BRKFREE is a first-of-its-kind concept coming to the GTA that combines team skills, rapid-fire challenges, and a whole lot of fun under one massive 25,000 sq ft entertainment complex. Set to make its grand opening in July 2024, BRKFREE offers a cutting-edge social entertainment experience unlike any other. Designed with adults in mind, it features 35+ high-tech challenge rooms where teams encounter physical, mental, and skill-based challenges; a cool restaurant to fuel up on delicious shareable eats; as well as a licensed “self-pour” tap wall that dispenses wine and craft beer right from the tap!

BRKFREE is definitely not another arcade or escape room concept. It offers a curated series of immersive, live-action games, where teams have less than 5 minutes to conquer challenges against a countdown clock – adding to the excitement (and pressure)! With 35+ immersive rooms that are uniquely themed such as Cliffhanger, Submarine and Heist – half the fun is navigating and figuring out each challenge. And no matter how many times you play, the experience is always different – new players, new dynamics, and a new set of goals.

Here’s how it works: Each team of 2-4 people gets an RFID bracelet they use to enter the rooms that keeps track of the points they earn. Players spend between 3 to 5 minutes in each room, attempting to get as many points as possible, making this a fast-paced, super fun and engaging experience that emphasizes teamwork and problem-solving skills.

The ‘team’ aspect (minimum 2 participants to play) makes BRKFREE an instant bonding experience that is both wildly entertaining and perfect for team building, corporate events, date nights, get-togethers with friends, bachelor and bachelorette parties, family outings (participants under 14 require at least one accompanying adult), celebratory occasions, or just for the fun of it. It’s time to BRKFREE!

Bordering Etobicoke and Mississauga, BRKFREE will be located at 1620 Tech Avenue, Unit 4, in the neighbourhood of Dixie (Dixie Rd. and Eglinton Ave.). Sign up for the newsletter to receive updates for the Grand Opening at BRKFREE.com.

Follow @gobrkfree on IG and FB for a chance to win free passes and a group event! #BRKFREE

There’s no ifs, ands or buts about it, IF directed by (and starring) John Krasinski, takes top spot at the Box Office this weekend in its debut with $30 million from 4,041 theatres for Paramount Pictures. Though Critics weren’t necessarily in love with its 50% score on the Tomatometer, audiences gave this Family Comedy an A CinemaScore.

In second is KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES with $25 million from 4,075 theatres for 20th Century Studios, a two week tally of $100.4 million domestically.

Third spot goes to THE STRANGERS: CHAPTER 1 with $12 million for Cineplex Pictures/Lionsgate Films, garnering 13% on the Tomatometer.

THE FALL GUY is fourth with $8 million for Universal Pictures, a run of $62.5 million to date.

Rounding the Top Five out is BACK TO BLACK with $3 million from 2,010 theatres for Focus Features/Universal Pictures. The Amy Winehouse Biopic gets 36% on the Tomatometer.

We get a new Trailer for HORIZON, from Kevin Costner arriving this Summer in two parts.

In the great tradition of Warner Bros. Pictures’ iconic Westerns, Horizon: An American Saga explores the lure of the Old West and how it was won—and lost—through the blood, sweat and tears of many.  Spanning the four years of the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, Kevin Costner’s ambitious cinematic adventure will take audiences on an emotional journey across a country at war with itself, experienced through the lens of families, friends and foes all attempting to discover what it truly means to be the United States of America.

HORIZON: AN AMERICAN SAGA CHAPTER 1 is only in theatres June 28, 2024.

HORIZON: AN AMERICAN SAGA CHAPTER 2 is only in theatres August 16, 2024.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

Toronto! If you’re around this weekend, there will be an exiting activation at Roundhouse Park starting tomorrow, Saturday, May 18, 2024 at 1 PM in celebration of FURIOSA: A MAD MAD SAGA.

WHAT:

FURIOSA FAN FURY – INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCE

To rev up excitement for the highly anticipated theatrical release of FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA and visionary filmmaker George Miller’s upcoming visit to Toronto, Roundhouse Park across from the CN Tower has transformed into a thrilling post-apocalyptic spectacle. Fans are invited to witness the chaotic twenty-foot tall display and stop-by for the opportunity to:

· Meet and pose with the wild War Boys of the iconic MAD MAX films

· Take home exclusive merchandise

· Enter for the chance to win tickets to attend a red-carpet screening with George Miller in Toronto on May 21 and other great prizes!

· Witness wildly entertaining War Boy antics from world record holder contortionist and performer, Jared Rydelek

WHEN:

Active Hours:

Saturday, May 18

1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 19
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Monday May 20

1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

*The FURIOSA display will be on-site for the entirety of the long weekend, however, will only have active brand ambassadors, war boys, performers and giveaways between the hours listed above.

WHERE:

Roundhouse Park

255 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3M9

(Across from the CN Tower and adjacent to The Rec Room)

About the Movie:

Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth star in Academy Award-winning mastermind George Miller’s “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” the much-anticipated return to the iconic dystopian world he created more than 30 years ago with the seminal “Mad Max” films. Miller now turns the page again with an all-new original, standalone action adventure that will reveal the origins of the powerhouse character from the multiple Oscar-winning global smash “Mad Max: Fury Road.” The new feature from Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures is produced by Miller and his longtime partner, Oscar-nominated producer Doug Mitchell (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Babe”), under their Australian-based Kennedy Miller Mitchell banner.

As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe. While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home.

Taylor-Joy stars in the title role, and along with Hemsworth, the film also stars Alyla Browne and Tom Burke.

Miller penned the script with “Mad Max: Fury Road” co-writer Nico Lathouris. Miller’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes first assistant director PJ Voeten and second unit director and stunt coordinator Guy Norris, director of photography Simon Duggan (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “The Great Gatsby”), composer Tom Holkenborg, sound designer Robert Mackenzie, editor Eliot Knapman, visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson and colorist Eric Whipp. The team also includes other longtime collaborators: production designer Colin Gibson, editor Margaret Sixel, sound mixer Ben Osmo, costume designer Jenny Beavan and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt, each of whom won an Oscar for their work on “Mad Max: Fury Road.”

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, A Kennedy Miller Mitchell Production, A George Miller Film, “Furiosa.” The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theatres only nationwide on May 24, 2024 and internationally beginning on May 22, 2024.

The Stella Artois Terrace overlooking Toronto’s Woodbine Racetrack opens for the 2024 season on Saturday, May 18, 2024 with a refreshed menu, featuring the perfect balance of wow factors and nostalgic comfort foods.

Head Chef Timothy Dunnhill joined the Woodbine Culinary team late last year. Chef Tim spent nearly a decade as an Executive Sous Chef at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, where he mastered the art of crafting food for sports fans.

“Food isn’t just an amenity at Woodbine,” Chef Tim says. “It’s part of the whole show.”

The Stella Artois Terrace provides a remarkable view of live racing from a spacious covered outdoor patio located in the centre of the Woodbine grandstand.

“We know our guests on the Stella Terrace really get into the atmosphere and make a day of their visit to the track with friends and family. That’s why we’ve focused on decadent dishes that can be shared.

While updating this menu we looked for local suppliers and considered seasonality and innovation. For the Stella Terrace we specifically thought about what interests people when they’re sitting on a patio with a Stella beer.”

The revised 2024 menu has something for everyone.

Triple Crown Seafood Tower
“When the Seafood tower comes out, It’s one of those wow moments.”

East and west coast oysters, grilled and chilled shrimp, lobster cold rolls, cod ceviche, lager steamed and chilled mussels fill a tiered platter with Stella Artois mignonette, cocktail sauce, lime and chili sauce, grilled lemon.

Stella Fondue
“Fondue is nostalgic. I can remember my parents making it in the mid-70s and now it’s made a comeback.”

Stella Artois beer and cheddar fondue is accompanied by a spread of smashed crispy garlic potatoes, roasted cauliflower, grilled asparagus, roasted portobello mushroom, mini pretzel bites, and gala apples for dipping.

Acadian Po’ Boy
“Po’ Boys are an Eastern Canadian favourite, and we’re keeping them classic.”

Crusted shrimp and lobster with Acadian remoulade, heirloom tomato, and pickled cucumber is served on a brown butter potato roll.

Compressed Watermelon Salad
“All the flavours in this one really pop. It’s just something fresh that’s nice to have on a warm summer day.”

Vodka-compressed watermelon and feta, pickled shallot, sunflower microgreens, and avocado, is tossed with pulsed mint, shallots, mustard, and orange zest.

Parma Stromboli
“This is an old school Italian-style comfort dish.”

Salami, pepperoni, provolone, and mozzarella with sundried tomato pesto and parma tomato sauce is baked in crisp rosemary dough.

Apple Cider BBQ Chicken Thighs
“We use a cooking technique on this chicken thigh called Pollo al Mattone (brick pressing), which allows for the chicken to be cooked to perfection quite efficiently.”

Grilled apple cider barbeque chicken is plated with fingerling potato salad, grilled and maple-glazed carrot and a pomegranate BBQ sauce.

Chef Tim looks forward to serving up these delectable dishes for those who may be new to visiting the track.

“I think our success lies in driving the business for people to come here and experience not just our dining but the whole experience of horse racing. Woodbine is destination dining.”

The Stella Artois Terrace opens for the season on Friday, May 17.

Make your reservations today on Open Table here: https://www.opentable.ca/r/stella-artois-terrace-at-woodbine-racetrack-toronto

FX and the Estate of James Clavell are working to extend the critically acclaimed global hit drama Shōgun, moving forward to develop the saga with two additional seasons of the drama series.

The show’s key creative partners including Co-Creators, Executive Producers and Writers Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo, Executive Producer Michaela Clavell, and series star and producer Hiroyuki Sanada are on board for the development. Production timing has not been locked in, but a writers’ room is being assembled and will begin this summer.

Through its first nine weeks, Shōgun has become FX’s most-watched show ever based on global hours streamed. All 10 episodes of season 1 of Shōgun, which concluded on April 23, are available to stream on Disney+ in Canada.

Shōgun has received tremendous critical acclaim, including:

“the best TV show of the year” – Esquire
“a genuine masterpiece” – TIME
“not only one of the best shows of the year but one of the best shows ever to grace the screen” – Collider
“easily one of the best shows of 2024” – Forbes
“the best show of the year by some margin” – Polygon
“the best series—with the best acting—on TV right now” – The Daily Beast
“some of the best performances of the year so far” – Paste
“FX’s Shōgun isn’t a remake – it’s a revelation…. a genuine masterpiece” – TIME
“Majestic…. Thrilling and fascinating….I never wanted to leave this world” – TV Guide

Shōgun, an original adaptation of James Clavell’s bestselling novel, is set in Japan in the year 1600 at the dawn of a century-defining civil war. Producer Hiroyuki Sanada stars as “Lord Yoshii Toranaga” who is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him. When a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village, its English pilot, “John Blackthorne” (Cosmo Jarvis), comes bearing secrets that could help Toranaga tip the scales of power and devastate the formidable influence of Blackthorne’s own enemies — the Jesuit priests and Portuguese merchants. Toranaga’s and Blackthorne’s fates become inextricably tied to their translator, “Toda Mariko” (Anna Sawai), a mysterious Christian noblewoman and the last of a disgraced line. While serving her lord amidst this fraught political landscape, Mariko must reconcile her newfound companionship with Blackthorne, her commitment to the faith that saved her and her duty to her late father.

Shōgun features an acclaimed Japanese cast, unprecedented for an American production, including Tadanobu Asano as “Kashigi Yabushige,” a notorious backstabber and close ally of Toranaga; Hiroto Kanai as “Kashigi Omi,” the young leader of the fishing village where Blackthorne’s ship was found; Takehiro Hira as “Ishido Kazunari,” a powerful bureaucrat who is Toranaga’s chief rival; Moeka Hoshi as “Usami Fuji,” a widow who must find new purpose amidst her lord’s fight; Tokuma Nishioka as “Toda Hiromatsu,” Toranaga’s trusted general and closest friend; Shinnosuke Abe as “Toda Hirokatsu” (“Buntaro”), Mariko’s jealous husband; Yuki Kura as “Yoshii Nagakado,” the brash son of Toranaga with a strong desire to prove himself; Yuka Kouri as “Kiku,” a courtesan renowned for her artistry throughout Japan; and Fumi Nikaido as “Ochiba no Kata,” the revered mother of the heir who will stop at nothing to put an end to Toranaga and his threat to her son’s power.

Shōgun is created for television by Rachel Kondo & Justin Marks, with Marks serving as Showrunner and Executive Producer alongside Michaela Clavell, Edward L. McDonnell, Michael De Luca, and Kondo. The series is produced by FX Productions.

Walt Disney Studios Canada x Mr. Will are thrilled to give readres a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of Disney & Pixar‘s INSIDE OUT 2!

Screening Details

Toronto

Wednesday, June 12

7:00pm

Cineplex Cinemas Queensway

1025 The Queensway, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 6C7

Vancouver

Wednesday, June 12

7:00pm

Scotiabank Theatre

900 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 3G5

Calgary

Wednesday, June 12

7:00pm

Scotiabank Theatre Chinook

6455 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0K4, Canada

Edmonton

Wednesday, June 12

7:00pm

Scotiabank Theatre Edmonton

8882 170 St NW #3030, Edmonton, AB T5T 4M2, Canada

Montreal (ENG)

Wednesday, June 12

7:00pm

Cinéma Cineplex Forum

2313 Saint-Catherine St W #101, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1N2

SYNOPSIS: 

Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” returns to the mind of newly minted teenager Riley just as Headquarters is undergoing a sudden demolition to make room for something entirely unexpected: new Emotions. Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust, who’ve long been running a successful operation by all accounts, aren’t sure how to feel when Anxiety, Envy, Ennui and Embarrassment show up. “Inside Out 2” releases only in theatres June 14, 2024.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post on MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK, IG or X! Indicate in the comments your city and tag a friend in the comments who you’d like to bring. Enter as many times as you like.

Rules and regulations here.

Walt Disney Studios Canada release Disney & Pixar’s INSIDE OUT 2 in theatres Friday, June 14, 2024.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Canada)

Ahead of the highly anticipated release of IF on May 17, 2024, Ryan Reynolds set up a special screening of the film for the patients and families of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) . Following the screening, the kids shared their unfiltered and hilarious reactions on video, adding an extra dose of laughter and entertainment into an already magical evening – with one joking, “I thought he was better in Barbie!”

SickKids Hospital was transformed into a true Hollywood-style premiere complete with a purple carpet in honor of the IF character, Blue. Over 180 patients and their families attended the screening event.

Donate today at sickkidsfoundation.com

As a longtime supporter of SickKids, Reynolds is known to release a video (often wearing his recognizable ugly sweater) during the holiday season to drive donations to the hospital. You can watch last year’s video HERE.

About SickKids Foundation:

Established in 1972, SickKids Foundation raises funds on behalf of The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and is the largest charitable funder of child health research, learning and care in Canada. Philanthropy is a critical source of funding for SickKids – one of the world’s foremost pediatric health-care institutions. Thanks to the generosity of the community, and despite the impacts of the global pandemic, SickKids Foundation generated more than $207 million in revenue in support of child health for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022.

About IF:

From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. IF stars Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.

The Canadian Film Centre (CFC) announced the appointment of new Board Chair Neishaw Ali, President of SPIN VFX who replaces longtime Chair, Christina Jennings, President and Chairman of Shaftesbury. Joining the CFC’s Board of Directors is Academy Award®-winning director Guillermo del Toro who will be officially appointed in October at the annual AGM. Jennings has served the CFC for over 17 years, ten of which she held the role of Chair. She will remain on the Board until October 2024.

These appointments come as the CFC prepares for its annual fundraising Gala that welcomes emerging and established creators, current and past alumni of the CFC, funders and supporters, and will celebrate founder Norman Jewison’s immense contribution to the Canadian and international film community. The CFC continues to fulfill Norman Jewison’s founding intent: to train Canadian talent with the skills necessary to showcase their stories on the world stage.

“Many decades ago, the brilliant Norman Jewison sparked a movement in our industry by creating the CFC, and I am incredibly privileged and humbled to take on this new role as Chair. I am so grateful to Christina for creating such a solid foundation for the CFC. Her passion and commitment to the institution she attended in 1990 is something to applaud, and I am honoured to take on the baton.” said Neishaw Ali. “I feel incredibly fortunate to start my tenure as Chair by announcing the appointment of our industry’s beloved Guillermo del Toro whose vision and mastery had impacted the screen industry in such a remarkable way. Guillermo’s voice is essential and so many of our CFC’s cohorts will benefit from having his input at the Board level.”

“As a filmmaker, I have been deeply moved by the work of Norman Jewison, someone who I had the privilege to know. A big part of his immense legacy is the Canadian Film Centre, the manifestation of his never-ending commitment to helping new filmmakers find their voice,” said Guillermo del Toro. “I am incredibly happy to be joining the Board of Directors and I look forward to working alongside the other members and the CFC staff to help support the next generation of storytellers.”

“Embracing a new chapter of leadership, we are proud to have Neishaw Ali as our esteemed Board Chair. With her visionary expertise and dedication, Neishaw will help steer us towards innovative heights in the ever-evolving landscape of Canadian film. As we bid farewell to the remarkable tenure of Christina Jennings, whose invaluable contributions have shaped the CFC’s journey over the past decade, we express heartfelt gratitude for her unwavering commitment. We are grateful to our new and continuing Board members for their hard work and commitment to the organization,” said maxine bailey, Executive Director, Canadian Film Centre.

“When the Diversity & Governance Committee set about looking for a new Board Chair, Neishaw was the perfect fit,” said Christina Jennings. “She’s the embodiment of creative innovation and excellence. It has been an honour to carry out Norman Jewison’s vision to nurture Canadian talent and I’m proud of what the CFC has accomplished and will continue to be involved for many years to come.”

Having also recently joined the board are writer, producer, entrepreneur and investor Mark Sakamoto, EVP for Think Research, and financial services leader Duane Green, former President and CEO of Franklin Templeton Canada. The CFC gratefully thanks other members of the board whose terms have ended: Eric Belcher, Don Carmody, Suzette Couture, David Cronenberg, Blake Goldring, Eugene Levy, George Lewis, Bob Munroe, Gary Slaight, Ron Suter, and Barbara Williams.

Current Board of Directors are:
Neishaw Ali (Chair), Cheryl Hudson (Co-Vice Chair), Steven DeNure (Co-Vice Chair), David Middleton (Treasurer), David Zitzerman (Secretary), Councillor Shelley Carroll (Ex Officio), Kate Alexander Daniels, Paul Bronfman, Tassie Cameron, Stéphane Cardin, Shirley Cheechoo C.M., Duane Green, Harold Gronenthal, Christina Jennings, Raja Khanna, Anne Loi, John Morayniss, Mark Sakamoto, Hilary Smith, and Clement Virgo.

Atlantic Records is proud to announce Twisters: The Album, the star-studded musical companion to the new adrenaline-pumping, big-screen thrill ride, Twisters, from Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures and Amblin Entertainment. Twisters, a current-day chapter of the 1996 blockbuster, stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, and an exciting ensemble cast that includes Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney, Sasha Lane and more. Twisters: The Album is now available for pre-order HERE and arrives in stores and at all online retailers on Friday, July 19th in conjunction with the theatrical release of the film.

The soundtrack campaign kicks off today with an exhilarating first single “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” from country superstar and 2x CMA Entertainer of the Year Luke Combs. “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” arrives alongside a thrilling official video featuring a special cameo from NASCAR driver John Hunter Nemechek – Watch HERE:

From the label that brought you soundtracks such as Barbie The Album, The Greatest Showman, Suicide Squad and more, and the studio that brought you the Fast & Furious, Despicable Me and Jurassic World franchises, Twisters: The Album will feature new tracks from an electrifying lineup of artists including Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, Kane Brown, Thomas Rhett, Megan Moroney, Shania Twain, Tyler Childers, and more. See below for full tracklisting.

Twisters: The Album was produced and overseen by multi-GRAMMY® Award Winner, 6x GRAMMY® Award Nominee, and Atlantic Records West Coast President, Kevin Weaver. The album was also produced by Brandon Davis (GRAMMY® Award Winner, EVP and Co-Head of Pop/Rock A&R, Atlantic Records), Ian Cripps (SVP of A&R, Atlantic Records), and Joseph Khoury (GRAMMY®-Nominated Soundtrack Producer, SVP of A&R and Marketing, Atlantic Records). Additional key players involved on the project include Soundtrack Album Producers and Music Supervisors Rachel Levy (EVP, Film Music, Universal Pictures) and Mike Knobloch (GRAMMY® Award Nominee and President, Music & Publishing, NBCUniversal), as well as Soundtrack Album Executive Producers Lee Isaac Chung (Twisters Director) and Ashley Jay Sandberg (Twisters Executive Producer).