ENTER TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO SEE "LAWLESS" IN TORONTO

Official Artwork for Lawless

Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven &Alliance Films are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win a Double Pass to see Lawless, starring Gary Oldman, Guy Pearce, Tom Hardy, Shia Labeouf, Mia Wasikowska and Jessica Chastain.

In the mountains of Franklin County, Virginia, the Bondurant Brothers are the stuff of legend. Times are tough and jobs are scarce, but the Bondurants are Entrepreneurs and have built a thriving local business by concocting an intense and popular brand of moonshine. But Franklin County’s bootlegging days are about to end with the arrival of Special Deputy Charlie Rakes (Guy Pearce) from Chicago. The new “law” Rakes brings is lethal and corrupt and will challenge everything the brothers have built and represent. Determined to do whatever is necessary to fight for what is theirs, the Bondurants take up arms and confront the corrupt forces of the law in a faceoff to determine who controls the wettest county in the World.

The Screening takes place in Toronto, Monday, August 27, 2012.

To enter, click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook. You should also be following on Twitter too!  Your deadline is Friday, August 24, 2012.

Watch the Trailer for Lawless here.

Alliance Films releases Lawless on Wednesday, August 29, 2012.

(Photo credit: Alliance Films)

"THE DARK KNIGHT RISES": MOVIE REVIEW

Still from The Dark Knight Rises

Expectations are impossibly high for Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises, the Finale to his epic Batman Trilogy. Fans of its two Predecessors however, have little to worry about here.  This Installment introduces us to a battle-worn Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) eight years in exile after Batman is seen as being responsible for the death of Gotham's Community Pillar, D.A. Harvey Dent. 

Gotham however is under-siege with the imminent danger brought-on by a menacing presence with a Terrorist Agenda, Bane (Tom Hardy).  Although she appears immediately as a Foe, the beguiling Burglar Catwoman (Anne Hathaway) is called-upon by a soon to be out-of-exile Batman to save the City of its greatest threat yet.  Will this be enough we wonder, and at what lengths will Batman go to in order to protect a City which continually has shunned him despite his good intentions?

The Dark Knight Rises is without a question a Work of Art.  The Film is breathtakingly-shot, with some masterfully choreographed Action sequences and first-rate performances from the best Hollywood has to offer.  At the same time, it presents some thought-provoking parallels to the World we live in and also Humanity today - if only we all had an all-consuming drive for Justice and Selflessness like Batman...   Perhaps as we approach possibly a Post-Obama Era even, this Film needed to be made as a reflection of the Collective Consciousness and where we stand right now in the continuous War against Terrorism.

Bale as always can be counted upon to deliver and he does so once again with understated charm.  A hardly-recognizable Hardy is terrifying to watch as Bane - deliciously ruthless, albeit lacking enough dimension for my liking, considering his outstanding range as an Actor. We never really get a true sense of what lies beneath his unquenchable thirst for Destruction. Gary Oldman as the vulnerable Jim Gordon and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake round-out what quite possibly is the Dream Team of Ensemble Casts.  I however, cannot mask my excitement for Hathaway's irresistible portrayal of  Catwoman/Selina Kyle, silencing any doubt that she could really pull-off that daunting assignment.  Dare I say she might even find herself in-contention for her second ever Oscar Nomination?

MATTHEW MODINE & NESTOR CARBONELL AT CANADIAN PREMIERE OF "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES"

Nestor Carbonell & Matthew Modine at Canadian Premiere of The Dark Knight Rises

Although more a modest Cousin to the The Dark Knight Rises Premiere which took place in London tonight at Leicester Square, Toronto played host to the Canadian Premiere of perhaps 2012's most eagerly-anticipated Film. The final Installment of Christopher Nolan's Batman Trilogy is poised to open big with estimates just-shy of the $200 million mark to be made domestically this weekend.

Stars Matthew Modine (Any Given Sunday, Full Metal Jacket) and Nestor Carbonell (Lost, Ringer) flew-in to the City for a round of Press in support of what is seen at this point as a Frontrunner for Best Picture at the Oscars.  Modine plays the integral Role of Deputy Commissioner Foley, while Carbonell reprises the Role of Gotham's Mayor Anthony Garcia in The Dark Knight Rises.  The Actors combined made appearances earlier today on CityTV's Breakfast Television, CP24 Breakfast and also CTV's Canada AM.

Modine and Carbonell graced the Red Carpet tonight in the City's Financial District at a Venue which for one night only was re-branded Wayne Manor - of course an Homage to the Film's Hero, Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale). The glamorous Affair thematically was tied into the Film, named the Black & White Masquerade Ball. Earlier in the evening, Modine sat-in on the Canadian Premiere at Scotiabank Theatre.

I was one of the lucky few who was able to attend the Premiere and will be posting my full Review of The Dark Knight Rises on Friday.  Stay tuned!

Warner Bros. releases The Dark Knight Rises on Friday, July 20, 2012 with several theatres offering Midnight Screenings. 

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

ENTER TO WIN A DOUBLE PASS TO THE CANADIAN PREMIERE OF "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES"

Still from The Dark Knight Rises

With its Premiere descending upon us, our Friends at Warner Bros. Canada are giving Fans a chance to rise to the occasion!  The Dark Knight Rises premieres Wednesday, July 18, 2012 here in Toronto and you can enter to win via Twitter a Double Pass to see it first.

Simply ReTweet the below and remember to follow @WBPicturesCan and @WarnerBrosTDot!

"I want to RISE with @warnerbrostdot at the Toronto Premiere of ‪#TheDarkKnightRises‬" to win 2 passes. Contest ends Sunday." 

Yes, there will be Cast in-attendance, although who still has yet to be confirmed.  Good luck!  See you there!

(Photo credit: Warner Bros.)

NEW TRAILER: "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES"

Still from The Dark Knight Rises

After much talk about it, finally the Official Trailer for The Dark Knight Rises is here and v. present. Christopher Nolan looks like he has yet another dark Masterpiece ready for us to devour. Those of you who see Marvel's The Avengers this weekend will be seeing this Trailer on the big screen. Can you handle this?

Although many had their doubts about Anne Hathaway as Catwoman, I'd say their fears should be alleviated after seeing her level of conviction here.  Cannot wait for Tom Hardy as Bane, looking in top form here.

Watch the Trailer below:

"THIS MEANS WAR" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from This Means War

It's completely over-the-top, but if it's gotta be done, this is exactly how it should be. Director McG (Terminator Salvation, Charlie's Angels) is back with Vancouver-filmed This Means War, pitting two Best Friends Tuck (Tom Hardy) and FDR (Chris Pine) - who happen also to be Spies - up against one another. Both experts in executing dangerous missions, they perhaps are up against their toughest assignment yet: winning the heart of the same Girl they happen to be dating in Lauren (Reese Witherspoon). Meanwhile, we learn that the dangerous Heinrich (Til Schweiger) is hot on their trails. Will Tuck and FDR self-destruct with their attentions focused on their own interests?  Who will win Lauren's heart?

There are plenty of reasons to like This Means War.  First of all, it doesn't hurt that your Principal Trio are extremely attractive, but truly the chemistry in this Love Triangle actually is believable, regardless how absurd the Movie's premise is.  All extremes are reached by both Tuck and FDR to woo Lauren including Aerial Gymnastics, a violent derivative of Paintball, Dog Adoption, Sade and more.  Really, what Girl wouldn't die to be in the shoes of Witherspoon's Lauren?  By the end of it all, we still don't know whom she should choose as her Lover with both Suitors on equal footing, fighting tooth and nail to the finish line.

The emphasis on the Love Triangle however, comes at the expense of a sparse Subplot which should see both Heroes lives in danger, but there lacks a feeling of real threat from Heinrich.  In addition to catering the the Ladies, McG fully is aware of his audience, winning the hearts of his Male audience too with a few powerful punches thrown-in for good measure and some edge-of-your-seat car chases; never a dull moment. Genuinely, the Film is in on its own jokes and the laughs indeed are plentiful. Both Pine and Comedienne Chelsea Handler will benefit most from their spot-on work here.  One can expect big things of This Means War, in theatres February 17, 2012 via 20th Century Fox Films Canada.

"THIS MEANS WAR" RELEASE DELAYED TO FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Still from This Means War

20th Century Fox is now pushing-back its releasefor This Means War from Valentines's Day to February 17, 2012. Filmed in Vancouver last year, the Romantic Action/Comedy starring Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, Reese Witherspoon (just cast in Atom Egoyan's latest Devil's Knot) and Chelsea Handler pits two Best Friends and CIA Operatives against one another when it comes to one Woman they both can't resist.  Laughs, Guns, Hotties.  Oh, yeah.

This Means War however, won't be the only Canadian-filmed Movie to hit theatres around Valentine's Day.  Just a few days ahead of its release, Toronto-made Tearjerker The Vow starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams will be hitting theatres on February 10th and it is said that this crowding has played a strong part in the decision to alter the release date this late in the game. 

Watch the Trailer in full below:

Remember to "like" 20th Century Fox Films Canada on Facebook!

It's still not too late to score a Double Pass to see This Means War next week in Toronto. Do it here.

(Photo credit: 20th Century Fox)

ENTER TO WIN TORONTO ADVANCE PASSES TO SEE "THIS MEANS WAR" & "STAR WARS EPISODE 1 - THE PHANTOM MENACE 3-D"

Official Artwork for This Means War & Star Wars Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace 3-D

20th Century Fox Films Canada & Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven are thrilled to offer Readers a chance to attend two exciting Advance Screenings in Toronto!

Star Wars Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace 3-D hits theatres on February 10, 2012, giving you a chance to see a new, enhanced take on George Lucas' 1999 Box Office smash starring Natalie Portman, Liam Neeson, Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor. For the first time ever, audiences around the World can experience Star Wars as never before, in 3-D. The epic Saga has captivated millions with exotic worlds, iconic characters and unforgettable action, and now fans share the theatrical phenomenon with a new generation.

Click here to watch the Trailer in full.

The Screening for Star Wars Episode 1 - 3-D takes place on Thursday, February 9, 2012 at Scotiabank Theatre - 7:30 PM.

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One of the most eagerly-awaited Action-Comedies to come in quite some time is Director McG's This Means War, in theatres Valentine's Day. Boasting an all-star Cast which includes Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy, we see the World's deadliest CIA operatives are inseparable partners and best friends until they fall for the same woman. Having once helped bring down entire enemy nations, they are now employing their incomparable skills and an endless array of high-tech gadgetry against their greatest nemesis ever - each other.

WARRIOR - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Warrior

Let me first start off by saying that I know v. little about Mixed Martial Arts. Warrior however from Pride & Glory Director Gavin O'Connor sure makes the it look exciting.

The gritty Sports Drama centers around two estranged Brothers, Brendan (Joel Edgerton) and Tommy (Tom Hardy), raised single-handedly by their abused and terminally ill Mother. Brendan abandons his Mother and Tommy at age 16, resulting in strife between the two Brothers. Meanwhile their non-present Father Paddy (Nick Nolte), a renowned Mixed Martial Arts Trainer, after several years of battling Alcoholism, turns his life around fully.

Tommy visits Paddy by surprise one day, harbouring much resentment still towards him. Paddy however is set on repairing his relationship with Tommy, agreeing to take him under his wings after Tommy makes it known he wishes to train as a Mixed Martial Arts Fighter.

Brendan now is a High School Physics teacher, who along with his Wife Tess (Jennifer Morrison) are struggling financially and on the verge of Foreclosure. Deciding to return to his roots as a  former  Fighter in helping ends meet, he is met with little understanding at his School. Despite Tess' reluctance, he then fully delves into training with the help of and old Friend Frank (Frank Grillo) who gets him into fighting form for the biggest test of his life. After being confronted by Paddy, he expresses little interest in reuniting with his Father.

NEW TEASER POSTER FOR "THE DARK KNIGHT RISES" & TRAILER DETAILS

Teaser Poster for The Dark Knight Rises

Warner Bros. has just released this new Poster for The Dark Knight Rises and one brazen Fan even uploaded a Trailer which the Studio quickly asked to be removed. It is looking likely that it will be unleashed this weekend for Moviegoers seeing another Monster from the Studio, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.

Collider has specific details of what the Teaser Trailer includes, which you can read about here.  From the sounds of it Bane (Tom Hardy) is a menacing presence, bringing out the fear in Batman (Christian Bale) himself.  

Even though it won't be out til July 20, 2012, I wouldn't be surprised if this in itself draws some die-hard Batman Fans out to the theatre this weekend!

TOM HARDY GOES FULL FRONTAL IN SHORT FILM "SARGENT SLAUGHTER, MY BIG BROTHER"

Stills from Sargent Slaughter, My Big Brother

100% of Men and Women - Straight, Bi, Gay and Trans - all agree according to a Study I conducted in my head, that Actor Tom Hardy is quite possibly the Sexiest Man Alive. A twelve-minute Short Film by Greg Williams, Sargent Slaughter, My Big Brother, recently screened at the New York Digital Short Film Festival and the Audience got a lot more than they bargained for.

Sargent Slaughter, My Big Brother centers around two Brothers, Dan (Tom Hardy) on the verge of joining the Military despite not wanting to join. The younger Brother Keith (Ben MacLeod) gets bullied about at home and winds up turning the tables on Dan by threatening to reveal the truth to their Parents that Dan doesn't really want to go.

Of course, the Short Film is generating buzz more for Hardy's full-frontal nudity around the 2:00 minute mark but this isn't his first time revealing his God-given gifts to the world. Hardy underwent a dramatic physical transformation in 2008's daring Bronson.

This is absolutely not safe for work, so please watch at your discretion or just e-mail the link home.  You're welcome.

Watch Sargent Slaughter, My Big Brother in full below:

THANK YOU, TOM HARDY.

Personalized Photo from Tom Hardy

Some Boys really have all the luck!  Thank you to Mr. Tom Hardy, for this lovely personalized Photo.  It made my day completely.  Huge fan.  *gush*

See Hardy next in upcoming Boxing Film Warrior and This Means Wear, alongside Chris Pine and Reese Witherspoon.  He also has recently been cast in The Dark Knight Rises as Bane together with his Inception Co-star Marion Cotillard, Anne Hathaway, Morgan Freeman and of course, Batman himself, Christian Bale.

ANNE HATHAWAY CAST AS CATWOMAN

Anne Hathaway at TIFF 2008

Christopher Nolan has announced some exciting news regarding the new Batman Rises Film, which is in development. Starring alongside Golden Globe Winner Christian Bale as Batman will be none other than Red Carpet favourite Anne Hathaway as Catwoman. Sexy Brit Tom Hardy will also be appearing in the Film as Bane, The Hollywood Reporter reveals here.

This will be Hardy's second time working with Director Nolan as they teamed together in last Summer's Inception. His character is known as one of Batman's most intellegent and power opponents. Warner Bros. will be releasing Batman Rises tentatively on July 20, 2012.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

THANK YOU, CHRIS PINE.

Chris Pine

Uh, yeah way!  THE Chris Pine, known for his breakout performance in Star Trek and Unstoppable, is currently in Vancouver filming This Means War alongside Tom Hardy and Reese Witherspoon. Somewhere between filming breaks, the devastatingly handsome Actor mailed me this beautiful signed Photo, which I just received today!   Amazingly nice and needless to say, I'm touched.

Pine can be seen next in the Comedy Ten Year alongside an ultra-hot Cast of Kate Mara, Anna Faris, Channing Tatum and John Krasinski.

*gush*

TOM HARDY, REESE WITHERSPOON AND CHRIS PINE IN VANCOUVER FILMING THIS MEANS WAR

Tom Hardy out doing groceries in Vancouver

Our friends in Vancouver are so lucky! Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy are on the beautiful West Coast filming their latest project titled This Means War from Director McG who brought us smash hits like Charlie's Angels and its sequel, plus Terminator Salvation. The Action/Comedy is about two childhood BFFs who happen to fall in love with the same woman Lauren (Witherspoon), and apparently the film will feature some epic fighting.

The trio will be in Vancouver until the beginning of December. The title is co-production by a quiet of late Will Smith and Witherspoon. Seen above is hotter-than-ever Hardy out and about after doing some groceries at MarketPlace IGA.  Hey - we used to have those in Toronto!

JustJared has even more photos of the actors on-set.  Check them out here.

(Photo credit: Bauer Griffin Online)

TOM HARDY ADMITS TO EXPERIMENTING

"As a boy? Of course I have. I'm an actor for ****'s sake.  I've played with everything and everyone. I love the form and the physicality, but now that I'm in my thirties, it doesn't do it for me." - Beyond-alluring Inception star Tom Hardy sits down with The UK's Daily Mail and discusses sexuality and experimentation.  

My question is, the "form" of what?  Click here to read the interview in full.

p.s. Best news ever!

INCEPTION REVIEW

Christopher Nolan's Inception isn't a film I can explain simply in a paragraph or so, but I will try my best to be concise. The concept of Inception involves entering one's dreams and planting thoughts into their mind. Extraction would involve going into one's dreams and taking their ideas. In the world where this film takes place, there is technology to do the latter, however whether or not the former can be done remains to be seen. 

Saito (Ken Watanabe) makes a deal with Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) to accomplish the mission of achieving Inception. That is, if Dom can help Saito destroy the inherited empire of Oil Tycoon Robert Fisher Jr. (Cillian Murphy) in planting distrust against his family, Saito can ensure that Dom is cleared of any charges against him.  Dom stands accused of murdering his wife Mal (Marion Cotillard) and constructs quite literally, a "Dream Team" to accomplish this mission.

The Team consists of Ariadne (Ellen Page), Arthur (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Eames (Tom Hardy) and Yusuf (Dileep Rao) who each serve a pivotal role in accomplishing the task of capturing Fisher Jr. and subjecting him to Inception. As the Team delves deeper into the Heir's subconscious via multiple tiers of Dreams, we also delve deeper also in the Dom's psyche too, getting bits and pieces of the mysterious circumstances behind Mal's death. Dom is driven to get back home to his two estranged children, driving him and his Team to complete the mission, but will the dark, suppressed thoughts of his mind divert their focus and lead to their downfall?