Sunday, October 31, 2010

JUDD APATOW'S ALL-STAR MOCK PSA FOR THE AMERICAN JEWISH WORLD SERVICE


Director/Screenwriter Judd Apatow's been everywhere this past week promoting his new book I Found This Funny: My Favourite Pieces of Humor and Some That May Not Be That Funny At Allincluding an appearance alongside Robin Williams and Kylie Minogue on Jay Leno last week.

The Director of The 40 Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up recently brought together a slew of stars for this mock Public Service Announcement for the American Jewish World Service, a non-profit organization which educates the American-Jewish community on Global Justice.  This Clip, produced for website Funny or Die is absolutely hilarious and here we see Jewish stars like Sarah Silverman and Jerry Seinfeld, to clearly non-Jewish celebrities like Don Johnson to Triumph the Insult Comic Dog to Lindsay Lohan, voicing their thoughts on AJWS.  Lohan even pokes fun at her own financial debt.  



*sigh* Once upon a time when times were better, before Emma Stone came along....

JON HAMM "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE" PHOTOS


Photographer Mary Ellen Matthews has the best job ever.  The New York City-based Photographer  who resides in East Hampton, gets to photograph the weekly promo photos seen between commercial breaks on Saturday Night Live.  Check out these amazing pictures she took of Jon Hamm having fun, for last night's Halloween episode.  Beautiful.  

They're so going to be the Wallpapers on my Blackberry and Laptop forever!  Maybe I should make a collage out of them so I can look at all four at once?  Is that too indulgent?

(Photo credit: Mary Ellen Matthews/NBC)

JON HAMM POKES FUN AT THE STARS OF YOUTUBE ON "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE"


Hosting Saturday Night Live for the third time, handsome Jon Hamm delivered some memorable laughs on last night's Halloween show, with musical guest Rihanna.  One Digital Short had the singer and Andy Samberg singing and rapping their Bank Heist a la Bonnie & Clyde, with Rihanna capturing her compliant sex victim Hamm, in addition to a bag of Loot. 

In this one particular Skit below titled I Didn't Ask for This, some fun is poked at people who have gained notoriety through embarrassing YouTube Viral Clips. Hamm plays a man who reunites with his estranged son and has ... well, a rather ugly and tearful reunion. Just look at that face. Hilarious!   



The Skit captures perfectly the essence of why Viral Clips can often be funny.  They shouldn't be funny, but you can't help but laugh at others' misfortunes. I know....  horrible.  In addition to this, Hamm did a fine job on last night's episode, fully utilizing those acting chops and even made-out with Jason Sudeikis on a Motorcycle in one Skit!  Wow!

Watch more Clips on NBC's website here.

"SAW VII 3-D" THRILLS THE BOX OFFICE


Still from Saw VII 3-D
It's almost becoming too easy with its annual Halloween release, but Lionsgate's Saw VII 3-D, yes part VII, not only contains a lot of killing, but made a killing also.  The Horror flick took in an estimated $24.5 million from 2,808 screens this weekend. It is said that this will be the final installment in the series. We'll see about that.

Slipping to second is last weekend's Champion Paranormal Activity 2, which took in approximately $17 million. In two weeks, the sequel has made $66.5 million for one of the most profitable franchises in history for Paramount.

Surprisingly, Red is hanging tough still in third with $10.7 million. The film is still showing at 3,349 theatres, impressive considering it has actually been on illegal downloading sites for a couple weeks already.  Now who said studios were suffering from downloading?

Jackass 3-D although losing a bit of its edge with moviegoers, is still doing well in fourth spot with $8.5 million in its third week, putting it just past the $100 million mark domestically.

The Town in its seventh week is still in the Top Ten amazingly with $2 million earned this weekend and a total $87.6 million in its run so far. Congratulations, Ben Affleck!

Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven favourite Conviction got its wide release finally this weekend in a paltry 565 theatres, earning $1.9 million in tenth spot. Despite some great reviews and tons of promotion, this one inexplicably still isn't connecting with moviegoers. Why?

Saturday, October 30, 2010

WIN A "HELLO! STUFF" PRIZE PACK!


Exclusive Hello! stuff Prize Pack for Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven readers
Toronto-based Graphic Designer David Chiu launched his Hello! stuff line back in 2006 starting with Graphic T-shirts.  His passion soon led him to design an array of Accessories, bearing his unique and most importantly, fun designs.  Just last year, popular Discount Chain Retailer Giant Tiger even featured one of his designs on limited edition Canada Day-themed T-shirts sold exclusively at their stores across the country.

David loves Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven and wants to offer my Canadian readers a chance to win the exclusive Prize Pack pictured above!  The Pack, which is valued at $40 CAN includes:
  •  One Hello! stuff  Robot Tote Bag
  •  Four Hello! stuff  Buttons (Designs: Robots, Birds, Penguins and Skulls)
  •  Christmas Card Packs (Two designs: Roboto's Snowflakes, Penguin's Christmas Tree)
To qualify for the win, all you have to do is "Like" Hello! stuff's Official Facebook Page and post on its Wall the name of any one retail store in Toronto where you can buy Hello! stuff merchandise.  A winner will be drawn at random Sunday, November 21, 2010 midnight.  

Stumped?  Why not visit Hello! stuff's official website here!

TAYLOR SWIFT APPEARING ON MUCHMUSIC'S "LIVE AT MUCH"


In what surely will be madness, Taylor Swift is appearing on Live at Much this Thursday, November 4, 2010 at MuchMusic's Headquarters, 5:00 PM EST.  Swift will be promoting her new album Speak Now.  According to MuchMusic, there are no Wristbands or secured spots available for the show, which likely will feature some live performances and a bit of chatter in-between.  Spots inside the studio are reserved only for Contest Winners who won tickets recently from CTV's family of stations/networks.

The station is advising that camping-out overnight will not be permitted and that she will be coming out between 5:30 to 6:00 PM to greet fans.  Be careful, clear your Bladder, bring Snacks and do not get trampled as it surely will be a hot mess!  Read here for more details.

To read my review of Speak Now, click here.

JAMES MARSDEN TO APPEAR ON "MODERN FAMILY" SHIRTLESS


James Marsden
If you've got it, then flaunt it.  In addition to being incredibly talented as we all saw in Adam Shankman's Hairspray (2007), James Marsden will be generating some heat soon on your Television Receivers, PVRs, Computer Monitors or whatever you use to watch TV, in an appearance on ABC's Modern Family.  No word yet on whether or not this will be a recurring role... but it should!

Marsden will play a new neighbor of the show's Gay couple Cam (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson), and apparently they cannot keep their eyes off of him as he parades about shirtless.  Above is just a sample of what we can expect to see.  Perhaps this a much-needed move to increase his exposure as really, the actor should be a lot more popular than he is.

I'm only just now getting into Modern Family and it is one of the few Television shows I watch consistently other than America's Next Top Model, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Mad Men, 30 Rock and Glee. Last week's Halloween episode had me laughing out loud at the family's dysfunction and ongoing failed attempts are trying to be "normal".  Something as simple as putting together some Candy Handouts wound up being a huge debacle with their clashing of egos.  Just like any other real family I suppose!

LAW & ORDER'S JAMEY SHERIDAN AT TORONTO PREMIERE OF "HANDSOME HARRY" & REVIEW


Jamey Sheridan & Mr. Will-W.
Tony Award-winning Actor Jamey Sheridan is known best perhaps for his role as Captain James Deakins on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, in which he starred from 2001-2006.  The veteran Actor also has appeared in numerous films like Syriana alongside George Clooney and Matt Damon and more recently NBC series Trauma as Dr. Joe Saviano.

After doing a full day of Press yesterday, Sheridan premiered his new film Handsome Harry tonight, a small-budget indie flick from Director Bette Gordon.  The film is about a divorced middle-aged man named Harry (Sheridan) who decides to go on a Road Trip to help him gain some closure with an incident which occurred many years prior while he had been in the Navy.  On one eventful and intoxicated night, him and his friends had attacked violently a friend of his, David (Campbell Scott), after suspecting that he was Gay.

Harry receives a call from ailing friend Thomas (Steven Buscemi) whose dying wish is to gain forgiveness from David.  Thus, Harry decides to go on a trip revisiting those friends of his who were involved in the attack, ultimately leading him to David in Florida.  

Along the journey, Jamey encounters old friends played by Peter (John Savage),  Professor Porter (Aidan Quinn) and Gebhardt (Titus Welliver), some more welcoming than others, but all looking to bury their shameful past.  Mysterious layer upon layer is peeled as we get bits of pieces of Harry and David's backstory. Oddly, we still don't find that we know much about Harry still.  Ultimately both former friends are led to each other, but will forgiveness be granted?  And will we ever get to unravel Harry's darkest secret?

Friday, October 29, 2010

VIVICA A. FOX & BRIAN MCKNIGHT IN TORONTO FOR PLAY "CHEAPER TO KEEP HER"


Brian McKnight & Mr. Will-W.
Je'Caryous Johnson's Play Cheaper to Keep Her has been touring throughout the U.S. and is set to end its run late January 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Comedy stopped off at Toronto's Massey Hall and two of its recognizable stars, Grammy Award winner Brian McKnight and Actress Vivica A. Fox, have helped draw out a primarily Black-Canadian audience hungry for a solid production. Audiences leaving the theatre could be heard exclaiming, "Fantastic!" and "Wonderful!".

The story centers around Raymond Mays (McKnight) who realizes after separating from his wife Morgan (Fox), that it might be more feasible to stay married to her especially after realizing the financial repercussions of divorcing her. He ponders killing his wife and also the possibility of finding her someone else to marry. Ridiculous but entertaining surely.

I caught both McKnight and Fox on their way out of Massey Hall and both were wonderful. McKnight whose voice I adore, was dressed in a Winter Jacket, Faux Fur Bomber Hat and Sunglasses, remained incognito but posed for photos with fans nonetheless, signing autographs also before heading back to his Tour Bus. Fox, despite being in a rush back to her Hotel, still made time to sign some Autographs despite denying fans on her way into the Venue.  The beautiful Actress had rushed out of her Cab with less than an hour to the show's start time of 8:00 PM.

Check out some photos of McKnight and Fox below which I got:

JOHN LEGUIZAMO IN TORONTO FOR ONE MAN SHOW "GHETTO KLOWN"


John Leguizamo & Mr. Will-W.
 "I've gotta stop being a Fame Whore, that's what I've gotta do." - John Leguizamo, October 2010

Columbian-born Comedian/Actor John Leguizamo is gearing up for an exclusive eleven date engagement at Toronto's Berkeley Theatre for one man show Ghetto Klown.  The Production which runs from November 9-20, 2010, has him disclosing some juicy stories about  some famous Directors and Stars, whom the Emmy Award winner has worked with in his celebrated career.  Oscar-winner Steven Fisher directs.

Leguizamo visited a couple media outlets recently on his Toronto visit like Sun TV's Inside Jam and CBC's George Stroumboulopoulous Tonight.  He revealed to Stroumboulopoulous that when first presenting his show at more obscure clubs in New York City, he was terrified of reactions considering how personal these stories were to him.  Eventually he developed enough courage to accept that he would have to face the consequences and possible backlash of performing Ghetto Klown, which is said to show some no mercy. The outspoken Actor also revealed a creative and personality clash he had with now-deceased costar Patrick Swayze on the set of To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar and admitted to almost getting into a physical confrontation with him.  But for this and more shocking stories, you'll have to actually watch the show.  Learn more about the intriguing Ghetto Klown here.

Leguizamo actually does update his Twitter regularly and you can follow him here.

Check out some photos of Leguizamo up-close and personal below:

BETTY WHITE ON FRENCH FRIES AND GAY MARRIAGE IN "PARADE"


Betty White on Parade Magazine
Robert Moritz does a fun write-up about our favourite Senior Citizen Betty White on America's most widely-read magazine, Parade this weekend. In the Interview, much is revealed about her based on her own stories and Celebrity recountings of her. She comments on her fondness for older men versus the misconception that she is a Cougar, the death of her husband, her Doctorate Degree in Veterinary Sciences, her fondness for French Fries (she eats them daily!) and Gay Marriage.

She sends a message to those who are against Gay Marriage loud and clear: "Mind your own business, take care of your affairs, and don’t worry about other people so much."  Attagirl!

Read the article here.

*Making mental note to start eating Fries with every meal as per Betty White.

(Photo credit: Matthias Clamer)

VIDEO PREMIERE: KATY PERRY - FIREWORK


Still from Katy Perry's Firework
CAUTION: Stand back 30 metres! Newlywed Katy Perry has managed to fit in a Video Premiere somewhere between her Wedding and her Honeymoon, unleashing her new video for Firework. Shot in Budapest, the video captures the energy and essence of being young and carefree, pretty much consistent with her previous two tracks California Gurls and Teenage Dream.

Although the video was released yesterday, EMI has placed regional restrictions on the video, not allowing those of us in Canada to see the video yet on VEVO. MSN Canada however has gotten the exclusive for us and you can now watch the video on their site here!

(Photo credit: EMI Music)

Thursday, October 28, 2010

FERGIE AWARDED BILLBOARD MAGAZINE'S "WOMAN OF THE YEAR"


Fergie in Toronto, August 2010
Billboard Magazine announced today that Fergie is its 2010 Woman of the Year.  With Fergie's contributions, The Black Eyed Peas have been able to hold the record for longest consecutive streak of weeks at Number One.  First single from The E.N.D., Boom Boom Pow, held the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart for twelve weeks.  Second single I Gotta Feeling reigned for a whopping 14 weeks.  The latter is the Best Selling Digital Song of the Nielsen Soundscan era.

The group's new album The Beginning will be released on Tuesday, November 30, 2010.  But the real question is when Fergie will be releasing her follow-up to her fantastic solo debut The Duchess!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

KFC'S "DOUBLE DOWN" A CERTIFIED HIT IN CANADA


KFC's Double Down Sandwich
It's definitely here indeed.  The KFC Double Down Sandwich is a certified hit in Canada and after just one week of release, the guilty delight is projected to sell upwards of 350,000 sandwiches by the end of the month, making it the chain's best-selling menu item to-date.

The Double Down tentatively will be available only until mid-November here in Canada although with the money and much-needed buzz it's bringing in for KFC and Yum! Restaurants Canada, one might expect its availability to be extended.

