Warner Bros. Pictures Canada presents “The Flash,” directed by Andy Muschietti (the “IT” films, “Mama”). Ezra Miller reprises their role as Barry Allen in the DC Super Hero’s first-ever standalone feature film.

Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?

“The Flash” ensemble also includes rising star Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon (“Bullet Train,” “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”), Ron Livingston (“Loudermilk,” “The Conjuring”), Maribel Verdú (“Elite,” “Y tu mamá también”), Kiersey Clemons (“Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” “Sweetheart”), Antje Traue (“King of Ravens,” “Man of Steel”) and Michael Keaton (“Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Batman”).

“The Flash” is produced by Barbara Muschietti (the “IT” films, “Mama”) and Michael Disco (“Rampage,” “San Andreas”). The screenplay is by Christina Hodson (“Birds of Prey,” “Bumblebee”), with a screen story by John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein (“Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” “Spider-Man: Homecoming”) and Joby Harold (“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” “Army of the Dead”), based on characters from DC. The executive producers are Toby Emmerich, Walter Hamada, Galen Vaisman and Marianne Jenkins.

Joining director Muschietti behind the camera are director of photography Henry Braham (“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” “The Suicide Squad”), production designer Paul Denham Austerberry (“IT Chapter Two,” “The Shape of Water”), editors Jason Ballantine (the “IT” films, “The Great Gatsby”) and Paul Machliss (“The Gentlemen,” “Baby Driver”), and costume designer Alexandra Byrne (“Doctor Strange,” “Guardians of the Galaxy”); the score is by Benjamin Wallfisch (“The Invisible Man,” the “IT” films).

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a Double Dream/a Disco Factory production of an Andy Muschietti film, “The Flash.” It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and is set to open in theatres in North America on June 16, 2023 and internationally beginning 14 June 2023.

If you love TO ALL THE BOYS I’VE LOVED BEFORE, the sparks continue in upcoming Netflix series XO, KITTY!

Synopsis:

A new To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before story begins in the official trailer for XO, KITTY. Back for another adventure, this time her own, Kitty Song Covey thinks she knows everything there is to know about love. She’ll soon realize that relationships are a lot more complicated when it’s your own heart on the line.

Cast:

XO, KITTY arrives May 18, 2023 on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), today announced the performers and presenters set to take the stage at the Canadian Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Presented by Music Canada. The second iteration of the event, which was put on pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, takes place in Calgary, Alberta on May 18, 2023 at Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre (NMC), and streams live at 7 p.m. MT/9 p.m. ET on CBC Gem, CBCMusic.ca/junos and on CBC Music’s Facebook and YouTube pages. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased now at junoawards.ca

Legendary Canadian artists, Jann Arden and Ranee Lee will be among the presenters of the prestigious plaques. Multi-platinum singer-songwriter and 2021 Canadian Music Hall of Fame award recipient Jann Arden will induct country music superstar Terri Clark, who featured Arden on her song “Leavin’ On Your Mind,” and distinguished vocalist Ranee Lee will honour fellow jazz sensation Dr. Oliver Jones. Additional details on this year’s roster of presenters will follow in the coming weeks.

Three of this year’s inductees – Diane Dufresne, Terri Clark and Trooper – will grace the stage to perform the music that defines their decades-long careers. Ranee Lee and Robi Botos will perform a harmonious tribute to Dr. Jones, who will also be joining the festivities in person.

After an explosive Canadian Music Hall of Fame induction and performance at The 2022 JUNO Awards Broadcast in Toronto, renowned R&B and pop powerhouse Deborah Cox will make a special appearance during the plaquing ceremony to commemorate last year’s honour.

“The breadth of talent involved in this year’s event is a true testament to what Canadian musicians are capable of – global influence, record-breaking success and immense creativity,” said Allan Reid, President & CEO, CARAS/The JUNO Awards & MusiCounts. “The festivities on May 18 is a moment to pause and reflect on the incredible musical achievements of our country and the role that this year’s inductees, presenters and performers have played in telling that story.”

“It’s an honour to be a part of this year’s Induction Ceremony, where we commemorate some esteemed musicians who have helped to put Canadian music on the map,” said Patrick Rogers, CEO, Music Canada. “We can’t wait for future music makers and fans to fall in love with the enduring history of the artists being celebrated this fall.”

“Having a place to celebrate Canada’s music icons, history and stories is exactly what the National Music Centre was built to do,” said Andrew Mosker, President & CEO, National Music Centre. “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome the Canadian music industry back to Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, and pick up our Hall of Fame ceremonies where they left off four years ago.”

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences strives to support and amplify Canadian music and artistry at every point of a musician’s career. This begins with MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS/the JUNO Awards, which paves the way for the next generation of talent through instrument and equipment grants for schools and community groups, scholarships, and teaching resource programs. For the first time, MusiCounts Legacy Grants, presented by the Lewitt Family Foundation, will be awarded to honour and recognize the inductees’ achievements and impact. These grants of up to $25,000 can be used to purchase instruments and gear, and will be disbursed to schools in the inductees’ home provinces or in remote regions of Canada, where the need is often the greatest. In the 26 years since its inception, the MusiCounts Band Aid Program has invested over $12 million worth of instruments, equipment, and resources to schools across the country, supporting all approaches to music education for the kids who need it most.

Established in 1978, The Canadian Music Hall of Fame was created to acknowledge artists who have made a remarkable contribution to the recognition of Canadian music globally. Dufresne, Clark, Jones, and Trooper will join the ranks of Canada’s most esteemed talent including Alanis Morissette, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Barenaked Ladies, Joni Mitchell, k.d. lang, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Oscar Peterson, RUSH, The Guess Who, The Tragically Hip, Sarah McLachlan and Shania Twain.

The fun continues this Summer with “Vacation Friends 2,” 20th Century Studios’ laugh-out-loud sequel to the 2021 hit comedy “Vacation Friends,” set to debut August 25, 2023 exclusively on Disney+ in Canada. Director Clay Tarver and stars John Cena, Lili Rel Howery, Yvonne Orji and Meredith Hagner all return for the follow-up, along with new co-stars Carlos Santos, Ronny Chieng, Jamie Hector and Steve Buscemi. The producers are Todd Garner and Stuart Besser.

Picking up a few months after the end of “Vacation Friends,” this uproarious sequel finds newly married couple Marcus (Howery) and Emily (Orji) inviting their uninhibited besties Ron (Cena) and Kyla (Hagner), who are also newly married and have a baby, to join them for a vacation when Marcus lands an all-expenses-paid trip to a Caribbean resort. His reason for traveling there in the first place is to meet with the owners of the resort to bid on a construction contract for a hotel they own in Chicago. But when Kyla’s incarcerated father Reese (Buscemi) is released from San Quentin and shows up at the resort unannounced at the worst possible moment, things get out of control, upending Marcus’ best laid plans and turning the vacation friends’ perfect trip into total chaos.

Now in its 30th edition, the HOT DOCS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is back on again and running April 27 to May 7, 2023. Over 200 films from 72 countries will be screening at the Festival this year with several special guests in attendance, including Lilly Singh, members of July Talk, Moby, Kara Swisher, Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls and Canada’s first female Jewish Supreme Court Judge Rosalie Abella, among others.

The Festival kicks off with Opening Night selection TWICE COLONIZED, directed by Danish Director Lin Alluna, centering on Greenlandic Inuit lawyer, activist, and fierce protector of her ancestral lands, Aaju Peter. More lineup details here.

If you aren’t in-town, you still can stream online as films will be available starting at 12:01 a.m. on May 5 to May 9, 2023.

One of the centerpiece films this year is Writer/Director Barry Avrich‘s WITHOUT PRECENDENT: THE SUPREME LIFE OF ROSALIE ABELLA, getting its World Premiere at the Festival.

The Documentary is part of Hot Docs’ Special Presentations program and featured in its Big Ideas series, presented by Scotia Wealth Management. This is such a proud Canadian moment as we learn about subject Justice Rosalie Abella became the first woman ever to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada and first Jewish woman and refugee to sit on the Canadian Supreme Court bench.

The Film explores her modest beginnings as a daughter of Holocaust survivors, to working for herself after spending just two years working at a small law firm. Avrich explores the love of her life, Irving Abella and how she applied the same persistence to her career as she did winning his heart. And of course, the scrutiny she faced when Paul Martin appointed her to the Supreme Court of Canada in 2004. Abella balances being liked and being respected, led by justice and compassion having understand the refugee experience, and also advocating for the recognition of same sex relationships. We get interviews with former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Margaret Atwood and several other notables. Such a fascinating portrait about a true Canadian hero and success story and a must-see at the Festival.

MON MAY 01
06:30PM
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

TUE MAY 02
06:30PM
TIFF Bell Lightbox 1

FRI MAY 05
11:15AM
Isabel Bader Theatre

Team Mr. Will has had a chance to preview some notable selections from the Festival and here are their thoughts to help you in your viewing!

GEORGE KOZERA (@PartyG)

FOOD AND COUNTRY

In the interest of full disclosure, Gourmet Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Ruth Reichl, is instrumental in turning me into a Foodie. Before the days of internet access, I would religiously buy the Sunday New York Times, cut away and save her restaurant reviews, and have phenomenal experiences during my many trips to Manhattan – whether it was a tripe dish served at a Soho Korean bistro or a meal I still dream about at Asia de Cuba, a restaurant immortalized in an episode of “Sex and the City”. In FOOD AND COUNTRY, we watch as Reichl takes the audience on a fascinating journey of how the Covid pandemic affected U.S. farmers and restaurants.

In a series of conversations that cover a wide range of topics as agricultural economics, financial literacy and how farmers are looking to deal with and adapt to the “new normal” of the hospitality industry, this captivating Documentary illuminates, while exploring options that could be implemented in the future. At the time where restaurants here at home are shuttering their doors forever due to the hardships the pandemic wrought, FOOD AND COUNTRY succinctly and intellectually encapsulates what the future may hold.

You don’t need to be a foodie to appreciate a perfect Crème Brûlée and you don’t need to be one to be enthralled with this movie.

FRI APR 28
06:00PM
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

SAT APR 29
11:15AM
Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema

SUN MAY 07
11:00AM
TIFF Bell Lightbox 3

THIS WORLD IS NOT MY OWN

Utilizing 3D motion-capture imagery, animation, archival TV footage and anything else the Creators of this Film can throw in, THIS WORLD IS NOT MY OWN explores the life of Nellie Mae Rowe. Born as the daughter of a sharecropper and former slave in the heart Georgia, Rowe’s entire life was dedicated to her art, whether they be vibrantly coloured paintings, making sculptures from leftover chewing gum (Ewww, right?), pencil sketches and dolls made from whatever she could find. She ultimately found a modicum of fame and notoriety when discovered by the wealthy Judith Alexander, who was instrumental in bringing contemporary art to her gallery in Atlanta. The Film is staged in four chapters, plus a gratuitous interlude that detoured from the subject.

Whereas I respected the audacity of THIS WORLD IS NOT MY OWN, the viewing experience became tiresome with all the visual excesses and the subject matter was too bombastic. It reminded me of the musical interpretation of “Ragtime”, which incorporated numerous subject matters into a coherent masterpiece. I did enjoy three-time Emmy winner Uzo Aduba’s vocal stylings, though some of the 3D imagery of Rowe looked a little unsettling. I never thought I would think or say this, but, sometimes, too much is too much, and this Documentary would have benefitted from a bit more focus.

SAT APR 29
02:15PM
Scotiabank Theatre 5

THU MAY 04
05:30PM
Scotiabank Theatre 6

CYNARA

Responding to a 911 call, first responders arrive at a townhouse complex in Scarborough to find a woman on the floor and a young teenaged girl lying unresponsive on a couch. Claiming to be a victim of a home invasion by two armed and masked intruders, Cindy Ali’s life becomes a nightmarish journey as she is arrested, charged with the murder of her 16-year daughter Cynara stricken with Cerebral Palsy, and ultimately charged with murder in the first degree and sentenced to life in prison. CYNARA is a harrowing account how Cindy, with the support of her husband, three daughters and her Church, tries to clear her name with the help of Toronto Star reporter Jim Rankin and wrongful conviction-specializing lawyer James Lockyer. Whereas this Documentary plays like an episode of “Law & Order” and infrequently feels heavy-handed, it is a searing indictment of the Canadian legal system where facts are blatantly ignored by prosecuting lawyers and jury members are misled by a judge who had already in his mind deemed the defendant guilty of a heinous crime.

Writer/Producer/Director Sherien Barsoum skillfully juggles many aspects of this case with finesse. It touches on the subject of systemic prejudice and police and law officials overreaching to get the verdict they want, paying little regard to the facts. CYNARA is an accomplished and compelling Documentary.

SUN APR 30
01:45PM
Isabel Bader Theatre

THU MAY 04
05:00PM
Scotiabank Theatre 7

THE MOUNTAINS

Ever have one of those melodramatic moments in your life where you think “this would make for an amazing movie?”. THE MOUNTAINS is here to tell you that it ain’t! Sometimes life just sucks, and you have to do what you have to do it get above it. Due to the loss of his baby brother at a young age, Danish Filmmaker Christian Einshøj explores his contentious family dynamics 25 years after the fact with interviews with his father and two brothers. Replete with armchair psychology, the Film feels at times visually stagnant, employing perhaps too much on archived family video footage without answering the question. Some scenes feel a tad staged (who filmed the brother on a beach in Spain when the Director was in Denmark?) and sequences of the three brothers frolic about the Arctic Circle wearing DC comic superhero costumes induced are jarring in their purpose.

As a rule of thumb, Documentaries are a hard sell to the movie-going public to begin with. For many it feels like homework, which is exactly how I felt at times watching THE MOUNTAINS.

THU APR 27
06:00PM
TIFF Bell Lightbox 4

SUN APR 30
12:00PM
Scotiabank Theatre 5

AMANDA GILMORE (@GilmoreAmanda)

PRAYING FOR ARMAGEDDON

This shocking Documentary is a political thriller that reveals the power and influence of U.S. fundamentalist Evangelicals, as they aim to fulfil the Armageddon prophecy.

Director Tonje Hessen Schei takes us on a deep dive into the faith from all angles. We are introduced to Evangelicals who believe we are heading for Armageddon, a Journalist who investigates the influence they have on U.S. politics as well as first-hand accounts from people living through the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. One thing is for sure, these Evangelicals believe that this conflict is one that will lead them to their end-of-times prediction…and therefore their Armageddon.

The conflict is one that’s difficult for those not involved to understand. Hessen Schei gives immense clarity to the conflict thanks to the subjects living there. This is one of his many achievements. He connects Evangelism to the rise of Christian Nationalism and its geopolitical plan. For instance, many Evangelical “charities” give money which supports settler colonialism in Israel. Furthermore, disgraced U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who has immense support from Evangelicals, placed a U.S. military base and U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. This has been a source of further conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Overall, Praying for Armageddon makes a persuasive argument about the influence this group has on U.S. politics, which extends to issues around the world.

Tue May 02 at 8PM at Isabel Bader Theatre

Thu May 04 at 1:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2

Sun May 07 at 8PM at TIFF BELL Lightbox 2

COVEN

This one is for all who’re curious about witchcraft.

There has been a stigma surrounding witchcraft for centuries. But this insightful Documentary aims to change society’s views by shining a light on a modern retake of an ancient worldwide practice. It follows three millennials Laura, Andra and Canadian singer Ayo a.k.a. Witch Prophet who are reviving the practice and reclaiming the term witch.

All three women believe that Wicca is about being the truest form of a feminist and coming into their own powers. Director Rama Rau has found the perfect subjects to focus on. Each has their own history and is at different stages in their journeys. Therefore, allowing the audience to see all sides of the Wicca practices.

We follow as each finds out what the practice means to them as they search the world finding their own Wicca ancestry. Out of the three subjects, Laura Hokstad, a solitary witch, is the one we follow the most. We watch as she begins her Wicca journey. We learn about most traditions and history alongside her. The most interesting moments happen when she travels around Europe and America finding out that there were many witches in her ancestry.

Coven is a fascinating Documentary about three women coming into their own power. It may not change the minds of all, but it will create a space for conversation. Allowing those who are curious about witchcraft to feel less isolated.

Fri Apr 28 at 8:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1

Fri May 5 at 6:00PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2

More on hotdocs.ca.

Popular franchise THE EQUALIZER is back with its latest installment. Denzel Washignton reprises his role as Robert McCall, facing his past in this new Trailer.

Synopsis:

Since giving up his life as a government assassin, Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) has struggled to reconcile the horrific things he’s done in the past and finds a strange solace in serving justice on behalf of the oppressed. Finding himself surprisingly at home in Southern Italy, he discovers his new friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall knows what he has to do: become his friends’ protector by taking on the mafia.

Directed by:

Antoine Fuqua

Written by:
Richard Wenk

Based on the television series created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim

Produced by:
Todd Black
Jason Blumenthal
Denzel Washington
Antoine Fuqua
Steve Tisch
Clayton Townsend
Alex Siskin
Tony Eldridge
Michael Sloan

Executive Producer:
David Bloomfield
Tarak Ben Ammar
Andy Mitchell

Cast:
Denzel Washington
Dakota Fanning
David Denman

Sony Pictures Canada release THE EQUALIZER 3 September 1, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)

Paramount+ released today the official trailer for FBI TRUE and announced the all-new original docuseries will be available to stream exclusively on the service beginning Friday, May 5, 2023 in Canada. FBI TRUE’s 10 half-hour installments will provide a real-life look into a high-pressure world where split-second decisions can mean life or death, with FBI agents reliving the heart-stopping moments of their biggest cases and revealing the real details only agents can tell.

Each edition of FBI TRUE focuses on dynamic insider conversations between agents when they meet at the FBI’s favorite bar, the Arts & Crafts Beer Parlor, just down the block from their New York headquarters. It’s a hallowed place where law enforcement colleagues talk frankly about the triumphs, tragedies and real truths of their jobs. In this relaxed setting, they share hair-raising stories of dangerous missions carried out by the FBI worldwide. With everything on the line, what choices did they make? How did they keep their cool with a kidnapped child’s life on the line, or with a bomb ticking in an unknown location, or a terrorist on the loose?

Produced in association with Craig Turk, the co-creator of CBS’s hit drama FBI, and Anne Beagan, a veteran FBI special agent, FBI TRUE pulls no punches as the agents directly involved tell their stories with candor and emotion.

FBI TRUE features never-before-seen surveillance video, interrogations with hostage takers and terrorists, and personal photos from the agents’ collections. This is the FBI like you’ve never seen, as agents disclose what happened, and how they felt while working on some of the biggest and most compelling crimes of our time, revealing their fears and exulting in their victories. Viewers will get a spine-tingling
look inside the manhunt for a bomber responsible for injuring 30 people in Manhattan; the desperate search to find Hannah Anderson, a high school cheerleader kidnapped in California; the command center at Waco as agents helplessly watched women and children consumed by fire as the David Koresh’s cult compound ignited; the complex search for the Beltway snipers in Washington, DC; the frustrating effort to find the terrorists who attacked the U.S. mission in Benghazi killing the ambassador; and the search for the brutal Boston mob leader Whitey Bulger.

From the producers behind the Canadian Screen Award nominated series NEVER SEEN AGAIN,  FBI TRUE is produced by Efran Films Canada in association with See It Now Studios. For Efran Films Canada, Mike Schultz is the series producer and showrunner; co-executive producer Solly Granatstein; and executive producers are Shawn Efran, Craig Turk, Anne Beagan, and Azadeh de Leon. For See It Now Studios, Susan Zirinsky, and Terence Wrong are the executive producers, Aysu Saliba is the supervising producer, and Adam Goldfried is the executive director.

