Toronto-born, Montreal-raised, Matt Chessco is a former industrial designer and mechanical engineer who left his full-time job during the pandemic to pursue his dream of becoming an artist.  Using celebrity muses such as Billie Ellish, he began painting with acrylic on canvas with his playful combinations of vibrant colours, distinctive van Gogh-like strokes, and a Warhol-esque style of pop art.  Chessco’s first solo exhibition, ArtOfficial, presented by the Canadian National Exhibition, is open to the public at Withrow Common Gallery until January 5, and features 57 paintings including portraits of cultural icons from celebrities such as Harry Styles, Taylor Swift and Cardi B, to Bob Ross, SpongeBob SquarePants and Chewbacca.   *For Holiday hours, please go to www.withrowcommon.ca.
 
Part of the CNE’s goal to present the exhibition is to foster conversations around the future of art, technology, artificial intelligence and human expression.  During the exhibition run, Chessco has taken his Artist Residency at Withrow Common Gallery to create new works to add to his collection — including the unveiling of an original portrait of global music icon and Toronto’s very own, Drake.  Chessco will debut the portrait in true form, using his social media channels and viral creation videos that he is known for.
 
His art has reached the homes of many celebrities like Post Malone, Bella Poarch, Corn Kid and Gary Vee; but it is his social media videos on Tik Tok and YouTube that have generated worldwide attention.  While the concept of artists sharing painting videos on Tik Tok was gaining popularity, Chessco took it to the next level with highly stylized, choreographed videos using stop-motion to capture the layers of his art.  Within the span of three years, he has acquired over 2.4M subscribers on YouTube, and 2.8M followers on TikTok while his videos have received over 2 billion views across all platforms.  IG/Tik Tok: @mattchessco

Following its premiere this Spring in Cannes, Sean Price Williams’ THE SWEET EAST screens exclusively now at TIFF Lightbox. Williams made a special appearance, speaking at Q&As for the Film this past weekend.

Our Review by Amanda Gilmore of THE SWEET EAST:

Cinematographer Sean Price Williams (Good Time) steps into the Director’s chair and delivers the engrossing The Sweet East.

It follows Lillian (Talia Ryder) who’s craving more excitement in her life. While on a high school trip to Washington, D.C. an opportunity arises to get a first glimpse of the wider world. This takes her on a road trip across the cities and woods of the Eastern seaboard of the U.S. Along the way she runs into many different personalities.

The Sweet East plays out like Alice In Wonderland, but is set in present-day America. Lillian initially begins her road trip odyssey by travelling through a glass mirrored door in a karaoke bar. From there she begins the journey that takes her across different ‘worlds’, just as Alice does. She hops across these worlds and experiences different parts of modern-day America. Some may argue that these different realms resemble different cults operating within the country today. Those people wouldn’t be far off. One of the most memorable stops on Lillian’s journey is when she meets Lawrence (Simon Rex) at what can only be considered a white nationalist gathering.

Director Williams and Screenwriter Nick Pinkerton know what the preconceptions of Lawrence will be, as they are what Lillian’s preconceptions are. But Pinkerton and Williams are more concerned with delivering complex characters. Ones who are deeply flawed but will surprise you and make you see them in different lights. For instance, no matter how many times Lillian attempts to seduce Lawrence, his morals won’t allow him to indulge.

Rex gives a restrained, nuanced performance as a white nationalist (who idealizes Nazis and has Hitler’s Autobiography in his house) with set morals on the sexual front. Sure, he considers and romanticizes the idea of being with Lillian. Yet, he’ll never give in to those desires.

As Lillian travels through each ‘world’ it becomes clear that Williams and Pinkerton are delivering a critique on present-day America. Each ‘world’ delivers a different point of American idealism, possibly none more so than when she happens to run into Producer Matthew (Jeremy O. Harris) and Director Molly (Ayo Edebiri) in New York City who demands she is in their film. This clearly plays into the belief in the American Dream. Lillian comes from no film background but because of her look, this duo MUST have her play their lead role. Harris and Edebiri are outstanding and share a magnetic chemistry that demands to be witnessed.

With a subject such as this, you’d assume The Sweet East is a dark Drama. However, it’s actually a delightful witty Comedy. There is perfect comedic timing from the entire Cast and the precision with which the Script is carried out, in the steady hands of Williams, makes for a singular viewing experience.