In a nutshell, the Bun-less Sandwich sees Bacon, Cheese and a KFC Secret Sauce stuffed between two Fried Chicken Filets, which also are covered in KFC's Secret Spices.  Calorically, it isn't too bad at 540 calories - considering most of us eat this in one meal any way.  Even in terms of fat at 30g, it is on the high side but by no means ridiculous compared to its Burger competitors.  McDonald's Big Mac also has 30g of fat and we all know how delicious and filling that is;  Burger King's Whopper has 64g of fat.  Hero Certified Burgers which is quickly becoming a hit here in Canada, boasts that their Burger has only 11g of fat - albeit this number is for their smallest 4oz. Burger. Hero's 8oz Burger which is closer in terms of density to the Double Down, has 21g of fat. Where the Double Down is appalling though is that its Sodium count is at 1,740mg, doubling and almost tripling some of its Canadian competitors.  

Yes, I would like a Super-Sized Large Diet Coke Bottle of Water with that.

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....

MICHELLE OBAMA ADDRESSES GAY BULLYING ON "THE ELLEN DEGENERES SHOW"

Michelle Obama on The Ellen DeGeneres Show
First Lady Michelle Obama appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show today to address many issues, including all the criticism President Obama is receiving for not living up to his promise of change.  She indicated that her daughters Malia and Sasha are well-sheltered and spend much of their time watching Disney, so they luckily aren't aware of much of the harsh criticisms.  Overall she felt that both were "doing okay" considering the changes their family has faced over the past two years. Obama indicated that when her daughters do have questions, both Barack and Michelle are honest with their children and let them make formulate their own opinions.

DeGeneres then brought up the topic of Youth Bullying and Obama voiced that:

".... all of these young people regardless of their race, their sexual orientation. They are gifts to us. They have so much to offer and it's just terrible to find out that kids are letting this part of their life define everything about who they are going to be."

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

THANDIE NEWTON CONFIRMS MARIAH CAREY'S PREGNANCY AND LEAKS DETAILS ABOUT TOM CRUISE


Thandie Newton at TIFF 2010
That sweetheart known as Thandie Newton inadvertently revealed that Mariah Carey is in fact pregnant today on ABC's The View.  When asked by the show's Panel why it is that she wound up taking on her disturbed sexually-destructive role in Tyler Perry's upcoming For Coloured Girls, Newton revealed that Mariah Carey (originally cast for the part) became pregnant right before the film began Production.  She then corrected herself saying "... or something major is going on with her right now".  Love her!

It is expected that Mariah Carey will publicly announce her Pregnancy any day now with promotions being under way for her amazing Merry Christmas II You album.  Read my review of it here.

Joy Behar then asked Newton what it was like filming a love scene with Tom Cruise in Mission -Impossible II earlier in her career, joking "Did he jump on the bed?".  Newton giggled revealing that while filming one love scene in bed, she had been laying under the sheets when she noticed a sudden change in disposition in Cruise.  She later found out that he was wearing some type of a contraption which "masks whatever might be going on under there".  

Watch the episode in full here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

JOAN RIVERS TALKS SPERM ON "THE VIEW"


Joan Rivers on The View
"In case you're watching your weight, a spoonful of Sperm, The New York Times reports, is equivalent to two Weight Watchers points.  Two points!", Joan Rivers tells a disgusted Barbara Walters on today's airing of The View.  And that's why I love her.

Rivers was on the show today promoting the DVD release of her outstanding Documentary Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work, due in stores December 14, 2010.  Apparently she was just in Toronto last week hawking her line of Jewelry at the Home Shopping Network.

To read my review of the revealing Documentary click here.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

GREYSON CHANCE PREMIERES "WAITING OUTSIDE THE LINES" ON ELLEN


13 year-old Greyson Chance debuted his single Waiting Outside the Lines this morning on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.   Chance chatted a bit with her, expressing his thoughts on Bullying and how he feels it's not fair that we're losing lives over the social problem.  He also has been the target of some namecalling at school and said that he can relate to victims of Bullying, even though he says he that he had it easy relatively at school. 

Chance performed his track late in the show with a full band and him on Keys.  f I could describe it, I'd say that it's a bit like Halo by Beyoncé (co-written by Ryan Tedder), with a dash of Coldplay and Snow Patrol.  Definitely melodic and accessible despite it being rather mature for a teen audience.  Watch his performance of it below:


Stay tuned as Chance will be chatting with Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven readers soon, in addition to some exciting signed Poster giveaways!  Waiting Outside the Lines is now available digitally on iTunes!

CAST OF "THE SOCIAL NETWORK" HONOURED AT HOLLYWOOD AWARDS GALA


The Social Network's Rashida Jones, Josh Pence, Jesse Eisenberg,
,Justin Timberlake, Max Minghella and Andrew Garfield
Congratulations to the cast of David Fincher's The Social Network who were honoured at the Beverly Hilton last night for the 14th annual Hollywood Awards Gala.  And Awards season still hasn't begun yet! The Actors won the  Ensemble Acting Award and my guess is that they're likely to win the Screen Actor's Guild Award for Best Ensemble Cast on Sunday, January 30, 2011 too.

Other Actors honoured last night include:

TAYLOR SWIFT - SPEAK NOW REVIEW


Country sensation Taylor Swift returns with her third studio effort Speak Now and there are no real surprises to be found on the 14-track Collection. And that could be a good thing considering how well she's done with her established formula.

Swift's songwriting ability continues to grow by leaps and bounds in terms of maturity and musical complexity with the help of Mentor/Producer Nathan Chapman, who has guided much of the 20 year-old Superstar's career. Overall, the tracks go deeper and this results in longer tracks which get caught in  moments like Dear John, rumoured to have been inspired by a failed relationship with John Mayer, some years her senior. Although there are no instantly accessible smashes on the set like 2008's Love Story or 2009's You Belong With Me, there are some gems like big-chorused Enchanted, Back to December (both tracks punctuated with Strings) and album closer Long Live.

Recurring themes in Swift's music are her habit of transferring blame on her ex-Boyfriends, which proves entertaining as it gives her songs that reading-out-of-a-Diary charm. Never Grow Up encourages the young the enjoy the simplicity of their youth, while she reflects also upon the sad realities and disappointments of Adulthood.  The track musically takes a cue from The Best Day off of her sophomore effort. The Story of Us with its Pop Rock leanings, rides off the success of her singles' Pop Versions and actually is radio-ready. Mean strikes back gently at her bitter Detractors who criticize things like her singing ability, for example. She couldn't possibly be referencing a certain  Rapper who is just coming out of hiding, now could she?

MARIAH CAREY - MERRY CHRISTMAS II YOU REVIEW


It's a bit unfortunate that we needed a Holiday album from Mariah Carey as an excuse to hear her doing what she does best: full-on singing. Easily her best work since 2005's The Emancipation of Mimi, Carey is back in full force with her long in-the-works follow-up to 1994's Merry Christmas, this one sequentially titled Merry Christmas II You.

If you don't celebrate Christmas or like sappy Christmas Carols, understandably this isn't for you. For the rest of us who observe the Festivities, Merry Christmas II You perhaps is even better than its predecessor and an essential listen this Holiday.  

The 13-track Collection features original numbers Oh Santa!, Christmas Time is in the Air Again, When Christmas Comes, One Child and of course an updating of Carey's self-penned Holiday classic All I Want for Christmas is You (Extra Festive). You already know how much I adore Oh Santa!, which follows in the same vein as that latter track with a bit of that classic Motown/The Supremes goodness. The magic gets delivered truly on a goose bump-inducingly good The First Noel, which transitions into a v. sexy and soulful interlude of Born is the King. When Christmas Comes resembles Grammy-nominated Carey track Mine Again (which inspired a fragrance in her latest Lollipop Bling set) in its  classic soul inflections. She reaches all the way up into the upper part of her already remarkable range in the choruses, giving us what we really pay for on a Mariah Carey album.

Monday, October 25, 2010

BRYAN ADAMS TWEETS PHOTO FROM MR. WILL-W.


Bryan Adams ReTweets my Photo of him
Umm... Yah.  If it's good enough for the Photographer himself who's been featured in the likes of Vogue, Interview, Esquire and Harper's Bazaar, it's good enough for me.  Bryan Adams appeared to have liked my photo of him leaving MTV Canada last night enough to Tweet it to his Followers on Twitter earlier today.  

In Canada, we spell it with a "u":  HONOURED.

And this is why I do what I do.  Often the Celebrities appreciate it, as do the Fans.  And most of all, I appreciate it and everything I do, I do it for you.

In case you missed it, here's the original posting about Adams' Live at the Rehearsal Hall performance.

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE BRUNO MARS LIVE AT KOOL KAUS


You Mavenati, are the luckiest.  Warner Music's hottest new act Bruno Mars wants to offer you a pair of tickets to see the Singer/Songwriter live at Toronto's Kool Haus on Saturday, September 13, 2010.   The Just the Way You Are singer will be appearing with very special guests on his Doo-Wops & Hooligans Tour presented by LiveNation and Kiss 92.5.

Even if you can't win the prize, everybody wins because v. affordable tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster

To qualify for the win all you have to do is Tweet or ReTweet the following message in full: 

MR. WILL-W. wants you to see BRUNO MARS LIVE IN TORONTO. RT to win. @mrwillw http://fb.me/xL2pelZ7


A winner will be picked at random Sunday, November 7, 2010 midnight.  Good luck!  Tell me, which Blog again gives it to you best?

EDGAR WRIGHT TO PROMOTE "SCOTT PILGRIM" DVD RELEASE IN TORONTO AT BLOOR CINEMA AND HMV


Although it wasn't profitable at the Box Office with a worldwide tally of $44.4 million earned (made for $60 million), the team behind Scott Pilgrim vs. The World still haven't given-up and they are going all-out again to promote the Tuesday November 9, 2010 release of the DVD.  