“World’s Best,” Disney’s all-new hip-hop musical comedy adventure, produced by the director of “Hamilton,” will stream exclusively on Disney+ beginning June 23, 2023. Co-written, co-executive produced and starring Utkarsh Ambudkar (“Ghosts,” “Free Guy”), who co-wrote the film’s original songs, this Disney+ Original Movie was directed by radiation oncologist turned filmmaker Roshan Sethi (“7 Days”). Joining Ambudkar in the film are newcomer Manny Magnus, Punam Patel, Jake Choi, Max Malas, Piper Wallace, Kayla Njeri, Dorian Giordano, Kathryn Greenwood, Christopher Jackson and Doug E. Fresh. “World’s Best” was written by Jamie King & Ambudkar, with original songs by Ambudkar and Charlie Wilder. Produced by Thomas Kail, who directed the Broadway smash “Hamilton” and produced and directed the 2020 film version, and Kate Sullivan, the film reunites Kail and Ambudkar who first collaborated as director and performer, respectively, of the improvisational hip-hop comedy musical group Freestyle Love Supreme. Terry Gould and Ambudkar serve as the film’s executive producers.

Ambudkar says, “We are all really excited to be bringing this film to Disney+. It’s got dope music and great comedy, and it brings up some important themes in a really accessible way. It’s emotional, it’s full of love and amazing energy and is a film the entire family can watch together. Plus, it presents for the first time a South Asian family at the core of a Disney movie–something I never had growing up–and was something I really wanted to give young people today.”

In “World’s Best,” 12-year-old mathematics genius Prem Patel (Magnus), in the midst of navigating the tumultuous hardships of adolescence, discovers his recently deceased father was a famous rapper and immediately sets out to pursue a career for himself as a rap superstar. While his actions may appear reckless and the quickest way for him to lose everything, Prem, empowered by imaginative hip-hop music-fueled fantasies where he performs with his father (Ambudkar), is determined to find out if hip-hop truly is in his DNA. As his father always used to say, “the world’s best never rest.”

Ambudkar’s additional film credits include “Brittany Runs a Marathon,” “Blindspotting” and “Pitch Perfect.” A rapper and creative force from a young age, Ambudkar was an original member of The Beatards, a NYC-based underground hip-hop group that performed alongside acts like Santigold, Azealia Banks, G-Easy, Public Enemy, Questlove and more. His work with the Beatards eventually helped Ambudkar land “Pitch Perfect.” Originating the role of Aaron Burr in the developmental readings of “Hamilton,” Ambudkar later reunited with Lin-Manuel Miranda as part of the improvisational rap group Freestyle Love Supreme, which garnered a special Tony® Award in 2021. “Vanity,” Ambudkar’s debut album as a solo artist, dropped in 2019 and was quickly followed by “Petty.” In 2020, he released “The Misfits EP” and single “Self Respect.”

Who said Mini-Vans can’t be fun? Honda is here with the 2023 Odyssey Touring to change everything you think about them. We had quite a Test Drive with plenty of excitement including the 2023 Canadian Screen Awards, celebrating excellence in Canadian Television, Film and Digital realms, plus a luxurious and sustainable staycation at 1 Hotel in Toronto. This and some pretty big stars in the City and we were there, thanks to the Honda Odyssey Touring. Plus, the long-awaited racing season is back at Woodbine Racetrack! This is the first year the King’s Plate will run since 1951!

Empowered with a 3.5-litre, 24-valve, Direct Injection, SOHC, i-VTEC® V6 engine and 280 @ 6000 horsepower, this isn’t just any Mini-Van. This eight-seater is equipped to handle any circumstance life throws at you – whether it be a daily commute for you and your loved ones, family travels or heavy hauls.

Despite utility being first, the 2023 Honda Odyssey Touring is incredibly sleek and sophisticated. It defies preconceived notions about the Mini-Van as you know it. For one, it gives you and your passengers a unwavering sense of security and comfort. Right away, we love a ride with Proximity Entry, making those heavy hauls a little easier to navigate before you even step into the driver’s seat. Know your little ones are protected with childproof locks at the back.

