Sony Pictures Canada will release the Horror AFRAID, exclusively in theatres August 30, 2024! Today we get a new Trailer.

Genre: Thriller
Rating: This film is not yet rated by The Motion Picture Association. For future rating information, please visit www.filmratings.com. Credits not final.

Synopsis:
In AFRAID, Curtis (John Cho) and his family are selected to test a revolutionary new home device: a digital family assistant called AIA. Taking smart home to the next level, once the unit and all its sensors and cameras are installed in their home, AIA seems able to do it all. She learns the family’s behaviors and begins to anticipate their needs. And she can make sure nothing – and no one – gets in her family’s way.

Written and Directed by:
Chris Weitz

Produced by:
Jason Blum
Chris Weitz
Andrew Miano

Executive Producers:

Beatriz Sequeira
Paul O. Davis
Dan Balgoyen
Britta Rowings

Cast:
John Cho
Katherine Waterston
Havana Rose Liu
Lukita Maxwell
with David Dastmalchian
and Keith Carradine

Canadian director Lowell Dean’s action-horror DARK MATCH will have its World Premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival next month. The 80’s set wrestling film stars Canadian actors Ayisha Issa (Transplant) and Steven Ogg (Grand Theft Auto V, The Walking Dead), with pro wrestling legend Chris Jericho (Terrifier 2).

It will premiere in the Canadian-cinema focused Septentrion Shadows section of the festival on Sunday, July 21st at 6:30pm at the Henry F. Hall Building at Concordia University.

Penned by Lowell Dean (Wolfcop), the film was produced by Dept. 9 Studios’ John K. MacDonald, Don Depoe, and Michael Feehan, as well as Michael Peterson and Rhonda Baker. Blue Finch Films has boarded worldwide rights (excluding Canada).

Synopsis:
A small time wrestling company accepts a well-paying but too good to be true gig in a backwoods town only to learn, too late, that the community is run by a mysterious cult leader… and their event is now a pay-per-view fight to the death.

Fantasia Film Festival World Premiere:
Date: Sunday, July 21st at 6:30pm
Location: Henry F. Hall Building at Concordia University, 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W

(Photo credit: Dept. 9 Studios)

Woodbine Entertainment and Rogers Sports & Media today announced they have entered into a multi-year media rights agreement for Canada’s most prestigious Thoroughbred horse race, The King’s Plate. This new media rights partnership will provide fans with an extensive lineup of live premier horse racing from around the world, offering more opportunities to enjoy the sport than ever before.

“We are thrilled to partner with Sportsnet and Citytv to deliver The King’s Plate – one of our country’s longest and most storied sporting traditions – and premier racing from Woodbine and around the world to sports fans across Canada,” said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “Through this new partnership we see an exciting opportunity to grow our sport and we look forward to working with Sportsnet to deepen sports fans’ connections and engagement with racing.”

As part of the agreement, the 165th Kings Plate on Saturday, August 17 will air on both Sportsnet and Citytv, and stream on Sportsnet+ and Citytv+. The second and third legs of the Canadian Triple Crown – The Prince of Wales Stakes (run at Fort Erie Race Track on Tuesday, September 10) and the Breeders’ Stakes (Woodbine Racetrack on Sunday, September 29) – will also air on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.

In addition, fans can watch the following races from Woodbine Racetrack on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+: Woodbine Oaks presented by Stella Artois (Saturday, July 20), Greenwood Stakes (Saturday, September 7), Turf Champions Day (Saturday, September 14) which features the newly named Rogers Woodbine Mile, and Turf Finals Day (Saturday, October 5), featuring the Neartic Stakes and bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes. Select international races will also air on Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, Citytv, and Citytv+.

Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of TIFF ’23 selection SING SING in Calgary and Halifax.

CALGARY – Screening Details:
Location: Scotiabank Theatre Chinook

Date: Wednesday, July 31st

Time: 7:00 PM

HALIFAX SING SING – Screening Details: 

Location: Cineplex Cinemas Park Lane

Date: Monday, August 12th

Time: 7:00 PM

Synopsis: Divine G, imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn’t commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men in this story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art.

Starring: Colman Domingo, Paul Raci, Clarence Maclin and Sean San José. 

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. On the post, indicate your City and tag a friend in the comments you’d like to bring along with you. Enter as many times as you like!

Rules and regulations here.

Elevation Pictures release SING SING as follows:
Toronto – August 2, 2024
Vancouver & Montreal – August 9, 2024
Nationwide – August 16, 2024

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, the esteemed five-star luxury hotel renowned for its unparalleled hospitality, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of LANO, a captivating cafe and wine bar nestled within the elegant confines of the hotel’s lobby. Set to debut in September 2024 and introducing a venue that seamlessly embodies the essence of northern Italian charm, LANO, the latest addition to The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, promises to enrich the hotel’s culinary experience. This innovative concept marks a pivotal moment in The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto’s journey, symbolizing its commitment to redefining luxury experiences and hospitality for its clientele as part of an overall hotel refresh, including a newly designed lobby, that will be unveiled with the opening of LANO.

LANO, a contraction of Milano, pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of Northern Italy in a cafe and wine bar setting. An authentic Northern Italian experience will be led by the expertise of Ignatius Prinsloo, Executive Sous Chef and Alessandro Panattoni, Chef de Cuisine (who hails from the region), meticulously sourcing Italian ingredients and with a commitment to authenticity, freshness, and quality. From morning to night, guests will be transported to the bustling cafes of Milan or Turin, engaging their senses from the aroma of freshly brewed espresso to the last sip of wine.

LANO’s menu is thoughtfully crafted to evolve seamlessly throughout the day, offering a diverse array of culinary delights paired with a unique selection of 30 Italian wines, and also features traditional Italian cocktails. Whether it’s a quick grab-and-go espresso and pastry, a leisurely lunch featuring salads and antipasti, or a pre-theatre rendezvous for a glass of wine, there’s something to satisfy every palate at LANO.

“LANO is a testament to our team’s dedication to constantly create unique and authentic experiences for our guests, inspired by storytelling and delivered through service, design and craftsmanship,” said Guillaume Benezech, General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto. “LANO’s varied offering and inviting atmosphere will enhance our existing culinary options, meeting the expectations of both our local community and hotel guests.”

Designed by leading design firm CHAPI CHAPO DESIGN, the design inspiration for LANO was drawn from the rich cultural tapestry that defines the city of Milan. The design inspiration was also drawn from both the physical insights of the property’s location and the social insights of its refined glamour. Situated in a city known for its vibrant culture and lush green spaces, the hotel’s design incorporates elements that reflect Toronto’s unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto boasts a beautiful park-like back terrace complemented by a park in the front, enhancing its ambiance as a city within a park and a hotel within a park. These natural retreats offer havens amidst the city’s noise and bustling energy.

“We envisioned a chic culinary stop that seamlessly fits into the fast-paced lifestyle of the city. The design draws inspiration from European aesthetics, offering a refined atmosphere where guests can enjoy a quick yet delightful experience,” said Tatiana Sheveleva, Partner of CHAPI CHAPO DESIGN. “Every element has been carefully selected to enhance a quick dining experience,” continued Loris Ognibene, Project Director. “From the delicate lighting to the sleek furniture, our goal was to design a space that feels approachable and timeless, much like Toronto itself.”

LANO is set to join The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto’s current lineup of culinary destinations including TOCA and EPOCH Bar + Kitchen Terrace, and will open in September 2024.

Financial District’s best-kept secret, 11:59 Bar:Café, will be celebrating its one-year anniversary with free coffee and $11.59 cocktails during the week of July 8, 2024!

The first 50 customers each day will receive a free iced coffee. Additionally, the bar-café will offer their signature espresso martini, the Coconut Noir, for just $11.59.

With a dynamic atmosphere that seamlessly transitions from a cozy café by day to a vibrant lounge by night, 11:59 Bar:Café is the perfect spot for the AM crowd looking for a daytime workspace and the PM crowd seeking after-work drinks. So whether you’re in need of an afternoon coffee pick-me-up or a happy hour destination next week, 11:59 Bar:Café has the Toronto Financial District covered!

When: Monday, July 8th from 11:30 am – 10 pm

Tuesday July 9th from 11:30 am – 10 pm

Wedneesday July 10th from 11:30 am – 3 pm

Thursday, July 11th from 11:30 am – 11 pm

Friday July 12th from 5 pm – 11 pm

Where: 11:59 Bar: Café – 70 Temperance St Unit 1, Toronto, ON M5H 0B1

After premiering at SXSW ’24 to raves, NATIONAL ANTHEM is set to hit theatres later this month via Vortex Media.

The film stars Charlie Plummer (Moonfall) and Eve Lindley (Bros) and is the feature-length debut picture from photographer Luke Gilford who co-wrote the screenplay with David Largman Murray and Kevin Best. The stunning feature is based on Gilford’s photobook National Anthem: America’s Queer Rodeo.

Dylan (Charlie Plummer), a soft-spoken 21-year-old construction worker, is the de facto father figure to his little brother and works odd jobs to help the family get by. After he finds himself with the opportunity to work at a ranch, he is welcomed by a vibrant community of rodeo performers who openly explore their identities and sexuality. He is especially drawn to Sky (Eve Lindley), a force of nature who Dylan connects with deeply, as he begins to forge his own identity.

The film will open in select theatres nationwide, in likely 10-15 theatres. National Anthem premiered at SXSW this past year to critical praise where it was hailed as “delicately radical” by Tim Grierson of Screen International and as a “glorious portrait of rural queer Americana” by Kristy Puchko of Mashable. That’s just the tip of the iceberg though, as the film sits at 95% fresh on RT with over 20 reviews from its festival run.

You can view the trailer here:

JACKPOT! is an outrageous action-comedy about a ‘Grand Lottery’ with a catch: kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion dollar jackpot. See the new Trailer for this August 15, 2024 release on Prime Video Canada.

Awkwafina plays Katie, who mistakenly finds herself with the winning ticket and reluctantly joins forces with amateur lottery protection agent Noel Cassidy, played by John Cena, who must get her to sundown in exchange for a piece of her prize.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IW7pIYtpp50

JACKPOT! introduces audiences to their new favorite comedy duo: Awkwafina and John Cena.
Legendary director Paul Feig champions Awkwafina, another great comedienne in an action-packed starring role, following his other beloved action comedies like THE HEAT and SPY, among others.
Directed by Paul Feig
Starring Awkwafina, John Cena, Ayden Mayeri, Donald Elise Watkins,
Sam Asghari, Murray Hill and Simu Liu
Written by Rob Yescombe
Produced by Joe Roth, Jeff Kirschenbaum, p.g.a., Paul Feig, p.g.a., Laura Fischer, p.g.a.
Executive Produced by John Cena, Michelle Morrissey, Rob Yescombe, Zack Roth
Genre: Action Comedy
In the near future, a ‘Grand Lottery’ has been newly established in California – the catch: kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion dollar jackpot. When Katie Kim (Awkwafina) moves to Los Angeles, she mistakenly finds herself with the winning ticket. Desperate to survive the hordes of jackpot hunters, she reluctantly joins forces with amateur lottery protection agent Noel Cassidy (John Cena) who will do everything in his power to get her to sundown in exchange for a piece of her prize. However, Noel must face off with his slick rival Louis Lewis (Simu Liu), who also seeks to collect Katie’s commission at all costs. JACKPOT! is directed by Paul Feig and written by Rob Yescombe.

Rated R

Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF is thrilled to announce that the renowned Australian actor and producer Cate Blanchett will be honoured at the 2024 TIFF Tribute Awards as the recipient of the TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award. Blanchett will also participate in an In Conversation With… event, offering audiences an intimate look into the two-time Academy Award winner’s illustrious career.

A trailblazer in advocating for greater representation and equality in the film industry and one of the most revered performers in modern cinema, the TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award winner is a leading woman in the film industry who has championed the careers of others and paved the way for the next generation. Honouring the film industry’s outstanding contributors and their achievements, the TIFF Tribute Awards is a fundraising event that takes place on Sunday, September 8 at Fairmont Royal York Hotel, with proceeds going towards TIFF’s Every Story Fund, which champions diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in film.

“Cate Blanchett is a marvel,” said Bailey. “One of the finest actors in film history, she has consistently shown range, depth and audacity on screen. Off screen, she has been a tireless champion of increased equity and justice in many sectors. Cate’s passion for the transformative power of storytelling, and her commitment to breaking down barriers for women, align with the goals of our Share Her Journey initiative. We’re honoured to present Cate Blanchett with this year’s Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award, and can’t wait to welcome her back to Toronto.”

The TIFF Share Her Journey Groundbreaker Award is inspired by TIFF’s Share Her Journey initiative, created to address gender parity in the film industry, to champion women at every stage of their creative journey, and to shine a spotlight on women creators making a significant difference in the industry. Past recipients are Patricia Arquette (2023) and Michelle Yeoh (2022).

Blanchett joins the recently announced iconic Canadian filmmaker and screenwriter David Cronenberg, who will be recognized with the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award; and Oscar-nominated actor Amy Adams, who will receive the TIFF Tribute Performer Award. Award-winning Korean Canadian actor and producer Sandra Oh is the inaugural Honorary Chair of TIFF’s largest fundraiser, now in its sixth year. Serving as a kick-off to awards season, the Tribute Awards have in the past honoured Jessica Chastain, Roger Deakins, Colman Domingo, Brendan Fraser, Sir Anthony Hopkins, Joaquin Phoenix, Taika Waititi, Michelle Yeoh, and Chloé Zhao, who have gone on to win awards on the international stage.

An integral part of TIFF’s year-round and Festival programming, In Conversation With… connects audiences with leading film artists through intimate, moderated discussions about their creative process. Packed with emotion and cultural significance, this series offers audiences a wide range of experiences.

About Cate Blanchett
Blanchett has forged a unique career on stage and screen as an artist, producer and cultural leader. Working with many of the world’s leading filmmakers, she has crafted defining roles in critically acclaimed films such as Tár, Carol, I’m Not There, and Notes on a Scandal. Equally at home in arthouse discoveries as she is in box-office blockbusters, Academy Award wins came for The Aviator and Blue Jasmine, and numerous other honours have included four BAFTAS and four Golden Globes. Raised in Australia, Blanchett began her career on the Sydney stage. While her international success came following Elizabeth in 1988, she would later return to her home country to run its de facto national theatre, the Sydney Theatre Company, as co-Artistic Director and co-CEO, transforming it in the process to an award winning green arts hub. Small-screen roles include the leading role in Mrs America which she also produced through the production company she co-runs, Dirty Films, whose recent projects include Proof of Concept supporting emerging women, trans and nonbinary filmmakers. She is a Global Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, a member of the Earthshot Prize Council and a leading advocate for the cultural industries, human rights and the environment.

More Festival details will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets for TIFF ’24 go on-sale to TIFF Members by level beginning on Friday, August 16. For more details, visit tiff.net/join. The full Festival schedule will be released on Tuesday, August 13. The 49th Toronto International Film Festival takes place September 5–15, 2024.

(Photo credit: Tom Munro)

We realize it’s only Summer still but here’s a new Trailer for THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT ever, in theatres November 8, 2024 via Cineplex Pictures.

Directed by: Dallas Jenkins
Cast: Pete Holmes, Judy Greer, Beatrice Schneider, Mason Nelligan, Matthew Lamb,
Ewan Matthys Wood, Essek Moore, Kynlee Heiman, Lorelai Olivia Mote, Molly Wright,
Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez
Synopsis: Based on the beloved book, THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER centers on the Herdmans – absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world. But this Christmas, they’re taking over their local church Pageant – and they just might unwittingly teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas.