TOM FELTON EYED FOR NEW THRILLER "ATTACHMENT" STARRING SHARON STONE

Tom Felton & Sharon Stone in Toronto (2011, 2006)

Now this is unusual! Entertainment Weekly reveals that Tom Felton has been offered a role unlike anything he's ever done before. Tony Kaye (American History X) is helming  a new Thriller called Attachment and is circling the Harry Potter Star to play the Student of Sharon Stone. The two become involved which is messy enough already, but matters get complicated further when Felton's Character dates Stone's Daughter and begins to stalk her and her Family. 

Not sure if this is a companion to Kaye's 2011 Film Detachment starring Adrien Brody, about a Substitute Teacher who drifts from Classroom to Classroom, finding a connection with his Students in his latest assignment.

As uncomfortable as it sounds, it is mighty intriguing, yes? Attachment is slated for a release in 2014.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

REVIEW: "THE WOMAN IN BLACK"

Still from The Woman in Black

In his first starring role since the completion of the Harry Potter Franchise, all eyes will be on star Daniel Radcliffe in The Woman in Black. The Adaptation of the Novel of the same name by Susan Hill from second-time Director James Watkins, has Radcliffe as a young widowed Lawyer named Arthur Kipps struggling to make ends meet for his frail young Son, Joseph (Mischa Handley).  Sent off to a remote Village to settle the affairs of a deceased Alice Drablow, Arthur learns that its people have been terrorized by the Ghost of a Woman.

Crippled with fear, Parents of the Village are forced to hold their Children captive inside their own homes.  Every time the Woman in Black - Jennet Humfrye (played by Liz White) - is seen, a Child is known resultantly to die.  After spending one terrifying night in the Drablows' home, Arthur then unravels parts of the mystery behind the scorned Woman in Black's deadly motives.  Will he be able to appease her and liberate the Villagers of her haunting presence, or will he too succumb to her as many have before?

Beautifully-shot The Woman in Black is modest in its ambitions and doesn't aim to re-invent the Genre. Instead, it does its best to tell a classically haunting tale without the gimmicks and more importantly, terrify its audience.  And scary it is indeed, craftily keeping much of the horror off-screen and up to one's imagination with an imminent sense of terror dangling overhead.  Moments of the Film admittedly do feel familiar and predictable - empty rocking chairs and creepy chiming wind-up dolls included - but alas, all is tied-up believably unlike many other titles in the genre by that all-too-crucial resolve.  

One thing I might add though is that the heart of the Story ultimately is made of the undying love between Parent and Child and perhaps Watkins could have allotted a bit more towards this. We forget at times that Arthur is a Father amidst his playing Lawyer/Detective/Ghost Expunger. Nonetheless, so much of The Woman in Black is about the fine committed performance from Radcliffe - including an  unenviable extended scene with Sam Daily (Ciarán Hinds) in disgustingly greasy, muddy waters. Fans, many who are old enough now to enjoy a proper Horror, will not be disappointed.  Alliance Films releases the Horror on February 3, 2012.

MR. WILL-W. & DANIEL RADCLIFFE

Mr. Will-W. & Daniel Radcliffe

There are great people in this World and I thank Eva and Cosmo for sending over this Photo of me chatting with Daniel Radcliffe last week at the Black Carpet Premiere of The Woman in Black.  The Photo captures the moment perfectly - the smile on my face, in pandemonium abound, Radcliffe's intense focus, the flashes of bright light.  Thank you both ever so kindly!

I don't believe it's already been a week since Radcliffe graced our City.  Was a blast!  Click here to catch-up in case you missed the fun and also find out how you can wind that signed Photo I'm giving away of Radcliffe.

(Photo credit: Cosmo Facciolo)

ENTER TO WIN AN AUTHENTIC SIGNED DANIEL RADCLIFFE PHOTO

Signed Daniel Radcliffe Photo

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

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

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

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

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

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

  Good luck, Mavenati!

