By David Baldwin

A group of aliens disguised in human bodies and clad in leather biker jackets and 1950s era apparel land on Earth and are prepped to invade, but they start having second thoughts when they discover emotions and the beauty of the human experience.

That is the general gist of ALPHA GANG, the latest from Writer-Director duo David and Nathan Zellner (whose last film was the absolutely batshit Sasquatch Sunset) and it is odd to say the least. The film uses the most abstract and absurdist level of humour to get its points about humanity and observations about nature across, and then layers a chaotic level of violent gun play on top of it. To wit, there is an entire scene of the titular gang trying to mow down a colony of ants by using the most bullets and grenades necessary. That’s the kind of film this is. And while the entire aesthetic of ALPHA GANG is stylish as hell, with the costumes, makeup and soundtrack being particularly notable, it does take awhile to get on the film’s wavelength. Even then, you may still find yourself unable to fully commit to the insane vision the Zellners have crafted. ALPHA GANG is certainly not going to be for everyone, but it is certainly a unique vision and is never boring.

The cast the Zellners have assembled here is almost as ludicrous as the film itself. Léa Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Lily-Rose Depp, Riley Keough,Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Doona Bae make up the main cast, each committing fully to the deranged level of theatrics asked of them and often in hilarious fashion. Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett even shows up in a bit part in the third act that is unhinged and must be seen to be believed. Yet for all of those committed performances, none can match the sheer reckless energy of Chris Pine, who makes a seismic impact on the film that starts from his first frame on-screen and never dissipates. You will not be able to take your eyes off him.

ALPHA GANG screens at TIFF ‘26:

Sun. Sept 13 at 9:30 PM at VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre

Mon. Sept 14 at 5:30 PM at Scotiabank Theatre

Thurs. Sept 17 at 2:00 PM at VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre

Sun. Sept 20 at 5:00 PM at Scotiabank Theatre

The official trailer for new supernatural series “Coven Academy” was released today, bewitching fans with a deeper look at the original teen drama from Executive Producer Tim Federle. As the story unfolds in a bingeable new format, the fast-paced chapters are designed to pull audiences deeper into the magic at every turn. “Coven Academy” premieres Oct. 2, 2026 on Disney+.

Trailer here.

The trailer reveals Briar’s (Malina Weissman) struggles to hone her newfound powers as a witch and the turbulent love triangle between her, Jake (Malachi Barton) and Ollie (Louis Thresher). Set to Olivia Rodrigo’s hit song “Brutal,” Briar’s enigmatic energy draws intrigue from her fellow young witches.

In the haunted heart of New Orleans, “Coven Academy” follows three teenage witches and their dangerously charming warlock peers at an elite magic boarding school where power is currency, secrets are lethal and attraction is a liability. Caught between ancient supernatural wars and forbidden love interests, the coven must decide how far they’re willing to go to protect their city—and themselves.

“Coven Academy” stars Malina Pauli Weissman (“A Series of Unfortunate Events”) as Briar, a fiercely independent New Yorker who discovers she’s a witch; Malachi Barton (“Camp Rock 3,” “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires”) as Jake, a magnetic warlock with a dangerous edge; Jordan Leftwich (“The Family Switch”) as Sasha, a deeply empathic student who can read minds; Ora Duplass (“Their Town”) as Tegan, an irreverent time-bending witch; Louis Thresher (“Boarders”) as Ollie, a hungry, newly turned vampire; and Tiffani Thiessen (“White Collar,” “90210”) as Miss Graves, the formidable and glamorous head of the school. The series also features special guest star Devon Sawa (“Hacks”) as Mr. Cole, a brilliant and charismatic warlock professor.

The recurring cast includes Swayam Bhatia as McKenna, Brendon Tremblay as Alexander, Keegan Connor Tracy as Tamora, BJ Harrison as Agnes and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre as Teese.

Tim Federle (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” the upcoming “Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion” sequel) created “Coven Academy” and serves as executive producer alongside Darren Swimmer, Todd Slavkin, Amanda Row and Bronwyn North-Reist. “Coven Academy” is produced by Federle’s Chorus Boy Productions in association with Disney Kids & Family.

By Amanda Gilmore

Girl Group feels like a spirited sequel to Pitch Perfect.

Tassie Young (Rebel Wilson who also Directs and Co-Writes) is a pop star who left her girl group, Gurlfriends, years ago to go solo. However, her ill-advised choices and obvious alcohol dependency has resulted in her being known as a burntout has-been. Fresh off her DUI, she is forced to do community service at a school and becomes a reluctant mentor to a group of girls starting their own group. When a competition to find the newest girl group rolls into town, Tassie enrols the girls and a glimmer of the life she once loved get reignited.

Girl Group includes that famous Hollywood formula that should make it a hit. We’ve got a down-and-out star trying to make a name for herself again. A group of young woman chasing their dreams. It’s funny, although some of the jokes fall a bit flat, and it’s got a killer soundtrack of nostalgic throwbacks and recent pop hits. Most importantly, Wilson’s heart is always in the right place. That being said, this is a very formulaic narrative we’ve seen before. Those looking for something new won’t find it here.

There is a strong comedic cast led by Wilson who brings empathy to the spirited Tassie. The group of young women in the girl group give memorable performances, however, these characters feel a lot like those we’ve already cared for in Pitch Perfect. The real comedic showstopper is Nicole Scherzinger who plays Tassie’s replacement when Gurlfriends decides to do a reunion tour. She leans fully into the absurdity of her character with great results.

Girl Group delivers an important message about how the music industry moulds its female pop-stars. Wilson doesn’t shy away from how girl groups were depicted in the media back in the 90s and drawing parallels to how they are today. There is always an emphasis on their external ‘beauty’ and the sexualization of them, regardless of how talented they are.

Girl Group screens at TIFF ’26:

Fri. Sept 11 @ 5:30 PM at Roy Thompson Hall

Sat. Sept 12 @ 6:45 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Thur. Sept 17 @ 9:40 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

Sat. Sept 19 @ 7:30 PM at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto

To celebrate the launch of Netflix’s new film, Best of the Best, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan joined friends, family and fans for a special screening in her hometown of Mississauga. The evening kicked off with a performance by Anoshinie featuring some of Toronto’s leading dancers, followed by an advance screening of the film and a Q&A hosted by Taha Arshad with Maitreyi and co-writer and producer Prashanth Venkataramanujam.

ABOUT BEST OF THE BEST:
DIRECTOR: Lena Khan
WRITERS: Hasan Minhaj and Prashanth Venkataramanujam
PRODUCERS: Jonathan Eirich for Rideback, Hasan Minhaj and Prashanth Venkataramanujam for 186K Films
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Ellen H. Schwartz, Ryan Halprin
KEY CAST: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Priyanka Kedia, Ankur Rathee, Janina Gavankar, Chaneil Kular, Becky Alex, Shreya Navile, and Hasan Minhaj
ADDITIONAL CAST: Nihar Duvvuri, Nico Greetham, Amryn Khurana, Tanishq Joshi, Lilly Singh, Saara Chaudry, Sasha Bhasin, Kavi Ramachandran
CHOREOGRAPHY BY: Phillip Chbeeb, Makenzie Chbeeb
CO-CHOREOGRAPHER: Joya Kazi

LOGLINE: Two childhood best friends, Maya and Anjali, join UCLA’s competitive Bollywood-fusion dance team, only to discover that the road to winning the U.S. Championship is far more raucous and cutthroat than they ever imagined

Following its finale in Saskatoon, SiriusXM Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®), announced Blue Ridge Band as the winner of the 2026 SiriusXM Top of the Country competition. Fellow finalists Shawnee Kish and Morgan Griffiths were named runners-up, closing out an exciting year of mentorship opportunities and live performances.

The finale was broadcast live on SiriusXM’s Top of the Country Radio (Ch. 155), giving country music fans across Canada the chance to tune in, vote live and share in the excitement as the 2026 competition came to a close.

Taking the stage one final time, all three finalists delivered standout performances in front of a live audience and a panel of industry experts and judges. After months of competition, Shawnee Kish, Morgan Griffiths and Blue Ridge Band showcased their unique sounds and styles, with Blue Ridge Band ultimately securing the 2026 title and $25,000 grand prize. Runners-up Shawnee Kish and Morgan Griffiths each received $10,000. The celebration was followed by a headline performance from Jade Eagleson with special guest SACHA.

“This competition has definitely been one for the books,” said the Blue Ridge Band. “Being part of this program and competing alongside such talented Canadian artists has been a highlight of my career so far. I’m incredibly grateful to SiriusXM and the CCMA for their support throughout this experience, and I’m so excited for what comes next.”

The road to the 2026 SiriusXM Top of the Country finale began earlier this year, when country artists from across Canada put their names forward for a chance to take the national stage. Eight semi-finalists were selected to record original songs and videos before fans voted to determine the final three. Along the way, the top three finalists gained valuable experience through mentorship from leading voices in country music and live performances at major events, including CMA Fest in Nashville and LASSO Montréal.

“This year’s finalists are a testament to the depth of country talent across Canada,” said Michelle Mearns, Senior Vice President of Programming and Operations at SiriusXM Canada. “It’s been rewarding to watch them grow throughout the competition, and we’re incredibly proud to continue amplifying Canadian talent. Congratulations to the Blue Ridge Band on a well-deserved win.”

“The CCMA’s partnership with SiriusXM Canada has helped educate, elevate and celebrate emerging artists across the Canadian country music community,” said Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “Seeing these artists bring their passion and creativity to every stage of the competition, and knowing the program is creating meaningful opportunities for the next steps in their careers, is what makes Top of the Country so special. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate another great year.”

SiriusXM Top of the Country, in partnership with the CCMA, is part of SiriusXM’s ongoing tradition of promoting and elevating the best emerging Canadian music talent. SiriusXM continues to offer a leading platform for Canadian artists through its significant financial contributions and North American-wide reach.

About SiriusXM Canada
Sirius XM Canada Inc., operating as SiriusXM Canada, is the country’s leading audio entertainment company. SiriusXM creates and offers ad-free music; premier sports talk and live events; comedy; news; podcasts; and exclusive talk and entertainment. SiriusXM is available in vehicles from every major car company, as well as on smartphones and all connected devices on the SiriusXM app. For more information, visit siriusxm.ca.

Join SiriusXM Canada on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

SiriusXM radios and accessories are available from retailers nationwide and online at SiriusXM. In addition, SiriusXM Music for Business provides ad-free music to a variety of businesses. SiriusXM is also a leading provider of connected vehicles services, giving customers access to a suite of safety, security, and convenience services including automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle recovery assistance, enhanced roadside assistance and turn-by-turn navigation.

SiriusXM Canada has been designated one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies 17 years in a row and is currently a Platinum Club Member.

About The Canadian Country Music Association® (CCMA®)
Established in 1976, the CCMA® is a membership-based, not-for-profit organization committed to promoting and recognizing Canadian country music. Now in its 50th year, the CCMA celebrates the spirit, community, and creativity fostered by country music through year-round initiatives, culminating every fall with Country Music Week and the Canadian Country Music Association Awards.

Today we get a new Trailer for WIFE AND DOG!

Directed by: Guy Ritchie

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rosamund Pike, Cosmo Jarvis, James Norton, with Paddy Considine, and Anthony HopkinsThe relentless greed of the Fairbank family and their associates fuels betrayal and murder in the battle for succession.

Amazon MGM Studios presents

An 87 North Imagine Entertainment Production

A film by David Leitch

Only in Theatres November 13

In HOW TO ROB A BANK, a crew of social media-savvy bank robbers broadcasts their daring heists, unaware that their growing viral fame has put them in the crosshairs of a veteran FBI agent and a brilliant software engineer. Despite the unlikely duo closing in, the crime ring pushes past their limits, putting everything on the line for their beliefs – and their most ambitious heist yet.

Directed by: David Leitch

Written by: Mark Bianculli

Produced by: Brian Grazer, Jeb Brody, p.g.a., Allan Mandelbaum, p.g.a., Kelly McCormick, p.g.a., David Leitch, p.g.a.

Executive Producers: Ben Ormand, Mark Bianculli

Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Zoë Kravitz, Anna Sawai, Rhenzy Feliz, Christian Slater as Walton, with Pete Davidson and John C. Reilly

Rating: R for language, some violence and brief drug use

HEART OF THE BEAST IS ONLY IN THEATRES ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2026!

The global premiere was held last night in Franklin, Tennessee!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! 

CLICK THE BELOW LINK TO PUT YOUR FOUR-LEGGED PAL INTO THE HEART OF THE BEAST POSTER!

heartofthebeastgenerator.com

Paramount Pictures Presents

In Association with Domain Entertainment and Gulfstream Pictures

A Wild Chickens / Temple Hill / Kino World Production

A Film by David Ayer

Brad Pitt 

“HEART OF THE BEAST” 

SYNOPSIS

After a harrowing plane crash, Special Forces officer James Belmont (Brad Pitt) and his combat dog, Odin, find themselves stranded deep in the Alaskan wilderness. Together, they are forced into a brutal fight for survival against the elements. From acclaimed filmmaker David Ayer, Heart of the Beast is an intense adventure thriller that explores the unbreakable bond between a man and his best friend as they face their greatest battle yet.

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS

Damien Chazelle, Scott Lumpkin, Cameron Alexander, Chris Long, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary, Sophie Cassidy, Zack Conroy

PRODUCED BY

Olivia Hamilton, p.g.a., Marty Bowen, David Ayer, p.g.a., Brad Pitt, p.g.a.

WRITTEN BY

Cameron Alexander

DIRECTED BY

David Ayer

CAST

Brad Pitt, J.K. Simmons, Anna Lambe

CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE

#HeartOfTheBeast

The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) is proud to announce the 10 films nominated for the prestigious WIFF Prize in Canadian Film. This distinguished accolade celebrates outstanding achievement in Canadian cinema, and the director of the chosen film will receive a cash prize of $25,000. WIFF takes place October 29 to November 8, 2026.

All 10 nominees will screen at the Festival this fall, and the winner, selected by an independent jury of industry professionals, will be announced on November 1.

The nominees for the 2026 WIFF Prize in Canadian Film are:

Ba’s Book, directed by Ashley Duong

Haunted, directed by Rafaël Ouellet

Julián, directed by Louise Bagnall

Ladies and Gentlemen, Brian Mulroney, directed by Matthew Rankin

Nekai Walks, directed by Rico King

Neverman, directed by Rodrigo Barriuso

Nina Roza, directed by Geneviève Dulude-Decelles

Pauline, directed by Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette

Run Terry Run, directed by Sean Menard

You Will Be Free, directed by Bachir Bensaddek

“This year’s WIFF Prize nominees reflect the exceptional creativity, diversity, and ambition of Canadian filmmakers,” said Vincent Georgie, Executive Director and Chief Programmer, WIFF. “These 10 films offer a range of stories and perspectives, and we’re delighted to give our audiences the chance to discover some of the country’s most exciting talents.”

Past recipients of the WIFF Prize in Canadian Film include Montreal, My Beautiful (Montréal, ma belle), directed by Xiaodan He, 2025; Who Do I Belong To, directed by Meryam Joobeur, 2024; Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person (Vampire humaniste cherche suicidaire consentant), directed by Ariane Louis-Seize, 2023; Riceboy Sleeps, directed by Anthony Shim, 2022; and Kuessipan, directed by Myriam Verreault, 2019.

WIFF is a cultural, charitable organization that celebrates the art of cinema by showcasing Canadian and international film and filmmakers. Delivering exceptional experiences through film, WIFF strengthens and enriches the community while promoting the creative economy. WIFF2026.com.

The 2026 festival is proudly presented by the Toldo Foundation.

On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, CBC original feature documentary Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple received its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival.

Directed by Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn and produced by Banger Films and Elevation Pictures, Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple explores the artistry and enduring influence of Rush’s enigmatic drummer and lyricist.

Special guests in attendance included Rush founding members Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Rush drummer Anika Nilles, and film directors Scot McFadyen and Sam Dunn.

Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple will have its broadcast premiere as part of CBC’s The Passionate Eye, Wednesday September 23 at 8 pm (8:30 NT) on CBC and CBC Gem.

(Photo credit: Shawn Goldberg)