The Driver’s seat with 12-way power adjustment including 4-way power lumbar support and that level of care goes to the front passenger also who gets a seat with 8-way power adjustment including 4-way power lumbar support. Seats are ventilated with heating and cooling options. This is one of those features you could only appreciate in these extreme temperatures we get. Case in point, how about that July in April we had last week?

That being said, the Odyssey Touring being more spacious, does exert a bit of effort in cooling the space and our recommendation is to let it do its thing on “AUTO”. You do have the flexibility being in control of front and rear temperatures.

We admit it, we’re actually a little obsessed with those sliding passenger doors (with tinted windows and sunshades) and immense amount of cargo space in the back. It is everything and our passengers thought it was the coolest thing too!

The Odyssey Touring‘s entertainment system is stadium-quality. Navigated through a display audio system, you get 550-watt AM/FM audio system with MP3/Windows Media^® Audio playback capability and 11 speakers including subwoofer, with an Advanced Rear Entertainment System with 10.2-inch, high-resolution WSVGA (1024×600) screen, Blu-ray™ player and embedded streaming media apps. Wireless charging and an array of USB charging options in front, second and get this, third row as well! It is also Bluetooth-ready for all your mobile device needs, and SiriusXM-ready too! We can’t remember life and drives without Hits 1!

Did you know Row Two passengers have their own screen to watch Blu-rays? You can basically live in the Odyssey Touring. There, I said it! All this, plus a scenic panoramic moonroof make for these picture perfect drives.

The Odyssey Touring runs on Regular fuel which we can all appreciate. While larger rides like this can consume more gas, its Fuel Economy of 12.2/8.5/10.6 (city/highway/combined) is very reasonable, enhanced further byhaving an ECON mode.

Let’s talk about Safety. The Odyssey Touring‘s rear-view Camera and sensors of oncoming traffic and obstacles – hyper-aware and you need it when you are driving something larger. In fact, if you are parked too closely to another care behind you – which happens, this is Toronto after all – the trunk won’t open altogether as a protective measure. Immobilizer theft-deterrent system is important at a time when car theft is on driver’s mind of late.

The Odyssey Touring is guided by intuitiveness, helping elimiate those things that can be out of sight, like its Blind Spot Information (BSI) system, Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system and Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS).

Active Safety Measures include Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS^®), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system (HS*), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system (HS*), Hill Start Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with tire fill assist, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA^®) with Traction Control. Having experience a flat earlier this year, I can tell you the value of having all this at your ready.

Can we talk about Rear-Seat Reminder with Cabin-Watch? How cool was it see on our display overhead footage to ensure nothing gets left behind in row two? Iconic. I distinctly recall turning the engine off and on over and again just to see this work. Guilty.

Passive Safety features include Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, HondaLink™ Assist Automatic Emergency Response System, i-SRS airbag system (front), SmartVent™ side airbags, Front knee airbags, Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system and Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH).

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong)

Though we don’t have kids of the human variety, we still can vouch for and appreciate its thoughtful design, immense value and the great comfort it brings our loved ones. And yes, it IS fun!

The 2023 Honda Odyssey Touring starts at $58,921 CAN. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

There’s no stopping THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE as it takes the top spot yet again at the Box Office, with $58 million from 4,350 theatres in its third weekend out for Universal Pictures. This takes its total run thus far, to $434.1 million domestically.

In second is EVIL DEAD RISE with a smashing $23 million from 3,402 theatres in its debut for New Line Cinema/Warner Bros. It gets 86% on the Tomatometer from Critics. Franchise best still goes to 2013’s EVIL DEAD, which opened with $25 million.

Third is Guy Ritchie’s THE COVENANT with $6.1 million from 2,611 theatres for MGM. It gets 81% on the Tomatometer.

AIR lands in fourth with $5.4 million for Amazon Studios/Warner Bros., a total $41 million to date.

Rounding-out our Top Five is DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES with $5.4 million for Paramount Pictures.