Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a copy of MORBIUS on Blu-ray™!

SYNOPSIS:

One of the most compelling and conflicted characters in Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters comes to the big screen as Oscar® winner Jared Leto transforms into the enigmatic antihero Michael Morbius. Dangerously ill with a rare blood disorder and determined to save others suffering his same fate, Dr. Morbius attempts a desperate gamble. While at first it seems to be a radical success, a darkness inside him is unleashed. Will good override evil – or will Morbius succumb to his mysterious new urges?

BONUS MATERIALS

4K ULTRA HD™, BLU-RAY™, AND DIGITAL
Outtakes & Bloopers

Featurettes:
Defining The Antihero
From Human to Vampire – Visual Effects
Lights, Camera, Action
The Good, Bad & Ugly – Supporting Cast Doing the Stunt Work
Living Vampire from Comics to Screen
Nocturnal Easter Eggs

DVD
Featurettes:
Defining the Antihero
The Good, Bad & Ugly – Supporting Cast Doing the Stunt Work

CAST AND CREW
Directed By: Daniel Espinosa
Written By: Matt Sazama & Burk Sharpless
Produced By: Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, Lucas Foster
Executive Producers: Jared Leto, Louise Rosner, Emma Ludbrook
Cast: Jared Leto, Matt Smith, Adria Arjona, Jared Harris, Al Madrigal and Tyrese Gibson

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Rules and regulations here.

NOTE: Winners will only be messaged directly from this official account. Do not accept messages from third parties advising you that you’ve won and to input your personal information on a link.

MORBIUS is available on 4K ULTRA HD™, BLU-RAY™ and DVD JUNE 14, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Canada)

As part of their Upfronts today, Corus have announced that a new Food Festival is coming to Toronto Fall 2023, just outside their studios at Sugar Beach! The immersive culinary experience is here to challenge the way we think about food.

GRAZE represents the definitive showcase for food and drink, bringing together people that share their love of exceptional cuisine, and immersing them in an indulgent experience where they can eat, cook, listen, learn and explore. Featuring local chefs and big names in the food scene, plus activations across music, art, kids, and more, GRAZE offers something for every member of the family.

“GRAZE is the food festival reimagined – offering not only gourmet flavours but innovative experiences, served up in a refined and inspiring setting,” said Dervla Kelly, SVP Marketing & so.da, Corus Entertainment. “What makes this festival unique is it’s all supported by the power of Corus and its marketing megaphone, allowing sponsors to participate in a premium event that connects directly with consumers, and gets attendees up close and personal with our brands.”

Developed by a talented team of event, festival and media experts GRAZE is produced by Corus in partnership with Eatertainment Events & Catering. Judy Merry, an industry veteran with over 20 years of experience planning and executing some of North America’s most successful festivals and tradeshows, serves as Executive Producer of GRAZE.

Taron Egerton stars in BLACK BIRD, coming soon to Apple TV+. The Series, based on a true story also features the work from a late Ray Liotta.

Synopsis:

“Black Bird” stars Taron Egerton as Jimmy Keene, Paul Walter Hauser as Larry Hall, Greg Kinnear as Brian Miller, Sepideh Moafi as Lauren McCauley, and Ray Liotta as Jimmy Keene’s father, Big Jim Keene. The series is adapted from the true crime memoir “In With The Devil: A Fallen Hero, A Serial Killer, and A Dangerous Bargain for Redemption” by James Keene and Hillel Levin.

Inspired by actual events, when high school football hero and decorated policeman’s son Jimmy Keene (Egerton) is sentenced to 10 years in a minimum security prison, he is given the choice of a lifetime — enter a maximum-security prison for the criminally insane and befriend suspected serial killer Larry Hall (Hauser), or stay where he is and serve his full sentence with no possibility of parole. Keene quickly realizes his only way out is to elicit a confession and find out where the bodies of several young girls are buried before Hall’s appeal goes through. But is this suspected killer telling the truth? Or is it just another tale from a serial liar? This dramatic and captivating story subverts the crime genre by enlisting the help of the very people put behind bars to solve its mysteries.

The first two episodes of BLACKBIRD arrive Friday, July 8, 2022 on Apple TV+, with new episodes to come weekly through August 5, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Apple TV+)

The upcoming 2022/2023 programming line-up for the Corus family of networks have been announced and they’re back and bigger than ever with several returning favourites and new programming, both on their networks and available for streaming!

A new streaming service from Corus called PLUTO TV launches in Canada this Fall. It will house 100 unique, curated channels and over 20,000 hours of content, the service will offer a full spectrum of free programming including drama, comedy, lifestyle, kids, movies, around-the-clock news, and more.

Some of the exciting programming you can expect:

GLOBAL

NEW FALL PRIMETIME SERIES

Global’s first new pick-up joining the fall lineup is the much talked about light-hearted drama So Help Me Todd, which stars Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden as razor-sharp, meticulous attorney Margaret Wright (Harden), who hires her talented, but scruffy and aimless, son Todd (Astin) as her law firm’s in-house investigator.

Then, in Fire Country, former SEAL Team star Max Thieriot plays Bode Donovan, a young convict seeking redemption and a shortened prison sentence by joining an unconventional prison release firefighting program in Northern California, where he and other inmates are partnered with elite firefighters to extinguish massive, unpredictable wildfires across the region.

Next up, Monarch is a sweeping, multi-generational music drama about America’s first family of country music starring Academy Award winner Sarandon, multi-Platinum country music star and three-time Academy of Country Music (ACM) Award winner Trace Adkins and Golden Globe nominee Anna Friel, as they stop at nothing to protect their family’s legacy.

