Rock legend and former The White Stripes member Jack White, made his way into Toronto for his three sold-out shows at both HISTORY and Massey Hall February 6-8, 2025, kicking off his The No Name Tour, in support of his latest Grammy-nominated album. This marks White‘s sixth solo album, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee recording, releasing and printing the album via his own Third Man Studio, Third Man Recordings and Third Man Pressing respectively.

White kept a low profile coming through with his Tour manager Lalo Medina, taking a moment to stop to sign some vinyls for fans who queued up on arrival.

Some footage of White‘s arrival:

Some of White‘s new material:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Third Man Recordings)

DOG MAN continues to do its tricks, taking top spot at the Box Office again. It earns $13.7 million in its second weekend for Universal Pictures despite it being Super Bowl weekend, which traditionally sees an slump in theatre attendance. Its two-week tally is at $54 million domestically.

Comedy-Horror HEART EYES debuts in second with $9 million from 3,102 theatres for Sony Pictures, getting 84% on the Tomatometer.

In third is a debuting LOVE HURTS with $6 million from 3,055 theatres for Universal Pictures. It gets 19% on the Tomatometer.

Fourth up is MUFASA: THE LION KING with $4 million for Disney, taking it to $235 million over 8 weeks.

COMPANION rounds out the Top Five with $3.4 million, a tally of $15.8 million for Warner Bros. over two weeks.

Today, Disney+ released the trailer and key art for the Original comedy special “Chris Distefano: It’s Just Unfortunate,” which will premiere on Friday, February 21, 2025 exclusively on Disney+ in Canada.

See the Trailer here.

Chris Distefano is trying to be the best father he can be but nowadays, words speak louder than actions – so Chris is acting with the right intentions, but not always the right moves.

Robust parental controls ensure that Disney+ remains a suitable viewing experience for everyone in the family. Subscribers can set access limits on mature content and create PIN-protected profiles alongside the already existing Junior Mode profiles to give parents and guardians peace of mind.

Academy Award® and Emmy Award® nominated production company Aircraft Pictures in association with Dolphin Entertainment (NASDAQ:DLPN), a leading entertainment marketing and premium content production company, and Canadian theatrical distributor Photon Films announced today the start of principal photography for their theatrical feature film adaptation of the 1986 sports drama, Youngblood, with rising filmmaker Hubert Davis (The Well, Black Ice) on board to direct. Principal photography will take place in Hamilton and Barrie, Canada.

The film follows hockey prodigy Dean Youngblood who joins the Hamilton Mustangs and discovers he must face off against toxic behavior on the ice and within himself to fulfill his potential as professional hockey player. The original 1986 film, distributed by MGM, starred Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves in his feature film debut, and has since become a cult classic among hockey fans.

The Youngblood adaptation is based on a script by screenwriters Josh Epstein & Kyle Rideout, Seneca Aaron and the late Charles Officer. The film will be distributed in Canada by Photon Films. Dolphin’s Bill O’Dowd and Emerson Davis will serve as Executive Producers, alongside Photon Films’ Mark Slone and Zanne Devine. Aircraft’s Anthony Leo and Andrew Rosen will produce. Associate Producer Christopher V. Nelson (Miracle, The Mighty Ducks: Gamechangers) serves as Hockey Consultant. The film is produced with the financial participation of Telefilm Canada and the Talent Fund, Ontario Creates and the Shaw Rocket Fund.

The cast will include Ashton James (Boxcutter, Revenge of the Black Best Friend) in the title role of Dean Youngblood, Blair Underwood (Longlegs, Deep Impact, LA Law) as his father Blane Youngblood, Shawn Doyle (The Expanse, Fargo, Big Love) as Coach Chadwick, Alexandra McDonald (Night Blooms, Testament) as Jessie Chadwick, Henri Picard (The Dishwasher, For Those Who Don’t Read Me) as Denis Sutton, Donald MacLean Jr. (Workin’ Moms, Nurses) as Carl Racki, Olunike Adeliyi (The Expanse, Workin’ Moms) as Ruby Youngblood, Emidio Lopes (Painkiller, The Changeling) as Kelly Youngblood and Tamara Podemski (Outer Range, Reservation Dogs) as Ms. McGill. Rounding out the rest of the Hamilton Mustangs hockey team are Jonathan Valvano, Ty Neckar, Dylan Hawco and Alexei Morita.
“Youngblood is not an homage to the movies of the 80s but a re-orienting of these films and ideas – especially those about masculinity which my generation grew up on,” commented Davis. “Through our protagonist Dean Youngblood, we explore the nuances of the Black masculine experience via the camaraderie, brutality and triumph of the world of hockey.”

Davis’ directorial debut, the short film Hardwood, was nominated for both an Academy Award® and Emmy Award® and explored the relationship between Hubert and his Harlem Globetrotter father, Mel Davis. He then directed the critically acclaimed Invisible City and Giants of Africa which centres on Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujuri and his efforts to empower the youth of Africa through basketball camps. Davis’ film, Black Ice, about the contributions of Black players to Canadian hockey and the experiences with racism that they continue to face today, won the People’s Choice Documentary Award at the Toronto International Film Festival and was voted one TIFF’s Top 10 Canadian films of 2022. His recently completed eco-thriller feature The Well is being distributed globally by XYZ Films.

About YOUNGBLOOD
Dean Youngblood was raised by his father, Blane, on a diet of toughness and hockey. When Dean is invited to join the Hamilton Mustangs, he travels to Canada from Detroit where his skill commands respect and his arrogance earns him fast enemies. Coach Chadwick, resentful of being saddled with such a toxic player, keeps Dean benched game after game. Dean’s frustration builds, culminating in a violent outburst involving rival goon Carl Racki that costs the Mustangs a significant win. As Team Captain Sutton takes him under his wing, Dean begins to buck Blane’s teachings and his growing maturity spurs a relationship with Jessie – Coach Chadwick’s daughter – who gives Dean a run for his money on and off the ice. His newfound resolve draws the ire of Racki, who provokes Dean during a game by attacking and seriously injuring Sutton. As the final game of the Eastern Final approaches, so does his showdown with Racki and Dean’s choice as to what kind of man he wants to be.

(Photo credit: Shawn Goldberg)

Experience the enchanting spirit of Valentine’s Day at some of the city’s premier restaurants. Indulge in an unforgettable culinary journey as you celebrate love with exquisite flavours crafted by Toronto’s finest chefs. From the innovative Japanese flavours of Minami and Miku to the MICHELIN-recommended French elegance of Lucie and the bold, Mexican-inspired creations at Ficoa, each dining experience offers something uniquely indulgent.

MINAMI

IG. @minamitoronto

This Valentine’s Day, Minami Toronto invites guests to indulge in an elegant five-course tasting menu designed to celebrate the season of love. Available February 14 and 15. This limited-time experience showcases exceptional Japanese cuisine, highlighting premium ingredients and Minami’s signature Aburi-style sushi in a refined dining atmosphere. The experience can be enjoyed for $150 per person and reservations are recommended.

and

Valentine’s Day Kaiseki Menu

Amuse: Wagyu Monaka
Hassun: Scallop Tofu, Buri Daikon, Crab Mekabu Sunomono, Aburi Sashimi
Sea: Toro Sawara Shiokoji Yaki, Amazake Plum Sauce, Rapini Ohitashi, Hanaho
Sushi: Kanbirame Kobujime Nigiri, Aburi Tachiuo Nigiri, Sous Vide Lobster Nigiri, A5 Awaji Wagyu Nigiri, Foie Gras Temaki, Valentine’s Roll
Land: Kamo Negi Grilled Quebec Duck, Sautéed Tokyo Negi, Shungiku, Sansho Pepper, Duck Dashi Reduction
Kohi Mame: Roasted Mokable Flourless Sponge, Hojicha Crème Brûlée, Hazelnut Cookie Crumble, Wasanbon Ice Cream

Reservations for Miku’s Valentine’s Day experience can be made through OpenTable HERE.

LUCIE

IG. @restaurantlucie
This Valentine’s Day, Lucie Toronto invites guests to indulge in an elegant multi-course tasting experience that brings the romance of Paris to the heart of Toronto’s Financial District. With an atmosphere blending timeless French charm and modern sophistication, Lucie offers the perfect setting to celebrate love over an exquisite lunch or dinner curated by award-winning Chef de Cuisine Arnaud Bloquel. The experience can be enjoyed for $155 (lunch) per person and reservations are recommended.

Valentine’s Day Lunch – February 14, 2025
The Valentine’s Day Lunch begins with a complimentary glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Champagne, setting the stage for a refined and intimate afternoon. Guests can enjoy a wonderfully curated Valentine’s

Menu featuring:
Canapés
Amuse-Bouche
Le Homard – Nova Scotia Lobster, Dashi, Red Fruits, Beetroot
Pithivier D’Agneau – Ontario Lamb Saddle, Foie Gras, Chanterelle Mushroom, Almond
La Meringue Glacée – Frozen Meringue, Lemon, Herbs
Mon Coeur – Strawberry, Rose, Champagne, Valrhona Opalys White Chocolate, Vanilla
Mignardises

For those who prefer an evening celebration, Lucie will also be offering a special Chef’s Tasting Menu curated by Chef Arnaud.