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

Daniel Radcliffe in Toronto - January 2012

A major star has descended upon Toronto and both Media and Fans alike had reason to rejoice. It isn't every day Forbes Magazine's Highest-Grossing Actor of 2011 graces the City. 22-year-old Daniel Radcliffe first rose to international recognition in 2001 after landing the coveted role of Harry Potter in what would amount to eight film adaptations of J.K. Rowling's adored Fantasy novels.  Since then, there has been no turning back for London's Radcliffe.  Critics and audiences alike have responded to the Harry Potter franchise, grossing a staggering $7.7 billion worldwide.

Now that his days as Harry Potter have concluded, Radcliffe finds himself stretching his wings in plum assignments. In addition to having starred on Broadway's How to Succeed in Business Without Trying, he now tries his hand at Horror in his first starring role outside the series.  The pressure is on and all eyes also are on him.  The Woman in Black, directed by James Watkins has Radcliffe starring as a young, widowed Lawyer named Arthur Kipps, struggling to make ends meet for his sickly Son Joseph.  Sent to a remote village to settle the affairs of a deceased Woman named Alice Drablow, he finds himself wrapped-up in the mystery surrounding the death of her and her Son Nathaniel, while Families continue to be tormented by her Ghost. As Arthur delves deeper and unravels the details of this eery tale, we fear that he too will fall victim to The Woman in Black.

On what drew him to the role of Arthur Kipps, Radcliffe reveals, "I was really keen on telling the story. I never expected that I'd do Horror. It's never something I thought I'd do.".  He adds, "This story is about what happens when we don't move-on from loss. Arthur has become emotionally-paralyzed, unable to feel and unable to become involved in his Son's life". "The Woman in Black has become consumed by her desire for revenge", and this is what drives the Plot of this Adaptation of Susan Hill's 1983 novel of the same name.

Making his way over to me, an impeccably-dressed Radcliffe shakes my hand in true gentleman-like form.  Although others had jumped-in, his kind Publicist ensured I secured a quick minute with the Megastar. I ask him about his own threshold for fear compared to that of his character Arthur, who brazenly moves forward at all costs to solve this mystery.  He tells me, "That's interesting.  I don't think Arthur is so much brave as he doesn't care if he lives or dies.".  Pondering it further, he admits "I like to think that I'm fairly brave.  I wouldn't make the same mistake of going into that locked room.  Like, what was he thinking?".  Funny.  As an aside, Radcliffe personally rates The Woman in Black an 8.5 out of 10 on a scale of scariness.

See more Photos of Radcliffe on the Black Carpet below:

DANIEL RADCLIFFE ON "SNL"

Daniel Radcliffe on SNL

In an exceptional Saturday Night Live tonight, Harry Potter himself Daniel Radcliffe performed hosting duties. Among his greatest moments were an appearance on the recurring Target-themed Sketch with Kristen Wiig which had him in a Mullet longing for her - his Co-worker - in a perfect American accent. He also did a hilarious Parody of the Musical Jersey Boys where a majority of the Songs sung were lesser versions of those by Franki Valli and the Four Seasons.  The British Thespian brought out the laughs as indicted-but-not-guilty Casey Anthony's Yorkshire Terrier, going on about how treacherous it is to have her as his Owner.  "Life is ruff", he claimed. 

Daniel Radcliffe as a Yorkshire Terrier

The brightest moment had Radcliffe once again in the role that made him famous, re-visiting Hogwarts with Jason Sudeikis as Draco Malfoy and Bill Hader as Severus Snape.  At the end of it Radcliffe declared with confidence, "I've still got it!".

Up-and-coming Musical Guest Lana Del Rey performed her Tracks Video Games and my favourite Blue Jeans to warm reaction from the in-house Audience (although more mixed reviews on Twitter) crooning multiple throatier, melodic variations to her recorded renditions.  Her Debut Disc Born to Die hits stores January 27, 2012 via Universal Music.

Although it might take a day to surface, visit Global Television's Website for Clips watchable in Canada.

PASSES TO CANADIAN PREMIERE OF "THE WOMAN IN BLACK" WITH DANIEL RADCLIFFE: COMING SOON!

Still from The Woman in Black

Yes, it's true! Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven is one of the few official outlets to be giving away tickets to Alliance Films' ultra-exclusive Canadian Premiere of The Woman in Black on Thursday, January 26, 2012.  As you already know, the Red Carpet will be graced by none other than Megastar Daniel Radcliffe!

Details are still being finalized, but coming v. soon.  Yes, I know - shaking and crying, right!? They don't get much bigger than this!

In the meantime don't forget to check out the Trailer for The Woman in Black here.

(Photo credit: Alliance Films)

KATY PERRY IS THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE!

Mr. Will-W. & 2 Broke Girls

Although Katy Perry swept the People's Choice Awards this year, unfortunately she was absent from all the fun tonight due much in part to the recent circumstances surrounding her Marriage to Russell Brand.  Perry won five Awards tonight including Favourite Female Artist, Favourite Song of the Year (E.T.), Favourite Music Video (Last Friday Night), Favourite Tour Headliner and Favourite TV Guest Star (How I Met Your Mother). 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 finished a close second, garnering four Awards also including: Favourite Movie, Favourite Ensemble Cast, Favourite Book and Favourite Action Movie.

Emma Stone and Johnny Depp also each picked-up two awards each and perhaps a bit surprising was CBS' 2 Broke Girls winning Favourite New TV Comedy, beating out Whitney, Up All Night, Surburgatory, New Girl and more!  Way to go, Beth Behrs and Kat Dennings!

For a complete list of Winners, click  here.

"HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2" IS 2011'S HIGHEST-GROSSING FILM

Still from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

It is absolutely no surprise that 2011 tallies show that Franchise Finale Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, is internationally the year's highest-grossing Film.  The Warner Bros. Fantasy Drama earned a whopping $1.328 billion worldwide, over $200 million more than its closest competition, Transformers: Dark of the Moon. This past Summer I was lucky enough to be a part of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Canadian Press Tour.  Click here to read my Interview with burgeoning Star, Matthew Lewis.

Note that eight out of ten of these Films actually are sequels with Warner Bros., Buena Vista/Disney and Paramount Pictures each accounting for two each. Based on Rotten Tomatoes ratings for the Top Ten, it would appear there is a bit of a divide between Critical and Commercial tastes with these ten averaging 56.3% among Critics, below the "Certified Fresh" threshold.

Without further ado, here are your Top Ten Grossing Films of 2011:

RALPH FIENNES AT TIFF 2011 WITH "CORIOLANUS"

Ralph Fiennes at TIFF 2011

Ralph Fiennes might be known as Voldemort to a generation of Harry Potter Fans, but the Oscar-nominated Actor now is turning his sights to directing, with his debut Film Coriolanus premiering at TIFF 2011.  Fiennes made some face-time with Fans and Media outside the Press Conference for the Film today, his first visit to the City since TIFF 2008 with The Duchess opposite Keira Knightley.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

TOM FELTON IN TORONTO FOR FAN EXPO CANADA 2011

Tom Felton & Mr. Will-W.

Tom Felton is living proof that the young Actors of the Harry Potter franchise can thrive after its conclusion back in July with the release of Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Pt. 2.  In addition to his internationally-recognizable work as Draco Malfoy, Felton already has a massive Box Office hit to his name in The Rise of the Planet of the Apes, currently in theatres.

Flying in from London on Thursday night, Felton allotted Fans some a Photo Op or an Autograph at $40 each at Fan Expo Canada 2011.  Surely he was one of the more in-demand names to appear at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre festivities, doing also a Q&A session with Fans this afternoon before heading off back home to London.

Felton can next be seen in Thriller The Apparition alongside Twilight's Ashley Greene and From the Rough with Academy Award-nominee Taraji P. Henson.  Amazingly nice, Felton arrived at the Airport with his Guitar in-tow, stopping to greet some Fans before checking-in for his flight.  The scenario yesterday at the Expo wasn't quite as friendly as some Accredited Press reported having been shoved by Felton's Handlers when trying to take Photos of him.  Not good. 

See more Felton below:

"THE SMURFS 3-D" AND "COWBOYS & ALIENS" BATTLE TOOTH AND NAIL

Still from The Smurfs 3-D

Critics hated them both but Moviegoers loved them both equally... one just a little more than the other.  In one of the tightest finishes at the Box Office in recent memory, Universal Pictures' Cowboys and Aliens, starring Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig, fought tooth and nail to edge out The Smurfs 3-D with $36.4 million.  The former  was panned by Critics with a 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while the latter equally was torn to shreds with an 18% consensus on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer. The Motion Picture based on those lovable blue creatures who many in the '80s grew-up watching, earned $35.6 million for Sony Pictures.  

