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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT DAMN TIME

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

SPECIAL

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

I LOVE YOU BITCH

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

EVERYBODY’S GAY

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

2 BE LOVED

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

BIRTHDAY GIRL

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

NAKED

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

COLDPLAY

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

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

We always welcome new Lizzo! The Goddess herself has teamed with Pop Legends Benny Blanco, Max Martin and more on new Summer banger GRRRLS, pumping us up for her upcoming Album, SPECIAL! The Song is a celebration of the female bond. We’ve loved every track we’ve heard so far off this Album. It’s going to be ICONIC!

Warner Music Canada release SPECIAL on July 15, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music Canada)

It’s been way too long! Lizzo finally is back with a new Single, “ABOUT DAMN TIME“. The title says it all! The Track recalls the glory years of Disco where Chic and Nile Rodgers ruled. The Video is directed by Christian Breslauer, who directed The Weeknd’s “Die for You” Video.

The Track appears on Lizzo‘s upcoming Disc SPECIAL, out July 15, 2022 via Warner Music.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music Canada)

By Mr. Will Wong

LIZZO became a household name in 2019, propelling to widespread popularity with her powerful message of body positivity and undeniable hits “Juice“, “Good as Hell” and “Truth Hurts“. She’d go on to win three Grammys and become a cultural icon.

She parlays her success into upcoming Prime Video series LIZZO’S WATCH OUT FOR THE BIG GRRRLS, just as she prepares to go on tour in support of her upcoming album, and also her performance in Bonnaroo 2021. The Reality Show pits plus-sized dancers together for a chance to compete to be one of her dancers, or as she affectionately calls them, her BIG GRRRLS.

The Show works on a few levels. It is a chance for fans to connect with Lizzo, who despite posting regularly on Social Media, has been laying low for the past bit. On another level, it explores the dynamic of these talented women whom while competing against one another, also at once are forming a deep bond in working and living together as a family, exchanging experiences and healing from the pain they’ve experienced in their lives due to stigma against race and body type. Through this experience, we see these women come to new realizations about themselves. Above all, the Series is wildly-entertaining, exploring the process and struggles of learning challenging choreography, while putting on a dazzling show each episode, at times borrowing from the spirit of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

While LIZZO’S WATCH OUT FOR THE BIG GRRRLS speaks to the black experience, we hear other voices as well. One contestant Jayla, is trans and Isabel is bi-racial, speaking from an Asian-American voice. Lizzo crafts a safe space and an inclusive tone and we feel each of the girls gets a chance to be heard. And of course no Reality Series is without drama and the conflicting personalities of classically-trained Arianna (she’s our favourite!) and alpha Jasmine certainly gives us some juice!

LIZZO’S WATCH OUT FOR THE BIG GRRRLS arrives March 25, 2022 on Prime Video. Lizzo will speak at an SXSW Keynote Sunday, March 13, 2022 at 1:00pm CT. More here.

Lizzo‘s looking for dancers on her tour and her new Reality Series LIZZO’S WATCH OUT FOR THE BIG GRRRLS is coming soon to Prime Video!

Synopsis:
Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls is a new unscripted series following global superstar and icon Lizzo, who is on the hunt for confident, bad-ass women to join the elite ranks of the Big Grrrls and join her world tour. With 10 hopeful women moving into the Big Grrrls House, they must prove they have what it takes to make it to the end and join Lizzo in front of a global audience on the center stage. 

Joining Lizzo to help her in the search for dynamic dancers are legendary choreographers Tanisha Scott and O.G. Big Grrrls Chawnta’ Marie Van, Shirlene Quigley, and Grace Holden, and several special guests, including choreographer Charm La’Donna, body movement expert Rashida KhanBey Miller, and multi-platinum singer/songwriter SZA.

LIZZO’S WATCH OUT FOR THE BIG GRRRLS arrives May 2022 on Prime Video.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video)

Two greats unite in Lizzo’s Comeback Track RUMORS, featuring Cardi B! Check-out this new Clip for the Single, directed by Tanu Muino. Goddesses only, please! Lizzo owns her outlandish reputation with accountability and we’re here for it!

You can stream/download RUMORS now here.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music)

We enjoy this time of year as the onslaught of Holiday-theme programs, Horrors and Awards Season contenders start surfacing. Here’s some of our recommendations what to watch right now!

MY NEXT GUEST NEEDS NO INTRODUCTION SEASON 3 (NETFLIX)

David Letterman is back in this abbreviated third season of his Talk Show MY NEXT GUEST NEEDS NO INTRODUCTION and true to form, he’s unafraid to ask the questions we’ve all been curious about. Robert Downey Jr. discusses his drug addiction; Dave Chappelle opens-up about that time he walked away from the spotlight; Kim Kardashian reveals what it felt like to be robbed in Paris; and Lizzo talks about her rise to fame and being “unapologetic” in an interview taped during the Pandemic. We only wish there were more episodes!

Fun fact, some of our archived Lizzo footage made the cut in her episode and we’re so honoured!

UNSOLVED MYSTERIES VOLUME 2 (NETFLIX)

As if we weren’t mortified enough by the first Volume, UNSOLVED MYSTERIES already is back with a second set of mysteries waiting to be solved. Among the stories this round are a mother goes missing after visiting a church and her body is found, without any clear leads; a convicted child killer on death row escapes prison and still hasn’t been found; two young children go missing in New York and still to this day have not been found; and the phenomenon of Tsunami ghosts which haunt communities in northeastern Japan after 2011’s catastrophic earthquake. The latter episode was our clear favourite, hitting some real emotional notes and also remaining haunting at once. Shivers.

THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR (NETFLIX)

Following the great success of THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE, THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR is the second entry in The Haunting franchise. Set in the ’80s, a young governess is hired to take care of a man’s nephew and niece at his country home, where she discovers apparitions. We learn too that some ghosts from her past might be haunting her. Victoria Pedretti returns here as Dani, the governess and is phenomenal once again and this fresh-faced Ensemble is fantastic including Oliver Jackson-Cohen, T’Nia Miller, Rahul Kohli and Tahirah Sharif. While the pacing at times suffers a bit and the jump-scares might not be as great as its predecessor, the Series keeps intact that unique tone in the Series’ sentimental mixture of Horror, Romance and Drama.

HOLIDATE (NETFLIX)

After a chance meeting at the mall, Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey) both equally hate Christmas and together in their bond, these singles who are over putting-up with judgment, vow to be each other’s “Holidates” for every festive occasion in the year ahead. What initially starts off as being in good fun could lead to romance between these two. John Whitesell directs this crude Rom-Com which at once is an Anti-Rom-Com. Definitely some sentiments several of us can relate to with its cynical view of traditional love and we must we’re extra forgiving whenever there’s a Holiday theme involved!

THE RIGHT STUFF (DISNEY+)

Based on the Book by Tom Wolfe and the 1983 film of the same name THE RIGHT STUFF is an eight-episode Series which continues National Geographic’s foray into scripted programming. The Series, which is racy and gritty by Disney standards, introduces us to the “Mercury Seven” as the origins of the United States’ space program in the late ’50s is explored with NASA putting out a search throughout the country for its first set of pilots to lead its first space mission. These pilots and could either day or become immortal. Toronto’s Patrick J. Adams (Suits) gets the Lead Role, unrecognizable as John Glenn in this stylish-looking Series (think Mad Men) which nails all the details of the era including its Soundtrack.

New episodes arrive weekly till November 20, 2020.

THE QUEEN’S GAMBIT (NETFLIX)

Based on Walter Tevis‘ Novel of the same name, this seven-episode Mini-Series directed and written by Scott Frank tells the story of a young woman named Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) who was orphaned at a young age. We witness her youth, where she is played by Isla Johnston and Annabeth Kelly and she is introduced to a life of things a child shouldn’t know about, leading to her subsequent battle with both drugs and alcohol in her adulthood. Through this, her solace is her adopted mother Mrs. Wheatley (Marielle Heller) who supports her drive and ambition, with her excelling at her academics and her passion for chess, which she learns from a janitor (Bill Camp) at the home where she is raised. From this she finds herself at age 22 overcoming all odds, competing with the world’s best and overcoming expectations of her age, past and gender. Taylor-Joy as always is sensational, mastering Beth‘s focused yet world-worn gaze and fully commits, nailing nuances of the time this is set.

THE LIFE AHEAD (NETFLIX)

Sophia Loren makes her return in this adaptation of the Book The Life Before Us, directed and co-written by her son Edoardo Ponti. The Italian film centers on an orphaned 10-year-old boy named Momo (Ibrahima Gueye) who robs Madame Rosa (Loren), a former prostitute and Holocaust survivor who cares of the children of other prostitutes. She then takes him in as he navigates his life hustling on the streets and with her becoming increasingly-ill, he realizes life’s fragility and questions his own direction. With authenticity, we get a painful reminder of what it is like for a child to realize that their loved ones might not be around forever. At the heart of this Drama is the beautiful bond between this unlikely pair, each filling something of a void in each other’s lives. While their relationship often is confrontational, it blossoms and becomes a beautiful thing to watch. In addition to its lightheartedness, brought by newcomer Gueye‘s carefree-ness, the Film explores some heavier territory in Rosa as she confronts triggers which force her to examine her painful past in her own youth. Loren‘s performance feels effortless and fully lived-in, proving she still is at the top of her game.

THE LIFE AHEAD arrives on Netflix Friday, November 13, 2020.

Click on links below to read our Reviews of the following:

BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM

REBECCA

COME PLAY

MEMORIES OF MURDER

THE SECRETS WE KEEP

BLACKPINK: LIGHT UP THE SKY

TOTALLY UNDER CONTROL

OVER THE MOON

SPONTANEOUS

ONE THE ROCKS

If there was ever a year that contained highs and lows for me, 2019 was that year. My heart was broken losing my best friend and companion Billy in March. Since then there have been good days and bad days. I try to keep myself occupied always as it keeps my mind off things and I’ve decided this was the way I would cope. The Holidays this year will be extra tough and while I appreciate people quick to comment, “Just get another dog, you have so much love to give”, it really isn’t that easy. I am touched by the donations on Billy‘s behalf, the flowers we received, the thoughtful tokens and sentiments. Those helped.

I am in a different place than I was 16 years ago when I first got Billy. Life is much more hectic for me now and I didn’t have to be there as much for my parents as I do now. So to those who are concerned, the day will come when I will open my heart again to the possibility of pet parenting, but it isn’t just yet.

On that note, I also feel that we really don’t do enough to support people mourning pet loss. At work, employees get Bereavement Leave when they lose an immediate human family member and can get accommodations for mental wellness if deemed supported by the employer. But when it comes to a pet whom we love just as deeply and experience just as much pain when they’re gone, there are no formal regulated measures in place. In fact, with that being said, it is easy to feel embarrassed and ashamed for grieving a pet because it is so institutionalized that losing human lives is so much more important than losing an animal life. Pets are dependents and provide affection, support and routine in one’s life. When a pet ails, the heart aches just as much as it does as when a family member or a friend is ill. And when a pet goes, the disruption in one’s flow is dramatic. Just think about that for a sec.

The year while marred by some sadness, contained several happy moments that I will never forget. In addition to celebrating our tenth anniversary as a Blog, we met more heroes than we could’ve dreamed, saw great Films, enjoyed some great Music.  These are things that no amount of unhappiness could erase. Thank you to our Readers and Team Mr. Will – Dave, Jonathan, Justin, George, Amanda and Siobhán for all your continued loyalty and all you give so generously.

I always look forward to sharing with you my favourites of the year, and here are my Best-Of 2019.

Marriage Story
Knives Out
Uncut Gems
Hustlers
Rocketman
Joker
Bombshell
Jojo Rabbit
Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood
Little Women

Juice – Lizzo
Cruel Summer – Taylor Swift
Old Town Road (Diplo Remix) – Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus
Lover – Taylor Swift
Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
Good as Hell – Lizzo
Sweet But Psycho – Ava Max
Hey Look Ma, I Made It – Panic! at the Disco
Dancing with a Stranger – Sam Smith ft. Normani
7 Rings – Ariana Grande

TORONTO RAPTORS
I’ll admit it, I know little about Basketball but for that one moment in time that night in June, every Torontonian was a die-hard fan! 2019 was Toronto’s year and no one can ever take that away from us. The City has never been more united and I’m so happy despite it being gruelingly-hot, I was able to skip away from work thanks to my boss, and take-in the 2019 Toronto Raptors Championship Parade. You never forget a moment like that. Eight hours under the scorching sun on University Avenue.  Screaming children who didn’t want to be there. People budding ahead of you. But the moment the Raptors came through, none of that mattered.

One unassuming night waiting on a friend arriving on an L.A. flight, I’d cross paths with basically all them Raptors. All of them came passing through the terminal returning back from their exhibition games in Tokyo. I couldn’t believe my eyes! It was like being in one of those rooms with the dollar bills spiraling in the wind around you on a game show. Slam Dunk!🏀

CÉLINE DION
Céline not only is a national treasure, she is an Artist I’ve loved for many, many years. While power ballads haven’t always remained in-vogue, her Music has stood the test of time. My Heart Will Go On helped me cope with losing Billy and I like to think of meeting Céline as Billy‘s gift to me from beyond. Seeing her on her Courage World Tour finally for the first time, my heart wept. Only she can make me laugh hysterically and bring a tear to my eye in the span of four minutes. Such a blessing getting to meet my Heroine (the only one I didn’t have a photo-with yet other than Mariah!), even if I waited till 2 AM for it to happen on a frigid night in Toronto! I felt like death shortly after, but I’m alive! See what I did there?

RENÉE ZELLWEGER
Bridget Jones’s Diary is the reason I got inspired to Blog. She defined an era in my life as did Renée Zellweger. Seeing her at TIFF ’19 for JUDY was a bright spot in my life and getting to chat with her gorgeousness is something I will never forget. At the risk of being one of those annoying people who see like one movie a year and cry “Oscar!”, I actually mean it and you better be ready for a complete domination this Awards Season. Internet trolls, let’s see who gets the last laugh now!

J-LO
Who wasn’t obsessed with Jennifer Lopez in the early 2000s? Everyone calls Auld Lang Syne their New Year’s song, but sorry! Waiting for Tonight is all about 12/31 to me and always will be! Lorene Scafaria‘s HUSTLERS is the bomb and anyone who thinks otherwise sucks. It is about women taking back what’s theirs, owning-up to their mistakes and surviving to tell us about the juicy details. If that’s not empowerment, please step aside, I don’t need your negative energy! J-Lo and Constance Wu killed it.

Will never forget meeting J-Lo after hearing her and her Castmates speak at a Panel about the female voice, in support of the Film. Buy and download HUSTLERS now.

CONSTANCE WU
It’s okay sister, I got you! I’m not going to go on about how much Constance owned my 2018 with CRAZY RICH ASIANS because that’s so 2018, but meeting her and J-Lo after blessing us with that beautiful performance in HUSTLERS? I was a dummy for not stocking-up on Lotto 6/49 tickets that night!

LIZZO

This time last year I would’ve been, “Who-zzo?!?”. LIZZO slayed my 2019 with her excellence and one-by-one I saw the world become believers. I discovered her Music seeing her performance at Coachella on YouTube and became obsessed. I paid top-dollar for a ticket to her Danforth Music Hall Show which was long sold-out, grabbed that Meet & Greet lanyard and have never booked back. That was money well-spent seeing her twerk all up my face front row 🍑 and collectively with the sold-out crowd, be moved to tears by her inspiring words. I still don’t know how Truth Hurts became a #1 hit before Juice, but okay! CUZ I LUV YOU is essential listening. You. will. not. regret. buying. this. Album.

TOM HANKS
Never mind that I look like I’m losing control of my bladder in this pic and mysterious age lines that came from nowhere. This man of grace and legendary stature was kind enough to acknowledge me and that is enough. “I’m not going to pose for your Selfie, but I will walk by verrryyyy slowly.”. These are words spoken by Tom to me which I will repeat over and over in my head like a mantra till I die.

STEVEN SPIELBERG
Oh how nice, you got a Selfie with Kendall Jenner. Who cares!? This is the Selfie any self-respecting human being wants. LEGEND. ICON. KING MASTERMIND. Yes, I know, blurry as sh*t. Not even Remini could save this, but I got it. That was a night in New York at the Saturday Night Live Afterparty I’ll never forget!

SCARLETT JOHANSSON
We’ve all criticized some of Scarlett‘s choice of roles. 2019 was the year I’ve decided that Scarlett should be absolved of all casting sins as she more than redeemed herself with a mesmerizing performance in Noah Baumbach‘s MARRIAGE STORY, my personal fave of 2019. I am still traumatized from that fight scene with Adam Driver. I don’t care what Critics say about that part ruining the Movie – it was perfect, it was passion, it was ACTING! And if it weren’t for damn Renée and her brilliance, it would be the Year of Scarlett. She also is a delight in JOJO RABBIT. See both. Scarlett is notoriously-tough on Selfies, but she was amazing to give me a smile and a wave at the New York Film Festival Premiere of MARRIAGE STORY. Close enough!

MERYL STREEP
Okay, this really is pushing it as it doesn’t really count as a Selfie so much as it is her looking the same direction as me, but I’ll take it. but being in Meryl Streep‘s presence at her Premiere for THE LAUNDROMAT was an uplifting experience. We’ve waited so long for her to come to TIFF after having cancelled her last appearance in 2013 for AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY and it finally happened. What a goddess!

DANNY DEVITO
So humbled we got a bit of face time with screen veteran Danny Devito back in March in support of Disney’s DUMBO. I’ve never had a more giving, gracious interviewee. He was personable, gave us rich and thoughtful responses. So happy our Dave Baldwin and I could share that together!

RON HOWARD
Totally dating myself, but I spent a lot of my school breaks being entertained on TV by Ron Howard, whether it be The Andy Griffith Show or Happy Days reruns. Okay, sure he’s directed Masterpieces like A BEAUTIFUL MIND, CINDERELLA MAN, SPLASH, APOLLO 13 and FROST/NIXON but in my heart he’ll always be Richie Cunningham and Opie!

RAMI MALEK
Okay, enough time has passed where I can admit that I just didn’t love BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY. For one, it irks me how key things in Freddie Mercury‘s life like his sexuality were muted, when that was actually a big part of his life and persona. That being said, none can be detracted from Rami‘s flawless Oscar-winning performance. This Snap was taken at Chateau Marmont just one night before he took the gold. Don’t let others fool you, it gets cold in L.A. at night!

KRISTEN STEWART
OMG. I almost died when she said “yes” to the Selfie. I have been obsessed with K-Stew forever. Let me make it clear, I never fully got TWILIGHT, but it is her body of work including PERSONAL SHOPPER, CLOUDS OF SILS MARIA, PANIC ROOM, ON THE ROAD, THE RUNAWAYS and even more recently CHARLIE’S ANGELS, that I love. I’m sure many have wanted her to disappear but she’s not going nowhere, babe! She just keeps churning-out some outstanding work.

GLENN CLOSE
I could’ve swore it was Glenn‘s year at the Oscars. So lovely meeting this brilliant Thespian receiving her final award of last Awards Season for THE WIFE and the Independent Spirit Awards. Her adorable Havanese baby Pip was with her to receive the honour!

PAUL RUDD
I have loved Paul Rudd for years now and knowing he never comes to Toronto, New York Comic Con was that rare chance finally to see him! Love that he’s looking like himself and he’s every bit as friendly as you’d think! But then again, this was a paid Photo Op…

VICTORIA BECKHAM
I am one of those people who freaks out every time there is a Spice Girls reunion rumour circulating on Twitter and then go frowny-faced when I realize it’s only “the four of them”. Victoria was in Toronto doing good for Camp Oochigeas and giving her beauty line a plug. It was beyond cold, but so goddamn worth it. Is that a smile I see? 😊 That’s the magic of Mr. Will!

EDDIE MURPHY
Umm. So I won’t repeat what Victoria thinks about Eddie Murphy (Google it), but this does not erase how I feel about him as an Entertainer. Thrilled to see Eddie make his resurgence with DOLEMITE IS MY NAME and a triumphant return to the stage on Saturday Night Live this Holiday season.  He delivered me many age-inappropriate thrills in my younger days with BEVERLY HILLS COP, COMING TO AMERICA and BOOMERANG. But it was DREAMGIRLS that made me truly appreciate his artistry.

TIFFANY x DEBBIE GIBSON
Seriously, ten-year-old me is still freaking-out.  Former Teen Pop Idol rivals Tiffany and Debbie Gibson rocked my world as a kid. To see them join forces in this Photo Op as part of NKOTB‘s Mixtape Tour, was epic!  Who’d ever have known just a few months later I’d get invited to introduced Tiffany on-stage at her show at Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts? I’m so busy running through life sometimes that I forget to appreciate things like this.

BOWEN YANG
This Funnyman came out of nowhere to steal the show. Bowen is the best thing to happen to Saturday Night Live in quite some time! Better yet, he has the distinction of being the first American-Asian Cast member in the star-making Program! Cheers to diversity!

BRENDON URIE
Our airwaves continue to be dominated by PANIC! AT THE DISCO and we are so stoked we got this Snap with the Band’s Frontman Brendon Urie in New York this October! It was a complete surprise! It wasn’t easy but he posed and made sure I got it. If you haven’t heard their contribution to the FROZEN 2 Soundtrack, INTO THE UNKNOWN, you must. Mind-blowingly-powerful vocals from Urie!

KRISTEN BELL
And while we’re on the topic of FROZEN 2, we were so delighted Toronto got its own Fan Event for the Film in November! We deserved it! On Cloud Nine we got to chat with star Kristen Bell, nabbing a signature Team Mr. Will Selfie with Anna herself!

JA RULE
It’s okay, Ja! We know Fyre Festival wasn’t your fault. You’re forgiven. The things we’ve all done for a bit of cash 🙄… doo-doo-doo… Don’t look at me like you’ve never “taken one for the team”! That’s right, move along now!

STING
So yeah, it’s super-awkward when you’re at the office pouring some water into your bottle and someone’s like “Oh! I saw on BlogTO you met Sting!“. Well, thank you Toronto for thinking my Selfies are culturally-relevant. You’re welcome!

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN
2019 was low-key The Boss‘ year. He had his Western Stars album and Documentary arrive and also BLINDED BY THE LIGHT was a love letter to his amazingness. Although I loved him as a kid, this was a year I was reminded once again to appreciate his amazing catalog of Music. Born to Run, Born in the USA, Dancing in the Dark, Lonely Hearts, Glory Days. Timeless. Seeing him at TIFF ’19 was great and he was so amazing going down the line, leaning-in for pictures and waves. So happy I had the video rolling and caught this!

Mr. Will x Billy Forever

We admit it, we are approaching that stage in our life where it is growingly-difficult to stay up past 10. We tried staying-up but alas, the weight of 2019 wore us down and dozed-off, only to take up at 2:30 AM realizing we missed Eddie Murphy and Lizzo on SNL!

God bless PVRs and the fact that NBC Tweets clips of what we missed!

Growing-up watching SNL and the age-inappropriate (for me at least back then!) Comedy of Eddie Murphy was a joy for me and last night was in fact only his third time hosting the long-running late night staple since he left the Show back in the mid-80s. He didn’t disappoint in his return, winning huge raves from the Internet reprising several favourites including Mr. Robinson, Velvet Jones, Gumby and Buckwheat! We loved that these classics were tied-in to today with references like Instagram ‘Hos’, The Masked Singer, Gentrification and more. Brilliant!

Several alumni and friends came out to show support as well including Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan, Maya Rudolph, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and more!

While stumbling a bit on lines, Murphy proved just as sharp and still has funny. Not even Bill Cosby was spared of the humour, Murphy joking he’d never thought 30 years ago he’d be a boring stay-at-home dad and Cosby would be in jail in his Monologue.  Best of all, we love that Murphy goofed and even swore during the Holiday Baking Championship sketch. That was gold! 🏆

See a Recap:

OPENING MONOLOGUE

THE MASKED SINGER

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

…and this!!

HOLIDAY BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP
OMG. Still looking for a proper clip but, this!! A flaming, possessed Sonic the Hedgehog Cake with Pocky spikes. I live for this!!

Good news Canada, Global Television has the full episode right here for you to enjoy! Click here.

The year belonged to Lizzo, so it’s only fitting she capped it all off in this last SNL episode of 2019, delivering has smash hits Truth Hurts and Good as Hell with a festive holiday flare! We’re sure this is just the first of many appearances to come for her.

LIZZO – TRUTH HURTS

LIZZO – GOOD AS HELL

Eddie Murphy is still the King!

(Photo/video credit: NBC)

HUSTLERS still ranks among our favourites of 2019 and we’re thrilled with Elevation Pictures/Universal Home Pictures Entertainment to give our Readers in Canada a chance to win a Blu-ray copy of this enthralling true story!

Synopsis:

Inspired by the viral New York Magazine article “The Hustlers at Scores,” follows a crew of savvy strippers who band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients.

Starting in 2007, we meet experienced exotic dancer Ramona (Jennifer Lopez) and newcomer Destiny (Constance Wu). Ramona takes Destiny under her wing and introduces her to the life of an exotic dancer, showing her how the game works. She also learns that the group of strippers she’s become a part of not only dance, but hustle their way into the pockets of their wealthy clients.

However, after the 2008 Wall Street crash, attendance at the club drops off and the dancers struggle to earn money. They devise a scam to coerce potential clubgoers to spend huge amounts of money at the club, with the women getting a large cut of the profits. But this scheme doesn’t work well in the long run.

Features:
Includes Blu-ray, DVD and a digital copy of Hustlers (Digital Copy redemption code subject to expiration. See product insert for details.)
Trailer 1
Trailer 2
Feature Commentary with Director Lorene Scafaria

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw of an extra chance.

Rules and regulations here.

Buy here.

HUSTLERS is in stores Tuesday, December 10, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures/Universal Home Pictures Entertainment)