After resounding praise at Venice and TIFF, THE WHALE surfaces with a new Canadian Trailer. The latest masterpiece from Darren Aronofsky arrives in theatres this December via Elevation Pictures. Definitely one of our favourites of ’22. Cannot wait to see this again!

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures/A24)

The black carpet was rolled-out at Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto at the Canadian Premiere of BLACK PANTHER, WAKANDA FOREVER. Several local stars came out to celebrate the release of this eagerly-awaited Blockbuster, the evening hosted by Actor brothers Shamier Anderson and Stephan James, Founders of The Black Academy.

This follow-up to 2018’s BLACK PANTHER, sees Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright), M’Baku (Winston Duke), Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death.

Some Snaps from the festivities:

A Reel of Highlights:

BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER arrives in theatres November 11, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The 2022 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival kicked-off tonight with Opening Night Gala RICEBOY SLEEPS starting things on a high note. The acclaimed Feature from Vancouver’s Anthony Shim recently won the Platform Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival, and also nabbed the Audience Award at the Busan International Film Festival shortly after. The Film was followed by a Q&A with Shim and its stars Choi Seung-yoon and Ethan Hwang, and it centers on a mother and son who immigrate from South Korea to Canada, facing hardships here as a rift grows between them.

A Reception was held at the Annex Hotel prior to the Premiere, with notable guests in attendance including Shim, Choi and Hwang. The Festival, now in its 26th edition, is comprised of Symposiums, Features, Shorts and the opportunity for Filmmakers to pitch.

Others in attendance were:

A Reel of highlights:

The 2022 Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival goes through November 20, 2022 in-person and online. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

A first look at the official Trailer for Guillermo del Toro‘s PINOCCHIO, has arrived. Opening in select theatres this Friday, this fantastical re-imagining of this beloved tale arrives on Netflix in time for the Holidays!

Synopsis: 
Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro reinvents Carlo Collodi’s classic tale of the wooden marionette who is magically brought to life in order to mend the heart of a grieving woodcarver named Geppetto. This whimsical, stop-motion film directed by Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson follows the mischievous and disobedient adventures of Pinocchio in his pursuit of a place in the world.

Directed by Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson, the film features an all-star voice cast with Ewan McGregor as Cricket, David Bradley as Geppetto, and introducing Gregory Mann as Pinocchio. Other cast includes Finn Wolfhard, Academy Award® winner Cate Blanchett, John Turturro, Ron Perlman, Tim Blake Nelson, Burn Gorman, with Academy Award® winner Christoph Waltz and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton.

Cast: Gregory Mann, Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Tilda Swinton, Christoph Waltz, Finn Wolfhard, Cate Blanchett, John Turturro, Ron Perlman, Tim Blake Nelson, Burn Gorman

Guillermo del Toro‘s PINOCCHIO arrives December 9, 2022 on Netflix. It plays at TIFF Bell Lightbox Friday, November 11, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

We have a new Trailer for “Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?”, which was just announced recently to come to Disney+!

Synopsis:

From Disney Branded Television, the intimate and inspirational film follows Tony Award®-winning icon Idina Menzel on her path to realize a lifelong dream: headlining a concert at Madison Square Garden in her hometown of New York City. Featuring never-before-seen performance footage alongside raw and vulnerable interviews, the documentary follows Idina on an intimate journey as she juggles the challenges of being a working mom and wife on a grueling travel schedule while preparing to take the stage at the legendary arena.

Directed by filmmaker Anne McCabe and produced in partnership with Ideal Partners, “Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?” makes its world premiere on December 9, exclusively on Disney+.

Through unprecedented interviews and footage, the beloved actress and singer, whose triumphant roles include Broadway productions of “Rent” and “Wicked” as well as the celebrated voice of Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen,” pulls back the curtain on her remarkable career, the incredible — and oftentimes laborious — moments that prepared her for her big breaks and the people who have supported her since the beginning. Additionally, Menzel reflects on motherhood, marriage and the realities of juggling work and family. Throughout the film, she shares her personal experience with in vitro fertilization, an emotional process that runs parallel to her runway toward Madison Square Garden.

“We made this documentary to show firsthand how important it is to pursue your passions and lean on those around you in times of hardship,” said Menzel. “This documentary was a joy to make, and I hope it resonates with my fans and new audiences alike who find themselves balancing motherhood, work and marriage while chasing their own dreams and inspires others to keep pushing forward.”

