BILLY & “TED”

Billy & Bear

It seems as though Billy is channeling his inner-Mark Wahlberg in Ted, opting to sleep with his own Teddy Bear.  In fact, I caught him cuddling with it this morning in my bed!

I just finally saw the Seth MacFarlane Adult Comedy finally tonight after holding-off for a few weeks and must say I rather adored it.  It is everything: Action, Drama, Comedy and Thriller. I confess that I balled my eyes out as it genuinely is visceral at moments, despite the raunchy laughs. Wahlberg is Boss. Kunis is mesmerizing. MacFarlane is on another level.  Ribisi is terrifying; yes, he made me scream out loud in one scene. He`s that scary and he`s that good.

If you haven`t seen Ted still, please do! It`s a Charmer and quite possibly my favourite Film so far of 2012.

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(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

KATE BECKINSALE ADMITS DAUGHTER HAS CRUSH ON MARK WAHLBERG

Still from Contraband

The gorgeous Kate Beckinsale appeared on Live! with Kelly earlier today to promote Universal Pictures' Contraband. The Film which has her co-starring with Mark Wahlberg, is about a former Drug Smuggler named Chris who heads to Panama to protect his Brother-in-Law from a Drug Lord. Upon arriving at his destination, he scores millions of dollars in counterfeit money.

Beckinsale revealed to Kelly Ripa earlier today that her Daughter with Actor Michael Sheen, Lily, has a major crush on Wahlberg.   The Actress jokes "It was a horrible Love Triangle really", as she was playing Wahlberg's Wife while her Daughter was longing for her Co-star at the same time. Beckinsale did reveal that Lily concocted a secret plan to touch his abs, which fortunately didn't happen.  Phew!

The brunette Actress dyed her hair blonde for her role and admits to having lost a bit of hair in the shower, during filming.

One thing Beckinsale and Daughter might not have realized was that Wahlberg actually was staying at the same Toronto Hotel as they last May when he was in-town sealing the deal on a new Yorkville Condo.  Beckinsale then was filming Husband Len Wiseman's Total Recall, in theatres August 3, 2012.

Contraband hits theatres Friday, January 13, 2012.

Watch the Trailer in full:

SAGGING PANTS

Sagging Pants

Okay, I'm seeing it everywhere and I have to comment.  They're everywhere - perfectly respectable looking young Men who look exactly that ...until you look below the waist.  Sagging Pants are a growing phenomenon and you've probably seen it already this Summer - Guys who expose their butts under their pants or shorts.  Underwear on, of course.

But where exactly did this look originate from?  GQ Magazine traces its roots to Prison where inmates are forced to discard their belts, resulting in of course, saggy, falling pants.

I'm sorry.  It just doesn't work and as I noted to my Twitter Followers while grabbing a Coffee this morning, not even Mark Wahlberg circa Marky Mark could justify a look this awful.  Guys, don't do it.  For the dignity of Men.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MARK WAHLBERG PURCHASES $12 MILLION CONDOMINIUM IN YORKVILLE

Mark Wahlberg in Toronto - May 2011

There's a new Boy on the block! After a bit of speculation, it's been confirmed that Mark Wahlberg has purchased a $12 million Condominium at 36 Hazelton Avenue on the seventh floor. The 4,600 square foot Penthouse is said to have "360-degree knockout views" for the star of The Fighter, who just confirmed this weekend on Spike TV's Guys Choice Awards that he is commencing work on a Sequel to the Oscar-nominated Boxing Drama.

Building Amenities at the Condominium include a Wine Cellar with Lockable Fridges, plus a Wine Tasting Room.  There also will be Car Washing and Dog Washing Stations in the Underground Garage.

Of course I'm thrilled about this news as Wahlberg's lavish new Toronto Home is less than about a five-minute walk from me.  Welcome to the neighbourhood, Mark!  I'll be bringing over a Basket of Muffins - Carb-free of course!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

TORONTO GOSSIP: ROBERT PATTINSON, JUSTIN BIEBER, MATTHEW MORRISON, SELENA GOMEZ, MARK WAHLBERG, COLIN FARRELL, JOHN CHO & JASON BIGGS

Hey Mavenati!

I'm sure you've got lots to catch-up on here with all the Posts coming in this week.  I'm going to take a couple days to catch a breather and nurse Billy who just came out of a successful Surgery earlier this evening.

Here's a bit of Toronto Gossip for you to process, while I get a moment to recover:

•  Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez are in Stratford (not Toronto as some Gossip sites are stating) right now enjoying some quiet time.  So far, they've hit-up some local Ice Cream Shops, the Mall, the Park and Swiss Chalet!  How sweet!  Click here and here to see some Photos.  Gomez of course is hosting the MuchMusic Video Awards on the 19th here in Toronto.  Is it possible she might actually be in-and-around until then?

• Colin Farrell has been spotted looking incredibly sexy and filled-out around Yorkville with multiple Readers sending in their sightings.  One Reader Brienne tells me this past Sunday she saw him walk by ONE Restaurant, crossing paths unknowingly with Mark Wahlberg who was lunching in the Patio at the time.  Farrell, now filming Total Recall by Director Len Wiseman was seen posing with Fans earlier this week in a barely-there Tank Top in this Heatwave.

Mark Wahlberg & Mr. Will-W.

• Speaking of Wahlberg - whom I spotted this weekend and snapped a Photo with (see right) - Shinan Govani at the National Post delivers the scoop that the Oscar-nominated Actor is actually Condo-hunting, with his eyes set on a new Home in Toronto.  Click here to read more.

•  American Pie Alumni Jason Biggs and John Cho were both staying in the same Hotel in Yorkville recently - but did they even realize it?  Biggs appeared to be here for pleasure, celebrating his Wife Jenny Mollen's Birthday together before heading back to Atlanta.  Cho is one of the latest additions to the Cast of Total Recall and apparently is sporting some bleached Blond hair right now.

MARK WAHLBERG & TIE DOMI LEAVING TORONTO

Mark Wahlberg leaving Toronto

After some Quality Time this weekend with his BFF Tie Domi, formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs, both Buddies headed off to the Airport around 5:00 PM today.  Domi and Wahlberg were seen lunching on the Patio of Hazelton Hotel's ONE Restaurant today, after having a large table sectioned off for their Entourage.  Wahlberg on his way out stopped to pose for Photos with Fans and  even play-boxed with one young Fan whom he told, "Stay out of trouble!".  Clearly that young Man was inspired by The Fighter!

Last night the two were seen dining on some Italian fare at Biagio on King St. where Wahlberg also greeted Fans alike.

Watch some Video I got of Wahlberg below playing with a young Fan:

MARK WAHLBERG & TIE DOMI SPOTTED IN TORONTO

Mark Wahlberg in Toronto - December 2010

The Boys are back in town! BFFs Mark Wahlberg and former Toronto Maple Leaf Tie Domi were out and about the City this evening and after being spotted in Yorkville earlier - where they have been known to stay in the past - they enjoyed some Italian fare among Friends at Biagio on King St. this evening.

Having just been to the City this past December to promote subsequent Academy Award-winning The Fighter, Wahlberg traveled with less Entourage than normal tonight and came out afterward to greet Fans on the street, signing Autographs and taking Photos with them.  Not at all surprising - he's one of the nicest!

In addition to working together with Author James Frey (as announced previously here) on a new HBO series about Porn and evolution to the Internet, Wahlberg is also teaming-up again with The Other Guys Co-star Will Ferrell for Warner Bros.' upcoming Comedy, Turkey Bowl.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

AUTHOR JAMES FREY AT INDIGO MANULIFE FOR "THE FINAL TESTAMENT OF THE HOLY BIBLE"

Mr. Will-W. & James Frey

"If I wanted to enrage people, I would've had the Messiah fuck a Dog. I'm not trying to offend people with my writing, but at the same time I would never limit him (the Messiah) to anything I wouldn't think he'd do." - James Frey, on his new Book The Final Testament of the Holy Bible.

Screenwriter/Author/Director James Frey made a rare visit to Toronto today promoting his controversial new Book, The Final Testament of the Holy Bible at Indigo Manulife Centre. The Book depicts a Pansexual Jesus Christ who engages in the consumption of Drugs. Speaking to an intimate audience, Frey admits to Host Heather Reisman, "I want people either to love or hate this Book.  I consider it a failure being in the middle.".

