ENTER TO WIN PASSES TO SEE "THE RAID: REDEMPTION" AND "ONE LIFE"

Gareth Evans (left) at TIFF 2011

One of the Films to gain the most buzz out of TIFF 2011 was The Raid: Redemption and now finally the Winner of the Midnight Madness Award will be seeing a release! Alliance Films and Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven want to see you at an Advance Screening of it next week!  I recall sitting a table over from the Director, Gareth Evans and the Stars of the gripping Action-Thriller about a SWAT Team entrapped by a Mobster and his Army of Killers at a Brunch last September, as we all devoured our Yogurt Parfaits and Eggs.  Now look at 'em! 

To enter to win a Double Pass to a Toronto Advance Screening on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at Scotiabank Theatre, simply click "like" on Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and also the corresponding Movie Poster!

And as if that weren't enough, Double Passes to see One Life also are up for grabs.  The BBC Earth Films Documentary narrated by Daniel Craig, promises to take us an a breathtaking Adventure as we meet all sorts of interesting characters.  The Screening also takes place Thursday, March 22, 2012 at AMC Yonge x Dundas and to enter, also click "like" on Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and this corresponding Movie Poster! Good luck, Mavenati!

Watch the Trailer for The Raid: Redemption:

GEORGE CLOONEY, DANIEL CRAIG & MATT DAMON COVER "VANITY FAIR LEADING MEN ISSUE"

February 2011 Issue of Vanity Fair

Three of our favourites: George Clooney, Daniel Craig and Matt Damon cover February's Leading Men Issue of Vanity Fair, getting up close and personal, answering some random and intimate questions.

Clooney tells Vanity Fair that if he had a choice, he'd come back in his next life as his Dog, joking "My Dog, he lives better". Craig who admits to lying when answering Questionnaires, reveals what he's most proud of, answering back with a question, "Apart from my Penis and my Health?".  In true Gentleman form, Damon admits he's most proud of his Marriage.  He makes his Life Motto, "Don't be a Douchebag". Good words to live by and obviously the key to his success.

Annie Leibovitz photographs the Handsome Coverboys.

Click here to read more.  The Issue is in-stores tomorrow.

(Photo credit: Annie Leibovitz/Vanity Fair)

REVIEW: "THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO"

Still from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Although I never thought much of Niels Arden Oplev's original Adaptation of Stieg Larsson's international Bestseller The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I am a huge Fan of David Fincher's interpretation of it.

This first installment in the Trilogy-to-come centers around an unlikely Duo brought together by a family Mystery haunting wealthy Swedes The Vangers for well-over 40 years. Shamed Journalist Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is called upon by Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) to solve the mystery behind the presumed murder of his beloved Niece Harriet. After reaching a roadblock in his investigation, he is connected with volatile 23 year-old Computer Hacker-for-hire Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara). Coincidentally, she also is the same Hacker who was enlisted to investigate Mikael amidst his own controversy.

As Mikael and Lisbeth continue their fact-finding, they begin unraveling some deep, dark secrets about the Vanger Family never before brought to light and we realize that danger is ever-imminent as they are being watched by someone closer to home than originally believed.

CAST UNVEILED FOR NEW "JAMES BOND" FILM: "SKYFALL"

Javier Bardem at TIFF 2010

If there was ever any doubt Javier Bardem is a major International Star now, that answer now would appear to be a clear and decisive "yes".  The Spanish Actor has just been cast in the upcoming 23rd James Bond Film, Skyfall, to be helmed by American Beauty Director Sam Mendes.

Reprising his role for a third time will be Daniel Craig, despite rumours of now-in-Toronto Idris Elba taking-over the Role as the first Black James Bond.  Dame Judi Dench will be returning also and appearing for the first time will be French Actress Bérénice Marlohe and Naomie Harris.

The Film will be released in the UK first on October 26, 2012.  Filming will take place at Pinewood Studios in London and also across Scotland, Turkey and China.

See Photos from the Cast Unveiling here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

CANADA GOOSE'S FALL/WINTER 2011 COLLECTION

Mr. Will-W. in Drake's Canada Goose Chilliwack Jacket

Maggie Gyllenhaal, Daniel Craig, Drake, Josh Duhamel, Hilary Duff, Matt Damon and Bill Clinton all have one thing in common - other than being notable names, that is. They all love their Canada Goose Jackets!

