"THE AVENGERS" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from The Avengers

Marvel's The Avengers carries the weight of the World - both literally and figuratively - but does it meet the demands of Moviegoers and Comic Fans alike? You bet. Director/Writer Joss Whedon (Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) knows exactly what Fans of the Genre want and delivers item-by-item like a Grocery Checklist.  It's funny, it's intense, it's thrilling and every bit a masterfully-interwoven Spectacle.

The $220-million Blockbuster via Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) brings together Superheroes Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans) and The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo).  These Superheroes are united by one great Cause to save the Earth from Thor's Brother, the ruthless Supervillain Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and his catastrophic Army, in his quest for endless Power and Domination.

The problem with Films boasting All-Star Casts is that Story Lines and Character Development often are skimpy, but impressively Whedon manages to tell each Superhero's Story clearly and concisely, with our attentions focused always on the Mission at-hand.  Anyone walking into Marvel's The Avengers without a clue would be able to enjoy the Film sans confusion amidst all the Sci-Fi jargon.  The beauty is that you don't need to see it in 3-D necessarily to enjoy it - it stands on its own in 2-D glory.  My only concern though is that v. integral The Hulk's Story Line is given the least detail here and perhaps more could have been done to build-up the excitement for his awaited massive transformation.

MARK RUFFALO & COBIE SMULDERS IN TORONTO FOR "THE AVENGERS" | SIGNED PHOTO SET GIVEAWAY

Mark Ruffalo & Cobie Smulders in Toronto - April 2012

Hot on the heels of it grossing a whopping $185.1 million overseas this weekend, Marvel's The Avengers Stars Mark Ruffalo (The Hulk/Bruce Banner) and Cobie Smulders (Agent Maria Hill) are bringing the action north of the Border for the Canadian Premiere of the Action-Blockbuster. If you think that's impressive, consider that it has only thus far opened in 70% of Overseas markets and furthermore, has yet to even open in North America!

Ruffalo and Smulders joined forces for an appearance on CityTV's Breakfast Television. Ruffalo who made his first appearance in Toronto since TIFF 2008, revealed that in addition to slimming down on a strict Regimen for his dual role, he also faced some great challenges. "I enjoy working with Actors" he says, explaining that it was a great challenge filming fight scenes before a Green Screen on his own.

Vancouver Native Smulders made a welcome return her Homeland, ensuring to grab a Tim Hortons Coffee first thing today. The Actress who has gained much popularity for her work on CBS Series How I Met Your Mother as Robin Scherbatsky, praises Ruffalo for giving The Hulk a comedic spin, yet remaining v. human. She also expressed excitement at being able to do her own stunts in some of her more physical scenes in the Joss Whedon Film

The Avengers sees a Team of Superheroes - including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), The Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) - assembled to fight the evil Loki (Tom Hiddleston) and his Army from destroying the Earth. 

Marvel's The Avengers hits theatres in North America Friday, May 4, 2012.

To enter to win a Signed Photo Set from Ruffalo and Smulders, click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook. You must also be following on Twitter also. Your deadline is June 4, 2012.  Good luck!

More to come...

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ANTHONY HOPKINS AS ALFRED HITCHCOCK

Anthony Hopkins as Alfred Hitchcock

Moviegoers love a real transformation and believe it or not that, this is Anthony Hopkins as Alfred Hitchcock. Fox Searchlight just released this first look from the upcoming Film about the famed Filmmaker's relationship with his Wife Alma (Helen Mirren). 

 Hitchcock is directed by Sacha Gervasi and also stars a superb Cast including Scarlett Johansson, Toni Collette, Ralph Macchio and Jessica Biel. It is set for a 2013 release and they absolutely cannot afford any mistakes in honouring such a Legend.  Looks good.

Fox Searchlight knows exactly how to campaign a Film for an Oscar.  Will we be seeing this one at TIFF 2013?

