The Disney+ Original series “American Born Chinese,” the genre-hopping action-comedy based on the graphic novel of the same name by Gene Luen-Yang, just released a new teaser announcing its powerhouse roster of guest stars. The series, from Disney Branded Television and produced by 20th Television, debuts May 24, 2023 on Disney+.

“American Born Chinese” tells the story of Jin Wang, an average teenager juggling his high school social life with his home life. When he meets a new foreign student on the first day of the school year, even more worlds collide as Jin is unwittingly entangled in a battle of Chinese mythological gods.

The coming-of-age adventure features an all-star international cast, including Academy® Award-Nominees and Golden Globe winners Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan (“Everything Everywhere All at Once”), Ben Wang (“Chang Can Dunk”), two-time International Emmy^® Award nominee Yeo Yann Yann (“Wet Season”), Chin Han (“Mortal Kombat”), Daniel Wu (“Reminiscence”), former Taekwondo champion Jimmy Liu and Sydney Taylor (“Just Add Magic”).

Introducing audiences to a pantheon of iconic Chinese mythical characters, are guest stars Ronny Chieng as unconventional monk, Ji Gong; Jimmy O. Yang as Dragon King, Ao Guang; James Hong as Jade Emperor; Leonard Wu as Niu Mowang/Bull Demon, who join previously announced guest stars Academy® Award nominee Stephanie Hsu as Shiji Niangniang, the Goddess of Stones; and Poppy Liu as Princess Iron Fan. The series also welcomes Lisa Lu as soon-to-be retired acupuncturist Ni Yang and Rosalie Chiang as student activist Suzy Nakamura.

Emmy^® Award-winning writer/producer Kelvin Yu (“Bob’s Burgers,” “Central Park”) serves as executive producer and showrunner. Destin Daniel Cretton (Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “Short Term 12”) is set to direct and serves as executive producer, alongside Melvin Mar and Jake Kasdan (both of “Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.,” “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and “Jumanji: The Next Level”), Erin O’Malley (“Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.”), Asher Goldstein (“Short Term 12,” “Just Mercy”) and Gene Luen Yang.

(Photo/video credit: Disney+)

The Toronto Film Critics Association is pleased to announce its recipients in the Company 3 Luminary Award, the Stella Artois Jay Scott Prize and the Telefilm Canada Emerging Critic Award.

Veteran Toronto International Film Festival programmer Steve Gravestock is the recipient of this year’s Company 3 Luminary Award. The TFCA thanks Company 3 for enabling the Luminary Award recipient to give $50,000 in services to a filmmaker of the honouree’s choosing. Gravestock will announce his designate in the days to come.

During his 25 years with TIFF, Gravestock has created a legacy of discovery where he introduced films like Denis Villeneuve’s Incendies and Philippe Falardeau’s Monsieur Lazhar, which went on to score Oscar nominations. His choices represented Canada on the world stage, as he continued to present the best new talent each year. Gravestock has shaped our appreciation of Canadian film through TIFF’s Canada’s Top Ten and he will be remembered for hosting colourful post-screening panel discussions that introduced audiences to our best storytellers.

A believer in “We the North” long before the Raptors, Gravestock was also the programmer of Nordic film, picking Academy Award nominees like Petter Næss’s Elling, Mikael Håfström’s Evil, Susanne Bier’s In a Better World and Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person In The World.

The Company 3 Luminary Award recognizes a Canadian industry figure who has made a substantial and outstanding contribution to the advancement and/or history of Canadian cinema. This includes, but is not limited to, writers, directors, producers, distributors, actors, academics, cinematographers and technicians. Those who can viably be seen as forwarding Canadian cinema and culture through their work are eligible. In the spirit of the pay-it-forward nature of the honour, the recipient names an emerging filmmaker to receive $50,000 in services from Company 3.

Carol Nguyen wins the Stella Artois Jay Scott Prize for an emerging artist, which carries a $10,000 purse, courtesy of Labatt. By age 20, the Vietnamese-Canadian was already turning heads worldwide with acclaimed short films drawn from her life. Her short documentaries Every Grain of Rice and No Crying at the Dinner Table and the drama Nanitic have been showcased at more than 80 film festivals, including TIFF, where the latter won the IMDBpro Short Cuts Share Her Journey Award.

