Hollywood Suite is proud to announce the return of their original documentary series A Year in Film. Premiering Thursday, May 25, 2023 the fourth season will shine a cinematic spotlight on the years 1973, 1985, 1999 and 2010. Archival material, film clips and interviews with industry insiders and critics will immerse viewers in film history and pop culture.

This season’s episodes include:

🎬 A Year in Film: 1973
Discusses The Exorcist, Serpico, Enter the Dragon, Mean Streets, Paper Moon, American Graffiti, Coffy and more.

Premieres May 25 at 9pm ET on HS70
Available on Demand May 25

🎬 A Year in Film: 1985
Discusses Back to the Future, The Breakfast Club, The Goonies, PeeWee’s Big Adventure, Blood Simple, The Peanut Butter Solution, Rocky IV and more.

Premieres May 26 at 9pm ET on HS80
Available on Demand May 26

🎬 A Year in Film: 1999
Discusses The Matrix, Cruel Intentions, Fight Club, American Beauty, The Blair Witch Project, The Sixth Sense and more.

Premieres May 27 at 9pm ET on HS90
Available on Demand May 27

🎬 A Year in Film: 2010
Discusses The Social Network, The King’s Speech, Inception, Black Swan, Boy, Winter’s Bone, True Grit and more.

Premieres May 28 at 9pm ET on HS00
Available on Demand May 28

Meticulously restored Canadian cult classic The Peanut Butter Solution will also receive its broadcast premiere on Hollywood Suite on Friday, May 26 at 9:40 pm ET, immediately following the premiere of the 1985 episode of A Year in Film. The film is also discussed in depth in an episode of the A Year in Film Podcast featuring guest Jay Baruchel.

“While it’s a children’s film, The Peanut Butter Solution is one of the most notorious films ever produced in Canada,” says Alicia Fletcher, writer and producer of A Year In Film. “I frequently encounter children of the 80s who saw this film growing up and it marked them deeply. It was made with love and frankness by legendary producer Roque Demers and director Michael Rubbo, and what makes it great is that it never shies away from the surreal hellishness of childhood. The Peanut Butter Solution is a quintessential 80s gem and Hollywood Suite is the perfect home for its recent restoration.”.

We are so excited about this! Nia Vardalos is back with a third film in her adored MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING series.

Synopsis:

From writer and director Nia Vardalos, the worldwide phenomenon My Big Fat Greek Wedding is coming back to theaters with a brand-new adventure. Join the Portokalos family as they travel to a family reunion in Greece for a heartwarming and hilarious trip full of love, twists and turns.

MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 3 arrives September 8, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Focus Features)

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3 once again finds itself on-top with $55 million in its second weekend out, taking its total to $207.9 million for Disney/Marvel.

THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE also repeats in second for a Chris Pratt 1-2 finish once again, with $13.3 million from 3,800 theatres for Universal Pictures. Its total domestically, now is at $536 million.

Third goes to BOOK CLUB: THE NEXT CHAPTER with $7 million from 3,508 theatres for Universal Pictures/Focus Features in its debut, fittingly on Mother’s Day. Led by a Cast of heavyweights including Jane Fonda and Diane Keaton, this sequel gets 47% on the Tomatometer.

In fourth is EVIL DEAD RISE with $3.6 million from 2,621 theatres for Warner Bros., a four week run of $60 million.

ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET rounds this Top Five out with $2.3 million from 2,359 theatres for Cineplex Pictures/Lionsgate.

20th Century Studios Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see horrifying THE BOOGEYMAN!

Screenings take place as follows:

Toronto: Cineplex Yonge & Dundas May 25, 2023 at 7PM

Vancouver: International Village May 31, 2023 at 7 PM

ABOUT THE BOOGEYMAN

High school student Sadie Harper and her younger sister Sawyer are reeling from the recent death of their mother and aren’t getting much support from their father, Will, a therapist who is dealing with his own pain. When a desperate patient unexpectedly shows up at their home seeking help, he leaves behind a terrifying supernatural entity that preys on families and feeds on the suffering of its victims. “The Boogeyman,” directed by Rob Savage (“Host”) with a screenplay by Scott Beck & Bryan Woods (“A Quiet Place”) and Mark Heyman (“Black Swan”) and a screen story by Scott Beck & Bryan Woods based upon the short story by Stephen King, stars Sophie Thatcher (“Yellowjackets”), Chris Messina (“Air”), Vivien Lyra Blair (“Obi-Wan Kenobi”), Marin Ireland (“The Umbrella Academy”), Madison Hu (“Bizaardvark”), LisaGay Hamilton (“Vice”), and David Dastmalchian (“Boston Strangler”). The producers are Shawn Levy (“Stranger Things”), Dan Levine (“Arrival”), and Dan Cohen (“The Adam Project”), with John H. Starke (“Sicario”), Emily Morris (“Rosaline”), Scott Beck, Bryan Woods, Ryan Cunningham, Adam Kolbrenner (“The Tomorrow War”), and Robyn Meisinger serving as executive producers. 

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City there in the comments. For another chance, Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below:

Rules and regulations here.

NOTE: Please do not reply to third-party comments telling you that you’ve won, asking for personal banking/credit information on a link. This is not us.

20th Century Studios Canada release THE BOOGEYMAN June 2, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)

By Mr. Will Wong

Based on the 1992 film of the same name. Director Calmatic‘s WHITE MEN CAN’T JUMP adaptation is about to arrive on Disney+, ready for a new generation to embrace this Sports Comedy about unlikely friends and perseverance against our crippling obstacles.

We got to sit in a press junket with the stars of WHITE MEN CAN’T JUMP and Calmatic. Joining us were:

L.A. native Calmatic believes there’s a version of Los Angeles which the world hasn’t yet, which he is ready to show in his adaptation of WHITE MEN CAN’T JUMP.

Calmatic: “There’s a whole L.A. the world hasn’t seen yet. It’s the L.A. I grew-up in. It’s also a very influencial part of L.A. that hasn’t been seen. Just the way we walk, the way we talk, the way we play Basketball. Like I always say, James Harden went to Audubon Junior High. That’s a very specific junior high and if you see the way he played and he be doing this little weird step-backstep, you’d say ‘That’s some Audubon shit!’. I think the way Russell Westbrook played, he went to Henry Clay Middle School and it’s that crazy middle school where the kids are just running out of control. It’s really about showing the world my L.A. and hopefully we can keep it flowing.”.

Sinqua Walls actually had a college basketball background back in San Francisco. He talks about bringing this into Jamal.

Walls: “Honestly, I think this was the most important part. To make this authentic with Basketball and I think that is something that Chuck (Calmatic) truly cared about and he was very critical about. I always talk about how a lot of the Movie moved in a space where we had to do it in single takes and a lot of the movements don’t work unless someone authentically can play Basketball at a level – that makes the most sense. It was important to ensure that was infused naturally. It was fun to just step-in and use things I’d already done for many years. Chuck knows I’d been playing ball since I was six years old.”.

Teyana Taylor is having a career year following her retirement from Music, already having won lots of acclaim for her performance in “A Thousand And One“. She also happens to be married to NBA star Iman Shumpert. So if anything she would be a subject matter expert on Basketball.

Taylor: “I was like, ‘Alright! Iman‘s coming to set today! We gotta be on-point!’. To be able to sit back, watch it and bask in it was amazing. Sinqua is great. Jack is great. I’m impressed. The expert is impressed.”.

She also makes an analogy about being a team mate in life on the streets, but also in life.

Taylor: “No matter how much love is there, you have to hold each other accountable. That’s the best form of love. It’s one thing to be a team mate on the streets, but to be a team mate in life is the biggest sport. That’s how I look at it.”.

Walls compares what’s different from the 2023 version of WHITE MEN CAN’T JUMP, from its 1992 predecessor.

Walls: “To go back to what Chuck was talking about, it’s the way we shot L.A. and the intricacies of that. ’92 did some great things with Venice and Street Ball, but one of the special things genuinely, is that this brother can shoot L.A. better than anybody else. He knew spaces for us to unpack. That’s what really updates it for now because you see parts of L.A. that weren’t in the original, but you see the people, the culture, the colours. If you grew-up in L.A., you’ve seen the way someone from Watts, Compton, Gardena, Crenshaw, how they really move. This time around, the City is its own character that lives in the story.”.

Hip-Hop star Jack Harlow talks about his first time starring in a movie as first movie role here as Jeremy.

Harlow: “I enjoy Grape Street a lot and Purple Town, I hear that’s what they call it. That was a cool learning experience. I’m thankful I joined a group of people that were so humble, willing to learn and be patient with me. They wanted to teach. I felt like I arrived into an egoless environment as the least-experienced person and everyone just let me shine, try things and gave me the room to give my opinion. If I felt strongly about something that didn’t mean it was gonna go that way, but Calmatic would hear me out, and vice-versa. I was honoured I could come into my first one and people cared what I thought. Shout out to everyone for making it such a seamless experience.”.

He also comments on the late Lance Reddick, who stars in the Film as Benji, Kamal’s father.

Harlow: “I had one or two days with Lance. I was really taken by his presence and the energy he had playing Benji. It just felt so real. In fact, it’s hard for me to separate in-between takes and what was going on on-camera. He just had a warmth the character he was portraying had. Kind as hell, it’s as simple as that.”.

Walls: “He was super-generous, especially the hospital scenes. He had Jell-o or something and was supposed to be in his chair going through his illness. He accidentally hit the wrong Jell-o and I remember he’d break character and go ‘My bad, man!’. He’d laugh too and go right back into character. That’s a pro right there. That’s his legacy. He was really well-trained, really well-studied.”.

Laura Harrier talks about inhering the role of Tatiana, based on Rosie Perez’s unforgettable Gloria in the original film.

Harrier: “It was definitely very big shoes to walk into. She’s (Perez) a presence and an Actress I’ve always looked-up to. She had such an iconic role in the original, I wanted to try and not reference any of that. I didn’t want to do a re-creation of that. I wanted to give Tatiana her own character, her own person and my own interpretation of who she was. We’re drawing bits and pieces of the original film, but it’s definitely its own thing and its own retelling.”.

WHITE MEN CAN’T JUMP arrives May 19, 2023, on Disney+.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios)

Today, Disney+ released the trailer and key art for “Flamin’ Hot”, directed by award-winning actor, director and producer Eva Longoria, premiering exclusively on Disney+ in Canada on June 9, 2023.

“Flamin’ Hot” is the inspiring true story of Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia) who as a Frito-Lay janitor disrupted the food industry by channelling his Mexican-American heritage to turn Flamin’ Hot Cheetos from a snack into an iconic global pop culture phenomenon.

Searchlight Pictures presents A Franklin Entertainment Production, “Flamin’ Hot”, the inspirational true story of Richard Montañez, screenplay by Lewis Colick (“October Sky”, “Charlie St. Cloud”) and Linda Yvette Chávez (creator/writer “Gentefied”). The film is produced by DeVon Franklin (“Miracles From Heaven”, “Breakthrough”) and is directed by award-winning actor/director/producer Eva Longoria (“Desperate Housewives”). The film stars Jesse Garcia (“Quinceañera”) as Richard, Annie Gonzalez (“Gentefied”) as his wife, Judy, Emilio Rivera (“Son of Anarchy”, “High Crimes”, “Venom”) as Richard’s father Nacho, Dennis Haysbert (“Far from Heaven”, “24”) as Richard’s mentor, Clarence, and 4x Emmy® Award winner Tony Shalhoub (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Monk”) as PepsiCo CEO Roger Enrico. Other cast members include Matt Walsh (“Veep”), Bobby Soto (“Narcos”) and Pepe Serna (“Scarface”). The filmmaking crew includes Director of Photography Federico Cantini, ADF (“Give or Take”, “Desire”), Film Editors Kayla M. Emter (“Hustlers”), Liza D. Espinas (“Vida”), Production Designers Brandon Mendez (“Black is King”) and Cabot McMullen (“Shrinking”, “Super Troopers 2”), and Costume Designer Elaine Montalvo (“A Better Life”).

Robust parental controls ensure that Disney+ remains a suitable viewing experience for everyone in the family. Subscribers can set access limits on mature content and create PIN-protected profiles alongside the already existing Kids Profiles to give parents and guardians peace of mind.

Walt Disney Studios Canada x Mr. Will are delighted to offer Vancouver readers a chance to win tickets to the advance screening of THE LITTLE MERMAID.

Screening Date: May 24 at 7 p.m.

Screening Location: Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver

Synopsis:

“The Little Mermaid” visionary filmmaker Rob Marshall’s live-action reimagining of the studio’s Oscar@-winning animated musical classic, opens exclusively in theatres nationwide May 26, 2023. “The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Another chance for you on Twitter:

Rules and regulations here.

The Little Mermaid opens in theatres on May 26, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Streets of Toronto (Post City) is pleased to unveil its May cover which boasts the Best 12 New Restaurants as picked by Michelin Chefs. The ranking highlights the best places to eat from the people who know food best. The restaurants were selected for their delectable meals, unique cocktails and, of course, ambience. Michelin Chefs such as Don Alfonso’s Danielle Corona, R&D’s Eric Chong, Fat Pasha’s Anthony Rose, and Alma’s Anna Chen selected their favourite spots to eat. 

Top 12 new restaurants in Toronto:

• Alder
• Sunny’s Chinese
• Casa Madera
• Chantecler
• Dotty’s
• Miznon
• Casa Paco
• Kachiguda Junction
• Sampo
• New Century
• Hawker
• Ramen Buta-Nibo

The criteria was a delectable and unique menu, superb cocktails and ambiance. “Great cocktails, a focused wine list and a great selection of shareable plates makes Alder a must-try in Toronto,” said Chef Kyle Rindinella of Enoteca Sociale, about the top new restaurant on the list.

Honourable Mentions, as chosen by Streets of Toronto (Post City):
● Prime Seafood Palace
● Golden Peacock
● Bitter Melon
● Miss Likklemore’s
● Henry’s Restaurant and Wine Bar
● Lao Lao Bar
● Danny’s Pizza Tavern
● AP
● Adrak

The feature can be accessed here (page 46). Find out more in the May issue of Streets of Toronto (Post City), available on newsstands throughout the GTA and online at https://streetsoftoronto.com.

Principal photography has begun for Adam MacDonald’s feral feature OUT COME THE WOLVES. The film will shoot through May on location in Dundas, Ontario, with second unit having already been completed in Red Deer, Alberta.

OUT COME THE WOLVES follows a woman (Peregrym) who brings her fiancé (Runyan) to her secluded cabin deep in the wilderness to meet her male best friend (Jarsky). While there, tensions between the two men rise, prior to them setting off on a deer hunt that descends into the darkest side of nature, leaving a truly terrifying trail of horror.

The feature will reunite filmmaker Adam MacDonald with Missy Peregrym who starred in MacDonald’s successful debut feature BACKCOUNTRY. Alongside Peregrym, Joris Jarsky (GOD’S COUNTRY) and Damon Runyan (STAR TREK: DISCOVERY) will star in the thriller. The screenplay was written by Enuka Okuma with the story by Joris Jarsky, Adam MacDonald and Enuka Okuma.