Captured in striking intimacy and detail, “Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?” follows Menzel on a national tour over the course of 16 shows on the road. The film showcases never-before-seen footage of Menzel throughout her life, from home videos of her early days as a singer at just 7 years old to her beginnings at the premiere of “Rent” the musical in 1996 to preparing for the original role of Elphaba in “Wicked” and the creation and subsequent phenomenon that was “Frozen.” Featuring interviews with Menzel herself, her parents, family, friends and co-creatives, the documentary weaves in Menzel’s show-stopping performance as she conquers the stage at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

“Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?” is produced by Disney Branded Television and Ideal Partners for Disney+. For Ideal Partners, Rachel Cohen and Jana Edelbaum are producers. The documentary film is directed by Anne McCabe.

Menzel was recently honored at this year’s 35th annual Disney Legends Award ceremony, where she was inducted for her roles as Elsa in “Frozen” and Nancy Tremaine in “Enchanted.” Menzel also recently released an inspiring children’s book with her sister, writer and teacher Cara Mentzel, titled “Loud Mouse.” From Disney-Hyperion, “Loud Mouse” is a picture book about a little mouse finding her big voice and is all about self-acceptance and being true to yourself. She also released a companion song for the book.

(Photo credit: Disney)

If you’ve never heard of her prior, Sara Jane Ho is about to change your world and bring etiquette back with upcoming Netflix Series MIND YOUR MANNERS. The Harvard alumni has found much success with her Institute Sarita, which coaches her students to being their best selves, with a philosophy that etiquette is about being mindful of others around you, and making them at ease.

We watch as she travels to different cities, really taking to understand new students she takes under her wings and laying-out what obstacles are holding them back from becoming their best selves. In the first episode we meet a young woman who is held back by a lack of self-confidence due to Eczema, which is overcompensated for by dressing provocatively and “caking” on makeup. Another is a young man who is having trouble finding the “one”. Ho offers simple tips on his dating profile and mannerisms to help build his confidence. We also meet a grandmother who has been putting her family’s needs before hers for a long time. And also a new mother who’s lost her groove after post-partum depression.

Above this, Ho comes with a tradition-based Chinese approach to home layouts with Feng Shui, accupuncture and herbal medicine. The said new mother is offered a bowl of Congee even. We love this.

These are very real, relatable scenarios which surely viewers at home can take a thing or two from. Episodes are cut with actual classes with a group of Chinese women looking to garner the grace that Ho has built a brand on. They get coached on everything from pronouncing the names of fashion houses correctly, to delicately spitting unfavourable foods out.

While episodes are short, perhaps not giving Ho the full space to explore these journeys and transformations to the desired emotional effect, they are undeniably entertaining and engaging.

MIND YOUR MANNERS arrives November 16, 2022 on Netflix.

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to attend an Advance Screening of TIFF ’22 People’s Choice Award-winning film, Steven Spielberg‘s THE FABELMANS.

Screenings take place Monday, November 21, 2022 in:

• Toronto: Scotiabank Theatre at 7:30 pm
• Montreal: Cineplex Forum at 7:30 pm 
• Vancouver: Scotiabank Theatre at 7:00 pm 

Synopsis:

Directed by Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans is written by Spielberg and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner (Angels in America, Caroline, or Change), who has earned Oscar^® nominations for his screenplays for Spielberg’s Lincoln and Munich. The film is produced by three-time Oscar^® nominee Kristie Macosko Krieger p.g.a. (West Side Story, The Post), Steven Spielberg p.g.a. and Tony Kushner p.g.a. The film is executive produced by Carla Raij (Maestro, co-producer West Side Story) and Josh McLaglen (Free Guy, Logan).

The film stars Gabriel LaBelle (The Predator, American Gigolo series) as 16-year-old aspiring filmmaker Sammy Fabelman; four-time Academy Award^® nominee Michelle Williams (Manchester by the Sea, My Week with Marilyn) as his artistic mother, Mitzi; Paul Dano (The Batman, There Will Be Blood) as his successful, scientific father, Burt; Seth Rogen (Steve Jobs, An American Pickle) as Bennie Loewy, Burt’s best friend and honorary “uncle” to the Fabelman children, and Academy Award^® nominee Judd Hirsch (Uncut Gems, Ordinary People) as Mitzi’s Uncle Boris. 

