Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will are thrilled to give Readers a chance to win Cineplex Run-of-Engagement to see THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE! It’s finally happening! One lucky winner also wins a special Prize Pack from the Movie!

Synopsis:

From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros. 

Directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (collaborators on Teen Titans Go!, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies) from a screenplay by Matthew Fogel (The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part, Minions: The Rise of Gru), the film stars Chris Pratt as Mario, Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach, Charlie Day as Luigi, Jack Black as Bowser, Keegan-Michael Key as Toad, Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong, Fred Armisen as Cranky Kong, Kevin Michael Richardson as Kamek and Sebastian Maniscalco as Spike. 

The film is produced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and by Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo. The film will be co-financed by Universal Pictures and Nintendo and released worldwide by Universal Pictures. 

Genre: Action-Comedy 

Cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, Fred Armisen, Kevin Michael Richardson, Sebastian Maniscalco 

Screenplay: Matthew Fogel 

Directors: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic 

Producers: Chris Meledandri, Shigeru Miyamoto

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

Rules and regulations here.

Universal Pictures Canada release THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE April 5, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

We cannot wait for this! Today we get a new Trailer for QUEEN CHARLOTTE: A BRIDGERTON STORY – an origins story we actually care about!

Synopsis:

Centered on Queen Charlotte’s rise to prominence and power, this Bridgerton-verse prequel tells the story of how the young Queen’s marriage to King George sparked both a great love story and a societal shift, creating the world of the Ton inherited by the characters in Bridgerton.

Cast: Golda Rosheuvel (Queen Charlotte), Adjoa Andoh (Lady Agatha Danbury), and Ruth Gemmell (Lady Violet Bridgerton) reprise their roles from Bridgerton in this series. India Amarteifio (Line of Duty) plays Young Queen Charlotte. Michelle Fairley (Gangs of London) plays Princess Augusta. Corey Mylchreest (The Sandman) plays Young King George. Arsema Thomas (television debut) plays Young Agatha Danbury. Rounding out the cast are Sam Clemmett (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – West End and Broadway, The War Below) as Young Brimsley, Freddie Dennis (The Nevers) as Reynolds, Richard Cunningham (The Witcher) as Lord Bute, Tunji Kasim (Nancy Drew) as Adolphus, Rob Maloney (Casualty) as the Royal Doctor, Cyril Nri (Cucumber) as Lord Danbury, and Hugh Sachs (Bridgerton) as Brimsley (older).

QUEEN CHARLOTTE: A BRIDGERTON STORY arrives May 4, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Apple TV+ today unveiled the premiere date and a first look at “Platonic,” the upcoming 10-episode comedy series starring and executive produced by Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen and co-created, directed, and co-written by Nick Stoller and Francesca Delbanco. The half-hour comedy is set to make its global debut with the first three episodes on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 on Apple TV+, followed by new episodes weekly, every Wednesday.

“Platonic” follows a platonic pair of former best friends approaching midlife (Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne) who reconnect after a long rift. The duo’s friendship becomes all consuming—and destabilizes their lives in a hilarious way. The ensemble cast also stars Luke Macfarlane, Tre Hale, Carla Gallo, and Andrew Lopez.

“Platonic” is produced by Sony Pictures Television, where Stoller and Stoller’s Global Solutions has an overall deal. Byrne, Rogen, Stoller, Delbanco and Conor Welch executive produce.

The series marks the latest collaboration for Apple TV+ and Byrne who also stars in the critically hailed Apple Original series “Physical,” which is set to debut its third season later this year. Rogen is also set to star in an upcoming, untitled comedy series for Apple TV+ that he will write, direct and executive produce alongside Evan Goldberg. It will join a growing offering of hit and award-winning comedy series on Apple TV+ including Emmy Award-winner “Ted Lasso,” “Shrinking,” “Schmigadoon!,” “The Afterparty,” “The Big Door Prize,” “Bad Sisters,” “Trying,” “Mythic Quest” and more.

Today, Prime Video announced the start of production on comedy series The Sticky in Quebec. Margo Martindale, Chris Diamantopoulos, and Guillaume Cyr star in the English-language series inspired by the true story dubbed the “Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist,” which made headlines around the world in 2011 when 70% of the global maple syrup supply—about $18 million (CAD) worth—was stolen. The series will film in and around Montreal with Canadian directors Michael Dowse (Goon, Stuber) and Joyce Wong (Wexford Plaza, Sort of). The Sticky will be available exclusively on Prime Video in 240 countries and territories worldwide in 2024.

The Sticky revolves around Ruth Landry (Margo Martindale), a tough, supremely competent maple syrup farmer who’s had it with being hemmed in by the polite, bureaucratic conventions native to her country’s identity. Especially now that that very bureaucracy is threatening to take away everything she loves: Her farm, her comatose husband, and her right to freedom. With the help of Remy Bouchard (Guillaume Cyr), a mild-mannered security guard, and Mike Byrne (Chris Diamantopoulos), a low-level mobster, Ruth changes her fate—and transforms the future of her community—with the theft of millions of dollars’ worth of maple syrup.

The Sticky is produced by Blumhouse Television, Megamix, Comet Pictures, and Sphere Media. Creators and executive producers are Brian Donovan and Ed Herro; Jonathan Levine and Gillian Bohrer for Megamix; Jamie Lee Curtis for Comet Pictures; Josée Vallée and Bruno Dubé for Sphere Media, Inc.; Jason Blum, Chris McCumber, Jeremy Gold, and Chris Dickie for Blumhouse Television; and Michael Dowse. Lauren Grant serves as co-executive producer. Russell Goldman is an associate producer for Comet Pictures.

Cyr is represented by Maxime & Alexis Vanasse at MVA. Dowse is represented in the U.S. by UTA, Fourth Wall Management, and Paul Hastings, and Great North Artists Management in Toronto. Wong is represented by CAA, Aaron Brown at Avalon Management, and Great North Artists Management in Toronto.

The Sticky is part of Prime Video’s continued investment in Canada, adding to the slate of Canadian Amazon Original series that includes LOL: Qui Rira Le Dernier?, Pendant Ce Temps en Cuisine, Nuit Blanche, Three Pines, The Kids in the Hall, The Lake, LOL: Last One Laughing Canada, All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs, and The Unsolved Murder of Beverly Lynn Smith. Since 2015, Amazon Studios has commissioned over 25 Amazon Original series and films in Canada, including The Man in the High Castle and Upload in British Columbia; The Boys, Reacher, and The Expanse in Ontario; Tales from the Loop in Manitoba; as well as parts of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and The Voyeurs in Quebec.

The Sticky will join the thousands of TV shows and movies from Hollywood and around the world in the Prime Video catalog, including hits Amazon Originals like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Shotgun Wedding, and more.

Prime members will be able to watch all episodes of The Sticky, anywhere and anytime on the Prime Video app for smart TVs, mobile devices, Fire TV, Fire TV stick, Fire tablets, Apple TV, and stream online. In the Prime Video app, Prime members can download episodes on their mobile devices and tablets and watch anywhere offline at no additional cost. Prime Video is available in Canada at no extra cost to a Prime membership for just CAD$ 99/year or CAD$ 9.99/month (plus applicable taxes), new customers can find out more at www.primevideo.com and subscribe to a free 30-day trial.

As Pluto TV in Canada continues to grow its ever-expanding library of programming and FAST channels, the service is pleased to announce its latest content partnership with The Weather Network (Pelmorex Corp.). Canadians can now stream The Weather Network’s new FAST Channel on Pluto TV, tapping into the first weather-related programming service to be provided on FAST in Canada.

“The first week of spring is perfect timing to welcome The Weather Network to Pluto TV Canada,” said Katrina Kowalski, Vice President of Content, Pluto TV and Paramount+ in Canada. “When we introduced Canadians to Pluto TV just a few months ago, we began rolling out our multi-vertical content strategy focusing on providing Canadians with relevant news in addition to entertaining programming. From Global News to Cheddar News, The Weather Network joins our esteemed lineup of News & Opinion feeds, expanding on our ongoing commitment to delivering audiences informative local programming.”

The Weather Network FAST Channel on Pluto TV delivers Canadian audiences real-time weather coverage for major Canadian cities, as well as new weather stories, long-form programs, and in-depth features exclusive to the FAST channel. Long-form programming includes popular series such as Storm Hunters, Power to the People, Captured, and more. The channel also features a new morning show developed exclusively for the streaming audience, hosted by Matt Di Nicolantonio and Michael Vann, delivering the biggest weather stories from across Canada and around the globe.

“We are thrilled to bring our FAST channel to the Pluto TV audience, providing them with The Weather Network’s signature immersive weather storytelling, along with exclusive new shows and in-depth features,” said Hashim Mikael, Platform and Product Manager, Global TV Apps & FAST Channels for The Weather Network. “The Weather Network’s expansion into FAST is an example of our continuous commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our audiences. As it continues to grow, the FAST channel will see that same innovative and audience-centric approach that made The Weather Network Canada’s No. 1 weather source on TV, mobile and digital platforms.”

The Weather Network FAST Channel on Pluto TV follows a series of new channel and content partnerships for the streaming service in Canada including new FAST channels OUTtv Proud and Shades of Black, and a partnership with Blue Ant Media that saw the addition of new channels HauntTV, Crimetime, HistoryTime, and Homeful.

Pluto TV is available for free, with no registration required. Canadian users can watch Pluto TV via web at www.pluto.tv, via the Pluto TV app for Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Android TV, Chromecast, Samsung and LG devices, and via mobile apps on the App Store and Google Play.

Filmed right here in Toronto, Paramount+ Spy-Thriller Series RABBIT HOLE got a welcome home with a premiere at Scotiabank Theatre, plus a bash for its leading man, our v. own Kiefer Sutherland!

Synopsis:

In RABBIT HOLE, John Weir (Kiefer Sutherland), a master of deception in the world of corporate espionage, is framed for murder by powerful forces who have the ability to influence and control populations.

In addition to Sutherland, RABBIT HOLE features a dynamic cast including Charles Dance (“Game of Thrones”) as Dr. Ben Wilson, Meta Golding (“Empire”) as Hailey Winton, Enid Graham (“Mare of Easttown”) as Josephine “Jo” Madi, Rob Yang (“Succession”) as Edward Homm, Walt Klink (“The English”) as The Intern and Jason Butler Harner (“Ozark”) as Valence.

Sutherland serves as executive producer for RABBIT HOLE, alongside writer-directors John Requa and Glenn Ficarra (“This Is Us,” “WeCrashed”), Charlie Gogolak (“The Sinner,” “WeCrashed”), Suzan Bymel (“Designated Survivor”) and Hunt Baldwin (“Longmire,” “The Closer”).

Produced by CBS Studios, the eight-episode season will premiere Sunday, March 26 with two episodes. Following the premiere, new episodes will drop weekly on Sundays, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada, and on the following day, Monday, March 27, 2023 in the U.K., Australia, Latin America, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France. The premiere date in South Korea will be announced at a later date.

We had the pleasure of previewing the first couple episodes of the Series already and it is phenomenal and gripping. Sutherland back doing what he does best. Gritty, intense Thrillers. The Series is mix of genres – a little Rom-Com, Action, Thriller, with tons of suspense. We were on the edge of our seat the whole time and how cool to see Toronto landmarks featured so prominently? The celebration for the Series was held at STORYS, with delightful cocktails and nibbles, commemorating the Series. Did we mention awesome activations too inspired by the Series? We were on surveillance the whole time just like Keifer!

Some highlights from the celebration:

(Photo/video credit: Paramount+/Mr. Will Wong)

On April 1, 2023 the 3D Doubt Your Eyes Exhibition will open its doors in Toronto, becoming the city’s newest interactive exhibition for tourists and locals alike. This wildly popular event has toured in the United States, Europe and the Middle East, captivating millions of visitors.

Toronto will be home to the first 3D Doubt Your Eyes Exhibition in Canada, located in downtown Toronto, at Artscape Sandbox (301 Adelaide St. W). The fully interactive exhibition features 3D hand-paintings and illusion scenes that come together to give visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a fantasy world. At 3D Doubt Your Eyes, each scene brings different stories: visitors “communicate” with the artwork and even become a part of the artwork itself!

Whether it be fighting with dinosaurs, walking on the moon, fixing Mona Lisa’s make-up, becoming a giant, or turning into a Ninja Warrior, 3D Doubt Your Eyes allows visitors to be both the director and main character of their fantasy voyage. Perfect for all ages, visitors can easily be part of this exciting experience by stepping into the scenes and striking poses for their cameras. 3D Doubt Your Eyes is the perfect Instagram opportunity; the photos from this experience look so real, visitors will feel as though they are living in a magic world.

Created by World Touring Exhibitions and brought to Toronto, for its first debut in Canada by Stagetime Productions, 3D Doubt Your Eyes’ 30 interactive points provide an artistic, educational, and entertaining experience unlike any other in Toronto. It is an event that is sure to be enjoyed by the entire family!

“We are thrilled to bring the Canadian debut of ‘Doubt Your Eyes 3D Exhibition’ to Toronto, an interactive experience that provides a unique and unparalleled artistic, educational, and entertaining experience for the whole family, it’s an experience that you won’t want to miss!” said Patrik Wushinski, owner of Stagetime Productions.

3D Surprise Your Eyes is an innovative concept which includes hand-painted scenes by professional 3D artists, alongside illusion scenes, to entertain and amaze guests.

The 3D Doubt Your Eyes Exhibition runs from April 1 until May 19 and will be open 7 days a week, Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (last entry at 5 p.m.) Sunday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (last entry at 6 p.m.) Tickets for Adults (ages 16+) will be priced at CAD 29 + HST and Children (ages 3-15), Students and Seniors (65+ – valid ID required and student ID required) at CAD 24 + HST. A Family Bundle (2 adults + 2 children) at CAD 25.50 + HST and a Group Bundle (min. 8 people) at CAD 27 + HST. Free entry for children under 3 and wheelchair accessible. Tickets are available here.

TIFF is delighted to present a special screening of Searchlight Pictures’ Rye Lane, Raine Allen-Miller’s feature directorial debut, on March 29 at TIFF Bell Lightbox. This advanced screening, presented in partnership with Disney and its platform, is part of a sneak-peek event celebrating the upcoming TIFF Next Wave Film Festival, taking place April 14–16, ahead of the film’s exclusive platform release in Canada on March 31, 2023.

Hailed by critics, earning a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, Rye Lane follows two twenty-somethings, both reeling from bad break-ups, who connect over the course of an eventful day in South London – helping each other deal with their nightmare exes, and potentially restoring their faith in romance. The film, which premiered in January at the 2023 Sundance Festival, features breakout performances from David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah, and was listed as one of “18 Films Directed By Women That We Can’t Wait To See In 2023” by British Vogue. Driven by Allen-Miller’s bold, playful direction, Rye Lane is permeated by a vibrant, energetic style that celebrates Black joy, friendship, and love. This hilarious and heartwarming debut is above all an ode to South London and what it means to find connection in the people, places, and communities that give us strength.

“Those that are youngish and in the know, know that Next Wave Film Festival is TIFF’s hidden gem, a unique showcase of films selected by some of Toronto’s most impressive, young cinephiles – come to connect and be inspired.” said Anita Lee, Chief Programming Officer, TIFF. “The Next Wave celebration kicks off on March 29, opening with an exhibition by multimedia artist, kaya joan, followed by the exclusive screening of Raine Allen-Miller’s Sundance hit Rye Lane, the perfect rom-com antidote for the times.”

The March 29th celebration is curated by the TIFF Next Wave Committee, who also take the lead in programming the 12th edition of the TIFF Next Wave Film Festival (April 14–16). Hailing from across the GTA — from Scarborough, to York, to Mississauga — and ranging in age from 15 to 18, the Committee is made up of 12 teen film enthusiasts, many of whom are young creators and filmmakers. The festival is a one-of-a-kind talent incubator in the world, and features a lineup of Canadian and North American premieres, creator Q&As, workshops, and collaborations with leading filmmakers to celebrate new voices in cinema.

This year’s Committee members include Arjun Persaud, Celina Tang, Dev Desai, Ellie Tripp, Faven Tesfamichael, Honora Murphy, Keertan Somasundaram, Maggie Kane, Naiya Forrester, Norah Daudi, Simona Williams, and Tara Sidhu. These passionate young film lovers collaborate to curate TIFF Next Wave’s Official Selection and programming through fresh and timely perspectives for youth audiences in Toronto and across Canada. With the guidance of TIFF staff, the Committee also supports year-round TIFF programming for young audiences and curates a selection of “Next Wave-approved” films at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Alumni of the TIFF Next Wave Committee that have internationally developed their careers include Shiva Baby and Bottoms director Emma Seligman, Ms. Marvel’s star Iman Vellani, and NYC-based film programmer Samah Ali, among others.

Prior to the Rye Lane screening, audiences are invited to the opening of Lost & Found: There are so many worlds exhibition in the TIFF Bell Lightbox atrium from 5pm to 7pm. Curated by the TIFF Next Wave Committee, this free public art exhibition features multi-media works by Afro-Indigenous artist kaya joan, created with found and recycled substrates from around the city, investigating the stories that exist in the in-between spaces held in place. This exhibition will be on display from March 21 to April 30.

Young audiences can continue the celebrations with a Lost & Found themed Opening Night Party to launch the Festival on April 14, featuring a series of events, from the Battle of the Scores musical showdown, special guests’ attendance, and more. The TIFF Bell Lightbox atrium will transform into a time machine, featuring retro sights and sounds, with a variety of interactive activations and fun decor, like dance floors, clothing swaps, rug tufting photo backdrops, and more. tiff.net for more.

Paramount+ today announced that YONDER, its brand-new original drama series from South Korea, will premiere exclusively on the service on April 11th in Canada, the U.S., U.K., Australia, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France.

After his wife, Yi-hoo, passes away from an illness, Jae-hyun one day receives a message from her – an invitation to a world called “Yonder,” which was designed based on her memories. Jae-hyun goes to Yonder and reunites with Yi-hoo again. But can they be together forever? YONDER is directed by Lee Jun-ik and stars Shin Ha-kyun (“Beyond Evil”), Han Ji-min (“Rooftop Prince”), Lee Jeong-eun (“Parasite”) and Jung Jin-young (“Ode to My Father”).

Produced by CJ ENM and Doodoong Pictures, the series is the first local production out of Paramount Global’s strategic partnership with leading entertainment company CJ ENM. Last year, Paramount+ officially marked its entry to Asia with the launch of its streaming service in South Korea on TVING, one of Korea’s leading streaming platforms, launched by CJ ENM. Paramount+ also recently announced its second local production as part of the deal with CJ ENM, BARGAIN, which launched on TVING in October last year, and will premiere exclusively on Paramount+ globally this summer where the service is available. YONDER and BARGAIN are licensed by Paramount Global Content Distribution outside of Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

In addition to YONDER, a collection of thriller & mystery Korean drama series produced by global IP powerhouse CJ ENM and its studios will also be available to stream on Paramount+ globally starting April 11th, including:

· SIGNAL – Communicating via a walkie-talkie that transcends time, a criminal profiler from 2015 and a detective from 1989 join forces to tackle crimes and injustice. Produced by Studio Dragon and AStory, SIGNAL stars Lee Je-hoon (“Move to Heaven”), Kim Hye-soo (“Default”) and Cho Jin-woong (“A Hard Day”).

