"TOTAL RECALL" IN THEATRES TOMORROW!

The Faces of Total Recall & Mr. Will-W. - Clockwise: Kate Beckinsale, John Cho, Bill Nighy, Bryan Cranston, Len Wiseman, Colin Farrell, Jessica Biel

The Moment has come for the most expensive Film ever made in Toronto. A Box Office success not only solidifies Toronto as a viable locale to film, but also proves that we have the Facilities and Talent to support an ambitious Venture as such.

Will you be seeing Len Wiseman's Total Recall this weekend?  I know I will. 

Watch the Trailer:

"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.

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.)

"TOTAL RECALL" TEASER TRAILER

Official Artwork for Total Recall

"You don't have the most reliable of memories, do you?".

After having filmed here in Toronto last Summer, we finally see a Teaser Trailer for the Remake of Total Recall surfacing, giving us a taste of all the exciting Action-Fantasy thrills to come. Although the scene with Colin Farrell taking-down a team of Police was shown first to attendees of San Diego Comic Con last July we get additional insights into Kate Beckinsale's Character Lori who first appears as Colin Farrell's Wife, then turning the tables telling him, "You haven't even begun to see me trying to kill you!". By the end of it all, we still don't really know what's going on with Farrell's Doug/Hauser, but are left with enough to be intrigued. Well-played, Sony Pictures.  Looks superb.

Watch the Trailer below for the most expensive Film ever made in Toronto at $250 million:

Len Wiseman's Total Recall is in theatres August 17, 2012.

We've been following the progress of this one closely including meeting some of the Cast and Director here last Summer! Click here for more.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures)

"JOHN CARTER" LOS ANGELES PREMIERE PHOTOS

Taylor Kitsch in Los Angeles for Premiere of John Carter

Although it doesn't open till March 9, 2012, Walt Disney Motion Pictures' John Carter had its Premiere in Los Angeles last night at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live and attending were the likes of Helen Mirren, Willem Dafoe, Zendaya Coleman, Bella Thorne, Dermot Mulroney, Frankie Muniz, Lynn Collins, Sigourney Weaver, Bryan Cranston and of course its Canadian Star, Taylor Kitsch who will see a huge 2012 with this and also Battleship on its way. 

Although it is possibly just hearsay, there are hopes of Kitsch coming home for a bit of Press for the $250-million release.  Nothing has been confirmed just yet.

The official Synopsis for John Carter is as follows:

"From Academy Award®–winning filmmaker Andrew Stanton comes John Carter—a sweeping action-adventure set on the mysterious and exotic planet of Barsoom (Mars). John Carter is based on a classic novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, whose highly imaginative adventures served as inspiration for many filmmakers, both past and present. The film tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter (Taylor Kitsch), who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas (Willem Dafoe) and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris (Lynn Collins). In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.". 

See more Photos from the Red Carpet below:

ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF "DRIVE" & SIGNED RYAN GOSLING PHOTO

I promised, I deliver.  Partnering for the first-time ever with Thomas Allen & Son Limited, Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven wants to give one lucky Reader a chance to win a copy of James Sallis' Novel, Drive, paired with a signed Ryan Gosling Photo. The stellar Film Adaptation starring Gosling, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks and Carey Mulligan is now in theatres via Alliance Films.

See Photos & Video from the TIFF 2011 Premiere of Drive here.

See Photos of Gosling arriving in Toronto for TIFF here.

To qualify for the win, you must "like" the Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven Facebook Page and leave a comment under this Post answering the question, does the Director of Drive, Nicolas Winding Refn, actually know how to drive?   You have until October 22, 2011 to qualify.  Good luck, Mavenati!  (Hint: Video on my Drive Premiere Post).

Even if you don't win, don't fret as I'll be giving away additional copies of Drive here also...

RYAN GOSLING AT TIFF FOR "DRIVE" - PREMIERE PHOTOS & VIDEO

Ryan Gosling at Toronto Premiere of Drive

Drawing loud shrieks from Fans who queued for hours to see him at Ryerson Theatre tonight, Ryan Gosling demonstrated v. well why it is that he can be mentioned in the same breath as your George Clooneys and Brad Pitts, who have been omnipresent at TIFF 2011.  Gosling currently is receiving tons of Oscar buzz for his work on not one, but two titles to be released this Fall and I was lucky enough to attend the Premiere of Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive this evening.  I can confirm that it's nothing like anything I've ever seen.  It quite possibly is the most  stylish, serene, yet violent Film I've ever seen - chalk full of enthralling Action and Driving sequences.  Gosling is brilliant without ever really saying much.  Everything about him here is communicated through his eyes and  facial movements.

Refn tells the Audience, which included Gosling's immediate Family, that he wanted always to be in a John Hughes Brat Pack Film and models his Films after those of that Filmmaker, being a Child of the '80s.

Watch a Video extracted from this evening's Q&A with Gosling's Co-stars Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks:

"TOTAL RECALL" HITS COMIC-CON 2011

Colin Farrell in Toronto - June 2011

Although production is only half-completed on Len Wiseman's Total Recall Reboot, Cast and Director took a break from filming in Toronto to promote the $2 million Blockbuster for Sony Pictures at Comic-Con in San Diego earlier today. Early reports are v. promising, with much of the focus being directed at Colin Farrell, after one Clip (pre-effects) was shown of his Quaid beating down a room of soldiers.

Kate Beckinsale, Wife of Wiseman, will be re-interpreting the role of Lori played originally by Sharon Stone and appeared to have charmed the audience. She admitted that she struggled with having to throw a punch at Co-star Jessica Biel (Melina), whom she calls "one of the most beautiful faces in the world" with her "$3 billion nose".

Bryan Cranston seemed to have received a fair number of questions from the audience but revealed that he has added a more humanistic approach to his Villain, Vilos Cohaagen.  He says, "If you can't invest in the characters then you can have all the explosions in the world and I won't be interested.".

I've been following Total Recall here for a bit since its Cast have arrived.  Click here to get yourself up-to-speed. 

AFTER COMIC-CON WILL "DRIVE" BE SURFACING AT TIFF?

Ryan Gosling & Mr. Will-W.

Yesterday the Press Conference for Cannes Film Festival favourite Drive was held in San Diego amidst all the Comic-Con fun, and star Carey Mulligan had nothing but praise for her handsome co-star Ryan Gosling.  She revealed, "He was amazing, such a nice guy, and explained his preparation for his role as a Stunt Actor.  "He spent months before the film knowing everything there was to know about cars. He built his own car for the film...and he learned stunt driving! He was a machine. Everyone loved him, he was a dream, he was amazing.".  Mulligan will be headed to Australia shortly to begin work on Moulin Rouge Director Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby 3-D alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Isla Fisher and Joel Edgerton.

Danish Director Nicolas Winding Refn told those in attendance that upon first meeting Gosling, he was worried that he had made a negative impression for himself after having taken medication for his Flu beforehand.  Refn says, "It was like a blind date in real life; nobody was going to get fucked tonight. We had simply no connection because I was so out of it, so stoned.". Hilarious!  Like in real life sometimes you can't just base things on a first impression as clearly things worked out with the great buzz Drive is receiving right now.

FIRST LOOK: "TOTAL RECALL" STARRING COLIN FARRELL

Still from Total Recall

Check out this first Still released from Len Wiseman's Total Recall, currently in production here in Toronto.  Colin Farrell is at the mercy of two Captors in a scene which appears to have been filmed at the University of Toronto's Knox College.

The Film will be presented at next week's Comic-Con in San Diego and hits theatres via Sony Pictures on August 3, 2012.  Thanks Kevin!

(Photo credit: Sony Pictures)

TIFF CANDIDATE - "CONTAGION" TRAILER

Still from Contagion

"On day one there were two people.  And then four.  And then 16.  In three months there'll be a billion - that's where we're heading." - Alan Krumwiede (Jude Law)

An international team of Doctors are sent out to deal with the outbreak of a deadly disease.  Contagion opens in theatres via Warner Bros. on September 9, 2011.  Damon, Law, Paltrow, Cotillard, Cranston, Fishburne, Winslet.  Soderbergh.  Bring it!

 

Watch the terrifying Trailer below:

LEN WISEMAN & COLIN IN FARRELL IN ST. THOMAS FOR "TOTAL RECALL"

Len Wiseman in St. Thomas - July 2011

Fans in St. Thomas, Ontario got a huge treat yesterday as Director Len Wiseman brought production of his latest effort Total Recall two and a half hours southwest of the City to a Magna International Inc. plant. Filming factory scenes yesterday, most of the principal Cast were absent from the shoot, although its biggest star Colin Farrell was present. And get this - 200 Workers there won the opportunity to meet the Irish Hunk via a Lottery!

Wiseman even took time to run out to the gate to greet some Fans and sign Autographs before getting ushered back to the Set, although Farrell - who it has been noted rarely does the Fan thing while at work - did throw over a wave.

Watch the Clip below:

LARRY CROWNE - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Larry Crowne

Although not necessarily his meatiest material to-date, Tom Hanks shines bright in latest self-directed and co-written Rom-Com, Larry Crowne, about a 40-something Man fired from his Job at a Discount Retailer. Due to changes in the current economic climate, Larry is forced to upgrade his skills and thus decides to return to College where among other courses, he studies Speech Delivery under a de-motivated yet immensely attractive Professor Mercedes Tainot (Julia Roberts).

Unable to afford Gas for his SUV, Larry buys a Scooter from his Neighbour Lamar (Cedric the Entertainer) at a Yard Sale and then is introduced by classmate Talia (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) to a group of Scooter-riding, well-meaning Misfits who help turn his life around. As he begins to apply himself to his studies in trying to maintain a work/life balance, his feelings for Mercedes grow stronger. There is only one catch though – Mercedes not only is his Professor which presents professional risks to her by being involved with Larry – she also is married still (albeit unhappily) to husband Dean (Bryan Cranston).

KATE BECKINSALE IN TORONTO FOR "TOTAL RECALL"

Kate Beckinsale & Mr. Will-W.

One of my favourite Actresses undoubtedly is Kate Beckinsale and although she's been in the City for the Toronto International Film Festival in the past promoting titles like Underworld and Nothing but the Truth, unfortunately I'd never had a chance to meet her.  Arriving last month for her Husband Len Wiseman's Total Recall Reboot in which she plays the role of Lori (married to Colin Farrell's Doug), the beautiful Beckinsale has been spotted out and about by Fans and Paparazzi alike. Because I still hadn't seen her, I was beginning to think she was somewhat of a Mirage.

I had spotted Beckinsale on a stroll with her Daughter Lily, Husband Len, another young Lady and their two Dogs Ingrid and Pocket.  The latter even has been spotted on-Set with her.  Careful not to be intrusive, I had asked if on her way back she could take a minute to chat and take a Photo with me and absolutely she fulfilled her promise! 

Upon finally meeting her, I confessed  what a great Fan I am of 2008's Nothing but the Truth.  Despite few people seeing that Film, her portrayal of a Journalist who had taken her integrity to the extreme affected me deeply.  "Yes, it's a shame that it never really made it to the theatres as I was proud of that one", she admits.  I commented also how overall I thought Doug Liman's 2010 Film Fair Game (inspired also by the story of shamed Spy Valerie Plame) paled in comparison and she was touched genuinely, saying "Yes, we thought the same!".

She, Lily (daughter of Michael Sheen) and one Young Lady visiting also noticed that I had brought my Dog Billy out for a walk and the three of them were rather smitten by him.  Beckinsale asked, "Is he a Shih Tzu? and she absolutely was correct!  Their Dogs Pocket and Ingrid - both Female - were so adorably sweet, jumping on my leg.  And the two young Ladies present were so sweet wishing me a good night before they head off after our Chat.

BRYAN CRANSTON IN TORONTO FOR "TOTAL RECALL"

Bryan Cranston & Mr. Will-W.

Although it took a bit of time to happen, Bryan Cranston is now hotter than ever after years of Television work since first making his Television debut on CHiPs back in 1982. Whether you know him from Malcolm in the Middle in which he starred as Hal, or more recently his three-time Emmy Award-winning work on Breaking Bad as terminally ill, drug-dealing Teacher Walter White, Cranston is officially an A-list Actor now with a string of highly-buzzed films due in the next year.

Drive, Contagion, Red Tails, John Carter of Mars, Rock of Ages and Larry Crowne are all major titles he will be seen in soon and above this, Cranston is now in Toronto working on Len Wiseman's Total Recall reboot. He stars as Vilos Cohaagen, the central Villain opposite Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel.

The barely-recognizable Actor/Director came out in a Hairpiece, Dress Shirt,  Plaid Tie (as seen on David Letterman) and Vest during a Coffee Break to greet Fans during filming, revealing that he wrapped up work on the forthcoming season of Breaking Bad just three weeks ago. He now is slated to continue production until September in Toronto. He tells me he starred in a Disney production here years ago. When asked "Was it Ice Princess?", he joked back, "Yes, I starred in the leading role as Ice Princess...", drawing a few laughs.  He was actually referring to 2001's 'Twas the Night.

DIRECTOR LEN WISEMAN SPOTTED AT STARBUCKS

Len Wiseman & Mr. Will-W.

Director/Writer Len Wiseman is responsible for the internationally-successful Underworld Franchise and he has been in Toronto for the past month working on a remake of Total Recall starring Colin Farrell, who we spotted last week.   A fourth installment titled Underworld: New Dawn shot recently in Vancouver, is due in theatres next year and to-date its predecessors combined have earned nearly $300 million worldwide.

I spotted Wiseman at Starbucks today while grabbing an Americano, which he also happened to be ordering from the Bar, with a Snack.  The handsome California native donning a Knit Cap and multiple layers on this chilly Afternoon, was nice enough to pose for a quick Photo together before getting ready for a Dinner Date with one of my favourites, the beautiful Kate Beckinsale.  The Actress also stars in the new Wiseman project filming in the City.

In a random act of kindness last Sunday, onlookers tell me that Wiseman and Beckinsale had treated a Homeless Man to some icy Starbucks beverages.  Amazing!  And almost as nice as once incident back during TIFF 2009 when Farrell had taken a Homeless Man out, buying him some new clothing!

The $200 million-budget Total Recall continues to film at Pinewood Studios through early September and we should soon be expecting Stars Bryan Cranston and Jessica Biel here too.  In a bit of casting news, Will Yun-Lee is the most recent addition to the Ensemble.  He also is here filming Cobu 3-D with BoA and Derek Hough (both spotted at the Glee Live! In Concert! show last night).

BRYAN CRANSTON LIKELY FOR NEW "TOTAL RECALL" FILM

Bryan Cranston

At 57 years-old, Bryan Cranston can be considered a Late Bloomer considering he has now won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series three years in a row for AMC's Breaking Bad. Above this, he hosted NBC's Saturday Night Live for the first time late October.

When you're hot, you're hot and Cranston is no exception to this fact of life. Variety reports that the Actor is almost confirmed to star opposite Colin Farrell in Sony Pictures' upcoming Total Recall film as a Villain. As we're all aware by now, the Film will be filmed in Toronto this Summer at Pinewood Studios. Finally, a name to look forward this Summer!

Read the news in full here.

(Photo credit: AMC)