FIRST LOOK: "SPRING BREAKERS"

Promo Photo for Spring Breakers

Getting a TIFF Premiere 6:00 PM on Friday, September 7, 2012 at Ryerson Theatre, this official First Look at Spring Breakers has just surfaced!  The Comedy centers around four College Girls who get thrown in jail after robbing a restaurant to fund their Spring Break. They get bailed out by a Drug/Gun Dealer who bails them out but gets them to help with some "dirty work". I'm hearing this one is v. bloody, violent and edgy. Must see.

Selena Gomez, James Franco, Heather Morris, Ashley Benson and Vanessa Hudgens all star in Harmony Korine's Spring Breakers.

Watch the Preview below:

FIRST LOOK: "OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL"

Still from Oz the Great and Powerful

"Are you the great Man we've been waiting for?".

The Trailer for Oz the Great and Powerful premiered yesterday at Comic-Con in San Diego and now we also get our first look at it! James Franco, Michelle Williams, Mila Kunis and Rachel Weisz are set to wow us in this Sam Raimi-directed Spectacle, which gives us the Back Story on how small-time Magician Oscar (Franco) goes on to become to great Wizard of Oz.

Official Synopsis is as follows:

Disney’s fantastical Adventure Oz The Great and Powerful, directed by Sam Raimi, imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s beloved character, the Wizard of Oz. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot—fame and fortune are his for the taking—that is until he meets three Witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great Wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his Magical Arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.

Watch the Trailer in full here:

LEE HIRSCH AT CITYTV'S "BREAKFAST TELEVISION" FOR "BULLY"

Lee Hirsch & Mr. Will-W.

Lucky day!  The morning after attending his Town Hall for controversial Documentary Bully, Filmmaker Lee Hirsch and I crossed paths again today at an appearance on CityTV's Breakfast Television. Getting a moment to chat with Hirsch was awesome as he savoured his Starbucks Americano and a Cigarette before his appearance. 

He tells me that he's rather pleased with the reaction Bully has received in Toronto and although I really shouldn't be telling you this yet, he revealed that a major Hollywood Actor is confirmed to attend the Hot Docs Festival later this month. Bully actually premiered last year here in Toronto also at that same Festival under the name The Bully Project.

We both talk about our experiences as Kids being bullied and agreed that it definitely has made us more empathetic as Adults and these insights sometimes can only be acquired after undergoing a real hardship.

The New York Native is glad to see his Film finally get an official release this Friday, April 6, 2012 here in Canada, where we've been much more liberal in our ratings system compared to our Friends south of the Border, slapping Bully with an R-rating. Here in Ontario, the Documentary is rated PG and I'm thrilled that I'm old enough to see it this weekend without Parental Supervision! 

Click here to read about last night's Town Hall for Bully.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

NEW CAST ADDITIONS FOR "LOVELACE": ONE OF TWO LINDA LOVELACE FILMS IN-PRODUCTION

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF "RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES" ON DVD

Rise of the Planet of the Apes on DVD

Rupert Wyatt's The Rise of the Planet of the Apes since its release in August 2011, has gone on to earn over $481 million worldwide. The Sci-fi Drama centers around a group of Chimpanzees which are captured and genetically mutated in hopes of developing a cure for Alzheimer's Disease. Things get out of control when one Chimpanzee with enhanced intelligence as a result of the Experiment, frees the other captured Apes.

The Rise of the Planet of the Apes stars James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Tom Felton and Brian Cox and is now available in both Standard DVD and Blu-ray editions via FOX Video.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven want to give Readers in Canada a chance to win a copy of the Blockbuster hit.  To enter, click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook.  Double your chances by following me and Re-Tweeting the following:

@mrwillw wants me to win a copy of The Rise of the Planet of the Apes (now in stores) on DVD. #MRWILLGOESAPES

Good luck, Mavenati!  Your deadline is December 21, 2011. Order it on DVD here.

Let's re-live the moments we met Franco, Pinto, Felton and Cox, shall we? Let's do this!

THE MUPPETS IN-CONTENTION TO HOST "OSCARS"

Still from The Muppets

Why the heck not? With Rush Hour Director Brett Ratner and Actor/Comedian Eddie Murphy no longer in-contention to host the 84th Academy Awards, there is much speculation whom should host the prestigious Hollywood Ceremony on February 26, 2012. 

Coming out of nowhere into the Race now are The Muppets. IndieWire currently are hosting a Poll on whom should host the Event next year and the iconic and lovable Puppets currently are a clear, decisive Leader in the Poll.  If you want to see The Muppets host the Oscars, you can vote at IndieWire and also help them trend on Twitter with the Hashtag #muppetsoscars and follow them @MuppetOscars.