The ensemble cast includes Oscar^® nominee Jeannie Berlin (The Heartbreak Kid, Inherent Vice) as Sammy’s paternal grandmother, Hadassah Fabelman; Julia Butters (Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood, 13 Hours) as Sammy’s sister Reggie; Robin Bartlett (Moonstruck, Lean on Me) as Sammy’s maternal grandmother Tina Schildkraut and Keeley Karsten (Hunters, Evil Lives Here) as Sammy’s sister Natalie. 

The music is by five-time Academy Award^® winner John Williams (Schindler’s List, Jaws), the costume designer is two-time Oscar^® winner Mark Bridges (The Artist, Phantom Thread) and the production designer is two-time Oscar^® winner Rick Carter (Lincoln, Avatar). The Fabelmans is edited by three-time Academy Award^® winner Michael Kahn ace (Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List) and Sarah Broshar (West Side Story, The Post). The film’s director of photography is two-time Academy Award^® winner Janusz Kaminski (Schindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan). 

Genre: Drama

Cast: Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Gabriel LaBelle, Jeannie Berlin, Julia Butters, Robin Bartlett, Keeley Karsten and Judd Hirsch

Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Screenplay by: Steven Spielberg & Tony Kushner

Produced by: Kristie Macosko Krieger p.g.a., Steven Spielberg p.g.a., Tony Kushner p.g.a.

Executive Producers: Carla Raij, Josh McLaglen

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and please indicate in the comments there, your City. Re-Tweet the below also for another chance!

Rules and regulations here.

Universal Pictures Canada release THE FABELMANS November 23, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

On the heels of last night’s Canadian premiere screening of TULSA KING in Toronto with special guest Sylvester Stallone, Paramount+ announced today an expanded content offering in Canada, with a robust roster of original and exclusive titles that will begin to roll out this month. With new episodes streaming day and date with the U.S. on November 13, 2022, the service will become the exclusive home of the highly anticipated fifth season of “Yellowstone” from Academy Award® nominee Taylor Sheridan, along with his Paramount+ original series TULSA KING, starring Academy Award® nominee Sylvester Stallone.

New series are being added regularly, including 1923, also from Sheridan and featuring Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford, which is the next installment of the “Yellowstone” origin story that introduces a new generation of the Dutton family and explores the early twentieth century (December 18).

“Paramount+ is rapidly expanding its presence and its content offering globally. We are the only service where you’ll see Sylvester Stallone, SpongeBob SquarePants, Star Trek, and South Park all in one place, and we are proud to offer Canadian audiences a mountain of entertainment for the entire family,” said Marco Nobili, Executive Vice President and International General Manager of Paramount+.

Paramount+ Originals

Subscribers can discover new originals like TULSA KING and 1923 and additional exclusive series and films streaming now that can’t be seen anywhere else such as 1883, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN, THE OFFER, HALO, SEAL TEAM and EVIL as well as original films such as SIGNIFICANT OTHER, BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD DO THE UNIVERSE and ON THE COME UP, which was an Official Selection at TIFF this year.

Coming up in January, the McLusky family returns in the second season of crime drama MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN (Jan. 15), while new Paramount+ original TEEN WOLF: THE MOVIE (Jan. 26) and new series WOLF PACK (Jan. 26) take a bite out of genre viewing in the new year. Also coming soon, highly anticipated new original series’ GREASE: RISE OF THE PINK LADIES; FATAL ATTRACTION starring Joshua Jackson and Lizzy Caplan; 6666; and Kiefer Sutherland led spy thriller RABBIT HOLE, shot in Toronto.

These join premium international scripted Paramount+ originals produced by Paramount in association with independent production companies in various international markets, including THE FLATSHARE (December 1) from the UK about two cash-strapped London twentysomethings who share a bed, but have never met, based on the best-selling book. Previously announced scripted originals from the UK that will become available include SEXY BEAST and A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW starring Ewan McGregor, and from Latin America and Spain, BOSÉ, the biopic based on the life of the Spanish singer-songwriter Miguel Bosé.

Kids and Family Content:

Paramount+ announced a major expansion to its kids and family content offering in Canada with more than 2,500 hours of Nickelodeon kids and family programming being added by the end of this year. Titles include the brand-new animated series “Monster High” streaming now and TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK (Nov. 11) as well as the debut of feature-length film, “BLUE’S BIG CITY ADVENTURE” (Nov. 18).

