By David Baldwin

Detective Lieutenant Yabuki (Shun Oguri) once had connections with the Yakuza before they were forced underground. Now he is haunted by old memories, addicted to drugs and gambling and his wife just packed up the kids and bailed. Yabuki gets paired off with an FBI Agent (Lilly James to find the missing daughter of a Vice President hopeful, and in the process, gets mixed up with a serial killer from his past.

For such an intricate description, it pains me to say that BAD LIEUTENANT: TOKYO is a bit of a drag. Following in the footsteps of previous TIFF entries Bad Lieutenant and Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call – New Orleans, prolific Director Takashi Miike takes on the loosely connected series by adding his signature neon panaches and extreme graphic violence. But outside of a few action sequences including a really odd, sexually charged fight scene in a club, the film moves from one moment to the next with no real sense of urgency, propelled by endless exposition, backstory and the titular BAD LIEUTENANT getting high or receiving blowjobs from a pair of late night paramours (who bafflingly factor into a pretty big plot point in the third act). I was intrigued by some of the places it goes, though I wish it was a hell of a lot more exciting.

Oguri does what he can to make Yabuki as sleazy and deplorable of a garbage human being as possible. He succeeds often, yet we never really understand how he got to the point he is at or why he does some of the things he does. He just sort of does them. And though I did not dislike her as much as others, it is clear from the jump that James is out of her comfort zone here. Her Southern drawl is certainly a choice, as is the way she smokes a literal ton of cigarettes. That said, I thought she did fine in the part, if a little rough around the edges. She continues to grow as an actress and I would rather see her try something wildly out of left field like this than stay stagnant. Hopefully she will break bad again soon.

BAD LIEUTENANT: TOKYO screens at TIFF ‘26:

Mon. Sept 14 at 8:30 PM at Royal Alexandra Theatre

Tues. Sept 15 at 9:40 PM at Scotiabank Theatre

Show quoted text

PRIMETIME is in theatres September 25, 2026. Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win passes to a Tkro to Advance Screening of PRIMETIME on September 21, 2026.

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Anna Faris

Synopsis: In 2006, To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen sets out to make television history.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK or IG. Tag a friend in the comments you are taking! Multiple entries allowed.

Rules and regulations here.

Elevation Pictures release PRIMETIME September 25, 2026.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

Paramount Pictures Canada and Mr. Will would love to send you to a screening of HEART OF THE BEAST, starring Brad Pitt!

Sscreenings will be taking place at:

TORONTO
Wednesday, September 23rd | 7:00PM
Cineplex Cinemas Varsity & VIP

MONTREAL ENG
Wednesday, September 23rd | 7:00PM
Cineplex Cinemas StarCité

MONTREAL FRE
Wednesday, September 23rd | 7:00PM
Cineplex Cinema StarCité

VANCOUVER
Wednesday, September 23rd | 7:00PM
Cineplex Cinemas Metropolis

CALGARY
Wednesday, September 23rd | 7:00PM
Scotiabank Theatre Chinook

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.

DIRECTED BY

David Ayer

CAST

Brad Pitt, J.K. Simmons, Anna Lambe

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK or IG. In the comments, tell us your city and tag a friend you’re taking. Multiple entries permitted.

Rules and regulations here.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Thistletown Collegiate Institute will host the 8th Thistletown Chefs Harvest Party on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from noon to 3:30 p.m. at 20 Fordwich Crescent in Toronto, bringing together more than 30 leading Ontario chefs to raise funds for the school’s culinary students through chef-led food stations, cooking demonstrations, a silent auction and a giant used-cookbook sale. Proceeds will help the students travel to Italy in March 2027 for an immersive culinary and cultural learning experience. Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Chef and retired Thistletown culinary instructor Keith Hoare has come out of retirement to help organize the event one final time alongside the school’s current culinary instructor, Chef Tawfik Shehata.

“After retiring, I knew I wanted to keep supporting Thistletown’s students. I’m glad to stand beside Chef Tawfik Shehata to bring the Harvest Party back. I’ve seen students return from trips like this more independent, more open to the world and more certain that they belong in it. That kind of growth stays with a young person long after the journey ends. Every chef who gives their time, and every guest who buys a ticket, helps make it possible,” says chef Keith Hoare, former culinary instructor at Thistletown Collegiate Institute.

Founded by Hoare in 2017, the Harvest Party has become a meeting place for Ontario’s hospitality community and the next generation of culinary talent. Cumulatively, this initiative has raised over $800,000 and helped students participate in educational excursions internationally including Italy and Spain.

Students do more than benefit from the fundraiser. They help organize and operate the event, assist professional chefs at their stations and prepare food and preserves using skills developed through Thistletown’s culinary program.
Guests at this year’s event will enjoy more than 30 chef-led food stations, live demonstrations, a food-focused silent auction and a giant used-cookbook sale. Food and beverages are included with admission.

An Acclaimed Culinary Lineup
Chef Davide Ciavattella joins the event from Toronto’s MICHELIN-starred Don Alfonso 1890, recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, Gambero Rosso, 50 Top Italy, La Liste and Wine Spectator.

Chef Daniel Craig, executive chef of The Westin Harbour Castle, is a Marriott ACE Award recipient, a Bocuse d’Or Canada silver medallist and the first Canadian-born chef inducted into the Académie Culinaire de France.

Donna Dooher, the influential chef and restaurateur behind Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, is a Food Network host and the author of the Cuisine Canada award-winning cookbook Out to Brunch with Mildred Pierce.

John Sinopoli, owner and executive chef of Ascari Hospitality Group, has received Restaurants Canada’s Leadership Award and was recognized alongside business partner Erik Joyal as a Pinnacle Award Independent Restaurateur of the Year.

Jon Rennie is the co-founder and culinary director of Odd Duck Wine & Provisions, a Kitchener restaurant recognized by the MICHELIN Guide.

Chef and food activist Joshna Maharaj is a two-time TEDx speaker and the award-winning author of Take Back the Tray.
Shonah Chalmers is a Certified Chef de Cuisine, culinary educator, Worldchefs-certified judge and winner of the international Walnuts@Work plant-forward culinary competition.

Brian Kang leads the Korean-Italian culinary program at No Vacancy, named Best New Bar and ranked No. 14 on Canada’s 100 Best Bars list for 2026.

Chef Heyden Sin is the executive chef of Lai Wah Heen, recognized among the Top 50 Honourees for the 2026 Chinese Restaurant Awards’ Elite 30 Canada Awards.

Chef Myeongseok Jeong (Chef MJ) is the head chef and co-owner of Restaurant 156 ONE FIVE SIX, a Toronto restaurant recognized by the MICHELIN Guide.

They will be joined by chef and food presenter Christian Pritchard; Cameron Taylor of Bar Eugenie; members of Culinary Team Canada; Murali Thamba of Brindleberry Catering & Events; Keith Hoare of Thistletown Collegiate Institute; Raymond Costain of Dope as Duck; Matt Fulton of Feed Me Fine Foods; Terrence Tew of Solo on Main in Port Stanley; culinary instructor John MacKinnon; Daycia Reid of Dacy Gourmet; René Chauvin and Tulio Lessa of Centennial College; Steffany Singh of Beau Bakery; Alex Shterenberg of The Postmark Hotel; Judie Prattes of Modern Culinary; Chris Zielinski of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment; Shai-Ann Ti and Adam Ryan of Bocuse d’Or Team; and Michael Hawryluk of The Hazelton Hotel.

Thistletown Collegiate Institute culinary students will also take part throughout the afternoon, operating three TCI stations and working alongside participating chefs.

Supporting the chefs in the kitchen will be Gary Hoyer of George Brown College, Chris Totah of Vintage Hotels and retired chef Sam Glass.

Sponsors and Event Information
Ontario Pork is a proud sponsor of the event, and S.Pellegrino will serve as the official water sponsor. Additional supporters include Dragon Farm, Charanduk Financial, Milestones Public Relations, Kraft Heinz Canada, Club House for Chefs, Hello Canola, Littlejohn Farm, Giffard, Done for you PA, Action Party Rental, Chef Works, Explorica Canada, PACT Grow to learn project, King Cole Ducks and New School Foods.

The family-friendly event will take place outdoors, rain or shine, with an indoor option available if inclement weather is forecast. Complimentary parking will be available. Children under 12 may attend free, limited to one child per paid adult admission.

What: 8th Thistletown Chefs Harvest Party
When: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: Noon–3:30 p.m.; doors open at 11:45 a.m.
Where: Thistletown Collegiate Institute, 20 Fordwich Crescent, Toronto, Ontario
Tickets: Purchase through Eventbrite
The culinary lineup is subject to change. Tickets are non-refundable.

About the Thistletown Chefs Harvest Party
Founded in 2017, the Thistletown Chefs Harvest Party is an annual fundraiser that brings together Ontario’s culinary and hospitality community in support of students in the culinary program at Thistletown Collegiate Institute. Through the event, students gain hands-on experience working alongside industry professionals while funds raised help provide access to educational travel and experiential learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Since its inception, the initiative has raised more than $800,000 in support of student programming and international culinary experiences.

Today we get a new trailer for THE DIPLOMAT Season Four, coming October 15, 2026 to Netflix.

ABOUT THE DIPLOMAT SEASON 4

In Season Four of The Diplomat, two marriages threaten to eat each other alive. One catastrophic moment shatters the fragile peace Kate Wyler brokered between the US and UK, as well as the crumbling marriage she’s trying to save. While she fights to stem the bleeding, President Grace Penn and VP Hal Wyler’s conspiracy to steal Russia’s most powerful weapon hurtles the United States toward war. Kate and Todd, at best an uneasy pair, unite to stop the Grace-Hal alliance from upending the balance of power abroad and at home. Four Emmy nominees paint an unmissable portrait of two marriages: Keri Russell as Ambassador Kate Wyler, Rufus Sewell as Vice President Hal Wyler, Allison Janney as President Grace Penn, and Bradley Whitford as Todd Penn.

From creator, showrunner, and executive producer Debora Cahn, the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated and AFI and SAG Award-winning series The Diplomat returns for a fourth season. Janice Williams, Alex Graves, Keri Russell, Peter Noah, and Eli Attie are executive producers. Also starring Ato Essandoh, Ali Ahn, and Nana Mensah.

Series Credits:

Series Launch Date: October 15, 2026

Format: 8 episodes x 1 hour

Creator / Showrunner / Executive Producer: Debora Cahn

Executive Producers: Janice Williams, Keri Russell, Alex Graves, Peter Noah, Eli Attie

Starring: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, Ato Essandoh, Ali Ahn, Nana Mensah, Rory Kinnear with Bradley Whitford and Allison Janney

Focus Features today announced the return of FocusFest, its immersive celebration of film bringing together iconic titles from the studio’s library, early looks at upcoming releases and experiences inspired by the worlds of Focus.

FocusFest 2026 returns Saturday, October 10, at The Commons on the Universal Studios Lot. Tickets are available at www.focusfeatures.com/focusfest and Focus Insiders will receive exclusive early access to purchase tickets until 12PM PST.

Hosted by television host Justin Sylvester, FocusFest 2026 builds on last year’s sold-out event, which featured advance screenings of Curry Barker’s global sensation Obsession and Yorgos Lanthimos’ four-time Academy Award-nominated Bugonia.

This year’s expanded celebration will feature more screenings, special guests, and immersive fan experiences, with themed food and beverage offerings, exclusive merchandise, interactive activations, and surprises brought to life through three uniquely curated collections:

For The Fearful and the Fearless:
A celebration of the films that dare audiences to confront what frightens us, from gothic terror and supernatural horror to the darker corners of the human imagination. Featuring Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, and Curry Barker’s Obsession, the program moves from atmospheric horror to genre-bending thrills and dark comedy.

For The Yearners:
Stories of romance, longing and the complications of the heart take center stage in this program, bringing together three films about the desires we struggle to express and the choices that stand between people and the lives they want. Featuring Joe Wright’s Pride & Prejudice, Autumn de Wilde’s Emma. and an early advance screening of Georgia Oakley’s highly anticipated fresh take on Sense and Sensibility with special guests, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles

For The Moments That Shape Us:
A collection of films about the experiences, relationships and unexpected turning points that transform us. From the exacting world of Todd Field’s TÁR and the unlikely bonds at the centre of Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers to an early advance screening of Elsinore from Simon Stone and starring Andrew Scott, the program explores the moments that challenge who we are and who we become.

Join Focus Insider, our film-loving community, for free, and unlock access to Insider-only events, giveaways, advance screenings and more.

-30-

ABOUT FOCUS FEATURES:
Focus Features is home to visionary filmmakers, bringing bold, original stories to life for audiences through the power of the theatrical experience. Focus’ 2026 slate spans a variety of films for every audience, including Curry Barker’s historic, record-breaking Obsession debut that has gone on to become Focus’ highest grossing film of all time; Werwulf, the studio’s fourth collaboration with acclaimed horror director Robert Eggers, releasing on Christmas Day; The Uprising from Paul Greengrass; Elsinore from Simon Stone starring Andrew Scott in a deeply emotional and profound performance; and Georgia Oakley’s highly anticipated new take on Jane Austen’s beloved classic, Sense and Sensibility.

FROM THE LAQUAN SMITH SPRING/SUMMER 2027 NEW YORK FASHION WEEK SHOW

FEATURING THE CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE CAPSULE COLLECTION

IN ATTENDANCE:

DIRECTOR/CO SCREENWRITER GINA PRINCE-BYTHEWOOD

STARS THUSO MBEDU, AMANDLA STENBERG AND AYRA STARR

ARTIST & CULTURAL CONSULTANT LAOLU SENBANJO

This season marks a creative partnership between LaQuan Smith and Paramount Pictures in celebration of Children of Blood and Bone.

Smith has created three exclusive looks inspired by the film, extending its world through the lens of the LaQuan Smith woman.

The limited-edition designs will be available exclusively at Moda Operandi.

CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE IS ONLY IN THEATRES,

PREMIUM LARGE FORMATS AND IMAX® JANUARY 15, 2027

Paramount Pictures Presents

In Association with Domain Entertainment and 2.0 Entertainment

A Temple Hill / Sunswept Entertainment Production

A Gina Prince-Bythewood Film

“CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE”

Executive Producers

Jeff Waxman, Jennifer Madeloff, Tomi Adeyemi, Reggie Rock Bythewood, Marty Bowen, Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, Andrew Lary, Sophie Cassidy, Zack Conroy

Produced by

Wyck Godfrey, John Fischer, Isaac Klausner, Karen Rosenfelt, Matt Jackson

Based on the Novel by

Tomi Adeyemi

Screenplay by

Gina Prince-Bythewood and Tomi Adeyemi

Directed by

Gina Prince-Bythewood

Cast:

Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Tosin Cole, featuring Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, with Idris Elba and Viola Davis. Also starring, Saniyya Sidney, Diaana Babnicova, Bukky Bakray, Ayra Starr, Shamz Garuba, Kola Bodunde, Pamilerin Afolake Ayodeji, Tèmítópé Fágbénlé

Synopsis:

In the epic fantasy world of Orïsha, a young woman goes on a quest to reclaim the magic that was violently stolen from her people. She and her brother ally with the daughter and son of the king to fight back against his brutal rule. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE features a stellar cast including Thuso Mbedu, Damson Idris, Amandla Stenberg, Tosin Cole, featuring Academy Award® nominee Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Zackary Momoh, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Academy Award® nominee Chiwetel Ejiofor, Academy Award® winner Regina King, with Idris Elba and Academy Award® winner Viola Davis.

CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

THIS FILM HAS NOT YET BEEN RATED

On Sunday, September 13, 2026, Amazon MGM Studios celebrated the world premiere of Love Of Your Life at the Royal Alexandra Theater in Toronto for the International Film Festival.

Talent in attendance included director Rachel Morrison and cast members Margaret Qualley, Aaron Pierre, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Gabriel Basso, and Catherine Keener; screenplay writer Julia Cox; and producer Jessie Henderson.

Following the premiere screening, guests attended the post-premiere celebration at Soho House Toronto. Love Of Your Life will be in select theaters October 7, 2026, and streaming globally on Prime Video October 14, 2026.

Directed by Rachel Morrison (The Fire Inside), LOVE OF YOUR LIFE follows Maya (Margaret Qualley), whose chance encounter with Charlie (Gabriel Basso) sets in motion a sweeping romance and a future beyond anything she had imagined. When that future is suddenly upended, Maya is sent hurtling toward an unexpected new life—one that will force her to reckon with who she is, what she wants, and how to love again.

Directed by: Rachel Morrison

Screenplay by: Julia Cox

Cast: Margaret Qualley, Aaron Pierre, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Gabriel Basso, Catherine Keener, Tamara Lawrance, and Corey Johnson

Produced by: Ryan Gosling, Jessie Henderson

Music by: Dustin O’Halloran

Costume Designer: Jill Taylor

Editor: Jennifer Vecchiarello

Production Designer: Laura Ellis Cricks

Director of Photography: Todd Banhazl

About Prime Video

Prime Video is a first-stop entertainment destination offering customers a vast selection of premium movies, series and live sports in one app across thousands of devices. Customers can discover Prime Originals from Amazon MGM Studios alongside an unmatched library of licensed movies and series; Prime-exclusive live sports including NHL, NBA, WNBA, PWHL; and playback features like X-Ray that enhance the viewing experience.

All customers, with or without Prime, can also access 100+ add-on streaming subscriptions (Apple TV+, BritBox, Crave, Citytv+, Hayu, Paramount+, RDS, Sportsnet, STACKTV, STARZ, Super Channel, TSN, TVA Sports, and more), and the largest selection of titles available to rent or buy.

Prime Video is one of many benefits included with a Prime membership, which bundles savings, convenience, and entertainment. Prime members can share benefits, including Prime Video, through Amazon Family.

For more information on Prime Video, visit www.primevideo.ca.

tiff ’26 Day 5 and 6 sightings were our most stacked days yet, including:

•Penélope Cruz, Javier Bardem and Florian Zeller for BUNKER
•Jesse Eisenberg and Julianne Moore for THE DEBUT
•Jack O’Connell and Guy Pearce for INK
•Jennifer Coolidge for GIRL GROUP
•Alden Ehrenreich for A TALENT FOR MURDER
•Kim Hyun-joo and Bae Hyeong-seong for PARADISE LOST
•Will Sharpe for IN WAVES
•Takashi Miike and Shun Oguro for BAD LIEUTENANT: TOKYO
•Cole Sprouse for VINTAGE VIOLENCE
•Jacob Tremblay for WILDWOOD
•Kate and Rooney Mara, Orlando Bloom and Domhnall Gleeson for BUCKING FASTARD
•Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn for IDIOT
•Giancarlo Esposito and John Turturro for THE LAST LIVING PICKPOCKET IN NEW YORK

…and so much more!

Thank you again to @sohohoteltoronto
for their generous support this Festival..This IS the spot to stay at tiff!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

By David Baldwin

It is the late 1990s and Sarah (Abbi Jacobson) is a queer artist and activist who has just gotten a promotion at work and has a new girlfriend named Donimo (Samira Wiley). Things in Sarah’s life quickly change after she takes a trip home and notices her Mom Midge (Emmy-winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus) acting completely out of character. She pushes her father Rob (Emmy-winner Bryan Cranston) to take Midge to a doctor, and when he finally does, the family learn that Midge has the beginnings of Alzheimer’s.

What follows in TANGLES, the Feature Directorial debut of Canadian filmmaker and Co-Writer Leah Nelson, is an exploration of grief, understanding, familial bonds and coming-of-age in the face of one losing a parent to a horrific degenerative disease. As the ending credits suggest, it is an all too common narrative for so many people and Nelson presents the story of Sarah Leavitt’s (also Co-Writing) original graphic novel in a raw, honest and often darkly hilarious kind of way. And because it is all captured in black-and-white 2D animation, it allows Nelson and her team to really get creative with the format, layering in unforgettable moments of tragedy and wonder in ways the dominant 3D style rarely, if ever, presents. I was frequently in awe watching the visuals alternate between crude and polished, always on the lookout for not-so-hidden details and trying my best to not become a weeping disaster.

If the impressive visuals were not enough, the voice cast Nelson has assembled might be one of the best in recent memory. Alongside Jacobson, Louis-Dreyfus, Cranston and Wiley – each giving absolutely stellar and devastating performances – we get solid supporting turns from Beanie Feldstein, Seth Rogen, Pamela Adlon, Sarah Silverman, Bowen Yang, Wanda Sykes and more. They each get a turn or two to shine, and help make TANGLES one of this festival’s unmissable hidden gems.

TANGLES screens at TIFF ‘26:

Sun. Sept 13 at 2:30 PM at Scotiabank Theatre

Wed. Sept 16 at 9:00 AM at Scotiabank Theatre

Fri. Sept 18 at 12:15 PM at Scotiabank Theatre