Frey is no stranger to controversy having been confronted harshly by one of his greatest Champions Oprah Winfrey on her Talk Show in 2006 to address the authenticity of his claims that Best Seller A Million Little Pieces is in fact really a Memoir. Five years and two more Best Selling Novels later, Frey returned to The Oprah Winfrey Show (his only Press so far) in a special two-hour Interview airing yesterday and today, where she apologized to him for not hearing his side of the story fully.  To this day, Frey stands by his argument that all Memoirs require some degree of embellishment.

Frey's agenda is honest admitting, "I want to be the most influencial Writer in the World, even though I don't think I've quite gotten there yet. I'm not interested in selling ten copies of a Book.". Compared to the massive success of his earlier work, he is being less ambitious this time around, pressing 10,000 copies of his new Book for the U.S. and only 3,000 copies for Canada, to be distributed exclusively at Indigo.

MR. WILL-W.'S GREATEST MOMENTS OF 2010: A REVIEW OF CELEBRITIES WHO VISITED TORONTO

What can I say? 2010 has been a wonderful year for Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven, seeing many highs in terms of exciting new content and readership. Although we’re by no means Perez Hilton or Just Jared, I  maintain a humble grassroots philosophy here.  I don't believe in bashing other Bloggers by constantly calculating their shortcomings, nor do I make boastful claims of being "the best", because I'm not.  I have come with no real Media qualifications other than my opinions, but I  want always to be able to improve.

You'll find that a vast majority of the Celebrity Photos seen here are self-taken and not sold for profit.   Unlike many Celebrity Gossip sites where Bloggers sit in front of their Laptops comfortable in their often biting anonymity, I interact first-hand with many of the Celebrities who appear here. What you're reading comes first-hand - not observed from behind a bush with Binoculars nor re-interpreted.

Besides this, where else can you get detailed Reviews of Albums and Films before everybody else?  I review these beforehand so that you can make better informed choices on where you spend your hard-earned money.  And need I mention Mr. Will-W.'s Exciting Giveaways? This past year alone, we've seen Readers win Marc Jacobs Cologne, Scissor Sisters VIP Concert Tickets, CDs by artists like Rihanna and Ke$ha and Signed Photos from the likes of Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, Cory Monteith, James Franco, Sam Worthington and more!  Sponsors stand behind the quality of content featured on Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven and this speaks for itself.

I thank you all personally for your loyalty to me. Things only will continue to get even more exciting in 2011.  Stick around.  Follow on Twitter or become a Fan on Facebook.  

Looking back on the year, there were many bright moments and narrowing it down to a Best-of has been difficult. I am blessed to live in a City which always has something exciting going on and would not be able to do any of this without Toronto. So indirectly, all of this is a big thank you to the City I love most.  I live, breathe, eat and speak Toronto. 

Without further ado, here are Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven’s Greatest Moments of 2010:

Taylor Swift

14. Seeing Taylor Swift.  She's by far the hottest thing right now in Pop Music from a numbers standpoint - and she's not even really Pop, she's Country.  I was lucky enough to see Taylor Swift in November at CTV's Canada AM, part of her crazy day of Promotions in Toronto for third album Speak Now.  Whatever she did, it worked because she sold 1,047,000 copies of the CD in its first week.  This came soon after rumours sparked of her dating Jake Gyllenhaal whom I also got to meet in May.  Although her Publicist kept her at a distance from everyone, it was still a privilege to hear the v. grounded young Singer/Songwriter just be herself.  I'll be seeing her for the first time in Concert next July and am kinda stoked about it, really.

Sir Paul McCartney

13. Seeing Sir Paul McCartney. To say I was only a couple feet away from Sir Paul McCartney in itself is enough to brag about for a lifetime. Although he was pretty much all work, no play during his two days in Toronto this past August, his presence was felt definitely. I caught McCartney quickly rolling down the window of his Escalade to throw a quick wave to Fans outside his Hotel, before heading off to his show at Air Canada Centre. With Vinyl Records, Sharpies, CDs and Cameras all aimed his direction, it was Beatlemania allover again. It was incredibly quick and incredibly memorable.

Andrew Garfield and Me

12. Meeting Andrew Garfield. Although many of us are just getting to know him, Garfield by Summer 2012 will be everywhere due to his new high-profile role as Spider-Man. This year alone, he appeared in two widely acclaimed titles, Never Let Me Go (Mark Romanek) and more familiarly The Social Network (David Fincher). I met the talented Brit at the Premiere of Never Let Me Go this past September at TIFF. Although a bit awkward with the fame thing, he still was a Gentleman. Having seen The Social Network just days prior (thanks Nadia), I delivered him great praise to which he replied, "What?  How is it that you've seen it already and I haven't?".  I took two Photos with him and hilariously, he wasn’t quite sure which way to look both times. Just having garnered a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal as Eduardo Saverin, one of the co-founders of Facebook in The Social Network, he’s definitely a major contender for Best Supporting Actor at next February’s Oscars. Look out.

MARK WAHLBERG & MELISSA LEO IN TORONTO FOR "THE FIGHTER" PREMIERE | AUTOGRAPH GIVEAWAY

Mark Wahlberg & Mr. Will-W.

It was a star-studded day in Toronto as we were lucky enough to get an official Premiere for heavily Oscar-buzzed The Fighter and stars Mark Wahlberg and Melissa Leo descended upon Yorkville to do a full afternoon of Press.  The Biopic about Boxer "Irish" Mickey Ward's rise to fame is receiving accolades galore and just last week the National Board of Review awarded the distinction of Best Supporting Actor to Christian Bale for his portrayal of Boxer Dickie Ecklund, older brother of Ward.

Melissa Leo & Mr. Will-W.

I was lucky to spot Leo as she was out on a Cigarette Break outside her Hotel.  She plays the domineering Manager/Mother of both Brothers in the Film, Alice Ward, and I got to chat with her quickly about her performance, telling her how I found her outright terrifying.  Graciously, she thanked me for the praise and told me "Alice is actually a wonderful Woman and I loved getting to work with her on this Film."  Leo was  rather surprised that I would even have a Photo for her to sign, but in actuality, I've loved Leo's work of late whether it be her Oscar-nominated performance in Frozen River or her villainous turn in this year's Conviction.   "Alright Will, I'm gonna need to borrow your back to sign this Photo so I'm gonna need you to turn around", and she proceeded to sign on my back before confessing that she was actually on a bit of a Secret Break, then rushing back to do some more Press.  Amazing.

THE FIGHTER REVIEW

Still from The Fighter

The Fighter is a remarkable film in that with the throw of a punch, Director David O. Russell covers an inordinate amount of ground in this Biopic about former Welterweight Boxing World Champion "Irish" Mickey Ward. Is it a Comedy? At moments. Is there Drama? Lots of it. Is it a Love Story? Sure, there is. Is it an Action Film? There are many intense, tightly-choreographed Fight scenes, so I'm inclined to say yes. Is there heart and soul to the story? It's a Technical Knockout.

The Film recounts Mickey's (Mark Wahlberg) rise to the top, starting off as a young man Boxing out of financial necessity in Lowell, Massachusetts. Overshadowed by his older Brother Dickie (Christian Bale) whose claim to fame once was defeating the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard, Mickey struggles to find his own identity as a Boxer. Managed by his domineering Mother Alice (Melissa Leo), he finds himself questioning his own best interests as both she and Dickie seem more fixated on launching the latter's Comeback, having battled many years of setbacks due to his Crack Addiction.

Dickie soon finds himself in legal trouble after being driven to Crime out of financial desperation,  landing himself in Prison. Mickey is no longer able to support the questionable ways of his older Brother and this causes a divide between him and his Family.  Above this, Dickie's lack of focus and dedication in guiding Mickey's career continues to leave him with lackluster results.  Mickey finds comfort and self-confidence in tough-talking Girlfriend Charlene (Amy Adams) and a new Trainer, much to the disappointment of Alice and Dickie who had been an integral part of his career all along.  We wonder, will Mickey ever realize his full potential as a Boxer?  Also, will he become a Casualty of War in being pulled two polar opposite directions by the people who matter most to him?

CHRISTIAN BALE ROCKS A TRACKSUIT AT PREMIERE OF "THE FIGHTER"

Dickie Ecklund & Christian Bale at The Fighter Premiere

The Cast of The Fighter graced Grauman Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles last night for that Film's Premiere and everyone arrived glam.... except for Christian Bale who plays Boxer Dickie Ecklund in the Film.  Bale showed up to the Red Carpet of the event sporting (fittingly) a Tracksuit with a Jacket inscribed with Ecklund's name on it, paying homage to the former Athlete.  Ecklund is the older Brother of  legendary Boxer "Irish" Mickey Ward (Mark Wahlberg), whom the Film centers around and he was also in attendance last night, jokingly throwing Bale a punch for the Cameras, as seen above.



The Fighter continues to garner lots of Oscar buzz especially for Bale's performance with him just being named last week Best Supporting Actor by the National Board of Review.  I have seen the Film aleady and loved it but due to an Embargo, will not be able to post the Review til later this week.  Bale puts forth his best performance yet.  It will be in Limited Release in the U.S. this Friday and Canadians will get to see the film the following week.  Check back.

Visit Zimbio for more pictures from the Premiere here.

(Photo credit: Zimbio/Getty Images)

EARLY REVIEWS FOR "THE FIGHTER" POUR IN

Still from The Fighter

Early reviews are coming in for The Fighter and although the reviews are generally positive, I'll let you decide just how positive they are based on comments from some my favourite Critics.

Peter DeBruge at Variety feels, "The Fighter feels like kind of a mess, lurching from one scene to the next as if the film itself has taken a few hits to the head, that's not entirely a bad thing."

Kirk Honeycutt at The Hollywood Reporter wasn't as kind in his review stating, "True story of Boxer 'Irish' Micky Ward is played for domestic drama about a dysfunctional family that never quite earns your sympathy."

Kris Tapley at InContention notes, "I’d say we’re looking at a solid contender for a Best Picture nomination. The film played like gangbusters and I’ve heard from numerous critical minds responding likewise, so erase all doubt."

Our friends at Awards Daily have a few more reviews posted here for those who are curious.

I am excited particularly about Amy Adams' performance as she's been quiet of late and this will be a bit of a transformation into a tougher role which sees her throwing a punch or two as Ward's (Mark Wahlberg) wife.  And if all else fails, Wahlberg will be shirtless (again) for much of the film so you just can't go wrong!

WIN A COPY OF "EAT PRAY LOVE" OR "THE OTHER GUYS" ON DVD

Something for both Guys and Girls! Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada and Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven are pleased to offer readers a chance to win DVDs of 2010's biggest Blockbuster hits!  Beginning today, you can win 1 of 3 copies of either scenic Eat Pray Love starring Julia Roberts, or hilarious The Other Guys starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg.

• To qualify for a copy of Ryan Murphy's Eat Pray Love, leave a comment with the name of any of the three countries Elizabeth Gilbert (Roberts) visits in the film

• To qualify for a copy of Adam McKay's The Other Guys, leave a comment with the name of the actress who plays Allen Gamble's (Ferrell) wife.

Winners will be drawn Sunday, December 5, 2010, so please remember to include some way for me to reach you back. This Contest is restricted to residents of Canada  only and you are allowed one entry per DVD. If you are entering to win both DVDs, you must leave separate comments. 

Eat Pray Love hits stores Tuesday, November 23, 2010, while The Other Guys hits stores Tuesday, December 14, 2010. Perfect Holiday Gifts!

Again, tell me which Blog loves you the most.  Good luck, Mavenati! 

Don't forget to add yourself as a fan on my Facebook Page for more exciting Giveaways.

TWO-MINUTE TRAILER FOR "THE FIGHTER" REVEALED

Christian Bale and Mark Wahlberg in The Fighter

David O. Russell's (I Heart Huckabees, Three Kings) The Fighter won't be out until December 10, 2010, but a two minute-long Trailer of the film which aired during last night's Mad Men Season Finale, sure got a few people excited.  The Academy loves a good Boxing movie as evinced by Best Picture winners, Million Dollar Baby and Rocky.

The film about Boxer Mickey Ward before he established himself in the professional ranks, looks rather intense and sure packs a punch especially with glimpses of its supporting cast including a barely recognizable Christian Bale, Amy Adams and Melissa Leo, who all transform into their characters.  And I haven't even mentioned Mark Wahlberg's impressive physical transformation as lead character Ward.

Visit the official site for Paramount Pictures' The Fighter here.