Founded in 1957 by Sam Tick of Toronto, Canada Goose has flourished into a luxury Apparel Company with products available in over 40 countries worldwide, catering both practically to the frigid Winter temperatures of our Country and also those discerning tastes of the Fashionable.  Dani Reiss has carried-on the Legacy of his Grandfather (Tick), acting as the President & CEO of the Company since 2001.  In 2007, Canada Goose saw a great surge in popularity with great demand for their Parka Jackets.

Canada Goose Accessories

I was thrilled to be invited to a private Media Launch for this, one of Canada's most iconic Fashion Lines, getting to try on an array of different Jackets.  One which caught my eye in particular was one designed last year by our v. own Drake.  Weighing in-excess of 10 lbs and complete with a hood trimmed lavishly in dyed black Coyote Fur, instantly I could feel the warmth of comfort of its Goose Down insulation.  Costing in-and-around the $1k mark, a Boy can only dream of possessing such Luxury!

I was thoroughly impressed at the quality of some of the Accessories I saw too like thickly-insulated Gloves, Merino Wool Scarves and their super-awesome PBI Aviator Hat - lined in Coyote Fur.

"DREAM HOUSE" GETS 0% AT ROTTEN TOMATOES

Dream House rates 0% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer

Although it's only a handful of Reviews that have come in, things are looking rather grim for Toronto-filmed Horror Dream House by Jim Sheridan.  It had the Pedigree: a great Director, an Oscar-calibre Cast of Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts and Rachel Weisz.  I was planning to see it, but likely now won't touch it with a ten-foot poll.

The Orlando Sentinel's Roger Moore says, "So much is just so...obvious.". The New York Daily News' Joel Neumaier notes, "More than likely, though, it will be recalled as one of the strangest movies the current James Bond (Craig) and the Oscar-winning actress have ever made.".  Variety unfortunately didn't have much better news, stating "Daniel Craig does everything to dispel comparisons to Stanley Kubrick's The Shining with a finely tuned performance, but the film flattens as it tries to explain his character's psychological state.". 

Reviews from many Key Players are still rolling-in, but this is pretty much the final blow for the troubled $60 million Film distributed in Canada by eOne Films which in the U.S. had gone through a hard-fought battle to get a PG-13 rating, but alas the MPAA upheld its decision to keep it Restricted. Also, the Horror has been pushed-back multiple times now after original plans to release it earlier in the year.  Re-shoots were ordered in Oakville (just west of Toronto) too this past Winter, accounting for some of those delays.  Terribly sad.

Will this be enough to deter you from seeing it?

NEW TRAILER FOR "THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO"

Official Poster for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

Christmas can't come soon enough. A new 3:48 minute Trailer has surfaced for David Fincher's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and does this ever look good... and rather faithful to the original Swedish Film.  I'm v. excited at Rooney Mara's Oscar prospects in a wide-open race still at this point for Best Actress. 

See the Trailer in full below:

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures)

NEW CHARACTER PHOTOS FROM "THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO"

  The Principal Cast of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

These striking new Character Photos have been released for Sony Pictures’ The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, due December 21, 2011. Complete with Bios for each Character, the Movie’s Official Website has been given a fresh new Makeover.  Seen above (Top to Bottom/Left to Right) are: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer and Robin Wright. 

Check out all the Photos here.  

This is going to make Rooney Mara a huge star.  Brace yourselves.

(Photo credit: Sony Pictures)

"DREAM HOUSE" TRAILER SURFACES - IS DANIEL CRAIG THE VILLAIN?

Still from Dream House

"Everyone who lives in this house gets killed".

In what looks like a cross between The Others and Shutter Island, with elements from a litany of other Horror films, an official Trailer for Toronto-shot Dream House finally surfaces today.  And although originally it appeared to have been a Supernatural Thriller, it's looking more like a Psycho-Thriller, leaving us questioning whether Daniel Craig is the Hero or the Villain.  

There's much talk of Dream House returning to its Toronto roots for a TIFF Premiere in September and we'll soon see if this Rebirth will be taking place!

See the Trailer in full below:

FIRST OFFICIAL "DREAM HOUSE" POSTER

After being pushed-back due to Reshoots here in Toronto earlier this year, it appears that Dream House finally is ready for release.

This new Poster for the Jim Sheridan Horror starring Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz and Naomi Watts has just surfaced. They had that many big names and could only allocate that little bit of space to cram them all in?  Perhaps this Poster would be better fitted to a Film called Creeps on a Doorknob?

