"THE VOW" DEBUTS #1 AT BOX OFFICE: RECORD-BREAKING WEEKEND HEADLINED BY CANADIANS

Still from The Vow

Lovers and Movie Lovers alike united at the Box Office this weekend, with not one - but four - films opening to huge numbers. This marks the first time four opening releases have opened with numbers exceeding the $20 million mark. Overall, receipts for the Top Ten are expected to tally in-excess of $169 million, which is a 25% increase over last year's numbers according to Deadline. What makes it even more special is that the Top Three Films all have strong Canadian connections.

Debuting at the top of the pack though is Sony Pictures' Romantic-Drama The Vow starring Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum, with an impressive $41 million from 2,958 theatres. Of McAdams' last five Films, three have now debuted at the top including her work in the Sherlock Holmes Franchise. She filmed this latest chart-topper in Toronto, where she still currently resides.

Following closely in second is Safe House, starring Denzel Washington and Canada's Ryan Reynolds with great $39 million opening for Universal Pictures, opening in 3,119 theatres, just ahead of yet another Film with Canadian connections, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island 3-D from Warner Bros.  The Adventure/Fantasy was directed by Brad Peyton of Gander, Newfoundland and earns a stellar $27 million domestically. Overseas, it already has made $41.5 million.

Star Wars Fans showed their support for the 3-D re-release of Star Wars Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace, taking-in $23 million for 20th Century Fox - enough to land it in fourth spot. While another release from the Company, Chronicle slips to fifth after opening in the number one spot last weekend with $12 million.

The Woman in Black in its second week, slips to sixth spot with $10.4 million, although it has yet to open overseas where it should perform well.   Meanwhile, The Descendants is still going strong in ninth spot with $3.4 million for Fox Searchlight - now in its 13th week of release.  Former champ, Underworld: Awakening 3-D rounds out the Top Ten with $2.5 million.

"CHRONICLE" GRABS SPOTLIGHT FROM "THE WOMAN IN BLACK"

Still from Chronicle

In an unexpectedly tight battle, 20th Century Fox lands on-top of the Box Office with their sleeper hit Chronicle. The Sci-Fi from 26-year-old Director Josh Trank is about three Friends who discover superpowers, only the find themselves growing more distant as a result of this.  It opens with $22.2 million from 2,907 theatres.

A v. close second is Daniel Radcliffe's first self-headlining Film outside the Harry Potter franchise, The Woman in Black. The Horror opened in 52 less theatres than Chronicle, getting edged-out ever so slightly for CBS Films, with $21.5 million. Both Top Two Films have opened to positive reviews overall, the former standing a 82% on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer, while the latter earned a 62%.

Last week's champion The Grey slips to third spot with $9.8 million, now earning an impressive $35 million total, ahead of debuting Action/Adventure flick Big Miracle starring Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski with $8.5 million in fourth.

Underworld: Awakening drops to fifth spot with $5.8 million, earning a total $54.6 million in three weeks for Sony Pictures, which is expected to take it all next weekend with The Vow starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams.

Meanwhile, in its twelfth week of release, Fox Searchlight's The Descendants is still in the Top Ten with $4.5 million this weekend. To-date, it has pulled in an impressive $65.3 million.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close also is showing some incredible staying power, rounding out the Top Ten with $3.8 million, for Warner Bros.

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 PROMOTES "THE WOMAN IN BLACK" IN TORONTO

Daniel Radcliffe in Toronto - January 2012

A double dose of Daniel!  For those of you who couldn't get enough of the Harry Potter star at last night's Black Carpet Canadian Premiere for The Woman in Black, Daniel Radcliffe embarked on his second day of Press in Toronto beginning bright and early at CHFI 98.1 and KISS 92.5.  He then made his way over to Global Television's recently-launched The Morning Show for a quick chat. 

Although Fans were supportive, many rising early and waiting out in the rain in hopes of an Autograph, Radcliffe and his Entourage had opted for hidden entrances and exits at both appearances.  He apologized, "I'm really sorry, I'm running late!", throwing a wave before their adoring yet disappointed faces.  Reportedly, some Fans took a chance and trespassed into an Underground Parking Lot but they too ultimately were denied a moment with their Idol.  Alas, a Wizard's work is never done and Radcliffe had more interviews slated for much of the day.

The Thespian returns back to New York tonight after visiting there a couple weeks ago for his Saturday Night Live appearance. He is scheduled to promote The Woman in Black on the Talk Show Circuit, including filling Co-Host duties on Live! with Kelly, an appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tonight and more.

See more Photos of Radcliffe below:

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:

THE WOMAN IN BLACK" CANADIAN RED CARPET PREMIERE GIVEAWAY WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

Still from The Woman in Black

Congratulations to Amy K., Paige G., Lucie R., Corey A. and Jonathan B.!  You're all going to see the Canadian Red Carpet Premiere of The Woman in Black. Can't wait to hear your stories and see the photos.  You've all been e-mailed with details and if you have any difficulty receiving, please let me know.

Even if you didn't win this time around, know that the exciting Giveaways don't end here.  There are plenty more to come.  Thank you all for entering and of course, thanks again Alliance Films for your generosity!

(Photo credit: Alliance Films)

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)

DANIEL RADCLIFFE IN TORONTO FOR "THE WOMAN IN BLACK"

Official Artwork for The Woman in Black

Last week I dropped a clue that a Megastar would be coming to Toronto at the end of January. With the air of mystery clearing up a bit with Contests such as these having popped-up, it would appear to be more appropriate now to say that the Red.. or maybe Black Carpet Premiere in question is for The Woman in Black, the second Feature from Director James Watkins.  And that Megastar would be none other than DANIEL RADCLIFFE!

The Horror centers on a young Lawyer named Arthur Kipps who visits a remote Village to learn that the Ghost of a Woman continues to terrorize its Inhabitants.  "If you open the door to superstition, where does that lead?", we are asked.

Watch the Teaser Trailer for The Woman in Black below: