#FIRSTLOOK: “RABBIT HOLE” NEW TEASER TRAILER

Paramount+ recently announced the premiere date for Toronto-filmed RABBIT HOLE and released the series teaser art. Produced by CBS Studios, the eight-episode season will premiere Sun., March 26 with two episodes. New episodes will drop weekly on Sundays, exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada, and on the following day Mon., March 27, 2023 in the U.K., Australia, Latin America, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France. RABBIT HOLE was filmed in Toronto in the summer of 2022. Today we get a new Teaser Trailer!

In RABBIT HOLE, nothing is what it seems when John Weir (Keifer Sutherland), a master of deception in the world of corporate espionage, is framed for murder by powerful forces with 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, Jason Butler Harner (“Ozark”) as Valence, Walt Klink (“Arctic Circle”) as The Intern and Rob Yang (“Succession”), as Edward Homm.

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”).

(Photo credit: Paramount+)

#FIRSTLOOK: CBC ANNOUNCE BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2023 PROGRAMMING

CBC is celebrating BLACK HISTORY MONTH throughout February with a wide range of programming across its platforms featuring Black creators, storytellers and changemakers. 

Highlights of CBC’s Black History Month programming include the following:

CBC News

CBC website BEING BLACK IN CANADA highlights the stories and experiences of Black Canadians year-round, providing a wide range of content celebrating the culture and achievements of Canada’s Black communities while also offering a window into their struggles.

BEING BLACK IN CANADA – BLACK CHANGEMAKERS 2023 

Launching February 1 at cbc.ca/beingblackincanada

Black Changemakers is a Quebec and Atlantic Canada editorial series that recognizes individuals who are creating positive change in their community through actions big and small. From creators and community organizers to students and entrepreneurs, the series highlights current-day changemakers, helping shape our future and inspiring others. 

BEING BLACK IN CANADA: FRIENDS & ALLIES 

Available throughout the month of February at cbc.ca/beingblackincanada |An interview will air every Wednesday in February on CBC News Network’s CANADA TONIGHT and all four interviews as a half-hour special on CBC News Network and CBC Gem on Saturday, February 25 at 4:30 p.m. ET, 9:30 p.m. ET and 11:30 p.m. ET. 

Being Black in Canada presents a special four-part series about Black Canadians and their trusted allies, offering inspirational intersectional stories which showcase allyship in action. 

CBC TV and CBC Gem

THE NATURE OF THINGS: SECRET AGENTS OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

Friday February 3 at 9 pm (9:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem

SECRET AGENTS OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD is a revealing, scientific exploration of how a Niagara Falls hotel, The Cataract House, became the focal point for a 19th century North American Black Resistance movement. Using strategic scientifically focused investigations, we follow host Anthony Morgan and a team of archaeologists from the University of Buffalo on an emotional journey as they recover parts of the hotel’s foundation. The archaeological dig unearths stories about how the hotel’s head waiter, John Morrison, and his seemingly innocuous wait staff covertly orchestrated Freedom Seekers’ escapes to freedom.

DEAR JACKIE (feature documentary directed by Henri Pardo)

Sunday, February 5 at 8 pm (8:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem 

After a stint with the minor-league Montreal Royals, Jackie Robinson was the first Black man to play in Major League Baseball and a key contributor to the civil rights movement in the United States. When Robinson broke the colour barrier in professional baseball in 1946, the impossible seemed possible in a segregated North America. All Montrealers Black and white cheered him on and treated him like a hero. But did the white majority use the historic moment to perpetuate the myth of a post-racial society?

CBC GEM BLACK HISTORY MONTH COLLECTIONS

Titles launching throughout the month of February 

CBC Gem offers four Black History Month collections – BLACK STORIES, CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY, BLACK ART & MUSIC, and MUST WATCH BLACK LEADS – featuring over 60 series, films and documentaries that explore Black history and culture, and celebrate Black success. 

Highlights include Season 2 of Emmy^©-winning fictional musical variety series SHERMAN’S SHOWCASE created by Bashir Salahuddin and Diallo Riddle and executive produced by John Legend; multiple Oscar^©-winning film MOONLIGHT directed by Barry Jenkins; and poignant drama THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO directed by Joe Talbot. Canadian premieres include two-part documentary RIGHT TO OFFEND: THE BLACK COMEDY REVOLUTION (directed by Mario Diaz and Jessica Sherif), about the progression of Black comedy and the comedians who have used pointed humour to expose, challenge and ridicule society’s injustices; and documentary BLIND AMBITION (directed by Rob Coe and Warwick Ross), the inspiring story of four Zimbabwean refugees who conquered the odds to become South Africa’s top sommeliers.

