ADAM SHANKMAN IN TORONTO FOR "ROCK OF AGES"

Adam Shankman in Toronto - June 2012

They don't come more well-rounded than Adam Shankman. The Director/Actor/Choreographer/Producer landed in Toronto last night to do a round of Press for the widely-awaited Motion Picture Adaptation of Rock of Ages from Warner Bros.  Shankman got one of his first breaks dancing for Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson and his directorial Efforts are v. familiar to us including 2007's Hairspray and 2002's A Walk to Remember.

The $80-million Musical Comedy centers around two Singers, Drew (Diego Boneta) and Sherrie (Julianne Hough) who arrive in Hollywood with dreams of making it big. In the meantime, they take jobs at famed The Bourbon Room and soon learn that life in Los Angeles isn't quite what it's cut-out to be.  The Film stars also Paul Giamatti, Alec Balwdwin, Russell Brand, Mary J. Blige, Malin Åkerman, Bryan Cranston and Catherine Zeta-Jones.  Its biggest secret Weapon also happens to be its biggest Star Tom Cruise as sexy, washed-up Rock Star Stacee Jaxx, ready to impress the world with a full-on transformation in this is first Role requiring him to sing.  

Spirited Shankman was said to have taken a Photo on his Cell Phone of the Audience for Cruise last night at a Screening held at AMC - Yonge & Dundas, encouraging the Audience to have fun, dance and sing along.  

I caught-up with him earlier today as he finished a series of Radio Interviews following a Breakfast Television appearance at CityTV.  Host Dina Pugliese has nothing but raves for the Film, in theatres June 15, 2012 giving it "two thumbs up!" on Twitter.

 I'll be reviewing Rock of Ages shortly, so stay tuned for that! In the meantime, preview its Original Motion Picture Soundtrack in full here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

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

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LINDA LOVELACE BIOPIC "INFERNO" TO BEGIN PRODUCTION NEXT WEEK

Malin Åkerman at TIFF 2010

Even with Lindsay Lohan no longer tied to the project, Inferno still looks intriguing enough, having been on my radar for the past year. Screen Daily reports that the Biopic based upon now-deceased Adult Film Star Linda Lovelace's Autobiography Ordeal, will begin production on Monday.  The Book recounts Lovelace's years of abuse and coercion into Prostitution at the hands of her then-Husband Chuck Traynor.

There's a possibility that this one will be completed in time for the Sundance Film Festival in January 2012 and maybe even be considered for TIFF 2012 - although hopefully sooner than later we will see its release.

Toronto's v. own Malin Åkerman stars as Lovelace alongside Matt Dillon who will play Traynor, her sadistic then-Husband.  Sasha Grey, also a former Adult Film Star, will be appearing in Inferno, produced by Muse Productions.  Cannot wait!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

TAYLOR KITSCH IN TORONTO TO PROMOTE "THE BANG BANG CLUB" | AUTOGRAPH GIVEAWAY

Taylor Kitsch & Mr. Will-W.

Kelowna native Taylor Kitsch packed a crowd outside the CBC Building today where he dropped by to record an appearance on George Stroumboulopoulous Tonight, airing later this evening. The former Abercrombie & Fitch Model has found success as an Actor, appearing on the acclaimed yet short-lived ABC series Friday Night Lights.  He continues to see his star rise with his latest Film The Bang Bang Club, which premiered at TIFF 2010 to wide acclaim. 

Acquired via eOne Films, the Drama is based on the true story of four photographers who ventured to South Africa during a time of great political change, following the period when Nelson Mandela had been released from prison up to 1994, when the first-ever Democratic Elections were held.  That Election marked the first time all races were allowed to participate in voting.  Ryan Philippe and Malin Åkerman also star in The Bang Bang Club.  Check out some Photos I got of Philippe in-town this past September promoting the Film.

With at least 20-plus people in waiting for Autographs and Photos with Kitsch, both he and his Assistant were more than accommodating, handling beautifully what could easily have become a bit of a mess, with one Fan barging into the Premises.  Sporting a new stylishly-cropped Haircut, Kitsch surprised all who were expecting him to appear in his signature shoulder-length locks. All were surprised by  the extent of his graciousness and generosity.

MALIN AKERMAN REPLACES LINDSAY LOHAN IN LINDA LOVELACE BIOPIC "INFERNO"

Malin Akerman at TIFF 2010

Poor Lindsay.... lucky Malin!  Director/Screenwriter Matthew Wilder had originally cast Lindsay Lohan in the controversial role of iconic '70s Porn Star Linda Lovelace in his upcoming Feature, Inferno.  That honour now has been bestowed upon Canada's v. own Malin Akerman.  Based upon Lovelace's Autobiography Ordeal, the Film is set to begin production shortly and it will be exciting to see Akerman branch out here in her darkest role to date.  Go Malin!

Understandably, Lohan has her own issues to sort through right now and we all wish her the best as she gets back in fighting form once again.  Lindsay Lohan, the original Emma Stone.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

RYAN PHILLIPPE AT TIFF PRESS CONFERENCE FOR BANG BANG CLUB

Ryan Phillippe leaving Press Conference for Bang Bang Club

Ryan Phillippe is in full promotional swing now for his new film Bang Bang Club which was a Gala presentation at Roy Thomson Hall tonight.  When female fans asked the hunk whether they could take a photo with him he replied, "If I do it for you, I have to do it for everyone" but instead offered the option of an autograph to anyone who asked.  And there were many.  Bang Bang Club is directed by Steven Silver and was shot in South Africa, telling the stories of four photographers working there a few days prior to the end of the Apartheid era.  It stars also Canadian  sweetheart Malin Akerman.  There is still no release date yet for the film.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

TIFF INSTYLE AND HOLLYWOOD FOREIGN PRESS ASSOCIATION PARTY PICS

Malin Akerman & Mr. Will-W.

Held traditionally towards the halfway mark of TIFF ever year, InStyle Magazine and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association throw a bash at the Windsor Arms Hotel, marking one of the biggest highlights of the Festival. 

The Hotel rolled out the Red Carpet and installed a Media Tent for its ultra-exclusive list of Celebrity Guests and everyone including hundreds of spectators out on the street got to join in on the festivities, giving Toronto a taste of Hollywood.  

Here's who showed up for some fun and Swag:

Abigail Breslin