Tickets are on sale now everywhere tickets are sold for Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2.” Opening in theatres on Nov. 27, 2024, the all-new feature film reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. A new featurette called “Moana is Back” is now available:

In addition to Cravalho and Johnson, the voice cast of “Moana 2” includes Hualālai Chung, Rose Matafeo, David Fane, Awhimai Fraser, Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, Gerald Ramsey and Alan Tudyk, who returns as Heihei. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. Jared Bush and Miller are writing the film, which is executive produced by Jennifer Lee, Bush and Johnson.

Tickets available now here.

It was a birthday week to remember, test driving the 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport. It’s no mystery that the Accord is one of our beloved favourites in the Honda family. This midsize Sedan is the perfect drive, the perfect median between luxury and economy without ever sacrificing style. Our test ride was am ever-eyecatching Radiant Red Metallic.

The biggest selling point of all here is an unparalleled Fuel Economy 5.0/5.7/5.3 l/100 km (City/Highway/Combined). We were so pleasantly surprised not only how smooth and quiet our drives were, but also how little they cost! One day during our test drive we decided to cross the border to Buffalo from Toronto’s east end on a full tank of gas, only paying $17 US to fill our tank on the way back! That was incredible!

The Accord Hybrid Sport operates on a 2.0-litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC with dual variable timing control (VTC) 4-cylinder engine and runs at a combined 204 total horsepower. The Driver gets a multitude of options to drive in: ECON, Normal, Sport and Individual drive toggle modes.

One new unique thing I noticed here was the traffic sign recognition. While this feature is nothing new, an upgrade has been done in this generation where when you are crossing the US border, the speedometer converts for you the American speed limit with a red marking, making it easier than ever to ensure you are driving at a safe speed and within parameters.

Above this, the Accord Hybrid Sport is filled to the brim with features we love.  The moonroof makes our daily drivers that much better. But simple and subtle things like assisted opening trunk, proximity entry, pushbutton start, multi-angle rearview camera, Maintenance Minder™,  driver attention monitor (it let me know a couple times when I was getting fatigued on the long drives!) and dual-zone automatic climate control with air-filtration system have gone from nice-to-haves to must-haves today for us.

Entertainment wise, the ride boasts a gorgeous 12.3-inch colour touchscreen Display Audio System with 8 speakers. This looks rather superb and we love the new split-screen option when using Android Auto, making it easy to toggle between playlists on Spotify, while navigating with Google Maps all at once. Genius! Another new update is that we love that when we input a destination on Google Maps using Android Auto, right away there is an indicator that tells us how much fuel you are saving using ECON mode when you input your destination. Also, it also will tell you ahead what parking avails in the area surroudning your destination are like, i.e. EASY or DIFFICULT. Throughout your drives, you’ll notice how much more interactive they are, with notifications popping-up asking you if there are stalled vehicles, slowdowns, etc. are still impacting your routes. This can be good for some, but foreseeably a nuisance if you are trying to stay focussed on driving.

There are some minor downsides that we must highlight with the Accord Hybrid Sport. We were a little baffled at the lack of USB charging ports, this latest model preferring USB-C charging ports only, meaning you have to purchase new cables to charge if you don’t have this type already. This, and no wireless charging option was available as well. This model has no driver’s seat memory position – which though not a dealbreaker, can be a bit of a hurdle for some. The Driver does get 8-way power adjustment with lumbar support still and heated seating is available in the front row.

We definitely missed having automatic lock when walking away from the vehicle here, and there were a lack of beverage holders (things got a little messy with a hot coffee!) and charging ports for our backseat passengers. This was a little uncharacteristic of the care and intuition that Honda usually shows our passengers’ needs. Seats also are in sport fabric versus the usual leather trim – again not a huge deal but might not be ideal for some.

One thing Honda doesn’t sacrifice here though is its thorough safety features. Passive Safety features here include: 3-point front seat belts with automatic tensioning system; Front knee airbags (SRS); Rear side airbags; HondaLink™ Assist Automatic Emergency Response System; Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system; SmartVent™ side airbags; Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH); Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; and Childproof rear door locks.

Actve Safety features here include: 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); Auto high beam headlights Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS®);  Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system; Hill Start Assist; Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system; Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system2; Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA®) with Traction Control; and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

More highlights from our Birthday Week Test Drive:

In all an amazing ride that more than ever focuses on smoothness and economy and we’re here for it! The 2024 Honda Accord Hybrid Sport starts at $43,400 CAN. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Production is underway on “Deliver Me from Nowhere,” the eagerly anticipated movie adaptation of Warren Zanes’ fascinating telling of the making of Bruce Springsteen’s 1982 “Nebraska” album. Slated for theaters in 2025, the film is written and directed by Scott Cooper (“Crazy Heart,” “Hostiles,” “Antlers,” “Black Mass”) and stars Jeremy Allen White (“The Bear,” “The Iron Claw,” “Shameless”) as the visionary musician as he embarks on an emotional journey to record “Nebraska.”

“Beginning production on this film is an incredibly humbling and thrilling journey,” said Cooper. “Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Nebraska’ has profoundly shaped my artistic vision. The album’s raw, unvarnished portrayal of life’s trials and resilience resonates deeply with me. Our film aims to capture that same spirit, bringing Warren Zanes’ compelling narrative of Bruce’s life to the screen with authenticity and hope, honouring Bruce’s legacy in a transformative cinematic experience. It has been a great pleasure to collaborate with Bruce and Jon [Landau] as I tell their story, and their creative energy fuels every part of this journey. As well, I’m excited to reunite with my friend, David Greenbaum [president, Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios], as he embarks on his new role at Disney, adding another layer of inspiration to this project.”

White has won consecutive Golden Globe®, SAG, Critics’ Choice and Emmy® Awards in the past two years for his performance in FX’s hit series “The Bear.” Joining White in “Deliver Me from Nowhere” are a host of talented, award-winning performers.

· Jeremy Strong (“The Apprentice,” “Succession”), who’s an Emmy-, Golden Globe-, Critics’ Choice-, SAG Award®- and Tony®-winning actor, stars as Springsteen’s long-time mentor and manager, Jon Landau.

· Paul Walter Hauser (“Black Bird,” “Richard Jewell”) portrays guitar tech Mike Batlan.

· Odessa Young (“Mothering Sunday,” “The Staircase”) is young Faye, a formative love interest in Springsteen’s life.

· Sir Stephen Graham (“Young Woman and the Sea,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales”) plays Springsteen’s father.

· Johnny Cannizzaro (“Quantum Leap,” “Jersey Boys”) joins the cast as The E Street Band member Stevie Van Zandt.

The development of “Nebraska,” which followed Springsteen’s 1981 “The River Tour,” marked a pivotal time in his life, one that he would only openly talk about decades after its release. It’s regarded as a landmark in his musical odyssey and a source of inspiration for a generation of artists and musicians. Recorded on a 4-track recorder in Springsteen’s New Jersey bedroom and without The E Street Band, “Nebraska” is considered one of Springsteen’s most enduring works—a raw, haunted acoustic record populated by lost souls searching for a reason to believe.

Among the most recognized South Jersey natives, Springsteen maintains a huge footprint at the Jersey Shore, frequenting local shops, pizza parlors, pubs, restaurants and music venues. Filming for “Deliver Me from Nowhere” will take place primarily in locations in New Jersey and New York, with additional production in Los Angeles.

Cooper produces with the Gotham Group’s Ellen Goldsmith-Vein (“The Maze Runner” trilogy, “Juror #2”) and Eric Robinson (“Kodachrome,” “Last Days”), who developed the project with Cooper. Scott Stuber (“Frankenstein,” “Ted,” “Safe House”) also produces. Tracey Landon (“Maestro,” “Amsterdam”), who recently worked with Cooper on “The Pale Blue Eye,” and Warren Zanes are executive producing.

MICHELIN-recommended fine dining restaurant Lucie and The Social Catering & Co. is excited to announce their partnership with the Canadian Opera Company (COC). The partnership will officially kick off with an exclusive dining experience as part of the Centre Stage Gala at the COC on October 30, 2024. The event will take place at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, where 200 guests will be served a unique menu designed by Lucie’s executive chef, Arnaud Bloquel.

The Canadian Opera Company is the largest opera performance organization in the country and one that is renowned for its artistic excellence, ambitious sense of innovation, and deep commitment to the development of emerging artists.

The company performs with the acclaimed COC Orchestra and Chorus, led by Johannes Debus and Price Family Chorus Master Sandra Horst, and operates out of Canada’s first purpose-built opera house, the stunning Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts which attracts thousands of arts and culture lovers every year from locally and abroad.

Throughout the COC’s regular season, Lucie will also offer a three-course pre-theatre menu that will provide guests with an opportunity to enjoy a curated dining experience prior to attending performances. This menu will be available at Lucie’s location at Scotia Plaza, which offers nearby parking at a discounted rate of $13 for four hours. This partnership offers theatre lovers the chance to enjoy a dining experience alongside the artistic performances of the Canadian Opera Company.

In addition to creating an unforgettable dining experience for the COC’s signature event and major gala, Centre Stage: Ensemble Studio Competition, Lucie will oversee culinary offerings for all donor engagement activities and Board meetings, as well as curating exceptional concessions for all attending a live opera performance.

“The Canadian Opera Company is delighted to welcome Lucie and The Social Catering Co. as our preferred culinary vendor. This collaboration is a wonderful extension of the longtime friendship Yannick has had with myself and we look forward to elevating our patrons’ visits to the opera house with thoughtfully curated and impeccably prepared items that cater to the senses as holistically as the opera-going experience itself,” says Christie Darville, COC Deputy General Director.

As part of the collaboration, The Social Catering & Co. will serve as the exclusive catering partner for the Canadian Opera Company.

VENOM: THE LAST DANCE struts into top spot in its opening weekend with $50 million from 4,131 theatres for Sony Pictures. It gets 39% on the Tomatometer. Best opening for the Franchise still goes to 2021’s VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE with $90 million. This will be the final film in the Trilogy starring Tom Hardy.

Second is last week’s champ, SMILE 2 with $10.8 million, a two week total of $42 million for Paramount Pictures.

Third up is THE WILD ROBOT with $6 million, a tally of $110 million over five weekends for Universal Pictures.

CONCLAVE is set to debut with $5.3 million from 1,753 theatres for Focus Features/Elevation Pictures. Rotten Tomatoes score is an excellent 92% for this TIFF ’24 selection.

Fifth is TERRIFIER 3 with $4.5 million for Cineverse, a run of $45.2 million over three weekends – very impressive for this small budget Horror.

Global icons ROSÉ and Bruno Mars have released a new single “APT.” A note from ROSÉ going into detail about the song’s conception: “‘APT.’ is actually my favorite Korean drinking game that I play with my friends back home. It’s so simple, puts a smile on your face, and breaks the ice at any party,” ROSÉ explains. “One night in the studio I taught my crew how to play the game. Everyone was fascinated, especially when I started the chant, so we played around with it and I said we should make a song out of it… and after Bruno joined the track, the rest became history!”

Absolutely addicted to this tune!!

Here’s a quick explanation how the Drinking Game works for those who don’t know!

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music Canada)

We finally get a new Trailer for this exciting Holiday release – OUR LITTLE SECRET, starring Lindsay Lohan, penned by Toronto’s own Hailey DeDominicis! Arrives November 27, 2024 on Netflix.

LOGLINE: Two resentful exes are forced to spend Christmas under the same roof after discovering that their current partners are siblings.

DIRECTOR: Stephen Herek

WRITER: Hailey DeDominicis

PRODUCERS: Lisa Gooding, Mike Elliott

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Lindsay Lohan, Joseph P. Genier

CAST: Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell and Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, Brian Unger

Take a look behind the scenes of A COMPLETE UNKNOWN. Set in the influential New York music scene of the early 60s, A COMPLETE UNKNOWN follows 19-year-old Minnesota musician BOB DYLAN’s (Timothée Chalamet) meteoric rise as a folk singer to concert halls and the top of the charts – his songs and mystique becoming a worldwide sensation – culminating in his groundbreaking electric rock and roll performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. A Film By James Mangold. Cast: Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Boyd Holbrook, Norbert Leo Butz, Dan Fogler, and Scoot McNairy.

Searchlight Pictures release A COMPLETE UNKNOWN this Christmas.

(Photo/video credit: Searchlight Pictures)

Samsonite, the global leader in premium travel gear, has reached new heights in innovation by sending its lightest-ever suitcase, Proxis, to the edge of space. In collaboration with the pioneers at Sent Into Space, this groundbreaking launch, which took place just outside Las Vegas, Nevada, showcases the remarkable fusion of travel technology and aerospace innovation. The Proxis suitcase, designed with cutting-edge materials, returned to Earth fully intact, demonstrating Samsonite’s commitment to both durability and forward-thinking design.

Designed to redefine travel, Proxis features Samsonite’s groundbreaking Roxkin™ outer shell, renowned for its remarkable combination of lightness and strength. Weighing just 4.6 lbs, Proxis was selected for this space-bound mission, showcasing the brand’s relentless drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible, not just on Earth but beyond.

“Sending Proxis into space is a bold testament to our century-long commitment to durability and design. This experiment with ‘Sent Into Space’ demonstrates how our case delivers performance under the most challenging conditions, withstanding not only the rigors of Earthbound travel but also the ultimate test – space- exemplifying the remarkable balance we’ve achieved between lightweight design and rugged durability, setting a new standard in the luggage industry”, says Erin Renolds, Brand Manager Canada.

The launch, held under the crystal-blue sky at a secure launch site in the Mojave Desert, attracted an intimate crowd of space enthusiasts and industry insiders. As the Proxis ascended into the edge of space reaching a height of over 130,000 feet, it embodied a message of limitless exploration and adventure—a new frontier for the future of travel.

The journey was accomplished using stratospheric balloon technology, leveraging the natural buoyancy of renewable hydrogen gas to lift Proxis high into the region of Near Space. The one-of-a-kind spacecraft, designed by Sent Into Space engineers, was equipped with a flight computer with satellite and radio communications systems that allowed the team on the ground to track the craft’s position in real-time and recover it swiftly on its return to Earth. A self-deploying parachute system brought the craft down at a safe and controlled speed, while a fleet of 360° and 4K camera systems documented the incredible journey.

“The Proxis was a perfect passenger for our flight,” said Sent Into Space’s Head of Projects, Dr Chris Rose, “Incredibly robust, even in the freezing vacuum of space where the temperature drops below -65°C, but light enough to meet our stringent weight requirements—I’d love to take one on every spaceflight!”

Upon its return to Earth, the Proxis suitcase landed flawlessly, completely intact and without a single scratch. The advanced design and durability of Samsonite’s Roxkin™ outer shell were put to the ultimate test, enduring the extreme conditions of space travel and the controlled descent through the atmosphere. This extraordinary feat reinforces Samsonite’s commitment to creating resilient, high-performance travel gear that not only withstands the rigors of Earthbound travel but proves itself in even the most extreme environments.

This was a real-world demonstration of the Samsonite Proxis’ strength and lightness. This test was achieved with no artificial intelligence involvement.

Get ready to indulge in the most salacious guilty pleasure of the year! Today, Prime Video unveiled the enticing official trailer and key art for Cruel Intentions and announced all eight episodes of the highly anticipated series will premiere November 21, 2024 in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Twenty-five years after the iconic film captivated audiences with its provocative drama, sex, and scandal, this series introduces a new class of cruel characters who are ready to take their games and manipulation to a whole new level. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the film or new to the twisted tale, the series promises binge-worthy fun that audiences won’t want to miss.

In this new adaptation, Cruel Intentions follows the elite students of Manchester College, a Washington, D.C.-adjacent university, where reputation means everything, fraternities and sororities are the gold standard, and two ruthless step-siblings, Caroline Merteuil and Lucien Belmont, will do anything to stay on top of the cutthroat social hierarchy. After a brutal hazing incident threatens the entire Greek Life system, they’ll do whatever is necessary to preserve their power and reputation – even if that means seducing Annie Grover, the daughter of the Vice President of the United States. Hearts will be broken, loyalties will be tested, and secrets will be revealed in this modern-day royal court that is Manchester College.

Cruel Intentions stars Sarah Catherine Hook as “Caroline Merteuil”, Zac Burgess as “Lucien Belmont”, Savannah Lee Smith as “Annie Grover”, Sara Silva as “Cece Carroway”, John Harlan Kim as “Blaise Powell”, Khobe Clarke as “Scott Russell”, Sean Patrick Thomas as “Professor Hank Chadwick”, and Brooke Lena Johnson as “Beatrice Worth”.

The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios, and Original Film. Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher serve as co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers. Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film also executive produce along with Roger Kumble. Moritz produced the original film, which was written and directed by Kumble. Bruce Mellon along with Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi of Iervolino & Bacardi Entertainment are producers.