As well, the TFCA announced its Telefilm Canada Emerging Critic award for aspiring film reviewers. Michelle Krasovitski was born to parents who left the Soviet Ukraine and shared their hunger for uncensored film experiences with her in their new country. Currently working on a master’s thesis in film, she has covered TIFF, Hot Docs and the Sundance film festivals for various publications. The Telefilm Canada Emerging Critic award comes with a cash prize of $1,000, courtesy of Telefilm Canada.

The Toronto Film Critics Association will announce the coveted Rogers Best Canadian Film Award, by far Canada’s richest film prize at $100,000, with $5,000 going to each of the two runners-up. The winner will be announced at the 26th Annual TFCA Awards Gala, held at The Omni King Edward Hotel Toronto on Monday, March 6, 2023.

The TFCA is extremely grateful to founding sponsor Rogers Communications for the Rogers Best Canadian Film Award, to returning sponsors Labatt for the Stella Artois Jay Scott Prize for an emerging artist, to Netflix as the Dinner sponsor, to Air Canada as Official Airline and to Company 3 as the Luminary Award sponsor. The TFCA welcomes new sponsors Universal Pictures Canada as the Cocktail Reception sponsor, Prime Video as the After-Party sponsor, Telefilm Canada as the Emerging Critic sponsor and Pinnacle Live as the Official AV Sponsor. The TFCA also thanks sponsors Cineplex Entertainment, Omni King Edward Hotel and salutes stalwart supporters, G.H. Mumm Champagne, L’Eat Catering, Zoomer Magazine, Chairman Mills and The Printing House.

Website: www.torontofilmcritics.com
Twitter: @tfca

Who loves the nostalgia of Arcades? Beginning next week, Hotel X is hosting THE RETRO ARCADE Pop-Up! Also, for a limited time only, they are offering some amazing Valentines packages. Only the best for you and your loved ones!

Details:

Between February 17th and March 19th, 2023 the best arcade games of the 80s and 90s are popping up at The Retro Arcade inside Hotel X Toronto. Open to hotel guests (complimentary with stay) and locals ($30 play all day pass) alike, The Retro Arcade will have the classic video games Street Fighter II, NFL Blitz, Nascar, Galaga, Ms. Pac-Man and more, plus air hockey, foosball and multiple pinball games. 

Speaking of pinball, the highest score on the Iron Maiden Pinball game by close on March 19th will win a weekend stay at Hotel X Toronto. Pinball pros can enter their initials on the game scoreboard and tag a picture of their high score on the game @HotelXToronto to enter to win. 

The Retro Arcade pop-up is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm, and once guests are in, it’s unlocked for free play all day! 

Also, if you’re still looking for things to do with your loved one on Valentine’s Day, consider Hotel X’s CELEBRATE LOVE Package! Included in the limited time offer are:

-A $100 credit towards a Romance Experience with personalized planning with the dedicated Romance Concierge to make any romantic wish come true. The Romance Concierge can help with planning a private midnight dip in the heated rooftop pool, a private sunset yoga class, rose petals leading into the bathtub, a private movie screening of your favourite movie, a delicious dessert delivered to you in-room, or they can even assist you with planning a proposal — the options are endless!

-An opulent in-room amenity including a bottle of wine, an array of artisanal macarons, ruby chocolate disks with candied orange, and more.

-Daily complimentary self-parking and the added convenience of early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability

-Also offered at Hotel X, the award-winning Guerlain Spa provides guests with an exclusive Couples Journey which includes customisable Imperial Relaxing Massage, and concludes with a Radiance Facial. Guests can relax in the spa lounge and raise a toast to their love with a glass of complimentary Prosecco. 

-Dine at either of Hotel X’s stunning restaurants, ROSES Cocina or Valerie with special menus for Valentine’s Day. 

-Spend three luxurious nights at Hotel X and enjoy a third night complimentary. 

Doesn’t that sound incredible?

