BLU-RAY MAKES IT BETTER: NAME THESE FILMS AND ENTER TO WIN 88 BLU-RAY FILMS FROM ALLIANCE FILMS, 1 3-D BLU-RAY PLAYER & 1 TOSHIBA 3-D TV!

Blu-ray Makes it Better!

88 Films on Blu-ray from Alliance Films

1 Toshiba 3-D Blu-ray Player

1 47” Toshiba 3-D TV

IT COULD ALL BE YOURS!

Our Friends at Alliance Films are offering you a chance to win all these technologically-delicious prizes to one lucky Film Buff who can step-up to the Challenge and name correctly the most Films in this Trailer. Make me proud, Mavenati!

Click here for more details.  Good luck!

(Photo credit: Alliance Films)

DIRECTOR DREW GODDARD IN TORONTO FOR "THE CABIN IN THE WOODS"

Drew Goddard in Toronto - March 2012 with Richard Crouse, Mr. Will-W. & Fans

NOTE: This Post containts Spoilers. After several delays, mostly at the corporate level, Sci-Fi/Comedy/Horror The Cabin in the Woods finally will get a release after switching hands from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer over to Lionsgate Films (Alliance Films in Canada).  First-time Director Drew Goddard known mostly for his writing in acclaimed Feature Cloverfield and also TV Series like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Alias and Lost, flew-in to Toronto to do a Press Day for the Film - co-written by Joss Whedon (The Avengers, Roseanne).  The Duo had prior collaborated on Buffy.

A humble Goddard admitted before a crowd which gave him a standing ovation tonight at Scotiabank Theatre he felt at many moments that others working on The Cabin in the Woods would clue-in and realize that he didn't belong, speaking on his inexperience as a Director.  He also expresses much pride in having worked with a brilliant Cast which includes Richard Jenkins, Chris Hemsworth, Bradley Whitford and more.  He admits to being rather starstruck in securing Sigourney Weaver to do a brief appearance also.  Weaver apparently approached had Whedon and Goddard for an Autograph on her copy of the Script, which the Director still to this day doesn't believe had happened, being a huge Ghostbusters Fan himself.

In tonight's Q&A moderated by Film Critic Richard Crouse, we learned that some positives did come out of the many delays surrounding the release of The Cabin in the Woods, which was filmed in Vancouver back in 2009.  "I mean Thor (Hemsworth) is in our Movie and it weirdly makes his death look way better!", Goddard jokes.  "This is actually the best thing that could have happened".  No more Spoilers though, unfortunately.

Following the Screening, Goddard took his time greeting Fans, signing Buffy Memorabilia and Posters.  He was pleased that I enjoyed an uncomfortable scene involving a Wolf head and a passionate kiss.  Yes, it's that kind of a Movie!

Watch a Clip of the Q&A below:

JOSH HUTCHERSON, LIAM HEMSWORTH & ALEXANDER LUDWIG SET FOR CANADIAN "THE HUNGER GAMES" PREMIERE: ENTER TO WIN PASSES!

Josh Hutcherson, Alexander Ludwig & Liam Hemsworth in The Hunger Games

After much anticipation, I'm thrilled to confirm that on Monday, March 19, 2012, Toronto will be playing host to a Red Carpet Premiere for The Hunger Games at Scotiabank Theatre. Above this, we also will be welcoming Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and Cato (Alexander Ludwig) to the 416 in yet another exciting Premiere from Alliance Films, who this year alone have given us much to cheer for with The Woman in Black and Goon.

This first installment in what looks to be a thrilling Trilogy based on the best-selling novels by Suzanne Collins, takes place in Panem, a futuristic replacement for North America torn apart by war and famine. 24 Participants representing 12 Districts will be forced to eliminate one another in a series of televised Games, as Citizens are required to watch-on. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) sacrifices her life by offering to go in place of her younger Sister, whose name is drawn through a lottery. Will she and her male counterpart Peeta survive this battle against others, including some who have trained most of their lives for this?

Watch the gripping Trailer for The Hunger Games below:

I'm thrilled beyond words to announce that Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven and Alliance Films will be making a lucky Reader or two (allotment to be determined) extremely happy by giving away Double Passes to the Canadian Red Carpet Premiere of The Hunger Games! To enter, simply click "like" on Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and also this corresponding Post. Double your chances by following me on Twitter and Re-Tweeting the following:

@mrwillw wants to take me to the Canadian Premiere of The Hunger Games! RT to win passes. http://tinyurl.com/7xvs3q3

Your deadline is Thursday, March 15, 2012. Remember to "like" Alliance Films on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter here.

 In the meantime, don't forget also about my exciting The Hunger Games Prize Pack Giveaway which includes the complete Trilogy, Character Trading Cards and a signed Photo from Katniss herself, Jennifer Lawrence!

The Hunger Games opens on March 23, 2012. 

(Photo credit/video credit: Alliance Films)

ENTER TO WIN A "THE HUNGER GAMES" PRIZE PACK!

The Hunger Games Prize Pack

THE Movie Event of 2012 won't be in theatres till March 23, 2012, but in celebration of its release, I'm launching this Giveaway for The Hunger Games!  Its Canadian Premiere is set to take place in Toronto on Monday, March 19, 2012 and while we are waiting on details just who will be walking the Red Carpet, I'm giving away the complete Book Trilogy by Suzanne Collins and a pack of Character Trading Cards.  As an added Bonus, I have a Photo signed beautifully by Star Jennifer Lawrence herself which I will include.  The Actress was filming in Ottawa Summer 2010 and graciously sent this back to me.  I've been holding-on to it for this big moment. Yes, Katniss herself!

