We’ve been meaning to get around to this for the longest time, but then Pride happened and things got a bit hectic. We loved both the 2000 American version of the Showtime Series, filmed right here in Toronto, and also the original 1999 Channel 4 Series. I remember distinctly sneaking downstairs into the living room while Mom and Dad slept, and watching it with the volume down low late at night. The Series meant so much to me growing-up because there weren’t many LGBTQ+ characters on TV and here I was immersed entirely in these fictional worlds, waiting eagerly for the next episode. If only they knew the way they’d pave eventually for LGBTQ+ Storytellers today and the conversations they would enable in a generation to follow. And here we are today with a new reimaging of Queer as Folk from Peacock, speaking to yet another generation.

At the center of this new Series are Brodie (Devin Way), Noah (Johnny Sibilly) and Mingus (Fin Argus), our new Love Triangle. Brodie returns to New Orleans after quitting Medical School, reuniting with his ex Noah and the two have some unresolved issues in their relationship to work out. Their lives are intertwined further and changed irreversibly when tragedy strikes at a night club where their friend Daddius is shot to death. Trauma Queens, if you will. Brodie and Mingus narrowly escape death. And the Series focuses on how these central characters cope and navigate the pain of loss, ever-present Homophobia in the community they live, and also the dynamics of their own strained relationships with themselves amongst themselves. We meet also Ruthie (Jesse James Keitel.. a relative of Harvey) who is a Trans woman navigating the tragedy also and becoming a new mother with her partner Shar (CG). And yes, the baby is Brodie‘s.

In many ways, this new Series is louder and prouder than its Predecessors, but the humour is just as biting and cruel, true to brand. And it isn’t just gay white men at the center of this world. We get so involved with these characters and their complicated lives that we forget just how diverse this Cast actually is. The Series goes a layer deeper in its exploration how these characters process grief and the post-trauma. Tonally, they get it right, self-aware of its own cynicism towards things like those using the tragedy to serve themselves, but it becomes heartfelt where it matters and is appropriate. We see and hear the course-corrections it makes, necessitating a reboot today, whether it be calling-out misgendering or acknowledging disability.

We love Sibilly from HBO Max’s HACKS and are thrilled he gets the space to flex his craft here as Noah, who knows Brodie is wrong for him but welcomes him back into his world. This is a great introduction to Way as well who carries much of the weight as the Series’ Protagonist. He’s flawed and figuring it out and that’s what keeps us invested. But how about this Supporting Cast? Familiar faces like Kim Cattrall as Brodie‘s quirky mom is a real treat, as is Juliette Lewis as Mingus’ mother – also eccentric, but both undeniably cool. And yes, we think we recognize Ed Begley Jr. as Brodie‘s dad!

Though QUEER AS FOLK premiered late June, it’s not too late to get caught-up on STACKTV. New episodes air in Canada Sundays 9 PM ET on Showcase.

Brian Grazer and Eddie Murphy co-produce upcoming Holiday Comedy, CANDY CANE LANE for Prime Video, part of a three-picture deal between Murphy and the Amazon Studios!

Reginald Hudlin (Boomerang) will direct the Film, from Amazon Studios, Imagine Entertainment, and Eddie Murphy Productions, from a spec script written by Kelly Younger and inspired by Younger’s childhood holiday experiences.

The Film reunites the team behind the hit romantic comedy Boomerang, and marks the seventh feature collaboration for Grazer and Murphy.

Plot details are being kept under wraps, and production will begin this winter in Los Angeles.

(Photo credit: Prime Video Canada)

Ryan Gosling is back and stars in Netflix‘s THE GRAY MAN! Together with TIFF and Netflix Canada, we’re giving away Run-of-Engagement Passes for Two in Toronto to see it at TIFF Bell Lightbox!

Our Review here.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK.

Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for an extra chance to win!

Rules and regulations here.

THE GRAY MAN is in theatres July 15, 2022 and on Netflix July 22, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Another exciting Premiere has been announced for TIFF ’22! Viola Davis stars in THE WOMAN KING, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Secret Life of Bees, Love & Basketball). Actress Maria Bello had a hand in co-creating the Story!

Synopsis:

The Woman King is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s with skills and a fierceness unlike anything the world has ever seen. Inspired by true events, The Woman King follows the emotionally epic journey of General Nanisca (Oscar®-winner Viola Davis) as she trains the next generation of recruits and readies them for battle against an enemy determined to destroy their way of life. Some things are worth fighting for… 

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the story is by Maria Bello and Dana Stevens and the screenplay by Dana Stevens. Produced by Cathy Schulman, Viola Davis, Julius Tennon and Maria Bello, Peter McAleese serves as executive producer. The film stars Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin and John Boyega. The action drama is co-financed by Entertainment One (eOne). 

Sony Pictures Canada release THE WOMAN KING September 16, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)

Fusing Indian cuisine with global influences, Farzi Café Canada is about to make its mark in s big way over in these parts. Already known globally as part of a Michelin-recognized culinary group, the establishment plants its roots on Canadian soil at Square One‘s bustling Food District.

The 4,000 square foot, which includes a gorgeous patio space, feels as sexy and intimate as the cocktails and Tapas-style menu it serves. Open late, the space doubles not only as a lunch/dinner spot, but a loungey hangout with Electronic Dance blaring.

Farzi Café not only modernizes the Classics with flares in plating and presentation, it also deconstructs the ideas of what we know as Indian Cuisine. At once, it firmly knows which Classics cannot be messed with and delivers the hits. And if you’re wondering if this is just a lite version of the real deal, we’re assured the Canadian Menu mirrors almost identically that of its international branches.

Though it feels still like its finding its rhythm and growing into itself, this is an exciting start and something for those of us who are looking for elevated renditions of dishes we love.

Some Must-Tries:

Some more of the Instagram-ready scenery to behold at Farzi Cafe Canada:

FARZI CAFÉ CANADA is located at 100 City Centre Drive in Mississauga, Square One Food District.

More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

It’s another dominant weekend for THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER, taking $46.5 million from 4,375 theatres for Disney. Over two weekends, it has grossed $243 million across North America.

Second goes to MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU with $25.3 million from 4,111 theatres for Universal Pictures, a three week tally of $264 million.

Bowing in third is the Adaptation of WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING, with $16 million from 3,650 theatres for Sony Pictures. While Critics didn’t quite get it with 34% on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer, moviegoers and fans are enjoying it with a A- CinemaScore.

TOP GUN: MAVERICK lands in fourth with $11.7 million for Paramount Pictures, bringing its run to a stellar $618 million domestically.

At the bottom of the Top Five is ELVIS with $7.6 million for Warner Bros., a total $107 million grossed to date in the continent.

It’s hard to believe that SPECIAL is Lizzo‘s fourth Album, but the visionary Entertainer has been knocking on the door of superstardom for some time now. After a meteoric rise in 2019, Lizzo quietly has been reminding us she really hasn’t gotten anywhere. A role in “Hustlers“. A Guest Judge spot on “RuPaul’s Drag Race”. An Emmy Award-nominated Reality TV Series “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls”, and she threw-out a teaser of a single with Cardi B with “Rumors” while she was getting things right on this highly-anticipated follow-up to 2019’s Grammy-winning CUZ I LOVE YOU – her major label debut with Warner Music.

I wholeheartedly am Team Lizzo. Seeing her front-row at Danforth Music Hall and buying the Meet & Greet package is a splurge in life I still to this day do not regret. Definitely one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. I soaked it all in as she emanated a message of self-love and positivity to the packed house, leaving us wanting more.

It is extremely tough to follow-up on a big splash like CUZ I LOVE YOU. For one, the success of hit singles “Truth Hurts” and “Good as Hell” were accidental. The former became a hit two years after it was released, just as Lizzo was pushing singles off the 2019 Disc. “Good as Hell” was recorded in 2016 above that and certainly wasn’t looking like it would ever be a hit. But it did! This is some Kate Bush-level Voodoo.

Nonetheless, the world would fall in love with Lizzo. Does she disappoint on latest Disc, SPECIAL? In my honest opinion, Lizzo NEVER disappoints and I’m extremely partial. If you want an impartial Review, you can just leave now.

Lizzo matches that hyper-caffeinated energy she brought us on her last Disc and continues to say something about inclusion, self-love and even Cancel Culture. She pulls-out all the stops here and it doesn’t get any bigger in Music than having Producers like Ricky Reed, Benny Blanco, Mark Ronson and THE MAX MARTIN showing you a vote of confidence and they all make contributions here.

ABOUT DAMN TIME

It was an instant connection for us with single “About Damn Time” and the world agrees, not only becoming a hit in streams and on airwaves, peaking at #2 on the U.S. and Canadian Billboard Hot 100, but also virally on TikTok as fans took to their phones to replicate her crafty choreo seen in its Music Video. The Track celebrating the world’s return to what we know as normal, is so intricate – its groove undeniable and when we learned it took 30+ studio sessions to complete, we weren’t surprised, actually. The detail is astonishing and Lizzo‘s delivery is flawless. Artists have won Grammys for far less.

SPECIAL

This is the Album’s titular track for a reason as she gives us her most authentic self, starting-off by calling-out how the Internet tried cancelling her a couple times now, and how that made her feel. But this isn’t only about her. She’s telling herself and the world to remember to love themselves despite all the noise and scrutiny we face in our daily lives. This recipe worked for us the last time around and still works for us. A Max Martin jam.

I LOVE YOU BITCH

This is a highly-melodic, piano-driven reminder again to love yourself, especially after never thinking you could do it. We can already hear the arena echoing back their love when she performs this on-tour this Fall.

EVERYBODY’S GAY

This nod to Thriller-era Michael Jackson isn’t as overt or comical as its title suggests, but it is begging for us to get on the dancefloor. It’s masks-off at this Ball!

2 BE LOVED

With Lizzo now finding love in real life, she’s at her most vulnerable here – afraid and embarrassed to fall in love after having been disappointed by those Jeromes of the world. This Track proves that we can’t get sick of Hall & Oates’ “Maniac“, which continues to be the blueprint rhythmically to a new generation of dancefloor-ready anthems. Looking at you, Dua Lipa. And if that weren’t enough, we hear those nods to another Hall & Oates hit, “Making My Dreams” here and maybe a dash of Whitney Houston‘s “How Will I Know?“. Another Max Martin Banger.

BIRTHDAY GIRL

So much unapologetic fun! Keeping things festive and fun still even later into the Disc, continuing the theme of celebration going.

NAKED

We first heard this Slow Jam on Lizzo‘s Prime Video Reality Series “Watch Out for the Big Grrrls” , where the Contestants had to do a sensual dance to it on an outdoor stage and we’ve been obsessed since. She gets intimate, taking it down a notch and it is very much this Album’s “Lingerie“, as she walks us through embracing her own body. “I’m a big girl, can you take it?”, she asks. Of course we can! Bring it!

COLDPLAY

This is the Album’s Finale, sampling that titular labelmate’s signature track “Yellow“. Just gorgeous, lush, ending things off with an element of sophistication and understatedness after some boisterous fun over the Disc’s 35-minute runtime.

Warner Music Canada release Lizzo‘s SPECIAL in stores today. Stream/download it here.

Halsey. Justin Timberlake. Pharrell. Calvin Harris. ALL ON ONE TRACK! Check-out this latest entrant for Song of the Summer ’22! “Stay with Me” is dancey, summer, neo-Disco/R&B magic! Something epic for your weekend!

(Photo credit: Sony Music Entertainment)

I can tell already that TIFF ’22 is going to be so epic! Amazing news! Billy Eichner‘s BROS will be premiering at the Festival this September! The Rom-Com directed by Nicholas Stoller, written by and starring Eichner also stars Canada’s own Luke Macfarlane! Judd Apatow produces!

Synopsis:

Bros is a smart, swoony and heartfelt comedy about how hard it is to find another tolerable human being to go through life with.

Starring Billy Eichner, the first openly gay man to co-write and star in his own major studio film, Bros features an entirely 2SLGBTQIA+ principal cast, including Luke Macfarlane (Killjoys), Amanda Bearse (Married…with Children), Guy Branum (The Other Two), Guillermo Díaz (Scandal), Dot-Marie Jones (Glee), Miss Lawrence (The United States vs. Billie Holiday), Eve Lindley (Dispatches from Elsewhere), Ts Madison (The Ts Madison Experience), Jim Rash (The Way Way Back) and Monica Raymund (Chicago Fire).

Bros is directed by Nicholas Stoller from his screenplay with Eichner. The film is produced by Judd Apatow, Stoller and Josh Church (co-producer Trainwreck, Step Brothers) and is executive produced by Eichner and Karl Frankenfield.

Following its Premiere at TIFF ’22, BROS opens September 30, 2022 via Universal Pictures Canada.

(Photo credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Despite beginning his carrer as an Editor, it is his innovation and talent which made Dean Fleischer-Camp an award-winning Filmmaker and New York Times Best-Selling Author. Together with Actress/Comedian and Author Jenny Slate, he crafted the beloved Character Marcel the Shell, which would go on to become a viral sensation.

The tiny anthromorphic seashell with one single eye and a gentle spirit, has charmed audiences around the world in a series of YouTube Shorts and a Book, and now comes a Stop-Motion Animated Featured made a in Mockumentary style, giving the little guy a huge platform for the rest of the world to fall in love with him as well.

It was wonderful chatting with Fleischer-Camp about MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON, which he directs, co-writes, produces and also appears in. It was also just announced today he will be directing the upcoming live-action Lilo & Stitch film! After garnering universal acclaim on the Festival circuit and in limited release, the Film now expands wide this weekend.

We ask Fleischer-Camp about his own reaction to the amazing reactions MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON has received. Even icon Cher has sung its praises on Twitter!

Fleischer-Camp: “It’s been amazing. It’s been so fun to talk with people and sorta surreal for me. I don’t know if you’ve ever worked on something for seven years in a vaccum, but I remember when we premiered it at Telluride and we started hearing laughter and crying. It was just so moving and surprising. That joke I told three-and-a-half years ago is really funny and gets a big laugh. It’s thrilling. The memes people have been making and I’m just so grateful for the entire experience.”.

Fleischer-Camp talks about whether or not from the start it was his and Jenny Slate‘s intention to explore the prism of life through Marcel, seeing how the Film ponders mortality and life.

Fleischer-Camp: “The first Short was made in 48 hours. Jenny and I wrote it very quickly. She improvised and I crafted the Character very quickly. It was all a rush and we did it on a whim. What we realized once we saw the response and we made a few more Shorts, was that this Character is so much richer and deeper than he appears. There was so much more to explore about him. There was such a rich, inner-life and it always feel like a total pleasure to write for this Chracter and create stories for him. I feel like I’m just as moved and inspired by him and his circumstances and approach to life as anyone.”.

The Film touches upon life and death, and he’s asked about the choice to explore darker themes.

Fleischer-Camp: “You can’t really have the happines and nectar of life if you haven’t processed the grief of it. I was interested in portraying pain, grief and loss, which are an inherent part in the cycle of life. You can’t create the new growth without death and decay. Those things enrich the soil that growth sprouts from.”.

Fleischer-Camp talks about the decision to release the Film independently after having had early talks with bigger studios about expanding Marcel the Shell‘s Brand.

Fleischer-Camp: “When something goes viral on the Internet, you can get meetings with Studios. They want to license your Character to make something that’s more familiar, a tent-pole movie or a franchise. Going through that process, it was really recognizable. I was really young and they’re not going to trust me and I realized I’m going to have to make this Movie indpendently and it’s going to take a long time. We found right supporters creatively and financially that could expand Marcel, holistic to the Character that we made.”.

He isn’t quite sure yet what the future might hold for Marcel the Shell, but does drop a hint.

Fleischer-Camp: “I don’t know what the future holds for Marcel, but I hope a lot. After the Film comes out, the audience that might want to see a Sequel, more Shorts or a TV Series or what. I’ll continue to explore the Character in a way that’s fun, cool and chill for me and Jenny. We created this whole community only in the last three minutes of the Movie – spoiler alert. I was so sad watching it, how we’ve fleshed-out all these great characters, including Canuck Nathan Fielder as Voice Talent. I hope we get a chance to explore those characters as well. Is Canuck a slur or a bad word?”.

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON expands Friday, July 15, 2022 via Elevation Pictures in Canada.