The CBC Gem collection, CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH (KIDS), showcases kids series and specials featuring Black talent in front of and behind the camera, and celebrates diversity and inclusiveness. 

CBC Black History Month Events 

BEING BLACK IN CANADA LIVE 

Special Public Event at the CBC Broadcasting Centre (250 Front St. W) in Toronto on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Join CBC’s Being Black in Canada for a special free celebration to kick off Black History Month.

Hosted by Odario Williams and Marcia Young, BEING BLACK IN CANADA LIVE will feature a keynote by singer, actor, and speaker Jully Black; performances by New Dimension Steel Orchestra, spoken word artist Keosha Love, musical artist Tracey Kayy; and a special preview of Being Black in Canada’s 2023 programming, followed by a reception. More information and free ticket registration can be found here.

SECRET AGENTS OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD 

Special Public Screening Event at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor St. W) in Toronto on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. 

CBC, the Black Screen Office and Attraction will be hosting a special free screening of THE NATURE OF THINGS’ documentary SECRET AGENTS OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD on February 23. The event will feature a panel discussion with documentary host Anthony Morgan, who was also recently named one of the new co-hosts of THE NATURE OF THINGS beginning in the 2023-24 broadcast season. More information and ticket details for the event will be available here on Monday, January 30. 

CBC Podcasts

THE AFRICAS VS. AMERICA

Weekly starting Monday, February 6, 2023 || 7 episodes on CBC Listen and everywhere podcasts are available 

In the spring of 1985, the City of Philadelphia became the first in U.S. history to drop a bomb on a family of American citizens. The attack killed 11 people, including five children, and the ensuing fire set an entire neighbourhood to ruins. The targets that day? A family of Black radicals known collectively as MOVE, who found themselves ensnared in a city — and nation’s — domestic war on Black Liberation. Over seven episodes, host Matthew Amha investigates the events that culminated in the MOVE bombing, and the long afterlife of a forgotten American tragedy. Through intimate conversations, THE AFRICAS VS. AMERICA offers an unseen look into MOVE’s origins and dynamics while looking ahead to the group’s uncertain future.

CBC Arts 

On February 1, CBC Arts will unveil a new Black History Month-themed logo from artist Jimmy Baptiste as part of their monthly logo project, with an accompanying Q&A. Features in February will include an interview with artist Esmaa Mohamoud regarding her current Art Gallery of Alberta show, and a new episode of Here and Queer with the filmmakers behind the Jackie Shane heritage minute, Pat Mills and Ayo Tsalithaba.

CBC Books

In February, CBC Books will unveil its annual Black Canadian Writers to Watch list, including emerging and exciting Black Canadian writers, authors and poets poised to make waves in the national and international literary scenes. Notable names on past lists include award winners such as Ian Williams, Canisia Lubrin, David Chariandy, francesca ekwuyasi and more. Throughout the month, CBC Books is featuring reading lists of recent and notable books by Black writers, for genres including fiction, nonfiction, poetry, comics, children’s books and more. CBC Books will also feature Q&A interviews with established and emerging Black Canadian authors all month long.

CBC Kids

CBC Kids celebrates Black History Month with grooves and moves: new videos for CBC TV and social media feature Studio K hosts Janaye and Tony as they honour phenomenal Black Canadians, and learn amazing Afro Dance moves. CBCKids.ca (ages 6-10) and CBC Kids News (ages 9+) offer age-appropriate context on the history and significance of Black History Month. 

CBC Sports

New original CBC Sports video features in February will focus on Black runner Phil Edwards, a five-time Olympic medallist for Canada, who went on to win the first-ever Northern Star Award for Canada’s top athlete in 1936; and the racial disparity between the Canadian men’s national soccer teams at the FIFA World Cup in 1986, the team’s first appearance, and their second in 2022. The video features will be available at cbcsports.ca and on the CBC Sports app. 

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW CANADIAN TRAILER FOR “SHAZAM! FURY OF THE GODS”

From New Line Cinema comes “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” which continues the story of teenage Billy Batson who, upon reciting the magic word “SHAZAM!,” is transformed into his adult Super Hero alter ego, Shazam.

Bestowed with the powers of the gods, Billy Batson and his fellow foster kids are still learning how to juggle teenage life with having adult Super Hero alter-egos. But when the Daughters of Atlas, a vengeful trio of ancient gods, arrive on Earth in search of the magic stolen from them long ago, Billy—aka Shazam—and his family are thrust into a battle for their superpowers, their lives, and the fate of their world.

“Shazam! Fury of the Gods” stars returning cast members Zachary Levi (“Thor: Ragnarok”) as Shazam; Asher Angel (“Andi Mack”) as Billy Batson; Jack Dylan Grazer (“It Chapter Two”) as Freddy Freeman; Adam Brody (“Promising Young Woman”) as Super Hero Freddy; Ross Butler (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) as Super Hero Eugene; Meagan Good (“Day Shift”) as Super Hero Darla; D.J. Cotrona (“G.I. Joe: Retaliation”) as Super Hero Pedro; Grace Caroline Currey (“Annabelle: Creation”) as Mary Bromfield / Super Hero Mary; Faithe Herman (“This Is Us”) as Darla Dudley; Ian Chen (“A Dog’s Journey”) as Eugene Choi; Jovan Armand (“Second Chances”) as Pedro Pena; Marta Milans (“White Lines”) as Rosa Vasquez; Cooper Andrews (“The Walking Dead”) as Victor Vasquez; with Djimon Hounsou (“A Quiet Place Part II”) as Wizard.

Joining the cast are Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story”), with Lucy Liu (“Kung Fu Panda” franchise) and Helen Mirren (“F9: The Fast Saga”).

The film is directed by David F. Sandberg (“Shazam!,” “Annabelle: Creation”) and produced by Peter Safran (“Aquaman,” “The Suicide Squad”). It is written by Henry Gayden (“Shazam!,” “There’s Someone Inside Your House”) and Chris Morgan (“Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw,” “The Fate of the Furious”), based on characters from DC; Shazam! was created

by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck. Executive producers are Walter Hamada, Adam Schlagman, Richard Brener, Dave Neustadter, Victoria Palmeri, Marcus Viscidi and Geoff Johns.

Joining director Sandberg behind-the-camera are director of photography Gyula Pados (the “Jumanji” franchise), production designer Paul Kirby (“The Old Guard,” “Jason Bourne”) and editor Michel Aller (“Shazam!,” “The Nun”). The music supervisor is Season Kent (“DC League of Super-Pets,” “The Addams Family 2”) and the music is by Christophe Beck (“Free Guy,” “Frozen II”). Visual effects supervisors are Bruce Jones (“Aquaman,” “It”) and Raymond Chen (“Alita: Battle Angel,” “The Meg”). The costume designer is Louise Mingenbach (“Jumanji: The Next Level,” “Godzilla: King of the Monsters”).

New Line Cinema presents A Peter Safran Production of A David F. Sandberg Film, “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” which is set to open in theatres internationally beginning 15 March 2023 and in North America on March 17, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: “ARCTIC: OUR FROZEN PLANET” WORLD PREMIERE

SK Films and BBC Earth announce the release of their upcoming documentary, “ARCTIC: OUR FROZEN PLANET,” produced by BBC Studios’ globally-renowned Natural History Unit and narrated by Academy Award®-nominated actor, Benedict Cumberbatch. The film is set to open in Giant Screen theatres and museums in February 2023 – beginning with Gatineau’s Canadian Museum of History, where the film will have its World Premiere screenings on February 4th, 2023. “ARCTIC: Our Frozen Planet” will have separate French and English screenings throughout its year-long engagement and will be accessible to all museum visitors via General Admission tickets.

Embark on a year-long adventure across the seasons in the Arctic home to more than 4 million people across 8 countries. Be immersed in the astounding world of narwhals, belugas and polar bears as they navigate ice floes. Hear the thunderous sound of stampeding caribou and muskox trying to escape hungry wolves. Be amazed by hooded seals that blow up red balloons and ice-covered bumblebees that emerge glorious from their winter lairs. As the planet’s climate is experiencing rapid changes, so is the Arctic. But the changes here are happening faster and more dramatically than anywhere else. Can it and its people keep pace?

“We set out to make a film that celebrates first and foremost the wonder and magic of the Arctic and the incredibly diverse life that survives and thrives there. We also wanted giant screen audiences to understand how deeply connected to the Arctic region we are and how we depend on it.” states Jonathan Williams, Executive Producer and Head of Commercial, BBC Earth.

Wendy MacKeigan, CEO SK Films, says, “We’re so excited by the breathtaking cinematography and never-before-seen footage, which are the trademarks of BBC Studios Natural History Unit, and the narration that world-renowned actor Benedict Cumberbatch has provided to the film. His passion for this unique environment and for the future of our planet resonates with every word. The immersive IMAX medium and giant screen enhance the viewer experience of the vast landscape, the indigenous people and the wildlife in Arctic: Our Frozen Planet.”

For the World Premiere screenings at the Canadian Museum of History, there will be two private screenings in the morning for museum members and invited guests at 10:00am ET in French and 11:30am ET in English. The English screening will be followed by a short Q&A with Eric Regehr, a Polar Bear Specialist and Wildlife Biologist featured in the film.

The film is accompanied by an educational and marketing outreach campaign with the goal of uniting audiences globally to inspire change and encourage the next generation to take care of this planet we all call home.

“ARCTIC: Our Frozen Planet” will open globally in select Giant Screen and IMAX Theatres in 2023.

#FIRSTLOOK: “WE HAVE A GHOST” TRAILER

David Harbour, Anthony Mackie and Jennifer Coolidge star in WE HAVE A GHOST, coming soon to Netflix! Here’s the brand-new Trailer.

Synopsis:

Finding a ghost named Ernest haunting their new home turns Kevin’s family into overnight social media sensations. But when Kevin and Ernest go rogue to investigate the mystery of Ernest’s past, they become a target of the CIA.

WE HAVE A GHOST arrives February 24, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#INTERVIEW: ALEXANDER SKARSGÅRD, BRANDON CRONENBERG, AMANDA BRUGEL AND JOHN RALSTON ON “INFINITY POOL”

Following on the critical acclaim of 2020’s POSSESSOR, Toronto Filmmaker Brandon Cronenberg, son of legendary David Cronenberg, follows-up with INFINITY POOL. The Sci-Fi Horror which he writes and directs just premiered at Sundance to warm reception.

Starring Alexander Skarsgård (who also serves as Executive Producer) as James Foster, who ventures to a resort with his partner Em (Cleopatra Coleman). They then discover a culture of brutality, greed and violence. James is seduced by an unhinged woman named Gabi (Mia Goth) and he is faced with a choice to be executed or watch himself die.

We’ve never seen anything like this. You’ve been warned.

A tremendous privilege getting to chat with Cronenberg, Skarsgård, along with Toronto screen veterans Amanda Brugel (The Handmaid’s Tale) and John Ralston (Ginny & Georgia) as the Red Carpet was rolled-out for the shocker’s Toronto Premiere. Our Amanda Gilmore joined them for a chat.

Amanda Brugel describes her character Jennifer for us.
Brugel: “I play Jennifer, I’m one of the people at the resort who takes full advantage of what it’s like to have a lot of money, doing a lot of bad deeds. I go there with my husband a lot. It’s wealthy people behaving badly and privilege without having respect for anyone else. I usually play people who are a little more grounded, more kind or altruistic. I really wanted to go the other direction and get paid to be a jerk.”.

John Ralston, supported at the Premiere by his family, sheds some light on his Dr. Modan.

Ralston: “My character is Dr. Modan. There’s a group of six of us who move through this Film and provide a great foundation for Mia Goth‘s character, who lures Alexander Skarsgård‘s character James Foster into this group and embarks on this wild introduction to this no-holds-barred, hedonistic journey that this group takes him on. This group comes back year after year and when you watch the Movie, you’ll see why.”.

Brandon Cronenberg takes us through his Sundance experience, where he also premiered Possessor.
Cronenberg: “We went to Sundance, nothing weird happened at all, and then we went to Sundance again! It felt really good to be back at a live festival with people again after the Pandemic. I’m a hermit and don’t like being surrounded by people even, but being around people who love films and presenting it to a warm crowd was pretty exciting.”.

Cronenberg is asked about the first thought that inspired INFINITY POOL.

Cronenberg: “The scene early on that’s kinda an execution scene where someone’s been doubled and the double is standing in for them in this execution. Stop here if you don’t want any Spoilers. That was actually the beginning of it. It was actually a short story I was working on, it was that scene where someone was watching themself. The resort and stuff came after as I was developing it.”.

Alexander Skarsgård just made it into Toronto amidst our snowstorm, from New York, landing on the tarmac and onto the Red Carpet at Scotiabank Theatre. He signed-on to star in and produce the Film while he was working on The Northman. This role is what he calls a perfect follow-up after prepping two years for that Film.

Skarsgård tells us about his magical experience at Sundance.

Skarsgård: “It was an experience I’ll never forget. It was 48 crazy hours, non-stop. We did the Midnight Madness screening, which I hadn’t done before, where you screen it at midnight and do a Q&A at 2:30 in the morning. It was the first time I’d watched the Movie on a big screen with an audience. I couldn’t sleep when I got back. The room was vibrating. It was a very memorable experience.”.

He explains what it is about INFINITY POOL that made him want to sign-on also as an Executive Producer.

Skarsgård: “From the moment I read the Script and met with Brandon, I really believed in the project. And I really love Brandon and wanted to do whatever I could to help promote the project and push it. It’s rare to come across such a unique talent like Brandon and a crazy, wild story. Sometimes there’s such a conformity when you read a Script and it’s derivative. This Film’s so crazy, unique and anarchistic in a fun way.”.

Everybody is talking about Mia Goth‘s spellbinding performance as Gabi. Skarsgård has nothing but raves for the star of the X Trilogy.

Skarsgård: “Mia‘s the best. She’s so lovely and sweet, a real dream to work with and obviously supremely-talented. And a perfect Gabi because she has such a sweet, innocent demeanour. And then the character’s so fucked-up – pardon my French – and goes unhinged in such a crazy direction. That’s really, really interesting in this Movie.”.

A Gallery of Snaps:

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See our Chat (11-minute version):

6-minute version:

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Elevation Pictures release INFINITY POOL January 27, 2023.

Our Review here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Elevation Pictures)

#FIRSTLOOK: “DAISY JONES & THE SIX” NEW TEASER TRAILER | SOUNDTRACK DETAILS

Today we get a new Teaser Trailer for highly-anticipated musical-drama series Daisy Jones & The Six, and announced that the series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video March 3, 2023 with new episodes rolling out weekly every Friday through March 24, 2023. The series will be available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

Based on the best-selling novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Daisy Jones & The Six is a limited musical-drama series detailing the rise and precipitous fall of a renowned rock band. In 1977, Daisy Jones & The Six were on top of the world. Fronted by two charismatic lead singers—Daisy Jones (Riley Keough) and Billy Dunne (Sam Claflin)—the band had risen from obscurity to fame. And then, after a sold-out show at Chicago’s Soldier Field, they called it quits. Now, decades later, the band members finally agree to reveal the truth. This is the story of how an iconic band imploded at the height of its powers.

The series stars Riley Keough as Daisy Jones, Sam Claflin as Billy Dunne, Camila Morrone as Camila Dunne, Will Harrison as Graham Dunne, Suki Waterhouse as Karen Sirko, Josh Whitehouse as Eddie Roundtree, Sebastian Chacon as Warren Rhodes, Nabiyah Be as Simone Jackson, and Tom Wright as Teddy Price, with a special guest appearance by Timothy Olyphant as Rod Reyes.

From Amazon Studios and Hello Sunshine, Daisy Jones & The Six is executive produced by Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter for Hello Sunshine and Brad Mendelsohn for Circle of Confusion. Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber created the series based on the novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid, who also produces. Scott Neustadter is executive producing and co-showrunning with Will Graham, who also serves as an executive producer. James Ponsoldt directed the first five episodes and serves as an executive producer, Nzingha Stewart directed four of the remaining episodes, and Graham directed one.

A first look at @PrimeVideoCa‘s DAISY JONES & THE SIX.https://t.co/R7WC5cipyN pic.twitter.com/BXI2GU4tw3

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) December 6, 2022

Atlantic Records also is proud to announce Aurora, the timeless debut album from Daisy Jones & The Six. The forthcoming 11-song LP from the titular band of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s beloved, New York Times bestselling 2019 novel arrives Friday, March 3, 2023 on vinyl and across all DSPs (pre-order on vinyl here + pre-save here). Show-stopping lead single “Regret Me” is out everywhere today (buy/stream here). Named on the Credits are the likes of Phoebe Bridgers, Marcus Mumford and renowned Producer Tony Berg.

DAISY JONES & THE SIX – AURORA TRACKLIST:

1. Aurora
2. Let Me Down Easy
3. Kill You To Try
4. Two Against Three
5. Look At Us Now (Honeycomb)
6. Regret Me
7. You Were Gone
8. More Fun To Miss
9. Please
10. The River
11. No Words

(Photo credit: Prime Video Canada)

#FIRSTLOOK: CASTING ADDITIONS FOR “PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE”

Following the global success of PAW Patrol: THE MOVIE™, Spin Master Entertainment, Nickelodeon Movies, Paramount Pictures, and Elevation Pictures today revealed a star-studded lineup of new and returning talent who will join Golden Globe-winning Taraji P. Henson (“Empire”, Muppets Haunted Mansion) for the upcoming sequel PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie™. The CGI animated film, a Spin Master Entertainment production in association with Nickelodeon Movies, will be distributed by Paramount Pictures worldwide and Elevation Pictures in Canada. Its exclusive theatrical release on October 13th, 2023.
 
Preschoolers’ favorite team of pups return to the big screen with new voice talent including Golden Globe® nominated actor Kristen Bell (Frozen, Zootopia), ChristianConvery (“Sweet Tooth”), McKenna Grace (Gifted, “The Handmaid’s Tale”), Lil Rel Howery (Get Out, Free Guy), James Marsden (Disenchanted, Sonic The Hedgehog), Finn Lee-Epp (Let Him Go) as Ryder, and tennis ace Serena Williams. A trio of new
pups also join the ranks, voiced by Critics Choice Award winner Alan Kim (Minari), TikTok star Brice Gonzalez of EnkyBoys and North West, joins her mom Kim Kardashian returns as Delores from the first movie. Additional cast members reprising their roles include Marsai Martin (Liberty), Ron Pardo (Mayor Humdinger) and Callum Shoniker (Rocky). The film’s score is composed and produced by Emmy-nominated Pinar Toprak (Captain Marvel, The Lost City).

“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the PAW Patrol® franchise and what better way to celebrate than the release of our second feature film,” said Jennifer Dodge, Spin Master’s President of Entertainment and Producer of the film. “As we continue to expand the PAW Patrol universe for fans, we’ll follow the pups on mightier missions and explore their backstories, this time with a heartwarming tale centered around our heroine Skye. With this cast of dynamic voice talent, we’re bringing a whole new level of excitement to the big screen.

In 2021, pup domination ensued when the preschool powerhouse franchise’s first feature film premiered in theatres, opening in the number-one spot in Canada and ending with a total office of 7.5 million and 20% of the North American market share. PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE was the highest-grossing Canadian film of 2021. 

Additional new cast members include Luxton Handspiker (Slumberland, “PAW Patrol” TV Series), Christian Corrao (“Dino Dana”) and Nylon Parthipan (“PAW Patrol” TV Series).

PAW PATROL: THE MIGHTY MOVIE Synopsis
When a magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City, it gives the PAW Patrol pups
superpowers, transforming them into The MIGHTY PUPS! For Skye, the smallest
member of the team, her new powers are a dream come true. But things take a turn for the worse when the pups' archrival Humdinger breaks out of jail and teams up with Victoria Vance, a meteor-obsessed mad scientist, to steal the superpowers and turn themselves into supervillains. With the fate of Adventure City hanging in the balance, the Mighty Pups have to stop the supervillains before its too late, and Skye will need to learn that even the smallest pup can make the biggest difference.

(Photo credit: Elevation Pictures)
 

#FIRSTLOOK: 2023 BOOKING.COM TRAVELLER REVIEW AWARDS

BOOKING.COM have just released their Most Welcoming Places lists and Traveller Review Awards recipient. Making huge gains are Newfoundland and Labrador placing in the top 10 most welcoming places on earth! St. John’s was also named the 4th most welcoming city in Canada. Toronto, you better step it up!

As travel continues to make its return in most parts of the world, the 11th annual Booking.com Traveller Review Awards recognize travel providers from across 220 countries and territories for their commitment to providing consistently excellent service and hospitality over the course of the year. Based on a pool of over 240 million verified customer reviews on Booking.com, 1,364,415 accommodation partners, 230 car rental providers and 58 airport taxi suppliers are receiving a Traveller Review Award 2023. Italy leads the way again in 2023 with a total of 170,638 accommodation awards, followed by Spain (108,217), France (103,365), Germany (76,479), Croatia (64,206), Poland (60,721), UK (60,697), Greece (54,473), Brazil (53,658) and the US (46,839).

Hotels and apartments continue to shine

The most awarded property type within Canada is hotels, claiming 1,360 across the country. In second place is apartments with 1,360 awards, then bed & breakfasts with 979, holiday homes with 651, and rounding out the top five is chalets with 429 awards. Globally, apartments take the top spot for the sixth year in a row, with 629,421 partners being recognized for their efforts in the 2023 edition of the Traveller Review Awards. 

When it comes to the countries being recognized with the most awards for homes, apartments and other unique places to stay, Italy (153,895), Spain (98,788), France (94,285), Germany (64,748) and Croatia (63,219) lead the way.

A more sustainable traveller experience

Nearly one in ten accommodation award recipients globally (122,095) have also been recognized with a Travel Sustainable badge for their efforts to operate more sustainably. In fact, Travel Sustainable accommodations were three times more likely to receive a Traveller Review Award 2023, compared to those not being recognized with a Travel Sustainable badge. Out of all accommodation types, hotels had the highest share of Travel Sustainable accommodations (15%) receiving a Traveller Review Award 2023. 

Arjan Dijk, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer for Booking.com, commented: “It’s that personal attention to detail when checking in or sharing helpful recommendations to explore the destination like a local that demonstrates how our partners show up and shine for travellers in a multitude of ways each and every day. These awards are our way of thanking them for their dedication to making everyone feel welcome and to going out of their way to create incredible experiences for our customers. Whether it’s a friendly greeting from a taxi driver at the airport, sharing some local driving tips at the car rental counter or a thoughtful note waiting in the room, our passionate partners help make every trip more special.”

2023’s Most Welcoming Places in Canada and Beyond

This year’s Most Welcoming Places have all been identified based on the share of accommodation partners receiving a Traveller Review Award 2023* and provide even the most seasoned traveller with inspiration for their future trips. Here are the most welcoming places across Canada.

2023’s Most Welcoming Cities in Canada

1. Baie Saint Paul, Quebec
2. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
3. Golden, British Columbia
4. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
5. Banff, Alberta
6. Jasper, Alberta
7. Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
8. Quebec City, Quebec
9. Revelstoke, British Columbia
10. Moncton, New Brunswick

2023’s Most Welcoming Regions in Canada

1. Nova Scotia
2. Quebec
3. Alberta
4. British Columbia
5. Ontario

The real stars of the show, the local properties themselves, have earned consistent Booking.com scores of 9.7 or higher across anywhere from 50 to over 400 reviews. Here are ten of the consistently highest rated Traveller Reviews Awards properties in Canada.

1. Alicion Bed & Breakfast, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
2. L’Ancrage Bed & Breakfast, Saint Louis de Kent, New Brunswick
3. Canyon Ridge Lodge, Golden, British Columbia
4. Beaujolais Boutique B&B, Banff, Alberta
5. A Wave From It All villa, Port Saunders, Newfoundland and Labrador
6. Radium Elk Park B & B, Radium Hot Springs, Alberta
7. Princess and the Pea Hotel, Langley, British Columbia
8. La Maison de Sophie, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
9. Golden Acres Mountain Lodge, Golden, British Columbia
10. Spirit Lodge at Silverstar, Vernon, British Columbia

This year’s Most Welcoming Places on Earth span five continents and feature hidden coastal gems, rural destinations surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, a bustling Latin American metropolis, and a fan favourite island here in Canada with its own time zone and dialect.

2023’s Most Welcoming Cities On Earth

1. Polignano a Mare, Italy
2. Hualien City, Taiwan
3. San Sebastián, Spain
4. Dresden, Germany
5. Klaipeda, Lithuania
6. York, UK
7. Ushuaia, Argentina
8. Porto De Galinhas, Brazil
9. Mexico City, Mexico
10. Gold Coast, Australia

2023’s Most Welcoming Regions On Earth

1. La Rioja, Spain
2. Epirus, Greece
3. Oberosterreich, Austria
4. County Down, UK
5. Mures, Romania
6. Marlborough, New Zealand
7. Ninh Binh, Vietnam
8. Limon, Costa Rica
9. Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada
10. North Dakota, US

For more about exploring and experiencing all these welcoming cities have to offer, check out this destination guide.

Helping travellers get from A to B

This is the fourth year that Booking.com is recognising on-the-ground transport providers for their consistently great service, with 230 car rental companies from across 150 countries picking up a Traveller Review Award 2023. Car rental companies in Spain are being recognized with the most 2023 awards (23), followed by Greece (21), France (14), Italy (13) and Portugal (11). 58 airport taxi providers, representing a total of 6,131 drivers from across 120 countries are also being recognized with a 2023 award. Companies in Spain are again receiving the most awards (11 providers representing 442 drivers), followed by Greece (7 providers representing 1,196 drivers), Italy (5 providers representing 315 drivers), Poland (3 providers representing 524 drivers) and Portugal (3 providers representing 655 drivers).

#OSCARS: “EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE” LEADS WAY WITH 11 NOMINATIONS

Allison Williams and Riz Ahmed unveiled nominees at the upcoming 95th Academy Awards. Leading the way this year is The Daniels’ EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE with 11 nominations including Best Picture, Directing, Lead Actress, Supporting Actor and Actress. Canada’s Elevation Pictures gets a whopping twenty nominations this year with other films on their roster including THE WHALE and TRIANGLE OF SADNESS, also up for Best Picture. TIFF ’22 selection ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT is a surprise late entrant in the race with an impressive nine nominations for Netfflix.

The Academy Awards take place March 12, 2023 at 8:00 p.m. EDT and air on ABC.

Nominees this year as as follows:

Best Picture

All Quiet on the Western Front (Netflix)

Avatar: The Way of Water (20th Century Studios)

The Banshees of Inisherin (Searchlight Pictures)

Elvis (Warner Bros)

Everything Everywhere All at Once (A24)

The Fabelmans (Universal Pictures)

Tár (Focus Features)

Top Gun: Maverick (Paramount Pictures)

Triangle of Sadness (NEON)

Women Talking (United Artists Releasing/Orion Pictures)

Actor in a Leading Role

Austin Butler in Elvis

Colin Farrell in The Banshees of Inisherin

Brendan Fraser in The Whale

Paul Mescal in Aftersun

Bill Nighy in Living

Actor in a Supporting Role

Brendan Gleeson in The Banshees of Inisherin

Brian Tyree Henry in Causeway

Judd Hirsch in The Fabelmans

Barry Keoghan in The Banshees of Inisherin

Ke Huy Quan in Everything Everywhere All at Once

Actress in a Leading Role

Cate Blanchett in Tár

Ana de Armas in Blonde

Andrea Riseborough in To Leslie

Michelle Williams in The Fabelmans

Michelle Yeoh in Everything Everywhere All at Once

Actress in a Supporting Role

Angela Bassett in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Hong Chau in The Whale

Kerry Condon in The Banshees of Inisherin

Jamie Lee Curtis in Everything Everywhere All at Once

Stephanie Hsu in Everything Everywhere All at Once

Animated Feature Film

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (Netflix)

Marcel the Shell With Shoes On (A24)

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (Universal Pictures)

The Sea Beast

Turning Red (Walt Disney)

Cinematography

All Quiet on the Western Front

Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths

Elvis

Empire of Light

Tár

Costume Design

Babylon

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Elvis

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris

Directing

Martin McDonagh, The Banshees of Inisherin (Searchlight Pictures)

Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once (A24)

Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans (Universal Pictures)

Todd Field, Tár (Focus Features)

Ruben Östlund, Triangle of Sadness (NEON)

Documentary Feature Film

All That Breathes

All the Beauty and the Bloodshed

Fire of Love

A House Made of Splinters

Navalny

Documentary Short Film

The Elephant Whisperers

Haulout

How Do You Measure a Year?

The Martha Mitchell Effect

Stranger at the Gate

Film Editing

The Banshees of Inisherin

Elvis

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Tár

Top Gun: Maverick

International Feature Film

All Quiet on the Western Front
Germany

Argentina, 1985
Argentina

Close
Belgium

EO
Poland

The Quiet Girl
Ireland

Makeup and Hairstyling

All Quiet on the Western Front

The Batman

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Elvis

The Whale

Music (Original Score)

All Quiet on the Western Front

Babylon

The Banshees of Inisherin

Everything Everywhere All at Once

The Fabelmans

Music (Original Song)

“Applause” from Tell It like a Woman

“Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick

“Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

“Naatu Naatu” from RRR

“This Is A Life” from Everything Everywhere All at Once

Production Design

All Quiet on the Western Front

Avatar: The Way of Water

Babylon

Elvis

The Fabelmans

Animated Short Film

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

The Flying Sailor

Ice Merchants

My Year of Dicks

An Ostrich Told Me the World Is Fake and I Think I Believe It

Live Action Short Film

An Irish Goodbye

Ivalu

Le Pupille

Night Ride

The Red Suitcase

Sound

All Quiet on the Western Front

Avatar: The Way of Water

The Batman

Elvis

Top Gun: Maverick

Visual Effects

All Quiet on the Western Front

Avatar: The Way of Water

The Batman

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Top Gun: Maverick

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

All Quiet on the Western Front

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Living

Top Gun: Maverick

Women Talking

Writing (Original Screenplay)

The Banshees of Inisherin

Everything Everywhere All at Once

The Fabelmans

Tár

Triangle of Sadness

(Photo credit: Elevation Pictures/A24)