ENTER TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO SEE "LAWLESS" IN TORONTO

Official Artwork for Lawless

Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven &Alliance Films are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win a Double Pass to see Lawless, starring Gary Oldman, Guy Pearce, Tom Hardy, Shia Labeouf, Mia Wasikowska and Jessica Chastain.

In the mountains of Franklin County, Virginia, the Bondurant Brothers are the stuff of legend. Times are tough and jobs are scarce, but the Bondurants are Entrepreneurs and have built a thriving local business by concocting an intense and popular brand of moonshine. But Franklin County’s bootlegging days are about to end with the arrival of Special Deputy Charlie Rakes (Guy Pearce) from Chicago. The new “law” Rakes brings is lethal and corrupt and will challenge everything the brothers have built and represent. Determined to do whatever is necessary to fight for what is theirs, the Bondurants take up arms and confront the corrupt forces of the law in a faceoff to determine who controls the wettest county in the World.

The Screening takes place in Toronto, Monday, August 27, 2012.

To enter, click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook. You should also be following on Twitter too!  Your deadline is Friday, August 24, 2012.

Watch the Trailer for Lawless here.

Alliance Films releases Lawless on Wednesday, August 29, 2012.

(Photo credit: Alliance Films)

FIRST LOOK: KATHRYN BIGELOW'S "ZERO DARK THIRTY"

Still from Zero Dark Thirty

Without a doubt a Best Picture Frontrunner at the Oscars next year, Zero Dark Thirty is Director Kathryn Bigelow's eagerly-awaited follow-up to Best Picture Winner, The Hurt Locker. Its story is intriguing enough centering on the build-up leading to the take-down of Osama bin Laden, certainly not without its share of controversy with several question marks surrounding how Bigelow got her hands on what was confidential information, from President Obama's Administration.

Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Ehle, Joel Edgerton, Jason Clarke, Mark Strong, Chris Pratt and Taylor Kinney (yes, Boyfriend of Lady Gaga), all star in Zero Dark Thirty.

Watch the Teaser Trailer in full below:

NAOMI WATTS CAST AS PRINCESS DIANA IN "CAUGHT IN FLIGHT"

Naomi Watts

Finally, they've found their Princess Diana!  Oscar-nominated Actress Naomi Watts has officially been cast in upcoming Diana Film, Caught in Flight.  Jessica Chastain prior had been attached to the role but had to pull-out due to scheduling.  The Film is said to focus on that Icon's life following her Divorce from Charles, centering on a passionate affair she had with Dr. Hasnat Khan, who is said to have been the true "love of her life".   

Oliver Hirschbiegel will be helming for Ecosse Films with a $15 million budget.  Production is set to take place between Pakistan, Angola, the South of France and Paris. 

Earlier there was talk of Kiera Knightley and Charlize Theron in-talks to play Diana also in separate projects, although those do not seem to have taken flight - pardon the pun.  I'm di-ing to see this.

(Photo credit: Blackbook Magazine)

REVIEW: "CORIOLANUS"

Still from Coriolanus

If there's one Human Truth one can take away from Ralph Fiennes' directorial debut Coriolanus, it would be the importance of living your own life. The Action-Drama takes modern sensibility, edgy (albeit shaky) Cinematography, outstanding acting and delivers William Shakespeare's lesser-known Play with some bloody, violent gusto.

The Film centers on Coriolanus (Fiennes), a Roman General who at once is celebrated and loathed by his people.  Under the pressure of his controlling Mother Volumnia (Vanessa Redgrave), he is given little choice but to advance to the position of Consul.  After failing to win the hearts of Romans and thus their requisite votes, he reacts angrily and finally is banished from Rome. Coriolanus, leaves behind his beloved Mother, his Wife Virgilia (Jessica Chastain) and Son Martius (Harry Fenn) to form a shocking alliance with his Arch-Nemesis Aufidius (Gerard Butler).  Alas, our Hero's loyalties are tested to the extreme when his Family returns to confront him, but has Coriolanus reached the point of no return?

Point blank, Coriolanus isn't for everyone.  Some fans of Contemporary Cinema simply won't connect with John Logan's Screenplay, which faithfully is Shakespearean; this of course, bodes well for Enthusiasts. Some may even react queasily to the copious amount of violence seen on-screen, but in the end, the Film raises generates some interesting thoughts about Free Will, Betrayal and the cost of Ambition.

A-LISTERS AT 23RD ANNUAL PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS GALA

Brad Pitt & Angeline Jolie at 23rd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala

The 23rd Annual Palm Springs Film Festival Awards Gala is where it was at last night with tons of A-listers flying out to spritz-up the Desert with a bit of Glamour. Brad Pitt, who arrived with a cane in-hand after inuring his knee skiing with three-year-old Daughter Vivienne, received the Desert Palm Achievement Award. On-stage, he thanked Co-stars Jonah Hill, Sean Penn and Philip Seymour Hoffman. On his Tree of Life Co-star Jessica Chastain who earlier received the Spotlight Award, he joked "Usually an Actress has to work in the Porn industry to have that kind of success. It’s impressive.”.

Others honoured last night included Michelle Williams in Prada, receiving the Desert Palm Achievement Award for her work in My Week with Marilyn; Extremely Close and Incredibly Loud Director Stephen Daldry being named Director of the Year; Glenn Close getting a Career Achievement Award; Charlize Theron, Patton Oswalt, Diablo Cody & Jason Reitman given the Ensemble Award for Young Adult; Director Michel Hazanavicius being presented with the Sono Bono Visionary Award for The Artist; and Octavia Spencer, a Breakthrough Performance Award for her work in The Help. 

See Photos from the Night over at Zimbio.

(Photo credit: Getty Images)

ENTER TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO SEE AN ADVANCE SCREENING OF "CORIOLANUS"

Still from Coriolanus

With both Jessica Chastain and Vanessa Redgrave already winning Best Supporting Actress awards from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and San Francisco Film Critics respectively, Coriolanus is already stamping itself as a Contender this Awards Season.

The Directorial Debut from Oscar Winner Ralph Fiennes, also starring himself, made its rounds at TIFF in September and already is appearing in a number of Best-of Lists. The William Shakespeare Adaptation centers around a fallen Roman Hero named Coriolanus (Ralph Fiennes) who allies with a sworn enemy in Tullus (Gerard Butler) to take his revenge on the City. 

D Films releases Coriolanus on January 20, 2012. Click here to watch its exclusive Canadian Trailer.

To enter to win a pair of passes to see the Film on January 18, 2012 at Varsity Cinema, click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook before January 10, 2012.  You may also Re-Tweet the following (you must be following @mrwillw) to qualify:

Mr. Will-W. wants to take me to see D Films' Coriolanus, opening in theatres 1/20/12. #MRWILLWCORIOLANUS

Remember to:
Follow D Films on Twitter here.
Like D Films on Facebook here.

Shall we re-live the time we met both Stars Jessica Chastain, Gerard Butler and Brian Cox back in September?

"TREE OF LIFE" NAMED "BEST PICTURE" BY TORONTO FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION

Stills from Tree of Life

Winners of the 2011 Toronto Film Critics Association Awards were announced last night and there were a couple surprises.  Terrence Malick's polarizing Tree of Life, may have baffled some Moviegoers - earlier this year Cineplex had issued a "no refunds" Template Letter to customers who complained about it - but the Critics loved it and awarded it Best Picture.

In the Acting Categories, Michael Shannon took home top honours for Best Actor with Take Shelter, while his Co-star Jessica Chastain was awarded Best Supporting Actress.  Chastain beat herself out for her performance in Tree of Life also in that same category in winning First Runner-up.

Michelle Williams, who was absolutely stunning in Alliance Films' My Week with Marilyn, won Best Actress deservedly, edging out Newcomer Elizabeth Olsen for Martha Marcy May Marlene and Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady.

Our v. own Christopher Plummer was awarded Best Supporting Actor for Beginners, also from Alliance Films and likely will be a force at the Oscars for his portrayal as an ailing Gay Man.

Read the full list of Winners here.

(Photo credit: eOne Films)

"THE NEW YORK TIMES" BEST PERFORMERS OF 2011 PORTRAITS

Viola Davis

One of the things I look forward to most is The New York Times' Photos of the Best Cinematic Performers of the Year released every December at the onset of Awards Season. This year though they try a little something different, shooting short Vignettes of these Actors and Actresses as famous villainous Horror Icons; self-taught Photographer Alex Prager helms. Pretty bloody terrifying, pretty bloody brilliant.

Talent like Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Rooney Mara, Mia Wasikowska, Rooney Mara, Jessica Chastain, Gary Oldman, Kirsten Dunst, Glenn Close, Ryan Gosling and more took part. Viola Davis' Vignette hands-down is my favourite.  Watch a Ladybug practically go up her nose  and into her eyes without even a flinch.  Now that's focus!

Check out some Photos below:

ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF "THE HELP" ON DVD/BLU-RAY COMBO PACK

Official Artwork for The Help

Even though it came out this past August, I'm still v. much in love with THE HELP and I am a genuine Believer that it will be a force come Awards Season. Buena Vista Home Entertainment will be releasing the $193 million grossing Film on December 6, 2011.  Together, we want to give you a chance to win a copy of it on DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack.

The #1 New York Times Best Seller by Kathryn Stockett comes to vivid life through the powerful performances of a phenomenal ensemble cast. Led by Emma Stone, Academy Award-nominated Viola Davis (Best Supporting Actress, DOUBT, 2008), Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard, THE HELP is an inspirational, courageous and empowering story about very different, extraordinary women in the 1960s South who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project -- one that breaks society's rules and puts them all at risk. Filled with poignancy, humor and hope -- and complete with compelling never-before-seen bonus features - THE HELP is a timeless, universal and triumphant story about the ability to create change.

Watch the Trailer in full below:

JESSICA CHASTAIN CAST AS PRINCESS DIANA IN "CAUGHT IN FLIGHT"

Jessica Chastain at TIFF 2011

Although some were saying that both Charlize Theron and Kiera Knightley each were tied to their own respective Princess Diana projects, IndieWire confirms that "It Girl" Jessica Chastain, who currently is in-and-around Toronto filming Horror Mama, has been cast in the coveted (and controversial) role. 

The Film titled Caught in Flight is about a secret Affair which took place between Princess Diana and Dr. Hasnat Kahn prior to her meeting Dodi Al-Fayed, whom she was seeing at the time of her passing in August 1997.

Pre-production is said to begin March 2012 for Ecosse Films;  Oliver Hirschbiege directs.

...as if Chastain's career couldn't get any hotter!

Read more on IndieWire.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

NEW TRAILER: "CORIOLANUS"

Promotional Still from Coriolanus

Ralph Fiennes' directorial debut, Coriolanus received raves at TIFF 2011 and a release date has been set for Christmas Day for the Drama based upon the play of the same name by William Shakespeare. Already having received many raves, especially for Vanessa Redgrave's performance, its Story centers around Caius Martius Coriolanus (Fiennes) who defies his Mother Volumnia's (Redgrave) wishes, to become Consul in Rome, to instead team with his nemesis Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler), in taking revenge against the same City which refused to support him.

Watch the Trailer in full below:

ENTER TO WIN A JESSICA CHASTAIN-SIGNED "THE HELP" FAN

She was the Darling of TIFF 2011 with two films this year, Take Shelter and Coriolanus. Jessica Chastain will now be calling Toronto her home for the next few months as she begins work on the new Thriller Mama, produced by Guillermo del Toro.

I not only met the beautiful and immensely-talented Chastain once, but three times over the course of TIFF 2011 and she was sweet enough to sign an item to give away for my Readers, a Promo Fan from Disney's The Help in which she stars as the endearing Celia Foote.

Let's re-live the moments again, shall we?

•  Jessica Chastain at Press Conference for Coriolanus
• Jessica Chastain at InStyle Party
• Jessica Chastain at Take Shelter Premiere

To qualify for the win, you must "like" Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven's Facebook Page and leave a comment under this Post with the answer to the following question, "Is it true Madonna recently presented Jessica Chastain with the Gucci Award for Women in Film during the Venice Film Festival?".  Your deadline is October 22, 2011.  Good luck, Mavenati!

JESSICA CHASTAIN AT TIFF 2011 FOR "TAKE SHELTER"

Jessica Chastain & Mr. Will-W.

Your daily Jessica!  Despite Michael Shannon, star of Take Shelter, not being able to appear at his Ryerson Theatre Premiere tonight, none other than his Co-star - "It Girl" Jessica Chastain - came out to greet Fans.  The Actress who soon will be filming in Toronto for approximately three months, generously worked her way up the Barricades, greeting each of them properly even despite the chilly weather, with her back and arms exposed.

The Drama centers around a young Father/Husband who has visions of an Apocalypse, but is never quite sure whether or not he should be sheltering his Family.

Chastain recognized me right away, telling me "I love you!".  I'll be seeing Take Shelter tomorrow and will post my thoughts shortly.  I also will be giving away a signed Photo soon!  Stay tuned.

See some more Photos below:

JESSICA CHASTAIN AT TIFF 2011 FOR "CORIOLANUS"

Jessica Chastain at TIFF 2011

One of the names I was most excited to see at TIFF 2011 was Jessica Chastain and I'm thrilled to say I've gotten my chance to meet her.  Appearing in eight films over the span of one year, all eyes are on this new "It Girl" who went from Theatre to starring alongside Brad Pitt and Sean Penn earlier this year in The Tree of Life.

Currently in Toronto promoting Coriolanus, the directorial debut of acclaimed Actor Ralph Fiennes, Chastain also is slated for an appearance at the Premiere of Take Shelter alongside Michael Shannon later this week.  She will be filming Thriller Mama, a Guillermo del Toro production, in a couple weeks' time in the City too!

Chastain was an absolute Sweetheart, making her way through Fans waiting outside her Press Conference today, before being cat-called over by a bunch of Construction Workers and she played it up even, planting a kiss on one lucky Guy's cheek!  Love her!

See more of Chastain below:

JESSICA CHASTAIN TO FILM "MAMA" IN TORONTO

Jessica Chastain

Things like this make me giddy like a School Girl. Tree of Life, The Debt, The Help, Take Shelter, Coriolanus, Texas Killing Fields, Wilde Salome and The Wettest Country in the World are among some of Jessica Chastain's recent projects to receive much critical buzz.  Count 'em - that's eight high-profile releases slated for release within the span of a year. In addition to there being much talk of her being a Front-runner in the Oscars Best Supporting Actress race for her work in The Help, Chastain just won the Gucci Award for Women in Cinema earlier this weekend in Venice.

But get this - the new Queen of Cinema will be filming in Toronto from October to December, in addition to attending the TIFF 2011 Premieres of Take Shelter and Coriolanus. She is set to star in Guillermo del Toro-produced Mama, a Thriller about two Girls who escape a cruel Woman they believe to be there Mother. Mama, which is one of two del Toro Films being produced in Toronto simultaneously (the other is Pacific Rim), will be directed by Andre Muschietti. OMG. Dying here.

(Photo credit: Alliance Films)

JESSICA CHASTAIN RULES THE BOX OFFICE

Jessica Chastain

If there was ever any doubt about Jessica Chastain's Star Power, I'll have you know that she stars in both the number one and number two Films at the Box Office this weekend. The Help for the second week in a row, lands atop the Box Office in its third week of release, with $18 million projected for this four-day Labour Day weekend. The Debt which has her starring alongside Helen Mirren and Sam Worthington, exceeds expectations in second spot with $12 million, in second spot.  Just one more week til she's here for TIFF 2011!

Apollo 18, despite some negative reviews, lands in third spot in its debut with $11 million, just ahead of another panned Opener, Shark Night 3-D, in fourth.  Both garnered 24% on the Tomatometer at Rotten Tomatoes.

Columbiana is in fifth spot with $10 million for Sony Pictures, just ahead of Don't Be Afraid of the Dark with $6 million; both in their second week of release. Surprisingly, The Smurfs 3-D remains resilient in rounding out the Top Ten, hanging on for a sixth week also for Sony Pictures, with $5 million.

THE CAST OF "THE HELP" WALK RED CARPET AT BEVERLY HILLS PREMIERE

The Cast of The Help

The Red Carpet Premiere of Dreamworks/Disney's The Help was held last night at The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills and the entire Principal Cast showed up! Gorgeous.

Are Bryce Dallas Howard and Jessica Chastain (far right, front row) toying with us by standing beside one another?  Both Actresses often are confused for the other and maybe after this Film's released we'll finally be able to get it right!

See more Photos from the Red Carpet last night by Alberto E. Rodriguez for Getty Images.

The Help is in theatres today. Read my Review here!

(Photo credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

THE HELP - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from The Help

Set in the 1960s at the height of the African-American Civil Rights Movement, The Help is based upon the best-selling Novel of the same name by Author Kathryn Stockett. The Story centers around Skeeter (Emma Stone) who returns home to an oppressive Jackson, Mississippi after completing College studies with the aspirations of becoming a Writer. Getting a job at a local Newspaper, originally she is hired as a Ghostwriter for a mundane Housekeeping Column.  

After learning that her Mother Charlotte (Allison Janney) mysteriously dismisses the Maid who helped raise her Constantine (Cicely Tyson), Skeeter becomes fixated on some of the blatant social injustices these Black Maids face even at the hands of Skeeter's own Society-type Peers.  Secretly, Skeeter enlists the help of Aibileen (Viola Davis) who is the Maid of her Friend Ahna (Elizabeth Leefolt), to compile a shocking Tell-All based upon first-hand accounts from these Women's experiences with their Employers.

Writing this Book however, isn't an easy task as Skeeter must gain the trust of Aibileen and also other Maids like the fearful Minny (Octavia Spencer), who is at the mercy of tyrannical and influencial Employer Hilly Holbrook; Hilly also happens to be a Friend of Skeeter.  The Help focuses on the story of Skeeter, Minny and Aibileen - three Women who are brought together by the division that comes with Racial Segregation.  Ironically, they also are connected together on a much deeper level by the injustices of this division in this thoughtful look at a pivotal point in American History.

Although Director/Writer Tate Taylor might not be a familiar name now, he will more than likely be remembered for this career-defining piece.  The Help brings together one of the strongest Female Ensemble Casts perhaps since 2002's The Hours and together with Author Stockett, Taylor gives these Actresses some meaty material to work with.

"THE TREE OF LIFE" GARNERS BOOS AND PRAISE IN CANNES

Still from Tree of Life

Despite some high expectations for The Thin Red Line Director Terence Malick’s latest work The Tree of Life, reviews unfortunately were mixed after today’s first screening of it at the Cannes Film Festival. Many have been awaiting the Film after multiple delays in its release, almost two years to be exact.

Although many top Critics had positive things to say about the philosophical Drama starring Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain and Sean Penn, there reportedly was a bit of "booing" post-screening, which some Critics like Eric Kohn of IndieWire, took to Twitter clarifying this as an exaggeration.

Here’s what some of the Critics are saying for The Tree of Life:

“This film is not for everyone, and I will admit I am agnostic about the final sequence, which suggests a closure and a redemption nothing else in the film has prepared us for. But this is visionary cinema on an unashamedly huge scale: cinema that's thinking big.”. - PETER BRADSHAW - THE GUARDIAN

NEW STILLS FROM "THE HELP" STARRING EMMA STONE

Still from The Help

Although it’s not due in theatres until August, Disney has just released some new Stills from upcoming Drama The Help starring the magnetic Emma Stone.  The Film which studies Race relations in the ‘60s in a small Mississippi Town, is said to be a heart-warming tale about an unlikely Friendship being formed – shocking in a time when racial segregation was ever-prevalent. The Film is based upon the Novel of the same title by Kathryn Stockett.

The Help stars a female Cast of heavy-hitters including Sissy Spacek, Viola Davis, Allison Janney, Bryce Dallas Howard and also Jessica Chastain. The latter many of us will be excited to see this May in Fox Searchlight’s The Tree of Life with Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.

Check out another Still below: