#HORSERACING: SUMMER IN SARATOGA 2022

Such a joy being able to visit Saratoga Springs again – if even just for a day! It’s been three Summers since I last visited and I distinctly recall it being a trip that changed my life.

Saratoga Racecourse is the hub of the City, a magical place where the best in the industry congregate for a Summer meet that delights as much as it excites. The energy is electric, the passion from fans is palpable every corner you look. I realized what I’ve been missing my entire life after visiting this – a City where everyone is just as obsessed with Horse Racing as I am. Saratoga possesses old school charm yet is modern in its amenities and sensibilities. It’s easy to see how in a weekend over 100k+ people can flock to the races.

These past couple years have been rough and by no means is this isolated to myself. We’ve all had a tough go. Till now, travelling has been out of the question for me. I’m a certified Germaphobe and terrified of getting sick. Dealing with both my parents getting Covid earlier this Summer, my Dad hospitalized even, we could definitely have used a pick-me-up and Saratoga was the answer. The same way it cured my blues after losing my beloved dog Billy a bit before my last visit in 2019. I remember seeing his Doppelganger at a Gift Shop on Broadway, who was demanding my attention. Milo was his name and after his Owner let me pick him up, that’s when it all began to make sense. I was meant to be here and maybe I should have opened my heart to starting anew with another dog (who eventually would be beanie). And maybe it was okay not to be sad anymore. If I could give my parents even just a glimmer of the light this place gave me, traveling the seven hours from Toronto each way was worth it.

This little guy Milo kept following me around #Saratoga. Had to give him a big hug. Does he remind you of anyone? pic.twitter.com/t62EkQIytu

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) August 2, 2019

Sending-off emails to my friends out that way, I’d start planning my visit. And the more I planned, the more restless I got. Of course, in a good way. This was my first proper trip in a long time.

My biggest challenge was accommodations. I’m told the Housing Market in Saratoga is “insane”. Literally anything close to the Racecourse was booked fully – hotels, motels and Airbnbs. Anything with avails was way out of my budget. I had to begin expanding my search a little outside the City and was able to find a couple beautiful properties for our stay about 30 minutes away. At first, that extra commute felt like an inconvenience but after realizing how peaceful these backroads are just outside Saratoga, it actually came to reveal itself as an actual blessing. I would have no issue driving that far every day if it were that relaxing and scenic!

Back home in Toronto, we’re used to seeing traffic and volume at the races mostly on big race days, like the Queen’s Plate. But at Saratoga every day of its 40 day meet is like the Queen’s Plate. Literally people filling the grandstands and picnic tables during standard work hours and I’m here for that life! T-Shirt Giveaways drive people out in masses and I admit, I wanted one too! After a bit of pleading with the lot attendant, who witnessed our struggle finding a spot, finally we were able to park the amazing 2022 Passport Touring we were travelling in, courtesy of Honda Canada. Walking through the Marylou Whitney Entrance, those feelings all came back again. It was three years since I last visited only, but there already was a comforting sense of nostalgia seeing those red and white stripes, a motif throughout the venue.

It was only a regular Friday, no big marquee races, but my one day back at Saratoga was exactly what I needed to feel realigned.

Some Snaps from my star-studded visit.

TEAM STEVE ASMUSSEN

Steve Asmussen continues to thrive with an incredible roster of talent who are heading into their Fall campaigns in top form. While he only has a limited number of runners in his Saratoga charges, he is hitting an incredible average 54% in the Top Three with his starters.

TEAM TODD PLETCHER

Todd Pletcher continues to be a major force at Saratoga, currently second in Trainer standings, and a stable filled to the brim with starpower.

TEAM CHAD BROWN

Chad Brown once again leads Trainer standings at the Saratoga meet, ready to surpass $4 million in earnings this Summer. Another incredible meet for him and his Team.

TEAM MARK CASSE

Canada’s reigning Top Trainer is working with a leaner roster of emerging talent at Saratoga, but is experiencing success, ranking #15 currently in standings. After having seen the retirement of some of his recent top stars, the focus is on up-and-coming names, some familiar to Woodbine bettors.

MORE STAR SIGHTINGS AT SARATOGA

Thank you, to the NYRA for an unforgettable visit. Will definitely will be back!

While in Saratoga, you cannot miss a visit to Morrissey’s Lounge & Bistro at gorgeous The Adelphi Hotel. We were so pleased about their dogs-allowed-on-patio policy. Impeccable service, phenomenal flavours and a relaxing ambiece. We love people-watching and this is the spot for it!

Glancing over across the road from the patio, we see the exact Gift Shop we saw Billy‘s Doppelganger, Milo. He led us here today. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

See our Highlight Reels:

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More here on The Adelphi Hotel and Morrissey’s.

Plan your visit to Saratoga Racecourse. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#PRODUCTWATCH: 2022 HONDA PASSPORT TOURING: SARATOGA EDITION

So it’s noticably bigger than the CRV, but not quite as sizey as a Pilot. But nonetheless, we loved test driving the 2022 Honda Passport Touring. This stunner of a mid-size SUV oozes style and utility and we will never forget the memories we made in it. And we were ecstatic we got to drive one in Honda‘s signature Sonic Gray Pearl, the most beautiful colour of all-time!

This has been a bit of a rough Summer. Between what’s felt like work, work and more work, we really haven’t had time to de-compress and have a little fun really! Above this, my parents both fell ill with Covid a few weeks back and that was an ordeal being their Caretaker, and still balancing all the things life was throwing my way. I was not going to let that define my Summer ’22. Now that they’re both better, I felt it was time we went on a little adventure to help forget some of the tougher times we went through. The 2022 Honda Passport Touring was totally there for us and we will never forget our time in it.

The 2022 Honda Passport Touring is perfect for trips with your families and friends. Long drives require comfort and that the Passport Touring is. Seating five more than comfortably, it is the product of thoughtfulness and innovation that is geared not only to Driver, but also Passenger. We could store several bags and luggage within its roomy 77.7 cu.ft. Cargo Capacity.

Closing the door on what was an amazing extended long weekend in the 2022 @HondaCanada Passport Touring! pic.twitter.com/EbjnDvnjlk

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) August 22, 2022

The Passport Touring is powered by a 3.5-litre, 24-valve, Direct Injection, SOHC, i-VTEC^® V6 engine, operating at 280 @ 6000 rpm horsepower. As is our worry sometimes with SUVs, Fuel Economy at times is sacrificed for power and convenience, but we were impressed by its 12.5/9.8/11.3 litres/100 km fuel ecnomy. Features like ECON mode, Eco-Assist and Idle Stop also ensure we’re getting the most value for our money. It also runs on Regular fuel.

It’s all about the elevated experience with the Passport Touring. One-touch power moonroof with tilt feature and ambient lighting in its cupholder, footwell and doors are beautiful added touches. And when driving on long road trips, it’s important to have an audio system that matches just how great this SUV is. The Touring edition is a cut above all others with a 550-watt AM/FM Premium audio system with MP3/Windows Media^® Audio playback capability and 10 speakers including subwoofer. You know we love our Spotify playlists and SiriusXM and we can’t drive any other way, navigating from a beautiful Display Audio System. Oh, and the rims were gold! GOLD.

In addition to Dual Climate Control for Driver and Front Passenger, second row Passengers also get seat warmers and coolers, plus their own vents, ensuring everyone’s comfortable. Did we mention there’s four USB charging ports here? Plus a Wireless Charging plate driverside? We love that. This, and also tinted windows in the back for privacy, especially when we have our Princess beanie back there. The Driver gets 10-way power adjustment seating including power lumbar support. We couldn’t have been more comfy!

All this means little if the Vehicle isn’t just as obsessed with our well-being as it is making us look good. Among the key safety features to highlight here are: 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System; Brake Assist; Collision Mitigation Braking System; Forward Collision Warning; Lane Departure Warning; Road Departure Mitigation; SmartVent™ side airbags and Side Curtain Airbags. The Passport Touring is unique in that it features Next-Generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering which serves to enhance occupant protection in the event of collision.

While we cannot live without things like Walk-Away Door Lock and Proximity Entry, we worry the moment we walk away from our Car sometimes. The Passport Touring protects you with its Immobilizer theft-deterrent system. And we appreciate that when we leave something on the rear seats, it actually tells us! This is so intuitive and if your car manufacturer isn’t doing all this for you, then we suggest looking this way.

Our one and only wish here was that we would’ve hoped the Hatchback Door could have been activated via remote which was a bit cumbersome, but easily forgivable.

And because we’re super-busy, its Maintenance Minders and Tire Pressure Monitoring System ensure we minimize those “blind spots” that are out of site, out of mind sometimes. And speaking of blind spots, Its Multi-Angle Rearview Camera with dynamic guidelines is a lifesaver especially considering that the Passport Touring a bit wide. This is super-helpful when parking in the City or in underground parking.

All this and Rear-Window Wipers too? The Passport Touring is after our heart and has got it!

In all, we couldn’t have had this Summer adventure complete without the 2022 Honda Passport Touring. The Passport Touring starts at $52,170 CAN. More here.

Just some of the memories we made in the 2022 Honda Passport Touring on our trip to Saratoga Springs, the most charming city in Upstate New York with an old school charm, yet many modern amenities and everything we need! The shopping and dining is outstanding. This City is obsessed with Horse Racing with so much of its economy centered on Saratoga Racetrack which hosts upwards of 100k people in its opening weekend alone. The top Racehorses, Jockeys and Owners all migrate to Saratoga every Summer for the meet and it is literally a dream for any fan. It’s always been a hope to bring my Mom and Dad here at least once in their lifetime and I’m so thrilled they got to witness the magic! Unforgettable memories.

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And to cap it all off, we always attend the Queen’s Plate, which is North America’s most historic Horse Race and so wonderful that it takes place right here in Toronto at Woodbine Racetrack!

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…and an appearance on America’s Best Racing Live where we talk about the Queen’s Plate and our Saratoga visit.

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Somehow we always have time for a star-sighting! So amazing meeting this star of HBO‘s Game of Thrones Prequel, HOUSE OF THE DRAGON.

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And quality time with the Princess.

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(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#HORSERACING: MOIRA TAKES THE 2022 QUEEN’S PLATE

It was one for the records as MOIRA took the 163rd edition of North America’s most historic Horse Race, the Queen’s Plate! The race worth $1 million, was contested at 1 1/4 miles yesterday at Woodbine Racetrack and not only did she as the lone filly beat the boys by a commanding seven lengths, she also smashed the track record for the distance, stopping the clock in an expedient 2:01.4 minutes.

The daughter of Ghostzapper bred by Frank Stronach‘s Adena Springs, notched Trainer Kevin Attard and Jockey Rafael Hernandez their first ever Queen’s Plate winner, rewarding bettors who backed her betting her down to 9-5 odds as the race favourite. Moira is owned by a partnership of Madaket Stables LLC, X-Men Racing and SF Racing LLC, purchased for an investment in 2020 for $150k and has now earned $902k in just five starts. It is said that her connections have their sights set potentially on the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland this November which might mean we won’t be seeing her in the upcoming two legs of the Canadian Triple Crown.

Finishing second in the Queen’s Plate was Hall of Dreams under Patrick Husbands, and third was Sir for Sure, ridden by Declan Carroll. Both horses are trained by Woodbine‘s leading Trainer Mark Casse, who had a strong showing on the Card with wins in both the King Edward and Canadian Stakes on the turf. Casse who is based out of the U.S., made an appearance for the day.

Lorne Richards Trainee HAZELBROOK continues to have a career season winning her second-straight Stake Race in a row in the Sweet Briar Too under Jason Hoyte, who notched his second stake victory at Woodbine with her. She is a perfect three-for-three in 2022.

Wagering handle was a healthy $13.6 million on this first Queen’s Plate since 2019 to allow fans to attend at full capacity.