Reservations are now open, and guests are encouraged to book early. Lucie’s regular lunch menu will also be available for those seeking a different kind of indulgence—please specify your preference when booking.

Reservations for Lucie’s Valentine’s Day experience can be made through OpenTable HERE.

FICOA

IG. @ficoa.to
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Ficoa with a limited-time four-course tasting menu available February 12–15. Designed to create an unforgettable dining experience, this menu showcases innovative flavors and premium ingredients in a romantic setting. The experience can be enjoyed for $150 per person and reservations are recommended.

Four-course Tasting Menu
First Course:
Shiitake Mushroom Al Ajillo
Celeriac Truffle Soup
Beet ‘Hatsu’
Trout Tartare Cone
Caviar Chip
Tomato Noodle, Basil
Cavatelli – White Truffle, Beet Chip, Beet Gel
Duck Tamal – Mole Rosa, Duck Fat Snow

Main Course (Choice of One, Served with Shiitake Mushrooms & Roasted Peppers):
PEI Rib Eye Steak
Grilled Trout
Lion’s Mane Steak
Lamb Roast
Freeze (Palate Cleanser):
Pawpaw, Preserved Stone Fruit, Champagne Vinegar

Dessert:
MASA + XOCOLATL (Aztec Chocolate) – Chocolate Mousse, Toasted Cacao Nibs, MASA Brownie, Citrus Chili Gel

Make this Valentine’s Day one to remember with an elevated dining experience at Ficoa.
Reservations for Ficoa’s Valentine’s Day experience can be made through OpenTable HERE.

SMURFS is in Theatres July 18, 2025. Ahead of the Big Game on Sunday, we get a peek st it’s TV Spot!

SYNOPSIS:

When Papa Smurf (John Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him. With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe. SMURFS features an all-star voice cast including Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña with Kurt Russell and John Goodman.

Paramount Animation Presents

A Ty Ty and Jay Brown Production

“SMURFS”

Produced by

Jay Brown, Ty Ty Smith, Robyn Rihanna Fenty, Ryan Harris, p.g.a.

Based on the Characters and Works of Peyo

Written by

Pam Brady

Directed by

Chris Miller

Cast:

Rihanna, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña with Kurt Russell and John Goodman.

CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

THIS FILM HAS NOT YET BEEN RATED

Harbour Sixty, the iconic steakhouse that has hosted thousands of discerning diners, celebrities, professional athletes, and political leaders over the last 25 years is ready to open its doors again on March 1, 2025 after an extensive renovation. The highly anticipated multimillion transformation will continue to offer its acclaimed steakhouse experience across two floors while introducing two new exciting venues. Reservations for Harbour Sixty can now be made HERE.

Estelle, located on the third floor, will be the quintessential venue for unforgettable moments as a private event space with an extensive range of innovative culinary offerings, state-of-the art built-in technology and an unwavering commitment to meticulous detail.

Arianna, located on the fourth floor, will be offering avant-garde Italian cuisine and is designed to provide unique experiences within the celebrated historic setting. Reservations for Arianna can now be made HERE.

NOVOCAINE arrives in Theatres March 14, 2025 via Paramount Pictures Canada and now we get a new Big Game TV Spot! This is a huge year for Jack Quaid, who is filming the final season of THE BOYS and seen currently in COMPANION.

SYNOPSIS:

When the girl of his dreams (Amber Midthunder) is kidnapped, everyman Nate (Jack Quaid) turns his inability to feel pain into an unexpected strength in his fight to get her back.

PARAMOUNT PICTURES Presents

In association with INFRARED PICTURES

A SAFEHOUSE PICTURES / CIRCLE MANAGEMENT + PRODUCTION Production

A Film by DAN BERK & ROBERT OLSEN

“NOVOCAINE”

Executive Producers

Paul Barbeau, Glen Basner, Josh Adler, Lars Jacobson, Alison Cohen

Produced by

Drew Simon, Tory Tunnell, Joby Harold, Sam Speiser, Matt Schwartz, Julian Rosenberg

Written by

Lars Jacobson

Directed by

Dan Berk & Robert Olsen

Cast:

Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Betty Gabriel, Matt Walsh, Lou Beatty Jr., Evan Hengst, Conrad Kemp and Jacob Batalon

Hollywood Suite invites film fans to fall out of love and into the arms of a bad romance this February, with the exclusive Canadian broadcast premiere of Kim Albright’s dark comedy With Love and a Major Organ (2023) on February 25 at 9pm ET. For those who aren’t feeling the love this year, Hollywood Suite has curated a special collection of anti-Valentine’s Day films starring favourites like Demi Moore, Emma Stone, Sharon Stone, Michael Douglas, Ryan Gosling, Jennifer Aniston and more, available now on Hollywood Suite On Demand.

