Rupaul's Drag Race
#SPOTTED: PRIYANKA PREMIERES VIDEO FOR “SNATCH (FT. CHERYL HOLE)” AT TORONTO’S REC ROOM
It isn’t enough that Canada’s Drag Race Season One champion PRIYANKA take the damn crown, she now is dominating Pop Music! Her debut EP was released in 2021 and saw huge numbers. Third single “Come Through (ft. Lemon)” has 1.6 million views on YouTube and reached Top Five on iTunes right away! The EP has achieved 10 million+ streams already!
She just released the fourth and final single off the EP, “SNATCH (ft. Cheryl Hole)” and to celebrate the occasion for the Video directed by Caroline Torti, she threw a bash at Toronto’s The Rec Room the premiere the Clip! Fitting, considering the Video has a Video Game theme.
Priyanka‘s House of Love Drag Mother Xtacy Love even hosted.
A v. pregant Torti came out to show support, and she actually is due any day now! Also starring in the Video are Canadian Drag Stars Kendall Gender, Gia Metric, Lemon, Synthia Kiss, Tynomi Banks and more.
Previous collaborator and BFF Lemon made a surprise appearance as well, performing their single “Come Through” together.
Hollywood Jade whom you might remember from Canada’s Drag Race, showed some love too. Jade did all the Choreography for “SNATCH“.
And now for the actual Video of “SNATCH (ft. Cheryl Hole)”! OMG. There’s a Super Mario Dance Battle! Are you Team Cheryl Hole or Team Priyanka? Who wins??
Previous Videos from the TASTE TEST EP:
So proud of Priyanka! We remember her from her days as a fellow Blogger on the scene, before her success at YTV and now THIS international recognition!
Some Snaps from the event, sponsored by VIZZY:
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Priyanka)
#SPOTTED: 2022 GREEN SPACE FESTIVAL KICKS-OFF DURING TORONTO PRIDE
After a two-year hiatus, the Green Space Festival is back at Barbara Hall Park, just outside the 519 Centre. The event runs June 23-26, 2022 and is one of the marquee events of Pride Toronto every year, the three-day long Festival draws top talent out to the outdoor affair.
Though two of the top acts to be featured at last night’s STARRY NIGHT, Drag Queens Willow Pill and Angeria Paris Van Michaels, had cancelled due to unforseen circumstances, this did not stop a huge queue from forming down Church Street. The queue still went on with several trying to get in even right up to the end of the Show at midnight, only to be turned away. Those who were lucky enough to get in after queuening all afternoon for a spot, were able to see RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14 Alumni like Bosco, and last-minute addition Lady Camden perform. The former did a Gwen Stefani tribute Medley, while the latter reprised her rendition of Queen‘s “I Want to Break Free” which brought the house down.
The Show also showcased some top local talent and stars of Canada’s Drag Race including Scarlett Bobo, Tynomi Banks, Boa, Pythia and Icesis Couture, plus Contestants on the upcoming third season of the Series like Kimmy Couture, Jada Shada Hudson, Miss Fiercalicious and more. Host-Judge Brooke Lynn Hytes even showed-up, remaining low-key.
So happy to get a glimpse of some of the performances from afar and seeing some of these talented Drag Queens up-close with beanie!
The fun continues through Sunday and legendary House Music DJ David Morales, who has remixed several classics for the likes of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, plays Sunday 9-12 PM at the Festival!
Canada’s Drag Race Season Three premieres on Crave July 14, 2022.
Learn more about the Green Space Festival here.
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#FIRSTLOOK: CONTESTANTS UNVEILED FOR “CANADA’S DRAG RACE” SEASON 3
Canada’s Drag Race S3 is soon before us! The new Season premieres Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 9 p.m. ET, and is available to Canadian audiences in English and French. Subsequent new episodes drop Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET. Season 3 is also set to launch on Thursday, July 14, 2022 on World of Wonder’s SVOD platform WOW Presents Plus, in the U.S. and in more than 160 countries around the world.
Returning are Judges Traci Melchor, Brooke Lynn Hytes and Brad Goreski, plus several new Special Guests.
See a Preview here.
Meet this upcoming season’s Queens!
Bombae Age: 29 (Toronto, Ont.)
Pronouns: she/her in drag; no preference out of drag
Twitter: @ItsBomBae
Instagram: @bom.bae
TikTok: @bom.bae
Things to know about Bombae:
- Bombae moved to Toronto from Mumbai in 2016 and describes herself as Toronto’s reigning “Satanic Supreme”
- She’s a fashion club kid who’s got legs for days, and fans can find her on runways, in photoshoots, or in an art gallery
- She’s a digital drag superstar who produces live shows on Twitch every week
“Drag is SO MUCH FUN. Just look at me! If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing drag!”
Chelazon Leroux Age: 22 (Saskatoon, Sask.)
Pronouns: they/he/she in and out of drag
Twitter: @chelazonleroux
Instagram: @chelazonleroux
TikTok: @chelazonleroux
Things to know about Chelazon Leroux:
- Chelazon grew up in Saskatchewan Dene First Nations and is very connected to their Indigenous identity; in 2021, they walked in London Fashion Week for Indigenous designer Jill Setah, highlighting the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
- They have nearly half a million followers on TikTok where they educate and entertain using comedy, history, beauty, and storytelling
- Chelazon is an active public speaker who often works on mental health campaigns, partnering with Health Canada, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan, and others
“I’m the auntie here to snag your uncles.”
Gisèle Lullaby Age: 33 (Montréal, Que.)
Pronouns: she/her in drag; he/him out of drag
Instagram: @gisele_lullaby
Tik Tok: @giselelullaby
Facebook: GiseleLullaby01
Things to know about Gisèle Lullaby
- Gisèle is one of the leading resident queens at the famous Cabaret Mado in Montréal
- She designs, sews and styles most of her own wigs
- With a bold personality, Gisèle is funny, loud, talkative, and has shared the stage with Quebéc superstar Marie-Mai
“I was born to be a drag queen.”
Halal Bae Age: 33 (Toronto, Ont.)
Pronouns: she/her in drag; he/him/they out of drag
Twitter: @thehalalqueen
Instagram: @halal.bae
Things to know about Halal Bae
- Halal Bae is of Egyptian/Palestinian descent and moved to Toronto at 18 to pursue an openly queer life
- Halal’s connection to her North African/ Middle Eastern Muslim background is heavily infused into her drag, and she’s proud of how she uses her roots to represent a side of queer identity that is often overlooked and oppressed
- She has been involved in a number of events including fundraisers for HIV awareness and queer immigrant initiatives
“Halal represents the intersectionality that shapes great cities across this country, that is often overlooked and marginalized, creating a space for and adding to a larger conversation about who can do drag and hopefully changing some minds along the way.”
Irma Gerd Age: 32 (St. John’s, N.L.)
Pronouns: she/her in drag; they/them out of drag
Twitter: @queenirmagerd
Instagram: @queen.irmagerd
TikTok: @queen.irmagerd
Things to know about Irma Gerd
- Irma is currently the reigning Atlantic Drag Star, a competition that brings together drag artists in Eastern Canada
- She has produced and hosted many shows with her house of six drag children
- Irma is a trained artist and won the BMO 1st Art Award, representing Newfoundland and Labrador at their national exhibition
“Drag is a way for me to connect with people through humour. I can’t wait to tickle everybody’s funny bone…and not just on Grindr!”
Jada Shada Hudson Age: 37 (Toronto, Ont.)
Pronouns: she/her in drag; he/him out of drag
Twitter: @jadashada
Instagram: @jadashadahudson
TikTok: @jadashadahudson
Things to know about Jada Shada Hudson
- Jada came to Canada from Barbados in 2009, and has been performing drag for 13 years
- In 2019, Jada was a performer for music superstar Lizzo’s pre-show
- Jada’s previous TV credits include the Crave Original series 1 QUEEN 5 QUEERS and QUEENS
“I didn’t choose drag, drag chose me, and I am so happy it did…Jada Shada Hudson is that strength and confidence I don’t have when I am my regular self and baby is she POWERFUL. The power to make any audience, any ages fall in love with not only her performances but that loving bubbly personality as well. Watch out world, the turnup queen is taking over the scene. And that’s on what? PERIODT.”
Kaos Age: 27 (Calgary, Alta.)
Pronouns: she/her/they/them in drag; he/him/they out of drag
Twitter: @thekaosofjesilo
Instagram: @thekaosofjesilo
TikTok: @thekaosofjesilo
Things to know about Kaos
- Kaos likes to mess with gender, and mess with people’s heads, using the art of drag
- Her art includes dancing, gymnastics, singing, circus performance, and whatever weird things comes to her mind
- Kaos’ badass energy and dedication to her art is an inspiration for many up-and-coming performers
“My drag is chaotic and I’m the beautiful disaster.”
Kimmy Couture Age: 25 (Ottawa, Ont.)
Pronouns: she/her/they/them in and out of drag
Twitter: @itskimmy_1
Instagram: @itskimmy_1
TikTok: @itskimmycouture
Things to know about Kimmy Couture
- Kimmy immigrated to Canada in 2012 from the Philippines and won her first drag pageant at the age of 13
- Kimmy is a trans woman and is a lip sync assassin with deadly dance moves, she is a strong advocate for the transgender and Asian communities
- She has become one of the top drag artists in Ottawa, having been mentored by CANADA’S DRAG RACE Season 2 winner Icesis Couture
“She is a Queen, her soul is Royalty.”
Lady Boom Boom Age: 25 (Montréal, Que.)
Pronouns: she/her in drag; no preference out of drag
Twitter: @ladyboomboom8
Instagram: @itsladyboomboom
TikTok: @ladyboomboom
Things to know about Lady Boom
- Lady Boom Boom has a degree in Clothing Conception and Production
- She got a tattoo on stage to honour her grandmother
- She is a regular at Le Drague in Québec City where she has hosted and performed since she was 18
“I didn’t choose to do drag, drag chose me.”
Miss Fiercalicious Age: 25 (Toronto, Ont.)
Pronouns: she/her in drag; he/him/they out of drag
Twitter: @fiercalicious
Instagram: @missfiercalicious
TikTok: @missfiercalicious
Things to know about Miss Fiercalicious
- In University, Miss Fiercalicious studied biology with the aim of becoming a doctor, she ultimately left school when she found drag to focus solely on her new passion
- She was featured in Lights’ music video for the song Prodigal Daughter
- Miss Fiercalicious is one of the few Canadian drag artists to be featured in Cosmopolitan’s Cosmo Queen Series
“There has never been a queen like me on CANADA’S DRAG RACE. I’m not like other girls. I’m worse.”
Miss Moço Age: 35 (Toronto, Ont.)
Pronouns: she/her in drag; he/him out of drag
Twitter: @heymissmoco
Instagram: @missmoco
TikTok: @heymissmoco
Things to know about Miss Moço
- Miss Moço is Toronto’s Portuguese-Canadian international wig snatching diva, serving legs and face for days
- In 2017, she started her own drag pageant called Miss Drag Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal and flies back every year to produce and host the event
- She’s the self-appointed “drag brunch queen of Toronto” with her weekly Sunday drag brunch at the fabulous Gladstone House
“I’ve dreamed about being on CANADA’S DRAG RACE since Season 1 was announced and it feels incredible to be able to check this off as one of many amazing drag experiences I look forward to creating.”
Vivian Vanderpuss Age: 29 (Victoria, B.C.)
Pronouns: she/her in drag; he/him out of drag
Instagram: @vivianvanderpuss
TikTok: @vivianvanderpuss
Things to know about Vivian Vanderpuss
- Vivian loves styling her own wigs into all sorts of fabulous vintage styles, and enjoys creating looks out of fabulous vintage finds
- Her self-described “glampy art and vivacious personality” combined with her genuine spirit always brings a smile to people’s faces
- In drag, Vivian doesn’t always present as female, she also plays with non-binary and hyper king characters
“To me, drag is about feeling the fantasy, whatever that fantasy is.”
(Photo/video credit: Crave)
#SPOTTED: BROOKE LYNN HYTES AT “IN THE HYTES” HARRIET’S DRAG BRUNCH
Happy Pride Month y’all! I haven’t had so much fun in a long time! You haven’t lived till you’ve experienced Drag Brunch at the gorgeous and scenic Harriet’s located on the rooftop of 1 Hotel on Wellington. The event was brought to us by Grey Goose!
