"IRON MAN 3" AT COMIC-CON 2012

Robert Downey Jr. & Don Cheadle at Comic-Con 2012

With the rush of Comic-Con having wound-down, now come these awesome Photos courtesy of Disney, taken over the weekend of Don Cheadle and Robert Downey Jr. having loads of fun. The elaborate Festivities for Iron Man 3 not only included an appearance by the two Stars, but a Press Conference, a Press Line, a Costume Contest, plus an Autograph Signing by both Cheadle and Writer/Director Shane Black.  Fans got up-close and personal with Downey for a while at the Marvel Booth also. And how about this little mini Iron Men and Women?  Adorable.

Opening on May 3, 2013, Iron Man 3 pits the Superhero against his toughest Opponent yet, The Mandarin (Sir Ben Kingsley). Paul Bettany, Rebecca Hall, Cobie Smulders, Guy Pearce and Gwyneth Paltrow star also.

 (Photo credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Walt Disney Motion Pictures)

"THE AVENGERS" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from The Avengers

Marvel's The Avengers carries the weight of the World - both literally and figuratively - but does it meet the demands of Moviegoers and Comic Fans alike? You bet. Director/Writer Joss Whedon (Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) knows exactly what Fans of the Genre want and delivers item-by-item like a Grocery Checklist.  It's funny, it's intense, it's thrilling and every bit a masterfully-interwoven Spectacle.

The $220-million Blockbuster via Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) brings together Superheroes Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans) and The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).  These Superheroes are united by one great Cause to save the Earth from Thor's Brother, the ruthless Supervillain Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and his catastrophic Army, in his quest for endless Power and Domination.

The problem with Films boasting All-Star Casts is that Story Lines and Character Development often are skimpy, but impressively Whedon manages to tell each Superhero's Story clearly and concisely, with our attentions focused always on the Mission at-hand.  Anyone walking into Marvel's The Avengers without a clue would be able to enjoy the Film sans confusion amidst all the Sci-Fi jargon.  The beauty is that you don't need to see it in 3-D necessarily to enjoy it - it stands on its own in 2-D glory.  My only concern though is that v. integral The Hulk's Story Line is given the least detail here and perhaps more could have been done to build-up the excitement for his awaited massive transformation.

INTERVIEW: MARK RUFFALO & COBIE SMULDERS ON "THE AVENGERS"

Mark Ruffalo & Cobie Smulders in Toronto - April 2012

Toronto was lucky enough to host the Canadian Premiere for Marvel's The Avengers and after doing a busy day of Press, Stars Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk/Bruce Banner) and Cobie Smulders (Agent Maria Hill) graced a Fan and Media-lined Red Carpet at Scotiabank Theatre.

Despite running a bit behind, Oscar-nominated Ruffalo navigated the Carpet with great prowess, balancing his time between Outlets and Fans, spending a gracious amount of time signing Autographs and posing for Photos. Dressed a perfectly-tailored Suit and looking in fine form, the Actor is embracing his increasingly-distinguished looks, sporting a few new gray hairs since I last met him in 2008 at TIFF.  

For the first-time ever on-screen, Marvel's The Avengers brings together Superheroes The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), The Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth), joining them as one force in a fight to save Earth from the ruthless Loki (Tom Hiddleston). Although at this time I am unable to post a Review of the Film, I can say that Joss Whedon masterfully interweaves several complex Superheroes' stories here in an explosive Spectacle.

With the likes of Lou Ferrigno, Eric Bana and Edward Norton having once filled the role of iconic (and destructive) Superhero The Hulk, I asked Ruffalo what unique traits he will be bringing to the table in Marvel's The Avengers. "I'm not sure", he tells me humbly.  "The one advantage I have is that I am the first Actor to play both Bruce Banner and The Hulk, so I hope that brings him alive in ways which CGI alone couldn't.". 

MARK RUFFALO & COBIE SMULDERS IN TORONTO FOR "THE AVENGERS" | SIGNED PHOTO SET GIVEAWAY

Mark Ruffalo & Cobie Smulders in Toronto - April 2012

Hot on the heels of it grossing a whopping $185.1 million overseas this weekend, Marvel's The Avengers Stars Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk/Bruce Banner) and Cobie Smulders (Agent Maria Hill) are bringing the action north of the Border for the Canadian Premiere of the Action-Blockbuster. If you think that's impressive, consider that it has only thus far opened in 70% of Overseas markets and furthermore, has yet to even open in North America!

Ruffalo and Smulders joined forces for an appearance on CityTV's Breakfast Television. Ruffalo who made his first appearance in Toronto since TIFF 2008, revealed that in addition to slimming down on a strict Regimen for his dual role, he also faced some great challenges. "I enjoy working with Actors" he says, explaining that it was a great challenge filming fight scenes before a Green Screen on his own.

Vancouver Native Smulders made a welcome return her Homeland, ensuring to grab a Tim Hortons Coffee first thing today. The Actress who has gained much popularity for her work on CBS Series How I Met Your Mother as Robin Scherbatsky, praises Ruffalo for giving The Hulk a comedic spin, yet remaining v. human. She also expressed excitement at being able to do her own stunts in some of her more physical scenes in the Joss Whedon Film

The Avengers sees a Team of Superheroes - including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), The Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) - assembled to fight the evil Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and his Army from destroying the Earth. 

Marvel's The Avengers hits theatres in North America Friday, May 4, 2012.

To enter to win a Signed Photo Set from Ruffalo and Smulders, click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook. You must also be following on Twitter also. Your deadline is June 4, 2012.  Good luck!

More to come...

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MARK RUFFALO & COBIE SMULDERS TO APPEAR AT CANADIAN PREMIERE OF "THE AVENGERS"

Mark Ruffalo at TIFF 2007

In case you missed it, you can catch all the excitement from the World Premiere of The Avengers last week in Los Angeles' El Capitan Theatre! Gracing the Red Carpet were the likes of: Robert Downey Jr (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Chris Evans (Steve Rogers/Captain America), Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/Hulk), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Scarlett Johansson (Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Cobie Smulders (Maria Hill), Tom Hiddleston (Loki) and Joss Whedon (Director).  

And if this weren't exciting enough, Toronto will be hosting the Canadian Premiere of The Avengers on Monday, April 30, 2012 at Scotiabank Theatre with none other than Hulk himself, Mark Ruffalo and Canadian Actress Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother) scheduled to make an appearance!  This will be gracious Ruffalo's first visit to the City since TIFF 2008 when he was promoting The Brothers Bloom and Blindness.  This is just what the City needs and we'll be there!

Enjoy The Avengers World Premiere Red Carpet Arrivals below:

The Avengers opens in theatres May 4, 2012.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W. | Video credit: Marvel)

ROBERT DOWNEY JR. WELCOMES SECOND SON: EXTON ELIAS

Official Artwork for The Avengers

In what's already shaping-up to be a massive year for Robert Downey Jr., yesterday in Los Angeles he welcomed his second Son, Exton Elias Downey, measuring 7 lbs, 5 oz and 20 inches long.  People Magazine reports Exton is the little Brother of Indio, 18-years-old, from Downey's previous marriage to Deborah Falconer.

Downey who reprises his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man in Marvel's The Avengers - in theatres May 4, 2012 - also will soon begin work on Iron Man 3, now in Pre-Production.

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Motion Pictures/Marvel)

WATCH: 60-SECOND "THE AVENGERS" PREVIEW

The Avengers

For those of you who missed it lats night during the Super Bowl, here's the full 60-second Preview of Marvel's The Avengers in anticipation of its May 4, 2012 release.  Are you ready for the most epic battle ever to have been captured on camera?  Iron Man, Black Widow, The Hulk, Captain America, Hawkeye, Thor.  Together at last.

Watch the 60-second Preview of The Avengers below:

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada)

CHAT WITH DIRECTOR AND CAST OF "THE AVENGERS" ON JANUARY 31, 2012

Still from The Avengers

Great news for fans of The Avengers!  The eagerly-awaited Action-Adventure won't be hitting theatres till May 4, 2012, but Fans in the meantime will have a chance to chat with Writer/Director Joss Whedon, Tom Hiddleston and Clark Gregg much sooner.  For the first time ever on the Big Screen, we'll be seeing Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow on-screen together.

Marvel Studios will be sponsoring a 30-minute Live Chat on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 2:00 PM EST and to participate, you can follow @Avengers on Twitter and Tweet with the Hashtag #Avengers. During the Chat, Fans will have a chance to answer Avengers Trivia and win Prize Packs too!

  A 30-second TV Spot will be airing also during Super Bowl XLVI on February 5, 2012 on NBC. Stay tuned.

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

"SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Sherlock Holmes is back and there's never a dull moment with one of the World's smartest and crafty Men. In Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, our beloved Hero - reprised by Robert Downey Jr. - is up against his most ruthless opponent ever in Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris), who is out to change the course of the World and profit greatly from it all. Despite just getting married, Sherlock's trusty Sidekick Dr. Watson (Jude Law) hardly gets a moment to breathe before being dragged back into yet another taxing investigation.  Along the way, we meet a Gypsy named Sim (Noomi Rapace) who is a Wanted Woman, joining forces with Sherlock and Dr. Watson in a deadly fight for survival and a fight for what is right with Professor Moriarty always at close range.

Where Director Guy Ritchie's Sequel falls short of its 2009 Predecessor is the lack of a clear Story Line, which in all honesty is a bit challenging to follow amidst all the History.  Lags in pacing also could have been reduced as we are given extraneous detail on the time Sherlock and Dr. Watson spend apart, when really what matters is the Duo in-action together.  Overall, Downey and Law lack that spark they had the first time around here, but Harris' horrific Villain is sinfully good.

Nonetheless, those expecting to be entertained will get exactly what they bargained for.  Stop-motion action sequences are rather brilliant, gutt-wrenching and suspenseful.  Also, just the right amount of laughs are delivered to keep our attentions focused.  Warner Bros. releases Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows opens in theatres December 16, 2011.

FIRST TRAILER: "THE AVENGERS"

Official Artwork for The Avengers

Here it is finally! Walt Disney Motion Pictures' The Avengers, which promises to be just about the biggest Blockbuster to hit theatres in 2012, now has a first official Trailer and it looks pretty epic. Iron Man, Captain America and Thor join forces to save the World in this ultimate mash-up of Marvel Superheroes.  Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson. Need I say more?

Watch the Trailer in full below:

See some Promotional Stills from The Avengers:

ZACH GALIFIANAKIS IN SWIMSUIT ON NOVEMBER ISSUE OF VANITY FAIR

Zach Galifianakis in November issue of Vanity Fair

Gotta love a man who's secure about his sexuality!  Adorable funnyman Zach Galifianakis goes all-out in this sexy one-piece on the November issue of Vanity Fair.  In the write-up by Krista Smith, The Hangover star revealed that one day on-set while filming upcoming Comedy Due Date, co-star Robert Downey Jr. told him in front of 45 Extras, that Galifianakis "needed acting classes".  Jokingly, he rebuted to Downey that he was  “another Irish mistake”.  Ouch.

Read more and also see the Zach Galifianakis Swimsuit Calendar here. 

(Photo credit: Sam Jones/Vanity Fair) 

REVIEW: IRON MAN 2

I'll admit it. I still haven't seen Iron Man 1, but Iron Man 2 stands on its own as a deliciously fun movie-going experience. The story has billionaire Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) at his narcissistic best. Unfortunately the American government sees his inventions, Iron Man armours designed to protect the United States against attack, as being illegal possession of weapons. This threatens his right to his own intellectual property and he defiantly holds his own in proving along with his ally James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) that the benefit of his inventions outweigh their potential risk or harm, discrediting others and their greed to take ownership of his work.