“Love isn’t always in the air; whether you’re feeling it or not, we’ve curated a lineup for everyone to enjoy this month,” said Suzanne Marshall, Hollywood Suite Senior Manager, Programming. “Kim Albright has created a fantastical world for the lovesick in With Love and a Major Organ that is both cynical and hopeful at the same time.”

The not-so-romantic Canadian film brings viewers into an alternate world where hearts are made of objects and suppressing emotions is self-care. A lonely woman, played by Anna Maguire (Violation), actually rips out her own heart for the man she loves, played by Hamza Haq (Transplant), only to discover that he has run away with it.

For a little more Valentine’s relief and the dark side of love, sex, and obsession, catch Clint Eastwood’s American Southern Gothic thriller The Beguiled (1971); Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone in the erotic thriller Basic Instinct (1992); and Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal in the revenge tale Nocturnal Animals (2016). Sweet romances turn sour in the dramedy Striptease (1996) starring Demi Moore; the Oscar-winning musical La La Land (2016); and the premiere of The Break-Up (2006) starring Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston.

While love sometimes does stink, romance is still in the air for some including the original rom-com It Happened One Night (1934). Directors may have mixed comedy and romance since the start of movies, but it was the friction between Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert in this Frank Capra film that made the genre an audience favourite. Available alongside this classic are contemporary romances including Four Weddings and A Funeral (1994); The Wedding Planner (2001) and Long Shot (2019).

Highlights from the programming lineup in celebration (or not) of Valentine’s Day can be found below:

Father of the Bride (1950)

It Should Happen To You (1954)

Tall Story (1960)

Come September (1961)

Baby The Rain Must Fall (1965)

Rachel, Rachel (1968)

The Beguiled (1971)

Remember My Name (1978)

The Fan (1981)

Raggedy Man (1981)

Cat People (1982)

Sixteen Candles (1984)

My Beautiful Laundrette (1986)

Blind Date (1987)

Dirty Dancing (1987)

Basic Instinct (1992)

What’s Love Got To Do With It (1993)

It Could Happen To You (1994)

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1995)

Striptease (1996)

Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)

Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)

The Wedding Singer (1998)

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Never Been Kissed (1999)

High Fidelity (2000)

Miss Congeniality (2000)

Legally Blonde (2001)

Sidewalks of New York (2001)

The Wedding Planner (2001)

Love Actually (2003)

Something’s Gotta Give (2003)

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

The Notebook (2004)

Wimbledon (2004)

The Break-Up (2006)

The Holiday (2006)

Crazy, Stupid, Love (2010)

Easy A (2010)

Begin Again (2013)

La La Land (2016)

Nocturnal Animals (2016)

Professor Marston & The Wonder Women (2017)

Ali & Ava (2021)

ABOUT HOLLYWOOD SUITE

Hollywood Suite owns and operates four exclusive HD channels featuring the iconic movies that defined the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s, plus essential Hollywood classics from the Golden Age, always uncut and commercial-free. With hundreds of movies every month on four HD channels and Hollywood Suite On Demand, Hollywood Suite provides unparalleled value to consumers.

Hollywood Suite is available to over 10 million households across Canada, exclusively through Canadian television service providers and Amazon Prime Video Channels. Visit hollywoodsuite.ca for more information.

Earlier tonight, TIFF honoured the best in Canadian cinema at a celebration of Canada’s Top Ten, the nation’s best feature films and shorts of 2024. The celebration of Canadian cinema included announcements of the renaming of TIFF Film Circuit to the Donald Shebib TIFF Film Circuit, thanks to a generous donation in honour of the late Canadian filmmaker by his son Noah Shebib and the 40 Foundation, as well as an upcoming TIFF Cinematheque retrospective celebrating the more than 30-year career of iconic Indo-Canadian director Deepa Mehta. As part of this ceremony, it was announced that Miryam Charles was the inaugural recipient of the Charles Officer Legacy Award, presented by TIFF and CBC.