Some upcoming releases to put on your radar from distributor Mubi Canada.

LINGUI: THE SACRED BONDS
dir. Mahamat-Saleh Haroun, 2021

On the outskirts of the capital of Chad, determined single mother Amina works tirelessly to provide for herself and her 15-year old daughter Maria. When Amina discovers Maria is pregnant and does not want a child, the two women begin to seek out an abortion, condemned by both religion and law.

Playing at the Revue Cinema (Toronto):

February 18th – 6:45pm ET
February 20th – 6:30pm ET
February 21st – 9:30pm ET
See ticket information at revuecinema.ca.

ALCARRÀS
dir. Carla Simón, 2022

In a small Catalonian village, the peach farmers of the Solé family spend every summer together picking fruit from their orchard. But when plans arise to install solar panels and cut down trees, the members of this tight-knit group suddenly face eviction — and the loss of far more than their home.

Playing at Cinema Du Park (Montréal):

February 24 – timing TBA
See ticket information at cinemaduparc.com.

(Available to stream in Canada on mubi.com as of February 24.)

FOR VIOLA in Partnership with MUBI
Free special screening at Hot Docs

February 25 – 9pm ET – Join Dear Jackie director Henri Pardo (via Zoom), Tallawah Abroad director Sharine Taylor and moderator Angelyn Francis for a post-screening Q&A at Hot Docs (Toronto).

DEAR JACKIE
dir. Henri Pardo, 2021

In 1946, Jackie Robinson did the impossible and broke the colour barrier in Major League Baseball. But did Montréalers use this historic moment to perpetuate a myth of a post-racial society?

TALLAWAH ABROAD
dir. Sharine Taylor, 2019

Little Jamaica, a neighbourhood in Toronto’s west end, was a once thriving hub for Black and Caribbean business owners until the ills of gentrification reared its ugly head.

More details can be found at hotdocs.ca.

THE KINGDOM EXODUS
A limited event series from Lars Von Trier

Sleepwalker Karen is summoned to the Kingdom by a mysterious voice appearing to her in a nightmare, pleading for help. At the hospital, she comes across old friends of the Kingdom as well as new members of staff. To exorcize the evil spirits once and for all, Karen joins forces with the hospital porter Balder, and the heart surgeon Judith – but satanic forces fight back.

Playing at the Revue Cinema (Toronto):

February 25 – 3:45pm ET
February 25 – 12:45pm ET
See ticket information at revuecinema.ca.

DECISION TO LEAVE
dir. Park Chan-wook, 2022

From a mountain peak in South Korea, a man plummets to his death. Did he jump, or was he pushed? When detective Hae-joon arrives on the scene, he begins to suspect the dead man’s wife Seo-rae. But as he digs deeper into the investigation, he finds himself trapped in a web of deception and desire.

Playing at the following locations:

Capitol Kelly Theatre (Windsor) – February 10
Ciné-Centre (Baie-Comeau) – February 10
Ciné-Campus (Montréal) – February 14 & 15
Ciné-Cinéma (Huntingdon) – February 17
Cinefest Picton (Picton) – February 20
North of Superior Film (Thunder Bay) – February 22
CinéLune (Gaspé) – February 21

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves will have a new TV Spot presented during this weekend’s Big Game! Here’s your first look!

SYNOPSIS:

A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the rich world and playful spirit of the legendary roleplaying game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure.

Directed by:

Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley

Screenplay by:

Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley and Michael Gilio

Story by:

Chris McKay & Michael Gilio

Based on HASBRO’S DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

Produced by:

Jeremy Latcham, p.g.a., Brian Goldner, Nick Meyer

Executive Producers:

Denis L. Stewart, Jonathan Goldstein,

John Francis Daley, Chris Pine, Zev Foreman, Greg Mooradian

Cast:

Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, Chloe Coleman, Daisy Head and Hugh Grant

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES arrives in theatres via Paramount Pictures Canada MARCH 31, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)

Today, Amazon Studios released the teaser trailer for the new series Swarm, premiering all episodes on March 17 exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. From co-creators and executive producers Janine Nabers and Donald Glover, the series stars Dominique Fishback as Dre. Swarm is set as the Opening Night TV Premiere at the SXSW Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas on March 10, 2023.

Janine Nabers serves as showrunner for the series and Donald Glover directed the pilot. Stephen Glover, Fam Udeorji, Steven Prinz, and Michael Schaefer serve as executive producers. Dominique Fishback also serves as a producer. Swarm comes from Amazon Studios and Gilga.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video Canada)

Her star is rising fast, but Kathryn Newton actually has been hard at work for quite some time. Landing memorable roles in prolific titles like Big Little Lies, Freaky,  Pokémon Detective Pikachu and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, she now is ready to be seen in her biggest production yet.

Hailing from Miami, the Actress makes her debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Cassie Lang, taking us into this fifth phase of the Franchise as the daughter of Ant-Man/Scott Lang (Paul Rudd). Newton returned to Toronto for the Canadian Premiere of Marvel’s ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA as the red carpet was rolled-out at Varsity Cinemas.

The Blockbuster sees Scott and Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), along with their families, exploring the Quantum Realm, where they are pushed to their limits, finding themselves up against Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors). It focuses of themes of family, reconciliation and truth, and is being touted as the most relatable and vulnerable entry into the MCU yet.

We’re so thrilled to have chat with Newton about her impressions of the City, her amazing fashion and what to expect of her character Cassie Lang. She also just celebrated her birthday!

We ask Newton about her thoughts on Toronto, this her first time back since 2018 when she was here at TIFF for Ben is Back. We learned on this whirlwind Press Tour she actually got very little sleep, flying-in on a red-eye flight.

Newton: “It’s so cold. I don’t remember it being this cold last time I was here. But I’m really excited to be here. I think it’s a little overwhelming that it’s me here for the Movie and I’m in it. And I really don’t want to just let it rush by.”.

The effervescent star has opted for equally bold, bright colours in her fashion on this Press Tour. We ask her about her inspiration.

Newton: “I’m from Miami so I’ve always been a little extra. I’m always gonna do the thing that’s risky or just a little too much. They tried getting me to wear pants to this. I’m like, this is Ant-Man. I’m never gonna wear pants.”.

Though Cassie Lang has been played by other Actresses as the character has been explored in her younger years prior, this is Newton‘s actual debut in the MCU. She tells us about her character and how this iteration is diffferent from any other.

Newton: “Well, you’re gonna meet a new girl. We’ve seen versions of Cassie in the past, but we’ve never seen her like this. It’s continuing a legacy of Cassie Lang that fans already love so much and we thought about the fans every single day. You’re gonna meet someone who has a really big heart and cares a lot about other people, but doesn’t really know what her power is and kinda trips allover herself and is kind of a dork and a mess. She’s really a lot like me. That impatience gets her into a lot of trouble.”.

She also tells us about the most difficult thing about working with MCU veteran Paul Rudd, who plays her father, who is looking to repair his relationship with her.

Newton: “Yeah, it was really difficult because I couldn’t get through a single scene. I was laughing and smiling the whole time on the Movie!”.

Watch a Reel of highlights below:

Snaps from the night, including that gorgeous dress Newton wore:

Marvel Studios Canada and Walt Disney Studios Canada release ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA Friday, February 17, 2023.

We also were able to sit-in on the global press conference for the Film earlier this week. Click here for more.

(Photo/video credit: Marvel Studios Canada/Mr. Will Wong)

Today, Disney+, Disney Junior, and Lucasfilm announced that “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” will premiere on Disney+ and Disney Junior on May 4, 2023. In Canada viewers can also watch it live and on demand with STACKTV. Set during The High Republic era, the animated series follows Jedi younglings as they study the ways of the Force, explore the galaxy, help citizens and creatures in need, and learn valuable skills needed to become Jedi along the way.

Disney+ and Lucasfilm also released two stills from the series, which include Master Yoda, Jedi younglings Kai, Lys, and Nubs, and their friends Nash and RJ-83 on planet Tenoo. The second image shows Lys, Kai, and Nubs during a training sequence.

Produced by Lucasfilm for Disney+ and Disney Junior, “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” is executive produced by Lucasfilm’s James Waugh, Jacqui Lopez, and Josh Rimes. Michael Olson (“Puppy Dog Pals”) is showrunner and executive producer; Elliot M. Bour (“Elena of Avalor”) is supervising director and co-producer; Jeannine Hodson (“Puppy Dog Pals”) is producer; and Lamont Magee (“Black Lightning”) is consulting producer.

“‘Star Wars’ transcends generations; fans of all ages deeply connect with its imaginative worlds, mythic stories, and unique characters,” says James Waugh, “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” executive producer and Senior Vice President Franchise Content & Strategy at Lucasfilm. “When developing ‘Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures,’ the first ‘Star Wars’ series created for preschoolers, the creative team never stopped thinking about how this show may be a ‘youngling’s’ first step into a larger world and their first time experiencing the limitless potential of the ‘Star Wars’ galaxy. The show’s characters, tone, and the life lessons woven throughout each episode were written just for them, and our talented team was committed to honoring the cinematic legacy while staying true to the expectations of parents for the youngest of audiences.”

Added: Alyssa Sapire, Senior Vice President, Development, Series, Strategy, Disney Junior: “Our collaboration with Lucasfilm on this series is an amazing opportunity to introduce this universally cherished franchise to a younger generation. As an early entry point into ‘Star Wars,’ we have created a world with exciting new and familiar characters and storylines that highlight the values of compassion, teamwork, and friendship, which are important elements for all of our Disney Junior programming.”

“Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” stars Jamaal Avery, Jr. as Kai Brightstar, Juliet Donenfeld as Lys Solay, Dee Bradley Baker as Nubs, Emma Berman as Nash Durango, Jonathan Lipow as RJ-83, and Piotr Michael as Master Yoda.

“Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures” will debut on Disney+ and Disney Junior on May 4, 2023.

Well Go USA Entertainment and Mr. Will are giving Readers a chance to win a copy of PROJECT WOLF HUNTING on Blu-ray™.

Synopsis:

During transport, a group of hardened criminals stages a jailbreak that quickly escalates into a bloody, all-out riot. As the fugitives exact their brutal terror campaign onboard the ship, something even more terrifying emerges from below. The action-packed thriller from director Kim Hong-Sun (Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area) stars Seo In-guk (The Master’s Sun, Hello Monster), Jang Dong-yoon (Search, Mr. Sunshine), Choi Guy-hwa (Train to Busan, The Wailing), Sung Dong-il (The Cursed, The Great Battle), Park Ho-san (The Call, Prison Playbook) and Jung So-min (Alchemy of Souls).

PROJECT WOLF HUNTING features an all-new English dub, along with bonus content including “Behind the Scenes” and “Making the Alpha” featurettes.

Check-out our Dave Baldwin‘s Review here.

To enter for a chance, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. RT the below for an additional chance.

Rules and regulations here.

Well Go USA Entertainment release PROJECT WOLF HUNTING February 14, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Well Go USA Entertainment)

Netflix present the official Trailer for LUTHER: THE FALLEN SUN, with Idris Elba reprising his acclaimed role once again.

About Luther: The Fallen Sun
Director: Jamie Payne
Writer: Neil Cross
Producers: Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping, David Ready, Neil Cross, Idris Elba
Executive Producers: Dan Finlay, Brendan Ferguson, Miki Emmerich, Kris Thykier, Priscilla Parish
Cast: Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Andy Serkis, Dermot Crowley
Logline: In Luther: The Fallen Sun — an epic continuation of the award-winning television saga reimagined for film — a gruesome serial killer is terrorising London while brilliant but disgraced detective John Luther (Idris Elba) sits behind bars. Haunted by his failure to capture the cyber psychopath who now taunts him, Luther decides to break out of prison to finish the job by any means necessary. The film also stars Cynthia Erivo, Andy Serkis and Dermot Crowley, who returns as Martin Schenk.

LUTHER: THE FALLEN SUN arrives March 10, 2023 on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)