By Mr. Will Wong

Based on Thomas Mallon‘s 2007 novel of the same name, FELLOW TRAVELERS is an epic Hhistorical Romance limited series consisting of eight episodes. The love story spanning three decades, centers on Hawk (Matthew Bomer) and Tim (Jonathan Bailey) set against the backdrop in the height of McCarthyism where homosexuals and communists alike were hunted and persecuted for being “un-American”, resulting in many being wrongly accused and having their lives ruined. So already we have established that Hawk and Tim, both with careers in politics, must embark on their relationship in secrecy and the stakes are high.

The Series jumps eras, giving us a glimpse into the battles Hawk and Tim have endured as they navigate the intensity of their romance being uncovered, to an era of over-indulgence in the ’70s, ultimately to the onset of the AIDS epidemic.  And while it is never in doubt that these two men love one another deeply, they are pulled in separate directions and ultimately they reunite once again, but over the course of the Series’ eight episodes, we unpack the complex emotions as these two loverd are pulled apart by circumstance and reunited by undying love.

If I could compare FELLOW TRAVELERS to anything, it parallels some of the emotions explored in the classic BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, but where it stands on its own is its deeper exploration of the eras and backdrops against which this romance is set. While it is a romance, it also is a Horror on ways, the resonanting fear of the truth being uncovered in clandestine love,  and the mortifying consequences. Trickling down further, it also explores the consequences of avoiding consequences.

The Series is a perfect vehicle to showcase our brilliant two leads who fill the screen with a palpable chemistry. Bomer approaches Hawk with a sense of mystery, harbouring his flowing undercurrent of thoughts and emotions. Bailey allows Thomas‘ emotions to rise to the surface. It must also be said the love scenes are charged with immense eroticism, as we explore the dominant and passive dynamics between these two men in the bedroom, versus their dynamic when they are public-facing and forced to conceal their love.

Our leads are supported by a talented Supporting Cast including Broadway’s Jelani Alladin as Marcus and Noah J. Ricketts as Frankie, who also in tangent, are navigating a forbidden romance, but also having to confront racism also.  Allison Williams always is a captivating presence as Lucy. We just wish she got a bit more to work with, a casualty of Hawk and Tim‘s romance, serving to help Hawk keep-up appearances and avoid suspicion as a single man in a time where him not having a wife was a red flag.

FELLOW TRAVELERS is a compelling ‘eras tour’ of its own that proves affecting and rewarding. It streams now on Paramount+, with new episodes arriving weekly.

Walt Disney Animation Studios is granting wishes for fans Nov. 18, 2023 by offering a chance to see the epic musical comedy “Wish” ahead of its Nov. 22, 2023 theatrical opening. Tickets are now available to the special early access screenings at Cineplex and Landmark Cinemas. A poster is available to download and share. 

“Getting to make this movie has meant the world to all of us at Disney Animation, as it celebrates 100 years of storytelling,” said Disney Animation’s chief creative officer Jennifer Lee (“Frozen,” “Frozen 2”), who is a writer and executive producer of the film. “We are so grateful to the fans who’ve shown up to the theatres time and again—to be able to give moviegoers a chance to experience it early is a wish come true for every person in our studio who helped bring ‘Wish’ to life.”  

“Wish” early access screenings will hit the big screen in more than 25 theatres in Canada at 4 p.m. local time on Nov. 18, 2023.

“WISH” MUSIC ROLL-OUT

The announcement comes on the heels of the second song-reveal as part of Wish Wednesdays—Disney Animation and Disney Music Group’s music roll-out that shares a new song each week from the seven original songs penned by Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter Julia Michaels and Grammy®-winning producer/songwriter/musician Benjamin Rice. So far, “This Wish,” performed by Ariana DeBose as Asha, and “This Is The Thanks I Get?!” performed by Chris Pine as the villainous King Magnifico, have been unveiled—check them out on SiriusXM’s Disney Hits Channel 302, YouTube, Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music and all digital service providers. 

The Wish Original Motion Picture Soundtrack from Walt Disney Records will be available November 17 on all streaming platforms. Fans can pre-order the vinyl here.

Paramount+ today released the official trailer and first-look images for GOOD BURGER 2, the new original movie sequel to the iconic ‘90s feature film based on the sketch from the Nickelodeon comedy series All That. Produced by Nickelodeon Studios, GOOD BURGER 2 will premiere on Wednesday, November 22, exclusively on Paramount+ in Canada and the U.S. and on Thursday, November 23, 2023 on Paramount+ in the UK and Australia. The film also will be available in additional Paramount+ international markets shortly after. 

The highly anticipated film sequel follows Dexter Reed (Kenan Thompson) and original cashier Ed (Kel Mitchell) as they reunite in the present day at fast-food restaurant Good Burger with a hilarious new group of employees. In GOOD BURGER 2, Dexter Reed is down on his luck after another one of his inventions fails. Ed welcomes Dex back to Good Burger with open arms and gives him his old job back. With a new crew working at Good Burger, Dex devises a plan to get back on his feet but unfortunately puts the fate of Good Burger at risk once again.

In addition to Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, GOOD BURGER 2 also stars Lil Rel Howery (Get Out) as Cecil McNevin, Jillian Bell (Murder Mystery 2) as Katt Boswell, Kamaia Fairburn (Blockbuster) as Mia, Alex R. Hibbert (THE CHI) as Ed2, Fabrizio Guido (Perry Mason) as Mr. Jensen, Elizabeth Hinkler (The Good Doctor) and Emily Hinkler (The Good Doctor) as Cindy and Mindy and Anabel Graetz (Free Guy) as Ruth. The film also will feature surprise celebrity cameos as well as original GOOD BURGER cast members who are reprising their roles: Josh Server as Fizz, Lori Beth Denberg as Connie Muldoon and Carmen Electra as Roxanne. 

The first four seasons of the hit Nickelodeon original sketch-comedy series All That and the original 1997 GOOD BURGER comedy film also are now available to stream on Paramount+.

GOOD BURGER 2 is produced by Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. It was penned by Kevin Kopelow & Heath Seifert (All That, GOOD BURGER), who also serve as executive producers. Johnny Ryan Jr., of Artists for Artists also serves as an executive producer. Phil Traill (The Middle, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Single Drunk Female) directs and serves as executive producer. James III (Tyler Perry’s Young Dylan, All That) also has been engaged as a writer. Production of the movie for Nickelodeon Studios is overseen by Shauna Phelan and Zack Olin, Co-Heads of Nickelodeon & Awesomeness Live-Action. Brittany Cope and Omar Camacho serve as Nickelodeon’s Executives in Charge of Production. 

Something hilar for our readers in the East Coast! Beginning November 3, 2023, the cast and crew of WHO’S YER FATHER? will be embarking on an east coast tour with Q&A stops in:

November 3, 2023 – Charlottetown, PE

November 4, 2023 – Moncton, NB

November 5, 2023 – Saint John, NB

November 6, 2023 – Halifax, NS

Following the East Coast tour, the Film will be opening in theatres nationwide and then move to VOD/Digital on December 12, 2023. Keep up to date with the Film here where you can enter to win tickets to see it in your city!

Synopsis:

The film is an outrageous East Coast comedy about a down-on-his-luck private investigator (Chris Locke) when he is hired by Luke Thorne (Matt Wells), a rich businessman in the seafood industry, to investigate suspicious black-market lobster sales in Sandbar Cove.

(Photo/video credit: levelFILM)

Every once in a while we get to test drive something so special that it changes the way you see the world. While I often aim for smaller Sedans for my city adventures and ease of parking, the 2024 Acura MDX Type S Ultra changed the game for me. In fact, it hands down has shot-up to #1 in my books out of all the Acura family of vehicles. My only regret is that this isn’t one I gave thought to sooner!

I’m usually fine with a low-key Birthday celebration, but this year I threw that out the window and extended festivities to a week-long thing. So fortunate to have had the Acura MDX Type S Ultra with me the whole way whether it was running errands or spending time with family and friends. Dare I say that it is that most “Honda-like” Acura I’ve ever test driven ever? It leans on some of the ingenuity of its sister company, while also firmly defiant in its own luxurious identity.

I had the honour of driving this beauty in a Majestic Black Pearl, which was perfect as it really made its gorgeous pink and purple ambient lighting really pop! Acura‘s IconicDrive feature lights-up 25 areas of the SUV, making drives so special for all lucky enough to sit in it. After experiencing this aesthetic, I will hold every other car I drive to this gold standard in terms of ambience.

This midsize luxury SUV is powered by 3.0-litre Direct Injection DOHC turbocharged V6 engine and running at 355 hp @ 5500. We had power to spare and were master of the road, in a way I’ve never quite felt before with any other vehicle ever before. Honest.

Allow us to indulge purely in the Acura MDX Type S Ultra‘s attention to the experiential for a moment because all the practical and technical stuff can be spoken to later. More is definitely more here with the potential to seat seven people over three rows. Even with the third row folded down, you still get a spacious cargo of 1107.2/1367.7 L. More than ever before, the Driver gets unparalleled control with a 16-way power adjustable Driver’s Seat. The Front Passenger’s Seat gets 4-way power lumbar support as well. Front row seats are leather-trimmed and quilted. And did we mention that the Driver gets a whopping three seat position memory options? We’ve only seen the standard two elsewhere!

I am still in awe of its Panoramic Moonroof, as were my passengers. It drew “wow!” reactions. We’ve only seen a moonroof this impressive and expansive in a Tesla. Its Audio system is a thing of marvel – an ELS Studio® Signature Edition Audio System with AM/FM/SiriusXM™/Windows Media® audio capability and get this, a mindblowing 25 speakers including subwoofer. This is an Audiophile and Music Lovers’ dream. Streaming was a seamless and easy experience with the MDX Type S Ultra being equipped for Wireless Apple CarPlay®/ Android Auto™, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, in addition to being HD Radio™ ready. All this at your fingertips as you navigate the SUV’s menu with a True Touchpad Interface console and its magical 12.3″ HD colour centre display. We admit that we prefer touchscreen still more than the Touchpad, but we’re getting the hang of it. We’re trying.

Did we mention the abudance of charging options? Each of the SUV’s three rows has ports tucked-in thoughtfully. We normally associate this level of love for the passenger with Honda, but Acura has arrived and we are so impressed.

Fuel Economy is something we are very conscious of. Drive assured knowing the Acura MDX Type S Ultra is exceedingly fuel-efficient for a ride of its caliber and power, at 13.8/11.2/12.4 L/100 km (city/highway/combined). Completely floored and pleasantly surprised we accomplished so much value without the signature “ECON” mode that Honda vehicles boast!

The Acura MDX Type S Ultra is sophistication personified with so many intuitive fixings that put it in a class above the rest: Auto-dimming rearview mirror; Digital instrument display; Steering Wheel-mounted controls; Keyless Access System; Walk-Away Door Lock (literally within seconds of us walking off, we appreciated the MDX locking itself); an HD Multi-angle rearview camera (yes, you even get an overhead view with its Surround View!) with guideline in HD; Traffic sign recognition; and Tri-zone front and rear synchronized automatic climate control! The latter is so thoughtful as everyone has different temperature preferences.

Now onto the technical safety pieces as promised. The Acura MDX Type S Ultra is packed with a next-level amount of care for its Driver and Passengers whether it be actively or passively: Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist; Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with Pedestrian Detection; Forward Collision Warning system; Lane Departure Warning system with steering wheel haptic feedback; Road Departure Mitigation system; Low-speed braking control Driver’s and passenger’s side knee airbag; Dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags; Side curtain airbags; Vehicle Stability Assist with Traction Control; Blind Spot Information system; Lane Keeping Assist System; Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system; and Traffic Jam Assist. We could feel the MDX working always, ensuring we stayed focussed and alert and this is the energy we need.

It was incredibly tough saying goodbye to the MDX at the end of our Test Drive as we felt such a strong connection to it and all the beautiful memories we made. We are longing for our next pairing!

More on the 2024 Acura MDX Type S Ultra here. It starts at $88,409 CAN.

Some memories we made with the 2024 Acura MDX Type S Ultra from high-profile tastings to star sightings and friend/family time!

Happy Halloween!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

FRIDAY NIGHTS AT FREDDY‘S has a record-smashing debut this weekend, primed right for Halloween next week. This sets a record for best Halloween weekend opening ever, easily surpassing 2011’s PUSS IN BOOTS which opened with $34 million. This Video Game adaptation from Blumhouse, gets $78 million from 3,550 theatres for Universal Pictures, which is even more impressive considering it also already is streaming on American streaming service, Peacock. While Critics didn’t love it with 26% on the Tomatometer, moviegoers are loving it with an A- CinemaScore.

In second is TAYLOR SWIFT: THE ERAS TOUR with $16.5 million from 3,773 theatres, taking it to $151.1 million for AMC/Cineplex Pictures.

Third is KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON with $11 million in its second weekend, a tally of $43.6 million for Apple Original Films/Paramount Pictures.

Documentary AFTER DEATH gets a $6.1 million opening for Angel Studios in its debut, good enough for fourth.

THE EXORCIST: BELIEVER rounds things out with $3.7 million for Universal Pictures, a total $60 million in its domestic run.

LINDA EVANGELISTA forever changed the game in Fashion throughout the late ’80s and ’90s, ascending to one of the world’s first ever Supermodels. You may have heard the phrase, “”We don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day”, said famously by Evangelista, and the trickle effect of this is that it was instrumental in a movement to command higher pay for models.

In her illustrious career, the St. Catharines-born star has graced over 700 magazine covers, while being the muse for influencial brands like Chanel and Versace. She’s appeared in music videos for iconic George Michael and is mentioned in RuPaul‘s timeless classic “Supermodel“.

She is back in Toronto to speak in support of her new Photobook LINDA EVANGELISTA PHOTOGRAPHED BY STEVEN MEISEL, the famed Photographer known best in Pop Culture, for Madonna’s book “SEX“. Her and Meisel are known for some of Fashion’s most recognizable photographs over the years.

She signed copies of the Photobook, which is valued at $200 CAN, meeting fans at Holt Renfrew on Bloor Street last night, drawing a crowd at the table, before meeting fans inside Holt’s Cafe for the latter part of the event.

Evangelista will speak at an in-conversation with Canadian fashion icon Jeanne Beker tonight at Bluma Appel Theatre.

Some highlight from Evangelista‘s appearance at Holt Renfrew:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Paramount+ today announced that the new documentary feature THRILLER 40 will make its debut on Paramount+ in Canada on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

Forty years after the release of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” – the best-selling album of all time worldwide – Director Nelson George takes fans back in time to experience the making of the record-breaking album and the release of the accompanying short films that forever redefined the music video format. Featuring never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews, THRILLER 40 chronicles the creation of a pre-internet global phenomenon unlike anything before it or since. “Thriller” launched Michael Jackson into mega-stardom and to this day continues to influence all aspects of culture and entertainment, including the worlds of music, dance and fashion. Music and entertainment luminaries including Usher, Mary J. Blige, Will.I.Am, Mark Ronson, Misty Copeland, Maxwell and John Landis are featured in the documentary.