The 24th Canada’s Top Ten showcase, presented by MUBI, runs now through February 9 at TIFF Lightbox and is curated by TIFF programmers in consultation with festival programmers from across Canada. For more information, visit tiff.net/canadas-top-ten.

As announced at the event, TIFF will continue to share the love of film with communities across the country thanks to a gift from Noah Shebib and the 40 Foundation, in honour of the late, iconic Canadian filmmaker, Donald Shebib (1938–2023). In recognition of this gift, TIFF Film Circuit has been renamed the Donald Shebib TIFF Film Circuit. In addition to his pivotal role in Canadian cinema and directing the landmark film Goin’ Down the Road, Shebib was a Festival mainstay and champion who had a profound impact on TIFF. His film The Ascent premiered at TIFF in 1994, and his last feature film Nighthawk premiered at TIFF in 2022.

The generous contribution from the Shebib family will bolster TIFF’s national film outreach programme, expanding access to communities across Canada. Founded in 1989, Film Circuit engages grassroots networks and strong community partnerships to bring the best of Canadian and world cinema to communities across the country. For more information, visit filmcircuit.tiff.net.

During the Canada’s Top Ten event, TIFF also announced that TIFF Cinematheque will celebrate the incomparable Indo-Canadian director Deepa Mehta with the retrospective Through the Fire: The Films of Deepa Mehta in April. Over her remarkable 30+ year career, Mehta has established herself as a bold, humanistic filmmaker. Renowned for her ability to craft deeply moving stories through a culturally hybrid perspective, this retrospective celebrates how Mehta’s groundbreaking work gives voice to individuals’ capacity for resilience and hope in the face of profound marginalization and will include her feature debut Sam & Me (1991); her influential Elements trilogy Fire (1997), Earth (1998), and Water (2005); Bollywood/Hollywood (2002); Heaven on Earth (2008); Beeba Boys (2015); Anatomy of Violence (2016); and Funny Boy (2020).

Over the past five decades, TIFF has evolved from the “Festival of Festivals” (the organization officially changed its name to the Toronto International Film Festival in 1994) to the largest public film festival in the world, which in 2024 welcomed approximately 700,000 guests, more than 700 talent, and 280 films as part of its Official Selection.

As announced last week, Rogers, the official Presenting Partner of the Festival, will develop and produce a TIFF 50th edition television special exploring the history, and featuring archival footage, to be aired exclusively on Citytv.

The 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival, presented by Rogers, will run September 4–14, 2025. For more information, visit tiff.net.

MIRYAM CHARLES TO RECEIVE INAUGURAL CHARLES OFFICER AWARD

Also, earlier this evening as part of TIFF’s opening ceremony for Canada’s Top Ten, Miryam Charles was announced as the inaugural recipient of the Charles Officer Legacy Award, presented by TIFF and CBC. This award recognizes a Canadian Black director and/or writer whose body of work exemplifies the award-winning filmmaker’s creative excellence, strong point of view, and community-mindedness. Miryam Charles first feature film, Cette maison, was a Canada’s Top Ten selection in 2022, premiered at the Berlinale, and was named one of the best films of that year by Sight and Sound.

Jury statement: “The nominees for the award’s inaugural year were overwhelmingly strong and acknowledged Black creators of all experience levels from across the country. As a committee, we are thrilled to select Miryam Charles of Montreal for the 2025 Charles Officer Legacy Award. Miryam is a person whose vision, creativity, and commitment to storytelling truly embody the spirit of the award. Her work is extremely bold in its artistic vision, and she leads with a curiosity that pushes a unique style and form in a way that echoes what Charles sought to do on his own. Through her unique and powerful voice, Miryam tells stories that are both deeply personal and universally relatable and have an underlying dedication to strengthening her community. Her colleagues praise her commitment to the mentorship of those on her productions and the authenticity with which she engages her community. We’re proud to celebrate Miryam, and know Charles would have jumped at the opportunity for them to connect and learn from each other.”

Jury members: Kish Iqbal, co-owner, Gary Godard Agency; Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF; Lea Marin, Director of Development, Drama, CBC; and Jake Yanowski, producer.

Miryam Charles will receive $25,000 CAD, a TIFF Industry Membership for one year, and an Industry pass to the 2025 Festival.

About Miryam Charles:
Miryam Charles is a Canadian director, producer, and cinematographer of Haitian origin, based in Montreal. In addition to Cette maison (TIFF ’22), her short films including All the Days of May (TIFF ’23) and Second Generation (TIFF ’19) have been showcased in various festivals worldwide. She is currently working on her next feature.