TOY STORY 4 prevails again a second week at the Box Office, taking $56 million in week two from 4,575 theatres for Disney, taking it to $235 million in a two week run thus far.

ANNEBELLE COMES HOME lands a distant second with $16.4 million in its debut from 3,613 theatres for Warner Bros. Franchise best still belongs to the first Film in the Series, with $37.1 million back in 2014. It gets 69% on the Tomatometer and a B- CinemaScore.

YESTERDAY debuts in third with $15 million from 2,603 theatres for Universal Pictures. The latest from Danny Boyle gets 61% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore.

ALADDIN is in fourth with $8.8 million, a total $305 million grossed in North American to date for Disney.

AVENGERS:ENDGAME gets a re-release with additional footage, placing in fifth with $6.3 million from 2,025 theatres for Disney.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM rounds-out this Top Ten with $2.5 million for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films.

The legacy of The Lion King is unparalleled. The 1994 Animated Musical not only went on to win universal acclaim, but also outstanding commercial success, grossing almost $1 billion internationally, spawning various stage productions of it. The torch is handed off to multi-talented Jon Favreau to tell this story theatrically to a new generation of fans. Expectations are high for this upcoming Remake, which utilizes cutting-edge realism and an all-star Cast which has just about everybody circling their calendars in preparation for its July release.

The Cain and Abel-like story centers on a lion named Simba (Donald Glover) who is destined for greatness as Crown Prince of the Pridelands, in line to succeed his father Mufasa (James Earl Jones). He is derailed into exhile by his father’s ambitious brother Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and it is up to Simba to reclaim what rightfully is his.

The starpower is staggering as the Supporting Cast is rounded-out by Alfre Woodard, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner and Beyoncé.

Daytime Emmy winner Billy Eichner, known widely for his energetic and spontaneous brand of humour on Game Show Billy on the Street, plays wisecracking meerkat Timon, paired with slow-thinking warthog Pumbaa (Seth Rogen). The Funnyman is in Toronto to promote the release of what many are calling the cinematic event of the Summer and we are delighted to speak to him.

Eichner describes himself to us as mix of Theatre and Comedy worlds and he admits he likes this space. He also feels he is in a unique position being of an old school Theatre background, but also speaking to the new school in this Social Media age. In this upcoming Remake, he sings beloved Hakuna Matata and even jokes that he’s on a Track with Beyoncé as Timon sings a snippet of the Film’s centerpiece number, Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

We ask Eichner to tell us about the casting process and his reaction to being cast as Timon.

Eichner: “It was pretty shocking. I literally got a cold call from my agent that Jon Favreau wanted me to be in The Lion King. I had no preparation for it. I didn’t audition for it. I don’t think he auditioned anyone for it actually, maybe the kids?” . He adds, “I knew Jon and I knew he was a big Billy on the Street fan, but I’ve never worked with him before and literally I was shocked.” .

At the time our conversation, we still had not seen this latest incarnation of The Lion King. Curious, we ask Eichner how different it is from its Predecessor.

Eichner: “It’s completely different. Because of this, our vocal performances have to match the photo-realism of the Movie. They’re using some state-of-the-art technology, Virtual Reality and things I don’t comprehend. They put a helmet on me at some point and I was like, ‘I don’t know what’s going on. I’m just here to try to be funny’.” .

“The Movie just looks incredible. It looks so real and it is really breathtaking.” . While he realizes he really doesn’t have to do much to sell The Lion King to us since it is so well-loved, he reveals, “It’s such a nice escape from the real world and the daily onslaught of everything.” .

Eichner is known for his energetic and fast-thinking on Billy on the Street, where often he brings a notable name onto the street, giving New Yorkers a real shock and delight. We ask how different it is for him working in a controlled framework and a Script.

Eichner: “I’ve done scripted things before like American Horror Story. I would improvise and they would be like ‘What are you doing?’. But in The Lion King, the way that Jon wanted to do it, he encouraged us to riff and improvise. And a lot of our Improv remained in the final cut of the Movie. And I was surprised, I thought maybe we were just doing it as an exercise. It really gives this version of Timon and Pumbaa a really unique feel. Me and Seth Rogen aren’t going to sound like the original characters (voiced respectively by Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella), so I’m guessing there was a lot of spontaneity and Improv involved and I’m guessing that’s what Jon Favreau really wanted since he cast me and he knew that’s my background.” .

Walt Disney Studios Canada release THE LION KING Thursday, July 18, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Walt Disney Studios Canada)

The Trailer for Elizabeth Banks’ CHARLIE’S ANGELS has just surfaced and it actually looks AMAZING!

See the Trailer:

Sony Pictures Canada release CHARLIE’S ANGELS November 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)

Luke Evans, Mandy Moore, Nick Jonas, Darren Criss, Aaron Eckhart, Woody Harrelson and Patrick Wilson star in MIDWAY! Check-out this brand new Trailer!

Synopsis:
MIDWAY centers on the Battle of Midway, a clash between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy which marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific Theater during WWII. The film, based on the real-life events of this heroic feat, tells the story of the leaders and soldiers who used their instincts, fortitude and bravery to overcome the odds.

See the Trailer:

Elevation Pictures release MIDWAY Friday, November 8, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

It was a special night in Toronto last night as Ariana Grande not only brought her Sweetener Tour to Toronto’s Scotiabank Theatre, the second of two shows but she also celebrated her 26th Birthday in our City! While her parents Edward Butera and Joan Grande might not be together anymore, they joined together surprising Ariana on-stage to wish her a Happy Birthday! That was so sweet!

We are a huge fan of Grande‘s and her catalog of smash hits which she zipped right through with razor precision. We’re thoroughly impressed how effortless it was for her and how strong her voice was still by the end of the show, she’s definitely a star and we got exactly that.

See the Highlights:

As Security has been upped for Grande since her Manchester incident, fans experienced some delays getting their bags checked with her clear bag policy which saw several guests having the check-in their baggage. Queues also were large to buy Tour merchandise with a variety of sweatshirts and t-shirts available and in high-demand.

Normani, formerly of Fifth Harmony, opened the Show and put on a dazzling display despite having some audio issues.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Photo credit: Money Cortex

The vast majority of us are not and will never be a billionaire. We may be comfortable or even a bit more than comfortable, but we will never have an amount of money that makes us have to consider it a civic responsibility or a threat to our safety if the wrong person were to hear of it. But, we still dream about our ship coming in and winning the lottery. This inevitably brings up the question, if I won a billion dollars, what would I do with it?

Is it possible?

Even dreamers wonder if it is possible to win a billion dollars. While it is rare, it is possible. In the lottery, and other games of chance you are more likely to become a millionaire. The most recent high-winners have won:

• $590.5 Million
• $648 Million
• $656 Million
• $758.7 Million

However, there is also a recent record of a winning of $1,537 Billion in South Carolina, USA.

This is just a small example of many winnings that happen every day.

Photo credit: Rawpixels

Common answers

When you ask people what they would do with a large cash winning and you can expect a few “standard” answers. Here they are:

• Quit my job!
• I would travel around the world.
• Buy a new house and a new car.
• I would give some to charity and save the rest.
• I would retire and invest in the stock market.

The fact is, if you have never had a large amount of money, it is hard to know what you would do. The rules seem to change at that level. The first thing you will face is a winnings tax from the government. That is a substantial amount of money. You will still have a lot of money but not nearly as much as you had.

The next thing you can expect is most of your family and everybody who ever called you friend is suddenly calling you. They all have a need or a cause that they want you to pay for. If you start handing out money it will be hard to stop. It is hard to believe but many millionaires have gone through all of their money in a year or less.

Chase a fantasy

Do you love the glitz and glamour of Hollywood? Are you first in line to see the latest and greatest movie to hit the silver screen? Your fantasy may be to follow the stars through Hollywood. You may see people handing out tickets to anyone who wants to be in a studio audience. Get maps of where television shows and movies are being filmed. Go on tours and see where the stars live. There are many famous sets, restaurants, and shops to visit and who knows who you will meet there. So take a long vacation and take a trip that you will never forget. Who knows? You might get discovered and be the next big star!

Taking a chance on a life-long dream

Maybe you have always wanted to open a bakery or a coffee shop. There is no harm in researching what is needed to make it happen. But you have to face facts. You are not an expert in real estate, employees, labor laws, inventory control, or payroll. You will need to hire someone who is an expert to scout out the property and research the zoning as it applies to that location. He would need to be able to tell you who the competition is and what they sell. You would have to decide what you would sell and if it has enough draw to bring in business. A dream without this information should remain a dream. If you are serious in going for the shop, contact an expert. If not, you will have to decide if your dream is worth all of your winnings.

What the experts tell you not to do with your Billion dollars!

There are some tips that experts tell you not to do. These tips can apply to many things in life, so let’s take a look.

• Do not take the reduced amount in one lump sum payment.

The organization will offer you a lump sum payment that is less than what you won. Not only have you just given away your own money, you now have all the money you are going to get. After taxes, you will be tempted to blow money (like most winners) and your money will not go as far as you expect. You may actually blow all your winnings at one time. Instead, accept your winnings on an annuity plan.

• Hire an accountant and a financial adviser

Hire an accountant and a financial adviser to manage your account. However, make it clear that neither of them can touch your money. Any money that is spent must be paid by you.

• Wait for 1-year before buying anything.
  • Unless something is beyond repairs, wait one year before making a large purchase. If it is something like a house, car, vacation property or a business, think about it and think some more. Wait a year then revisit the topic and see if you still feel the same way.
• Do not invest your money
  • Experts suggest that you put your money in the bank and live comfortably off of the interest. It is a no-risk venture. This is not the time to begin playing with investing.

Following the smash success of last year’s Herditary, Writer-Director Ari Aster is in Toronto to present his latest, Psychological Thriller-Horror MIDSOMMAR. The Film follows a young couple, Dani (Florence Pugh) and Christian (Jack Reynor) on the down and out, this as Dani is coping with a devastating loss. They venture to Sweden with his friends to a Pagan Festival which takes place only once every 90 years. Much to their horror, they witness some gruesome rituals and soon find themselves deeper involved than imagined.

Aster and Reynor spoke at the Q&A presented by Rue Morgue. Contrary to rumour, this isn’t Aster’s last Horror Film, he tells the audience We ask Aster about the gorgeous locations and what went into filming there. He explains the Film, which he’s described jokingly as “The Wizard of Oz for perverts”, despite being set in Sweden, was filmed in Hungary. His challenge was finding the perfect field on which the set, comprised of about ten houses, was built from scratch and on a tight budget.

Reynor tells us about his amazing Co-Star Pugh, who continues to see her star rise.  “I feel as an Actress, there’s nothing that she can’t do. I’ve never had experience of doing a scene with someone like where in that scene where she’s discovered what ‘s happened to her family. She’s screaming. This guttural, animalistic response to this horrific trauma.”. He adds, “I’ve never had another Actor just give me my performance. I didn’t have to think. I just started crying instantly because of the way she’s playing her.”.

See some Clips from the Q&A:

Elevation Pictures release MIDSOMMAR Tuesday, July 2, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Easily one of 2019’s most anticipated Films, we get a sneak peek at the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack for THE LION KING!

Synopsis:
Disney’s “The Lion King, directed by Jon Favreau, journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s “The Lion King” roars into theatres on July 18, 2019.

Track list as follows:

1. “Circle of Life”/“Nants’ Ingonyama” – Performed by Lindiwe Mkhize; African vocals performed by Lebo M; written and composed by Elton John and Tim Rice; “Nants’ Ingonyama” written by Lebohang Morake and Hans Zimmer; produced by Hans Zimmer; vocals produced by Stephen Lipson
2. “Life’s Not Fair” – Hans Zimmer
3. “Rafiki’s Fireflies” – Hans Zimmer
4. “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” – Performed by JD McCrary, Shahadi Wright Joseph and John Oliver; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Pharrell Williams; co-produced by Stephen Lipson
5. “Elephant Graveyard” – Hans Zimmer
6. “Be Prepared” (2019 Version) – Performed by Chiwetel Ejiofor; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Hans Zimmer and David Fleming
7. “Stampede” – Hans Zimmer
8. “Scar Takes the Throne” – Hans Zimmer
9. “Hakuna Matata” – Performed by Billy Eichner, Seth Rogen, JD McCrary and Donald Glover; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Pharrell Williams; co-produced by Stephen Lipson
10. “Simba is Alive!” – Hans Zimmer
11. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” – Performed by Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen; written by Luigi Creatore, Hugo Peretti, George David Weiss and Solomon Linda; produced by Pharrell Williams
12. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” – Performed by Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Pharrell Williams; co-produced by Stephen Lipson
13. “Reflections of Mufasa” – Hans Zimmer
14. TBA
15. “Battle for Pride Rock” – Hans Zimmer
16. “Remember” – Hans Zimmer
17. “Never Too Late” – Performed by Elton John; African vocal and choir arrangements created and produced by Lebo M; written by Elton John and Tim Rice; produced by Greg Kurstin; additional production by Elton John and Matt Still
18. “He Lives in You” – Performed by Lebo M; written by Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin and Lebohang Morake; produced by Lebo M and Mark Mancina
19. “Mbube” – Performed by Lebo M; African vocal and choir arrangements created and produced by Lebo M; written by Solomon Linda; produced by Pharrell Williams

Walt Disney Records release THE LION KING Original Motion Picture Soundtrack digitally July 11th and physically on Friday, July 19, 2019. Available for pre-order now wherever music is sold.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Records)

The 90’s Nostalgia Tour took over Vaughan this weekend, just north of the City. The Festival at Interchange Park, brought out fan favourites Right Said Fred, Vengaboys, Prozzak, Aqua and S Club for a one night only dance affair.

Simon Fuller, the same man behind American Idol and Spice Girls, formed S Club 7 back in the late ’90s and they became a household name with hit Television Shows Miami 7 and L.A. 7. They also saw international success with 10 million albums sold, a U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Top Ten hit, four UK number one hits and a number one album in the UK as well, plus winning two prestigious BRIT Awards. Two in a Million, S Club Party and Never Had a Dream Come True garnered them chart success internationally. Although some of the members have moved on, members Tina Barrett, Bradley McIntosh and Jo O’Meara still are keeping the legacy alive touring as a Trio and fans at the ‘90s Nostalgia Tour were lucky enough to catch them in a rare appearance in these parts!

We were lucky enough to meet S Club and there were amazingly-nice, offering handshakes and hugs despite being on a bit of a time crunch having just done an appearance last night in the UK and operating on a few hours of sleep.

See our Snap:

Aqua was given the headlining spot, capping off the night of nostalgia best-selling Danish Pop Band of all time with 33 million albums sold, now is a Trio consisting of René Dif, Søren Rasted and lead Vocalist, Lene Nystrøm.  Around the World, Doctor Jones and of course Barbie Girl were impossible to avoid in the late ’90s and we’ve missed them! Travelling as a sizable entourage, Nystrøm tells us she was a bit down about some obstacles with her performance which saw her donning a green wig. She says, “Some are good and some are bad” and she was happy as long as the fans enjoyed it. Completely gracious and lovely.

In case you missed the Show, here’s more on it!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

TOY STORY 4 plays with the competition in its opening, earning $118 million from 4,575 theatres across North American for Disney. Reviews are outstanding for this latest installment in the Franchise, pulling-in 98% on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore from Audiences. This records a best for the Series, topping 2019’s TOY STORY 3 which opened with $110 million. This positions the Animated Feature for the third-best opening of all time for an Animated Film, behind last year’s INCREDIBLES 2 and its $182 million opening.

Opening in second is CHILD’S PLAY with $14 million for United Artists Releasing/Elevation Pictures from 3,007 theatres. It gets a passing 60% on the Tomatometer and a C+ CinemaScore from Audiences.

In third is last week’s champ MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL, landing with $12 million, a total $54 million over two weeks for Sony Pictures.

In fourth is THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 with $11.8 million, a three week total of $119 million domestically for Universal Pictures.

SHAFT rounds things out in its debut for Warner Bros. with $3.4 million, a two-week total of $14 million.