Spooky thrills are to be had at the Toronto Haunted Drive-Thru! Beginning tonight through November 1, 2020, you can get into that festive Halloween spirit at 176 Cherry Street (The Docks Driving Range).

The installation spans 1 1/2 km, lasting for 20+ minutes and is filled with iconic set props straight from Hollywood, animatronics, a water-shooting Kraken, a graveyard, a UFO crash and even a Drive-In with Horror classics playing every night starting at 11:30 PM. We hear the first to screen is HALLOWEEN!

While our Media preview was on-foot, the actual event is a Drive-Thru experience where social distancing protocols will be in place.

More on tickets, including a package deal with Superdogs, available at http://torontoshines.ca.

A Carousel of fun:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The 28th annual TORONTO JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL runs October 22-November 1, 2020. The Festival adapts to our current climate with a digital format this year with a wide range of Films to cater to all tastes with 50+ available films to watch, produced in Canada and abroad. TIFF ’20 breakout hit SHIVA BABY will be screening at the Festival too in case you missed it at TIFF and INSIDE OUT! Other highlights include Eytan Fox-directed Drama, WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT, an Adaptation of the popular Novel, SUBLET and Music Documentary ARMY OF LOVERS IN THE HOLY LAND.

Fans still will be able to attend Q&As with the Filmmakers by typing in questions, selected by a Moderator and these also will be recorded also for later viewing in case they are missed.

A portion of proceeds from the Fall Edition of the Festival will go to Mazon Canada and The Stop Community Food Centre.

Our Justin Waldman and George Kozera had a chance to preview some of this year’s key titles! See their thoughts.

IF YOU SEE MY MOTHER

By Justin Waldman

If You See My Mother tackles loss and grief in an unconventional way in Nathanaël Guedj’s feature debut. With some levity and comedy as well as outstanding performances by Max (Felix Moati) and Monique (Noemie Lvovsky), the Movie truly can deliver for some. It follows Max as he grieves the loss of his mother, but spiritually she survives and haunts Max’ relationships and attempts to move forward in his life.

Guedj along with Sophie Glaas, Alexandre Smia and Marc Syrigas wrote the Script together, and with four Writers one would hope that the Script would feel a little tighter than the final product amounts to. However, the performances from the two Leads certainly bring much life to the Script, helping them transcend onto the big screen. The only issue lays in the subject matter and the way Max deals with his loss may be uncomfortable and unsettling to some audiences.

If You See My Mother screens virtually October 23^rd – October 24^th.

BORN IN JERUSALEM AND STILL ALIVE

By Justin Waldman

Yossi Atia does it all in Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive as he is Star, Writer, and Director in this Dark Comedy about tragedy, anxiety, and terrorism. The movie follows Ronen (Yossi Atia) as he starts on an adventure of doing self guided terror attacks down Jaffa street for tourists, on one of his tours he meets Asia (Lihi Kornowski) and now he now has to navigate these tours, some personal issues with his father and this new-found relationship.

What makes Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive work really well is the levity that Yossi Atia brings to his Script, direction, and performance with taking something tragic which happens all too often and bringing some light hearted comedy to these events will engulfing the hardship of taking care of a stubborn parent. Lihi Kornowski and Yossi Atia’s performances are both charming and endearing, bringing a lot of charisma and life to the well-crafted Script. Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive is a heavy film that is levitated by its comedy.

Born in Jerusalem and Still Alive screens October 30^th – October 31st

SHIVA BABY

By Justin Waldman

Emma Seligman, read this name, know this name, remember this name. She is a force to be reckoned with, as Writer and Director of her Feature debut Shiva Baby you would be hard pressed not to include her on a top 10 directorial debuts and a name to be remembered. Shiva Baby is equal parts uncomfortable (for its absolute realism) and hilarity ensues as it navigates the uncomfortableness that presents itself during a family gathering, in this case, a shiva.

The Movie focuses on Danielle (Rachel Sennott), again another name to note, as she is attending a shiva that her parents asked her to attend. While at the shiva, she runs into her friend Maya (Molly Gordon), and there is a history there that her parents do not want to be rehashed out in this family gathering. Some other events and characters trigger a series of unfortunate, yet quiet hilarious, events that truly exemplify the horrors of being at large gatherings while trying to accept first and foremost who you are as an individual without being shunned by your family. Shiva Baby is arguably one of the best films you will see this year and should not be missed!

Shiva Baby screens digitally Monday October 26^th – Tuesday October 27^th.

WHEN HITLER STOLE PINK RABBIT

By Justin Waldman

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit is an incredibly-famous Book written (semi-autobiographically) by Judith Kerr. With Caroline Link in the Director’s chair and Anna Bruggemann adapting, the Book sees its first Feature adaptation and what results is a hauntingly-beautiful film that will tug on your heartstrings. The Film focuses on Anna (Riva Krymalowski) as she with her mother Dorothea (Carla Juri), father Arthur (Oliver Masucci) and brother Max (Marinus Hohmann), set-out bravely to escape Berlin in 1933. They find refuge in Switzerland, being Jewish and her father is a Journalist known for having criticized Hitler publicly. The performances by the entire Cast are exceptional, but the delivery from its Lead Riva Krymalowski in her first Feature, is a performance that will linger with its audience long after they finish the Film. Her acting encompasses a wide range of emotions and this is truly a beautiful performance. When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit is a masterful adaptation and likewise acted brilliantly.

When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit screens Thursday October 29th – Friday October 30th.

THOU SHALT NOT HATE

By Justin Waldman

Thou Shalt Not Hate directed by Mauro Mancini tells the story of Surgeon named Simone (Alessandro Gassmann) who is peacefully canoeing in a small river along a highway in Italy when he hears and sees a horrific crash on the highway. He rushes-up the hill to the roadside to call an ambulance and check on the victim. After trying to preserve the man’s life, he discovers an SS tattoo on his wrist and a swastika on his chest, and he decides to not follow the oath he swore to. As a son of a survivor of the Holocaust, Simone refuses to help the dying man, but winds-up hiring his daughter Marcia (Sara Serraiocco) due to the remorse he feels for letting her father die.

Thou Shalt Not Hate features impactful performances from both Alessandro Gassmann and Sara Serraicocco, raising questions around moral dilemmas and professional oaths. The Movie is unsettling and thought-provoking, with the Italian landscape as a backdrop that will linger in ones head for days to follow.   

Thou Shalt Not Hate screens virtually October 23^rd – October 24^th.

SUBLET

By George Kozera

The recently Tony Award nominated (and past winner) John Benjamin Hickey stars in SUBLET, in which he plays Michael, a gay, partnered travel writer in Tel Aviv for 5 days to document the less touristy parts of this city. Rather than stay in a hotel, he sublets an apartment from Tomer (Niv Nissim in his Feature film debut), a young aspiring Horror Film Director. Despite their age difference, the two men develop a trusting friendship.

Directed and co-written by Eytan Fox (Walk on Water), SUBLET succeeds on many levels. Tel Aviv, a city underrepresented on the big screen, shines with vibrancy and energy which is also reflected in the stunning musical score and songs. It is impossible to not overstate the brilliance of Hickey’s performance. Every movement is precise and he expresses a range of emotions without saying a word. It is a towering achievement that is richly complimented by the charismatic (and supremely handsome) Niv Nissim. His is a confident and hypnotic achievement and SUBLET should do for Nissim that “Crazy Rich Asians” did for Henry Golding; it will make him a star, On a self-indulgent note, as someone who hates onions, Tomer’s reaction to being told that “onions give it all the flavour” is Oscar-worthy!

SUBLET has signed a permanent lease as one of my favourite films seen in 2020.

ARMY OF LOVERS IN THE HOLY LAND

By George Kozera

Movies described as “camp” usually have that description bestowed as it wasn’t the Filmmaker’s original intention (Mommie Dearest, Showgirls, Valley of the Dolls). Very few features are made with camp in mind, such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show or the films of John Waters. ARMY OF LOVERS IN THE HOLY LAND is the first Documentary I have ever seen where camp is the raison d’etre and destination and it is a hoot!

Army of Lovers was a Disco band in Sweden who freely admit they couldn’t sing well or play musical instruments (think Milli Vanilli with an Abba beat and vocals) but could wear high heels well. They became famous in Europe due to their outrageous videos, flashy costumes and a musical back beat that is impossible not to shake your booty to. This Documentary is about the flamboyant Jean-Pierre Barda, with his mane of hair that rivals that of Diana Ross and clothes that look like they’re from the closets of Cher and Bob Mackie, as he moves to Israel to start a new life.

If you’re a camp aficionado, ARMY OF LOVERS IN THE HOLY LAND will put a happy grin from ear to ear on your face, make your hands raise the roof during the musical interludes and also show what life is like in Israel.

Like the famous meatballs Sweden is known for, this Movie is irresistible.

ANTON

By George Kozera

Set in a tiny village in the Ukraine during the Bolshevik Revolution and the rise of Trotskyism, ANTON is a powerful film about hardships and violent atrocities through the eyes of two young boys. The bond of friendship between Anton (a German-Catholic) and Yasha, who is Jewish, is unshakable and they find strength together as they cope with a myriad of deaths and uncertainties.

Based on a Novel by Canadian author and politician, Dale Eisler, ANTON is an engrossing and spiritual film with stunning Cinematography and exceptional performances. I was especially impressed by Tetiana Grachik‘s portrayal of Dora, the Red Devil. Her propensity towards violent actions (shocking they may be, but never overly-gratuitous) made her one of the most fascinating on screen villainess I’ve seen in a long time. Nikita Schlanchak and Mykyta Dziad (as Anton and Yasha, respectively) are outstanding, belying their young age. I urge you strongly to have tissues on hand while watching ANTON as you will weep watching this remarkable achievement.

BREAKING BREAD

By George Kozera

The Documentary BREAKING BREAD opens with a quote from the late Anthony Bourdain: “Food may not be the answer to world peace…but it’s a start”. We then meet Dr.Nof Atamna-Ismaeel, an Arab Microbiologist, who won “Masterchef Israel”. Her mission in life is to see Jews and Arabs come together through food and has started the A-Sham Food Festival in Haifa, which may be Israel’s most diverse city as it celebrates Christmas, Ramadan and Hannukah equally and proudly. She pairs Jewish and Arabic chefs from different areas in Israel and asks them to transform traditional meals together. The Chefs we meet are not only supremely-talented in their craft and charismatic, their creations will have you salivating – do NOT see this on an empty stomach!

Writer/Producer/Director Beth Elise Hawk not only concentrates on the food, but touches on topics as the past and current political situations and religious and cultural differences with an assured hand and vision. More importantly, nearly every scene is framed with charisma and passion. I particularly loved the scene where Dr. Nof talks about seeing an American table setting that had cheese dips, guacamole, salsa and hummus, the traditional Middle Eastern staple and says “Hummus has no borders”. It struck home with me as I feel the same way every time I see non-Montrealers talk about or make Poutine.

I’m a self-proclaimed and obsessed Foodie, hence BREAKING BREAD had me transfixed throughout. It’s a Master Class Documentary, hosted by a Masterchef winner, created and helmed by a masterful filmmaker. Lastly, watch the End Credits and you’ll see a website listed that has the recipes of the food we just watched. Yes, it’s time to rattle them pots and pans!

MINYAN

By George Kozera

Set in the late ’80s in the Brighton Beach area of Brooklyn and based on Short Stories from Canadian Author (and Giller Prize finalist) David Bezmozgis, MINYAN tells the story of David, a high school yeshiva student with self-identity issues which includes being gay in a conservative Jewish community. In the role of David, Samuel H. Levine brings gravitas and intensity in this Feature film project following his being part of the Cast in the recently Tony-nominated milestone play “The Inheritance” (which also starred John Benjamin Hickey who can be seen in “Sublet” screening at TJFF). Whereas slightly-too-mature looking to portray a 17-year-old and some of the acting choices register a theatricality that need to project to the last row of a theatre versus a more naturalistic and subtle cinematic one, Levine is impressive.

The Supporting Cast, which include Ron Rifkin, Mark Margolis and Alex Hurt (William Hurt’s son), all give earnest performances but are tinged with an over-the-top sensibility that almost verge on cliché-ridden. Director Eric Steel, who’s had successes as a Producer and had fashioned two Documentaries, may have bit off more than he can chew with this Feature film debut.

The Cinematography is dark and murky. The pace is a tad too languid, the competing storylines are a tad too serious. The rare times David would smile or a character would say something in jest were a much needed relief to the somber events on screen. However, Samuel H. Levine’s star power is never in question. I expect great things from him in future endeavours.

Tickets are available now for purchase. Click here for more.

Kelly Marie Tran and Awkwafina star in Disney’s upcoming Feature RAYA AND THE DRAGON! The first Trailer just got released!

Synopsis:

Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. But when an evil force threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, that same evil has returned and it’s up to a lone warrior, Raya, to track down the legendary last dragon to restore the fractured land and its divided people. However, along her journey, she’ll learn that it’ll take more than a dragon to save the world—it’s going to take trust and teamwork as well. From Directors Don Hall and Carlos López Estrada, Co-directors Paul Briggs and John Ripa, Producers Osnat Shurer and Peter Del Vecho, and featuring the voices of Kelly Marie Tran as Raya and Awkwafina as the last dragon Sisu.

RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON is in theatres Friday, March 12, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Lionsgate x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a free Digital Download of ANTEBELLUM, starring Janelle Monáe.

See the Trailer:

To enter for a chance to win, please click “like” on this Post over at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. You also can Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for another chance!

Rules and regulations here.

ANTEBELLUM is available on Digital, 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ & DVD November 3, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Lionsgate)

Shawn Mendes fans will be delighted about this! A new Documentary about Pickering’s finest is set to arrive on Netflix next month!

Synopsis:

GRAMMY nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes and longtime manager Andrew Gertler partner with Netflix to release “IN WONDER” globally on November 23. The debut feature length documentary, a TIFF special event selection, from acclaimed music video director Grant Singer (The Weeknd, Lorde, Sam Smith), is a portrait of Mendes‘ life, chronicling the past few years of his rise and journey. Executive produced by Andrew Gertler, Shawn Mendes, & Ben Winston; produced by Saul Germaine, p.g.a and James Haygood. This announcement comes on the heels of the release of “Wonder,” the title track off Mendes’ forthcoming album.

See the Trailer:

IN WONDER arrives on Netflix November 23, 2020.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

Football players don’t always slip off into a quiet retirement once their playing days are over. While some become TV analysts or coaches, others have managed to create a second successful career for themselves as movie stars.

Carl Weathers

Louisiana-born Weathers had a relatively modest NFL career, playing just a few games for the Oakland Raiders before leaving the sport. He had a few minor film roles while he was still playing and eventually retired from the game to concentrate on his acting career.

The role that you most know him for is probably that of boxer Apollo Creed in the Rocky movies, a role which he was apparently given after criticizing Sylvester Stallone’s acting technique during the auditions.

Weathers also appeared in films as varied as Predator, Action Jackson, and Happy Gilmore, as well as many TV shows. There was even talk of him appearing in a Creed sequel.

Bubba Smith

Smith first rose to fame in college football, where he starred for Michigan State University and was eventually inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame for his efforts. He was the very first pick when he joined the Baltimore Cole in the NFL draft of 1967. Smith then spent nine seasons as a pro and was part of the team that won the Super Bowl V game.

In terms of acting, he is best known for playing the role of the gentle giant Moses Hightower in the Police Academy series, who ripped out the front seat of a car to give himself enough space to sit in it for his driving test. As well as a number of TV shows and commercials, he also had a part in the Burt Reynolds film named Stroker Ace.

Howie Long

Long spent 13 seasons playing pro football in the NFL, with the Raiders team in Oakland / LA.  As a youngster, he was an all-round athlete but settled on football as his chosen sport when 15 years old. During his long pro career, he picked up eight Pro Bowl awards and won a Super Bowl.

His film career has mainly focused on appearances in action movies, such as 1998’s Firestorm. Probably his highest-profile outing was in the Broken Arrow movie in which he plays Master Sergeant Kelly, part of a search team looking for the nuclear warheads that have been hijacked by John Travolta’s character.

Fred Williamson

Known as the Hammer for his highly aggressive style of play, Williamson had a long career in the AFL with the Oakland Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs, as well as a season in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His overall pro career included two touchdowns and 36 passes intercepted.

Turning to the world of movies, Williamson racked up many credits in the likes of Three the Hard Way, Tough Guys, From Dusk Till Dawn, and Starsky and Hutch. You may also recognize him from the 1970 film based on the hugely popular TV series M.A.S.H.

O.J. Simpson

Perhaps the greatest player and most controversial entity on this list, Simpson was born in San Francisco and was the first running back to break the 2,000-yard mark in the NFL. His long career in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers saw him pick up 61 rushing touchdowns and many accolades.

On the big screen, he made his mark in hits like The Naked Gun and Towering Inferno. He was supposedly considered for the lead role in 1984’s The Terminator, but was finally overlooked in favor of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Of course, Simpson is now best known for his long-running legal problems and court appearances, but that’s another story.

There you have, 3 NFL stars who had cameos on the big screen. And if you fancy betting on the NFL check out the current odds here: extra.betamerica.com/nfl/odds/

We know many of you were smitten with the first Film, made right here in Toronto! Here comes the new Trailer for THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES 2 starring Kurt Russell and joining him this time around is Goldie Hawn as Mrs. Claus!

Synopsis:

It’s been two years since siblings Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy Pierce (Judah Lewis) saved Christmas, and a lot has changed. Kate, now a cynical teenager, is reluctantly spending Christmas in Cancun with her mom’s new boyfriend and his son Jack (Jahzir Bruno). Unwilling to accept this new version of her family, Kate decides to run away. But when a mysterious, magical troublemaker named Belsnickel threatens to destroy the North Pole and end Christmas for good, Kate and Jack are unexpectedly pulled into a new adventure with Santa Claus (Kurt Russell).

See the Trailer:

THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES 2 arrives on Netflix Friday, November 25, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Based on a true story about a couple who sought to advance their wedding after a devastating discovery, here is a new Trailer for ALL MY LIFE starring Jessica Rothe and Harry Shum Jr.

See the Trailer:

ALL MY LIFE is in theatres December 4, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

A new Trailer has just surfaced for MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM starring Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman.

Synopsis:

Tensions and temperatures rise over the course of an afternoon recording session in 1920s Chicago as a band of musicians await trailblazing performer, the legendary “Mother of the Blues,” Ma Rainey (Academy Award® winner Viola Davis). Late to the session, the fearless, fiery Ma engages in a battle of wills with her white manager and producer over control of her music. As the band waits in the studio’s claustrophobic rehearsal room, ambitious trumpeter Levee (Chadwick Boseman) — who has an eye for Ma’s girlfriend and is determined to stake his own claim on the music industry — spurs his fellow musicians into an eruption of stories revealing truths that will forever change the course of their lives.

Adapted from two-time Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson’s play, MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM celebrates the transformative power of the blues and the artists who refuse to let society’s prejudices dictate their worth. Directed by George C. Wolfe and adapted for the screen by Ruben Santiago-Hudson, the film is produced by Fences Oscar® nominees Denzel Washington and Todd Black. Colman Domingo, Glynn Turman, Michael Potts, Taylour Paige and Dusan Brown co-star alongside Grammy® winner Branford Marsalis’ score.

See the Trailer:

MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM arrives on Netflix December 18, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

It was an action-packed day filled with stakes action at Woodbine Racetrack yesterday in what was the final major stakes race card of the season in 2020. The day featured four stakes races, including two Grade I races, the $340,200 Northern Dancer Stakes and also the $600k E.P. Taylor Stakes. A bit of history, Northern Dancer, whom the former race was named after, went on to become one of the world’s most prolific stallions, making his mark internationally as the first Canadian-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby. He was owned by Windfields Farms, then situated in Oshawa at the time, which was founded by E.P. Taylor. Woodbine‘s world-famous turf course is named after the accomplished Taylor.

Over $6.7 million was wagered on the Sunday race card, once again proving that Woodbine‘s quality brand of racing continues to flourish throughout this Pandemic as American audiences continue to wager north. With the Ontario Government’s announcement of a modified rollback to Re-Opening Stage II, the Track remains closed to the public and is open only for Trainers, Essential Equine Careworkers and select Media.

The headliner E.P. Taylor Stakes was taken by Chad Brown trainee ETOILE, a four-year-old French-bred filly by popular stallion Siyouni and owned by a partnership of Brant, Magnier and Shanahan. The win, piloted by Rafael Hernandez, was her first stakes win on this side of the Atlantic, rewarding her backers with $7.00 on a $2.00 bet as the second choice. Fun fact, her sire is a half-brother to Siyouma whom won this same race in 2012. 41-1 longshot COURT RETURN finished second, ahead of SECRET MESSAGE, who we confirmed was making her final start before being sold at auction as a broodmare prospect.

The Northern Dancer Stakes was taken by Sam-Son Farm homebred SAY THE WORD, who has seen a dramatic improvement in form since changing hands to Trainer Gail Cox. The five-year-old More Than Ready gelding trailed the field and made a bid late to win by a length under Emma-Jayne Wilson, paying $7.80 on a $2.00 bet. Second was SIR SAHIB, owned by Stronach Stables which had a successful three wins at Woodbine this weekend. Third was race favourite Admiralty Pier.

The day reached an emotional high note in the Grade II Nearctic Stakes with Stronach Stables’ SILENT POET taking the $290k turf sprint as the race favourite, under Justin Stein. In second was last year’s victor CITY BOY and third was Graham Motion-trained invader KANTHAKA. Stein on the way to the Winner’s Circle made humbling pointing gestures to the talented four-year-old Silent Name gelding, who has stamped himself the best turf sprinter in the country right now with the score for Trainer Nick Gonzalez. The Conditioner recently had lost his wife and former Assistant Trainer, Martha. Tears could be witnessed as he attributed the win to Martha watching over him and his Team, including current Assistant Trainer Pam O’Connor. Silent Poet‘s groom Phil Hyde also recently lost his mother, hence emotions were high among the bunch who have been through some challenging times this year. Following the race, they all walked back to the barn together united in memory of Martha.

Promising two-year-old colt HELIUM took the $100k Display Stakes. The son of Ironicus, owned by D.J. Stable LLC and trained by Mark Casse swept to the lead at the top of the stretch under Emma-Jayne Wilson to win by just over four lengths as the race favorite, returning $4.80 on a $2.00 bet. Finishing second was GOSPEL WAY, just ahead of DECIMATOR. Team Casse had a fantastic weekend at Woodbine, winning an outstanding eight races!

The third and final jewel of Canada’s Triple Crown, the Breeders’ Stakes, will be contested Saturday, October 25, 2020 at Woodbine! Stay tuned to see if the “one-eyed wonder” MIGHTY HEART will become only the 13th horse to accomplish the feat! Stream the Post Position Draw this Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at noon on Woobdine.com.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)