While we’re eagerly awaiting the soon-to-come arrival of the 2026 model, we were thrilled to test drive the 2025 MAZDA CX-90 PHEV GT, which was timely as we had a very active past week that included quality time with friends, red carpets, fine dining, star sightings, a polar vortex, and even a masquerade ball! Who’s life is this again? More in my highlight reel later.

This three-row Hybrid luxury SUV is equipped with four driving modes with it’s Mi-Drive technology: Normal (balanced), Sport (enhanced performance), Off-Road (traction management), and Towing (optimized for trailers). It runs on a 2.5L I4 e-Skyactiv Plug-In Hybrid engine, and a 17.8 kWh battery, and features a 323 horsepower powertrain, with standard i-Activ AWD. While it has the plug-in charge option, you also get 9.9/8.7/9.4 litres/100 km city/highway/combined fuel economy, which is comparable for SUVs of the CX-90′s caliber. For its electric range, you get approximately 42 km, and charging takes 1.3 hours for 20-80% charge (Level 2, 240V).

This tough ride is a good friend to have in these snowy conditions, ready to power through whatever obstacles Canadian weather is ready to throw its way!

While this SUV is sheer power, it possesses grace and luxury. Our vehicle was a stunning artisan red metallic, a colour for all seasons here in Canada, but it is its Pure White Nappa leather interior that exudes true class. An oversized panoramic moonroof just makes every day brighter and better.

The CX-90′si-Activsense safety features like Forward Collision Warning, Cruise and Traffic Support saving lives in the City and on the highway, with an incomparable a 360° View Monitor. There literally are no more blindspots when reversing and parallel parking, and let’s not forgot those blindspot monitors (and assist) and vehicle exit warnings, which are so handy! Traffic sign recognition helps you stay within speed limits and remain alerted.

In terms of airbags, you are covered from all angles with its front dual stage driver and front passenger airbags, front and rear side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, front driver and passenger knee airbag, and also a passenger airbag deactivation system (auto-switch).

We also get several elevated features like an oversized 12.3″ infotainment display with a rotary HMI commander, an impeccable 12-speaker BOSE audio system, plus an abundance of USB-C charging ports, wireless phone charging and connectivity to Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Our only comment about this during our test drive is that we wish the vehicle would remember its pairing to our phone as it became a bit cumbersome repairing every time we started the car. This, and on Android Auto, the display wasn’t responsive sometimes to touchscreen when we’d get options from Google Maps to “accept” or “decline” faster route options. I must also highlight how much joy Sirius XM Hits 1 gives me on my morning drives and the CX-90 has the option of this!

We also appreciated very much, its keyless remote entry and auto power folding mirrors. What would’ve taken it up a notch is walk-away auto-lock, especially for an SUV of this level that already is so loaded with features.

Mazda Canada really are considerate not only of the Driver experience, but also the Passenger experience. Front-row and second-row passengers get personalized climate control, and above this, they get heated seats which is so needed amidst this prolonged deep freeze we’re experiencing in the GTA and abound.

The 2025 MAZDA CX-90 PHEV GT retails starting at $64,350 CAN. More here.

Some highlights from our Test Drive:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

20th Century Studios has released a new trailer, character posters and stills for the highly anticipated sequel “The Devil Wears Prada 2.” Almost 20 years after making their iconic turn as Miranda, Andy, Emily and Nigel—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the fashionable streets of New York City and the sleek offices of Runway Magazine in the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2006 phenomenon that defined a generation.

The film reunites the original main cast with director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna, and introduces an all-new runway of characters including Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, Pauline Chalamet, B.J. Novak and Conrad Ricamora. Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman also reprise their roles as “Lily” and “Irv” from the first film.

“The Devil Wears Prada 2” is produced by Wendy Finerman, and executive produced by Michael Bederman, Karen Rosenfelt and Aline Brosh McKenna. The film debuts exclusively in theatres May 1.

So delighted to check out an incredible set by rising star JADE LEMAC! The 21-year-old self-taught Singer/Songwriter from Vancouver packed the house at Toronto’s The Opera House last night, giving fans a major reason to brave the cold. She’s wrapping the Canadian leg of her IT’S ALWAYS AT NIGHT Tour, with some dates coming in Australia next. She’s also just been announced to play at this year’s ALL THINGS GO FESTIVAL in Toronto!

LeMac has built a devout community of fans over the past few years with her hits “Constellations” and “Running Home” garnering huge streams. Her latest single “Sleeping with the Lights On” is now out, and you can listen below. While LeMac she still has yet to release her debut album, the feeling is palpable that something big is about to come for this Vietnamese-Chinese-Canadian, who also has received a GLAAD Award nomination for her groundbreaking work as an LGBTQ2+ voice.

We love LeMac‘s emotive voice and catchy songwriting. We were captivated for her 15 song-set, plus three-song encore which had the audience on their feet and cheering.

Some highlights from the night, including a quick meet after! She was so lovely and present for her fans, despite it being freezing out!

More Jade LeMac:

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music Canada/Mr. Will Wong)

SEND HELP gets all the assistance of moviegoers at the Box Office, taking top spot in its debut with $18 million from 3,475 theatres for 20th Century Studios. This latest effort from Sam Raimi, starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, gets 94% on the Tomatometer. Review here.

Second is IRON LUNG with $15 million from 3,015 theatres for Piece of Magic Entertainment. This Sci-Fi Horror is based on the popular Video Game of the same name, and gets 50% on the Tomatometer.

Third is MELANIA with $8 million from 1,778 theatres for Amazon MGM Studios. The First Lady documentary gets 19% on the Tomatometer.

ZOOTOPIA2 gets fourth with $5.8 million for Disney, a total $408 million grossed domestically over ten weekends.

AVATAR: FIRE & ASH rounds things out with $5 million, a tally of $385.6 million over seven weekends for 20th Century Studios.

WE WERE LIARS author E. Lockhart will appear at Hot Docs Cinema on Feb 4, 2026 at 7pm. Tickets here.

Lockhart will be discussing her new book, We Fell Apart, her razor‑sharp new novel filled with family secrets, seaside mysteries, and the lies we tell to survive. The story follows Matilda, whose unexpected invitation to Hidden Beach a crumbling sanctuary of strangers claiming to be kin forces her to confront the truth about the father she’s never met and the past that’s been kept from her. It’s Lockhart at her most atmospheric: twisty, intimate, and impossible to shake.

During this event, Lockhart will explore the making of the novel, the allure of unreliable narrators, and the complex bonds that shape us. She’ll be joined on stage by acclaimed author Nita Prose for a conversation filled with tension, revelations, and the kind of storytelling only Lockhart can deliver.

A book signing will follow the discussion. Copies of We Fell Apart will be available both online when purchasing your ticket and in person at the event.

Toronto was in for the royal treatment as the stars of BRIDGERTON Season Four dropped into the City for a whirlwind press tour. In addition to this, the BRIDGERTON GRAND OBSIDIAN BALL was held at Royal York Hotel’s Imperial Ballroom to celebrate the new season. Several of the City’s most influencial tastemakers and social media stars attended, bringing their fashion A-Game for the opulent affair. The first of Season Four’s two parts is now available to stream on Netflix, with the second part coming February 26, 2026.

This season focuses on second-eldest Bridgerton brother Benedict (Luke Thompson) as he meets the mysterious Sophie (Yerin Ha) at his mother’s masquerade, not knowing that she had infiltrated it. She actually is a maid. While they fall in madly in love quickly, we wonder what is to come of their love when the truth is known? And will Benedict be able to say farewell to his free-spirited “playboy” spirit?

We were so lucky to be at the BRIDGERTON GRAND OBSIDIAN BALL! This will be talked about forever. Historic!

And a moment with Thompson and Ha!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Last night, the Prime Minister went to the cottage. Yes, that cottage. Prime Minister Mark Carney joined Crave Original, Heated Rivalry stars Hudson Williams and Sophie Nélisse, alongside Creators Jacob Tierney and Brendan Brady on the red carpet at the Canadian Media Producers Association’s (CMPA) annual Prime Time conference in Ottawa.

The Prime Minister also addressed delegates and media before a surprise In Conversation With Heated Rivalry featuring Williams; co-star Sophie Nélisse (Rose); Creator, Writer, Director and Executive Producer Jacob Tierney; Executive Producer Brendan Brady, and moderator, etalk’s Lainey Lui. The panel included curated clips and behind-the-scenes insights, offering audiences a rare look at the creative leadership behind one of Canada’s most talked-about and internationally successful television series. Additional remarks were given by Valerie Creighton, CEO of the Canada Media Fund; Sean Cohan, President, Bell Media; Reynolds Mastin, President and CEO, CMPA; and Kyle Irving, Chair, CMPA Board of Directors.

From its Canadian roots to global acclaim, Heated Rivalry has emerged as an international cultural touchstone, celebrated for challenging traditional portrayals of masculinity in sport and delivering a bold, honest portrayal of joyful queer love and relationships. Heated Rivalry is available to stream on Crave in Canada, HBO Max in the U.S., Europe (excluding UK and Ireland, Spain, and Turkey), Australia, Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, Macau, Sri Lanka, Nepal) and Latin America, Sky (and NOW) in the UK and Ireland, Movistar Plus+ in Spain, and NEON in New Zealand.

(Photo credit: George Pimentel)

This Valentine’s season, Chaiiwala of London is leaning into romance with a limited-time menu (available Feb. 2 – Mar. 1, 2026) designed to be shared — and photographed.

Launching just in time for February, Chaiiwala’s Valentine’s collection features a playful, strawberry-forward lineup that blends indulgence with the brand’s signature chai culture:

Strawberry Cloud Karak Chai

Strawberry Cloud Cold Brew

Raspberry Greek Yogurt Cheesecake

The campaign taps into the growing appetite for sweet, shareable café moments — perfect for couples, friends, and Galentine’s plans alike. It’s a fresh take on Valentine’s offerings that goes beyond chocolate and cocktails, positioning chai and dessert as the new love language.

Beyond the seasonal menu, Chaiiwala is also in a period of rapid Canadian expansion. Following strong momentum across the country, the brand is preparing to open new locations in:

Surrey (late February)

Downtown Toronto (Spring)

Kelowna (Spring)

Saskatoon (Spring)

Together, the Valentine’s drop and upcoming openings reflect a broader shift in café culture — where globally inspired tea houses are becoming social hubs, especially among Gen Z and millennial audiences.

DOUBLES, the 2024 drama from writer/director Ian Harnarine, is getting a broadcast premiere on Hollywood Suite. The film premieres February 17, 2026 at 7:20 pm ET, and stars Sanjiv Boodhu (Moving Parts), Errol Sitahal (Tommy Boy, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle), and Rashaana Cumberbatch (Shoresy, Summer Memories).

Synopsis

A young Trinidadian street vendor must travel to Toronto and decide if he will save his estranged father’s life.

On Thursday, January 29, Amazon MGM Studios hosted the World Premiere of MELANIA, at Washington, D.C.’s Trump-Kennedy Center. President Donald J. Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, filmmakers, government officials and additional special guests gathered for the World Premiere of the film, offering unprecedented access to the 20 days leading up to the 2025 Presidential Inauguration through the eyes of The First Lady. MELANIA is in Theatres Globally January 30, 2026.

Film talent in attendance included First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald J. Trump, producer/director Brett Ratner, producer Fernando Sulichin, producer Marc Beckman, co-producer Maximilien Arvelaiz, and composer Tony Neiman. Additional attendees included film subjects and fashion designers Adam Lippes and Herve Pierre, event planner David Monn, and interior designer Tham Kannalikham.

Additional attendees included Donald Trump Jr., Nicki Minaj, Speaker Mike Johnson (United States House of Representatives), Marco Rubio (United States Secretary of State), Scott Bessent (United States Secretary of the Treasury), Pete Hegseth (United States Secretary of War), Doug Burgum (United States Secretary of the Interior), Brooke Rollins (United States Secretary of Agriculture), Howard Lutnick (United States Secretary of Commerce), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (United States Secretary of Labor), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (United States Secretary of Health and Human Services), Sean Duffy (United States Secretary of Transportation), Linda McMahon (United States Secretary of Education), Doug Collins (United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs), Kristi Noem (United States Secretary of Homeland Security), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (United States Secretary of Labor), Steve Witkoff (United States Special Envoy to the Middle East), Lee Zeldin (Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency), Kelly Loeffler (Administrator of the Small Business Administration), John Ratcliffe (Director of the Central Intelligence Agency), Dr. Mehmet Oz (Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), Maria Bartiromo (Fox Business Host), Bret Baier (Fox News Host), Gianni Infantino (FIFA President), Kellyanne Conway (Political Consultant), Kari Lake (Senior Advisor for the U.S. Agency for Global Media), and many more.

Official Synopsis:

Amazon MGM Studios’ film MELANIA offers unprecedented access to the 20 days leading up to the 2025 Presidential Inauguration — through the eyes of the First Lady herself. Step inside Melania Trump’s world as she orchestrates inauguration plans, navigates the complexities of the White House transition, and moves her family back to the Nation’s Capital. With exclusive footage capturing critical meetings, private conversations, and never-before-seen environments, MELANIA showcases Mrs. Trump’s return to one of the world’s most powerful roles.