. Filmed in Toronto, Textuality is a Romantic Comedy which has a Man and a Woman trying to enter a relationship, while at the same time struggling to rid themselves of their prior relationships maintained through their Blackberries.

The Film stars Lewis along with Vancouver's v. own Carly Pope and another Canadian talent, Eric McCormack of Will & Grace.  With two full days of Press lined-up including stop-offs at CityTV's Breakfast Television, CHUM-FM's Mornings with Roger, Marilyn & Darren, CTV's The Marilyn Denis Show and Entertainment Tonight Canada, a Red Carpet Premiere is slated for tonight (Tuesday) at the TIFF Bell Lightbox.