(Photo credit: Fox Searchlight)

MARK RUFFALO & COBIE SMULDERS TO APPEAR AT CANADIAN PREMIERE OF "THE AVENGERS"

Mark Ruffalo at TIFF 2007

In case you missed it, you can catch all the excitement from the World Premiere of The Avengers last week in Los Angeles' El Capitan Theatre! Gracing the Red Carpet were the likes of: Robert Downey Jr (Tony Stark/Iron Man), Chris Evans (Steve Rogers/Captain America), Mark Ruffalo (Bruce Banner/Hulk), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Scarlett Johansson (Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Hawkeye), Cobie Smulders (Maria Hill), Tom Hiddleston (Loki) and Joss Whedon (Director).  

And if this weren't exciting enough, Toronto will be hosting the Canadian Premiere of The Avengers on Monday, April 30, 2012 at Scotiabank Theatre with none other than Hulk himself, Mark Ruffalo and Canadian Actress Cobie Smulders (How I Met Your Mother) scheduled to make an appearance!  This will be gracious Ruffalo's first visit to the City since TIFF 2008 when he was promoting The Brothers Bloom and Blindness.  This is just what the City needs and we'll be there!

Enjoy The Avengers World Premiere Red Carpet Arrivals below:

The Avengers opens in theatres May 4, 2012.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W. | Video credit: Marvel)

WATCH: 60-SECOND "THE AVENGERS" PREVIEW

The Avengers

For those of you who missed it lats night during the Super Bowl, here's the full 60-second Preview of Marvel's The Avengers in anticipation of its May 4, 2012 release.  Are you ready for the most epic battle ever to have been captured on camera?  Iron Man, Black Widow, The Hulk, Captain America, Hawkeye, Thor.  Together at last.

Watch the 60-second Preview of The Avengers below:

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada)

CHAT WITH DIRECTOR AND CAST OF "THE AVENGERS" ON JANUARY 31, 2012

Still from The Avengers

Great news for fans of The Avengers!  The eagerly-awaited Action-Adventure won't be hitting theatres till May 4, 2012, but Fans in the meantime will have a chance to chat with Writer/Director Joss Whedon, Tom Hiddleston and Clark Gregg much sooner.  For the first time ever on the Big Screen, we'll be seeing Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow on-screen together.

Marvel Studios will be sponsoring a 30-minute Live Chat on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 2:00 PM EST and to participate, you can follow @Avengers on Twitter and Tweet with the Hashtag #Avengers. During the Chat, Fans will have a chance to answer Avengers Trivia and win Prize Packs too!

  A 30-second TV Spot will be airing also during Super Bowl XLVI on February 5, 2012 on NBC. Stay tuned.

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

"WE BOUGHT A ZOO" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from We Bought a Zoo

After his Wife Katherine (Stephanie Szostak) passes away, Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon) is left alone to care for his rebellious Son Dylan (Colin Ford) and charming Daughter Rosie (Maggie Elizabeth Jones). He decides to quit his job one day, moving out of their home to start a new life with his Family.  Together, they stumble upon the perfect house... only to realize it's actually situated on a desperately ailing Zoo. Here we meet Zookeeper Kelly (Scarlett Johansson), Robin (Patrick Fugit) and Lily (Elle Fanning) who are struggling to keep things afloat until Benjamin decides to commit himself fully to making the Zoo's relaunch a reality.  Realizing soon that his money is depleting as expenses pile-up, Benjamin and his helping hands are in a race against the clock with an inspection from the meticulous Walter Ferris (John Michael Higgens) soon-to-come, deciding the Zoo's fate ultimately.

With theatres being flooded with Dramas over the Holidays/Awards Season, We Bought a Zoo from acclaimed Director Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous) offers a welcome lighthearted option for Moviegoers.  Do not however, mistaken this as fluff as there actually is substantial enough a story here with tons of heart and a struggle worth fighting for. Never for a minute do we not want this Zoo to succeed as each setback is thrown our way.

ENTER TO WIN A "WE BOUGHT A ZOO" PRIZE PACK

We Bought a Zoo Prize Pack

How wonderful is this?  20th Century Fox Canada & Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven want to give one lucky Reader a We Bought a Zoo Prize Pack!  Contents include a copy of the Film's Original Motion Picture Soundtrack with Music by Jónsi of Sigur Ros, a copy of its original Novel by Benjamin Mee and of course a Double Pass to see a Toronto Advance Screening of We Bought a Zoo on Tuesday, December 20, 2011.

Directed by Cameron Crowe, the Family Dramedy takes place in Southern California where a Father moves his Children to the Countryside, coming together to restore a troubled Zoo. Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson, Elle Fanning and Thomas Haden Church star in the heartwarming Tale.

To enter to win the Prize Pack, click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook.  Double your chances by following me on Twitter and Re-Tweeting the following:

@mrwillw wants me to win a WE BOUGHT A ZOO Prize Pack including a chance to see it in Toronto 12/20/11. #MRWILLZOO

Your deadline is December 17, 2011 and I will be handing you your Prize Pack in-person!  Good luck, Mavenati!

Watch the Trailer for We Bought a Zoo below:

FIRST TRAILER: "THE AVENGERS"

Official Artwork for The Avengers

Here it is finally! Walt Disney Motion Pictures' The Avengers, which promises to be just about the biggest Blockbuster to hit theatres in 2012, now has a first official Trailer and it looks pretty epic. Iron Man, Captain America and Thor join forces to save the World in this ultimate mash-up of Marvel Superheroes.  Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson. Need I say more?

Watch the Trailer in full below:

See some Promotional Stills from The Avengers:

NO SHORTAGE OF BEAUTY ON RED CARPET OF 68TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES

Natalie Portman at 68th annual Golden Globes

Natalie Portman looked absolutely stunning on tonight's 68th annual Golden Globes Red Carpet at the Beverly Hilton.  Dressed in a Viktor & Rolf number adorned with a beautiful Red Rose, she was Classic Hollywood. 

Appearing incredibly bored on E!'s Red Carpet Special with Ryan Seacrest talking about the preparation process for Black Swan, she appeared rehearsed and confident.  When it came to answering questions about what she plans to name her Baby, due this Summer, she fumbled for words before eventually saying "We're open for suggestions!".  

Others who stunned on the Red Carpet included Angelina Jolie in Versace, Scarlett Johansson in Elie Saab, Olivia Wilde in Marchesa, Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad and both Megan Fox and Anne Hathaway in Armani.  Check out some Photos from tonight by Getty Images over at Zimbio.

(Photo credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

RYAN REYNOLDS & SCARLETT JOHANSSON CONFIRM SPLIT

Ryan Reynolds at TIFF 2010

GQ Magazine's Babe of the Year and People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive are no longer together. Us Weekly reports that Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson have split up for about two weeks now, less than two years after marrying.

The Couple via a Publicist, have issued this following statement: "After long and careful consideration on both our parts, we've decided to end our marriage. We entered our relationship with love and it's with love and kindness we leave it. While privacy isn't expected, it's certainly appreciated."

Tragic, but perhaps many saw this coming as the Couple had dated less than a year before deciding to wed and with their hectic filming schedules, it is understandable that their foundation wasn't strong enough to last the time spent apart.  I'm sure many of you are already planning an "in" to Reynolds as we speak - just remember to give him a bit of space before you start going all out!

Read more details here.

 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

RYAN REYNOLDS AWARDED PEOPLE'S "SEXIEST MAN ALIVE"

Ryan Reynolds at TIFF 2010

People Magazine just announced its annual Sexiest Man Alive and just a few days after it was announced his wife is GQ Magazine's 2010 Babe of the Year, Ryan Reynolds too gets some attention too. Does this in effect make them the Sexiest Couple of the Year by default?

Reynolds tells the Magazine, "Now it's going to be, 'Sexiest man, take out the garbage.' (in reference to wife Scarlett Johansson). That does sound better. The most difficult part is going to be organically working this title into a conversation with random strangers.".

To read the interview in full, click here.

 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

SCARLETT JOHANSSON GQ MAGAZINE'S 15th ANNUAL "BABE OF THE YEAR"



Scarlett Johannson on December 2010 issue of GQ

How's that for longevity? GQ Magazine selected their 15th annual Babe of the Year and the recipient of the high honour would be Scarlett Johansson who looked ravishing on this past weekend's episode of SNL with a new, shorter mane reminiscent of a Vogue-era Madonna. The Magazine proclaims, "she's game, that she's good, that she can try on all these guises without seeming to try too hard." The December issue of the Magazine hits stores next Tuesday. See more photos and their choices for Men of the Year here.

(Photo credit: GQ/Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin)

SCARLETT JOHANSSON PROMO CLIP FOR SNL

The gorgeous and immensely talented Scarlett Johansson hosts this weekend's episode of Saturday Night Live on NBC alongside Canadian musical guest, Arcade Fire. Check out this Promo Video Johannson did with red-hot Jason Sudeikis!

It should be an interesting episode as we don't often get to see Johansson's funny side amidst all the serious roles she chooses.

SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON WRAPS UP

Now I wish we had something like this in Toronto, but I suppose TIFF will have to do!  The 41st annual San Diego Comic-Con held at the San Deigo Convention Centre just wrapped-up and it is said that over 120,000 fans attended the event this year.  The Pop Culture convention gives fans an opportunity to connect with their favourite icons and get the scoop on forthcoming projects pertaining to a Superhero, Comic, Fantasy or Sci-Fi nature. 

Stars to turn up this year included the likes of Seth Rogen, Ryan Reynolds, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Angelina Jolie, Natalie Portman, cast members of Glee and many, many more.

Check out these photos below from the festivities:

HELEN MIRREN ON MILEY CYRUS IN NEW YORK MAGAZINE

New York Magazine features a very fascinating article by Logan Hill about Helen Mirren. The Oscar-winning actress is now doing promotion for upcoming film Love Ranch, directed by husband Taylor Hackford (Ray). She discusses preparations for her role in which she plays a Madam who oversees Nevada’s first-ever legalized Brothel. Despite being very comfortable in expressing her sexuality on film, Mirren claims she’s a “ would-be rebel—the good girl who’d like to be a bad one”. The actress is a huge fan of the likes of Madonna, Lady Gaga, Scarlett Johansson and Miley Cyrus. It’s bold women that she loves – “sexy, gorgeous… and not only that.” Click here to read the article in full.

(Photo credit: Juergen Teller/New York Magazine)

CATHERINE ZETA-JONES WINS BIG AT TONYS

Oscar winner Catherine Zeta-Jones added a Tony to her Trophy Cabinet after winning the coveted award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical for her performance in Stephen Sondheim's A Little Night Music. Although she was absent for much of the crucial evaluation period for Voters due to a Virus, there was no doubt that Mrs. Michael Douglas' performance left enough of an impression to carry her through.

Many of Hollywood's biggest names showed up to the Awards last night at Radio City Music Hall in New York City including Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison, Lucy Liu, Cate Blanchett, Kristin Chenoweth, Naomi Watts, Liev Schrieber, among others.  In addition to Zeta-Jones, other Hollywood film actors took home key awards like Scarlett Johanssson who won Best Featured Performance as an Actress for her turn in A View From a Bridge, while Denzel Washington and Viola Davis also won Best Performance by a Leading Actor and Actress respectively for Fences. Red won the evening's top honour of Best Play and Memphis won for Best Musical.  Click here for a full list of winners.

REVIEW: IRON MAN 2

I'll admit it. I still haven't seen Iron Man 1, but Iron Man 2 stands on its own as a deliciously fun movie-going experience. The story has billionaire Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) at his narcissistic best. Unfortunately the American government sees his inventions, Iron Man armours designed to protect the United States against attack, as being illegal possession of weapons. This threatens his right to his own intellectual property and he defiantly holds his own in proving along with his ally James Rhodes (Don Cheadle) that the benefit of his inventions outweigh their potential risk or harm, discrediting others and their greed to take ownership of his work.

Meanwhile in Russia, Ivan Vanko (Mickey Rourke) is out to avenge the disgracing of his father who worked together many years prior with Tony's father Howard (John Slattery) on an Arc Reactor. Due to limitations in technology at that time however, they were unable to complete their mission. It is Howard's hope that his son will be able to carry on the torch and finish the work his father started.

Convinced that he is dying judging by increasing Toxicity levels in his blood, Tony gives up his title as CEO of Stark Industries, handing this over to his Personal Assistant/love interest Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Sexy Natalie Rushman (Scarlett Johansson) is hired as his new assistant.