With over two months to go before its September 30, 2011 release, we have yet to even see a proper Trailer for the Film. This is beginning to scare me ...and not in a good way!

There is still some thought of it receiving a Premiere in September at TIFF, possibly as part of its Midnight Madness line-up? We'll soon know!

See the Poster below:

DANIEL CRAIG & RACHEL WEISZ MARRY SECRETLY

Rachel Weisz at TIFF 2008

If you think Rachel Weisz looks shocked here, how do you think I felt when US Magazine broke the story that both she and Daniel Craig tied the knot on Friday in New York City secretly?  It is said the Ceremony was a v. intimate one with few Friends invited.

Weisz and Craig's Romance had ignited late 2009-early 2010 when they were both in Toronto working on Jim Sheridan's Thriller Dream House.  At that time Weisz had still been married to Director Darren Aronofsky and Craig had been together with longtime Girlfriend Satsuki Mitchell.  Albeit quick, who are we to judge?  Congratulations to the talented Thespians!

Many are saying we likely will be seeing both at TIFF 2011 in September as the Film will be released around then.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

NEW NSFW VERSION OF "THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO" POSTER

They're going all the way with the edge factor!  A new Poster for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo has been unleashed and you won't believe your eyes.  Did Rooney Mara really pierce her nipples for the role of Lisbeth Salander?  I'm speechless.  I haven't even seen a proper Clip of the Movie and I'm already convinced we have a Best Actress caliber performance for the Oscars next year. She's totally owning it.

And if she weren't commanding enough, did you even bother to notice Daniel Craig as Mikael Blomkvist? Me neither.

Sony Pictures releases The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo this Christmas and here's a link to the NSFW version of the Poster. 

"THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO" TRAILER LEAKED

Rooney Mara

Although I honestly didn't think much of the original Film Adaptation of the late Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, this U.S. Adaptation from Director David Fincher looks astounding!  Edgy, vicious, scary and dangerous, this is going to make Rooney Mara a Mega-Star - the next Natalie Portman. It is being marketed as "The Feel-Bad Movie of the Year".

See this leaked Trailer for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, out this Christmas from Sony Pictures:

DANIEL CRAIG SPOTTED IN TORONTO FOR "DREAM HOUSE"

Still from Dream House

Although we have our hesitations about that sighting on Twitter earlier in the week now, it is confirmed that Daniel Craig officially is now in Toronto for Dream House Re-shoots.

The Thespian was spotted arriving in Toronto Wednesday night from a New Jersey flight. Click here to see the Photos at Just Jared!

Now for the question on everyone's mind, where is Rachel Weisz?

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)

DANIEL CRAIG, OWEN WILSON, BELLA THORNE & MORE SPOTTED IN TORONTO

Yes, that's legit.

Gush.  He's back!  Daniel Craig was spotted yesterday in Yorkville doing a bit of shopping in Hazelton Lanes.  One Onlooker (@sabcav) saw James Bond himself perusing the Fashions at upscale Retailer TNT Blu.  Craig rolled into town quietly to do re-shoots for Jim Sheridan's Dream House for Universal Pictures.  There is talk of the Horror possibly getting a premiere at TIFF 2011, so don't fret quite yet if you miss your chance to spot him this time as he's known to be a difficult one.  No Rachel Weisz or Naomi Watts sightings yet though. *frown*

Woody Harrelson picked-up his BFF Owen Wilson at Hazelton Hotel's ONE Restaurant around 11:00 PM last night. Wilson was seen earlier dining in-the-open at Whole Foods after a taxing Bike Ride around the City which had Torontonians-a-Tweeting. The two headed to Drake Hotel for some late night libations and a smoke, giving Onlookers a taste of one of the hottest Celebrity Bromances this City has seen… ever!

One trustworthy source might have seen veteran Actor Malcolm McDowell at Starbucks in Yorkville earlier today. Although there are no Toronto Productions listed on his Docket, McDowell does have a Guest Spot on Vancouver-filmed Series Psych for the USA Network. Could it have been him?

DANIEL CRAIG DRESSES IN DRAG FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Daniel Craig in Drag

Daniel Craig lends his support to International Women's Day (today), appearing in this Television Spot for the website We Are Equals.  "It's not just about money and power" says Dame Judi Dench, ending the Ad by asking, "Are we equals?  Until the answer is 'yes', we may never stop asking."

I love you, Ladies!  Stay strong.  Nothing happens overnight, but we are heading the right way.  Being a Guy isn't all it's cut out to be either, trust me!

As an aside, today also happens to be the Birthday of Rachel Weisz, rumoured Girlfriend of Craig.  Born to be together?

Watch the Television Spot in full below:

DARREN ARONOFSKY & RACHEL WEISZ CONFIRM BREAK-UP

Darren Aronofsky at TIFF 2010

Worst news ever.  According to The Hollywood Reporter, acclaimed Director Darren Aronofsky and Oscar-winning Actress Rachel Weisz have split-up.  Although they never married, the two have a four year-old son, Henry Chance, with whom they will continue to share joint-custody.

Word is it that Rachel Weisz has been involved with Daniel Craig after they both met in Toronto earlier this year filming Universal Pictures' Dream House.  Scenes from the Horror Film will be re-shot here later in the month.  Both Aronofsky and Weisz were in Toronto this September for TIFF supporting eachother at their respective Premieres: Weisz had her Premiere for The Whistleblower at The Elgin and Aronofsky's Premiere for Black Swan was at Roy Thomson Hall.

On the other end of the spectrum, Craig hasn't been seen with longtime girlfriend Satsuki Mitchell much of late.  This however could be due more to his hectic filming schedule, which has seen him in both Stockholm for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Albuquerque for Cowboys & Aliens since Summertime. 

• Read some of my previous coverage of Dream House here.
• Read my coverage of Darren Aronofsky's Oscar contender Black Swan here.

They are/were so good together! All four of them.  Separately as couples, of course!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

DANIEL CRAIG AND ROONEY MARA IN STOCKHOLM FILMING "THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO"

Daniel Craig filming in Stockholm

Oh yeah. As many of us know, David Fincher's U.S. adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is filming already in Stockholm, Sweden and our favourite hunk Daniel Craig is starring in the film.  For those of you who have seen the original Swedish version of the film, you'll know disappointingly that the character Craig plays, disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist, is clothed for most of the film. Bummer.

All eyes right now however on the movie's female lead Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander, who steps up to the physically demanding role in three instalments. Mara got lots of exposure this weekend in Fincher's The Social Network which not only debuted at number one at the Box Office, but continues to perform strongly, slaughtering the competition even based on Monday and Tuesday's numbers. Mara's big sister Kate appears briefly in Danny Boyle's 127 Hours which recount's mountain climber Aron Ralston's hours stuck in a cave under a boulder.

To see more candids of Craig in Sweden, click here.

(Photo credit: Fredrik Sandberg/Scanpix)

DANIEL CRAIG CONFIRMED FOR U.S. VERSION OF THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

OMG. They're practically Twins.  Daniel Craig has been confirmed to play the role of disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist in the American adaptation of Stieg Larsson's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  The role was played originally by Swedish actor Michael Nyqvist in the Millennium Trilogy.  As you're all aware the amazing David Fincher will be directing the first instalment of the series.

Of course, casting for the edgy starring role of Lisabeth Sander is still up in the air with Carey Mulligan no longer among the candidates.  Rumoured actresses up for the role at this point in casting include Ellen Page, Mia Wasikowska and Rooney Mara according to Entertainment Weekly.  Expect them to throw us for a loop and cast someone obscure.  Sneaky.

A-LISTERS ARRIVE AT MET BALL RED CARPET

A whole lot of hotness is going on this evening at the annual MET Ball (Costume Institute Gala) held at New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art, as A-Listers show off their best A.  The event celebrating the opening of the American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity exhibit, is hosted by Anna Wintour, Oprah Winfrey and Patrick Robinson (The Gap).  

Check out these gorgeous photos above and more which can be found on the amazing Just Jared.  I must say, I'm loving dashing Daniel Craig in his Burberry tux and how about stunning Sienna Miller in Emilio Pucci...  jealousy-worthy Jennifer Lopez elegant in Zuhair Murad... or magnificent Maggie Gyllenhaal in Louis Vuitton?  I live for this!  Did you know that Lady Gaga did a surprise performance at the gala also?

And what I said last week about Renée Zellweger's face?  Just scratch that for now.  She looks fantastic in her favourite designer Carolina Herrera above.  (Photo credit: Just Jared/Getty Images)