Meanwhile in Russia, Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) is out to avenge the disgracing of his father who worked together many years prior with Tony's father Howard (John Slattery) on an Arc Reactor. Due to limitations in technology at that time however, they were unable to complete their mission. It is Howard's hope that his son will be able to carry on the torch and finish the work his father started.

Convinced that he is dying judging by increasing Toxicity levels in his blood, Tony gives up his title as CEO of Stark Industries, handing this over to his Personal Assistant/love interest Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Sexy Natalie Rushman (Scarlett Johansson) is hired as his new assistant.

THE GOLDEN GLOBES: A QUICK RECAP

Congratulations to the cast of Glee, The Hangover, Mad Men and Avatar, in addition to Sandra Bullock, Drew Barrymore, Mo'nique, Meryl Streep, Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Bridges, who were among the big winners from the 2010 Golden Globe Awards tonight at The Beverly Hilton. 

There were no real surprises tonight other than I'd say, Downey Jr. (Sherlock Holmes) and Bridges (Crazy Heart) winning for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy and Drama respectively.  Many were banking on George Clooney (Up In The Air) winning in the latter category.   Mo'nique was pretty much a shoe-in for her performance in Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire and you can expect the same result a the upcoming Oscars. And true to form, Bullock was humble and gracious in accepting her award for The Blind Side, acknowledging that she is not the most talented actress in accepting her award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama.  This win definitely solidifies her chances at a possible Oscar win, although we will only know the list of nominees when they are announced February 2, 2010.

And guess what?  You, my Mavenati, guessed correctly in a recent survey posted here on who would win in Bullock's category.  Way to go!  Streep also had some of her fellow nominees like Marion Cotillard in tears during her speech in accepting her award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy for Julie & Julia.  A true class act.

View some fantastic photos from this evening's rainy red carpet.  The ladies below looked absolutely amazing, particulary Kate Hudson and Sandra Bullock in purple.  Despite appearing under-dressed, Julia Roberts looked chic in a simple black number accessorized with a showpiece necklace.  Once again, Lea Michele from Glee is proving that she belongs with the best of them, after dazzling in red recently at the People's Choice Awards.

For a full list of winners, visit The Hollywood Foreign Press Assocation's official website here.  (Photo credit: Getty Images)

REVIEW: SHERLOCK HOLMES

Director Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes is tons of fun.  And that  means a lot considering I'm not big on action-type films.  The Sir Arthur Conan Doyle adaptation centers around fast-acting, quick-thinking Detective Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) in pursuit of Black Magic-practicing serial killer Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong).  Holmes is aided by sidekick Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) and love interest Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) who is caught between her personal and professional interests as she is hired to destroy Holmes.  After thinking that he has aided in Blackwood's capture and subsequent punishment by execution, we learn that he isn't dead really.  The second time around isn't nearly as easy for Holmes as Blackwood pulls out all the stops in his conquest to create a new world order.

Ritchie, together with screenwriters Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham and Simon Kinberg effectively take a classic and transform it into a big-budget contemporary context.  Downey Jr.'s Holmes is not the same Sherlock Holmes I would have envisioned based on what I've read.  In this film, he is a sexy superhero who is all-knowing, but faltering into a bumbling fool when it comes to love and Downey Jr. plays this to perfection.  He can fight as well physically as he can with reason and logic.

The playful brotherly chemistry between him and Law is electric, making what should otherwise be a dark story, comical in all the right spots.  McAdams unfortunately is miscast as the American temptress and never really quite hits her best stride. And I appreciate the closed loops in storytelling as subplots like Watson's romance with governess Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly) are given just the right amount of detail.  And let's not forget Philippe Rousselot's breathtaking cinematography, especially in the film's final action scene between Holmes and Blackwood over the Thames River.