By Amanda Gilmore

In a lost 1980s police training video, ‘perfect’ Rookie Officer Jim (Vayu O’Donnell) goes “off-script” when he tries to solve a domestic abuse case outside the restricted rules of the law.

This whip-smart satirical Dark-Comedy is both a throwback to survival skill VHS tapes and a critical look into the confined limits police officers have with cases. Writer-Director Quinn Armstrong has impressively adapted his short film of the same name into an intelligent first Feature that masters the art of heavy-hitting dark-comedy. His unique vision to use the VHS common 4:3 aspect ratio with pivotal VHS jumps creates immense authenticity. This creative decision becomes additionally beneficial during the climactic Third Act when an abrupt change in the story causes a modern visual change in aspect ratio. O’Donnell perfectly captures the far-fetched acting of those ’80s training videos while never becoming unbelievable. He has a natural charisma and charm that’s required to keep audiences rooting for in over his head Jim.

Survival Skills will be available on-demand through Fantasia Fest Aug 20 – Sept 2.

By Amanda Gilmore

After another drug bender, Barry (Gary Green) gets abducted by aliens. One of the aliens visitors hijacks his brain and takes control of his body — bringing it on a joyride through Cape Town.

Fried Barry is one of the wildest, craziest movie experiences at this year’s Fantasia Fest! It’s a high-energy psychedelic ride filled with sex, action, comedy and gore. At its core is a controlled, highly comedic performance from Green. For a film as outrageous as this one, a fully committed yet restrained performance is needed and Green fully delivers. It’s also skillfully-directed by Ryan Kruger. Kruger shoots Cape Town as a first-time alien visitor would see the vibrant city. In doing so, he takes the audience on a wild ride through Cape Town and it’s one trip you will never forget.

Fried Barry will be available on-demand through Fantasia Fest Aug 20 – Sept 2.

Sofia Coppola is back with ON THE ROCKS, reuniting her with Bill Murray! Rashida Jones stars as a woman who becomes growingly-suspicious of her husband cheating on her and at the insistence of her father (Murray), investigates!

Synopsis:

A young New York mother faced with sudden doubts about her marriage teams up with her larger-than-life playboy father to tail her husband. What follows is a sparkling comic adventure across the city – drawing father and daughter closer together despite one detour after another. Acclaimed filmmaker Sofia Coppola brings a light touch to this blend of an exuberant love letter to New York, a generation-clash comedy about how we see relationships differently from our parents, and a funny celebration of the complications that bind modern families even as they tie us in crazy knots.

Laura (Rashida Jones) thinks she’s happily hitched, but when her husband Dean (Marlon Wayans) starts logging late hours at the office with a new co-worker, Laura begins to fear the worst. She turns to the one man she suspects may have insight: her charming, impulsive father Felix (Bill Murray), who insists they investigate the situation. As the two begin prowling New York at night, careening from uptown parties to downtown hotspots, they discover at the heart of their journey lies their own relationship.

See the Trailer:

ON THE ROCKS arrives on Apple TV+ in October.

(Photo/video credit: Apple TV+)

Mozzarella, Ricotta & Kimchi-Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms. These are all the rage right now with Zucchini Blossoms being available right now, through end of August. We made the best of our trip downtown with a visit to our fave Eataly, where we found everything we needed to make these. We love the combination of cheese and Kimchi (Korean Pickled Cabbage) as these flavours blend beautifully. You can do this without Kimchi, just add a bit of sea salt to the filling to taste to account for it.

Ingredients:

Package of Zucchini Blossoms (usually contains about 20)
1/2 cup Ricotta
1/4 cup Fresh Soft Mozzarella (Mozzarella Classica), minced
1/4 cup Kimchi, minced
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
3 eggs
1 tsp Truffle Oil
1 tsp parsley
Sea salt and pepper to taste

Canola Oil

Instructions:

1. Heat canola oil in large skilled on medium heat, till oil is hot. Oil should be about 2″ high.
2. In shallow platter, mix flour, milk, 2 eggs, 3 tbsps Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper until it becomes a smooth batter.
3. In bowl, mix minced Fresh Mozzarella, Ricotta, 1 egg, Truffle Oil, 3 tbsps Parmesan and a bit of pepper till combined. Do not over-mix.
4. Take Zucchini Blossoms, opening gently till you can see the base. Gently scoop in a bit of the cheese mixture, careful not to over-stuff. Take a smidge of Kimchi and press it into the cheese gently. Pinch tip of Blossom to seal. Refrigerate a few minutes in refrigerator.
5. Dip stuffed Blossoms into batter, coating lightly. Place into oil and repeat, frying Blossoms in batches, careful not to overcrowd skillet.
6. Fry till golden brown, about 2 minutes each side. Place on paper towel-lined tray to absorb oil. Serve.

Gallery:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

We can’t wait! Check-out this brand-new Featurette for Disney’s MULAN which you’ve probably heard arrives on Disney+ next month. Starting September 4, with Premier Access, viewers can watch “Mulan” before it’s available to all Disney+ subscribers. Disney+ will offer Premier Access to “Mulan” for $34.99 on disneyplus.com and select platforms.

Synopsis:

Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s “Mulan,” in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father.

“Mulan” features a celebrated international cast that includes: Yifei Liu as Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Tzi Ma as Zhou, Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Honghui; Ron Yuan as Sergeant Qiang; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor. The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin, suggested by the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.” The producers are Chris Bender, Jake Weiner and Jason Reed, with Bill Kong, Barrie M. Osborne, Tim Coddington and Mario Iscovich serving as executive producers.

See the Trailer:

Disney‘s MULAN arrives on Disney+ Friday, September 4, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

One of the titles to get the most buzz out of Comic-Con@Home was Gillian Flynn‘s UTOPIA. Check-out this brand-new Trailer for the Series coming to Amazon Prime Video.

Synopsis:

Utopia is an eight-episode conspiracy thriller about saving the world, while trying to find your place in it. Inspired by the British series of the same name, the new Amazon Original series was written by Gillian Flynn, who also serves as showrunner and executive producer.  Utopia centers on a group of comic fans who meet online and bond over their obsession of a seemingly fictional comic called, “Utopia.” Together, Becky (Ashleigh LaThrop), Ian (Dan Byrd), Samantha (Jessica Rothe), Wilson Wilson (Desmin Borges) and Grant (Javon “Wanna” Walton) unearth hidden meanings cloaked within the pages of “Utopia,” predicting threats to humanity. They realize these are not just the makings of a conspiracy; they are very real dangers coming alive right now in their world. The group embarks on a high-stakes adventure, bringing them face-to-face with the comic’s famed central character, Jessica Hyde (Sasha Lane), who joins them on their mission to save the world while harboring secrets of her own. The series also stars John Cusack as Dr. Kevin Christie, in his first series regular role for television. Rainn Wilson stars as Dr. Michael Stearns, Farrah Mackenzie as Alice, Christopher Denham as Arby, and Cory Michael Smith as Thomas Christie.

See the Trailer:

UTOPIA arrives on Amazon Prime Now Friday, September 25, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Amazon Prime Now)

After a few reschedulings, the release of THE NEW MUTANTS finally is before us! To pump you up, here is a new Special Look at the Film, coming soon to theatres!

Synopsis:

Twentieth Century Studios in association with Marvel Entertainment presents “The New Mutants,” an original horror thriller set in an isolated hospital where a group of young mutants is being held for psychiatric monitoring. When strange occurrences begin to take place, both their new mutant abilities and their friendships will be tested as they battle to try and make it out alive. Directed by Josh Boone (“The Fault in our Stars”) and written by Josh Boone & Knate Lee, “The New Mutants” stars: Maisie Williams (“Game of Thrones”); Anya Taylor-Joy (“Glass”); Charlie Heaton (“Stranger Things”); Alice Braga (“Predators”); Blu Hunt (“The Originals”); and Henry Zaga (“13 Reasons Why”). 

See the Special Look:

20th Century Studios Canada release THE NEW MUTANTS in theatres Friday, August 28, 2020. Tickets are on-sale now.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)

There’s less than two weeks left till September and what normally would be signalling the start of the CNE in Toronto, is instead a much more low-key affair this year. The CNE at Home Virtual Fair runs August 21 to September 7, 2020. The Portal accessible online gives fans of the Summer favourite a chance to still enjoy the Exhibition’s most popular shows, favourite food recipes, tricks of the trade from buskers, historical retrospectives, new music performances and much more.  

Funnyman Howie Mandel is even feeling the loss this year. Did you know one of his first gigs was on the Vegas Chicks ride?

Recipes/How-Tos to be shared include:

Some activities to be enjoyed are:

CNE Jam sessions online featuring Toronto bands and artists

Gaming Garage powered by AMD online tournaments with cash prizes and giveaways up for grabs (Aug. 21-23)

Rising Star Youth Competition and online voting

Virtual rides, ghost walks, and retrospective specials including a look back at the history of the CNE Grandstand (Bandshell), Best Of the Aerial Acrobatic & Ice Skating Shows, President’s Choice SuperDogs and much more

Special online events include a commemoration the 99^th Annual Warriors’ Day Parade with a look back at its history (Sat. Aug. 22); and a virtual edition of the Canadian International Air Show (Sept. 5-7).  

Visit TheEx.Com for more! There’s also a 50/50 with tons of lucrative prizing!

(Photo credit: Canadian National Exhibition)

BECOMING is a new Docu-Series arriving soon on Disney+. The Series visits various celebrities in their hometown, as they share their journey to success with us.

Synopsis:

In this Documentary-style series, shot in vérité, each episode centers around a visit to the celebrity’s hometown, touring important locations central to their upbringing.  A supporting cast of family members, coaches, teachers, mentors and friends are interviewed, sharing rarely heard anecdotes and insights into the star’s “becoming” story.  

The insightful and uplifting series tells the origin stories of 10 talented athletes, entertainers, and musicians including Adam Devine, Anthony Davis, Ashley Tisdale, Caleb McLaughlin, Candace Parker, Colbie Caillat, Julianne Hough, Nick Cannon, Nick Kroll and Rob Gronkowski.

BECOMING arrives Disney+ Friday, September 18, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

By Amanda Gilmore

Good news Cinephiles, Fantasia Fest is still happening during these uncertain times! And to mould with the moment it’s going to be completely virtual. It’s all kicking off this week starting August 20th and will run until September 2nd with a mix of VOD and Live Screenings. That means those who want to attend won’t have to travel to Montreal this year, making this one of the more easily accessible Film Festivals of the year. And there are many films in the lineup this year gathering buzz.

Kicking off the festival is the opening night live screening of Niel Marshall’s (2019’s Hellboy) latest The Reckoning. The Film takes place in 1665 and follows a woman accused of being a witch after losing her husband to the plague. It stars Charlotte Kirk, Joe Anderson and Sean Pertwee. One film garnering buzz is Fried Barry, which follows drug-addict Barry (a fantastic Gary Green) who’s body gets hijacked by an alien and taken on a joyride through Cape Town. There is plenty of love for our homegrown Canadian talent as well. Slow-burning Thriller The Oak Room unravels a mystery though eery storytelling, cabin-set Isolation Film Bleed with Me follows a shy girl who struggles to integrate herself on a weekend getaway, and high-octane For the Sake of Vicious is a home-invasion gorefest with killer stunts and acting. There are also Documentaries making waves such as Canadian-made Clapboard Jungle which examines the life and career of an independent Filmmaker, and You Cannot Kill David Arquette which follows a wrestling comeback for its quirky subject.

The Films aren’t the only events you can virtually tap into! There are plenty of events happening, and what’s best is they are completely free! Afrofuturism takes place on August 21st at 5 PM and examines how Afrofuturism changed the lack of representation of BIPOC people in the Science Fiction genre. There’s going to be a talk with the Screenwriter of Horror-hits The Guest and You’re Next Simon Barrett on August 24th at 5 PM, Doctor Sleep and The Haunting of Hill House Writer-Director Mike Flanagan will be speaking about adapting literary works into film and making them your own on August 30th at 3 PM. And the legend of Horror himself, John Carpenter, is not only being honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Fest, but he will also be giving a masterclass on August 22nd at 4 PM.

Don’t forget to check-back daily as we bring you reviews from the hottest Films to come out of the Fest!

If you want to get tickets or learn more about Fantasia Festival 2020 head over to fantasiafestival.com.

(Photo credit: Fantasia Festival)