AUDIO: A CHAT WITH CHANNING TATUM & JOE MANGANIELLO ON "MAGIC MIKE"

Channing Tatum & Joe Manganiello in Toronto - June 2012

I recently got to sit down and chat with Hearththrobs Channing Tatum and Joe Manganiello on their Box Office Smash Magic Mike here in Toronto and as promised earlier, I'd be posting Audio Excerpts.

Tatum and Manganiello touch upon various aspects of preparing for their roles as Strippers in the the Steven Soderbergh Film and give us a bit of insight also on their own Fame and experiences working together.

ADVISORY: There are Expletives in the Chat, so be warned if listening at-work or around Kids.

Check-out the Chat below:

CHANNING TATUM ON "LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON"

Channing Tatum on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Ew! You must watch Channing Tatum on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon where the two of them appear in Drag as spoiled Teen Princesses who uncontrollably blurt out a judgmental "Ew!" at pretty much everything that comes their way.  Of course Tatum has to throw in a little plug for Magic Mike, which opened last night with special 10:00 PM Screenings.  Hilar.

Watch the Sketch below:

DISNEY ANNOUNCES "NEW TO BLU" 2012 SUMMER LINE-UP

Official Artwork for Romy and Michele's High School Reunion - 15th Anniversary Edition

Disney has just announced a whole whack of Blu-ray releases to surface this Summer and there's actually a few exciting ones in the mix, including my personal Faves - Romy and Michele's High School Reunion and Toronto-shot Adventures in Babysitting!  John Cusack Fans also will be thrilled that High Fidelity and Grosse Point Blank finally will see a Blu-ray release too.  Epic.

Check out the list below to see what might interest you:

HOME ON THE RANGE - July 3

THE HORSE WHISPERER - July 3

PHENOMENON - July 3

STEP UP - July 3

TREASURE PLANET - July 3

UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN - July 3

ROMY AND MICHELE'S HIGH SCHOOL REUNION 15th Anniversary Edition - August 7

ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING 25th Anniversary Edition - August 7

GROSSE POINT BLANK 15th Anniversary Edition - August 7

HIGH FIDELITY - August 7

THE PREACHER'S WIFE - August 7

ARACHNOPHOBIA - September 4

COLD CREEK MANOR - September 4

THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE 20th Anniversary Edition - September 4

HOCUS POCUS - September 4

GHOSTS OF THE ABYSS - September 11

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

INTERVIEW: CHANNING TATUM & JOE MANGANIELLO ON "MAGIC MIKE"

Channing Tatum & Joe Manganiello in Toronto - June 2012

A year ago, a few eyebrows might've been raised with the talk of there being a Steven Soderbergh Male Stripper Film in development. Magic Mike as that Film now is known, will soon be revealed - pardon the pun - amidst the 2012 Summer rush of Blockbusters.  I mean, we've all heard of 1995's delicious and unintentionally-laughable Showgirls, but much still is left to be accomplished in Films of the ever-tricky Stripping genre. Stars Channing Tatum and Joe Manganiello (pronounced with a hard "g") both arrived in Toronto today for the Canadian leg of Magic Mike's Press Tour. 

The Dramedy brings together Tatum and Soderbergh a second time, after having seen the release earlier this year of Mixed Martial Arts-inspired Action Flick Haywire.  This time around, the Action we see is of a whole different variety - the variety which surely you might have seen in that Clip on the Internet of Tatum gyrating onstage back in his pre-Actor days as a Stripper.  You know you clicked "refresh" on that. Don't lie.

Magic Mike follows a Man in his 30s (Tatum) who is at a turning point in his life after making quick cash - and stacks of it - as a Stripper.  Although he is successful at what he does, we soon begin to see the repercussions of this choice on his love life and ability to achieve his own dreams as an Entrepreneur. Along the way, we get to know a mix of Characters in his all-male Dance Revue. We meet the Mastermind behind it all Dallas (Matthew McConaughey), Ken (Matt Bomer), Big Dick Richie (Mangniello) and Newcomer The Kid (Alex Pettyfer). Matters become complicated when Mike falls for Paige (Cody Horn - Daughter of Warner Bros. President Alan F. Horn), who happens to be The Kid's grounded Older Sister.

On Horn's Character, Paige, Tatum reveals that her early beginnings in the Film actually are based on his own real-life Sister of the same name.  "She's a beautiful, strong-willed Woman", he tells us. "I didn't have to get my Boys when I got into a fight in the neighbourhood. I'd be like 'Yo! Let me go get my Sister!', drawing laughs from the intimate group of Journalists - some unable to contain their excitement for him. "Huge Fan here", one admits to him.

JOE MANGANIELLO IN TORONTO FOR "MAGIC MIKE" | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Joe Manganiello in Toronto - June 2012

Although he's been a familiar face for the past decade on Television, Actor Joe Manganiello's has never been hotter than right now. Known best for his work as Werewolf Alcide Herveaux on HBO's True Blood, Manganiello arrived in Toronto yesterday afternoon to promote his second of two hotly-tipped Films in 2012, Steven Soderbergh's Magic Mike.  

The Dramedy has him starring alongside Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey and Alex Pettyfer as a member of an all-male Dance Revue.  Magic Mike has him playing the Role of Big Dick Richie, a strong, quiet-type who wows the Ladies with a natural ability or two.   Manganiello's last Film What to Expect When You're Expecting had him starring opposite the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Cameron Diaz and Anna Kendrick.

After an appearance on MuchMusic's New.Music.Live last night, Manganiello was out and about doing Press earlier with Stopoffs at KISS 92.5 and Global Television's The Morning Show.  Cool and casual, he greeted Fans in his long-sleeve Jersey and Sunglasses.  Even the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Guy driving-by got a little starstruck and did a double-take!

A bit later today, I'll be chatting with the strapping Actor and his equally temperature-raising Co-Star Tatum about working on their exciting new Film, which hits theatres Friday, June 29, 2012 via Warner Bros.  Stay tuned.

In the meantime, with the help of trusty Sidekick Michelle, we were able to get Manganiello to sign a Photo for my Readers!  To enter to win, click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook before Saturday, July 14, 2012 to qualify. You should also be following on Twitter!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

NEW OFFICIAL POSTER FOR "MAGIC MIKE"

Official Artwork for Magic Mike

What do you think of this new Official Poster for Steven Soderbergh's Magic Mike? Who's Abs did your eyes migrate to first?  Okay I'll leave you all alone now.... Bye.

Magic Mike is out Friday, June 29, 2012.

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

FIRST OFFICIAL TRAILER: "MAGIC MIKE"

Still from Magic Mike

"Women. Money. And a good time".

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I first heard Steven Soderbergh was working with Channing Tatum on a Male Stripper Flick based somewhat on Tatum's life? A full official Trailer for Magic Mike finally has surfaced and this actually looks like lots of fun and can't wait to see more... err, or do I mean less? LOL

Warner Bros. releases Magic Mike June 29, 2012. Tatum, Pettyfer. Bomer. McConaughey. Soderbergh. Summer heat.

Watch the Trailer in full below:

ELTON JOHN & CHANNING TATUM AT THE REVLON CONCERT FOR THE RAINFOREST

Elton John & Channing Tatum at the Revlon Concert for the Rainforest

OMG. I died watching this.  Occasionally I get a good chuckle from TMZ and this just killed me. "If you're an attractive young man sticking your ass in Elton John's face, you're gonna get what you get.", says one TMZ Staffer on Elton John and Channing Tatum's joint performance at the Revlon Concert for the Rainforest at Carengie Hall in New York last night. The Gala also featured the likes of Bruno Mars, Jennifer Hudson and Sting.

Watch it below:

(Photo/video credit: TMZ)

CHANNING TATUM TAKES TOP AND BOTTOM OF BOX OFFICE WITH "21 JUMP STREET" AND "THE VOW"

Still from 21 Jump Street

No surprises here! With strong reviews, Sony Pictures' 21 Jump Street steals the top of the Box Office with $35 million from 3,121 theatres. The Action-Comedy starring the Duo of Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill based on the TV Series starring Johnny Depp and Peter Deluise, scored 87% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer. Made for $42 million, this one is well on its way to being a largely bankable endeavour and the start of what possibly might become a Franchise for the Studio. 

Two-week Champion, Dr. Seuss' The Lorax slips to second spot this weekend, by no means a disgrace, seeing that it made $22.8 million in its third week of release.  To date, it was made over $162.5 million domestically for Universal Pictures.

John Carter finds itself in third spot with $13.5 million in its second week for Disney, tallying at $52.6 total, ahead of Project X which trails distantly in fourth with $4 million.

Debuting in eighth spot for Lionsgate is Casa De Mi Padre, directed by and starring Funnyman Will Ferrell.  Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal also star in the Comedy, which earned $2.2 million from only 382 theatres - not bad at all.

Tatum rounds-out the top and bottom of the Top Ten at ninth spot The Vow, also from Sony Pictures, with $2.1 million in this its sixth week in theatres.

"21 JUMP STREET": RAVE REVIEWS

Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum & Mr. Will-W.

Umm, is anyone as shocked as me that 21 Jump Street is receiving some overwhelmingly positive Reviews? The Action-Comedy sees Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill as Undercover Cops who return to High School to uncover and bring-down a Drug Ring. Children of the '80s will remember the original FOX Series with a little more serious a tone, starring Johnny Depp and Peter Deluise.

Entertainment Weekly's Liz Schwarzbaum says, "It jokes about high school but is also a sensitive sociological study of those crucial years".

Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips raves, "What was the last stupid Hollywood comedy - good-stupid, not stupid-stupid - to offer actual, audible, verifiable big laughs?".

The Associated Press' David Germain praises, "This is not a property requiring respect and devotion to the source material to satisfy longtime fans, so the filmmakers wisely make a 21 Jump Street all their own.".

Variety's Peter Debruge proclaims, "The Helmers make slick use of their new live-action collaborators. Considering that hardly anyone was asking for a 21 Jump Street reboot, they've put their own playful stamp on it.".

I'm sold.  Let's watch the Red-Band Trailer below:

REVIEW: "HAYWIRE"

Still from Haywire

Covert Operative Mallory Kane (Gina Carano) is a wanted Woman. After successfully completing a mission in Barcelona with Aaron (Channing Tatum) to rescue a Journalist held hostage, she is then sent off to Dublin by her Handler Kenneth (Ewan McGregor), where she is paired with Paul (Michael Fassbender).  Mallory however, then realizes that she has become the target of a mission and must fight with everything she's got to stay alive, avoid her Pursuers and unravel the true reason behind the hunt in which she has become target.

Director Steven Soderbergh tries something new with Haywire and successfully keeps you on the edge of your seat with his slick storytelling and some riveting Action thrown into the mix.  Fans of Mixed Martial Arts star Carano have plenty to be excited about with some tightly choreographed fight sequences guaranteed to get the audience cheering. Just wait till you see Fassbender get trapped in a Body Scissors hold and lulled into deep slumber.  

As an Actress, Carano delivers her lines solidly albeit one-dimensional at times, and perhaps doesn't react enough to her ultimate betrayal to give us that extra ounce of push towards her.  Even with a stellar Supporting Cast of Men, this all is about her and she manages to carry her weight. Much of Haywire isn't so much dialogue-driven as it is about action and subtext and because key details are unveiled only late, some of the Story as a result is sacrificed.  Nonetheless, it is hard not to be entertained here.  Alliance Films releases Haywire on January 20, 2012.

FIRST LOOK: "MAGIC MIKE" STARRING ALEX PETTYFER, MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY & CHANNING TATUM

Still from Magic Mike

Finally, we get a first look at Steven Soderbergh's Male-Stripper Drama Magic Mike. The Film centers around The Kid (a now-buff Alex Pettyfer) who goes under the wings of a professional, more experienced Dancers named Mike (Channing Tatum) and Dallas (Matthew McConaughey). It is said that Tatum played a great part behind-the-scenes crafting the Story and that much of this is based upon his own experiences formerly as an Exotic Dancer.

Here we have the incredibly fit and good looking Cast ready to answer the call of the Drill Sargent (McConaughey), doing his nation proud with a flag tied around his neck.  Nothing like some good old-fashion Patriotism.

Speaking of Patriotism, Warner Bros. will be releasing Magic Mike right before 4th of July weekend on June 29, 2012 and I'm sure many of you are ready to salute!  

2012 will be a busy year for Tatum as he has Haywire out on January 20, 2012, Toronto-filmed The Vow out on February 10, 2012 in-time for Valentine's Day, 21 Jump Street on March 12, 2012 and G.I. Joe: Retaliation out on June 29, 2012.  His Ten Year, which premiered at TIFF last September also is still waiting on a release date also.  I'm out of breath just typing that....

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

JUSTIN LONG AT TIFF 2011 WITH "TEN YEAR"

Justin Long & Mr. Will-W.

Making another appearance at TIFF this year is Funnyman Justin Long who by fluke I came across on his way to his Ryerson Theatre Premiere for Ten Year. Long is said to have spent some time with his Good Friend Scott Speedman who I ran into a day prior. And coincidentally, I ran into another two of Long's Co-stars, Kate Mara and Max Minghella on the street also. It was so meant to be!

Long was kind enough to roll down his window for me and pose for a quick Photo, while one member of the Mavenati, Brenda, was sweet enough to snap the moment!

There still is no firm release date for Ten Year, with its All-star Cast of Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan, Ron Livingston, Rosario Dawson and more.

MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY JOINS CAST OF "MAGIC MIKE"

Matthew McConaughey in Toronto - March 2011

It's official.  Magic Mike just may be the sexiest Film to hit theatres in 2012.  As announced previously Steven Soderbergh is helming a Film about Male Strippers titled Magic Mike.  Its Story follows Mike (Channing Tatum), a veteran Exotic Dancer, who mentors a newcomer played by Alex Pettyfer.  McConaughey, according to Entertainment Weekly will be playing the role of the Club Owner.  

Magic Mike begins filming September 14, 2011, just after Tatum's likely return to Toronto for TIFF, where he is expected to show up for the Premiere of Ten Year, also starring his Wife Jenna Dewan. We'll know that for sure though when the official Guest List for TIFF is announced next Tuesday, August 23, 2011.  

Tatum was in Toronto just last Fall, filming The Vow alongside Rachel McAdams, which will be released Valentine's Day 2012. 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

NEW TRAILER FOR "HAYWIRE"

Still from Haywire

"You better run.".

Move over Angelina - there's a new Girl in town.  Mixed Martial Arts star Gina Carano looks super-convincing in Steven Soderbergh's new Action Thriller Haywire, in theatres January 2012.  She stars as a Secret Agent who gets betrayed ...and she looks rather pissed about it.

The Film which did the rounds at Comic-Con in San Diego this weekend looks rather promising with an A+-list Cast which includes Channing Tatum, Michael Douglas, Michael Fassbender, Antonio Banderas and Ewan McGregor.

Haywire isn't the only anticipated Film inspired by Mixed Martial Arts as Warrior starring Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton, gets a release this September.  And possibly a TIFF Premiere in September too after doing the rounds at Comic-Con?  Soderbergh last was represented at TIFF with  The Informant! in 2009, although his Contagion looks more likely to surface at TIFF with its forthcoming September release. Relativity Media will be distributing Haywire in the U.S.

Check out the Trailer in full below:

FIRST TRAILER FOR "THE VOW" STARRING RACHEL MCADAMS & CHANNING TATUM

Still from The Vow

If this doesn't melt your heart, I don't know what will. Shot in Toronto last Summer, The Vow by Director Michael Sucsy now has a release date set for February 14, 2012 via Sony Pictures and it actually looks great!

Watch the just-released Trailer below:

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?

AMBER HEARD, JENNA DEWAN, LAURA BENATI & NATURI NAUGHTON IN NBC'S "PLAYBOY" SERIES

Amber Heard at TIFF 2009

You've in all likelihood seen her in many Movies already, but this will be the role that makes her a Star.  24 year-old Amber Heard is confirmed almost for NBC's upcoming Playboy series in the role Maureen, who works at the Playboy Club as a new-hire.  Heard's Résumé actually is quite impressive having starred in  hits like Pineapple Express, Zombieland, Friday Night Lights and North Country as a young Charlize Theron.  Her next Film in theatres this Friday, Drive Angry 3-D, has her opposite Nicolas Cage.

The lead role of Carol-Lynne played by Laura Benati whose best known work so far has been on the series Eli Stone. Benati's character is said to be approaching her last days as a Playboy Bunny on the series and her standing is threatened by some of the newer Girls. Carol-Lynne will be involved with a Chicago Mobster.

Naturi Naughton also stars and you  might remember her from moderate successes like Lottery Ticket, Fame (2009) and a brief turn on AMC's Mad Men (an inspiration for this new Series) also as a Playboy Bunny.

CHANNING TATUM IN MARCH ISSUE OF "GQ"

Channing Tatum in March 2011 issue of GQ

All around nice guy Channing Tatum graces the cover of March's GQ Magazine with Photos by Nathaniel Goldberg - some Photos fully clothed, some Photos not so fully clothed.  Does a Channing Tatum post really need many words?

Although the Actor's latest The Eagle under-performed at the Box Office this past weekend, he has plenty of chances to redeem himself this year with a total five Films to hit theatres in 2011 and three more to be released in 2012.  Son of No One, Ten Year and Haywire are slated for releases later this year.

Click here to see more Photos from the shoot.  You're welcome.

 

(Photo credit: Nathaniel Goldberg/GQ)

WIN A PRIZE PACK FOR "THE EAGLE"

Our friends at Alliance Films would like you to win an Exclusive Prize Pack for The Eagle starring the wonderful Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell.  It opens in theatres Friday, February 11, 2011.

Prize Packs include a Poster, the Novel The Eagle of the Ninth and a Canadian Run of Engagement pass for two to see The Eagle.  Score!

To qualify for the win, e-mail mrwillw@mrwillw.com with the subject header “THE EAGLE”. A winner will be picked on release day. Offer open to Canadian readers only. Good luck, Mavenati!

Watch the Trailer for The Eagle here.