THRILLER 40 is produced by Optimum Productions and Company Name. Colin Hanks, Sean Stuart, John Branca and John McClain serve as producers.

By Mr. Will Wong

After winning first runner-up for TIFF ’23 People’s Choice Award, acclaimed Filmmaker Alexander Payne‘s THE HOLDOVERS soon will see a release November 10, 2023. The Film is set is set at a New England prep school where an Instructor (Paul Giamatti) is forced to stay on campus during the Holidays to care for a small number of students with nowhere else to go. He forms a bond with one in particular (Dominic Sessa) and the school’s Head Cook (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), who just lost her son at war.

We were thrilled to be invited to a virtual press conference with some of the key figures behind THE HOLDOVERS, including Payne. Joining us were:

Production Designer: Ryan Warren Smith
Costume Designer: Wendy Chuck
Composer: Mark Orton
Editor: Kevin Tent
Writer: David Hemingson
Director: Alexander Payne

David Hemingson is asked about the inspiration behind THE HOLDOVERS which came from his mind and also one specific moment which stands out most to him.

Hemingson: “Yeah, I mean, you know, it’s kind of like I lived most of that movie and certainly the interpersonal dynamics and, you know, separate apart from the relationship between Paul and Angus, which I think is sort of one of my life experiences with my uncle.”.

“But that kind of King Rat trading at the top of the movie, that starts with the swimsuit and it’s like how much for this weed, that kind of thing.  That kind of dealing in contraband naughtiness is something that definitely resonates for me because you know, it’s part of the thrill of being young where you’re sort of trying to find yourself trying to be adult and that kind of swapping and trading and sort of undercover light misbehavior, let’s call it light misbehavior, reminds me of high school, I think the most.”.

Director Alexander Payne is asked which parts of THE HOLDOVERS in particular take him back to a time when he was in school. He insists that the Film is a period film, but is meant to be a contemporary film pretending it’s 1971.

Payne: “Not necessarily just school, but that period, maybe three things.  First is yes, like Mark Orton, Latin class.  I was four years in Latin class at an all boys Jesuit school in Omaha.  I’m still tight with my friends from Latin class, and there are some in jokes woven into those scenes that only they will get.  Second, I was nine, turning 10 in 1970 to ’71, so I was young, but I had an older brother.  I had two older brothers, one of whom was that exact same year.  He graduated Omaha Central High class of ’71, which I didn’t quite realize until later in the program. I go, ‘I’m making a film about that class.'”‘  And when you’re a much younger sibling, you live a lot vicariously through your older, you know, siblings wanting to emulate them and adopt their taste and so forth.  So I have vivid memories of that year.  And then third, the thing, again, taking it out of school is the movies of that period, because even at that age 9 and 10, I was movie crazy.”.

“And for example, Little Big Man, Arthur Penn’s Little Big Man is featured in the film.  It’s appropriate to the time and the scene in which it’s presented.  But I saw it like four times in the theater when I was nine years old. So it’s not just the school thing, but a lot of contextual things bring us all back, I think.”.

Ryan Warren is asked about the inspiration behind the Film’s unique Production Design.

Warren: “Yeah, I mean, that was a unique challenge because we had to shoot in, you know, five different schools and intertwine them together. But what we got to do and focus on, like Alexander pointed out, was to make it a little bit invisible.  We wanted it to feel natural and never take you out of the scene and always let the story be the star.  And so for us, we always just led with our feeling on that. And so we let feeling and instinct lead the way, and me and Alexander like to spend a lot of time in each of the real environments with the real people that live there and soak a lot of that in and then intertwine that into the work that we do there.”.

Costume Designer Wendy Chuck talks about some challenges of recreating looks of the ’70s.

Chuck: “There’s so many people in this movie, there’s so many clothes, half of which don’t appear on the screen.  But the volumes were just, I would look at my assistant, I’d say, we’ve got to find more clothes.  I’d go down to where the background was being fit and say, we don’t have enough clothes.  I’m sick of seeing this thing.  We can’t put that on anybody.  It doesn’t fit.  And also bodies are now very different too.  So since 1970s, we now have the advent of fast food.  People’s bodies have changed, and especially in Boston, so we don’t have like, tiny, tiny people anymore. So that in itself is something, so we were dealing with the volume.  But I want to second, Ryan and I don’t put people’s clothes on, although I have put on Jack Nicholson’s pajamas and broken them down personally.  But in this one, I want to reference an Easter egg that nobody knows.  Lydia Crane wears a heart-shaped necklace that Reese Witherspoon wore the exact same one in Election.”.

Composer Mark Orton tells us about some of the inspiriations behind the Film’s memorable Score.

Orton: “Yeah, I think, well, in terms of overall blending, I think my first job was really to make sure that nothing I was doing would betray the 1971 feel of it, or 1970 feel of it.  That for me ended up in some places that I don’t get to explore much in scoring.  You know, I’m more doing sort of orchestral stuff or Americana leaning stuff. But about a third of the score is really coming from a band place, like a band that you know, would be playing in that time period, which for me is super fun.  I guess, I have the instruments from that era.  They’re the ones that musicians like me collect old guitars from early seventies, late sixties, amplifiers too.  And I really got to stretch out and do that stuff and to kind of blend in with this fantastic, you know, source score that’s in there. Things like the Almond Brothers, or Cat Stevens, or Bad Finger.  So, that was super fun for me.  And then, on the other hand, I was also, of course, referencing some Christmas.  I upped my collection from two to something like 25 different sleigh bells, and they do find their way in here and there.”.

Focus Features and Universal Pictures Canada will release
THE HOLDOVERS In Toronto on November 3, 2023
& In Theatres Nationwide on November 10, 2023.

Paramount+’s all new horror-thriller series THE BURNING GIRLS, starring Samantha Morton, Ruby Stokes and Conrad Khan, is now streaming.

More about the Series:

• Based on the Sunday Times Bestselling novel of the same name by series producer C.J Tudor and adapted by Hans Rosenfeldt (Marcella, The Bridge). THE BURNING GIRLS is a psychological horror meets small town mystery in this story of a troubled vicar, desperate to exorcise the demons of her past and find peace in their new home.  

• The series features multi-award-winning British actress Samantha Morton’scharacter Reverand Jack Brooks and her daughter Flo who arrive in the small village of Chapal Croft, seeking a fresh start. They soon find a village rife with conspiracies and secrets where uncovering the truth can be deadly in a community with a bloody past. The trailer shows current villagers commemorating the death of two young Protestant martyrs who were betrayed and burned at the stake five hundred years ago – by creating dolls and tossing them into fire. The more Jack and Flo unearth about Chapel Croft’s past, the deeper they are drawn into the age-old rifts, mysteries, and suspicions of this insular village.   

• Alongside Morton (The Walking Dead, The Serpent Queen), Ruby Stokes (Bridgerton, Lockwood & Co) plays Jack’s 15-year-old daughter Flo in the series, with BAFTA EE Rising Star nominee Conrad Khan(Peaky Blinders) portraying Lucas Wrigley – a mysterious alternative teen who Flo befriends. 

• The series also features: Paul Bradley (Eastenders), Janie Dee (Official Secrets), Jane Lapotaire (The Crown), John Macmillan(House of the Dragon), Rupert Graves (Sherlock), Elodie Grace Orkin (Stranger Things), Safia Oakley-Green (The Origin, Sherwood), Beth Cordingly (Funland), David Dawson (Doc Martin), Jack Roth (Britannia) and Mollie Holder (Sanditon). 

• The series is Executive Produced by Richard Tulk-Hart and Tony Wood alongside Tudor and Rosenfeldt. Series directors include Charles Martin (Skins, Wallander) and Kieron Hawkes (Intergalactic, Ripper Street).