· VOICE (SEASONS 1 & 2) – VOICE follows the employees of an emergency call center and dispatch teams as they try to help victims using only what they hear during their calls for help. Two police officers join forces to become the “Golden Time team” to solve cases as they happen in real time. Produced by Studio Dragon and Content K, VOICE stars Jang Hyuk (“The Killer: A Girl Who Deserves to Die”) and Lee Ha-na (“Alone in Love”).

· SAVE ME (SEASONS 1 & 2) – A dark religious cult masquerading as a peaceful pastoral church wreaks havoc on unsuspecting community members. Produced by Studio Dragon and Hidden Sequence, the series stars Oc Taec-yeon (“Vincenzo”) and Seo Yea-ji (“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay”).

Montreal-based, not-for-profit documentary platform Tënk, currently celebrating its 3rd year anniversary, has announced its expansion into English Canada coinciding with a fundraising campaign to raise 20K through subscriptions. Run by Florence Lamothe, Co-Director and General Manager and Naomie Décarie-Daigneault, Co-Director and Artistic Director, and curated by a diverse list of esteemed filmmakers, critics, and programmers, Tënk brings the best in contemporary and classic auteur-driven documentaries. With over 40 films on SVOD and 350 films on VOD, current films on the platform include the award-winning No Ordinary Man by Chase Joynt and Aisling Chin-Yee’s, Still Processing by Sophy Romvari, and a retrospective of icon Allan King’s best works. For more information visit tenk.ca.

“In 2018, Naomie and I, who were both already heavily involved in the documentary world, traveled to France to visit the Tënk organization, who are known leaders in their field in Europe. We came away completely inspired,” said Florence Lamothe, General Manager. “We decided to bring together our individual forces and follow the French model for Canada, with a focus in the Quebec market to start. Now that we are 3 years in, we are ready to push the platform out to the rest of Canada and bring the best in documentaries to new viewers.”

“Canada is known for its wealth of documentary filmmakers and we are so proud to be able to showcase Canadian auteurs alongside their international peers,” said Naomie Décarie-Daigneault, Artistic Director. “Never has there been a time in which the documentary genre has been more necessary to tell important stories from around the world. We are all struggling to understand the numerous issues that face humanity, and documentary films offer a meaningful way to educate, transform and inspire people. We feel it’s imperative to make these films as accessible as possible to all Canadians.”

Since its inception in 2020, Tënk has streamed over 850 titles, with nearly 400 of those being Canadian. Each week, 5 films are added to the lineup ensuring viewers have fresh and current options. The platform screens the best from high profile film festivals including Visions du Réel, Locarno International Film Festival, Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, RIDM (Montreal International Film Festival) and has curated retrospectives on some of the best documentarians in the world including: Chris Marker, Robert Kramer, Nicolas Philibert, Artavazd Pelechian, Chantal Akerman, Patricio Guzman, Sofia Bohdanowicz, Agnès Varda, Danae Elon, Allan King, among others.

As a solidarity cooperative and subscription-based documentary streaming platform, Tënk services both the industry through its membership for documentarians across Canada as well as the public through its rigorous and meticulous curation of the best documentary films available. In Canada, industry members have a role in the strategic decision-making of the organization, while the curation rests in the hands of the programming team. Tënk allows the industry professionals and organizations to be directly involved so that the decisions taken reflect a common vision.

Tënk offers different levels of subscription for the public from $10/month to $100/year. As part of the subscription, viewers have access to approximately 40 documentaries which are made available for a 2 month window, with 5 films added weekly. Once out of the SVOD catalog, most films remain available for rental (over 350 titles), at the cost of $3 for 48 hours. The Tenk platform can be accessed through PC, tablet, smartphone, Apple TV, Android TV.