To enter to win this exciting Giveaway,  you really should be following on Twitter here and also clicking "like" on Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook, including this corresponding Post. Your deadline is April 1, 2012 - Canadian Readers only. Maybe there will be some passes to the Premiere coming up also?  We'll see...

For updates on the forthcoming Canadian Premiere of The Hunger Games, don't forget to "like" Alliance Films on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter here.

Watch the Trailer for The Hunger Games 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:

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR "PARANORMAN"

ParaNorman Promo Pack

If the $124 million-earning success of 2009's Coraline is any indication of how this is going to do, expect this to be massive. Slotted for an August 17, 2012 release date, Chris Butler & Sam Fell bring us ParaNorman, a 3-D Stop-motion Animated Comedy/Thriller about a Boy named Norman (Kodi Smit-McPhee) who has the ability to communicate with Ghosts and Zombies. With his abilities, he is called-upon to save his Town from a Curse which dates back many centuries.

ParaNorman features the voice work of Anna Kendrick, John Goodman, Casey Affleck, Leslie Mann, Jodelle Ferland, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and The Cosby Show's Tempestt Bledsoe (!!!).

Our Friends at Alliance Films sent over the above cute Promo Pack for the Movie, so I decided to check it out.   One for your radars - it will be a smash.

Watch the Trailer below:

ENTER TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO A TORONTO ADVANCE SCREENING OF "THE IDES OF MARCH"

The Ides of March Official Artwork

The Ides of March takes place during the frantic last days before a heavily contested Ohio Presidential primary, when an up-and-coming campaign Press Secretary (Ryan Gosling) finds himself involved in a political scandal that threatens to upend his candidate’s shot at the Presidency.

Missed it at TIFF 2011? Don't fret. Alliance Films & Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven are excited to offer Readers a chance to win Double Passes to see George Clooney’s The Ides of March. With a superb Cast that includes Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei, Paul Giamatti and Clooney himself, the Political Drama already is considered a Frontrunner for Best Picture at the Oscars. The Screening takes place Thursday, October 6, 2011 7:30 PM at Scotiabank Theatre.

  The Ides of March hits theatres Friday, October, 7, 2011.

To qualify for 1 of 20 pairs of Passes to an Advance Screening in Toronto, all you have to do is click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven’s Facebook Page. Your deadline is October 3, 2011. Good luck, Mavenati!

And while you're there, don't forget to enter to win a signed Ryan Gosling Photo and copy of the Novel, Drive!  Follow me on Twitter too!

See its Trailer in full below:

"WHERE DO WE GO NOW?" & "THE RAID" WIN CADILLAC PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS AT TIFF 2011

Gareth Evans at TIFF 2011 Awards Reception

Congratulations to Welsh Director Gareth Evans who wins the 2011 Cadillac People's Choice Midnight Madnress Award with his new Film The Raid.  Held at the Four Seasons Hotel earlier today, Evans accepted the Award along with Cast Members of the Indonesian Film, which will be distributed in Canada by Alliance Films.

In a bit of a shocker, from Director Nadine Labaki wins the coveted Cadillac People's Choice Award based on Festival-goers' votes.  Previous winners of the Award include Precious, The King's Speech and Slumdog Millionaire, which went on to do well at the Oscars - the latter two winning Best Picture.  The Film is about a group of Lebanese Women who try to alleviate tensions between Christians and Muslims in their Village.  A free Screening was held this evening at Ryerson Theatre.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ENTER TO WIN 1 OF 5 "I DON'T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT" PRIZE PACKS

I Don't Know How She Does It Poster

SJP Fans, I’ve got a little something for you! I Don’t Know How She Does It is the story of Kate Reddy (Sarah Jessica Parker) who after excelling at her Boston-based job, finds herself spread thinly as she is called-upon to travel to New York as part of her assignment. She must juggle the demands of being a Mom and Wife to Richard (Greg Kinnear), while also finding herself tempted by her handsome new Associate, Jack (Pierce Brosnan).

I’m giving away five I Don’t Know How She Does It Prize Packs which include a copy of the Novel by Allison Pearson, Post-it Notes and a Nail File! Yes, a Nail File!!!

To qualify for the win, you must “like” Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven  and leave a comment under this Post with the name of the fiery Red-headed Actress who plays Kate’s best Friend, Allison. Your deadline is September 23, 2011 – Canadian Readers only. Good luck, Mavenati!

I Don’t Know How She Does It is released through Alliance Films in Canada on September 16, 2011.

Watch the Trailer in full below:

ALLIANCE FILMS TO PURCHASE MAPLE PICTURES

Maple Pictures Logo

It was just announced yesterday that two of Canada's biggest Film Distributors are now one. Alliance Films will be purchasing Maple Pictures for a total $38.5 million, effectively handling its releases in Canada for U.S.-based Lionsgate Films.

Alliance Films' President Charles Layton states in a Press Release, "This transaction combines two extraordinary Distributors in Canada and strengthens the distribution infrastructure we offer to our content partners. We’re thrilled to add Lionsgate’s new Films and very large, renowned library to Alliance. We look forward to working with the entire Lionsgate Team in the years to come.”.