A pure joy finally getting to see Queen of the North herself, and host of Award-winning Series Canada’s Drag Race and 1 Queen 5 Queers, Brooke Lynn Hytes. She killed it live including a rendition of Lana Del Rey‘s “Ultraviolence” which is too good not to post!
Amazing seeing local Queens Jada Shada Hudson and Miss Moço and Hostess Devine Darlin do an amazing job entertaining us! 🥂🌈
Devine Darlin told us as of August 18th, she will be a Registered Nurse!
In addition to a stunning skyling view, the food was superb at Harriet’s! Loved my Wagyu Taco, Salmon Ceviche, Spicy Crab Sushi, Short Rib and Desserts!
Some Snaps of the fun!
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: “WAR ON THE CATWALK” IN TORONTO AT MERIDIAN HALL
Presented by Murray and Peter, WAR ON THE CATWALK took place tonight at Toronto’s Meridian Hall. While the Pandemic limited opportunities to see the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the re-opening of Ontario has allowed fans finally a chance to see them in-person.
Hosted by Miz Cracker from Season 10 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, the Show brought-out Canada’s Drag Race Season One and Two champions Priyanka, and Icesis respectively, RuPaul All Stars Season Six winner Kylie Sonique Love, plus fan faves Jimbo, Crystal Methyd, Heidi N Closet, Olivia Lux and Kandy Muse.
We love RuPaul’s Drag Race so much and the Pandemic really gave us a chance to get obsessed!
So thrilled to get Snaps with some of our favourites tonight, Jimbo, Kandy Muse and All Stars Season Six winner Kylie Sonique Love, after admiring them so much over the past couple years!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SPOTTED: “CANADA’S DRAG RACE” SEASON TWO WINNER REVEALED
You know how much we love RuPaul’s Drag Race and already during the Pandemic we’ve been treated to two seasons of Canada’s Drag Race on Crave Canada!
The winner of Season Two was unveiled tonight and a special celebration was held at The Danforth Music Hall with the top three queens: Ottawa’s Icesis Couture, Montreal’s Pythia and Vancouver’s Kendall Gender in-attendance for the Finale screening. Guest Judge Hollywood Jade hosted the affair.
Gaining momentum late in the Series, Icesis Couture‘s seasoning after many years on the Drag Pageant circuit really showed as she outperformed her competition to take the Season Two crown.
The Queens of Season Two will be going on tour in January, with a date in Toronto towards the end of the month! Learn more about it here.
We were so thrilled to meet these lovely girls and can’t wait to see where their careers take them next!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Crave Canada)
#FIRSTLOOK: “QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE”
You know how much I enjoy RuPaul’s Drag Race, but how about a competition which combines Drag with real-live vocals and some of the familiar faces we’ve come to love of Drag Race? QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE arrives soon on Paramount+ and it truly is a dazzling international competition!
Judges include Trixie Mattel, Michelle Visage, Leona Lewis and Vanessa Williams, with Graham Norton judging.
We’ve seen the first episode meeting for the first time seven contestants and what looks like it will be a successful branch of RuPaul’s Dag Race and we can’t wait to for you to discover these big personalities and voices.
You won’t believe your eyes when Australia’s Gingzilla takes the stage with their beard and big baritone voice. Or French Queen Leona Winter‘s dazzling presence. Fun fact, she actually named herself after Lewis coincidentally. At the end of it all, we realize there is a shocker and things aren’t going to be as easy as we think for these seven queens! Spoiler: there are seven more Queens!
See the complete list:
| Ada Vox | San Antonio, Texas |
| Aria B Cassadine | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Betty Bitschlap | Copenhagen, Denmark |
| Chy’enne Valentino | Chicago, Illinois |
| Gingzilla | Sydney, Australia |
| Grag Queen | Canela, Brazil |
| Jujubee | Boston, Massachusetts |
| La Voix | London, England |
| Leona Winter | Paris, France |
| Matante Alex | Montreal, Canada |
| Novaczar | New York City, New York |
| Rani Ko-He-Nur | Mumbai, India |
| Regina Voce | Mexico City, Mexico |
| Woowu | Guangzhou, China |
We love the positive, encouraging vibes the judges bring to this Series and while we haven’t yet seen the claws come out yet, we’re sure there’s gonna be a bit of drama to come at some point. And knowing Ru, there for sure are going to be some twists and turns! And Jujubee, one of our favourite Drag Queens, surfaces too! We just can’t wait!
QUEEN OF THE UNIVERSE arrives on Paramount+ December 2, 2021.
#SPOTTED: VIOLET CHACHKI, ROSÉ, KANDY MUSE, GOTTMIK, AQUARIA, JAIDA ESSENCE HALL, KIM CHI & PLASTIQUE TIARA IN TORONTO FOR “NIGHT OF THE LIVING DRAG”
One of the greatest things to come out of the Pandemic for me was re-discovering the joys of RuPaul’s Drag Race. I had been crazy about the Series when it first came out. The competition pits a talented slate of Drag Queens together in a series of performance challenges which test their show-womanship, sense of fashion and makeup together in a race for the crown. Its legacy speaks for itself with an incredible 24 Emmy wins, plus various spinoffs having been spawned around the globe including Canada’s Drag Race, which had its Season Two premiere just this week. But above this, it has helped a wide spectrum of under-seen people feel seen! The definition of “Drag Queen” even has been expanded to include women or maybe those who don’t identify with any specific gender as well.
While life happened, I completely lost track of the Series, but being home over the past 19 months has helped me rediscover how much it is I love it! I’m actually proud how versed I am in the world of Drag Race!
Many of the stars from the Series arrived in Toronto for the completely sold-out Night of the Living Drag at Meridian Hall tonight, fresh-off their first show in Boston! The Show is a dazzling Halloween spectacle!
We are over the moon meeting these bright stars including:
Kim Chi (S8), Plastique Tiara (S11), Rosé (S13), Gottmik (S13), Kandy Muse (S13), Jaida Essence Hall (S12 winner), Aquaria (S10 winner) and Hostess Violet Chachki (S7 winner).
It was amazing seeing these Queens on their Starbucks coffee runs this morning, after navigating Covid-19 protocols and requirements when landing. We appreciate they were running on little rest and still so lovely to stop for pics! We hope the success of this Tour, which stops next in Vancouver, leads to these being a more regular thing here!
While we love them all, we were so stoked meeting Gottmik, the Series’ first Trans-Man Drag Queen whom we were so mesmerized by week after week with her sense of style, makeup and just how dramatically she improved as a performer. Of course, there’s the amazingly-talented triple threat Rosé and the charismatic Kandy Muse whom after meeting we are an even bigger fan of!
See our Snaps:
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#FIRSTLOOK: WHAT TO WATCH OCTOBER 2021 – “SQUID GAME”, “MAID”, “CONTROLLING BRITNEY SPEARS”, “BRITNEY VS SPEARS”, “NAILED IT!”, “RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE UK”, “LEGO STAR WARS TERRIFYING TALES”, “MUPPETS HAUNTED MANSION”
By Mr. Will Wong
Lots of wonderful streaming options to share with you as we enter my favourite season! Put on that cardigan, grab a blanket and cozy on up with your Pumpkin Spice Latte and enjoy some of our recommendations!
SQUID GAME (NETFLIX)
This South Korean Series is bloody violent and a sleeper hit for Netflix, just now garnering all the buzz! The nine-episode Drama pits 456 contestants who are deeply in debt, against one another in a game of survival where they are to compete in children’s activities with deadly consequences. But who exactly will go on to win the 456 billion (Korean dollars) prize with the stakes being upped as each contestant gets killed? At the center of it is Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), divorced and a single father with a gambling addiction who gets in way over his head, literally gambling his life away – but this might be his only shot left at reclaiming back his life. Will he succeed and at what cost does this come? The Series is overdubbed in English for those of us who are just too tired to read and the Voice Actors do a very capable job translating the emotions and fears of these Actors. We’ve never quite seen anything like this deadly game of survival, which is one-part The Hunger Games, one-part Tarantino and all sorts of crazy! SQUID GAME streams now on Netflix.
MAID (NETFLIX)
This ten-episode Mini-Series is based on Stephanie Land’s New York Times best-selling Memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive. It centers on a young single mother Alex (Margaret Qualley) who decides to leave her manipulative partner Sean (Nick Robinson), following her struggles in poverty and finding shelter, while also battling for custody of their daughter Maddy (Rylea Nevaeh Whittet). Alex aspires to be a Writer but to survive, she takes on the job of maid, with costs adding-up while she makes very little money. Qualley delivers a sympathetic performance which really gets into the soul of Alex, who wants the best for her daughter knowing this can’t come if Sean gets full custody. But also, she must carve out her own path in life, which has taken a backseat in an unhappy relationship. We explore all aspects of Alex’s life including her troubled relationship with her Artist mother Paula (a commanding performance by Qualley‘s real-life mother Andie MacDowell), and what it might look like for her to begin pursuing romance again and the gray areas that come with it. A phenomenal layered performance also from the well-to-do and frenetic Regina (Anika Noni Rose), who is one of Alex‘s clients, and with production taking place in Vancouver, we see many familiar Canadian faces like Raymond Ablack and Théodore Pellerin who also turn-in great work in supporting roles. We are a huge fan of Qualley, so it is a treat getting to see her really show her range. So excited for you to discover this when it streams October 1, 2021 on Netflix.
BRITNEY vs SPEARS (NETFLIX)
Erin Lee Carr directs this new Documentary shedding light on Britney Spears‘ struggles with her conservatorship. Carr teams with Rolling Stones Writer Jenny Eliscu, who prior has profiled Spears, to give us a clearer focus on the events leading to the much-talked-about conservatorship and more so the strained relationship between Spears and her father, as well as her deep unhappiness. Unlike other Documentaries we have a clearer motive on the deliberateness of Jamie Spears’ intentions in controlling his daughter and it becomes more apparent the fear instilled in others involved or engaged along the way. Once again we meet among others, Felicia Culotta, a friend and Assistant to Spears, shedding light how she was separated from the Artist. Interestingly, we get firsthand interviews with often-vilified ex-boyfriend Paparazzo Adnan Ghalib and former manager Sam Lutfi and the narrative is that perhaps maybe they weren’t as evil as we were led to believe. Carr uses dramatic music to build a bit of tension and overall, this was an informative watch. BRITNEY VS SPEARS streams now on Netflix.
CONTROLLING BRITNEY SPEARS (CRAVE)
This follow-up to The New York Times’ FRAMING BRITNEY SPEARS gives us additional insight into Britney Spears’ conservatorship. We get interviews with former members of her touring/management and security team with some shocking revelations about some of the perhaps illegal surveilling, that had been put in place over the Popstar. The Documentary sets-out to paint a portrait of the motions that occurred as a result of the #FreeBritney movement and the concern and love of fans and it is even clearer that Spears is a woman imprisoned against her will by red tape and legal deadbolts. Not that we didn’t know this before, but one can’t blame the Filmmakers for catering to public interest seeing how well this Film’s predecessor did. In the end the Film rides its hopes on first-hand eyewitnesses and footage. What we really want is Spears to tell us her truth on-screen and we feel this is coming with the latest movements in this story. CONTROLLLING BRITNEY SPEARS streams now on Crave.
RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE UK SERIES 3 (CRAVE)
You know how much I love RuPaul’s Drag Race, so while we wait for a new season of the U.S. flagship Series, our thirst is quenched by this latest season of the UK sister Series. We get 12 new Queens and we were wowed by some of the fashion and style here, definitely a step-up from the prior season. While I find it interesting that legalities in the UK prohibit these Queens for competing for cash like the other versions of the Series, these “girls” are ready to bring it to win a badge! Victoria Scone makes things super-interesting being a contestant assigned a female at birth and competing as a Drag Queen, and we love the Show is embracing a wider inclusion in its contestants. There also are a couple Queens who are as young as 19-years-old but show an amazing level of professionalism against some of these seasoned performers. New episodes arrive Thursdays on Crave.