Director Edgar Wright will be appearing alongside Toronto's Ellen Wong and Scott Pilgrim creator Bryan Lee O'Malley at HMV Yonge St. (Yonge x Dundas - not to be confused with the Eaton Centre location!) on Friday, November 5, 2010 at 12:30 PM.  

At 7:00 PM, the three will be appearing at Bloor Cinema for a free screening of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World in the same city where the film is set and made!  Seating is first come-first serve of course, and some Behind-the-Scenes footage will be shown too.  For more specifics, please visit Wright's website here.

In case you missed my fun photos from the Toronto premiere of the movie in August, check out these exclusives:
Have fun if you're going!  Looks like an amazing time.  It doesn't appear rumoured girlfriend of Wright, Anna Kendrick, will be accompanying him on the visit unfortunately.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

BRYAN ADAMS IN TORONTO FOR BRAVO'S "LIVE AT THE CONCERT HALL"


Bryan Adams at MTV Canada
One of Canada's greatest male artists ever, Bryan Adams, flew in to Toronto this evening to do a quick performance at MTV Canada for its sister network Bravo's Live at the Concert Hall series.  Having sold over 100 million albums worldwide, the Grammy, Golden Globe and Juno Award winner is now promoting his new acoustic album Bare Bones, a first from label Decca.  The Album containing 20 of his biggest hits re-recorded with pared-down arrangements, is due in stores November 16, 2010.  Earlier in the year, Adams completed a World Tour in which he performed these new versions of his classics.

Outside the venue, the intimate audience could be heard clapping and cheering loudly for Adams during the hour-long set, before capping off the performance with 2002 hit Back to You.  As per Adams' Driver, I was advised that he would be in a rush to head off to the Airport after the show. Upon leaving the venue, Adams could be seen trying to finish a post-performance snack of a Banana. With a small group of fans waiting about for Autographs, Adams entered his Town Car before rolling down his window to personalize items passed his way.

One male fan asked Adams if he could simply just sign a photo without a personalization on it, to which he replied, "What's your name?  I'm not going to sign it if it's not to you".  Capping it off at one Autograph per fan, Adams' Driver proceeded to drive off, leaving a few fans disappointed.  Luckily, I got my copy of his 1993 Best-of Collection So Far So Good personalized, despite Adams admitting that his own signature isn't much to look at.  Love him nonetheless!

The broadcast of Adams' Bravo appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 9:00 PM EST, allowing for plenty of time for post-production and touching-up. You can refer to their website for more details  (thanks Kelly!).

Expressing a bit of displeasure at one fan trying to photograph him ("Get that damn Camera out of my face"), these are the best shots I could get of Adams as he would continually block shots with Fan Memorabilia.

"PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2" SCARES AWAY ITS RIVALS



Still from Paranormal Activity 2
Outdoing its predecessor which only was released a year ago, Paramount's Paranormal Activity 2 opened huge this weekend with an estimated total of $43.5 million from 3,216 theatres.  The film now holds the record as the highest grossing R-Rated Midnight Opening of all-time, raking in $6.3 million Thursday night, according to Nikki Finke at DeadlineParanormal Activity, made for only a budget of $15k, opened with $19.6 million last Fall and went on to earn $193.3 million worldwide.  Impressively, the film's sequel received fairly strong reviews also, with a 67% consensus at Rotten Tomatoes.

Last week's champion Jackass 3-D also from Paramount, slips to second with an estimated $21.5 million at the Box Office.  It opened last week with a spectacular $50 million and continues to perform strongly, as does Summit Entertainment's Action Flick Red filmed partly here in Toronto.  Red earned $15.2 million this weekend, bringing its domestic total to $43.6 million.

Clint Eastwood's Hereafter had an uncharacteristically weak opening in fourth spot for the iconic filmmaker, earning $12 million from 2,181 theatres.  The Warner Bros. film also is garnering mixed reviews from Critics, with a 51% rating at Rotten Tomatoes.

Audiences are still in-love with David Fincher's The Social Network which in its fourth week slips to fifth spot with $7.2 million based on early weekend numbers, putting it just ahead of Disney's Secretariat which is performing steadily, just now recouping its $35 million production budget.

GARRETT HEDLUND IN TOKYO FOR "TRON: LEGACY 3-D"

Garrett Hedlund in Japan for Tokyo International Film Festival
You might not fully recognize him yet, but come early next year he'll be on Cell Phone Wallpapers and Screensavers everywhere.  An extremely hot handsome Garrett Hedlund was spotted by our friend MiT, who is out enjoying the Tokyo International Film Festival right now and after seeing him pass by quickly at Disney's TRON: Legacy 3-D Press Conference on Saturday, she by chance ran into him yesterday having a conversation on his Cell Phone.  After he wrapped up the call, he went over to greet MiT who flagged him down.  Hedlund was more than nice about it all and luckily she had a couple photos for him to sign in her Folder and apparently he was extremely generous about it and signed up a storm.

Hedlund not only is appearing in TRON: Legacy 3-D but also Gwyneth Paltrow's much-buzzed Country Strong as a Singer, both to be released this December.  The latter marks the second time the Minnesota-born actor has starred alongside Country Megastar Tim McGraw as they both starred in 2004 Football Drama Friday Night Lights.

What's that?  You want another look?  Okay, why not!  I'll join in on the shameless gawking with you.

JOHN WATERS AT TORONTO'S BELL LIGHTBOX FOR "SALO" SCREENING


John Waters & Mr. Will-W.
Now that's an honour! It's not every day that someone as remarkable as Filmmaker/Author/Actor John Waters graces our City. The 64 year-old native of Baltimore arrived a few days ago and has made the most of his time in Toronto, promoting as many aspects of his celebrated career as possible. 

During his stay here, he has appeared on CBC's George Stroumboulopoulous Tonight and Jian Ghomeshi's Q Live. The focus of his visit though was the International Festival of Authors at Harbourfront Centre, where Waters did a reading of his latest book Role Models on Friday night.   Being a longtime favourite of the Toronto International Film Festival, Waters popped by its new headquarters, the Bell Lightbox, to introduce a screening tonight of controversial film Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom.  He was even seen about this afternoon Thrift Store Shopping in Kensington Market.

No stranger to shock and controversy, Waters has long been pushing the envelope with cult classic films like Hairspray, Pink Flamingos and Cry-Baby. Never conventional, he also has devoted much of his time to visiting Prisoners as an advocate of Rehabilitation and this is the basis of his new book.

I caught Waters on the way out of his Bell Lightbox appearance tonight along with his Handler and unexpectedly, both of them complimented me on my style sense.  Blush.  Kindly Waters put on his thick-framed glasses to sign an autograph or two for fans-in-waiting asking jokingly, "So are these going to wind up on eBay tomorrow?", before removing them again to pose for a photo with me.  At the urging of TIFF organizers, he then went over to the set-up Media Wall and posed for a few more photos, holding a sign that read Salo.  I pretty much got a Photo Shoot out of it all and I loved it!  

Check out some photos of Waters I took below earlier:

Saturday, October 23, 2010

JESSE EISENBERG & OLIVIA WILDE AT TOKYO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL


Our dear friend MiT is having a blast at the Tokyo International Film Festival this weekend and she managed to get some exclusive photos of Jesse Eisenberg, star of The Social Network and Olivia Wilde, star of TRON: Legacy 3-D at their Press Conferences. Amazing work, MiT!  More photos to follow.  Send her some positive vibes in her Starhunting!  Enjoy below:


 (Photo credit: Mr. Will-W. via MiT)

Friday, October 22, 2010

MARGARET CHO LANDS IN TORONTO FOR "CHO DEPENDENT TOUR"


Margaret Cho & Mr. Will-W.
Comedienne Margaret Cho's unabashed brand of humour needs little introduction.  We know her as "that original funny Asian girl" and her longevity in this business is a true testament to her talent and ability to continue growing in the ever-changing face of Comedy.  Most recently she reinvented herself as a Ballroom Dancer on ABC's Dancing with the Stars where she far from embarrassed herself.  Her last performance paid tribute to Gay Pride with her donning a Rainbow Dress and dancing to Barry Manilow's Copacabana.  America wasn't ready and she garnered the least amount of votes, resulting in her being eliminated all too soon.

Cho landed in Toronto today for her wittily-named Cho Dependent Tour at Massey Hall.  The Tour is in support of her first-ever studio album of the same name released this past August, combining her previously unknown singing abilities with her signature humour.

Surprisingly soft-spoken and mild-mannered in person, a Cosmetic-less Cho was guided out to greet a few fans by her Touring Manager, before heading into the venue.  She had spent most of her day doing Press on her at-capacity Tour Bus, but nonetheless she looked genuinely happy to see her supporters.  Her Manager did much of the talking, making it clear: "She's from California and it's cold out here. You get your pick of one picture or an autograph."  Dressed in striped Leggings and bundled-up in a Faux Fur Coat and Scarf, clearly this California Girl travels prepared.

Amazingly, I got the greatest Birthday Gift of all - a chance to meet Cho and although the moment was v. quick, my impression of her is that she is far more grounded and modest than I would ever have expected.  Cho heads off to Montreal tomorrow night for her next stop-off and to read her updates, you can follow her on Twitter here.

BIRTHDAY LOVE


Mr. Will-W. on Twitter
Yes, it's my Birthday today, so you'll have to forgive that I won't be v. active over the next couple days!  The festivities have just begun, seeing the awesome Priscilla Queen of the Desert earlier tonight and I've already received Chocolates, Wine and Cake!  Yum.  

Tomorrow night I'll be celebrating at Hazelton Hotel's ONE enjoying an amazing meal with my BFFs and our friends at Ben Sherman were ever so kind as to have my closest friends and I at their LG Fashionweek Party tomorrow night.  

Part of the excitement for me every year is putting together Goodie Bags for my friends and this year, I've thrown in a Mixtape of songs I love, Candy Apples, Dark Chocolate Truffle Puppies from Teuscher and Loose Leaf Tea from David's Tea.  Don't tell them though, as it's a surprise.

I am super-excited about my Birthday Cake this year too, a Red Velvet Cake from Phipps.  Let's be real for a second, yes Birthdays are about spending time with loved ones but without good Cake, it's not a real Birthday!  And then Saturday I'll be at Woodbine Race Track watching the Races with my close friends over Lunch.  Can't wait!

The best Birthday gift you guys can give me is to:


I look forward to keeping in touch with you there.  Much appreciated and thank you for all your Birthday Greetings!  As always, you are amazing.


xW

PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT - TORONTO REVIEW


Nick Adams, Will Swenson 
Tony Sheldon
Wow! David Mirvish, et al and MGM on Stage after a long arduous journey, have finally brought the stage adaptation of 1994 Australian Comedy Priscilla Queen of the Desert to Toronto's Princess of Wales Theatre.... and is it ever a spectacle! The story revolves around Tick (Will Swenson), also known as Mitzi in Drag persona, who is struggling to survive in competitive Sydney as a performer. One day he is called by his Wife Marion (Jessica Phillips) who runs a Casino out in Alice Springs, giving him an opportunity to reunite with his estranged son Benjamin (Luke Mannikus) and an opportunity to round-up two of his Drag-performing friends for a much-needed gig at the venue.

Tick manages to convince sassy Bernadette (Tony Sheldon), an older Transgendered Performer and also the vivacious and sharp-witted Adam (Nick Adams), who goes by the alter-ego of Felicia. The trio rent a bus, affectionately named Priscilla, and trek off to Alice Springs. Along the way, the Bus stalls and the antics ensue as personalities clash and we wonder whether or not the three Ladies will ever get to their destination. Above this, how will Tick's young son Benjamin handle the fact that his father is a Drag Queen?

Thursday, October 21, 2010

JENNIFER LOPEZ AND TWINS MAX & EMME FOR GUCCI


Jennifer Lopez for Gucci with twins Max and Emme
Gucci, Jennifer Lopez and her adorable twin boys Max and Emme have teamed up for their latest children's wear Ad campaign.  The collection for kids ranges from $80 to $1,600 and hits stores this November.  Gucci has already donated $1 million to UNICEF's Schools for Africa campaign and Lopez received $5,000 for her own charity, The Maribel Initiative, promoting access to better access to Health Care for Women.

You can already see who the extrovert is in the family! Cute.


 (Photo credit: Gucci)

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

FAR EAST MOVEMENT REACHES NUMBER ONE ON BILLBOARD


Far East Movement
Congratulations to Far East Movement, the first-ever fully Asian-American act to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart in the U.S. with their smash single Like a G6!  Over here in Canada, the single has peaked so far at number nine, but as always is the case, Canadian Radio often mirrors trends south of the border.  Expect a new peak for the track in these parts over coming weeks.  Similarly their debut album Free Wired performed v. well also, landing in second spot on this week's Billboard Hot 200 Album Chart to be published tomorrow.

WIN A COPY OF SHAKIRA'S NEW ALBUM "THE SUN COMES OUT"


Sales don't lie.  With 60 million albums sold worldwide, Shakira undisputedly is one of the greatest female artists of our time.  Her new bilingual album The Sun Comes Out just hit stores this Tuesday and Critics already are hailing it a return to basics, with equal nods to Rock 'n' Roll and her Columbian roots.  

Debut single Loca just debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 Charts in Canada and the U.S. and if history should repeat itself, expect it to perform big.

But this isn't where it stops.  Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven and Sony Music Canada are giving Canadian readers an opportunity to win one of two copies of The Sun Comes Out!  To qualify, leave a comment with the name of the rapper featured on Loca.  Winners will be announced Monday, November 1, 2010 midnight.  One entry per reader please.  Good luck, Mavenati!

KEIRA KNIGHTLEY AND CHARLIZE THERON BOTH TAPPED TO PLAY PRINCESS DIANA


Princess Diana
How exciting.  Fans of beloved Princess Diana will be thrilled to know that two films are in-the-works timed around what would be her 50th Birthday next July.  The first project is rumoured to be coming from Pathé Films with Keira Knightley in talks to portray Diana,  focusing on many aspects of her troubled life starting from her youth up to her tragic death in August 1997.  Helen Mirren is in talks to play her mother Frances Shand Kydd.

Charlize Theron is also said to be in talks to star in the film adaptation of her Bodyguard Ken Wharfe's tell-all Diana: Closely Guarded Secret, which centers on Diana's relationship with him.  Producer Stephen Evans (Confessions of a Dangerous Mind) is attached to the project and Ewan McGregor is the leading candidate to play the role of WharfeThinkThe Bodyguard but instead with less songs, even more Drama and... Royalty! 

(Photo credit: Vanity Fair/Mario Testino)