In addition, love is in the air on Global this fall with the new reality romance adventure The Real Love Boat, inspired by the classic hit scripted series The Love Boat, which brings singles together to travel the Mediterranean on a luxury cruise ship while looking for love. Destination dates, challenges and surprise singles will test the couples’ compatibility and chemistry as they navigate the romantic (and sometimes turbulent) waters ahead.

Also moving to Global’s comedy lineup this fall, entering its third season, Home Economics stars Topher Grace and takes a look at the heartwarming yet super uncomfortable and sometimes frustrating relationship between three adult siblings: one in the 1%, one middle-class and one barely holding on.

These shows join new seasons of Global’s returning hits like Survivor, CSI: Vegas, 9-1-1, The Equalizer, the NCIS and FBI franchises, Ghosts, Abbott Elementary, the farewell season of New Amsterdam, plus much more.

GLOBAL’S FALL PRIMETIME OFFERING DAY-BY-DAY

MONDAYS
The week kicks off with the return of Global’s winning, action-packed lineup starting with last fall’s #1 drama 9-1-1**, followed by NCIS, now entering its landmark 20^th season, and then the newest in the NCIS franchise, NCIS: Hawai’i,is back for its sophomore season.

TUESDAYS
FBI night returns to Global this fall, kicking off with FBI: Most Wanted followed by Top 20 hits FBI and then the sophomore season of FBI: International**. Then, it’s the fifth and final season of the groundbreaking series New Amsterdam, which promises to be a truly celebratory event as viewers bid farewell to this inspiring hospital drama.

WEDNESDAYS
Canada’s #1 show Survivor** is back for an adventurous 43^rd season, which promises to be filled with more twists and turns than ever before.A full comedy hour follows, starting with the second season of critical darling Abbott Elementary and the hilarious new acquisition Home Economics. Romance caps off the night with new reality show The Real Love Boat – a steamy reimagining of the iconic scripted series.

THURSDAYS
Thursdays on Global this fall feature some of network TV’s biggest shows and gets started with laughs from The Neighborhood followed by the return of last fall’s #1 new comedy Ghosts**.Then, one of the most talked about new shows – the quick-witted dramedy So Help Me Todd – makes its debut. The night concludes with the return of last fall’s most-watched new series CSI: Vegas** on a new day.

FRIDAYS
The work week wraps up on Friday nights and it’s all about action kicking off with the night’s #1 show last season S.W.A.T.** leading into the new standout action series Fire Country, followed by Global’s internationally successful true-crime original Crime Beat – the #2 show in its timeslot last year***.

SATURDAYS
ET Canada Weekend is back for a second season, with host Sangita Patel delivering all the biggest news headlines of the week. Then, 48 Hours lights up Saturdays with more real-life mysteries and intrigue and ends with laughs from Emmy^® Award-winning, and Canada’s #1 late-night show for young adults, Saturday Night Live, returning for an unprecedented 48th season**.

SUNDAYS
Emmy^® Award-winning news magazine 60 Minutes kicks off Sunday nights followed by action-packed The Equalizer, a Top 20 hit among total viewers last season, will be back for a third season on Global** followed by the new country music drama series Monarch. The night finishes with a new season of the hit NCIS: Los Angeles, which was #1 in its timeslot last season**.

RETURNING DAYTIME, LATE NIGHT, SPECIALS AND NEWS SERIES
In addition to Global’s new and returning primetime series, Global welcomes back perennial hits from day to night this fall.

DAYTIME, LATE NIGHT AND SPECIALS
Back this fall to keep audiences entertained and informed all day long, daytime talk show series The Drew Barrymore Show, The Talk, Tamron Hall and Rachael Ray all return to Global.  For the avid soap opera lovers, Days of our Lives and The Young and the Restless also return, while Global’s late-night offering finishes the day with an all-new season of Canada’s #1 late night talk show The Late Show With Stephen Colbert**.

Also this fall, the 2022 Canadian Country Music Awards presented by TD return to Global, celebrating their 40^th award show and broadcasting live from Calgary on Sunday, September 11 at 8 p.m. ET. Stay tuned for more details to come.

NEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Global News continues to break through the noise to provide award-winning journalism that Canadians can rely on. From international crises to dependable reporting on the pandemic, and timely local stories, Global News remains committed to serving audiences with fact-based, accurate, and comprehensive news coverage. As always, Canadians can turn to Global News as a trusted source of information on television, radio and online featuringflagship newscast Global National and daily local newscasts from coast to coast. New for this fall, veteran journalist Farah Nasser joins Global National as weekend anchor, with Dawna Friesen continuing to lead the weekday version of Canada’s most-watched evening national newscast. On weekends, Global News dives deeper into big issues and enterprise reporting with the current affairs program The New Reality on Saturdays and the political affairs talk show The West Block on Sundays.

The Morning Show is the most-watched Canadian late-morning TV show in Canada, balancing news and information with fun and entertainment. The show has grown its audience year over year, attracting over 1.2 million viewers a week****, featuring celebrity guests, lifestyle contributors and engaging segments. Hosted by the dynamic pair Jeff McArthur and Carolyn MacKenzie, The Morning Show dives into trending topics Canadians are talking about.

Then, fresh off of four Canadian Screen Awards wins including Best Talk Program or Series, ET Canada returns for an 18th season. ET Canada is the county’s go-to source for Hollywood news, straight from the red carpet at some of the world’s biggest events including the Emmy Awards, the Grammy Awards, and the Cannes Film Festival. Hosted by Cheryl Hickey, with Sangita Patel, Carlos Bustamante, Keshia Chanté, and Morgan Hoffman, ET Canada continues to bring viewers exclusive interviews and specials, with the biggest celebrities in Hollywood.

CORUS FAMILY OF NETWORKS AND STREAMING

SCRIPTED DRAMA & ADULT COMEDY

As the exclusive home of marquee Peacock Original programming in English Canada, last year saw Top 10 specialty entertainment programs including Dr. Death, Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol****** and Bel-Air* driving massive audiences on linear specialty networks as well as on STACKTV, and this broadcast season will deliver even more new buzzworthy Peacock series backed by the biggest stars. Landing on Corus’ top drama networks, W Network or Showcase, the following must-watch series will also be available to stream live and on demand on STACKTV with full series and long-term stacking rights. More information and network details for these highly-anticipated series will be announced as the broadcast season progresses.

Coming soon to the schedule is Pitch Perfect (wt) starring Adam Devine who reprises his beloved character Bumper Allen from the hit film franchise as he moves to Germany to revive his music career when one of his songs becomes big in Berlin. True crime fans can look forward to the compelling limited drama series, A Friend of the Family,starring Anna Paquin, Jake Lacy, Colin Hanks, Lio Tipton, Mckenna Grace and Hendrix Yancey, and based on the harrowing true story of the Broberg family, whose daughter Jan was kidnapped multiple times over a period of years by a charismatic, obsessed family “friend.” Then, The Resort – from the creators of Palm Springs and Mr. Robot – is a dramedy about a multi-generational exploration of love, marriage, and family vacations, set amidst one of the Mayan Riviera’s most bizarre unsolved mysteries. Also coming soon, The Best Man: The Final Chapters, written and directed by Malcolm D. Lee, reunites the film’s original cast including Morris Chestnut, Melissa De Sousa, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long and Harold Perrineau nearly 25 years after the film premiered in theatres. Lovers of young adult fiction can sink their teeth into Vampire Academy, based on a series of young adult paranormal romance novels by international bestselling author Richelle Mead, and Saturday Night Live alumni Pete Davidson stars in Bupkis, a heightened, fictionalized version of his real life with Edie Falco playing his mom.

More premium scripted dramas include The Lazarus Project, a riveting, action thriller; Irreverent, a fish out of water crime drama; and The Midwich Cuckoos, a modern reimagining of the classic sci-fi novel led by the incomparable Keeley Hawes and Max Beesley. Upcoming drama series created, directed and co-written by Peter Kominsky, The Undeclared War, set in the world of cyber security and stars Hannah Khalique-Brown, Simon Pegg, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, Edward Holcroft, Adrian Lester, Alex Jennings, German Segal, Tinatin Dalakishvili, Hattie Morahan, Ed Stoppard, Kerry Godliman and Mark Rylance; plus, Gemma Arterton stars in Funny Woman, a story of a young woman who finds her voice in the male dominated world of the 1960s sitcom.

Corus’ drama networkswill also see Tom Swift, an enthralling action-adventure mystery starring Tian Richards and Ashleigh Murray and inspired by the Tom Swift book series that hails from Stratemeyer Syndicate, which also publishes the Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys and Bobbsey Twins books.Also coming this fall is Walker: Independence, a wild-west origin story to CW’s Walker set in the late 1800s, and later this year, DC comics fans can look out for Gotham Knights, a new superhero series featuring a team of mismatched fugitives who must band together to become its next generation of saviors known as the Gotham Knights.

In addition to this newly announced premium content, W Network, a Top 10 specialty network**,invites returning seasons of popular drama series including Season 2 of young adult drama series One of Us Is Lying; the sixth and final season of The Good Fight, Top 20 specialty entertainment program Nancy Drew, Season 2 of Men in Kilts: A Roadtrip with Sam and Graham which takes place in New Zealand, and Season 7 of Top 10 specialty entertainment program Outlander*.

New seasons of fan-favourite series will also return to Showcase including Season 2 of Top 10 specialty entertainment program Bel-Air*, Season 2 of horror series Chucky, Season 2 of the award-winning, music-infused comedy series We Are Lady Parts, Season 3 of hit DC series Pennyworth, and Season 5 of the critically-acclaimed drama series All American.

Adult Swim, a Top 20 specialty network**, continues to offer the best in original animation and live action programming to its massive loyal fanbase of young adults. Adult Swim fans can look forward to Housing Complex C, which centres around Kimi who lives in a small, low-cost housing complex located in the seaside town of Kurosaki, where trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes and horrific incidents begin to occur. Also coming soon to Adult Swim in Canada are two new animated series Royal Crackers,which follows two brothers who live in their comatose father’s house waiting for him to die (he never does) so they can inherit his cracker company empire; and Uzumaki, a four episode mini-series based on the Shogakukan manga by legendary author Junji Ito. Plus, fans can get excited for an anime spin-off of the Emmy-winning series, Rick and Morty: The Anime,which will also be coming to the network.

New seasons of Rick and Morty, a Top 10 specialty entertainment program********, Harley Quinn, Bob’s Burgers, Family Guy and The Eric Andre Show will also return.

HALLMARK CHANNEL ON W NETWORK

Through Corus’ established partnership with Hallmark Channel, W Network continues to bring in significant audiences with its popular seasonal programming events and fulsome offering of heartfelt content which have built a dedicated Canadian fanbase. As Canada’s Christmas Network, the most-watched holiday programming event, Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas, has become an annual tradition in Canadian homes. The highly-anticipated seasonal stunt continues to be a top audience driver, propelling W Network to the #1 specialty station overall with Women 25-54 during the programming event again this year*******.

UNSCRIPTED AND REALITY

Top 10 specialty network,** Food Network Canada is one of the most influential brands in the country, offering an always fresh lineup of premium culinary programming full of fan-favourite faces. This fall, viewers will be treated to new series Bobby and Sophie On the Coast, with Bobby Flay and his daughter Sophie setting off on an incredible food tour across the sunny California coastline. Come fall, Guy’s Ultimate Game Night will see Guy Fieri host Hollywood celebrities and their closest friends and family for an evening of off-the-hook food, drinks and games.

As the exclusive Canadian broadcast home of Magnolia content, Magnolia Network Canada is a collection of inspiring stories with something for everyone in the family. Curated by Chip and Joanna Gaines, featuring some of the most talented makers, artisans, chefs, designers, and entrepreneurs across home and design, food and gardening, the arts, and more. This summer, the brand-new special Silos Baking Competitionwill seetalented home bakers compete for $25,000 and an opportunity to get their winning dessert on the menu at Chip and Joanna’s Silos Baking Co. bakery. Later on, fans of home improvement content can look forward to new series In With the Old, following designers, builders, and old-home enthusiasts with a passion for transforming abandoned structures, and Making Modern with Brooke & Brice, featuring a  married duo who launch a home remodeling business which flips the script on traditional home renovation roles by seeing Brooke as the builder and Brice as the designer. Come next year, new series The Retro Plant Shop with Mikey & Jo follows Mikey McCall, with help from her big sister Joanna Gaines, launching the business of her dreams: a retro-inspired plant shop that blends her passion for gardening with her love of unique, vintage items. Rounding out the schedule, Magnolia Table with Joanna Gaines and Restoration Road with Clint Harp both return for new seasons sure to delight viewers.

Top 10 specialty network,** HGTV Canada is a haven for design, renovation, and inspiration, and moves into the fall with brand new programming full of familiar faces and fabulous spaces. New series Christina in the Country will follow Christina Hall, star of mega-hit series Flip or Flop and Christina on the Coast, on her next adventure expanding her design business across the country and putting down roots at her Tennessee farm as a second home. Next year, the network will introduce Farmhouse Fabulous (wt) with Chelsea and Cole DeBoer,formerly known from Teen Mom 2,sharing a look into their new venture launching a full-time renovation and design business in South Dakota. Up next, Good Bones star and designer Mina Starsiak Hawk will take on the biggest renovation challenge of her career in the new spin-off series, Good Bones: Risky Business where she purchases and restores a heritage home to its former glory.

National Geographic, a Top 20 specialty network,** will see the premiere of the much-anticipated new series Edge of the Unknown with Jimmy Chin, from Academy Award®-winning executive producers E. Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin. The series takes audiences inside the minds of elite adventure athletes through transformative stories of confronting fear, devastating personal loss and Mother Nature at her harshest. Also returning to the schedule are new seasons of fan-favourite series Cesar Milan: Better Human, Better Dog,where Cesar Millan will take on his most challenging cases yet, and Running Wild with Bear Grylls, with the famed survivalist pushing the bodies and minds of A-list celebrities to the limit in order to successfully complete the adventure of a lifetime.

Slice viewers can look forward to a buzzworthy slate of new and returning titles. New series Below Deck Adventure will delight fans of the Below Deck franchise, with the inaugural season set in Norway’s glacial fjords where wealthy thrill-seekers will experience dramatic adventures during their mega-yacht trip of a lifetime. Reality TV lovers can also look forward to the new series Real Girlfriends in Paris, with six bold twenty-something American women packing their bags for the City of Lights where they find each other, encounter a romantic rendezvous or two, and embrace the spontaneity that comes with living in an exciting new city. The third season of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, continuing to share the unconventional lives of successful women navigating an exclusive social circle in a city where religion, status and perfection are praised to the highest degree. Winter House also returns for a new season, with some of the most beloved Summer House and Southern Charm cast members and their friends packing their bags and bundling up for another cool winter getaway packed with wild parties, steamy hookups, and so much more.

Exploring stories of human endeavour, achievement and progress through award-winning series and specials, The HISTORY Channel is set to premiere a sensational slate of new content. This summer, fans of Alone can look forward to two brand-new franchise spin-offs with Alone: Frozen and Alone: Skills Challenge. Come fall, new series History’s Greatest Heists with Pierce Brosnan goes inside the most unbelievable, elaborate real-life heists of all time, and History’s Greatest of All-Time with Peyton Manning will see the former star quarterback countdown the greatest achievers of all-time across categories. More Power features Tim Allen alongside his Home Improvement co-star Richard Karn and DIY expert April Wilkerson, as they task three of the best and brightest makers each episode to create mind-blowing builds for a chance to win $5,000.

KIDS

YTV embraces its role as a leader in all things fun for families as the first dedicated network for kids in Canada. This fall, get ready for hit tween drama series The Next Step as it pirouettes over to YTV for Season 8 and a returning season of Are You Afraid of the Dark?.

Over on TELETOON, hilarious comedy, unexpected surprises and edge-of-your-seat action ensues through best-in-class animation. Coming this fall exclusively to TELETOON, the epic prequel Gremlins: The Secrets of Mogwai from HBO Max unlocks the mystery of how a 10-year-old Sam Wing (future shop owner Mr. Wing in the 1984 Gremlins movie) met the young Mogwai called Gizmo.

Treehouse is devoted to children from breakfast to bedtime providing a strong balance of educational, imaginative and entertaining programs in a safe place trusted by parents. This fall, the network welcomes Batwheels, a preschool animated action-adventure comedy series featuring the most heroic and iconic vehicles from the DC universe, and Bugs Bunny Builders, where at ACME Construction Company, Bugs Bunny and Lola Bunny manage a crew of builders who by working together as a team, use their tools and wild vehicles to pull off some of the looniest construction jobs ever.

For the newest Disney series and movies, Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD are the go-to networks, providing entertainment for the whole family with exclusive programming airing day and date with the U.S. Coming soon to Disney Junior, families can enjoy a brand new season of Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends.

For more on the Corus family of networks’ 2022/2023 programming line-up. Click here.

The 2022 Toronto Jewish Film Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and is back in-person and online too! The Festival runs June 9 to June 26, 2022, with many special guests in attendance this year. More here.

Our George Kozera (@PartyG) has had a chance to preview some of this year’s key titles from the Festival including Opening Night Gala PLAN A. Read some of his thoughts and recommendations!

PLAN A

The opening night film of the 30th anniversary of TJFF is the remarkable PLAN A, written and directed by Israeli brothers, Yoav and Doron Paz. Based on a true story, the Movie opens and closes with the question: “What if your whole family was murdered? What would you do?” This thought-provoking query takes the audience on an astonishing journey as to what a group of Holocaust survivors would do.

We first meet Max (played with voracious intensity by August Diehl) return to the home he was forced to leave behind, searching for his wife and young son, only to find a German family living there and claiming it now belongs to them. With a rifle pointed to his head, Max is told “Just because the war is over it doesn’t mean we can’t kill Jews anymore.” At a refugee camp, Max meets Michael (the arresting Michael Aloni) an Israeli officer who alongside other soldiers seek and execute post war Nazi soldiers. At one execution site deep in a dark forest, they meet members of a group calling themselves Nakam, dubbed the “Jewish Avengers”. Led by Abba (Ishai Golan), this crew includes the beautiful Anna (Sylvie Hoeks, so memorable in “Blade Runner 2049”) and they want to do much more than kill Nazis. They plan to poison the water system in Germany, essentially killing six millions Germans…one for every dead Jewish person during the Holocaust.

Despite a somewhat slow Middle Act, PLAN A is a mesmerizing Thriller with astonishing Cinematography and faultless performances. It is powerfully emotional that never really answers the question posed, but it did make me reflect as to what would I do?

JUNE 9, 8:00 PM IN-PERSON HOT DOCS TED ROGERS CINEMA

JUNE 16 – JUNE 26 ONLINE TJFF VIRTUAL CINEMA

ALEGRÍA

Set in the picturesque Spanish town of Melilla, situated on the north coast of Africa where Jews, Christians and Muslims peacefully co-exist, ALEGRÍA showcases issues around faith, family and love from a tantalizing female perspective. Having moved back to Melilla and living in her ancestral home, Alegría eschews any iconography regarding her Jewish upbringing, yet ironically is preparing to host her niece’s upcoming Jewish Orthodox wedding. Alegría is strongly-opinionated, rarely smiles (unless she’s partaking in a joint shared with her Christian BFF) and has a contentious relationship with her daughter living in a kibbutz in Israel, a country Alegría never intends to visit. In sharp contrast, her friend and co-worker Dunia (Sarah Perles), a Muslim, is an effervescent beacon of sunshine and positivity.

In the planning of the wedding, Alegría relives many emotions she kept buried for years, which includes a past relationship with the City’s Rabbi (Leonardo Sbaraglia, sadly under-utilized).

ALEGRÍA is deeply-rooted in its soap opera plots and is at times too dour to fully enjoy, despite strong performances by everyone in the Cast. I just wish the Movie was as exuberant as the Dunia character.

JUNE 12, 2:00 PM IN-PERSON CINEPLEX CINEMAS EMPRESS WALK 2

JUNE 16 – JUNE 26 ONLINE TJFF VIRTUAL CINEMA

ROCK CAMP

When ROCK CAMP opens with Alice Cooper on-screen saying he’s 68-years-old and is immediately followed by “Rock Stars were harmed in the making of this Film” disclaimer, I just knew I’d be in for a treat!

We quickly learn all we really want to know about David Fishof early in the Movie. He was a Sports Agent, an Entertainment Booker, and the Promoter of The Monkees’ Reunion Tour, followed by Ringo Starr’s All Star Band show (both concerts I had attended, which opened a floodgate of happy memories). It was during the tours with Ringo that Fishof came up with the concept of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, where amateurs can be mentored by Rock legends which would be followed by performing and jamming with them.

ROCK CAMP documents the 23^rd anniversary of the “Camp” being held in Las Vegas and follows four “Campers” living their Rock ‘n’ Roll’ dreams. With interviews from “Counsellors”  that include Roger Daltry (The Who), Nancy Wilson (Heart), the aforementioned Alice Cooper, Lita Ford (The Runaways), Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley (Kiss) and extensive archival footages that include Tommy Lee, Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones) and members from Stone Temple Pilots, Black Sabbath and Mötley Crüe to name just a few, ROCK CAMP is loud, raucous and intoxicating.

I suspect everyone has their own Rock ‘n’ Roll fantasy – mine was to be one of the Back-up Singers standing between Rita Coolidge and Claudia Lennear during Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen Tour. If you do have such dreams or just have memories of the days when Rock flooded the airwaves or get goosebumps when you hear the opening bassline of “Papa Was a Rolling Stone”, ROCK CAMP cannot, should not be missed.

JUNE 14, 7:30 PM IN-PERSON HOT DOCS TED ROGERS CINEMA

JUNE 16 – JUNE 26 ONLINE TJFF VIRTUAL CINEMA

LET IT BE MORNING

Unable to leave the small Arabic village in Israel after attending his younger brother’s wedding as the town is in military lockdown, Sami (Alex Bakri) is unable to return to Jerusalem, where a job plus a mistress awaits. LET IT BE MORNING (Israel’s official submission for Academy Award in 2021) is Director Eran Kolirin’s thoughtful exploration of cultural divisions and personal reflections. Whereas not entirely successful as the Director’s breakout hit, “The Band’s Visit” , this Film’s gentle humour is tinged with genuine pathos with an underlining musicality that is admirable.