NAILED IT! SEASON 6 (NETFLIX)
I adore this Series so much and it never fails to make me laugh. I somehow missed this Series amidst all the TIFF ’21 bustle but finally put aside some time to catch up with my favourites, Nicole Byer and Jacques Torres! My jaw dropped even seeing surprise contestant Jack McBrayer (30 Rock) surface! Challenges include a Veggie Patch Cake, Alien Candy Apples, Cakes celebrating Black Women in history (!!!) and more. My only complaint ever is that six episodes a season simply isn’t enough. I love celebrating these culinary flops and need more already! NAILED IT! Season 6 streams now on Netflix.
LEGO STAR WARS TERRIFYING TALES (DISNEY+)
By Justin Waldman
Just in time for October, we have an all new LEGO Star Wars Feature, Terrifying Tales which is a series of Shorts re-telling classic Star Wars stories with a dark side twist to them! All of your favourite characters return in this all new Feature, including Kylo Ren, Luke Skywalker, Darth Maul, BB-8, Poe, Darth Maul, Darth Vader and more.
Directed by Ken Cunningham and written by David Shayne, who wrote and directed the last Lego Star Wars Holiday Special, the Duo team together to bring forward this new terrifying Tale. What would have happened if these dark stories that the Siths are trying to pass as fact were actually true, what would have happened to the Galaxy? Our hero Poe Dameron (Jake Green) must see through these evil rehashing’s to escape the Siths and make way back to his friends.
The Voice Casting is the most distracting part of this new Short, as its clear that none of the characters are the original Actors that voiced them, and the Voice Actors are doing their own voices. While there is no issue with moving forward and having Voice Actors do voice work, hearing someone other than Mark Hamill deliver Luke Skywalker lines just feels off. However, the younger audience that this feature is targeted to, will be delighted by the Feature, delivering the entertainment the feature provides. Disney+ Canada release LEGO STAR WARS TERRIFYING TALES October 1, 2021.
MUPPETS HAUNTED MANSION (DISNEY+)
The Muppets never disappoint and this latest Halloween Special is pure laughs! The Story centers on Gonzo, who while being known as a bit of a daredevil, must step-up to face the scariest challenge of his life – staying one night at the Haunted Mansion. Pepe the King Prawn joins along for the adventure and all the while, they are tasked with finding the MacGuffin – a device necessary to the Plot, explaining the motivation of the characters. Along the way, we meet the charismatic Host (Will Arnett), The Caretaker (Darren Criss) and Constance Hatchaway (Taraji P. Henson) who tries to seduce Pepe into marriage – although it is clear she has other motives! Will Gonzo be able to make it out alive and save his buddy from doom? This Special while cute and filled with silly musical numbers, with jokes that connect to an audience of today (the Pumpkin Spice jokes don’t quit!) certainly speaks a bit more to its older audience. Nonetheless, these 50 minutes are whimsical and full of joy, a nod to those classic Muppets Specials we loved in the ’80s! MUPPETS HAUNTED MANSION arrives October 8, 2021 only on Disney+.
We love our Movies too! Don’t forget to check-out some of our Reviews for the latest theatrical releases like VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE, THE GUILTY, NO TIME TO DIE, THE ADDAMS FAMILY 2 and more right here.
Several other new releases like THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE, DEAR EVAN HANSEN and more can be found in our TIFF ’21 coverage here.
(Photo/video credit: Disney+/WOW/Netflix/Crave)
#FIRSTLOOK: WHAT TO WATCH JULY 2021 – “THE TOMORROW WAR”, “MONSTERS AT WORK”, “MARY J. BLIGE’S MY LIFE”, “THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY”, “RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE ALL STARS S6”
Summer’s here as is the start of long weekend! If you’ll be home, here are some recommendations what to watch including new selections on Crave Canada and Amazon Prime Video! If theatres are open in your area, we’re incredibly jealous. Hope you’ve had a chance to go out and enjoy!
THE TOMORROW WAR (Amazon Prime Video)
We’re sure many of you have been missing your high-octane save-the-world Blockbusters! THE TOMORROW WAR starring Chris Pratt arrives on Amazon Prime in-time for the long weekend. Pratt stars as Dan Forester, who among others is delivered a message from 2051 that a deadly species of aliens are out to destroy the world. To protect his father, he teams with his estranged father (J.K. Simmons) and a Scientist (Yvonne Strahovski), heading into the future, to save the future world his daughter will inherit. This Feature live-action debut from Chris McKay, who has helmed The Lego Batman Movies, is an ambitious one, but blends a bit of heart with the alien ass-kicking. While clocking-in at 2 hours and 20 minutes, this should provide some long weekend thrills for the family! THE TOMORROW WAR is on Amazon Prime Video July 2, 2021.
MONSTERS AT WORK (Disney+)
Set after the events of MONSTERS, INC. this new Disney+ Series reunites us with James P. “Sulley” Sullivan (John Goodman) and Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal), and a cast of new characters. And they’ve never looked better, thanks to Canada’s ICON Creative Studio, who were leaned-on as series production got impacted by the Pandemic. We meet the likable Tylor Tuskmon (Ben Feldman), who recently graduated from Monsters University, dreaming of working alongside legends like Sulley and Mike Wazowski. He doesn’t quite believe in himself but quickly finds himself a hero. We also meet also some super-fun new characters like enthusiastic mechanic Val Little (Mindy Kaling), the best friend of Tylor. At once, Monstropolis is moving to a laughter-fueled system and its monsters are out to learn the art of Comedy to keep things running. The Series, comprised of 22-minute episodes maintains that humour and energy we’ve come to love of the Franchise. The first two episodes are available on Disney+ July 7, 2021.
MARY J. BLIGE’S MY LIFE (Amazon Prime Video)
This Documentary pays tribute to a Diva who has sold over 100 million records, has won nine Grammys and even been nominated for an Oscar for her acting. Mary J. Blige can do it all, but it wasn’t always easy for her. The Film directed by Vanessa Roth goes back to her youth where she lived in poverty, in a neighbourhood where women were treated poorly. What made Blige different from any other Artist in the ’90s was that through her voice and emotion, she could connect to young black women who at the time didn’t have an Artist quite like her to connect to. Through those who worked closely with her over the years and the subject matter herself, we look back at her success and struggles making her a true survivor. While we admit the Film at the cost of going deep into her dark past, paints a flattering portrait of Blige, this is essential viewing for fans. MARY J. BLIGE’S MY LIFE is now on Amazon Prime Video.
THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY (Disney+)
We really need no excuse to want to watch Tony Hale! The Funnyman stars in this new Disney+ Series based on the popular youth book series by Trenton Lee Stewart, tells the story of how the magnetic Mr. Benedict (Hale) gathers a brilliant group of children together to stop his evil twin, Mr. Curtain (also played by Hale) from brainwashing the world. The quirky but smart Series has a bit of slow build-up but should get interesting if you and your young ones are willing to invest the time. The first two episodes of THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY premiered June 25, 2021 on Disney+, with new episodes coming weekly till August 6, 2021.
RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE ALL STARS S6 (CRAVE/PARAMOUNT+)
As we close out Pride month, Drag Race fever lives on! Fan favourites return for this sixth season of RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE ALL STARS, giving these 13 queens another shot of Drag Race glory! Week by week, we will see these talented performers pitted against one another in challenges, including the week’s top queen being pit against a mystery Lip Sync Assassin for a shot at a cash prize! Eureka, who was seen on HBO’s WE’RE HERE, plus the Franchise’s first transgender woman Kylie Sonique Love, A’Keria C. Davenport and several more are back. Big personalities means big clashes and we can’t wait to see them take it out on one another on RuPaul‘s stage. The first two episodes already are available on Crave Canada, with new episodes coming weekly on Thursdays.
We’ve got reviews for theatrical and on-demand releases as well like ZOLA, FEAR STREET PART 1: 1994, BLACK WIDOW, F9: THE FAST SAGA, SUMMER OF SOUL, THE FINAL PURGE, LUCA and several more right here. For those of you who didn’t get a chance to see it in theatres, A QUIET PLACE II arrives on Amazon Prime Video July, 13, 2021! We’ll have our Review soon.
(Photo/video credit: Crave/Amazon Prime Video)
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