"PUSS IN BOOTS" ON-TOP WITH A BOX OFFICE "HEIST"

Still from Tower Heist

In a rare occurrence, this weekend's Box Office Top Four actually have the positive reviews to match their success. For the second week in-a-row, Puss in Boots finds itself atop the Competition.  The Spin-off of the Shek Franchise earned $33.1 million and to-date, the Animated Feature has brought in $75.5 million.

Debuting in second with a respectable $25.1 million from 3,367 screens is Universal Pictures' Comedy Tower Heist starring Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller. The Film currently is sitting at a 69% rating on Rotten Tomatoes' Tomatometer.

Debuting in third is Warner Bros.' A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas with $13.1 million. Surprisingly, the Comedy also has garnered fairly strong reviews with 72% on the Tomatometer.

Paranormal Activity 3 drops to fourth spot in its third week of release for Paramount Pictures with $8.5 million, just-ahead of Justin Timerblake-starring In Time for 20th Century Fox.

The Rum Diary starring Johnny Depp slips to eighth spot already in its second week with $2.9 million this weekend. Meanwhile, The Ides of March sits in ninth spot in its fifth week with $2.0 million, pushing its total run past the $36.6 million mark.

"PUSS IN BOOTS" DELIVERS THE TREATS ON HALLOWEEN WEEKEND

Still from Puss in Boots 3-D

Paramount Pictures makes it two-for-two with two separate Movies. Despite it being Halloween weekend, Families dictated the results at the Box Office this weekend with Shrek Spin-off Puss In Boots 3-D at the top of the tally with $34 million.  The Animated Feature has fared well among Critics also, with an 86% rating at Rotten Tomatoes. Finishing behind in second is last week's champion Paranormal Activity 3 with $18.5 million, earning $81.3 million already in two weeks.

20th Century Fox debuts in third with Justin Timberlake-starring In Time with $12 million, debuting below expectations. Reviews haven't been strong for the Action/Drama, rating 36% on the Tomotometer at Rotten Tomatoes.

Another Paramount Film, Footloose (2011) slips to fourth spot with $5.5 million - a total run so far of $38.5 million in North America - just-ahead of Johnny Depp's latest Film The Rum Diary, based on the life of Hunter S. Thompson, with $5 million.

The Ides of March still is sitting in the Top Ten in eighth spot after four weeks of release, taking-in $2.7 million. To-date, it has brought in $33.5 million, while another TIFF 2011 Gala Premiere Moneyball is in ninth spot this weekend with $2.4 million in its sixth week.

“PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 3” TORTURES COMPETITION AND MOVIEGOERS AT BOX OFFICE

Still from Paranormal Activity 3

Exceeding all expectations, Paranormal Activity 3 makes an absolute killing - pardon the pun - at the Box Office this weekend.  The Film tortured Moviegoers and its Competitors to the tune of $54 million for Paramount Pictures. Produced only for $5 million, the Horror was a hit overseas also, taking-in $26 million there too. Overall, we are looking at $80 million worldwide for the latest in the critically and commercially successful installment of this Franchise.

Disney is still going strong with Real Steel in second spot, taking-in $11 million in its third week, now accumulating $67 million total domestically and over $153 million worldwide. Footloose (2011) in its second weekend earns $10.8 million, good enough to keep it in third, now totaling $36 million worldwide for Paramount also.

The Three Musketeers, the big-budget first installment of the forthcoming series, earns $8.8 million in fourth spot domestically, which might seem disappointing.  Overseas though, it has performed quite well, earning $64.4 million already.

The Ides of March still is going steady for Sony Pictures and Alliance Films, taking-in $4.9 million this weekend in its third week, now earning $29.1 million; it has yet to open overseas.

Johnny English Reborn starring Rowan Atkinson is the latest follow-up in the Action-Comedy franchise.  Despite only debuting in eighth with $3.8 million this weekend, it has done extremely well overseas where it has made $104.5 million already. Meanwhile, The Thing (2011) slips to ninth in its second week with $3.1 million for Universal Pictures, earning $14 million total.

"REAL STEEL" OUT-DANCES "FOOTLOOSE (2011)" TO THE FINISH

Still from Footloose

In a tepid weekend at the Box Office, last week's champion Real Steel performs consistently well in its second week for Walt Disney Motion Pictures/Dreamworks, holding on at the top with $16 million. To-date it has earned just-under $52 million.

Paramount Pictures just misses the top spot, despite leading out the gate on Friday night with the 2011 Remake of Footloose, taking-in $15.5 million from 3,549 theatres, well on its way to recouping the $24 million it cost to make. Audiences and Critics have been responding well also to the Film, with it sitting at 73% on the Tomatometer at Rotten Tomatoes.

Another Remake debuting this weekend is The Thing for Universal Pictures, earning $9 million, not faring so well critically with 33% on the Tomatometer.

It surprises me still that George Clooney's The Ides of March managed to pull-in only $7.5 million this weekend, earning $22.1 million cumulative in two weeks, landing just-ahead of another Film which premiered at TIFF 2011, Moneyball. The Brad Pitt Baseball Dramedy pulled-in $5.5 million in its fourth week of release for Sony Pictures.

Debuting in eighth spot this weekend is 20th Century Fox Comedy The Big Year starring Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson with only $3 million. Not only did the Film receive poor reviews (39% on the Tomatometer), a telltale sign also is a lack of promotion it received.

"REAL STEEL" DEMOLISHES COMPETITION AT BOX OFFICE

Still from Real Steel

Without a doubt, Real Steel demolishes the competition this weekend at the Box Office, running away with a stellar debut of $27 million from 3,440 theatres in North America. The Disney Father/Son Action flick starring Hugh Jackman and Toronto's own Dakota Goyo, recently had its Canadian Premiere here in Toronto and I am proud to have been a part of it all! Click here to read all about it.

Despite some great reviews for George Clooney's The Ides of March, it only could muster a debut in second spot with $11 million from 2,199 theatres which might seem a bit underwhelming for the Political Drama with an All-star Cast of Ryan Gosling, Marisa Tomei, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti and Evan Rachel Wood, in addition to Clooney himself.

After landing on-top of the Box Office last weekend, Warner Bros.,' A Dolphin Tale slips to third spot this weekend with $8.5 million in its third week, just ahead of Moneyball with $7 million for Sony Pictures.

Cancer Dramedy 50/50 slips to fifth spot this weekend with $5.5 million, experiencing a 40% slip from its opening weekend. Meanwhile, former Champion The Lion King 3-D drops to eighth spot this weekend with $5 million, earning $86.4 million in its four-week run.

THE IDES OF MARCH - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from The Ides of March

The Ides of March certainly has the pedigree of an Oscar contender, but does it live up to its deafeningly-loud buzz? Perhaps so, perhaps not. At 30 years of age, Stephen (Ryan Gosling) is the Mastermind behind the Political Campaign of Presidential Candidate, Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney). After becoming involved with 20 year-old intern Molly (Evan Rachel Wood) and unexpectedly being wooed by the Brain behind a powerful opponent to Governor Morris in Tom (Paul Giamatti), Stephen finds himself caught in a thick, knotted web of corruption, betrayal and deception, himself struggling to do what is right and more importantly, survive in the cut-throat world of Politics.

Make no mistake, The Ides of March is a highly-watchable and engaging affair, marked overall by strong performances in particular from Gosling and Wood, the latter perhaps benefiting most from her work here as a lovelorn Seductress.  Having also seen Gosling's Drive recently,  it is plain to see where he invested his focus best, with both Films seeing a release over the past month. This Political Drama's most pivotal moment comes where Stephen and Governor Morris face-off  quietly and icily, handled with tight precision as Director/Co-writer Clooney draws-in our focus to the expressions on their Talking Heads and intense dialogue.

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:

KATE MARA & MAX MINGHELLA AT TIFF 2011 WITH "TEN YEAR"

Kate Mara & Mr. Will-W.

This morning while beginning my fourth day of TIFF 2011 festivities, I crossed paths with the stars of Ten Year. Just across the road from my Condo! Kate Mara, Sister of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo herself Rooney Mara and her Boyfriend Max Minghella (The Social Network) were out shopping today and were amazing enough to stop for a quick Photo before heading off.

Minghella appears in two titles at this year's Festival, the other being high-profile The Ides of March, which premiered here on Friday night.

Ten Year is said to have some similarities to The Big Chill and it premieres Monday night at Ryerson Theatre, with names like Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan being expected for arrival also.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

PAUL GIAMATTI AT TIFF FOR "THE IDES OF MARCH"

Paul Giamatti in Toronto - September 2011

I'm sorry, this means a lot to me, actually!  I love Paul Giamatti and have been in-love with his acting for some time now.  His performance in Sideways, which premiered at TIFF back in 2004, to this day still resonates within me to this day and how could we forget his tour-de-force work in last year's Barney's Version?  Giamatti reaches uncharted levels of depth and truly has an understanding of the complex characters he often plays; often the Underdog.

I spotted the brilliant Actor today after returning from a Press Conference for George Clooney's The Ides of March and despite trying his best to remain low-key, he still obliged kindly to my request for a Photo.  A Gentleman.

The Actor who spent part of his Summer here in Toronto filming David Cronenberg's Cosmopolis, can also be seen in the upcoming Film Adaptation of Rock of Ages.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

RYAN GOSLING AT TIFF FOR "THE IDES OF MARCH" & "DRIVE"

Ryan Gosling in Toronto - September 2011

Ahh... The one you've all been waiting for! Receiving a Hero's Welcome upon arriving back in Toronto from Los Angeles (on the same flight Marisa Tomei), Ryan Gosling is on-the-verge of something huge with two highly-buzzed Films this Fall. Drive and The Ides of March premiering at TIFF this weekend and everyone seems to be talking about how powerful his performances are in both.

Despite being surrounded by hoards of Fans, he still took the time and handled the situation like a true Professional, signing up a storm of Autographs and keeping them all back at a safe distance when things got a little unruly.  "What are you guys going to do with all of these?", he asked.  I replied to him "Does it matter?  Your true Fans will get these somehow!", which seemed to satisfy him.  I was able to nab one for you, Mavenati.  When things calm down a bit, I will package this together with the Novel Drive and offer it as a Giveaway so stay tuned!

Gosling = amazing.  You can catch him Friday night at Roy Thomson Hall for The Ides of March's Premiere, while on Saturday you will be able to find Gosling at Ryerson Theatre for Drive.  I will be there for the latter and am anxious to share my thoughts on it!  Will this be his year at the Oscars?  Bet on it.

See more Photos of our new favourite Canadian below:

MARISA TOMEI AT TIFF FOR "THE IDES OF MARCH"

Marisa Tomei in Toronto - September 2011

Oscar-winning Actress Marisa Tomei is absolutely stunning in-person. It's just too bad she wants little to do with Fans, keeping a distance from them upon arrival in Toronto this evening. After coming out to find that her SUV was not ready, she quickly ran back indoors where she stood behind a Police Officer. Not even a hand-wave!

Tomei is here for the Premiere of George Clooney's The Ides of March, taking place at Roy Thomson Hall on Friday night. It is expected that she might also show up at a Party or two during her stay also...

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

EVAN RACHEL WOOD AT TIFF FOR "THE IDES OF MARCH"

Evan Rachel Wood & Mr. Will-W.

One of the greatest highlights of my TIFF 2011 experience so far was meeting Evan Rachel Wood as she arrived in Toronto tonight.  No stranger to TIFF, Wood has visited prior with Films Thirteen and Across the Universe and this time around she stars in one of the Festival's centerpiece titles, The Ides of March - directed by George Clooney.

Despite being in a rush, Wood eventually caved in and stopped to pose for Photos after flying in direct from Paris.  Sporting a new Pixie Cut, she looked amazing and definitely is a Sweetheart despite her edgy exterior.  

Like many others, I had absolutely no luck in securing tickets for The Ides of March but will keep trying!  I did spot her Co-stars Ryan Gosling and Marisa Tomei though this evening so that kinda made my day!

Graciously, Wood signed an extra Photo for my Readers which will be posted in a bit.  And look how Starstruck I look in our Photo!  LOL  Amaze.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY ANNOUNCES "25 FALL MOVIES WE CAN'T WAIT FOR"

Still from J Edgar

Entertainment Weekly has announced their 25 Fall Movies We Can’t Wait For complete with stills from each film.  Included on their List are:

• Moneyball
• Drive
• The Ides of March
• J Edgar
• Hugo
• Carnage
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

NEW TRAILER FOR "THE IDES OF MARCH"

Still from The Ides of March

"I'll do or say anything if I believe in it. But I have to believe in the cause.".

The stakes are big in this new Trailer for The Ides of March, which not only is premiering at TIFF this September, but also it is a mega Oscar-contender for Best Picture. See Ryan Gosling star as an Intern, Stephen Myers, assisting with on the campaign of a Presidential Hopeful, played by Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney). Things get just a little competitive and heated when Stephen finds out something dark and shady about Mike that goes against his beliefs.  

My question is, what is Gosling up for here, Best Supporting Actor or Lead Actor as he appears to have the most screen time?  This looks like a The Devil Wears Prada type scenario in 2007 which saw Anne Hathaway get more screen time, but instead Meryl Streep be in the running for Best Actress.  Clooney of course is Streep and Gosling of course is Hathaway.

See the Trailer in full below:

CONFIRMED TIFF 2011 TITLES

Still from Moneyball

So the first TIFF 2011 Press Conference was held at 10:00 AM today with various Galas and marquee titles announced.  Although weekly announcements still are to come over the next month, here are some of the more buzzed Movies we will be seeing in Toronto come September:

Trishna – directed by Michael Winterbottom – The tragic love story of a Property Developer’s Son and an Auto Rickshaw Owner’s Daughter; stars Freida Pinto.

The Lady – Luc Besson’s Biopic about pro-Democracy Activist Aung San Suu Kyi played by Michelle Yeoh, who was blacklisted in Burma after filming this one

W.E. – Madonna’s directorial debut. A film which criss-crosses a modern day love story with the romance between King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.

GEORGE CLOONEY POSSIBLY COMING TO TORONTO WITH "THE IDES OF MARCH" AND "THE DESCENDANTS"?

George Clooney at TIFF 2009

Although we missed George Clooney at TIFF 2010, something tells me we'll be getting him back this September here in Toronto!  With two hotly-tipped performances to promote, Clooney looks once again to be in Best Actor contention for the Oscars.  He has two Films coming out later this year, The Descendants and The Ides of March. The former has him as a Man trying to reconnect with his two Daughters after his Wife suffers a boating accident.  Directed by Sandra Oh's Ex Alexander Payne who brought us the brilliant Sideways, this also looks to be the big breakout role we've all been hoping for in Judy Greer who plays Elizabeth, his adulterous Wife in a Coma; Fox Searchlight releases.

The Ides of March looks to be a Best Picture contender with Clooney starring as a Man on the Presidential trail. Ryan Gosling playing a young Man who plays an integral part to the campaign, learning quickly all the corrupt things which go on behind-the-scenes.  Gosling told Extra recently that Clooney is quite the Prankster, having sprayed his pants with an Evian Spray Bottle without even realizing it happened until the Silver Fox walked away. 

Our Friends at Alliance Films in Canada still have no word on whether the Film will be premiering here, but we're crossing fingers and thinking it's likely a go!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

POSSIBLE 2011 TIFF TITLES? (UPDATED)

Still from Like Crazy

Although the Toronto International Film Festival is only a little over two months away, there already is wide speculation about which major Oscars Keyplayers will be getting a Toronto Premiere here come September.  Although these are based purely on rumour, the below v. possibly could be screening in the City - meaning you just might be seeing these Stars here!

Here are a few Candidates:

We Need to Talk About Kevin – starring Tilda Swinton and John C. Reilly; about a Mother recounting the series of events leading up to her Son’s massacring of students and teachers at his High School.

Sleeping Beauty – Australian film starring Emily Browning about a Girl who enters a secret underground Prostitution Ring, taking a sleep-inducing Drug which then allows her Clientele to have their way with her without any recollection.

The Ides of March – starring George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ryan Gosling, Paul Giamatti and Evan Rachel Wood. A Staff Member to a new Presidential Candidate is given a quick, dirty Crash Course on Politics during his Campaign Trail.

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.”.

EVAN RACHEL WOOD REVEALS HER SEXUALITY

Evan Rachel Wood in May issue of Esquire

One of my favourite young Actresses, Evan Rachel Wood is showing no signs of stopping and on the May issue of Esquire Magazine, the 23 year-old makes a shocking revelation to Julian Sancton that she’s actually Bisexual.

Those of us who saw her on HBO’s Mildred Pierce recently surely were shocked by her deliciously evil performance as Veda, daughter of Mildred (Kate Winslet). She confesses that she’d marry Winslet if she could. Elaborating further, Wood says “Yeah, I'm more kind of like the Guy when it comes to Girls. I'm the dominant one. I'm opening the doors, I'm buying dinner. Yeah, I'm romantic.". So hot.

Wood can be seen in Robert Redford’s The Conspirator, which expands this weekend in theatres. She only recently finished wrapping the new George Clooney Film The Ides of March in Michigan.

Click here to read the Interview in full here.

(Photo credit: Brooke Nipar/Esquire Magazine)