Last week's champion Captain America: The First Avenger slips to third spot with $25 million in its second week, bringing its tally to $110 million in North America.  The Marvel adaptation was made for $140 million.

Warner Bros.' Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 finished just ahead in fourth of another Film from the studio, Crazy Stupid Love. The Rom-Com perhaps had the misfortune of opening on a busy weekend, but it still debuts in a dignified fifith with $18.6 million.  This one looks to be a stayer with many positive reviews pouring in.

Friends with Benefits in its second week, slips to sixth spot with $9.3 million for Sony Pictures, earning $38 million total thus far, just making back its $35 million invested in production costs.

Rounding out the Top Ten is Disney's Cars 2, with $2.5 million earned this weekend.  To-date the Film has made $354 million worldwide in six weeks.

"CAPTAIN AMERICA" SAVES THE BOX OFFICE

Still from Captain America

Captain America not only saves the World, but also the Box Office coming out on top this weekend with an impressive $65.5 million opening, proving that Chris Evans too can be a bankable Leading Man. This result exceeds Paramount Pictures' expectations that the Marvel Comics adaptation would make approximately $60 million. Reviews have been fairly positive, garnering 73% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomotometer.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 continues to go strong in second week with $48 million this weekend. The entire Franchise just surpassed the $7 billion mark worldwide before the weekend began.

Sony Pictures' Friends with Benefits underwhelms with only $18.7 million in its debut much due in part to its timing of release going up against two Box Office monsters. On the upside, Critics appear to like the Rom-Com, coming in with 70% on the Tomatometer and I must say, I actually loved it!

Transformers: Dark of the Moon slips to fourth spot in this its fourth week of release $12.5 million, just ahead of Horrible Bosses in fifth which impressively was earned over $82 million it its three-week run.

Bad Teacher hangs onto the Top Ten in ninth spot with $2.5 million, putting it just-shy of the $100 million mark in its fifth week and believe it or not, Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris is still in the Top Ten, rounding it all out with $2 million.

INTERVIEW: MATTHEW LEWIS ON "HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2"

Matthew Lewis in Toronto - July 2011

"I'm not much of a Coffee drinker", he answers when probed about the truest test of Canadian Patriotism that is whether or not he has tried Tim Horton's Coffee. Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis' moment finally has arrived and Toronto was lucky enough to spend some time with the emerging talent.  The Leeds native is known best for his work in the $6,343,865,842 (to be exact) worldwide grossing franchise as a bumbling and underachieving Neville Longbottom.  It all ends in the final installment Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, but for Lewis this just might be the start.

Dressed simply in a Penguin Polo shirt, a Fred Perry Cardigan and Jeans, my initial impression of the 22 year-old is that he is an even mix of awkward, shy and poised.  He completely is unaware of his status as a Sex Symbol to those Fans who like him have grown into Adults this past decade seeing him on-screen with artificial mangled teeth and protruding ears. When the topic of him being a Breakout Star and the Fan-imposed label of "stud" were brought-up by one Journalist, the fair-skinned Actor became two shades of uneasy, blushing visibly to the eye.  "That makes me uncomfortable actually", he giggles.

Lewis looks back at the past ten years as a labour of love, confessing "I didn't go through the emotions that some of the others went through during filming. I didn't cry.". He does admit though, "It actually wasn't until the London Premiere (held last week in Trafalgar Square), that I realized this would be the last time. We have the best Fans in the World and I will miss presenting these Films to them.". And loyal these Fans have been to the Franchise - thousands upon thousands queued at the London landmark, some camping out three days to get close to the Cast. Although not quite as feverish, Toronto Fans likewise are excited, with Neville Longbottom and Matthew Lewis both trending on Twitter prior to his arrival in the City.

TOM FELTON, HAYDEN PANETTIERE, WILLIAM SHATNER & MORE AT 2011 FAN EXPO CANADA

Tom Felton in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Fan Expo Canada hits Toronto in just over a month. Will you be going? The Sci-Fi Expo in particular this year looks rather enticing with some great names added to the line-up of stars in attendance.

Scheduled this year are the likes of Tom Felton, Hayden Panettiere, Lee Majors, William Shatner, Eliza Dushku, Sam Trammell, Malcolm McDowell, Barbara Eden, Larry Hagman and more.

One-day Passes range from $25 to $40 depending on the day and the event takes place from August 25 to 28, 2011 at Metro  Toronto Convention Centre. Deluxe Passes are available at $75 apiece, allowing Fans unlimited access, excluding Special Ticket events.

Click here to read more.

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

"HARRY POTTER & THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2" SHATTERS BOX OFFICE RECORDS

Still from Harry Potter 7: Part 2

No surprises here! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows obliterates the competition this weekend for Warner Bros., taking in $168.6 million in its debut. The final installment of the Harry Potter franchise set a record for biggest single Box Office day ever, with $92.1 million on Friday.  It also broke the three-day weekend record held by 2008's The Dark Night, with $158 million - another Warner Bros. release. Above this, the Film universally has received praise, garnering an exceptional 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.  Expect this one to be a major player at the Oscars next year.  Read my Interview with star Matthew Lewis here.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon still continues to do exceptionally well, slipping to second this week with $23.5 million, ahead of Horrible Bosses with $17.5 million, which also is still going strong in its second week in the theatres, earning $59.8 million to-date. Read my Interview with Jason Sudeikis here. Meanwhile, Zookeeper finds itself in fourth this weekend with $12.5 million for Sony Pictures.

Disney's Winnie the Pooh debuts in sixth despite some really strong reviews, with $7.5 million.  Perhaps its opening up against Harry Potter wasn't the best in hindsight? Or was there simply not enough  buzz surrounding it?

Interestingly, Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris still sits in the Top Ten with $1.8 million this weekend in its ninth week of release.  The Comedy has become Allen's most commercially successful Film of all time with a total $41.7 million earned in North America.

ENTER TO WIN 1 OF 2 "HARRY POTTER" PRIZE PACKS

Harry Potter Prize Packs!

Attention, Muggles! I'd like to give two lucky Readers these official Harry Potter Prize Packs which include: a size M "ONLY ONE CAN LIVE" T-Shirt, a Privet Drive Keychain and a "IT ALL ENDS" Magnet. 

To qualify for the win, you must:

1. Tell me the name of the Actor who terrified Matthew Lewis most while filming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.  Clue here.

2. Be a Follower of Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Twitter

3. Include your Twitter Username so I can get in touch with you should you win

Your deadline is August 1, 2011 - Contest is open to Canadian readers only. Good luck, Mugglenati!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 opens in theatres Friday, July 15, 2011 via Warner Bros.

NEW TEASER POSTER FOR "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES" & TRAILER DETAILS

Teaser Poster for The Dark Knight Rises

Warner Bros. has just released this new Poster for The Dark Knight Rises and one brazen Fan even uploaded a Trailer which the Studio quickly asked to be removed. It is looking likely that it will be unleashed this weekend for Moviegoers seeing another Monster from the Studio, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.

Collider has specific details of what the Teaser Trailer includes, which you can read about here.  From the sounds of it Bane (Tom Hardy) is a menacing presence, bringing out the fear in Batman (Christian Bale) himself.  

Even though it won't be out til July 20, 2012, I wouldn't be surprised if this in itself draws some die-hard Batman Fans out to the theatre this weekend!

MATTHEW LEWIS IN TORONTO FOR "HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOW : PART 2"

Matthew Lewis in Toronto - July 2011

Handsome 21 year-old Thespian Matthew Lewis descended upon Toronto for the final installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.  What many people don't realize about the Brit is that in his ten-year long role as the bumbling Neville Longbottom, he had worn prosthetic teeth in addition to plastic placements which made his ears protrude more than normal.  Wouldn't you agree that he in fact looks like a young Clive Owen dressed in black-on-black above?

It is estimated that hundreds of Fans who queued all day outside of MuchMusic and historic Casa Loma where he made appearances. Only some were lucky enough to get their Harry Potter memorabilia signed by Lewis as had was preoccupied with working his way through a long line of Media.

See more Eye Candy below:

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.