64TH PRIMETIME EMMY AWARD NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

The Judges of NBC's The Voice

The 64th Primetime Emmy Award Nominees have been announced and indeed Television has stepped-up its game with field upon field of tough competition in each category. This year we see the return of AMC's Mad Men after a lengthy absence and it is a force to be reckoned with Elisabeth Moss, Jon Hamm, Christina Hendricks and even the underrated Jared Harris being recognized for their superb work. HBO's Comedy, Girls, also is a force to be reckoned with, getting nods for Outstanding Comedy Series and Lead Actress in a Comedy with Lena Dunham. 

ABC's Modern Family once again is well-represented with all four of its male Stars, Ty Burrell, Ed O'Neill, Eric Stonestreet and Jesse Tyler Ferguson all up against each other for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

Kristen Wiig stands a v. good chance at winning in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actress for her work on NBC's Saturday Night Live with this past season having been her finale one.

Julianne Moore is up against her The Hours Co-star Nicole Kidman for Outstanding Actress in a Miniseries or TV Movie for her portrayal of Sarah Palin in HBO's Game Change, while the latter is being recognized for her work in HBO's Hemingway & Gellhorn.  Ashley Judd somehow is angled into the same category for her work in Missing which after its cancellation, is now being considered a Miniseries? Girl, please.

Interestingly, NBC's The Voice is nominated in the category of Outstanding Reality Program, while the Godfather in the genre, FOX's American Idol fails to get any recognition from the Academy.  The two programs have had v. public feuds in the Media in the past with Idol's Randy Jackson having called its Foe, "second-rate".

Click here for a full list of Nominees.

(Photo credit: NBC)

ENTER TO WIN "FRIENDS WITH KIDS" ON DVD

Friends with Kids on DVD

One of the biggest hits of TIFF 2011 was Friends with Kids and after a few additional tune-ups and a decent run at the Theatres, the Jennifer Westfeldt acted, written and directed-Film is now seeing a DVD release.  We were at its Premiere - click here for a walk down Memory Lane!

Friends with Kids centers around two best Friends, Julie (Westfeldt) and Jason (Adam Scott) who decide to raise a Child together. Although their feelings for one another are completely platonic, we begin to see complexities develop as they each carry-on in their own respective romantic lives.

Starring an outstanding Supporting Cast which includes Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Megan Fox, Chris O'Dowd, Edward Burns and more, Friends with Kids is equal parts a Drama as it is a Comedy and a Romance.  It hits stores on Tuesday, July 17, 2012.

Touchwood PR, VVS Films and Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven are excited to offer Canadian Readers a chance to win one of five DVD copies up for grabs.  All you have to do to enter is "like" this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and be following me on Twitter.  Your deadline is Friday, July 13, 2012.  Good luck.

Don't forget to check-out Touchwood PR's Facebook Page for information on their upcoming releases.

(Photo credit: VVS Films)

MICK JAGGER HOSTS "SNL": KRISTEN WIIG SAYS FAREWELL

Mick Jagger on SNL

Fantastic 37th Season Finale for NBC's Saturday Night Live! Rock Legend Mick Jagger not only hosted, but also filled the role of Musical Guest last night in a great display of acting chops.  Jagger showed his range, playing a Gay Actor in mock Game Show Catch Phrase which saw him trying to flirt with his Game Partner (Taran Killam), while dropping some not so subtle clues about his Sexuality.  

Jagger also did a brilliant job in a Karaoke Skit which saw Fred Armisen and Bobby Moynihan do impressions of him as he sat tortured, failing to see the resemblance.  In his Musical Performance, he was paired together with some of his favourite new Acts, Foo Fighters and also Arcade Fire showing that he's still got those Jagger-like Moves.

Mad Men Star Jon Hamm even made an appearance on the Show's Cold Opening titled The Lawrence Welk Show which had him appear as an Italian Crooner, Johnny Prosciuotto (a play on Jon Hamm).  His Performance kept getting crashed however by Kristen Wiig's unwelcome attentions as she tried seducing him onstage with her disproportionately-sized hands. Brilliant. Who knew Hamm could sing so well?

Last night also was Kristen Wiig's Swan Song on SNL, receiving a Tribute from her Co-Stars and Jagger, presented in a Skit wearing a Cap and Gown as "one particular Student who won't be returning this Summer".  Holding back her tears, Wiig danced to Ruby Tuesday alongside with the Show's Ensemble and Jagger.  She will be missed.

If you're in Canada, watch Clips on Global Television's SNL Website here.

(Photo credit: NBC)

WILL FERRELL RETURNS TO "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE" FOR MOTHER'S DAY

Will Ferrell on SNL

Will Ferrell made a long-awaited return to his Saturday Night Live roots last night, bringing some serious laughs. Opening the Mother's Day Episode with a Speech with him awkwardly describing his love for his Mother Kay, who was by his side. He gave her a heartfelt thanks by the end of those few fumbling minutes, mentioning his appreciation for her for delivering him through her "lady parts with a bunch of strange men standing around her".

In a Mock-Commercial for a medication called Nasaflu, Kristen Wiig and the Funnyman were pitch-perfect together. Ferrell appeared as a Man with a loud, abrasive sneeze frequently interrupting his Wife (Wiig) as she attempted with growing frustration, to introduce the benefits of the Medicine.

Just as she settles into bed for the night, watch what happens!

Also memorable is a hilarious Sketch reuniting SNL Alumni Ana Gasteyer together with Ferrell as their famous Duo Marty & Bobbi performing some Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender-fied Verions of the Hits at an LGBT Prom. Amaze.

For those of us in Canada, click here to see.

(Photo credit: NBC)

LINDSAY LOHAN ON "SNL"

Lindsay Lohan on SNL

Drawing some mixed reviews from her big return to NBC's Saturday Night Live, one cannot help but feel a bit underwhelmed especially after all the build-up leading to tonight's Episode hosted by Lindsay Lohan. Now the problems weren't all entirely all her from a performance standpoint, but more the lack of wit in some of the material she was relegated to.

Starting off with some big laughs, a blonde and almost unrecognizable Lohan put her pride aside and poked fun at her own personal problems during the Show's introduction with her Ankle Monitor going off jokingly as she stepped too far center stage. Kenan Thompson then came on-stage, checking her pupils and then getting a pat-down from Kristen Wiig, before we were re-assured that Lohan's certified and ready-to-go.  Jon Hamm even was on-standby in the event they needed a Back-up.  They kid.  Or were they?

ZOOEY DESCHANEL ON "SNL": JEAN DUJARDIN SURPRISE APPEARANCE

Zooey Deschanel & Jean Dujardin on SNL

What a surprise it was to see The Artist Star Jean Dujardin on last night's Saturday Night Live, hosted by Zooey Deschanel!  The Best Actor Frontrunner made an appearance on the Sketch, Les Jeunes de Paris - normally reserved best for Emma Stone - a subtle and appropriate bit of campaigning to nab that Oscar.

Deschanel was delightful, performing a cute song in a heart-patterned dress on her Ukulele about her Boyfriend forgetting Valentine's Day, which sounded similar to her viral version of What Are You Doing New Years' Eve?  Suffering a few fumbles with her dialogue, the New Girl Star's best Sketch teamed her with Kristen Wiig, both of them enticing a group of hungry Men at a restaurant called Crab Blast.  After teasing and teasing at great lengths, ultimately we learn there is no crab to be served!

Watch Deschanel on SNL in the US here and in Canada here.

(Photo credit: NBC)

JIMMY FALLON & MICHAEL BUBLÉ ON "SNL"

Michael Bublé & Jimmy Fallon on SNL

Jimmy Fallon returned to his Saturday Night Live roots last night and absolutely knocked it out of the Ballpark for that Christmas Episode, featuring Michael Bublé as Musical Guest. SNL Alumni Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Rachel Dratch and more popped by to show their support too! 

You must watch this mock Michael Bublé Christmas Duets Fauxmercial which will have you rolling on the floor with some pretty dead-on impressions of Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, M.I.A., Ke$ha, Russell Brand, Scotty McCreery, Sting, Kanye West and Thom Yorke. Amaze.  Bublé also is quite funny reacting to these little disastrous Duets.

This ridiculous War Horse Parody also cannot be missed where they make a complete mockery of the TONY Award-winning Play with Fallon playing the Horse, Joey.

KATY PERRY MAKES DEBUT HAS "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE" HOST

Katy Perry on SNL

Katy Perry debuted a new Blonde Bob on her first-ever appearance on Saturday Night Live as Host. Careful not to spread herself too thin, Musical Guest responsibilities were delegated to Swedish Pop Queen Robyn.

Even though Perry's Skits weren't overly ambitious, she did ably deliver what was required of her in a variety of Roles including the highlight which had her playing Pippa Middleton, telling off Queen Victoria and King Phillip, calling them "Geysers", for pressuring Sister Kate to make a Baby. Perry's British Accent was quite spot-on undoubtedly due to the help of Funnyman Husband Russell Brand, just in Toronto on Thursday.

Another Skit had her playing herself on a Finnish Talk Show with Kristen Wiig playing Host and making Perry uncomfortable as Clips were shown every time she answered a question.  One could see that she was able to relax more  by her final Skit opposite a noticeably-slimmer Horatio Sanz, a Stranger she falls in love with based on all the similarities they share including their love for Singer, Jewel.  They even shared a full-on Kiss!

Matt Damon and Val Kilmer also made a quick appearances on the Episode in a Musical SNL Digital Short done in the spirit of The Muppets, along with Andy Samberg and Perry.

Matt Damon, Val Kilmer, Katy Perry & Andy Samberg

Meanwhile, Robyn wowed the Audience with renditions of Grammy-nominated Call Your Girlfriend and also Dancing on my Own.   In the former, she even pulled-out some Hand-Jives and a Summersault.  Pretty snazzy.

"FRIENDS WITH KIDS" PREMIERE AT TIFF WITH MEGAN FOX, JON HAMM, ADAM SCOTT & JENNIFER WESTFELDT

Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green in Toronto - September 2011

Although tonight marked the Premiere of Actress Jennifer Westfeldt's directorial debut Friends with Kids, all eyes really were on the gorgeous Megan Fox on the Red Carpet tonight at Ryerson Theatre.  The Comedy premiering at TIFF 2011 received plenty of praise from its Audience and its Cast were kind enough to spend a generous amount of time greeting Fans.  Fox is said to have opted to greet Fans instead of sitting down to watch the Film.

I was one of the lucky ones who actually got a Photo with Fox, as she has built a reputation of not doing it prior.  Actually her Husband Brian Austin Green was the one to take the Photo, as Fox was in fine form this evening, ravishing in red.

Also in attendance this evening at the Premiere were Fox's Co-stars Jon Hamm, Adam Scott and Director Westfeldt (Hamm's longtime Partner).  Unfortunately, Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph were unable to attend the festivities.

See more Photos below:

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE & LADY GAGA ON "SNL" | "IT'S NOT GAY WHEN IT'S IN A THREE-WAY"

Justin Timberlake hosts Saturday Night Live

Although it's sad to see another season of Saturday Night Live end, at least last night's Finale was a memorable one.  Host Justin Timberlake was joined not only by Lady Gaga as a Musical Guest, but also appeared alongside her on three Sketches.  And how about that Cameo from our favourite Sex Symbol Bradley Cooper, who I interviewed last week here.

Timberlake fully combined his talents to bring out the laughs whether it be dancing in a Beer costume in  a Drink-off against Kristen Wiig in a Tea Bag get-up, or singing with Andy Samberg in a continuation of their Mother Lover Digital Short series.  In the latter Musical Clip, both Timberlake and Samberg together with Gaga, sang about the sexy joys of a Threesome.  "It's not Gay when it's in a three-way", they proclaim - at one point parodying two Jacks and one Chrissy in an homage to Three's Company!

And despite promising not to sing, so to let Gaga have her moment, he still went into song and dance during his introduction, at one point serenading a lucky Woman in the audience on bended knee.

You absolutely must watch Gaga, Samberg and Timberlake's Digital Short below.  So hot!

KRISTEN WIIG IN JUNE 2011 ISSUE OF "INTERVIEW"

Kristen Wiig in June 2011 issue of Interview

"There’s definitely a difference between girls seeing a stripper and guys seeing a stripper. When a male stripper comes into a room of girls, they’re just laughing and screaming and giggling and embarrassed. It’s funny." - Kristen Wiig 

The lovely, sexy and talented Kristen Wiig, aka our new Queen of Comedy, sits down and chats with David Grohl of The Foo Fighters on the June 2011 issue of Interview Magazine.  She reveals how raucous she was as a Teenager growing up in Rochester but also says how she actually is, "I never considered myself to be funny—maybe because socially I can be a little shy sometimes. I just didn’t think that you could be both.".

Click here to read the Interview in full.

If you haven't seen Bridesmaids yet, please see it this Long Weekend.  Funniest Film of 2011.  Read my Review here.

(Photo credit: Steven Pan/Interview Magazine)

BRIDESMAIDS - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Bridesmaids

Easily one of the best Films of 2011, Bridesmaids is equal parts heartfelt as it is hilarious. The Paul Feig (Superbad) Film centers around Annie (Kristen Wiig), a single lovelorn Woman who is coping with the failure of her Bakery which recently went Bankrupt. Her BFF since childhood Lilian (Maya Rudolph) then suddenly names her Maid of Honour at her upcoming wedding, but Annie really hasn't a clue what to do. Above this, she must deal with the menacing presence of the socially graceful Helen (Rose Byrne), who over the past eight months has become quite close to Lilian, threatening her role as BFF/Maid of Honour.

Annie is involved with Tim (Jon Hamm), a Playboy who takes advantage of her and has no plans to commit to her. Getting pulled-over while driving one day, she encounters Nathan (Chris O'Dowd) who just might the right Guy for her. Being challenged by her own personal Demons and insecurities, Annie finds herself caught in a cycle of self-sabotage and with Lilian's wedding looming, we are concerned whether ultimately she'll  be able to pull herself out this slump.

Although Judd Apatow fills the role of Producer here, his influence is palpable even with Feig helming the Film.  As normally is the case with Apatow's films, they often clock-in past the two-hour mark, yet on that note the characters in his stories are thoughtfully crafted with genuine struggles.  Bridesmaids is no exception.

"BRIDESMAIDS" DEBUTS IMPRESSIVELY BEHIND "THOR"

Still from Bridesmaids

Thor shows no signs of stopping, landing on top of the Box Office again for a second week. The Marvel Comics adaptation brought in $34 million this weekend from 3,963 theatres, firmly planting Australian Actor Chris Hemsworth as a star in North America. Hemsworth is said to be starring next in the upcoming Snow White and the Huntsman 3-D adaptation set to film in Montreal with Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron.

Despite opening against a Monster, Universal Pictures' Bridesmaids exceeds expectations, debuting in second spot with $24.5 million from 2,918 theatres. The Comedy pairs Saturday Night Live alumni Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph together and actually has received stellar reviews also. Rotten Tomatoes pegs it in around the 90% mark on its Tomatometer, making it one of the best-reviewed films of 2011. To put this into perspective, despite this being R-rated and showing in only a fraction of theatres that Thor is, Bridesmaids actually is the real champion here.

Fast Five still is going strong this weekend and despite slipping to third in its third week of release, it still earns $20.2 million at the Box Office. Usher who was in Toronto this weekend, could not resist even and had to head to our AMC to see it Friday night!

"BRIDESMAIDS" IN THEATRES SOON

 

This looks absolutely amazing!  Bridesmaids from Veteran Actor/Director Paul Feig, centers around Annie (Kristen Wiig), who is asked by Lillian (Maya Rudolph) to be her Maid of Honour.  Annie, broke and single, is forced to put on a brave face and tough her way through the pre-wedding rituals and what ensues is a series of antics almost sure to draw laughter.  She doesn't have a clue what to do!

And if all else fails, there's a superb Supporting Cast which includes Melissa McCarthy, Jon Hamm, Rose Byrne... and a Cameo by Wilson Phillips!  Yes!!!  Judd Apatow (The 40 Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up) produces.

Universal Pictures releases Bridesmaids on Friday, May 13, 2011.

Watch the Trailer in full below:

MILEY CYRUS IMPRESSES IN "SNL" DEBUT

Miley Cyrus SNL Bumper Photo

Are we less stubborn now the morning after to admit that Miley Cyrus absolutely killed it on Saturday Night Live last night? Watch the below Intro where Cyrus in the spirit of Eminem, lays it all out on the table, leaving no room for us to poke at her any further. Everything from the Vanity Fair/Annie Leibovitz Cover Photo Scandal to eating a Twizzler with a female Friend and being photographed. She's not perfect.... and neither are we!

Cyrus was a complete natural last night, shining bright in many moments including the Skit about fictitious  The Miley Cyrus Show in which Vanessa Bayer played her to perfection - everything from the diction to that Southern twang.  Meanwhile Cyrus spoofed her good Friend Justin Bieber in a Hoodie and close approximation of his now-former Hairstyle. Nothing mean - all in good fun.

MEGAN FOX FILMING "FRIENDS WITH KIDS" WITH JON HAMM, JENNIFER WESTFELDT AND KRISTEN WIIG



Production Photo from Friends with Kids



Finally, a role in a non-Action film.  Megan Fox just posted this Behind-the-Scenes Photo on her Facebook Fan Page from the he set of her latest project Friends with Kids.  The Film is being written/produced/directed and acted by Jennifer Westfeldt, who also happens to be the longtime partner of red hot Jon Hamm.  Hamm also will star, along with the amazingly funny Kristen Wiig of Saturday Night Live.  It it said that Anne Hathaway originally was to star in the project too but that never came to fruition and it looks as though Fox has replaced her.  She will be dating the character of Adam Scott.

Its plot is a bit unconventional, revolving around  a pair of Best Friends who decide to have Children and date other people in response to the pressures of being married and having Kids.  Production is taking place in New York City right now and Friends with Kids is expected to hit theatres in 2012. 

Crossing fingers that this gets a screening at TIFF as both Hamm and Westfeldt were seen this past September mingling from party to party, possibly networking for the project?

(Photo credit: Megan Fox)

JANE LYNCH AND BRUNO MARS ON SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

Bruno Mars, Jane Lynch 
& Kristen Wiig on Saturday Night Live

Glee's Jane Lynch made her long-awaited appearance as host of Saturday Night Live last night and as expected, she delivered the laughs.  The episode however, is a testament to how incredibly funny and talented Kristen Wiig is, as she stole the show repeatedly in skits like Password.  The skit had both Wiig and Lynch playing sassy stars paired with contestants on a game show where they were to give clues to a password to be guessed correctly.  Hilariously, Lynch kept giving away the answers repeatedly in a jumbled sentence which included the word "almost 50 times!".   Wiig also did a hilarious parody of CNN's Budgeting Expert Suze Orman, constantly eluding to a Lesbian relationship she had many years ago with her guest, played by Lynch.

Another highlight of the show was a skit where Lynch played a woman trying to return a bag at the Customer Service Desk of a store with Denzel Washington (Jay Pharoah) as the Clerk.  Pharoah's imitation of the Oscar-winning actor was perfect, accosting Lynch for returning the Bag and then accusing her of being Racist because the bag's brown colour was not to her liking.  Too good.

Lynch also delivered in a parody of Faith Hill singing the theme song to NBC's Sunday Night Football show, showing off her singing chops and proving that she can still sound good without all the production behind Glee.  The song would just not end, entrancing the show's anchors in boredom.

WILL FORTE LEAVES SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

One less reason to watch NBC's Saturday Night Live.  Eight season veteran Will Forte who brought us the brilliant MacGruber sketches, has announced today via his Publicist that he will not be returning to the show this Fall.  Instead, he will be focusing on film projects including A Good Old Fashioned Orgy, also starring SNL alumni Jason Sudeikis as a Groom looking to throw one final wild bash before his big Wedding Day.   The film still does not have a confirmed release date.

Kristen Wiig, please don't you leave too!

MACGRUBER REVIEW

MacGruber is the latest in a slew of Saturday Night Live spin-off feature films to hit the big screen, but where it differs from many of its predecessors is that it actually delivers beyond just a funny Trailer. It is ridiculous, repulsive, offensive and I absolutely loved it.

The comedy, directed by Saturday Night Live writer Jorma Taccone, is actually his directorial feature debut. The film, co-written by its star Will Forte is held up almost completely by him as a One Man Show with his brilliant sense of timing, fearlessness and witty writing.

The story has retired special operative MacGruber back on a mission to protect Washington, DC against a planned nuclear attack by Dieter Von Cunth (Val Kilmer); yes, it's pronounced just as it's spelled. After accidentally - albeit hilariously - killing off his team of helpers, MacGruber is desperate for help and successfully convinces long-time object of desire Vicki St. Elmo (Kristen Wiig) and initially reluctant Lt. Dixon Piper (Ryan Phillipe) to come aboard.

VIDEO: SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE "WE ARE THE WORLD 3" PARODY (MUST WATCH!)

Occasionally our friends at NBC's Saturday Night Live nail it and when they nail it, they nail it good. Watch their hilarious spoof We are the World 3, to raise awareness for the disastrous charity single We are the World 2010 for Haiti featuring Rihanna (Jennifer Lopez), Eddie Vedder, Adam Lambert, Shakira, Lady Gaga and Gwen Stefani (Kristen Wiig)!

What do you think - cruel or funny?