By Mr. Will Wong
The incredibly star-studded DON’T LOOK UP comes to us from acclaimed Director/Writer Adam McKay (Vice, The Big Short). The Dark Comedy centers on two Astronomers, Randy Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Kate Dibiasky (Jennifer Lawrence) who embark on a Media Tour to warn the world that a comet is approaching, potentially destroying our planet.
We are incredibly-honoured to be among the group of Journalists selected to attend the global press conference for DON’T LOOK UP, and joining us were an impressive bunch
Leonardo DiCaprio tells us about working with McKay and also comments on the marred public perception of Scientists.
DiCaprio: “Adam created this Film, which was about the Climate Crisis, but made it with a sense of urgency by making it about a comet that is about to hit earth within eight months. And it’s about how Science has become politicized and there’s alternative facts. I was just thinking to play a character who’s solely based on so many people I’ve met from the scientific community, in particular Climate Scientists who have been trying to communicate the urgency of this issue and feeling like they’re subjected to the last page on the newspaper. There’s too many other things we’re inundated with. I love the way he portrayed these two different characters, one that is incredibly-outspoken, this Greta Thunberg-type of character in Jen‘s and mine who is trying to play within the system.”.
“I also love the way he was incredibly truthful about how we’re so immensely distracted from the whole truth nowadays and of course Covid hit and there was a whole new scientific argument going on there. It’s such an important Film to be a part of at this particular time.”.
Lawrence: “It’s just so sad and frustrating to watch people who’ve dedicated their lives to learning the truth and be turned away because people don’t like what the truth has to say.”.
Adam McKay talks about his use of Comedy in delivering this very serious real-life message.
McKay: “We were talking about the idea of dealing with Climate Crisis which is so overwhelming and arguably the greatest threat to life in the history of mankind. It almost can feel like an animal attacking you, but if you’re able to laugh, that means you have some distance. I actually think that’s really important and you can feel urgency and sadness, and feel lost, while also having a sense of humour. And that was the intention of the Movie after the crazy last five, ten years we’ve all had. Wouldn’t it be funny to just laugh at this? So that was kinda the approach.”.
DiCaprio talks about the necessity of some of the blockbuster names in the Film to get the message out about Climate Change.
DiCaprio: “I’ve been looking for a movie about the subject for decades now. This is an issue where everyone feels ultimately like, ‘What kind of difference can we make?’ and what can we contribute to this cause. Adam really cracked the code with so many comparisons that we can make to the Climate Change crisis with this story line. As a whole, it’s the most important topic we all can be talking about on a regular basis. It takes Artists like this to change the narrative, to create conversation.”.
In DON’T LOOK UP, the central comet is named after Lawrence‘s character. She is asked about how her character feels about this.
Lawrence: “I think at first it’s very exciting until it becomes a catastrophe, and you’re named something people are not happy about. There was an evolution where at first she was very proud of this and then resentment built.”.
Kid Cudi talks about his experience on this Film as DJ Chello, while also contributing to the Film’s theme song “Just Look Up” with Ariana Grande, who plays Riley Bina.
Cudi: “It was nerve-wrecking. It felt like even though I was there for three days, it felt like a family setting and everybody embraced me. It was my first time meeting Tyler Perry, and he’s so cool and I didn’t realize he was so tall! I learned sometimes you’ve just gotta relax and go with the flow and be within your space and comfortable. I talk to Kathryn Hahn, whom I’m friends with, and she told me about Adam. She said, ‘Just be ready for him to throw anything!’ and that made me even more scared.”.
“When Nicholas Britell (Song Producer) played the song for me, I said, ‘Holy shit! Where do I fit? How do I approach this?’. He had something written for me and we tried that, but it just wasn’t working. Maybe it would be better if I approach it with my own flavour and take that approach. This is not me writing a song from a Kid Cudi perspective, this is from DJ‘s perspective and they’ve (DJ and Riley) just linked back up, and he’s pretty much confessing and expressing his love to her, and he’s just kinda forgetting about the importance of the song. I’m just happy to be with my baby. I took this approach. You’re on-stage with this girl making this song with the love of your life. You just had a huge fallout and everyone around the world knew about it. So it was this reunion moment. It was intense at first because Ariana is such an incredible Artist. Her vocal performance is just stellar. I’m just really happy we were happy to figure it out and it worked.”.
“Just Look Up” can be heard here:
Lawrence also talks about her experience working with Grande, being a huge fan of hers.
Lawrence: “It was shocking, she’s so tiny. I’m a huge fan of her music. It was overwhelming. Our worlds don’t normally collide. I felt like a radio contest winner. I didn’t know how to talk to her. I just did my best.”.
Jonah Hill and DiCaprio each talk about their mutual admiration for one another, working together this a third time. Hill plays the President’s son Jason Orlean.
Hill: “Honestly, I’ve always been a fan of Leo and have had mad respect for how much he puts his money and time where his mouth is in regards to this issue, so not only as a friend, but someone who is out there talking a big game, and actually walks the walk.”.
DiCaprio: “He is an absolute genius, this friend of mine. He has this ability to improvise, take control of a scene and have the narrative be shifted in amazing, colourful ways. It is a sight to witness and truly remarkable to experience. He’s absolutely a genius. I would love to work on a hundred more films.”.
Lawrence: “Amen, really fun.”.
Hill: “I agree with what he said (laughs). Real talk, I’ve worked with now pretty much all the best Actors in the world, a lot who are up here right now, and there’s been no more loyal friend in show business. Aside from that, put all those feelings aside. What you see when they yell “action!’ and what he does, no disrespect, is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Hands down. Just kidding! Duh! (looking at Meryl Streep) I’ll text you how I feel!”.
Tyler Perry talks about playing TV Host Jack Bremner, opposite Cate Blanchett who plays Brie Evantee.
Perry: “I actually made a couple phone calls to people who are on morning shows right now that I admire, I sent them part of the Script. I said, ‘Why don’t you read this and send it back to me on your iPhone?’. And they did, so I got some bits here and there. Those guys are professional Journalists. They were very helpful helping me pull that off.”.
McKay: “Tyler is being very humble, by the way. The big trick between him and Cate Blanchett is that they really had to have a chemistry. It was so remarkable within five minutes, it was as if they’d been on a show together for ten years!”.
Perry: “That happens when there’s sexual chemistry! That was obvious. I said, ‘Okay, I just have to flirt, I get it!’. She’s gonna kill me!”.
Meryl Streep talks about her character President Orlean and where she pulled inspiration and the sacrifices of being a public servant.
Streep: “There were so many places to take things from because there’s so many preposterous people who put themselves in public places shamelessly. It was kinda fun to put together this character who was about amassing power and money, more power and more money. And nice hair and nails to top it all off. And unfortunately, that’s what the cost of what being a public servant is. You really have to make a big sacrifice. Your family makes a sacrifice and you have to be willing to do that. It’s amazing we ever get good people to do it. We need them right now. It’s a high cost in public service, that’s for sure.”.
DiCaprio talks about a compelling moment in DON’T LOOK UP where he delivers an impassioned speech.
DiCaprio: “Adam and I worked on that speech probably 50 times together. What I really wanted to do was try to articulate the frustration of the scientific community, how one is sitting on a pulpit trying to tell the truth and all these other noises are drowning out the main message. So we worked a lot together trying to understand the frustration of the scientific community and how one would be in a situation like that. How do you put on this professional jacket to cut through straight to the truth of the situation?”.
The Cast is asked about moments in the Film they found chilling.
Streep: “There is a scene in a bar with Tyler and Cate and everything’s going to shit outside. She says, ‘I just wanna get drunk and talk shit about people’. I know a lot of people like that. It’s not an unusual reaction but it chilled my bones.”.
“I don’t want to give any spoilers, but there’s also when they’re in the car with Timothée Chalamet and he proposes an idea to Jen and she goes ‘Yeah’. And it’s so clear it’s no way it’s ever gonna happen. The human dream is you hope something good will happen even though we know something bad is. That’s the kernel of truth, that we push this information away because it’s too painful.”.
DON’T LOOK UP is in select theatres December 10, 2021 and on Netflix December 24, 2021.
Our Review will be up shortly.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
True to tradition, we present to you our A YEAR IN HORSES 2021 Review! While the season at Woodbine Racetrack started a bit later this year due to Covid-19 delays, it still proved to be an action-packed abbreviated season. There was no shortage of excitement.
The Community wrote the story. I was simply there.
While 2021 turned out to be a season without any one definitive standout star, what we did witness was some of Woodbine‘s greatest go on to retain their form of previous seasons, proving exactly why they are fan favourites. The greats had a chance to share the spotlight.
Will Horse of the Year go to now-retired legend PINK LLOYD whom at age 9 proved he still is the best sprinter in Canada? Or will the honours go to Canada’s reigning Horse of the Year, the one-eyed MIGHTY YEART who notched wins north and south of the Border, winning two key stake races in his division locally, the Dominion Day and the Autumn. Or perhaps the hard-trying three-year-old filly MUNNYFOR RO will spring a surprise and win the hearts of Sovereign Award voters with her Woodbine Oaks, Wonder Where and Ontario Damsel scores both turf and Tapeta? Let’s not forget TOWN CRUISE‘s epic wire-to-wire score in the $1-million Woodbine Mile against international-quality competition! So many great moments, even if it genuinely is a coin toss this year who might be named top horse in the country!
This was Kazushi Kimura‘s year to shine, running away with the most amount of wins for a jockey at Woodbine, ahead of last year’s leading rider Rafael Hernandez, Emma-Jayne Wilson and Justin Stein. Hard to believe he was only an apprentice a few years back! And of course Mark Casse dominated trainer standings this year with his top caliber stock and hardworking Toronto team.
I have always pushed for an inclusive representation of the sport and have compiled some of my top memories from 2021 in this Video Review, set to Ed Sheeran‘s “Bad Habits“, in my opinion one of the best songs this year. No bad habits here, we love spreading the joy Canadian Horse Racing brings us!
The 2022 racing season begins at Woodbine on April 16, 2022. The Queen’s Plate retains its later date, slotted for August 21, 2022. We cannot wait! We hope everyone has an amazing Holiday and some well-deserved relaxation after what was an intense meet!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Disney’s ENCANTO leads the Box Office a second consecutive weekend, taking top spot with $13.9 million from 3,980 theatres for a total $59.4 million over two weeks in North America.
In second again is GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE with $11 million in its third weekend out for Sony Pictures. It has grossed $103 million over three weeks.
Third spot goes to HOUSE OF GUCCI with $7.5 million for Universal Pictures, a two week tally of $34 million.
Marvel Studios’ ETERNALS lands in fourth with $4.1 million, a total $156 million over five weeks.
Taking fifth is CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG with $2.9 million for eOne Films/Paramount Pictures, a total $46.8 million over four weeks.
We actually really enjoyed the funny DEATH TO 2020 and are happy Netflix is back with a follow-up for 2021!
Synopsis:
Death to 2021: A year unlike any other in history, (excluding the last one)…so to celebrate Netflix brings you Death to 2021, a comedy event that tells the story of another dreadful year. This landmark documentary-style special mixes archival footage harvested from across the year with commentary from fictitious characters played by some of the world’s most beloved actors.
Starring: Hugh Grant, Lucy Liu, Tracey Ullman, Samson Kayo, Joe Keery, William Jackson Harper, Stockard Channing, Cristin Milioti, Diane Morgan, Nick Mohammed and others.

DEATH TO 2021 arrives December 27, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Netflix)
Now available, Netflix in Your Neighbourhood gives Canadians and fans around the world the ability to find and explore amazing Netflix filming locations.
The new website gives Visitors the ability to look-up filming locations by a film or series title, or by province. Fans can also access directions to these destinations, and see how they’ve been featured on Netflix.
With Netflix being a leading force in production here in Canada, creating jobs and opportunities for local businesses.
Some fascinating results from a recent study show that Netflix audiences are 1.8x more likely to have seen Canadian content than those who don’t watch Netflix. And people who have watched Canadian content are 2.1x more likely to say Canada is their #1 travel destination. Amazing to see the impacts of what trickles from studios investing in us!
Updated shows added today to this site include: Single All The Way, the first LGBTQ+ holiday film from Netflix starring Michael Urie, Philemon Chambers, Luke Macfarlane and Jennifer Robertson, was filmed in and around Quebec; Blown Away: Christmas, the latest in the molten hot series starring world-renowned Canadian glass blower Katherine Gray and Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk was shot in Hamilton; The Christmas Chronicles and The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two, both starring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, were filmed in Toronto and Vancouver respectively; and Maid, the powerful dramatic series starring Margaret Qualley and based on the best-selling memoir by Stephanie Land was shot on Vancouver Island.
Check it out here.
(Photo credit: Netflix)
Fresh off her Gotham Awards nomination for Breakthrough Actor, Rachel Sennott is an emerging star. She floored us at TIFF ’20 with a breakout performance in SHIVA BABY, directed by Toronto’s own Emma Seligman. We loved how the Film was a witty coming-of-age story, but yet a witty Psychological Horror. Sennott was just mesmerizing as Danielle! And while the pandemic prevented her from being able to make it to the City last year, late is better than never, right?
Sennott was in Toronto a few weeks ago working on her latest, BROOKE & SAM, which centers on a young woman immersed and navigating the world of Comedy. She plays Sam and Olga Petsa plays Brooke. It is directed and written by Ally Pankiw – her first Feature as Director – who has worked on videos for Ariana Grande and Janelle Monae, plus series like The Great and Schitt’s Creek! She is actually developing a series with Dan Levy!
Synopsis:
Brooke & Sam is a female-driven dramedy about hope, love, and how humor can heal. It follows Sam, a young stand-up comedian and au pair struggling with PTSD, as she decides whether or not to join the search for Brooke, a missing girl she used to nanny. The story exists between the present, where Sam tries to recover from her trauma with the help of her friends in the comedy community, and the past, where memories of Brooke make it harder and harder to ignore the petulant teen’s disappearance; and harder and harder to get back on stage.
Comedian Mae Martin (Feel Good) produces.
We are so thrilled to have met some of the Cast who were in and around Bloor West filming a few Comedy Club scenes over a couple days. I had hoped to sign-on to be in the background as they were looking, but sadly my work schedule wouldn’t allow. Would’ve been epic seeing this Cast of comedic geniuses at work!
Also on-set were fellow Comedian-Actors Sabrina Jalees and Caleb Hearon who play supporting roles, Paige and Philip respectively. Despite the rain, they were all energy and good vibes getting ready for a day of filming. Sennott needed her Venti Iced Coffee. Us too, girl, us too!
Jason Jones, Ennis Esmer and Dani Kind also star.
Sennott next can be seen in Slasher-Horror Bodies, Bodies, Bodies alongside Amandla Stenberg, Pete Davidson and Maria Bakalova. Looks good!
BROOKE & SAM wrapped mid-November and is a Barn 12 Inc. production. Cannot wait!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
We are so delighted to get to be among the first to try the wonderful 2022 HONDA CIVIC TOURING. While there aren’t too many dramatic changes to this already winning formula, it’s all about the finishing touches that lift this massively-popular choice for Canadians!
Armed with a 1.5L/180-hp/177-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine, we get lots of power with this four-door Sedan. We love fuel economy, especially with gas prices having soared and finally dropping a small bit for a bit of a breather for our wallets. Happy we were able to do a few long distance road trips over the weekend getting ready for the Holidays ahead, on just a tank of gas. The Civic Touring like prior models comes with ECON mode and EcoAssist too. And though it’s taken a bit of getting used to, we do appreciate the environmental and economic benefits of having Idle Stop.
We’re not going to lie, the Civic Touring gave us Honda Accord vibes, taking several aesthetic cues from that, our favourite Honda offering. We got to preview this in Platinum White Pearl, which exuded elegance and class. Small sleek updates in detail really give the Civic Touring that hint of sophistication adding even more value to the experience. For example, we now get these stunning honeycomb air vents (see below) which look superb. There’s also the gorgeous and easy-to-use 9″ Colour Touchscreen (we also notice a new clean font!) is our guide to the car enabling us to navigate the vehicle’s many settings and audio entertainment. We love its BOSE Soundsystem with 12-speakers, including Subwoofer. There are no shortage of charging options for Driver and Passengers, and we are a huge fan of the wireless charging plate and its convenient placement, allowing the driver to glance over safely at their phone when navigating, all while staying charged and connected – especially on long-distance drives! You’d be surprised that some other models we’ve driven in the past had the plate on a slope which made it really difficult to see the phone screen! One feature I just noticed was the HD Radio, which enables the vehicle to receive digital broadcasts from stations on the AM and FM bands, with significantly enhanced audio quality. While we love our Spotify playlists and the Sirius XM capability, we do have to tune-in to good old AM/FM sometimes and we could hear the difference.
Seats come with leather-trimmed surfaces and the Driver gets an 8-way adjustable seat. The car is super-spacious and we love foldable armrest at the back with drink holders for our guests. We cannot live without that amazing moonroof, lighting our drives with ambience. Honda absolutely understands that it’s the little things that make that difference.
We love that the Car has an Assisted Opening Trunk and Proximity Entry for the Driver. We were out doing our early Holiday shopping and appreciated all that space in the trunk! Childproof Locks at the back take a bit of getting used to when passengers are exiting, but we understand these are there for a reason!
One of the most unique things we noticed that was handy amidst this unstable weather is its Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers. But get this, the wiper fluid sprays out of the actual wipers. That was a neat addition to this Civic Touring!
Safety is a priority with Honda. One simple thing we appreciate is the Auto Headlights, giving us one less thing to worry about when driving and exiting the car. Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collison Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, 4-wheel Anti-locking Brake System, Vehicle Stability Assist and a variety of Front and Side Airbags give us that reassurance that we’re in the best hands this winter. We also enjoy the Traffic Sign Recognition that comes standard with the Civic Touring to keep you informed on speed limits. We love that there is an audio and visual signal when changing lines advising of approaching cars. There absolutely is no harm in getting all the alerts if it means saving lives.
The Rear-View Camera makes parking and reversing very easy and we’ll never struggle with Parallel Parking ever again! Do remember to keep it clean as all that slush on the roads can hinder your much needed vision, and keep in mind that some functionalities (like Low Speed Braking below) do get impacted in the inclement weather.
This was an absolute pleasure and we love that the Civic Touring is stepping-up its game even further! And thanks to the Civic Touring, we’re now Holiday-ready!
The 2022 Honda Civic Touring is priced starting at $30,265 CAN. Learn more about it here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
By Mr. Will Wong
The legacy of WEST SIDE STORY is undeniable. With six TONY Awards and an Academy Award win for Best Picture, following-up on its celebrated 1961 predecessor some 60 years later is a tall ask.
Steven Spielberg takes the reins in the upcoming 2021 retelling of the Film, with a Script by Tony Kushner. This latest rendition takes us back to 1957 New York City as we are placed in the middle of a war between feuding teenage street gangs, and also a compelling story of young love.
Our Justin Waldman had the pleasure of sitting-in on the global press conference for WEST SIDE STORY. In attendance were:
Steven Spielberg – Director
Rita Moreno – “Valentina” and Producer
Tony Kushner – Screenwriter
Rachel Zegler – Maria
Ansel Elgort – Tony
Ariana DeBose – Anita
David Alvarez – Bernardo
Mike Faist – Riff
Brian d’Arcy James – Officer Krupke
Josh Andres Rivera – Chino
Corey Stoll – Lieutenant Schrank
Steven Spielberg talks about getting the legendary late Stephen Sondheim onboard after bumping into each other at the White House receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The iconic Composer/Lyricist had passed away late November.
Spielberg : “Steve (Sondheim) was very involved in commenting about Tony‘s Script. Tony had a very open dialogue with Steve on the Script going from one draft to the next. Where Steve got really involved, which was the best place for his involvement, was when we did the pre-records with all the Vocal Artists. Steve was there for three weeks, five days a week sitting right beside me in the recording studio. It was an honour.”.
Spielberg admits to having known all the lyrics as kid to West Side Story. He comments what it was like working on the Film from rehearsals to filming.
Spielberg: “You know something? I did jump out of my chair and did dance with the Cast, singing off-key and dancing like a I had three left feet, during rehearsal. We had four and a half months of intense rehearsals, both in the City and in Brooklyn at this place called Dumbo. And Rita (Moreno) was there too. Rita was dancing with the Cast. We were so compelled to get up on our feet because there was so much life in the air of song and dance and genius Choreography by Justin Peck. When I filmed the Movie, I would just tap my feet as I was too focused on what images we were capturing. This was the most delightful family affair I’ve had since E.T. In E.T., I felt like I was a dad to all those kids and I wasn’t a dad then. It made me want to be a dad and my first child was born three years after I directed E.T. This was the next time I had that kind of a feeling that I was a part of a very diverse family. I was not at the center of the family, but was a part of the family.”.
Rita Moreno who originated the on-screen role of Anita in the 1961 version of this Film for which she won an Academy Award, plays the newly-created role of Valentina, intended as a cameo. She talks about passing the torch, being a part of the new Film.
Moreno: “It wasn’t easy. I mean I’m not gonna say I wasn’t envious. That would be just a bloody lie. I wished I could be that young again and do it again. Then I got this beautifully-written card from this man, and you don’t say things that easily. I don’t care what they say, I love every scene I’m in. Therefore, I love what I’m doing. And it was difficult, it was absolutely creepy to do that one scene I did with Anita (Ariana DeBose) in the Film and it was strange for her and even more difficult for me. I kept looking at her and had the toughest time getting into the scene because what I was really doing was saving Anita‘s life, because these boys were about to possibly rape her. I had to put a stop to it. It was very strange.”.
Tony Kushner is asked whether or not he considered setting this Film in modern day.
Kushner: “We never discussed transposing it because there’s nothing dated about the Score. It’s lively and great and it feels of any moment and I’m convinced for all time. Whenever you hear that Music, you’re going to feel as though it’s happening just right now. There’s nothing quaint or old-fashioned about it. Sondheim who is one of the greatest Lyricists and Composers, is a master at a kind of specificity that is certainly timeless in the sense his insights into the way people think and feel are never gonna get dated.”.
Brian d’Arcy James and Corey Stoll playing the authority in West Side Story. Both comment on their characters, which still are a very much a part of the discussion today on race relations in America.
Stoll: “Tony Kushner‘s Script is such an incredible addition to telling this story. The understanding of race and of ethnicity and of language that he brings to it, it’s more about these systemic forces and how power instills itself on a community, as opposed to ‘That person is a racist! That’s the bad person and we’re good in relation to that.”. It’s about power and how those in power hold onto it. I represent the authority trying to hold that line, and taking away someone’s language is something you do when trying to instill that power. I had the fewest days on-set and some had been working months before I showed up. I am the closest thing to an audience coming in. I’ve never been on a set like this. Maybe it’s because I come from Downtown Theatre where everyone’s very sullen and I’ve never been in a Musical. Everyone was having so much fun and I’ve never seen this!”.
James: “I felt the same way literally on the outside standing and watching this incredible array of ability and talent and enthusiasm and joy and spirit. After every take, a throng of like 40 dancers would run over to the monitor and watch the scene and go ‘Hurray! That was great!’. To me, that is the lifeblood of this Film. The spirit of this Film is captured by the fact that everybody is so in love with the fact they got to do it.”.
Rachel Zegler makes her big screen debut as Maria and talks about New York being a character in the Film, plus also her preparation process for this role of a lifetime.
Zegler: “It’s a character. New York became a character. The morning after the balcony scene, it’s just shot after shot of New York in the morning. And even if you’re not familiar with 1957 New York, even if you’re just familiar with New York right now, it embraces that so well. And I think the Film became a love letter to New York, not only because of how stunning it is visually, but because of the context Tony Kushner gave it in the Script, understanding the political climate as well. It was really cool stepping onto Adam Stockhausen‘s 1957 set and feeling transported, and I think we were all really able to incorporate it into our performances as well because it’s so immersive”.
The Cast are asked about using the Film’s source material, and balancing staying true to it, with making it their own. DeBose who plays Anita, and is getting a lot of early Awards Season buzz, comments on this, as do Zegler, Elgort and Alvarez.
Zegler: “I made the choice not to. The comparisons are eminent so when I got the part, I was like whether they like it or not, they’re gonna compare, so I’m just gonna distance myself as much as I can.”.
“The Music you have to listen to, to study and understand, but it was retaught to us in a brand new way by Jeanine Tesori, conducted by David Newman of the New York Philharmonic, so I think we were all able to look at it with a fresh perspective inherently through our leadership. I don’t think it was necessarily encouraged to watch or not watch the Film, but Tony Kushner did recommend we look at Romeo & Juliet and its text.”.
Elgort: “No I haven’t seen the Movie since I was a kid but I used to love it, especially the Prologue. I’ve always been told as an Actor not to look at someone else’s performance because you’re supposed to pull it out. But I will say Steven Spielberg obviously loves the source material and it very much is based off of that source material and then reimagined the way that Art is supposed to be.”.
Ariana: “I am well-versed in the Movie, but I did not revisit it. I saw it when I was seven or eight and it was ingrained in my mind. I just let the knowledge of it live with me even though I did not seek it out.
Alvarez: “I definitely didn’t see it. I mean I saw it when I was young, but I didn’t want to see it because I didn’t want my idea of Bernardo to change because of the Movie. But I did look at Romeo & Juliet.”.
20th Century Studios Canada release WEST SIDE STORY December 10, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)
We’re thrilled to give our Readers a chance to win a Digital Download of Marvel Studios’ SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS.
Synopsis:
Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” stars Simu Liu as Shang-Chi, who must confront the past he thought he left behind when he is drawn into the web of the mysterious Ten Rings organization. The film also stars Tony Leung as Wenwu, Awkwafina as Shang-Chi’s friend Katy and Michelle Yeoh as Jiang Nan, as well as Fala Chen, Meng’er Zhang, Florian Munteanu and Ronny Chieng. “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and produced by Kevin Feige and Jonathan Schwartz, with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso and Charles Newirth serving as executive producers.
Marvel Studios’ Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings Bonus Features*
To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet for an extra chance.
Enter for a chance to #win a Digital Download of #ShangChi!https://t.co/QnsIB6RNTV pic.twitter.com/aVoVrfbJ2w
— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) December 1, 2021
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Marvel Studios’ SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS debuted on all major digital platforms November 12, 2021 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on November 30, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Marvel Studios)
CBC have got you covered for all your Holiday programming with a mix of originals and favourites! Note, times are subject to change.
NEW ORIGINAL HOLIDAY MOVIES:
Leslie (Glenda Braganza) has done everything right in her life except find Mr. Right. That is… until the spirit of Christmas leads her there in an unusual way.
Boston children’s book author Margot is heartbroken. She and her siblings have to sell their late parents’ Cape Cod house. Every Christmas was spent there – and this last one will be so special, it might even prevent the sale! When Margot runs into Chris, her childhood sweetheart, she has an idea.
When perfectionist event planner, Amy, takes on rising pop star’s ten year family reunion as her latest project, disagreements within the family threaten disaster unless a plan can be made to satisfy everyone including handsome yet stubborn family member, Calvin.
A successful jingle writer is cajoled into returning to her hometown to write a song for the 50th anniversary of the annual Christmas Eve concert.
When Sam, an interior designer, returns home during the holidays to help renovate the Bell Harbor Inn, she gets paired with Coop as her contractor. The only problem – he’s the guy who broke her heart and she’s the one who got away.
Global acts and stars of the West End are brought together for one night only to showcase the best of entertainment on one single stage.
*Exclusive Canadian Broadcast Premiere*
The circumstances surrounding the death of crime novelist Harlan Thrombey are mysterious, but there’s one thing that renowned Detective Benoit Blanc knows for sure — everyone in the wildly dysfunctional Thrombey family is a suspect.
NEW HOLIDAY-THEMED EPISODES:
Nonnatus House and the surrounding area is evacuated when an unexploded bomb is found nearby. Meanwhile, Shelagh has doubts about her wedding to Patrick, and Jenny and Trixie help a man who is suffering from shell shock.
Four bakers from seasons past return to The Great Canadian Baking Show Tent for the chance to become the Holiday Star Baker.
If you loved Jamie Oliver’s 15-Minute Meals, then you’re likely to fall in love with this one-off Christmas cooking segment. In this one-hour episode, Jamie shows us how to create the ultimate Christmas dinner spread with the minimum of fuss, as the dad-of-five applies his quick and easy principles to cooking at Christmas.
The story of one of the Street’s most iconic landladies, Liz McDonald, revisiting her most memorable moments and finding out just what Beverley Callard thinks of her character’s style icon status.
A collection of bloopers from Coronation Street (1960), with reflections from members of the cast.
Albert seeks the Christmastime joy of his youth; Victoria is threatened by a relative; romantic tension surrounds the palace.
The Great New Year’s Baking Show sees Noel, Matt, Prue and Paul reunited after Christmas and back in the tent. Joining them are Helena and Henry from 2019, Nancy from 2014, and 2018 winner Rahul, all hoping to impress the judges with their skills and creativity and take home the coveted Festive Star Baker title. Together they’ll see in the New Year with a cosy sing-song round the piano.
NEW YEAR’S EVE:
Join host and Canadian comedy icon Rick Mercer for a truly Canadian New Year’s Eve countdown featuring musical performances and fireworks displays from celebrations all across Canada.
HOLIDAY MOVIES AND SPECIALS:
ANIMATED HOLIDAY CLASSICS:
TELEVISION HOLIDAY SPECIALS:
CBC KIDS HOLIDAY SPECIALS:
Paddington has accidentally sent Jonathan’s Santa letter to Peru by mistake. He tries to find out what Jonathan’s wish list is. He sends Pigeonton to The North Pole with a new list but now he’s missing. A storm causes a power cut in Windsor gardens which means Christmas will be ruined for everyone. Mr. Curry ever the Eagle Ranger is always prepared so comes to the rescue and its turkey for all at the town hall. But what was Jonathan’s Christmas wish?
Mandy must deliver a load of late Christmas letters to the North Pole, then all the trains join in to help Santa deliver the presents during a big storm.
Everyone in Rainbow Kingdom is gathered to celebrate Winter Wishfest, but when Forever Frost escapes the Ice Kingdom, the day might be ruined. Can True and the Wishes set everything right?
In order to seize Santa Claus’ mysterious technologies, Tiberius tries to take over the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
When the conveyor belt Santa uses to load gifts from his workshop into his gigantic toy bag breaks, Rusty, Ruby, and Liam head to the North Pole to fix it. Frankie stows away to find the present he really wants for Christmas.
HOLIDAY MARATHONS:
CBC RADIO ONE AND CBC MUSIC:
Back for another year, CBC Music will air the annual JOY TO THE WORLD: Euro-Radio Christmas Music Day on Sunday, Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. (9:30 NT) until 5 p.m. (5:30 NT). Hosted by Julie Nesrallah, this year’s radio special will feature traditional holiday music from Germany, Bulgaria, Estonia, England and Vancouver, BC.
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