At the heart of the Film is Lillian played by insurmountable upcoming talent Ryder, who some will know from her powerful performance in Never Rarely Sometimes Always. She commands each frame of the Film in a true star-making role. The Sweet East is really about a teenage girl going on a gritty road trip through the East of America. Most thrilling is that Lillian is never naive or gullible. Ryder plays her with full control of her own circumstances and uses her own devices to get herself out of sticky situations.

Netflix announced today it has renewed MY LIFE WITH THE WALTER BOYS for a second season following its debut on December 7th, 2023.

The teen drama is currently #1 on the Global English Top 10 TV List and has amassed 20.3 Million views since its debut, reaching the Top 10 in 88 countries. The series has also gone viral on TikTok, with the title hashtag amassing over 800 Million views since its premiere date.

Creator / Showrunner / Executive Producer Melanie Halsall’s exclusive statement on the renewal to TUDUM.com: “I am beyond thrilled that My Life with the Walter Boys has been renewed for a second season. We have been overwhelmed by the love and support that the audience has given the show and can’t wait to dive back into the world of Silver Falls and the lives of these characters.”

From Executive Producer Ed Glauser: “The saying It takes a village couldn’t be more true as it pertains to the success of My Life with the Walter Boys. From Ali Novak’s original novel, brilliantly adapted by Melanie Halsall, to our wonderful cast who brought her characters to life, and Netflix’s steadfast commitment, we’re thrilled to continue Jackie’s journey with season two.”

Please also visit TUDUM.com for an interview with cast members Nikki Rodriguez, Noah LaLonde and Ashby Gentry, plus more.

Produced by: iGeneration Studios (THE KISSING BOOTH trilogy of films) and Sony Pictures Television, International Production.

The series is based on Ali Novak’s popular WattPad novel of the same name – which Novak wrote when she was only fifteen and has over 80 million reads. It has since been turned into a published book.

Season 1 Synopsis:

MY LIFE WITH THE WALTER BOYS is a heartwarming coming of age story that follows fifteen-year-old Manhattanite Jackie Howard after losing her family in a tragic accident. Jackie leaves behind her privileged and proper life in New York and moves to rural Colorado to be with her guardian – her mother’s best friend, Katherine, who is raising ten kids with her husband, George. While settling into her new, chaotic countryside home, Jackie is determined to stay focused on her dream of getting into Princeton…all while wrapping her head around her feelings for two very different Walter brothers: the reliable and bookish Alex, and the mysterious and troubled Cole. As Jackie tries to navigate her new life, the feelings and tensions she tries to deny threaten to throw everything off course. Will she be able to stay true to herself and still find romance?

Critically acclaimed actor and comedian Kevin James is set to release his first comedy special for Prime Video, Kevin James: Irregardless. The one-hour special will premiere in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on January 23, 2024.

The highly anticipated, family-friendly special Kevin James: Irregardless delivers a hilariously unfiltered take on parenting, marriage, and getting older. As only James can, he covers a range of topics, from motivating children to put down their video games, to why he doesn’t trust technology, and how many Tater Tots he can fit in his mouth!

James began his career as a stand-up in the Long Island comedy scene. After being discovered at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, he signed a network development deal to create his own sitcom, The King of Queens. The series ran for nine seasons on CBS with James starring and executive producing, and garnered him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.

James brought his stand-up act to TV with Sweat the Small Stuff, a one-hour special for Comedy Central. His second comedy special, Never Don’t Give Up, premiered on Netflix to critical acclaim.

James made his feature film debut in Columbia Pictures’ Hitch, starring opposite Will Smith, and starred in, produced, and co-wrote the hit comedies Paul Blart: Mall Cop 1 and 2, Zookeeper, and Here Comes The Boom. He has starred alongside Adam Sandler in Pixels, Grown Ups 1 and 2, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, and Hubie Halloween. Other features include True Memoirs of an International Assassin and Home Team for Netflix, as well as the independent action thriller Becky.

Kevin James: Irregardless is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Positive Image Video, with Kevin James, Jeff Sussman, Anthony Giordano and Brady Nasfell serving as executive producers.

James will also head out on a new comedy tour, “Owls Don’t Walk,” beginning on February 3, 2024, all tour dates are listed on KevinJames.com.

Paramount Pictures Canada x Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of MEAN GIRLS! Screenings will take place Monday, January 8, 2024 at 7 PM as follows:

TORONTO – Scotiabank Theatre Toronto 

MONTREAL (ENG & FRE) – Guzzo Mega Plex Marche Central *Note that the French screening will begin at 7:30pm. 

VANCOUVER – Dunbar Theatre

CALGARY – Landmark Country Hills

Synopsis:

From the comedic mind of Tina Fey comes a new twist on the modern classic, MEAN GIRLS. New student Cady Heron (Angourie Rice) is welcomed into the top of the social food chain by the elite group of popular girls called “The Plastics,” ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George (Reneé Rapp) and her minions Gretchen (Bebe Wood) and Karen (Avantika). However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney), she finds herself prey in Regina’s crosshairs. As Cady sets to take down the group’s apex predator with the help of her outcast friends Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), she must learn how to stay true to herself while navigating the most cutthroat jungle of all: high school.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. In the comments there, tell us which city/language! Re-Tweet the below from our “X” account for an extra entry!

Rules and regulations here.

Paramount Pictures Canada release MEAN GIRLS January 12, 2024.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

New unscripted comedy GHOSTING WITH LUKE HUTCHIE AND MATTHEW FINLAN (Jan. 26) follows two actors known for their work in the horror genre as they step off script and venture into some of Ontario’s most haunted places

New point-of-view docuseries FOR THE CULTURE WITH AMANDA PARRIS (Jan. 30) showcases urgent and provocative conversations that centre Blackness and Black folks

January kicks off CBC’s winter slate, with the premieres of new CBC original series including workplace comedy ONE MORE TIME (Jan. 9) and crime-solving procedural with a comedic twist WILD CARDS (Jan. 10), and the return of comedy hits RUN THE BURBS (Jan. 9) and SON OF A CRITCH (Jan. 9), as well as character-driven docuseries BOLLYWED (Jan. 14) and PUSH (Jan. 14) and the debut of new hosts Sarika Cullis-Suzuki and Anthony Morgan on THE NATURE OF THINGS (Jan. 4)

Ring in the new year with laughs on the CBC Comedy FAST channel with full-day marathons of SCHITT’S CREEK (Jan. 1-5), RUN THE BURBS (Jan. 6) and SON OF A CRITCH (Jan. 7), available on CBC Gem, LG Channels, The Roku Channel and Samsung TV Plus

International series include the exclusive Canadian premieres of Australian series SUMMER LOVE (Jan. 12), a romance-driven anthology, and haunting comedy IN LIMBO (Jan. 24), as well as Season 4 of YOUNGER (Jan. 3) from creator Darren Star (Sex and the City); police procedural DI RAY (Jan. 5) starring Parminder Nagra (Bend it Like Beckham, ER); and critically acclaimed Australian hit comedy COLIN FROM ACCOUNTS (Jan. 17)

Documentary features include SATAN WANTS YOU (Jan. 7), delving into the satanic panic phenomenon; stranger-than-fiction portrait THE MAN WHO STOLE EINSTEIN’S BRAIN (Jan. 21); and COVEN (Jan. 28), exploring what it means to identify as a witch in today’s world

Feature films include buddy comedy BOOKSMART (Jan. 1) starring Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever; award-winning Canadian drama SCARBOROUGH (Jan. 5) adapted by Catherine Hernandez from her novel; popular comedy-drama MENTEUR (COMPULSIVE LIAR) (Jan. 19); and Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix winning-drama 120 BPM (Jan. 26)

This looks amazing. From Writer/Director Rose Glass and starring Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, Jena Malone, Anna Baryshnikov, with Dave Franco, and Ed Harris. LOVE LIES BLEEDING – In theaters March 2024 via VVS Films in Canada, following its Sundance Premiere. Today we get a brand-new Trailer!

(Photo/video credit: A24/VVS Films)

SPACEMAN debuts MARCH 1, 2024 on Netflix with a brilliant Cast that includes Paul Dano, Carey Mulligan and Adam Sandler. Here’s a first look!

SYNOPSIS:

Six months into a solitary research mission to the edge of the solar system, an astronaut, Jakub (Adam Sandler), realises that the marriage he left behind might not be waiting for him when he returns to Earth. Desperate to fix things with his wife, Lenka (Carey Mulligan), he is helped by a mysterious creature from the beginning of time he finds hiding in the bowels of his ship. Hanuš (voiced by Paul Dano) works with Jakub to make sense of what went wrong before it is too late. Directed by Johan Renck and based on the novel Spaceman of Bohemia, the film also stars Kunal Nayyar, Lena Olin, and Isabella Rossellini.