With the town under siege, cellphone reception blocked then followed by the electricity being shut down, the self-absorbed Sami is forced to reconnect with the family and close friends he left behind, while trying to keep his superiority complex and condescension under wrap. Bakri gives an exemplary, thoughtful performance that is enhanced by the outstanding supporting performances from Juna Suleiman as his wife and Ehab Elias Salami as his sad sack friend. Enhanced by superior Cinematography and the surprising addition of Sia’s “Chandelier” in its Soundtrack, LET IT BE MORNING is an emotional, thought-provoking film that succinctly addresses Israeli-Palestinian tensions with an Arabic sensibility. It is a commendable and strongly recommended achievement.

JUNE 13, 7:30 PM IN-PERSON HOT DOCS TED ROGERS CINEMA

JUNE 16 – JUNE 26 ONLINE TJFF VIRTUAL CINEMA

WET DOG

Inspired by events in the life of Arye Sharuz Shalicar, WET DOG endeavours to bring a new perspective of the Coming-of-Age cinematic landscape. Having recently moved to Wedding, a Berlin suburb, 16-year-old Soheil (who was born in Iran) appears to have an idyllic life with his loving, supportive family. He befriends some guys playing soccer and almost immediately they are all thick as thieves. One day, wearing the Star of David on a chain around his neck that was gifted to him by his grandmother, Soheil is verbally accosted by racist thugs and decides to hide his faith from his newfound “brothers” – a ragtag group mainly consisting of Turks, Kurds and Palestinian. In a rapid string of events, Soheil must ultimately decide where his loyalties lie.

Despite believable and earnest performance from Doguhan Kabadayi as Soheil and Derya Dilber as his girlfriend Selma, this Movie riddled with credibility issues.

Soheil’s transformation from a typical teen to a Graffiti Artist, then a knife-wielding gang member (the “rumble” sequence between the rival factions was so awkwardly-choreographed, like an amateur production of “West Side Story”) made me question if I missed something in the exposition. Whereas the embracing his Jewish faith made sense after he was arrested for assisting in the robbery of a Jewish Shopkeeper, it slowed the pace and diluted the tone of the Film.

My strongest objection towards WET DOG (the title taken from a racist slur) are the not-so-subtle inferences that anti-Semetic actions taking place in present day Germany, are at the hands of Muslims, which is misconstrued. A Movie that explores racism and religious beliefs should practice better what it preaches.

JUNE 15, 7:30 PM IN-PERSON LEAH POSLUNS THEATRE

JUNE 16 – JUNE 26 ONLINE TJFF VIRTUAL CINEMA

OUR (ALMOST COMPLETELY TRUE) STORY

If, like me, you’re of a generation that remembers the iconic Polaroid commercials on TV starring James Garner and Mariette Hartley where the chemistry between them was so natural that millions believed they were really married, do I have good news for you! Co-written with her real-life husband (Voice Actor Jerry Sroka), Hartley plays herself in OUR (ALMOST COMPLETELY TRUE) STORY, a genuinely enjoyable romp that explores the lives of Actors of a certain age. Job offers are scarce and when one occurs, not only does Hartley have problems remembering her lines, but she must also compete against friends (Morgan Fairchild and Tess Harper playing themselves in a funny, memorable cameo) to young Filmmakers who have no idea who these “old ladies” are. Resigned to live her life content and quietly, she becomes revitalized by the continued flirtatious advances from Sroka.

This Movie captivated me from the get-go. Liberally peppered with cameos from Bernie Kopell, Peter MacNichol, Don Scardino, Mindy Sterling, Peter Onorati and more either playing themselves or fictional characters, it’s a gentle scathing of the current Hollywood scene. It also beautifully evokes a romance between two people that, on paper, shouldn’t work. Mariette Hartley’s signature comedic delivery is on full display to be savoured and her rarely seen dramatic side is an accomplishment. A wonderful Dramedy, OUR (ALMOST COMPLETELY TRUE) STORY is delicious and worthy of indulgence.

JUNE 16 – JUNE 26 ONLINE TJFF VIRTUAL CINEMA

DECEPTION

Novels by Philip Roth are notoriously different to transfer cinematically. Dialogue that rings beautifully on the page sound hollow when heard on-screen. When was the last time you heard anyone say “I’ve been capricious”? At the center of DECEPTION are two adulterers that meet regularly at their hiding place. Philip (Denis Podalydes) is an American author living in London and Léa Seydoux (Crimes of the Future, No Time to Die) is his young lover who is trapped in an unhappy marriage. They talk. A lot. They have sex. A lot. Both activities are laborious to watch.

Despite eliciting lovely performances with searing intensity from the two leads, the failure of DECEPTION firmly lies with the choices made by Director Arnaud Desplechin. The tonal shifts, which include bizarre camera shots and angles, are infuriating. There’s a difference between melancholy and miserable and unlikable characters can successfully be adapted to the big screen. I completely lost interest halfway through DECEPTION, sadly.

JUNE 11, 9:15 PM IN-PERSON HOT DOCS TED ROGERS CINEMA

JUNE 16 – JUNE 26 ONLINE TJFF VIRTUAL CINEMA

ROSE

Francoise Fabian (best known for her lead role in the French classic “My Night at Maud’s) plays Rose, recently widowed in her late 70s, who inexplicitly transforms from frumpy to fabulous – much to the chagrin of her three children. While her kids are far from perfect to judge their mother’s newfound exuberance (the devout eldest son is contemplating cheating on his wife, the bitter middle daughter is still in love with her ex-husband, and the youngest son, still living at home, is to be tried for dealing with stolen merchandise), Rose gleefully rediscovers the joy of singing Yiddish folksongs, driving a car as well as having an affair with a significantly younger and handsome bartender. Whereas I enjoyed ROSE due to the nice performances from the Cast that is enhanced with a lively score and enchanting Parisian exteriors, but one has to believe in the premise that someone, steadfastly set in their way, can completely change their life, outlook, and personality after two hits on a joint and a Vodka shot. I had issues buying into it.

JUNE 12, 8:00 PM IN-PERSON CINEPLEX CINEMAS EMPRESS WALK 2

JUNE 16 – JUNE 26ONLINE TJFF VIRTUAL CINEMA

A TREE OF LIFE

On October 27, 2018, a white supremacist entered the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, opened fire and killed eleven people in what was the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history. The Documentary A TREE OF LIFE not only proficiently examines the effects of this event with interviews from survivors, family members and friends of the deceased and political experts, this movie is even more poignant now due to the recent slaughter of children at a school in Texas. Director Trish Adlesic (Oscar-nominated for “Gasland”) adroitly presents many differing emotional responses and unique perspectives from those interviewed with compassion, intelligence, and fairness. At once, she squarely places much of the blame and the increase of hate-based crimes to a populate that were emboldened by right-wing American Government officials. One scene in this Movie left me thunderstruck, where a synagogue, no longer in use, was transformed into a shop selling guns and assault rifles.

A TREE OF LIFE affected me profoundly. It is emotionally-draining but it is essential viewing.

JUNE 16 – JUNE 26 ONLINE TJFF VIRTUAL CINEMA

ONE MORE STORY

When a first date (played by Dina Senderson and Guri Alfi) comically derails within the first few minutes, the attractive middle-aged couple decide to start over again by confessing to each other past events they were not particularly proud of. Yarden (Senderson) starts the tale by recounting how she, a Journalist, struck a deal with her boss-slash-lover Amos (Lior Ashkenazi, so memorable in “Walk on Water”) that she will document a series of disastrous first dates in the search for true love by her best friend and “putz” (comic gold performance from Maayan Blum) in return for getting her book published. All goes according to plan until Blum’s character meets and falls madly in with the beautiful but neurotic Maya, putting Yarden’s plan in jeopardy!

ONE MORE STORY takes an original approach to the ubiquitous Rom-Com conventions. It is fast-paced and exuberant with just enough pathos presented without making it maudlin. Whereas Yarden may come across intimidating and genuinely believes that “Love at first sight is film bullsh*t”, Senderson’s immeasurable timing and abilities cannot be faulted nor dismissed. Watching two romantic plotlines simultaneously is inspiring and I challenge anyone not to leave the theatre after watching ONE MORE STORY without an infectious smile.

JUNE 11, 9:15 PM IN-PERSON CINEPLEX CINEMAS EMPRESS WALK 2

JUNE 16 – JUNE 26 ONLINE TJFF VIRTUAL CINEMA

More here including tickets!

By Justin Waldman

I just want to start this review stating that I am a True Crime afficionado. Documentaries, Mini-Series and Movies just gets me excited. I’m not a Sociopath, I swear! Now when you add Mormons to the mix and the Cast de la Casts, there really is nothing more one person could ask. Everything about the first two-thirds of Under the Banner of Heaven feels like a continuation of True Detective, especially in the vein of its Season One. There is so much to uncover and discover throughout this Show that you will not be able to pull yourself away from the screen and will have to watch it all in one swift go.

The Show focuses on Detective Jeb Pyre (Andrew Garfield) who is a Mormon Detective investigating the grizzly death of Brenda Lafferty (Daisy Edgar-Jones), which causes him to start questioning his faith in his religion. However, the family at the height of this gruesome murder is very anti-government and will do anything to make sure they don’t have to answer to any branch of the government, even if it means finding out who murdered one of their own. Throughout the Show, Ron Lafferty (Sam Worthington), Dianna (Denise Gough), Dan (Wyatt Russell), Allen (Billy Howle), Matilda (Chloe Pirrie), Robin (Seth Numrich), Samuel (Rory Culkin) and Doreen (Megan Leitch) are all butting-heads with the local police department and Jeb, which starts to strain on his wife, Rebecca (Adelaide Clemens).

The Storyline in Under the Banner of Heaven isn’t quite linear, but instead tells three different stories over different timelines (a few years) and these stories intercut with each other – which gets confusing at times. However, the main Storyline of who killed Brenda Lafferty is the most compelling story that shines throughout. Since this is True Crime, and if you read the 2003 Book of the same name, you might already know how this ends, but that never seems to cause issues as every moment is as captivating as the last.

Moreover though, the performances in Under the Banner of Heaven are truly exceptional. Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Wyatt Russell and Daisy Edgar-Jones are all incredible throughout their performances. Garfield delivers a performance with such passion and heart that is almost akin to his performance on stage in Angels in America. Edgar-Jones plays the innocent woman who just fell for the wrong person in the wrong family perfectly to a tee, while Worthington and Wyatt play the sinister characters excellently.

There is so much to admire and to enjoy within Under the Banner of Heaven if true crime subject matters are something one is into. With the pacing and mystery (if one allows there to be one) present, every moment is more gripping than the last as one tries to piece together who is responsible. The brilliant performances throughout this Mini-series as well, bring it all together and this is one of the most compelling things we’ve seen on Television in recent memory. Under the Banner of Heaven is must-see TV and provides some career highlights for its plethora of brilliant performances.

UNDER THE BANNER OF HEAVEN arrvies Wednesday, June 8, 2022 on Disney+.

(Photo credit: Disney)

Dwayne Johnson stars in BLACK ADAM, coming to theatres this October. See the new Trailer about this latest superhero to hit the big screen in the DC Universe!

Synopsis:

Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the ancient gods—and imprisoned just as quickly—Black Adam (Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.

Johnson stars alongside Aldis Hodge (“City on a Hill,” “One Night in Miami”) as Hawkman, Noah Centineo (“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”) as Atom Smasher, Sarah Shahi (“Sex/Life,” “Rush Hour 3”) as Adrianna, Marwan Kenzari (“Murder on the Orient Express,” “The Mummy”) as Ishmael, Quintessa Swindell (“Voyagers,” “Trinkets”) as Cyclone, Bodhi Sabongui (“A Million Little Things”) as Amon, and Pierce Brosnan (the “Mamma Mia!” and James Bond franchises) as Dr. Fate.

Collet-Serra directed from a screenplay by Adam Sztykiel and Rory Haines & Sohrab Noshirvani, screen story by Adam Sztykiel and Rory Haines & Sohrab Noshirvani, based on characters from DC.  Black Adam was created by Bill Parker and C.C. Beck.  The film’s producers were Beau Flynn, Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia and Dany Garcia, with Richard Brener, Walter Hamada, Dave Neustadter, Chris Pan, Eric McLeod, Geoff Johns and Scott Sheldon

  “Black Adam” smashes into theatres and IMAX internationally beginning 19 October 2022 and in North America on October 21, 2022.  It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

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

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Screening Passes to see THE BLACK PHONE.

Screenings take place as follows:

• Toronto: Yonge & Dundas at 7 PM
• Montreal: Scotiabank Theatre at 7 pm 
• Vancouver: Cineplex International Village at 7 pm

Synopsis:

The phone is dead. And it’s ringing.

Director Scott Derrickson returns to his terror roots and partners again with the foremost brand in the genre, Blumhouse, with a new horror thriller. Finney Shaw, a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little use. When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, Finney discovers that he can hear the voices of the killer’s previous victims. And they are dead set on making sure that what happened to them doesn’t happen to Finney.

Starring four-time Oscar® nominee Ethan Hawke in the most terrifying role of his career and introducing Mason Thames in his first ever film role, The Black Phone is produced,

directed, and co-written by Scott Derrickson, the writer-director of Sinister, The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Marvel’s Doctor Strange. 

The film’s screenplay is by Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill (Doctor Strange, Sinister franchise), based on the award-winning short story by Joe Hill from his New York Times bestseller 20th Century Ghosts. The film is produced by Derrickson & Cargill’s Crooked Highway and presented by Universal and Blumhouse. Jason Blum, Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill are producers on the film, which is executive produced by Ryan Turek and Christopher H. Warner.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. You also can Re-Tweet the Contest Tweet below for another chance! Please remember to indicate your City.

Rules and regulations here.

NOTE: Do not accept their party messages and friend requests asking for your personal information. Winners will be contacted only by this official account.

Universal Pictures Canada release THE BLACK PHONE in theatres June 24, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

A new Trailer has arrived for THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL, based on the best-selling Series by series by Soman Chainani.

Synposis:
In the village of Gavaldon, two misfits and best friends, Sophie (Sophia Anne Caruso) and Agatha (Sofia Wylie), share the unlikeliest of bonds. Sophie, a lover of fairy tales, dreams of escaping her ordinary village life, while Agatha, with her grim aesthetic, has the makings of a real witch. Then one night under a blood red moon, a powerful force sweeps them away to the School for Good and Evil — where the true story of every great fairy tale begins. Yet something is amiss from the start: Sophie is dropped into the School for Evil, run by the glamorous and acid-tongued Lady Lesso (Charlize Theron), and Agatha in the School for Good, overseen by the sunny and kind Professor Dovey (Kerry Washington). As if navigating classes with the offspring of Cinderella, Captain Hook, and the dashing son of King Arthur (Jamie Flatters) wasn’t hard enough, according to the Schoolmaster (Laurence Fishburne), only true love’s kiss can change the rules and send the girls to their rightful school. But when a dark and dangerous figure (Kit Young) with mysterious ties to Sophie reemerges and threatens to destroy the school and the rulebook entirely — the only way to a happy ending is to survive the fairytale first.

Coming soon to Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

20th Century Studios have released a new Trailer for intense upcoming Thriller PREY! Dan Trachtenberg (“The Boys”) directs.

Synopsis:

Set in the Comanche Nation 300 years ago, “Prey” is the story of a young woman, Naru, a fierce and highly skilled warrior. She has been raised in the shadow of some of the most legendary hunters who roam the Great Plains, so when danger threatens her camp, she sets out to protect her people. The prey she stalks, and ultimately confronts, turns out to be a highly evolved alien predator with a technically advanced arsenal, resulting in a vicious and terrifying showdown between the two adversaries.

“Prey” is directed by Dan Trachtenberg, written by Patrick Aison (“Jack Ryan,” “Treadstone”), and produced by John Davis (“Jungle Cruise,” “The Predator”), Jhane Myers (“Monsters of God”), and Marty Ewing (“It: Chapter Two”), with Lawrence Gordon (“Watchmen”), Ben Rosenblatt (“Snowpiercer”), James E. Thomas, John C. Thomas and Marc Toberoff (“Fantasy Island”) serving as executive producers. 

PREY will stream August 5, 2022 on Disney+ under the Star banner in Canada.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)