The new content joins the currently streaming hit “Monster High The Movie,” a live-action movie musical based on the globally loved and iconic Mattel Monster High franchise about the children of famous monsters and creatures. The film’s sequel, which was greenlit in October, will be shot in Vancouver in January and premiere in 2023. The preschool series “Blue’s Clues” & You!” and the classic “Blue’s Clue’s” join original series like RUGRATS, KAMP KORAL: SPONGEBOB’S UNDER YEARS, “The Loud House” and “Dora The Explorer!”

Paramount+ also offers original series including THE FAIRLY ODD PARENTS: FAIRLY ODDER, iCARLY S1 & S2, and “FANTASY FOOTBALL,” a hilarious and heartwarming father-daughter sports fantasy starring Kelly Rowland and Omari Hardwick (Nov. 25) as well as currently streaming films HONOR SOCIETY and SECRET HEADQUARTERS. The availability of parental controls on the service enables parents to allow their kids to watch worry-free.

Blockbuster Films:

Blockbuster films now streaming include “The Lost City” and “Sonic The Hedgehog 2.” Paramount+ is the one stop streamer for the entire “Scream” film franchise 1-5. Paramount+ is also the home of proven classics “Mission: Impossible,” “Grease,” Transformers,” “Star Trek,” and “The Godfather,” as well as family-friendly selections like “PAW Patrol: The Movie,” “Paws Of Fury: The Legend of Hank,” and the remake of winter classic SNOW DAY, coming soon.

Additionally, Paramount+ will be the home of a selection of new blockbuster films following their theatrical and home entertainment releases, including “Top Gun: Maverick,” which will arrive on the service in Canada in 2022.

Beloved Franchises and Fan Favourites:

Now streaming on the service are full seasons of beloved Paramount franchises, “South Park” (Seasons 1-24), “Star Trek: Discovery” (Seasons 1-3) and the first season of “Star Trek: Picard.”

They are joined by thousands of episodes of fan favourite shows including Inside Amy Schumer, The Challenge: All Stars, Queen of the Universe, Mike Judge’s Beavis and Butt-Head, Ink Master and many more.

Exclusives:

Currently streaming films and first-run series acquisitions from key studio partners include from MGM “Billy The Kid,” NBC Universal “Everything I Know About Love,” LevelFILM “Aline,” eONE “After The Trial,” and streaming Nov. 15 is Moment of Truth (Sony).

Streaming this December is the David Hasselhoff dark, action-comedy thriller “Ze Network” from CBS Studios and Syrreal Entertainment about the fictional story of Hasselhoff’s new lead role in a theatre play in Germany, which plunges him into the centre of an international conspiracy. “Munich Games” a co-production from CBS Studios, Amusement Park Film and Sky Studios, is a high-stakes drama thriller from Germany that tells the story of two agents – one Israeli, one German – who must work together to stop a terrorist attack 50 years after the Munich Massacre. Both CBS Studios international co-productions are distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Platform Partners

Paramount+ is available online, on mobile devices and on a wide range of connected TV devices via distribution through Apple, Amazon, Google, Samsung, Roku and more.

Pricing:

Paramount+ is getting even bigger, with many additions of blockbuster movies, new originals, and exclusive series, plus a wide variety of hit drama, action, reality, comedy, and kids shows. The Paramount+ competitive pricing in Canada for new subscribers is set at $9.99 monthly or $99.99 for annual users, after a seven-day free trial. ParamountPlus.com for more.

(Photo credit: Paramount/George Pimentel)

Stay Tooned, a six-part series starring prolific voice actor Eric Bauza and produced by the award-winning team at Fathom (A.rtificial I.mmortality, Smart Drugs, My Enemy, My Brother), launches on the free CBC Gem streaming service on December 2, 2022.

Bauza, a Filipino Canadian who voices legendary characters including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety, Marvin the Martian and more, takes audiences on a deep dive through cartoon favourites to see how they shape society and help us understand the social and political worlds we live in. Each episode Bauza meets with friends and experts such as Tara Strong, Cree Summer, Lake Bell, Ken Jeong, Ben Schwartz, Bobby Moynihan, Lamorne Morris and James Adomian to explore race, sexuality, consumerism and political philosophy through the lens of animated storytelling.

“Cartoons have played an enormous role not only in defining my career path but also in helping to mold my understanding of the world around us,” said Eric Bauza. “We all remember the simpler times, when we thumped down the stairs on Saturday morning to watch our favourite cartoons, these magical portals into worlds of imagination and joy. Stay Tooned is both an homage to the cartoons we deeply love and also a deeper look at what they got right and how they could have done better.”

The six episodes will launch at once on CBC Gem on December 2. The episodes are:

Episode 1 – MASTERMINDS, GOONS, & HENCHMEN
Cartoon Villains! We love to hate them, but do we also love… to love them? Ben Schwartz, Angelo Muredda and Lake Bell discuss our love affair with villains in M.O.D.O.K. Batman and Harley Quinn.

Episode 2 – AFTER THESE MESSAGES
Cartoons have tried to sell us stuff since the beginning. Russell Peters, Selma Purac and Lauren Faust discuss how consumerism in shows like Transformers and My Little Pony shaped our childhoods.

Episode 3 – THE RAINBOW WAVE
There has always been queerness just under the surface of cartoons. James Adomian, Nic Sammond and N.D. Stevenson explore queer characters and caricatures in shows like He-Man, Bugs Bunny and She-Ra.

Episode 4 – KNOWING IS HALF THE BATTLE
Stay in school, don’t do drugs, and definitely don’t talk to strangers! Bobby Moynihan, Natalie Coulter and Elamin Abdelmahmoud explore PSAs and messages in G.I. Joe, Jem and Paw Patrol.

Episode 5 – SATURDAY MORNING RACISM
Remember meeting Cleveland on Family Guy or Apu in The Simpsons? Lamorne Morris, Jesse Wente and Domee Shi unpack the past, present, and future of representation in these shows and more.

Episode 6 – AWOOGA
Whether it was Jessica Rabbit or Ned Flanders, cartoons likely shaped your sexual awakening. Tara Strong, Kim Wilson and Cree Summer explore sex and sexiness in The Powerpuff Girls and Drawn Together.

It’s the funniest time of the year! Legendary Toronto comedy institution The Second City is overjoyed to announce its annual slate of hilarious holiday shows at a brand-new location. Don’t miss the lineup of interactive, laugh-out-loud shows at One York Street, where performances begin December 1st. The new facility features three theatres, nine Training Centre studios for student classes and workshops, and food and beverage managed by Oliver & Bonacini. Come begin a new can’t-miss holiday tradition!

Holiday 2022 programming includes:

Jingle Bell Ruckus
Thursdays at 8pm; Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 5pm & 8pm; Sundays at 7:30pm

The Second City’s Jingle Bell Ruckus delivers a heaping serving of seasonal satire that’s the perfect alternative to those same old holiday shows. Nothing’s off-limits: holiday film classics, family gatherings, beloved Christmas carols, and of course all things wickedly funny about winter get a seasonal skewering in this fast-paced, interactive, original comedy revue filled with style, wit, and plenty of that famous (and festive) Second City improv!

The Second City’s Guide to Surviving the Holidays
Mondays at 8pm; Saturdays & Sundays at 4pm

We guarantee yule laugh a whole latke as The Second City unwraps the most wonderful time of the year in our nut-cracking-est, jingle-bell-ing-est revue ever! Celebrate over sixty years of sketches, songs, and comedic conviviality as the next generation of comedy superstars perform our greatest holiday hits. Plus, The Second City’s famous improvisation means every show is like a snowflake: no two are alike … or are impervious to climate change.

Holiday Improv Brunch
Sundays at noon

From uproarious laughter to limitless libations, The Second City’s Holiday Improv Brunch is the gift that keeps on giving! For 3 weekends only, bring your band of merrymakers as we scramble together two of everyone’s favourites, comedy and brunch, for a scrumptiously seasonal breakfast with a totally improvised experience from the city’s finest. Whether you side on the Naughty or the Nice List, come enjoy mimosas…we don’t judge.

The Second City Mainstage – Home Sweet New Home
Tuesdays – Thursdays at 8pm; Fridays – Saturdays at 7pm & 10pm; Sundays at 7pm

There’s no place like The Second City Toronto! We welcome one and all to our brand-spankin’-new, state-of-the-art comedy complex. Make yourself at home as you take in our cast of top Toronto talent hilariously taking on everything from awkward first dates to game nights gone wrong to gender reveals to the freakin’ multiverse. From improv games to classic sketches to sizzling satire, this interactive experience is the perfect way to welcome you all to The Second City’s Home Sweet New Home … where we’ll make you feel like family (but just the kind we actually like).

Tickets start at $39 and are available at secondcity.com or by phone at 416-343-0011. The Second City Toronto’s new 28,700-square-foot space is located on the third floor of One York, a 35-floor mixed-use Class AAA building located at York and Harbour in Toronto’s vibrant South Core Business District.