"BRAVE" DEBUTS COURAGEOUSLY AT BOX OFFICE

Still from Brave

Fantastic showing by Pixar/Disney’s Scotland-set Animated Feature, Brave, opening this weekend with $66.7 million from 4,164 theatres. The $185-million budget Production, voiced by the likes of Up-and-Comer Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly and Emma Thompson opened impressively Friday with $24.5 million and Critics also are responding, with it garnering 74% on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer.

Now in its third week of release, Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted still is going strong for Paramount Pictures in second spot with $20.2 million.To-date, it has earned $157 million in North America.

20th Century Fox’s Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter opened with big expectations, being produced for $69 million, but opens only with $16.5 million this weekend - good enough for third. Reviews have been mixed for the once promising Mash-up Historical Zombie Thriller, earning 38% on the Tomatometer. It lands ahead of another Film from the studio landing ahead of Prometheus  with $10 million, just breaking the $100 million mark on Friday domestically.

Rock of Ages finds itself in fifth spot this weekend with $8 million, looking as if it won’t recoup that $75 million budget that went into the Musical. Meanwhile, Snow White and The Huntsman is in sixth spot with $8 million also in its fourth week, for Universal Pictures.

The only other debut this weekend is Focus Features/eOne Films’ mixed-reviewed Seeking a Friend at the End of the World starring Kiera Knightley and Steve Carrell, rounding out the Top Ten with $3.8 million from 1,625 theatres.

"MADAGASCAR 3" ON-TOP A SECOND WEEK

Still form Madagascar 3

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted steals the show again for a second straight week with $35 million earned this weekend. This brings its two-week tally to an excellent $120 million for Paramount Pictures, keeping Prometheus in second for a second straight week. The latter still is going strong, this weekend taking-in $21 million for a total of $89.6 million in its Run so far.

Warner Bros.' Rock of Ages debuts in third spot with $15 million, debuting below expectations for the $75-million Budget Musical. Regardless, I still loved it and will give everyone a Hug who goes and sees it!

Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg $70-million R-rated Comedy That's My Boy was timed perfectly for a Father's Day release for Sony Pictures however, Moviegoers didn't budge and it debuts in fourth spot with $13 million.

Snow White and The Huntsman finds itself in fifth this weekend with $13-million in its third week, now earning a total $121.6 million domestically. It has fared well Overseas also, earning $83 million in those parts.

Marvel's The Avengers is resilient still, in seventh spot in its seventh week with $8.3 million. To-date domestically is has earned $586 million, while Overseas it has made a resounding $824 million.

In its fourth week of being a Limited Release, Moonrise Kingdom earns $2.3 million for Focus Features/eOne Films. The Wes Anderson Comedy has earned a stellar 95% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.

What to Expect When You're Expecting earns $1.3 million this weekend in its fifth week, rounding out the Top Ten.

"ROCK OF AGES" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Rock of Ages

Although I have yet to see the Stage Version of Rock of Ages, I can say with complete confidence that its Film Adaptation stands magnificently on its own as a thrilling Moviegoing Experience. Adam Shankman (A Walk to Remember, Hairspray) delivers an electrifying display of Showmanship and he will forever be known as the Director who convincingly transformed Tom Cruise into a Rock Star here.

The Premise is familiar: a Smalltown Girl named Sherrie (Julianne Hough) and a City Boy named Drew (Diego Boneta) who meet in Hollywood, working at Hotspot called The Bourbon Room, with dreams and aspirations of making it big. They are brought together by their undying passion for Rock 'n' Roll, even though they are an unlikely pairing.  At the same time, financially-ailing The Bourbon Room faces the tight scrutiny of Mayor Whitmore (Bryan Cranston) and his Wife Patricia (Catherine Zeta-Jones) due to some unpaid taxes and its promoting of immoral values; a watchful eye triggered passionately perhaps by a personal motive on the latter's part.  All the while, washed-up Rock Legend Stacee Jaxx (Tom Cruise) soon is set to hit the stage in a highly-publicized performance which could be the Club's saving grace.  Rock of Ages however, is so much more than its Synopsis suggests.  It is a Celebration of the Power of Music; an embodiment of Rock 'n' Roll's rebellious spirit. It is an emphatic statement about believing in your dreams and fighting the fight for them.

Filled with superb performances from its Ensemble, Newcomer Diego Boneta wows at first asking in his Debut, while Dancing with the Stars Alumni Julianne Hough solidifies her place as a real Movie Star.  No one can deny the infectious charisma and energy of both Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin, while Oscar Winner Catherine Zeta-Jones gives us her tightest performance since Chicago - getting a chance to do exactly what she does best here.  Surprisingly good is Toronto's own Malin Åkerman as an uptight Rolling Stone Journalist. The biggest revelation of all here is Tom Cruise's jaw-dropping work as Stacee Jaxx - a mishmash of Jim Morrison, Axl Rose and Jon Bon Jovi. Many will be surprised, if not stunned by his performance which surely will garner some Awards buzz even this early in the Season.

ENTER TO WIN "ROCK OF AGES" - ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK

Official Artwork for Rock of Ages - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

I've been going on about it at length on Twitter all week and now it's your turn to enjoy it. Universal Music Canada & Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven want to give Readers a chance to win a copy of the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to Rock of Ages, now in-stores!

Even if like me you haven't yet seen the Broadway Musical, you won't be able to resist some of these Big Arena Covers of our favourite Rock Tunes of the '80s-early '90s.  Better yet, did I mention that these versions heard/seen in the Movie are performed by Mary J. Blige, Julianne Hough, Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Diego Boneta ... and TOM CRUISE?  Your jaws will drop. Your socks will be knocked.

The superbly-infectious Soundtrack includes the following Tracks:

1. Paradise City - Guns N'Roses (Tom Cruise)

2. Sister Christian/Just Like Paradise/Nothin' But A Good Time - Night Ranger & David Lee Roth & Poison (Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russell Brand and Alec Baldwin)

3. Juke Box Hero/I Love Rock 'n' Roll - Foreigner & Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (Diego Boneta, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand and Julianne Hough)

ADAM SHANKMAN IN TORONTO FOR "ROCK OF AGES"

Adam Shankman in Toronto - June 2012

They don't come more well-rounded than Adam Shankman. The Director/Actor/Choreographer/Producer landed in Toronto last night to do a round of Press for the widely-awaited Motion Picture Adaptation of Rock of Ages from Warner Bros.  Shankman got one of his first breaks dancing for Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson and his directorial Efforts are v. familiar to us including 2007's Hairspray and 2002's A Walk to Remember.

The $80-million Musical Comedy centers around two Singers, Drew (Diego Boneta) and Sherrie (Julianne Hough) who arrive in Hollywood with dreams of making it big. In the meantime, they take jobs at famed The Bourbon Room and soon learn that life in Los Angeles isn't quite what it's cut-out to be.  The Film stars also Paul Giamatti, Alec Balwdwin, Russell Brand, Mary J. Blige, Malin Åkerman, Bryan Cranston and Catherine Zeta-Jones.  Its biggest secret Weapon also happens to be its biggest Star Tom Cruise as sexy, washed-up Rock Star Stacee Jaxx, ready to impress the world with a full-on transformation in this is first Role requiring him to sing.  

Spirited Shankman was said to have taken a Photo on his Cell Phone of the Audience for Cruise last night at a Screening held at AMC - Yonge & Dundas, encouraging the Audience to have fun, dance and sing along.  

I caught-up with him earlier today as he finished a series of Radio Interviews following a Breakfast Television appearance at CityTV.  Host Dina Pugliese has nothing but raves for the Film, in theatres June 15, 2012 giving it "two thumbs up!" on Twitter.

 I'll be reviewing Rock of Ages shortly, so stay tuned for that! In the meantime, preview its Original Motion Picture Soundtrack in full here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

PREVIEW THE "ROCK OF AGES" ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK

Official Artwork for Rock of Ages OST

Finally Previews of the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack for Rock of Ages have surfaced! Let's admit it - we're all most curious to hear what Tom Cruise sounds like singing. The results are actually surprisingly good... from the Snippets I can hear at least. He is channeling some serious Jon Bon Jovi here with that Tenor of his.

Newcomer Diego Boneta is stellar here and who could deny being excited to hear Mary J. Blige have some fun belting-out Soft Rock?  You will die hearing Catherine Zeta-Jones doing Pat Benatar. Hit Me With Your Best Shot!  Hot!

Listen to Previews of the Soundtrack in full here:

Rock of Ages - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is now in stores via Universal Music Canada. Download it here. Rock of Ages hits theatres Friday, June 15, 2012 via Warner Bros.

(Photo credit: Universal Music)

PAUL GIAMATTI AT TIFF FOR "THE IDES OF MARCH"

Paul Giamatti in Toronto - September 2011

I'm sorry, this means a lot to me, actually!  I love Paul Giamatti and have been in-love with his acting for some time now.  His performance in Sideways, which premiered at TIFF back in 2004, to this day still resonates within me to this day and how could we forget his tour-de-force work in last year's Barney's Version?  Giamatti reaches uncharted levels of depth and truly has an understanding of the complex characters he often plays; often the Underdog.

I spotted the brilliant Actor today after returning from a Press Conference for George Clooney's The Ides of March and despite trying his best to remain low-key, he still obliged kindly to my request for a Photo.  A Gentleman.

The Actor who spent part of his Summer here in Toronto filming David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis, can also be seen in the upcoming Film Adaptation of Rock of Ages.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

KENNY WORMALD & JULIANNE HOUGH IN TORONTO FOR "FOOTLOOSE"

Julianne Hough, Mr. Will-W., Kenny Wormald & Craig Brewer (L to R)

Torontonians got a big surprise today courtesy of KISS 92.5 and Paramount Pictures, bringing in the stars of Footloose, Julianne Hough and Kenny Wormald, to the City along with Director Craig Brewer (Hustle and Flow, Black Snake Moan). The Trio along with their large Entourage rolled into Toronto midday from Los Angeles and headed straight to the Canadian National Exhibition, greeting and signing Autographs for Fans, including some who had to dance their way to a Meet & Greet!

Both Hough and Wormald looked gorgeous and seeing them side-by-side, one can see easily how they could sizzle on-screen.  Hough who looked '60s-chic only recently wrapped Production on the big-screen Adaptation of Rock of Ages alongside the likes of Alec Baldwin, Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Mary J. Blige and one can expect big things to come from the Singer/Actress/Dancer who currently is attached to Ryan Seacrest.  The handsome Wormald might not be familiar to many yet, but we can expect his rise to Hearththrob status post-release.

A Studio Representative tells me, "This version actually remains really faithful to the original Footloose!  Fans of the original should like this one.".  Hough, Wormald and Brewer will be in-town all day tomorrow doing Press as they embark on their international Tour for the Film with visits slated for MuchMusic, plus additional Radio Stations.

Footloose hits theatres October 14, 2011.

See more Photos below:

DIEGO GONZÁLEZ BONETA CAST IN LEAD ROLE FOR "ROCK OF AGES" MOVIE

Diego González Boneta

After much deliberation, a Lead Actor finally has been chosen for the upcoming Feature Film adaptation of Rock of Ages from New Line Cinema (Warner Bros.). 21 year-old Diego González Boneta has been cast as Drew Boley, a young Man who moves to Los Angeles to pursue his dreams of making it in the Music Industry.

He will be supported by a talented Cast which includes Julianne Hough as his love interest Sherrie, in addition to Tom Cruise, Russell Brand, Mary J. Blige and Alec Baldwin. Amy Adams is said to be in talks to star also as a Reporter who is the love interest of Cruise’s character, Stacee Jax.

For those of you who are Fans of the ABC Family Show Pretty Little Liars - and I know many of you are - you might remember Boneta as Alex Santiago. He also stars in TV series 90210 as Javier, also a Singer.

(Photo credit: Francis Bertrand)

TOM CRUISE PREPPING FOR ROLE IN "ROCK OF AGES" MOVIE

Constantine Maroulis & Tom Cruise

It's seriously happening. Tom Cruise is already taking voice lessons  for his upcoming role as Stacee Jaxx in the Film adaptation of Musical Rock of Ages. He will be required to learn three songs for the Film including Styx's Renegade, Bon Jovi's Wanted Dead or Alive and Foreigner's I Want to Know What Love Is, which will be featured as a Duet with Sherrie (Anne Hathaway). It doesn't appear Taylor Swift is attached to the project anymore as once rumoured, although names floating around include Mary J. Blige and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Cruise was spotted at Pantages Theatre in Hollywood this past weekend watching Rock of Ages and chatting with Producers and the Cast, posing for a Photo with Star Constantine Maroulis who may of us might remember from his stint on American Idol.

TOM CRUISE AND TAYLOR SWIFT AMONG OTHERS NAMED FOR "ROCK OF AGES" MOVIE

So according to Access Hollywood, the upcoming film adaptation of Tony Award-winning Musical Rock of Ages will star Country sensation Taylor Swift as Sherrie Christian.  New Line Cinema (Warner Bros.) will be overseeing the project which begins production in January 2011.  Although just rumoured, Adam Shankman (A Walk to Remember, Hairspray, The Rocky Horror Glee Show) will be directing.  

Now, don't get me wrong as I do love Swift, but if you do recall that promotional spot she did for the 2009 MTV VMAs performing Tonight from West Side Story, her vocal limitations were revealed like a scab under a Band-Aid.  I have my hesitations about her ability to perform the demanding power-tunes required of her in Rock of Ages but one thing's for sure - she sure has the draw to make this almost a shoe-in for success.

But get this, Tom Cruise apparently also has been offered a role in the film too as a Bartender, not one of the more principal roles in the stage version of the Musical.  Cruise is a chameleon, so I have no doubt that if he takes on the role he'll be amazing.  We've all heard him sing in Top Gun to Righteous Brothers' You've Lost that Loving Feeling - hopefully that's not a taste of what's to come.  But then again, AutoTune was released in 1997....