And while they're at it, wouldn't it be brilliant if they got a little help from Sesame Street Buddy Oscar the Grouch to hand-out an actual Oscar?

Click here to vote.

The Muppets hosting the Oscars wouldn't be the first time an Oscar Contender hosted the Event the same year they were in-contention. Earlier this year James Franco was nominated for Best Actor for his work in 127 Hours and also hosted the Oscars alongside Anne Hathaway.  And surely The Muppets can top that performance as Host easily.  Just sayin'...

The Muppets hit theatres on November 23, 2011.

UPDATE: Billy Crystal for an eighth time will be hosting the 84th Academy Awards.  Oh well, we tried!

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Motion Pictures)

ENTER TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO SEE "MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE" IN TORONTO

Official Artwork for Martha Marcy May Marlene
(Subject to Classification)

Martha Marcy May Marlene is a powerful Psychological Thriller starring Elizabeth Olsen as Martha, a young Woman rapidly unraveling amidst her attempt to reclaim a normal life after fleeing from a Cult and its charismatic Leader (John Hawkes). Seeking help from her estranged older Sister Lucy (Sarah Paulson) and Brother-in-Law (Hugh Dancy), Martha is unable and unwilling to reveal the truth about her disappearance. When her memories trigger a chilling paranoia that her former Cult could still be pursuing her, the line between Martha's reality and delusion begins to blur.

After winning uanimous praise at TIFF, Sundance and Cannes earlier this year, talented new Director Sean Durkin is ready to unleash the hotly-tipped Martha Marcy May Marlene, featuring a breakthrough performance by Elizabeth Olsen, younger Sister of Moguls, Ashley & Mary-Kate.  For the first-time ever, Fox Searchlight Canada & Mr. Will-W.: Pop Maven are partnering to give ten lucky Readers Double Passes to  a Toronto Advance Screening of this exciting Thriller on Monday, October 24, 2011.

To enter to win, all you have to do is go to Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and "like" this Post.  Your deadline is Friday, October 21, 2011.  Good luck, Mavenati!

Watch the haunting Trailer in full for Martha Marcy May Marlene:

JAMES FRANCO AT TIFF 2011

James Franco in Toronto - September 2011

Here to present his Love Letter to River Phoenix and Gus Van Sant, titled My Own Private Idaho, James Franco seems to be atop many the Must-Meet Lists of many a Mavenati at TIFF 2011.  I spotted Franco out and about actually seeing Movies today, supporting fellow New Yorker Elizabeth Olsen's upcoming release Martha Marcy May Marlene.  In addition, he was at Princess of Wales Theatre supporting Michael Fassbender's much-buzzed Film Shame for which he won a Best Actor Award at the Venice Film Festival this past weekend.  He looked a little tired to say the least, but understandably so - the Man is a Machine.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

GUS VAN SANT AT TIFF FOR "MEMORIES OF IDAHO"

Gus van Sant in Toronto - September 2011

Acclaimed Director Gus Van Sant is at TIFF 2011 with something interesting.  Both he and Milk (which he directed) Star James Franco are teaming together to present a Reassemblage of Van Sant's 1991 Film My Own Private Idaho at TIFF Bell Lightbox.  The Presentation is titled Memories of Idaho.

The Director arrived in Toronto this Afternoon without much to say, but did stop quickly to sign a couple Autographs.  He did seem enamoured however with a Flash Mob taking place at the Airport, bringing a smile to his face.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

2011 ACADEMY AWARDS RECAP

Natalie Portman at the 83rd Academy Awards

The 83rd Academy Awards held at Kodak Theatre this evening, were marred most perhaps by predictability. As Award after Award was handed-out this evening, it became more and more apparent that there were not going to be any real surprises in the most anticipated categories.   

Colin Firth as Actor in a Leading Role, yes - saw it a mile away.  Christian Bale and Melissa Leo, giving The Fighter an Oscar double in the Actor and Actress in a Supporting Role categories respectively - yes.  Aaron Sorkin for Adapted Screenplay with The Social Network - uh-huh.  Inception in the technical categories: Sound Editing, Visual Effects, Editing, Sound Mixing - yup.

The biggest surprise in my opinion was The King's Speech Director Tom Hooper nabbing the Award for Directing over The Social Network's David Fincher, a telling sign that the former would go on to win the coveted Best Picture Award.  Another telling sign was that Colin Firth's now-famous Speech in that Film was played over a Montage of all the Best Picture Nominees prior to the Award being announced.  The Weinstein Brothers sure know how to win an Oscar, that much I'll say.

VANITY FAIR MARCH 2011 HOLLYWOOD ISSUE COVER

March 2011 Cover of Vanity Fair

Could this Photo get any hotter?  Norman Jean Roy shot this year's eagerly-anticipated Vanity Fair Hollywood Issue Cover and is it ever a sight to see.  Roy managed to bring together: Ryan Reynolds, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway, James Franco, Jennifer Lawrence, Anthony Mackie, Olivia Wilde, Jesse Eisenberg, Mila Kunis, Robert Duvall, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Andrew Garfield, Rashida Jones, Garrett Hedlund and Noomi Rapace together in this Keeper of a Cover.

Click here to read more about the Behind-the-Scenes details of this Shoot.

The March issue of Vanity Fair hits newsstands later this month.  Must grab.

(Photo credit: Norman Jean Roy/Vanity Fair)

NEW OSCARS PROMO PHOTO: JAMES FRANCO & ANNE HATHAWAY

James Franco & Anne Hathaway

Cute!  Just-announced Oscar nominee James Franco and Anne Hathaway pose happily in this new Promotional Photo for the upcoming Oscars, which the Duo will be hosting together.  Do they not look amazing?   This Photo has me craving a a proper on-screen pairing.  Chop-chop, Casting Directors!

February 27, 2011 on ABC.  Mark your calendars, Mavenati!

(Photo credit: ABC)

JAMES FRANCO DEBUTS "THREE'S COMPANY: THE DRAMA" AT SUNDANCE

James Franco at Sundance Film Festival 2011

James Franco premiered his Short Film Three's Company: The Drama at the Sundance Film Festival last night and threw an Party at The Playboy Lounge in Park City, Utah afterward.  The Film takes dialogue drawn from the first three episodes of Three's Company, removes the Laugh Track and reads like a Drama. 

Franco took on the role of Jack Tripper, made famous by our dearly-beloved John Ritter, and it is said that the Lounge was decorated like The Regal Beagle, which the Sitcom's characters frequented.  He even donned a Toque and a blonde wig for the affair, singing a song laced with profanities to ring in this remarkable career achievement.  Oh, James!

In case you missed them, here are some Photos I got of Suzanne Somers, who played Chrissy Snow on the Show, earlier in the week.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

THE GREEN HORNET 3-D - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from The Green Hornet 3-D

Despite not having high expectations for it, Michel Gondry's The Green Hornet 3-D actually is full of pleasant surprises. This take on the Radio Series-cum-Comic, penned for the Big Screen here by Evan Goldberg and its Star Seth Rogen, has no shortage of laughs - at points parodying the often exaggerated action sequences seen in films of this genre. Rogen firmly answers the question of whether or not he can play the lead role in an Action Hero Movie with a definitive "yes"- but not without having to play-up his own unconventionality.

The Green Hornet follows the story of Britt Reid (Rogen), Party Boy Heir to a fountain of wealth left by his deceased media mogul Father James (Tom Wilkinson). Without any real aspirations in life, he winds up meeting one of his Father's Assistants Kato (Jay Chou), a Man of many hidden talents. The two develop a Brother-Brother relationship complete with Sibling Rivalry, setting out to end Organized Crime in Los Angeles while fumbling in their own inexperience and lack of direction.

Britt takes on the alter-ego of The Green Hornet, with the City divided in whether or not his crime-fighting actions are that of a Hero or a Villain. The Duo's strongest opponent is ruthless Gang Leader Chudnofsky (Christoph Waltz) and soon they uncover his secret ties with one of James' politically influencial colleagues, Scanlon (David Harbour). Will The Green Hornet and his trusty Sidekick be able to defeat the powerful Chudnofsky or will they succumb to the power Criminal?

"W" MAGAZINE'S BEST PERFORMANCES OF THE YEAR PORTRAITS

Natalie Portman in W Magazine

I quite literally screamed when I saw these Photos.  Lynn Hirschenberg sits down with  the major Oscar contenders of 2011 in the February issue of W Magazine with stunning Photography by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin.  The Photos are astounding.  

Interestingly we learn that my new favourite Natalie Portman is a huge fan of Dirty Dancing admitting, "I always loved Penny, probably because I was really like Baby. I was a Jewish girl from a Jewish family, so of course I liked the tall, skinny blond girl.”

Jeff Bridges reveals shockingly that he is a huge fan of the quirky Gay-themed Comedy Chuck & Buck, telling Hirschenberg, "I thought the best performance of the last decade was Mike White in Chuck & Buck.  I dug that performance."

