Starbucks Canada have just announced their upcoming Valentines 2025 menu, plus also a new line of Blackberry Refreshers!

The Blackberry Sage Refreshers: Leaning into the moody vibe of the season with a brand-new Refresher on the Starbucks winter menu brings a sweet and savoury taste to the iconic Refreshers line-up. Made with green coffee extract the Blackberry Sage Refresher, Blackberry Sage Lemonade Refresher and Midnight Drink pair the fruity flavours of sweet blackberries with herbaceous and earthy sage – to bring a balanced beverage in a bold, new hue.

Colder moments were the inspiration for the new Blackberry Sage Refresher. “During the winter months, we found that customers want something refreshing, yet balanced,” said Billy Altieri, lead beverage developer for Starbucks.

• Blackberry Sage Refresher & Blackberry Sage Lemonade Refresher: The Blackberry Sage Refresher features flavours of sweet blackberries paired with notes of sage shaken with ice green coffee extract and an inclusion of dried blackberries with a dusting of sage. Blackberry Sage Lemonade Refresher brightens the beverage with lemonade for a sweet-tart crispness.
• Midnight Drink: Midnight drink features flavours of sweet blackberries and sage with green coffee extract and blackberry inclusions mixed with coconut beverage and shaken with ice.

The new Refresher beverages are available in stores in Canada on February 4, 2025 for a limited time, while supplies last.

Valentine’s Day Sips: Starbucks is also bringing back some crush-worthy beverages just in time for Valentine’s Day, available for a limited time while supplies last:

• The Chocolate Hazelnut Cookie Cold Brew is made with Starbucks® Cold Brew, sweetened with notes of hazelnut and topped with silky chocolate cream cold foam and mocha cookie crumble topping.  
• The Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Crème Frappuccino Blended Beverage is a take on the beloved Valentine’s Day dessert, with swirls of strawberry puree blended with Frappuccino® chips,  milk and ice, layered on top of a splash of strawberry puree and finished with vanilla whipped cream to deliver a frosty, delicious treat inspired by our love of chocolate-covered strawberries.

Customers can enjoy any of their favourite beverages using Valentine’s inspired drinkware that also makes for an enchanting gift for a loved one. This line of merchandise embraces a retro feel with pretty pixilated heart designs.

Valentine’s Day Cold Cup (24 oz)

Fall in love at first sip with this sleek cold cup featuring pink and red heart patterns.

Price: $32.95

Hot Pink Heart Tumbler with Charm (12 oz)

Show all the love with this standout heart tumbler, featuring a vibrant hot pink color with a glossy finish, complete with a matching heart-shaped charm.

Price: $38.95

Pink Floral Cold Cup with Straw Topper (24 oz)

Floral and fun, this pink, flower-patterned cold cup and matching straw topper is sure to impress any cold beverage craver.

Price: $35.95

There will be plenty of fireworks again at the turn of the year. For our pets, this means pure stress. Here you can find out how to get your dog through New Year’s Eve safely.

Fireworks, rockets, sparklers: for animals, this means pure stress. For many years, animal welfare organizations and associations have been drawing attention to the fact that fireworks are not only harmful to the environment, but also to wild animals and our pets. For dogs and cats in particular, the turn of the year is therefore anything but a cool party – but a burden that is associated with stress, fear and sometimes even panic. It is more chill to just enjoy the online casino in Canada with your dog.

Dogs have a much finer sense of hearing and a better sense of smell than humans. For them, New Year’s Eve with its bright rockets, exploding firecrackers and the extreme smells of fireworks is an absolute sensory overload.

Less stress for your dog – these tricks will help

Dogs on New Year’s Eve: last-minute tips against the fear of fireworks

A familiar favorite spot plus a master or mistress nearby is the best way for dogs to get through New Year’s Eve. The following applies to New Year’s Eve: with gentle sounds, good hiding places and a few tips and tricks, you can make the turn of the year bearable for your dog – without having to flee to a lonely mountain hut:

You should be prepared for the fact that setting off fireworks is not limited to a few hours around the turn of the year. The fireworks usually start one or two days before New Year’s Eve and continue to be set off even after the start of the new year.

It’s better not to let your dog off the lead on the days around New Year’s Eve. “Many an otherwise well-behaved dog has panicked and run away on New Year’s Eve because of a sudden bang – that’s why it makes sense to keep your dog on a lead around New Year’s Eve”, explains Sigrid Faust-Schmidt from the State Animal Welfare Association of Hesse.

It is important that your dog wears a tag with your contact details. That way, if it runs away, it can be brought home again quickly.

Close the shutters and curtains to protect your pet from bright light and noise.

Play music or the radio in your home to calm and distract your pet from the noise outside. The familiar sound of the dishwasher or washing machine can also be helpful. Avoid too much noise, however, as this will cause additional stress for your dog.

Don’t leave your dog alone on New Year’s Eve and don’t go outside with him during the fireworks.

It is best to walk your dog during the day, preferably in a quiet forest. The more tired he is on New Year’s Eve, the better!

If your dog wants to be close to you, stroke him and stay by his side.

Give your dog the opportunity to find a safe place to retreat to. Animals that are used to a crate often like to lie down in this safe cave. If your dog hides under the bed or sofa, don’t leave him there alone.

When walking your dog on the days after New Year’s Eve, look out for broken glass, garbage and any unexploded bombs.

Of course, it is very important not to set off any firecrackers, rockets etc. yourself.

New Year’s Eve with a dog: stay cool and relaxed yourself

The most important tip is to stay relaxed yourself and signal to your dog that everything is fine. Dogs are strongly influenced by the mood of their humans: If you are restless or anxious yourself, this is quickly transferred to your four-legged friend. “If the owners are nearby and unconcerned, it is easier for the animals to deal with the unfamiliar, possibly curse-inducing background noise with less stress,” explains Sigrid Faust-Schmidt. “You shouldn’t feel sorry for the dog,” advises dog trainer Chris Maron. “Because that would show him that the situation is unusual and that you yourself are worried.”

Important: You should not lure a dog that is hiding out of its hiding place. Don’t ignore dogs that are looking for attention, but give them a cuddle if they want one.

By Mr. Will Wong

We’ve gotten a little breather from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but big things are expected of Marvel’s CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD, the first big movie event of 2025. In this installment, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) offiically takes the torch as Captain America, finding himself at the center of an international incident. This truly is a story of the people’s hero. You might recall that Wilson was introduced first as a counsellor, a veteran and this film will see how being a regular person with good intentions informs him in his new title.

We are thrilled to join the Film’s Global Press Conference. Gracing us today at the panel were:
Anthony Mackie – Sam Wilson / Captain America
Danny Ramirez – Joaquin Torres / Falcon
Harrison Ford – Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross / Red Hulk
Shira Haas – Ruth Bat-Seraph / Sabra
Giancarlo Esposito – Sidewinder
Xosha Roquemore – Leila Taylor
Tim Blake Nelson – Samuel Sterns / The Leader
Julius Onah – Director
Nate Moore – Producer
Kevin Feige – President and Chief Creative Officer of Marvel Studios

Anthony Mackie is asked about stepping into a leading role in the MCU for the first time here in CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD, taking the torch from Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers, reprising his longtime role as Sam Wilson.

Mackie: “The biggest thing for me was the first day on set. All these people I’ve known for a decade, and everyone just came up and said ‘congratulations’. Bob Moore who was my Dresser in The Winter Solider, Russell Bobbitt in Props… this was a family thing where we see character grow into fruition and get his moment to shine. I’m glad I was able to do it with friends and a host of stars I started with.”

Marvel‘s President and COO Kevin Feige comments on what the audience can expect in this upcoming release.

Feige: “This is all about Sam Wilson. We saw him last in Avengers: Endgame and we saw Steve Rogers pass the torch on and we wanted to continue that story. We’re always about bringing new characters to the MCU and with this amazing Cast you see before you, we did just that.”

Julius Onah who is known for films like Luce and The Cloverfield Paradox, steps-up to the big challenge here of directing a big Blockbuster. He speaks about this great opportunity.

Onah: “This means the world to me. Captain America always has been at heart of the MCU, and this story is very exciting, intense and emotional. I was very excited at the theme and that everyone at Marvel and this Cast lead into this with a notion of empathy. When you get to tell a story with that great a character theme and getting to direct a Cast like this, it’s amazing.”

Screen legend Harrison Ford also enters the MCU here as Red Hulk/Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross, taking the reins from the late William Hurt. He himself is a big fan of the MCU and talks to wanting to join it.

Ford: “I hope Red Hulk can come back in a story where he can develop into something other than Red Hulk. I think we have capacity to shapeshift between ‘Hulkness‘ and humanity, but that’s not my department! I am so happy with the opportunity to play in this playground. What an amazing group of people and an imagintative reality. I’m looking forward to having piece of the action.”

“I get to build upon what Bill [William] Hurt provided to the character and that world that Thunderbolt Ross has been a part of. I’ve watched Marvel movies and seen Actors I really liked and had a great time, I thought, ‘Hey, I want me some of that!'”

He comments on what he hopes the audience might take away from CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD, knowing well what audiences want to see in a big Blockbuster.

Ford: “It’s important the Film be something expertiential and it is important that the audience doesn’t know where it is taking them.”

Danny Ramirez joins the MCU here as Joaquin Torres/Falcon and talks about the great honour of being entrusted with taking over what his Co-Star Mackie has paved for him.

Ramirez: “It’s an honour to be entrusted to take over any mantle, especially one that Anthony Mackie has established. Just hearing stories of the letters he wrote Kevin [Feige] to bring him into universe. Getting the opportunity to walk into something established, which paralleled also much of my life, and getting to work with my heroes on-set, made being Joaquin so easy.”

Veteran actor Tim Blake Nelson gives a bit of detail about his role in this Film and why he only could’ve tackled it at this stage in his career.

Nelson: “I play Samuel Stern, in this version which isn’t the version I expected to play. I got to get better as an Actor thanks to Kevin [Feige], Nate [Moore] and Julius [Onah] and the Writers. They wrote a beautifully nuanced character that was a wonderful challenge to play, and not one I could’ve played 15 years ago because I don’t think I was the Actor that I am now. What we want to do as Actors is continue to grow. I needed this maturirty to play what they wrote. I’m incredibly grateful and had a great time with this phenomenal Cast.”

“Anthony has such a depth and soul as an Actor, but this applies to everyone on-screen. It’s great to be part of something great.”

Shira Haas has established herself as a name to watch after winning lots of acclaim in the series UNORTHODOX back in 2020. She talks about what her role here as Ruth Bat-Seraph/Sabra means for her.

Haas: “It was fun. It was really long, months of training, but thankfully, I love working-out and sports. But it was something else on a whole new level and a pleasure. Also starting to get into character and the MCU world is something very different for me and things I’ve done before. It is a gift for an Actor to do something different and to be a part of MCU world and this Film.”

Giancarlo Esposito also adds to this very stacked Cast in CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD, playing Sidewinder. He talks about what it is that appeals to him about the MCU, and particularly this project.

Esposito: “I feel honoured to join the MCU and to join a franchise with depth of intregrity. They are making films that mean something and also entertaining. But to me, the depth is in the relationships that create empathy, trust and suspicion. These elements are tantalizing to me. I’ve wanted to work with this group for a long time. What tickled me most is bringing a new character into this world.”

“I have a great depth of respect for Anthony [Mackie] as Captain America. He has charisma, leadership and morality. You can’t lead unless you can follow. Sam Wilson has been the guy in-line, watching behind the scenes and sees what the world become what it is. He chooses to be on the side of good. These elements are a part of my life and my growth.”

“There’s a depth of respect and playfulness. I identify with someone that I recognize and maybe something I could be. This is what makes great movies. The audience is gonna see this and relate on a level that helps them connect with families and other human beings.”

“This team is so mindful and that mindfulness shows the bigger picture of what this story is saying. This is enterainment, it’s gotta be fun and all these things play into elements that make me so proud to be a part of this project.”.

Marvel Studios Canada release CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD in theatres February 14, 2025.

Review here.

If there’s one thing that Toronto does well, it’s providing a backdrop for these American Holiday movies! In addition the Jonas Brothers filming their upcoming Holiday movie in-town, we make way for A MERRY LITTLE EX-MAS which begins production really soon, with a tentative mid-March wrap! But get this, this Romantic-Comedy brings out some very adored and familiar faces, including the likes of Alicia Silverstone, Oliver Hudson, Jameela Jamil, Pierson Fode and Melissa Joan Hart, who produces alongside her mother Paula Hart‘s Hartbreak Films!

Daddy Day Care Director Steve Carr directs this Netflix release, and based on their recent smash hits MEET ME NEXT CHRISTMAS and HOT FROSTY, both filmed here in Ontario, this already is on its way to duplicating a big recipe for success.

The Film centers on iconic Clueless star Silverstone, a woman separating from her husband, looking to spent one last Christmas in their family home with their kids before selling it off. Enter the picture, her ex-husband’s new girlfriend who makes this rather complicated. Done. Saved on My List already!

We got lucky and spotted both Silverstone and Hudson (from an immensely-talented family, calling Kate Hudson and Wyatt Russell siblings) around town. Did you know he even has a Podcast with Kate called Sibling Revelry? Super-stoked about this! Things have been quiet around town of late and this is just what the City needs!

Silverstone has been so amazing using her platform of late, to raise money for California Wildfire first responders. A true hero!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

DOG MAN debuts with a loud bark, taking $33 million from 3,885 theatres in its opening for Universal Pictures! The adapted Animated Festure stars Pete Davidson and Lil Rel Howery.

COMPANION debuts in second with $10 million from 3,285 theatres for Warner Bros. The Drew Hancock Horror gets a fantastic 93% on the Tomatometer.

In third is MUFASA: THE LION KING with $7 million from 3,180 theatres for Disney, a total $230.4 million over seven weekends.

ONE OF THEM DAYS continues to find its footing in fourth with $6 million, taking it to $34.4 million for Sony Pictures.

Fifth is FLIGHT RISK with $5 million for Lionsgate/Cineplex Pictures, a tally of $20.3 million over two weekends.

Noah Centineo continues to be a burgeoning star, first bursting onto the scene in series THE FOSTERS, before becoming instantly recognizable from his work in the TO ALL THE BOYS film franchise on Netflix. With roles in Blockbusters like BLACK ADAM, he has propelled that success into a starring role in THE RECRUIT, its second season now streaming on Netflix. This new season sees his Owen Hendricks in some dangerous situations in South Korea and Past Lives‘ Teo Yoo also stars!

Centineo is no familiar to Toronto, having enjoyed TIFF here back in 2023 and he even had a role in Kristoffer Borgli‘s acclaimed DREAM SCENARIO (filmed here), alongside the likes of Nicolas Cage. He was in town for a day of press and was an amazing sport, taking some selfies with fans en route to a full day of interviews!

See some highlights:

(Photo/video credit: Netflix/Mr. Will Wong)

Today, Disney+ announced an all-new exclusive episode of ”The Simpsons” will premiere February 12 on the streaming service. The full-length episode titled “The Past and the Furious” is the next exclusive episode of “The Simpsons” debuting on Disney+.

In this exclusive full-length episode of The Simpsons, Lisa travels back in time to 1923 and discovers that the Springfield Mini Moose, once key to the town’s ecosystem, were driven to extinction in 1925. Teaming up with young Monty Burns, Lisa works to save the moose, but her actions unintentionally shape his future as a ruthless tycoon.

In addition to 36 seasons of “The Simpsons,” Disney+ is also home to “The Simpsons Movie” and more than 10 shorts featuring the Simpsons family. All these and more can be found in “The Simpsons” collection on the streaming service: https://www.disneyplus.com/franchise/the-simpsons.

From legendary filmmaker David Cronenberg, The Shrouds had its World Premiere in the Main Competition section of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, the North American Premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival, and was selected as part of TIFF’s Canada’s Top Ten.

The Shrouds will open theatrically in Canada starting April 25, 2025 via Sphere Films.

Director/Writer: David Cronenberg

Producers: Martin Katz for Prospero Pictures, Saïd Ben Saïd, and Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent

Cast: Vincent Cassel, Diane Kruger, Guy Pearce, Sandrine Holt

Synopsis: Karsh is a prominent businessman. Inconsolable since the death of his wife, he invents GraveTech, revolutionary and controversial technology that enables the living to monitor their dear departed in their shrouds. One night, multiple graves, including that of Karsh’s wife, are desecrated. Karsh sets out to track down the perpetrators.

Oakville’s PVLN (pronounced pav-lin) is an Artist on the rise. Signed to Warner Music Canada, he has been filling venues and building a large audience online, just as he continues to grow and shape his own signature sound.

He has just released his new single “Aftermath” on Texx Records via ADA, a slowburn break-up track produced by multiplatinum producer Adriano Allahverdi (6lack, Gunna, Ali Gatie). PVLN is a name to look out for.

We had the pleasure of checking-out a showcase at Warner Music Canada‘s headquarters, where he wowed the intimate audience with his undeniable raw talent. You can hear inflections of some of his biggest influences, Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber and Juice WRLD and he seamlessly crosses genres, all in a Pop framework.

Some highlights from the showcase:

LISTEN to AFTERMATH:

Some other tracks to check-out:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Warner Music Canada)

Toronto’s Vortex Media, alongside Candour Pictures, are thrilled to announce a first look deal to finance, distribute and co-produce movies made for television and feature films. 

The deal expands a growing partnership between the companies. Vortex Media previously assisted in the financing and distribution of Candour’s inaugural made-for-television movie TRAPPED IN THE SPOTLIGHT. The film is set to premiere on Lifetime in the US on February 15, 2025 and on Super Channel in Canada. Vortex is handling worldwide distribution on the title. Starring Monique Coleman of the HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL franchise, the film tells the story of an ex-R&B star who fights to revive her career after her co-star ends their duet on tour. Fifteen years later, an unhinged super fan/music producer abducts them both and forces them to complete their unreleased album as captives in his studio. 

”As Vortex continues to grow its production and distribution capacities, we’re delighted to be expanding our relationship with Candour who come with years of on the ground producing experience, while having an ambitious entrepreneurial spirit,” says Vortex Media CEO, Justin Rebelo.  

“We had a great experience supporting Candour on their inaugural made-for-television movie and can’t wait to make more together” said Vortex CCO, Jesse Ikeman.

“We are thrilled to strengthen our partnership with Vortex Media, a company whose dedication to premium storytelling and strong principals inspire and resonate with our vision. This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to creating impactful, high-quality content that resonates across platforms,” says Candour Co-Founder, Rebecca Lamarche. 

“Vortex Media’s vision and expertise make them the perfect strategic partner as we grow and evolve our business. Together, we’re excited to deliver dynamic, top-tier film and TV projects to audiences worldwide,”  says Candour Co-Founder, Myles Milne.

About Vortex Media
Vortex Media is a boutique studio bringing together global distribution and film and television production across all genres. It comprises three divisions: Vortex Canada, specializing in the theatrical release of feature films and monetization across all platforms; Vortex International, a worldwide sales and distribution company; and Vortex Productions, an in-house production company with the resources to self-finance and produce feature films and made-for-television movies including THE END OF SEX starring Schitt’s Creek’s Emily Hampshire and ANYTHING FOR JACKSON, a Shudder Original Film. Recent Vortex Productions made-for-television movies include THE CHRISTMAS CHARADE, A ‘90S CHRISTMAS, CHRISTMAS ISLAND, and TAKE ME BACK FOR CHRISTMAS for The Hallmark Channel, A WIDOW SEDUCED for Lifetime and WRITING A LOVE SONG for Up Tv.  Upcoming features include Mark O’Brien’s THE VOICES OF OUR MOTHER starring Sheila McCarthy and O’Brien.

About Candour Pictures

Candour Pictures is a boutique production company dedicated to developing, packaging, and producing feature films and television movies. Their feature film division focuses on adapting compelling, IP-driven stories, beginning with the adaptation of Lorinda Stewart’s bestselling memoir, ONE DAY CLOSER, to be directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Yan England. Drawing on the co-founders’ extensive experience in the television movie space, Candour has cultivated a distinct aesthetic designed to elevate the genre and create evergreen movies for their growing library. At its core, Candour Pictures is committed to challenging the status quo, pushing the boundaries of filmmaking, and telling great stories, with candour.