"THE EXPENDABLES 2" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from The Expendables 2

 Although it is v. tempting to be a cynic about The Expendables 2, it is almost impossible to deny how ridiculously fun it is. How can one deny the combined legacies of so many legendary talents? Church (Bruce Willis) returns here with an assignment for The Expendables after their Leader Barney (Sylvester Stallone) runs off with some of his money - all $5 million of it. Believe me, Church isn't going to eat the loss on this one.

Joining The Expendables this time around is the likable Maggie (Nan Yu), who with her intellect and poise help the team out after new addition ex-Soldier Billy (Liam Hemsworth) is captured and killed by opposition Leader Jean-Claude Van Damme (Jean Vilain). The Expendables face their toughest assignment yet helping free a village of Plutonium Miners help captive by Jean and his ruthless Men. Along the way, they might even get the help of a few famous old Friends.

In addition to the obvious heart-racing, no-guns-needed action sequences delivered courtesy of Lee (Jason Statham) vs. Hector (Scott Adkins) and also Barney vs. Jean, the One-Liners, Punchlines and Jokes are actually pretty darn clever - kudos to Richard Wenk and Stallone who crafted the Screenplay. Particularly there is one scene where even with little text, the whole theatre can be brought to laughter by the subtext alone beneath something as mundane as a talk about memorable meals. In-on-the-fun Cameos by Chuck Norris and Arnold Schwarzenegger heighten the excitement to a new level; a Fanboy's wildest dream on screen. The fun Motown/Classic Soul Soundtrack although an odd-fit, is a nice touch.

The Expendables 2 builds on the trend of successful Action Films led by its Predecessor and also Red, which cater to a more mature audience, proving that you don't necessarily need a Cast of young, fresh faces to draw-in a crowd at the Box Office. Count me among the legion of The Expendables Fans rather excited for a third installment. Alliance Films releases The Expendables 3 wide on August 17, 2012.

HAPPY HUNGER GAMES!

Josh Hutcherson in Toronto - March 2012

Opening in 4,137 theatres today, The Hunger Games according to some estimates, is expected to make up to $150 million this weekend alone.  Will it live up to the hype with Midnight Screenings alone last night drawing huge line-ups north and south of the Border?

In case you're planning to see it this weekend, here are a few links for you to get up-to-speed on all the fun we've had with it!

• My Review of The Hunger Games
• Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth & Alexander Ludwig in Toronto for Canadian Premiere of The Hunger Games (Pics & Video)
• Alexander Ludwig in Toronto for The Hunger Games
• Jennifer Lawrence Autograph The Hunger Games Prize Pack 
• Liam Hemsworth & Alexander Ludwig Autograph The Hunger Games Prize Pack

Have fun if you're seeing it this weekend - and many of you are - and may the odds be forever in your favour! Happy Hunger Games!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ALEXANDER LUDWIG IN TORONTO FOR "THE HUNGER GAMES"

Alexander Ludwig in Toronto - March 2012

Making one last round of stops in Toronto, Vancouver's Alexander Ludwig visited KISS 92.5 and City TV's Breakfast Television before heading back home for more The Hunger Games festivities tonight.  Scheduled for him at Chapters Metro Town in Burnaby this evening is a Hero's Welcome Home where he will be meeting Fans and signing Autographs. 

The Actor who stars as the villainous Cato in what is the first installment of the next massive Teen Franchise to hit theatres Friday, promoted the Film along with Co-stars Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth yesterday in the City. He also walked the Red Carpet at its Canadian Premiere and we were there! Click here for more on that and how you can win a Photo Signed by Ludwig.

The thick morning fog could not keep Ludwig from seeing his Fans outside KISS 92.5 and he was gracious to stop and pose for Photos despite being in a rush this morning, hopping out of his Suburban all smiles. Expect big things to come from this Canadian Talent who many of you may recognize from The Race to Witch Mountain!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"THE HUNGER GAMES": MOVIE REVIEW

Still from The Hunger Games

Set in the not-too-distant future in a famine and war-torn version of North America called Panem - one Boy and one Girl are to be chosen from each of its twelve districts.  They will fight to-the-death in a series of annual Televised Games which all Citizens are required to watch. Sparing the life of her weak younger Sister Primrose (Willow Shields) after her name is drawn in the determining Lottery, a brazen Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) decides to volunteer herself. Together with her drawn male Counterpart Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), she must fight for the honour of her District and more importantly, fight to survive against her vicious and increasingly ruthless Opponents.  With the help of her Mentors Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) and Cinna (Lenny Kravitz), Katniss undergoes the Transformation of a lifetime needed to place her in good favour with all-too-crucial Sponsors and the watchful Public. There can only be one Winner in The Hunger Games, but will it be her? What will become of her looming Romance with Peeta, if only one of them were to live?

Never having flipped a page in the Suzanne Collins Trilogy which the forthcoming The Hunger Games Films are and will be based upon, I found myself drawn-in almost instantaneously to this cutthroat World ruled by tyrannous President Snow (Donald Sutherland), where Human Beings heartlessly are pitted against one another for Entertainment. We don't question it, we accept it and for two-and-a-half hours we are on the edge of our seats, hoping for the best.  

Director Gary Ross takes this Story set against unfortunate circumstances and turns it into an experience that is visceral, tapping into truths about basic Human needs for Love, Companionship and Protection.  We are swept away on a battle, questioning loyalties, yet always being careful never to fall prey to lethal traps.  We aren't watching a Movie, we are growing along with Katniss and fighting with her.

"THE HUNGER GAMES" CANADIAN PREMIERE: JOSH HUTCHERSON, LIAM HEMSWORTH & ALEXANDER LUDWIG IN TORONTO | ENTER TO WIN PRIZE PACK

Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Alexander Ludwig & Shaun Marks at Canadian Premiere of The Hunger Games

It was Panem-onium in Toronto today as the Hunks of The Hunger Games kicked-off the Canadian leg of the Blockbuster's Press Tour. Stars Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth and Vancouver's Alexander Ludwig who play Peeta, Gale and Cato respectively in the first installment of what looks to be a massively successful Franchise, made stop-offs  at CTV's The Marilyn Denis Show and MuchMusic's New.Music.Live.  This evening, they graced the Red Carpet at Scotiabank Theatre for the Canadian Premiere of the Film.

On The Marilyn Denis Show, we learned that the Boys bonded off-set, experimenting on some Dubstep Music and they had nothing but praise for their Co-Star Jennifer Lawrence who they claim is actually really funny.  Ludwig, who plays the role of the Villain feels his Character is misunderstood and revealed that he actually gained over 40 lbs for the role, eating much Junk Food.  Always remembering his humble beginnings, Hutcherson revealed also that he'll soon be hosting a Hometown Screening of The Hunger Games back in Kentucky where hails from.

THANK YOU, JOSH HUTCHERSON.

Signed Photo by Josh Hutcherson

Yes, this really happened. Thank you to the kind Gentleman who arranged this for me and thank you Josh Hutcherson (who stars as Peeta Mellark) for your generosity!  Although Hutcherson wasn't meeting Fans tonight, we will be seeing him on the Red Carpet tomorrow night at The Hunger Games' Canadian Premiere and I'll be bringing stories and Photos of all the excitement!

I can confirm that Stars Liam Hemsworth, Alexander Ludwig and Hutcherson are all now officially in the City and ready to embark on their busy Press Day tomorrow.  Are you ready, Toronto?

I now have a complete set signed by the three Stars of The Hunger Games: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth, which is mighty cool and frameworthy!  Yes, totally Fanboying-out here! Amaze.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

WATCH "THE HUNGER GAMES" RED CARPET AT YAHOO! MOVIES

Jennifer Lawrence & Director Gary Ross at Los Angeles Premire of The Hunger Games

I am dying of excitement after watching this Yahoo! Stream of The Hunger Games' Los Angeles Premiere Red Carpet! Jennifer Lawrence looked stunning a gold Prabal Gurung Dress and when asked about her new-found fame, she admits "All the people who used to know me are now kissing my ass!".  Gratuitously, she covered the Red Carpet and  even accommodated Fans lined-up on the opposite side of the street outside Nokia Live Theatre, signing Autographs.  How can we not love her?

Watch the Red Carpet Festivities below:

(Photo credit: Lionsgate Films/Video credit: Yahoo!)

JOSH HUTCHERSON, LIAM HEMSWORTH & ALEXANDER LUDWIG SET FOR CANADIAN "THE HUNGER GAMES" PREMIERE: ENTER TO WIN PASSES!

Josh Hutcherson, Alexander Ludwig & Liam Hemsworth in The Hunger Games

After much anticipation, I'm thrilled to confirm that on Monday, March 19, 2012, Toronto will be playing host to a Red Carpet Premiere for The Hunger Games at Scotiabank Theatre. Above this, we also will be welcoming Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and Cato (Alexander Ludwig) to the 416 in yet another exciting Premiere from Alliance Films, who this year alone have given us much to cheer for with The Woman in Black and Goon.

This first installment in what looks to be a thrilling Trilogy based on the best-selling novels by Suzanne Collins, takes place in Panem, a futuristic replacement for North America torn apart by war and famine. 24 Participants representing 12 Districts will be forced to eliminate one another in a series of televised Games, as Citizens are required to watch-on. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) sacrifices her life by offering to go in place of her younger Sister, whose name is drawn through a lottery. Will she and her male counterpart Peeta survive this battle against others, including some who have trained most of their lives for this?

Watch the gripping Trailer for The Hunger Games below:

I'm thrilled beyond words to announce that Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven and Alliance Films will be making a lucky Reader or two (allotment to be determined) extremely happy by giving away Double Passes to the Canadian Red Carpet Premiere of The Hunger Games! To enter, simply click "like" on Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and also this corresponding Post. Double your chances by following me on Twitter and Re-Tweeting the following:

@mrwillw wants to take me to the Canadian Premiere of The Hunger Games! RT to win passes. http://tinyurl.com/7xvs3q3

Your deadline is Thursday, March 15, 2012. Remember to "like" Alliance Films on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter here.

 In the meantime, don't forget also about my exciting The Hunger Games Prize Pack Giveaway which includes the complete Trilogy, Character Trading Cards and a signed Photo from Katniss herself, Jennifer Lawrence!

The Hunger Games opens on March 23, 2012. 

(Photo credit/video credit: Alliance Films)

JENNIFER LAWRENCE, JOSH HUTCHERSON & LIAM HEMSWORTH EMBARK ON "THE HUNGER GAMES" MALL TOUR

Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence & Josh Hutcherson

With just 19 days to go until its release, The Hunger Games have become unavoidable. Buzz is allover the Internet, TV Spots are running in high-rotation and now the Cast are even hitting malls across the U.S. including a frenzied Meet & Greet held yesterday at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles including Principal Stars: Liam Hemsworth, Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson.  Other stop-offs include: Miami, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, Minneapolis, Atlanta and Phoenix.

Although Toronto won't be on the Mall Tour, three Cast Members will be here on Monday, March 19, 2012 for the Red Carpet Canadian Premiere of The Hunger Games.  As per Alliance Films, their names will be announced tomorrow, so remember to stay tuned and follow them on Twitter for the update!  I may have heard whisperings of which three Actors we might expect, so we'll see tomorrow...

For those of you who like me, can't wait for the March 23, 2012 release of The Hunger Games, here's a little four-second Ringtone of the four notes which will come to define the Suzanne Collins-penned Trilogy.  It is in MP3 format and will only work if your phone plays MP3 Ringtones. This will have to do until something more official is available.  Copyright is owned by Lionsgate Films. Let's "ring" in The Hunger Games' release together!    Enjoy.

(Photo credit: Lionsgate Films/Getty Images)

BRADLEY COOPER IS THE "SEXIEST MAN ALIVE"!

Bradley Cooper on People Magazine

People Magazine in their annual Poll has crowned Bradley Cooper their 2011 Sexiest Man Alive... and I couldn't agree more. His good looks and easy-going demeanour sometimes make us lose sight of the fact that he's hella brainy and I had the honour of meeting the Hunk earlier this year and got to ask him a few questions. Swoon!

Others to make the Poll include Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, Dylan McDermott, Idris Elba (currently in Toronto), Liam Hemsworth, Joel McHale, Jason Momoa and more. But where are legit Hotties like Michael Fassbender and Henry Cavill? I demand a recount!

Read it all in full here!

(Photo credit: People Magazine)

FIRST TRAILER: "THE HUNGER GAMES"

Still from The Hunger Games

It's here.  The Official Trailer for The Hunger Games has finally premiered and it's rather intense if I might say so myself.  See Jennifer Lawrence shine as Katniss, bravely stepping-up to the challenge of becoming a Tribute in a post-Apocalyptic North America, Panem, for their annual Hunger Games.  Elizabeth Banks  is barely recognizable as Effie Trinket. Wow.

Watch the Trailer in full below:

"The Games will change everyone", its Tagline suggests.

Alliance Films.  March 23, 2012.  

(Photo/video credit: Alliance Films)

NEW CHARACTER POSTERS FROM "THE HUNGER GAMES"

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss in The Hunger Games 

In anticipation of what surely will be a huge Blockbuster smash, these new Character Posters for The Hunger Games have just been released and for the first time we get a proper glimpse of the Principal Cast which includes Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone), Josh Hutcherson (The Kids are All Right), Liam Hemsworth (The Last Song) and veterans Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson.

The Hunger Games centers around Katniss (Lawrence) who is pitted in a nationally-televised life and death match against other Teenagers from various districts of Panem (a futuristic North America). If she does survive, she also is faced with the challenge of Survival against Love.

Based on the series of Novels by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games hits theatres March 23, 2011 via Alliance Films.

See a few more Posters below:

MILEY CYRUS AND LIAM HEMSWORTH HOLDING HANDS AT MMVAs REHEARSAL

Aside from Katy Perry, the one person I want to see most is Miley Cyrus at this year's MMVAs.  The teen multimedia mogul could be seen on a barricaded Queen St. today rehearsing latest single Can't Be Tamed with a large group of dancers and she actually sounded quite good.  I will try to capture a video of her rehearsal tomorrow.  And yes, you all know how much I liked her new album.

On her way out of today's Soundcheck, she could be seen holding hands with Australian actor boyfriend Liam Hemsworth, who I was one of the lucky few to get in close with.  Quite literally, I was so starstruck by Cyrus that I couldn't even find my Sharpie.  That is, until Cyrus' manager mother, Tish lent me hers.  Thanks Mom.  How embarrassing.   Handsome Hemsworth however, was very patient with me despite my little spell of distraction.