JAMES FRANCO AND NATALIE PORTMAN ON "ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY"

James Franco & Natalie Portman on Entertainment Weekly

Although I know it hit newsstands a couple days ago, I just got around to reading this week's issue of Entertainment Weekly this morning in bed, and I must say it is quite possibly the best issue ever.  In two separate Cover Stories, depending on which version you find, both James Franco and Natalie Portman get equal top billing.   We learn that both Actors are good friends after having worked together on upcoming Medieval Comedy, Your Highness out in April.  Due to conflicting schedules though, they haven't been able to hang out despite checking-in often to compare availabilities.

Keith Staskiewicz chats with Franco, mentioning how 127 Hours Director Danny Boyle was unimpressed with the Actor after first meeting him, thinking he was high and v. unfocused.  Upon meeting Franco a second time, Boyle stated that "He (Franco) is very sharp. He uses it as a technique, I think, because it allows him to suss out the room and suss out what's going on before he commits.".  

THE NEW YORK TIMES' ACTORS WHO DEFINED CINEMA IN 2010

Vincent Cassel in The New York Times

I look forward to this every year! The New York Times has just published their annual Photos of The Actors Who Defined Cinema in 2010 and as expected, the Black & White Portraits are stunning.

Among those photographed by The New York Times' Solve Sundsbo this year are the likes of James Franco, Natalie Portman, Jesse Eisenberg, Vincent Cassel, Annette Bening, Javier Bardem, Matt Damon and more.  My favourite is the above Gene Kelly-like shot of Cassel.

Click here to see the complete series of Portraits or purchase Sunday's edition of The New York Times which includes a free Magazine with these photos.  Portman will be gracing its Cover in case you needed that extra incentive.

I know I don't own these Photos, but I can't help posting a couple more of my favourites because I love them so much!

JAMES FRANCO AND ANNE HATHAWAY TO HOST 2011 OSCARS

Anne Hathaway at TIFF 2008

Call it Ageist if you will, but you will be strapped to find many objections to the just-announced Hosts for the 83rd edition of the Oscars.  Academy President Tom Sherak in a move to boost ratings in the younger demographic, made the decision to have both James Franco and Anne Hathaway host the festivities on February 27, 2011.

James Franco at TIFF 2010

What's interesting is that Franco is a serious Oscar contender for his performance in Danny Boyle's 127 Hours, even though ballots are already pretty much in for Colin Firth as Best Actor in The King's Speech.  Hathaway did have a bit of buzz for her role as a young woman with Parkinson's Disease in Love and Other Drugs, but this seems to have tailed off since that film's release.  She did perform an entertaining Broadway Medley with host Hugh Jackman back in 2009 on the Show, which boded well for her being chosen as Host this time around.  

Excited?  I know I am.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

JAMES FRANCO IS GQ'S 2010 "LEADING MAN OF THE YEAR"

James Franco on December 2010 issue of GQ

No surprises there.  James Franco nabs the title of GQ Magazine's 2010 Leading Man of the Year on its forthcoming December issue honouring the year's most notable stars. As announced previously, Scarlett Johansson was voted Babe of the Year on the same issue.  No further explanation required on that choice.

Now joining the likes of hotties Jon Hamm and Daniel Craig who also were honoured in previous years for the title, Franco has never been hotter with an almost certain Oscar nod for his turn as Aron Ralston in Danny Boyle's 127 Hours.

Read more here.

(Photo credit: GQ/Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin)

JAMES FRANCO & NATALIE PORTMAN ON THE SET OF "YOUR HIGHNESS"

David Gordon Green, James Franco and Natalie Portman
on the set of Your Highness

Something light-hearted for a change.  Natalie Portman and James Franco recently wrapped-up production on David Gordon Green's upcoming medieval Action/Comedy Your Highness and Universal Pictures just released these stills from the set.   The film is about two Princes with v. different personalities, who must save their father's Kingdom.  It appears Portman and Franco are having a great time here between takes, doesn't it?  Green is known for films like the excellent Snow Angels (2007) and Pineapple Express, which also starred Franco.  Your Highness also stars indie-favourite Zooey Deschanel and Danny McBride.  McBride will be appearing in the upcoming Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis comedy Due Date out early November.

The switch to Comedy is a welcomed change of pace for Franco, who is now promoting Danny Boyle's hotly-tipped 127 Hours, about the true story of Aron Ralston, who had to amputate  his own arm after being trapped under by a boulder for five-plus days.  Likewise, Portman also is a likely favourite to win an Oscar in March with the intense psycho-thriller Black Swan, making a rare appearance in a Comedy  here as her last few projects like Brothers and The Other Boleyn Girl were emotionally demanding.

Click below to read my exclusive and in-depth coverage of both:

• Black Swan
• 127 Hours

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures)