TEASER TRAILER: "THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN PART 2"

Still from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2

"After 18 years of being utterly ordinary, I finally felt like a Child. I was born to be a Vampire".

Things sure are getting intense in this Teaser Trailer for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2. Here we see Kristen Stewart undergo her greatest Transformation yet in the Series as their family is threatened by false allegations which could destroy them. The powerful Volturi are out for blood, pardon the pun.

Watch the Teaser Trailer in full below:

KATE BECKINSALE ADMITS DAUGHTER HAS CRUSH ON MARK WAHLBERG

Still from Contraband

The gorgeous Kate Beckinsale appeared on Live! with Kelly earlier today to promote Universal Pictures' Contraband. The Film which has her co-starring with Mark Wahlberg, is about a former Drug Smuggler named Chris who heads to Panama to protect his Brother-in-Law from a Drug Lord. Upon arriving at his destination, he scores millions of dollars in counterfeit money.

Beckinsale revealed to Kelly Ripa earlier today that her Daughter with Actor Michael Sheen, Lily, has a major crush on Wahlberg.   The Actress jokes "It was a horrible Love Triangle really", as she was playing Wahlberg's Wife while her Daughter was longing for her Co-star at the same time. Beckinsale did reveal that Lily concocted a secret plan to touch his abs, which fortunately didn't happen.  Phew!

The brunette Actress dyed her hair blonde for her role and admits to having lost a bit of hair in the shower, during filming.

One thing Beckinsale and Daughter might not have realized was that Wahlberg actually was staying at the same Toronto Hotel as they last May when he was in-town sealing the deal on a new Yorkville Condo.  Beckinsale then was filming Husband Len Wiseman's Total Recall, in theatres August 3, 2012.

Contraband hits theatres Friday, January 13, 2012.

Watch the Trailer in full:

MICHAEL SHEEN AT "HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2" PREMIERE IN TORONTO

Michael Sheen in Toronto - July 2011

The talented Michael Sheen definitely needs to introduction to Toronto, having spent last Summer  here filming Julia Roberts production Jesus Henry Christ. Although we're still waiting to hear whether or not the Film will premiere at TIFF this September, Sheen has been in the City for the past few weeks visiting Girlfriend Rachel McAdams.

It was Family first tonight as those attending the Toronto Premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 were surprised to see him arrive together with Ex-Partner of nine years Kate Beckinsale and their daughter Lily, who was dressed festively for the occasion.  Beckinsale as we all know, is here filming Husband Len Wiseman's Total Recall Reboot and the stars aligned perfectly in their schedules tonight. Despite no longer being together, the former Couple are said to remain close Friends.  McAdams it is confirmed, was not present this evening.

KATE BECKINSALE IN TORONTO FOR "TOTAL RECALL"

Kate Beckinsale & Mr. Will-W.

One of my favourite Actresses undoubtedly is Kate Beckinsale and although she's been in the City for the Toronto International Film Festival in the past promoting titles like Underworld and Nothing but the Truth, unfortunately I'd never had a chance to meet her.  Arriving last month for her Husband Len Wiseman's Total Recall Reboot in which she plays the role of Lori (married to Colin Farrell's Doug), the beautiful Beckinsale has been spotted out and about by Fans and Paparazzi alike. Because I still hadn't seen her, I was beginning to think she was somewhat of a Mirage.

I had spotted Beckinsale on a stroll with her Daughter Lily, Husband Len, another young Lady and their two Dogs Ingrid and Pocket.  The latter even has been spotted on-Set with her.  Careful not to be intrusive, I had asked if on her way back she could take a minute to chat and take a Photo with me and absolutely she fulfilled her promise! 

Upon finally meeting her, I confessed  what a great Fan I am of 2008's Nothing but the Truth.  Despite few people seeing that Film, her portrayal of a Journalist who had taken her integrity to the extreme affected me deeply.  "Yes, it's a shame that it never really made it to the theatres as I was proud of that one", she admits.  I commented also how overall I thought Doug Liman's 2010 Film Fair Game (inspired also by the story of shamed Spy Valerie Plame) paled in comparison and she was touched genuinely, saying "Yes, we thought the same!".

She, Lily (daughter of Michael Sheen) and one Young Lady visiting also noticed that I had brought my Dog Billy out for a walk and the three of them were rather smitten by him.  Beckinsale asked, "Is he a Shih Tzu? and she absolutely was correct!  Their Dogs Pocket and Ingrid - both Female - were so adorably sweet, jumping on my leg.  And the two young Ladies present were so sweet wishing me a good night before they head off after our Chat.

PRAISE FOR "SLEEPING BEAUTY" AT CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

Still from Sleeping Beauty

Andrew O’Hehir at Salon is one of the first to review Julia Leigh’s Sleeping Beauty which is getting a tremendous amount of buzz at the Cannes Film Festival. In the Review, he calls the Australian Film “a strikingly impressive debut”. 

The Toronto International Film Festival’s Cameron Bailey who would is on the look-out to being titles over to Toronto this September, noted on Twitter that “Realized I watched SLEEPING BEAUTY through feminist film theory goggles, but others didn't.” – meaning he “got” it, despite mixed reactions. I’m expecting this one to get a Premiere at TIFF, seeing that Producer Jane Campion has a good relationship with the Festival and that TIFF is never shy of avoiding controversial titles.

"MIDNIGHT IN PARIS" WINS RAVES AT CANNES

Still from Midnight in Paris

They love it! Woody Allen's new Film Midnight in Paris with an all-star Cast of Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Michael Sheen, Marion Cotillard and more, just premiered as the opening night Gala at the Cannes Film Festival.

Thus far, reactions seem to be positive. Todd McCarthy at The Hollywood Reporter calls the Film "as beguiling as a stroll around Paris on a warm spring evening" and Jeffrey Wells of Hollywood Elsewhere states that it is a "relatively minor piece that works very well by way of charm and humour". Lookin' good! 

Yes, this is the Film responsible for McAdams and Sheen meeting and falling in love!

Midnight in Paris opens in theatres through Sony Pictures Classics May 20, 2011.

See Photos from its Press Conference held earlier today right here at Zimbio.

(Photo credit: Sony Pictures Classics)

"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)

WALT DISNEY'S TRON: LEGACY 3-D - FILM REVIEW

Still from TRON: Legacy 3-D

Walt Disney's TRON: Legacy 3-D is a visual spectacle unlike anything you've ever seen. The story picks up in 1989 where Software Engineer Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) mysteriously disappears and his young son Sam (Garrett Hedlund) is left trying to understand what has become of his estranged Father.

Expressing discontent with the business affairs of ENCOM, the corporation which his Father and partner Alan Bradley (Bruce Boxleitner) helped build and in which he is a Stakeholder, Sam's rebellious spirit drives him to sabotage their massive software launch single-handedly.  Alan who remains an ally of Sam, supplies him with the Keys to an Arcade which his Father owned, where they both shared many a fond memory prior to his sudden disappearance. Sam then uncovers his Father's secret quarters in the basement of the Arcade and finds himself transported to his Father's virtual world of Danger and Fantasy, The Grid.

Certain that he has found his Father in this alternate reality, Sam encounters a virtual clone of Kevin named Clu (Bridges), who was created to help achieve programming perfection in a world divided by Users (Humans) and The Programmed (Virtual Beings). Clu we learn, has become over-ambitious, turning against his creator Kevin and hence some light is shed upon how he disappeared. Sam is led to Kevin by Quorra (Olivia Wilde), a trustworthy sidekick who was rescued by Kevin and now as a result, she is forever indebted to him. Together Sam, Kevin and Quorra are determined to escape The Grid in a race against time to reach The Portal, which would bring them back to reality. Will the three of them be able to escape the destructive Clu before he obliterates them?  Will Kevin have to pay the price for manipulating life's natural order?

RACHEL MCADAMS AND MICHAEL SHEEN DATING?

It was reported that during TIFF a couple weeks ago that McAdams was at the premiere of Shawn Ku's Beautiful Boy starring Sheen, which already struck me as odd.  But my Tipsters are dropping a line to tell me now that both McAdams and Sheen were seen together last night at the Bell Lightbox as part of Scotiabank Nuit Blanche festivities. Sheen I can reassure you, is not in-town filming anything right now, so unless they are v. good friends who really just like flying back and forth to see each other, I think there might be some validity to the rumour.

Now if it were true, this would be amazingly positive news and I'm sure nobody would have the slightest objection.  Two truly wonderful people who are a perfect match... as lovers...  or just friends!

You can follow me on Twitter here.

BEAUTIFUL BOY REVIEW

Beautiful Boy

First time Director Shawn Ku delivers something important in Beautiful Boy.  The film is a story of a  grounded middle class American couple Bill and Kate Carroll (Michael Sheen and Maria Bello) who learn of the tragic news that their son Sam (Kyle Gallner) had opened fire at his College, killing many students - before taking his own life.  This story though is told from the perspective of the parents, which puts a spin on the norm as we often only see such matters from the eyes of the victims.

Much of the film is divided between Bill and Carroll and thus, v. dependent on the strength of their performances.  Sheen and Bello both deliver heartbreaking vulnerability in expressing their characters' pain, fluctuating between acceptance of their loss and emotional breakdowns.  We join them on their tender journey and see the challenges they must face beyond losing their only son, but whether it be facing media and social scrutiny, their careers being impacted, in addition to strained relationships with their family members and ultimately, their own love for one another being questioned.  This is not a lighthearted film.

Beautiful Boy's ultimate moment comes when tensions within their marriage reach a boiling point, with Bill and Carroll engaging in a painful war of words, blaming one another for their son's actions after failing to understand why all of this has happened.  The couple must face the toughest challenge of all in allowing themselves to undergo the pain of mourning.

Aside from shaky camera work and over-utilized grainy texture to its scenes for effect, Beautiful Boy is a pleasure to watch and its outstanding performances from Sheen and Bello cannot be denied.  There is no set release date yet for the film.  Grade: A-

MICHAEL SHEEN AT TIFF FOR BEAUTIFUL BOY

Alright, Michael Sheen Fans - you know how much I love you guys and Michael, so it was a blessing from God that he and I crossed paths again today.  Returning to his Hotel quickly before heading out again, I was surprised to see him looking amazing as he was in-character last time I saw him this summer in Toronto filming Jesus Henry Christ.  Michael premiered first-time Director Shawn Ku's Beautiful Boy last night at Isabel Bader Theatre.  

View more pics of Sheen below:

DANNY BOYLE'S 127 HOURS AND SHAWN KU'S BEAUTIFUL BOY AT TIFF 2010

Yes! The equally handsome as he is talented James Franco, will more than likely be appearing at this year's TIFF as Slumdog Millionaire Director Danny Boyle's 127 Hours is now rumoured to be one of this year's titles. Boyle of course, won the Cadillac People's Choice Award at the festival in 2008 and subsequently, Best Picture at the Oscars in 2009 with that film. 127 Hours is based on the true story of Aron Ralston, who had to cut off the lower portion of his arm after being trapped in a rock-climbing incident; he survived. The film, which opens November 5, 2010 via Fox Searchlight, also stars Mean Girls' now slim-and-trim Lizzy Caplan. Read more about it at Entertainment Weekly.

Also, it was just announced that Choreographer-turned-Director Shawn Ku's Beautiful Boy will be premiering at TIFF too. The film which stars Maria Bello, Michael Sheen and get this - Meat Loaf - is a story about the parents of a young man who goes on a killing rampage at his College, before finally killing himself. Although chilling films like Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine and Gus van Sant's Elephant have been made on the matter, it is said that this film instead focuses more on the story of the parents of the Murderer. This is definitely one of Sheen's meatier roles and Bello as we've seen in David Cronenberg's A History of Violence, is a perfect fit for darker matter even though she doesn't always get to show it. The film will screen September 12, 2010, although its theatrical release date has yet to be confirmed.

RACHEL MCADAMS FILMING IN PARIS

Canada's Sweetheart Rachel McAdams is currently in Paris filming Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris and she is seen here reuniting with missing-in-action Owen Wilson after last being seen together in the 2005 hit The Wedding Crashers.  The film with an all-star cast including Michael Sheen (!), Kathy Bates, Marion Cotillard (!) and many more, is about a young American couple who travel to Paris and realize that the grass might actually be greener on the other side of the Atlantic.

Allen, Cotillard and McAdams are all scheduled to be in the city this September during TIFF. Perhaps we might see them out and about partying with one another?

Well, one thing's for sure - McAdams better hurry back as she's scheduled to start filming in Toronto next week alongside Hunk-of-the-Masses Channing Tatum, for upcoming project The Vow!  The Sony Screen Gems drama is about a young couple who get into a tragic car accident, with one of them experiencing severe memory loss.  Expect a "sighting" here soon.

(Photo credit: Fame Pictures/Pacific Coast News Online)

MORE MICHAEL SHEEN ON THE SET OF JESUS HENRY CHRIST | AUTOGRAPH GIVEAWAY

It is astonishing how much support Michael Sheen fans have shown Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven these past couple days so I decided to go down to the set of Jesus Henry Christ again today to get you even more details about the film!

Filming took place in the city's trendy Queen St. West area and the venue chosen for shooting was Type Books. Scenes with the film's adorable Canadian star Jason Spevack were shot at the Bookshop and Sheen looked a lot more like his good-looking self without the glasses we saw him wearing yesterday. Surely, he must be relieved to not have to wear a sweater again in today's heat. And if not, I'm sure he's happy to know that tomorrow is his final day of shooting.

Check out these photos I got of him crossing the street with Spevack to trendy cafe Nadege, where I also did a Photo Shoot recently with my friend Habeyah for In Toronto Magazine. I also snapped a couple shots of him leaving the set for the day and he looked over right at me with a smile (look above)!

MICHAEL SHEEN FILMING JESUS HENRY CHRIST IN TORONTO

He's everything I thought he would be.  The extremely talented and likable Michael Sheen is in-town right now filming Red Om Films' Jesus Henry Christ, which is about a boy who was conceived via a Pitri Dish and raised by his Feminist mother.  He then finds clues about his Father via a series of Sticky Notes.  Interesting enough.

I got to meet Sheen on his way to the film's set and graciously he came over and posed for a couple photos and did autographs with a few fans, giggling awkwardly at our excitement.  He of course was barely recognizable, explaining why there have been so few sightings of him around town.  Putting on a fair amount of weight and sporting some Make-up which ages him significantly, he plays a Professor in the film.  I love this man.  He is my new favourite actor and I cannot wait to see his performance in this.  He shook my hand graciously before heading off the set where he had to wear layered clothing in this sweltering heat.

More pics to be posted later this evening from my day at the set of Jesus Henry Christ.  Trust me, you'll want to see the goodies I got.

Check out some photos I got of Sheen below:

REVIEW: THE DAMNED UNITED

Although I missed my chance to see The Damned United at TIFF recently, seeing it today finally was well than worth the wait. Welsh actor Michael Sheen has quickly earned himself a place among the great leading men of cinema. His firey portrayal of journalist David Frost in Frost/Nixon and British Prime Minister Tony Blair in The Queen were magnificent. Both films went on to garner Oscar nominations and since then he was cast in New Moon, the next film in the wildly successful Twilight franchise. This undoubtedly will boost his visibility in North America. Sheen's turn as English football team manager Brian Clough in sports drama The Damned United eclipses his already accomplished recent work.

Clough along with assistant Peter Taylor (Timothy Spall), manage to take the underperforming Derby football team from obscurity to the top in winning a league championship title in 1972. Every hero has its tragic flaw though and Clough's flaw is arrogance. He has no hesitations in claiming full responsibility for his team's success and manages to clash with Sam Longson (Jim Broadbent), the chairman of the Derby team who tries persuading Clough to stage a deliberate defeat to the archrival Leeds team. Refusing to cooperate, Clough then resigns from his position as Derby's manager and this causes a divide in his friendship with partner Taylor who sacrifices his career for his friend.

Two years later, Clough is given the opportunity to play for the enemy, in managing the Leeds team. This however, presents many issues including the fact that he fails to gain their respect in having been their opposition previously. Clough then reaches a crossroad in his career leading him to face his own biggest demon. That is, putting his pride aside and acknowledging that he was never able to reach his greatest success without Taylor.

The Damned United is a touching story which is always conscious of its primarily male audience. It manages tells a very human story with just the right amount of sensitivity, without bordering on saccharine territory. Ultimately though, the film is a one man show and Sheen puts forth an amazing level of committment to his character. I've seen a few of the much-buzzed Lead Actor performances recently including those of George Clooney (Up In The Air), Colin Firth (A Single Man) and Matt Damon (The Informant!). I can say with confidence though that Sheen is well ahead of the pack. This may just be his year. The Sony Pictures Classics film is now in theatres. Grade: A