“OUT COME THE WOLVES had a long gestation period. We’ve been dreaming of this project for nearly a decade and it was beginning to feel like our own FURY ROAD”, says director Adam MacDonald. “Now we’re finally on the ground running with the support of High Park Entertainment and others. With the incredible creative team assembled, we have the recipe for something truly groundbreaking. Having Missy sign on to play Sophie is such a boon to the film, allowing us to take it to another level. My goal is to bring everyone to the very edge of their seats til the very last frame, to push the limits as far as possible.”

Adam MacDonald is a writer/director, born in Montreal, now residing in Toronto. His directorial feature-length debut, BACKCOUNTRY had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), where it was represented by Cinetic Media and bought by IFC Films. At TIFF, The Globe and Mail and NOW Magazine named MacDonald to their top Canadian talents to watch lists. His second feature Pyewacket (2017) also had its world premiere at TIFF, where it was represented by Seville International and released by IFC Films.

His first television credit was successfully helming the entire third season of Aaron Martin’s SLASHER (SOLSTICE) for Netflix. Adam went on to direct season four of SLASHER starring David Cronenberg and the upcoming season five for AMC’s SHUDDER. MacDonald recently completed directing the first virtual reality horror movie experience for Meta entitled BE MINE which was written and produced by Eli Roth and starring Peyton List.

OUT COME THE WOLVES is produced by High Park Entertainment in association with December Films. The film’s producers are Eric Birnberg (OCTOBER FACTION), Thomas Walden (V-WARS), Todd Berger (REGINALD THE VAMPIRE) and Thomas Vencelides (TRIGGER POINT). As the film’s Director, MacDonald reunites with his Director of Photography Christian Bielz (BACKCOUNTRY, PYEWACKET). World-renowned wolf wrangler Andrew Simpson (GAME OF THRONES, JOHN WICK) and his wolves serve a key role in the film. Lee Malia of the acclaimed rock band BRING ME THE HORIZON serves as the film’s composer.

OUT COME THE WOLVES will be distributed by IFC Films and Shudder in the US with levelFILM releasing in Canada. The film is represented for international by Altitude Film Sales, who will be discussing the film with buyers in Cannes next week. The film is slated for a late 2024 release.

Janelle Monáe, music’s foremost freeassmuthafucka, has shared her scintillating new single, “Lipstick Lover,” available now via Wondaland Arts Society/Atlantic Records. An official emotion picture, directed by Janelle Monáe and Alan Ferguson, premieres today on YouTube.

Arriving on the heels of her showstopping Met Gala appearance, “Lipstick Lover” heralds the arrival of Monáe’s hugely anticipated new album, THE AGE OF PLEASURE, due out June 9th. Pre-orders/pre-saves – including limited edition vinyl – are available now HERE.

THE AGE OF PLEASURE also includes the acclaimed new single, “Float (Feat. Seun Kuti + Egypt 80).” Hailed by Pitchfork as “swaggering, brass-heavy…the sound of a top-tier talent doing a little victory dance,” the track is joined by an official dance video streaming on YouTube HERE.

To celebrate the launch of this new era, Monáe graced the March cover of EBONY Magazine, which stated, “the singer-songwriter returns to music as their fullest self…we’re perhaps witnessing the queerest, and by association, the Blackest, of Monáe’s eras yet…”

“Float” – which Monáe initially teased on her hugely popular Instagram – was first heard late last year as the official anthem of ABC/ESPN’s NBA Saturday Primetime campaign, with Janelle contributing voiceover narration to promo spots highlighting the biggest matchups and stars in the league. The track was used extensively throughout all NBA coverage through mid-March, spanning promos, Primetime matchups, in-game placement, social media, and more. In addition, “Float” was featured in an animated piece marking Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the #1 spot on the NBA’s all-time regular-season scoring list, shared across ESPN’s socials and James’ Instagram to reach more than 275M combined followers.