The Queen’s Plate is synonymous with party and fashion and that it was with activations and tents for attendees to get their Photo Ops, including a Step-and-Repeat which gave them a chance to show-off their outfits.

Some amazing style and faces of the day:

Check-out our Reel of Highlights!

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The Prince of Wales Stakes is the next jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown and it will take place September 13, 2022 in Fort Erie.

A full Facebook Album of my Queen’s Plate Snaps right here!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: “THE RUBBER ROOM” PREMIERES ON SIRIUSXM

Canada’s Allison Pill stars in new scripted Dark Comedy Series THE RUBBER ROOM, available now on SiriusXM. The Series stars some of the biggest names in Comedy!

Synopsis:

The Rubber Room begins with Lindsey reporting to a detention centre housed in a rundown, vacant elementary school that contains teachers removed for mere incompetence, as well as hardened criminals, frauds who relish getting paid for doing nothing, and Lindsey, an innocent victim of school politics. It’s a school with no students, and the “inmates” must report every day until their cases are resolved. Teachers sleep on the floor, establish dominance, mount their defenses, and while away the time, much like in a real prison.

Throughout her time in the rubber room, Lindsey encounters a wild cast of characters:

●       Patton Oswalt plays Coach K, a drill sergeant-like high school gym teacher, who whips the inmates into shape.

●       Natasha Leggero plays Stella Marconi, a seasoned scam artist serving time for stealing classroom globes from the Department of Education and selling them on the black market.

●       Bobby Lee plays Trevor Wade, a handsome charmer who may or may not be a serial killer, sent away for serving alcohol to students while directing an all-nude grade school production of HAIR.

●       Andy Daly plays Michael ‘Blue’ Balls, a wise, grizzled rubber room lifer doing his best Shawshank Redemption, all while sniffing copier toner.

●       David Cross plays David Rockwell, Lindsey’s corrupt union rep who is more interested in milking the system than proving her innocence.

●       Erik Griffin plays Principal Phineas Towers, a strict disciplinarian who runs the rubber room with a warden-like demeanor.

●       Al Madrigal plays Will Turner, a legit slacker with zero backbone, who got into teaching for the summers off and is 100% guilty of going to work high.

●       Tony Hale plays Merton Woods, an incompetent chemistry teacher enlisted by Blue to make meth in the rubber room.

●       Becky Drysdale plays Mad Dog, the violent jailhouse bully with a penchant for wedgies.

●       Melle Powers plays Priscilla Denton, a book-burning librarian, and Ms. Brownlow, who runs the rubber room’s shirtwaist-making sweatshop.

●       Alex English plays Assistant Principal Warburg, Principal Towers’ loyal enforcer.

All half-hour episodes of The Rubber Room are available now on the SXM App, and they’ll also air Mondays on SiriusXM Raw Dog Comedy Channel 99 at 10:00 am, 2:00 pm and 10:00 pm ET.

 All eight episodes of the new show are available now on the SXM App, and starting today SiriusXM Raw Dog Comedy channel 99 will air one episode a week every Monday morning at 10:00 am ET.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “LOU”

Jurnee Smollett and Allison Janney star in upcoming Netflix Feature, LOU. Just released is this brand-new Trailer!

Synopsis:
Thinking she’d put her dangerous past behind her, Lou (Allison Janney) finds her quiet life interrupted when a desperate mother (Jurnee Smollett) begs her to save her kidnapped daughter. As a massive storm rages, the two women risk their lives on a rescue mission that will test their limits and expose dark and shocking secrets from their pasts. Academy Award winner Allison Janney and Emmy Award nominee Jurnee Smollett star in Lou, alongside Logan Marshall-Green and Ridley Asha Bateman. The film is directed by Anna Foerster from a screenplay by Maggie Cohn and Jack Stanley, with Bad Robot’s JJ Abrams, Hannah Minghella, and Jon Cohen producing.

LOU arrives September 23, 2022 on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

#FOOD: WINGSTOP TO JOIN KITCHEN HUB ROSTER OF GHOST KITCHENS

Kitchen Hub, Canada’s first virtual food hall, is now home to the first ghost kitchen and second Canadian location of Wingstop, the rapidly-growing and U.S.-popularized flavour brand specializing in cooked-to-order wings, seasoned fries and housemade ranch. Wingstop partnered with Kitchen Hub’s Castlefield location (1121 Castlefield Ave) to offer both takeout and delivery, kicking-off the partnership between the two brands.

“As we continue our accelerated expansion across Ontario and beyond, we are excited to partner with Wingstop, a brand that is like-minded when it comes to growth and being able to offer unique, high-quality products and experiences to our customers,” said Adam Armeland, Kitchen Hub Co-Founder and CEO. “With Kitchen Hub being able to offer its kitchens to Wingstop where brick-and-mortar restaurants may not be available, it was a natural fit to partner with the intention of growing together.”.

Wingstop will bring its 12 signature, bold flavours to Kitchen Hub for takeout and delivery, offering classic and boneless wings and crispy tenders that are always cooked-to-order and hand sauced-and-tossed.
“Wingstop is on a mission to Serve the World Flavour and we know that delivery is a meaningful growth lever to reach more fans,” said Aidan Hay, Wingstop’s International VP of Operations. “We chose Kitchen Hub not only because of their ability to execute takeout seamlessly but due to their innovative technology offering, which provides us with valuable insight into our business in real time. We’re thrilled to kick off this partnership and expand our flavour footprint even further across the Toronto area.”

Kitchen Hub’s mission is to provide an unbelievable takeout experience. Every detail of their three locations — from the design to the technology — has been custom-built to facilitate quick, easy takeout at a consistent high-quality. Each Kitchen Hub location offers takeout from a roster of exceptional restaurants — all in one order. Customers can select menu items from all of Kitchen Hub’s partners, resulting in a combination of dishes they love.

In addition to Wingstop, a number of new restaurants have recently joined the Castlefield roster, including Montreal’s buzz-worthy Mandy’s Gourmet Salads, Azkadenya Authentic Mediterranean Kitchen and Pearl Chinese Dim Sum, making Kitchen Hub a one-stop-shop for meals every day of the week.
Kitchen Hub’s first location on the Queensway opened its doors in January 2020, and a fourth location in Liberty Village will be opening in the coming weeks. The company plans to secure nearly 50 locations across Canada in the next five years.

Delivery and pickup from Kitchen Hub are available via KitchenHub.com or all major third party delivery services. To celebrate the new menu offerings at Castlefield, Wingstop and Kitchen Hub will offer $5 off any order over $15 using the promo code CFWINGS5 on KitchenHub.com for a limited time only.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “THE CLASS”

How’s this for nostalgia? Anthony Michael Hall and Debbie Gibson star in THE CLASS, a today re-imagining of THE BREAKFAST CLUB! See the Trailer!

THE CLASS will be out on VOD/Digital on September 9, 2022 via Vortex Media.

(Photo/video credit: Vortex Media)

#FIRSTLOOK: DISNEY+ DAY 2022 ANNOUNCEMENTS UNVEILED

Leading into D23 Expo, Disney+ have announced exciting new releases, products and experiences to arrive globally.on Disney+ Day, September 8, 2022,

New titles include Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Love and Thunder” and “Assembled: The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return,” “Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances,” “Tierra Incógnita,” the “Frozen” and “Frozen 2” Sing-Alongs, and “Welcome to the Club,” a new short from The Simpsons.

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will join in the Disney+ Day festivities with perks for subscribers including early entry to Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, celebratory photo opportunities, entertainment, culinary delights, and more.

Disney+ Day Content Premieres:

The Disney+ Day lineup will feature anticipated global premieres from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, The Simpsons, and more. In addition to the previously announced “Pinocchio,” a new episode of “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” “Cars on the Road,” “Growing Up,” and ““Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory,” the new content coming to the service will include:

“Thor: Love and Thunder”
Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Love and Thunder” finds the God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced – one of self-discovery. But his efforts are interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the extinction of the gods. To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi) and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who – to Thor’s surprise – inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor. Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late.

“Thor: Love and Thunder” joins 15 other Marvel Cinematic Universe movies now streaming in IMAX Enhanced on Disney+. With IMAX Enhanced, subscribers can enjoy IMAX’s expanded aspect ratio at home, which provides up to 26 percent more picture for an immersive viewing experience. (No additional cost or device required. Content availability varies by region.) More information about IMAX Enhanced on Disney+ is available here.

“Marvel Studios Assembled: The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder”
Settle in with the likes of Taika Waititi, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale, and Tessa Thompson, as they divulge the secrets behind the creation of Thor: Love and Thunder. Through in-depth interviews with cast and crew, along with raw, unseen footage from the set and beyond, ASSEMBLED pulls back the curtain on the God of Thunder’s fourth feature film.

“Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return”
With never-before-seen, behind-the-scenes footage, colorful personal stories and meaningful moments, “Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return” showcases the making of Lucasfilm’s original limited series for Disney+, “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” an epic story that begins 10 years after the dramatic events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.” This insightful documentary from Lucasfilm and Supper Club explores the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to the screen—and Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen to their respective classic roles. Director Deborah Chow, cast and crew reflect on their journey to tell a new story with iconic Star Wars characters Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader and Princess Leia, while introducing new heroes and villains into the saga along the way. Complete with visits to the creature shop, props department and more, “Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return” features the side of filmmaking that makes Star Wars so unique—the respect and passion for the generation-spanning legacy and the beloved characters.

“Frozen” and “Frozen 2” Sing-Alongs
Disney+ will release new Sing-Along versions of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen” and “Frozen 2.” As subscribers watch the Sing-Along version of these films, they will be able to fully immerse themselves in the music with on-screen lyrics.

“Welcome to the Club” (a new short from The Simpsons)
Heart set on becoming a princess, Lisa Simpson is surprised to learn being bad might be more fun.

“Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances”
“Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances” is a look back on the 20 most memorable dances of thirty seasons of Dancing with the Stars’ chosen by the Pro-Dancers. Hosted by Derek Hough, Kym Johnson, Cheryl Burke, and Brandon Armstrong, we’ll see them countdown to their most unforgettable performance – highlighting everything from the best Mirrorball-winning performances over the years, to iconic opening numbers, Emmy-winning dances, and unforgettable celebrity mishaps. It all leads up to season 31 premiering live only on Disney+. Dancing with the Stars is produced by BBC Studios Los Angeles Productions.

“Tierra Incógnita” (Original Series Produced in Latin America)
“Tierra Incógnita” follows Eric Dalaras (Pedro Maurizi), a teenager who discovers a hair-raising world while searching for the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of his parents eight years before. Raised by his maternal grandparents along with his sister Uma (Mora Fisz), Eric decides to run away from home and go back to his childhood town, Cabo Qwert, to find answers where his parents were last seen: the Tierra Incógnita horror theme park. Together with his friends, his sister and his aunt, Eric must overcome his fears in order to find answers and solve the mystery in a dark and unfamiliar world.

Previously announced titles include:

“Pinocchio”
Academy Award® winner Robert Zemeckis directs this live-action retelling of the beloved tale of a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy. Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the wood-carver who builds and treats Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his own son. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his “conscience”; Academy Award® nominee Cynthia Erivo is the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key is “Honest” John; Academy Award® nominee Lorraine Bracco is Sofia the Seagull, a new character, and Luke Evans is The Coachman.

“She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” (New episodes streaming Thursdays)
In Marvel Studios’ “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law,” Jennifer Walters (Tatiana Maslany)—an attorney specializing in superhuman-oriented legal cases—must navigate the complicated life of a single, 30-something who also happens to be a green 6-foot-7-inch superpowered hulk. The nine-episode comedy series welcomes a host of MCU vets, including Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner, Tim Roth as Emil Blonsky/Abomination, and Benedict Wong as Wong, as well as Ginger Gonzaga, Josh Segarra, Jameela Jamil, Jon Bass, and Renée Elise Goldsberry. Directed by Kat Coiro (Episodes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9) and Anu Valia (Episodes 5, 6, 7) with Jessica Gao as head writer. Executive producers are Kevin Feige, Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Brad Winderbaum, Kar Coiro and Jessica Gao.

“Cars on the Road”
The series follows Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and his best friend Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) as they head east from Radiator Springs on a cross-country road trip to meet up with Mater’s sister. Along the way, every stop is its own adventure, with outrageous roadside attractions and colorful new characters. “Cars on the Road” is produced by Marc Sondheimer. The series’ episodes are directed by Steve Purcell (Eps 1, 2, 8), Bobby Podesta (Eps 5, 6, 9) and Brian Fee (Eps 3, 4, 7). Composer Jake Monaco created the score for all nine episodes.

“Growing Up”
Created by Brie Larson and Culture.House, “Growing Up” is an innovative hybrid docu-series that explores the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of adolescence through ten compelling coming of age stories. From Disney Branded Television, the series uses narrative, experimental, and documentary filmmaking to follow one casted individual, ages 18-22, as they tell their story. They represent a wide range of lived experiences, giving audiences emotionally powerful narratives that offer an engaging look at teenage-hood and the diverse social, familial, and internal obstacles young people face on their path to self-discovery and acceptance. Each 30-minute episode features one young person, or “hero,” and their experience growing up. Each episode is anchored by a deeply personal interview that allows our heroes to walk us through their childhood and teenage years. Alongside these interviews, creative cinematic reenactments help bring their major inflection points to life.

“Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory”
The face of a new generation of aspirational adventurers and natural history filmmakers, 29-year-old National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory takes viewers on epic and nail-biting journeys that push into the most spectacular and secretive corners of our wild world. Armed with leading-edge film technology, the Disney+ original series “Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory,” from National Geographic, breaks the mold of the traditional natural history program by telling extraordinary, real-life animal stories and taking viewers with him for every beat of the action. For weeks at a time, the charismatic BAFTA Award-winning cinematographer immerses himself into the animals’ lives to capture the untold stories of iconic creatures living in some of the harshest environments on our planet. This season, we will see Bertie braving the icy worlds of Antarctica in search of the biggest gathering of whales ever filmed and coming face-to-face with specialist buffalo-hunting lions in Zambia. In this multipart adventure series, he will take audiences on an ambitious odyssey across the globe, showcasing the natural world at a time when it faces its greatest challenges.

Disney Theme Parks, Experiences, and Products Celebrate Disney+ Day:

In celebration of Disney+ Day, guests at Disney theme parks will discover new ways to “plus” up their experience with special offerings and fan-favorite fun. On September 8, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California will usher in the festivities with Disney+-inspired character meet-and-greets, photo opportunities and more. Disney+ subscribers and their party with theme park tickets and reservations are once again invited to enter the theme parks at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort 30 minutes before regular park open on September 8. Subscribers will also enjoy complimentary Disney PhotoPass digital download(s) at select locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Disneyland Resort theme parks that day.*

Fans are invited to join the celebrations digitally by stepping up their selfie game with Disney PhotoPass Lenses for Disney+ Day. These new limited-time lenses will be available to those celebrating in the parks or at home in the U.S. through Snapchat and the My Disney Experience app.

Disneyland Paris will delight guests with new surprises including special entertainment, dedicated photo opportunities and a blue-themed dessert on September 8. For more fanfare, Disney+ subscribers* and their party with theme park tickets and reservations are invited for the first time to enter Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris at 9:00am (30 minutes before regular park opening) only on September 8, 2022. Hong Kong Disneyland will celebrate with guests visiting the park on September 10.

During the Aug. 29-Sept. 5 Disney Vacation Club Member Cruise, Members aboard the Disney Wonder will be treated to special gifts from Disney+ and 9 exclusive shows and experiences supporting current and upcoming Disney+ programming.

Around the world, Consumer Products, Games and Publishing will also be celebrating Disney+ Day. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details on how to join in on the fun.

*Guests may be required to verify that they are a Disney+ subscriber by displaying their logged-in home screen on the Disney+ app via their phone to enter early and to receive special benefits at the parks. Please be sure to download the Disney+ app and sign in prior to arrival.

This year, Disney+ Day will lead into D23 Expo: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa in Anaheim, CA that runs from Friday, September 9 to Sunday, September 11.

#TIFF22: BRENDAN FRASER TO BE HONOURED AT 2022 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Brendan Fraser is on the verge of a major comeback! The star of TIFF ’22 selection THE WHALE will receive the TIFF Tribute Award for Performance for his outstanding performance in The Whale. The TIFF Tribute Awards presented by BVLGARI will return to an in-person gala fundraiser during the 47th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, September 11 at Fairmont Royal York Hotel. The TIFF Tribute Award for Performance is presented by IMDbPro.

With a career spanning more than 30 years, Fraser has received recognition for his work by both critics and his peers. Known for playing Rick O’Connell in The Mummy trilogy, Fraser has gone on to star in many projects in both television and film. Fraser will make his return to Toronto with Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale, which will have its North American Premiere at this year’s Festival.

“Brendan Fraser gives a performance of staggering depth, power, and nuance in The Whale,” said Bailey, TIFF CEO. “This former Torontonian has been an action star, a screen comic, and a romantic lead. We’re thrilled to welcome him home as the actor behind one of the finest performances of the year.”

Darren Aronofsky’s The Whale tells the story of a reclusive English teacher living with severe obesity who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter for one last chance at redemption. The A24 film is based on the acclaimed play by Samuel D. Hunter and also stars Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins, and Samantha Morton. It is being distributed in Canada by Elevation Pictures.

The TIFF Tribute Award for Performance presented by IMDbPro to Fraser is one of two acting awards being handed out. These two awards recognize an outstanding performance by either an individual or ensemble in the now gender-neutral acting category. Fraser joins the recently announced recipients of the TIFF Tribute Award for Performance presented by Polestar, the ensemble of My Policeman. Past recipients honoured in the prestigious acting category were Jessica Chastain and Benedict Cumberbatch in 2021; Kate Winslet and Sir Anthony Hopkins in 2020; and Meryl Streep and Joaquin Phoenix in 2019.

Also joining the list of 2022 TIFF Tribute Award honourees Academy Award®–winning filmmaker Sam Mendes who will be receiving the TIFF Ebert Director Award. The TIFF Tribute Awards have served as an awards-season bellwether, with past honourees such as Chastain, Hopkins, Phoenix, Roger Deakins, Taika Waititi, and Chloé Zhao going on to win awards on the international stage. Once again, the TIFF Tribute Awards honour the film industry’s outstanding contributors and their achievements, recognizing leading industry members, acting talent, directorial expertise, new talent, and a below-the-line artist and creator. The Awards gala event also serves as TIFF’s largest annual fundraiser to support TIFF’s Every Story fund, which promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in film and TIFF’s core mission to transform the way people see the world through film. More information on the event and honourees will follow in the coming weeks.

#BOXOFFICE: “DRAGON BALL” IS SUPER IN OPENING

This is huge for the world of Anime! DRAGON BALL SUPER: SUPER HERO debuts at #1 at the North American Box Office with $21 million from 3,007 theatres. From Distributor Crunchyroll, the Animated Feature gets a phenomenal 92% on the Tomatometer.

In second is Idris Elba-fronted BEAST with $10.1 million for Universal Pictures, from 3,743 theatres. It gets 68% on the Tomatometer.

BULLET TRAIN is in third with $7.1 million from 3,781 theatres for Sony Pictures, a total run of $68.6 million.

TOP GUN: MAVERICK gets fourth with $5.6 million for Paramount Pictures, a total $683 million earned domestically to date.

Fifth is DC LEAGUE OF SUPER-PETS with $4.8 million for Warner Bros., a total $66.5 million over four weekends.