DIRECTED BY: Johan Renck
WRITTEN BY: Colby Day
PRODUCERS: Channing Tatum, Reid Carolin, Peter Kiernan, Michael Parets, Tim Headington, Lia Buman, Max Silva
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Ben Ormand, Johan Renck, Barry Bernardi
CAST: Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan, Kunal Nayyar, Lena Olin, with Isabella Rossellini and Paul Dano

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council and the University of Manitoba announced today that they have an alliance with Disney/Lucasfilm to create an official Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) version of Star Wars: A New Hope. Auditions for voice actors are expected to take place during 2024 in Winnipeg, Man. For more information, please visit https://starwarsojibwe.com/.

Partners in the project include Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council (DOTC), with Maeengan Linklater, Director of Operations, as the project lead; the University of Manitoba; Disney/Lucasfilm; and APTN.

The project is supported in part by the Government of Canada through the Indigenous Languages and Cultures Program from Canadian Heritage. Additional support will be provided by Disney/Lucasfilm and APTN.

“A New Hope, one of the most iconic movies of all time, being available in Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) will help showcase this language to the world,” says the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “It is my hope that this is just the beginning of many projects where stories are made available in First Nations, Métis and Inuit languages. Our government will always be there for communities in their efforts to cherish and revitalize their languages because they are an integral part of culture and identity and contribute to a sense of belonging.”

“Language is how knowledge is kept and handed down to future generations, within language we can hear our history and hopes for the future,” says the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor. “Our government, together with our partners, are acting to remedy the damage that colonization has caused to Indigenous languages. Projects like this are crucial to revitalizing Indigenous languages and bringing them to new audiences so Indigenous Peoples can see themselves and their languages have a place at home and in a galaxy far, far away.”

Script translation, auditions for Anishinaabemowin voice actors and sound recording will take place in Winnipeg, with sound mixing and post-production scheduled to occur at Skywalker Sound in California. Plans are to have a Winnipeg premiere as well as showings at theatres across Canada and the intent is for this version of the film to air on APTN. Further details and timelines will be announced as the project progresses.

“This is an exciting project that seeks to restore the Anishinaabe language to the galaxy,” says Maeengan Linklater, “and, DOTC gets to say it did the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs.”

“Like the Force, our language surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds our communities and culture together,” says Cary Miller, Associate Vice-President Indigenous Scholarship, Research and Curriculum at the University of Manitoba. “Projects like this that make our language more accessible are foundationally important to encouraging our youth to carry on our knowledge – including that of science and technology – which are embedded in our Anishinaabe language.”

“Working on the Navajo version of Star Wars: A New Hope was a highlight of my career,” says Lucasfilm Senior Manager of Distribution Operations Michael Kohn. “I am very excited to revisit this type of project again and hopefully preserve and expand the Ojibwe language for future generations.”

“APTN is proud to partner on this project, which will help make a classic film more accessible to our Anishinaabe audience,” says Mike Omelus, executive director of content and strategy at APTN. “Language revitalization is fundamental to our work as an Indigenous broadcaster. This is an incredible way to celebrate Anishinaabe culture, language and identity.”

While there are many Indigenous languages in Canada, Anishinaabemowin, or Ojibwe, was chosen because it has about 320,000 speakers in Canada and the U.S., and is the most spoken Indigenous language in Manitoba, Ontario and Minnesota.

“Gi-ga-miinigoowiz Mamaandaawiziwin” (“May the Force be with you”).

The motionball Gala in support of Special Olympics, returns on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Liberty Grand.

2,500 guests are expected to head to Liberty Grand for Toronto’s most sought-after gala, which aims to raise $300,000 net for the Special Olympics Canada Foundation in one night. With its Casino Royale theme, guests are encouraged to glam up in black-tie attire and expect an evening of unparalleled entertainment.

Key details:

Hosted by Breakfast Television’s Devo Brown.

Attended by many VIPs, elite athletes, Olympians, influencers and socialites.

A silent auction featuring luxury items.

Red carpet and a photo booth to capture the evening glam.

Open bar and upscale cocktails courtesy of Campari & Molson.

Late-night pizza from Pizzaville and bite-sized COPS donuts.

When: Friday, February 9th, 2024

Where: Liberty Grand – 25 British Columbia Rd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3

Tickets: $125 tier 1 – $200 regular. Available for purchase here.