By Amanda Gilmore

It’s been 35 years since Director Steven Soderbergh has had a Feature film at Sundance. All those years ago he brought Sex, Lies and Videotape which won the Audience Award: Dramatic in 1989. He’s been back since with his TV Show The Girlfriend Experience in 2009. 

However, his big return follows a family that moves into a suburban home. Shortly after moving in, their daughter Chloe (Callina Liang), still grieving the sudden death of her best friend, senses a supernatural spirit within.

Soderbergh always finds new ways to use the camera. He was the first established Director to shoot films with an iPhone. Additionally, he always finds new ways to bring audiences into a story. He’s back at it again with Presence. This time around he’s used the camera to tell this story through an entirely new —and inventive— perspective. His camera is the ghost’s perspective. Thus, putting a whole new spin on the Haunted House genre.

Screenwriter David Koepp’s Script mixes multiple genres. It begins as a Domestic Drama. We see this family in all its dysfunction. It’s most fascinating seeing the mother (a fantastic Lucy Liu) who favours her son over her daughter. As the story progresses, it leans more into the ghost and Haunted House subgenres. It succeeds at every turn because of Soderbergh’s choice of perspective.

Presence screens at Sundance ’24:

Jan 19 at 9:45 PM at Library Centre Theatre

Jan 20 at 9:00 AM at Egyptian Theatre

Jan 21 at 9:00 PM at Rose Wagner Centre

Jan 23 at 8:00 PM at Eccles Theatre

Jan 27 at 2:30 PM at Redstone Cinemas – 1

Jan 28 at 11:00 AM at Magaplex Theatres at The Gateway – Theatre 1/2/3

By Amanda Gilmore

Writer-Director Josh Margolin’s Feature debut is a tender story about growing old and how we as a society view our elders. All wrapped in one of the freshest whip-smart comedic Scripts.

The story follows 93-year-old Thelma Post (the magnificent June Squibb) who gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson. When she finds the PO Box address she sent the money to, she’s determined to confront the crook. However, her family won’t let her. But when Thelma sees Tom Cruise on the front cover of a newspaper promoting his latest Mission Impossible movie (the headline a clever “Mission: Possible”) she sets out on her mission for revenge.

Thelma is the feel-good movie of Sundance ’24 that leaves the audience uplifted and giddy. Additionally, it’s a very timely story due to this scam increasing since the pandemic. It was Margolin’s grandmother, also named Thelma, who nearly got scammed that sparked his idea for this Feature.

It includes a stellar ensemble consisting of Fred Hechinger as Thelma’s grandson Danny, Parker Posey as her daughter Gail, and Clark Gregg as her son-in-law Alan. All hit each comedic and tender moment. Yet, no one can compare to the enchanting Squibb. She’s a force to be reckoned with just as Thelma is as she goes as fast as a scooter can take her. After decades in the industry, finally we get to see her at her action hero best.

There might be no mission that’s impossible for Thelma but there sure is for the audience. Their impossible mission: not having a silly smile on their face from beginning to end.

Thelma screens at Sundance ’24:

Jan 17 at 6:30 PM at The Ray Theatre

Jan 18 at 9:00 AM at Prospector Square Theatre

Jan 20 at 9:00 PM at Rose Wagner Center

Jan 23 at 1:15 PM at Eccles Theatre

Jan 24 at 5:00 PM at Redstone Cinemas – 1

Jan 27 at 6:45 PM at Redstone Cinemas – 7

Jan 28 at 1:15 PM at Broadway Centre Cinemas – 6

Online — Jan 25 – Jan 28

By Amanda Gilmore

After their Sundance breakout debut with Half Nelson, Co-Writer and Co-Directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck return to the Festival with Freaky Tales. It follows four interconnected tales that take place in 1987 Oakland. Teen punks defend their turf against Nazi skinheads, a rap duo battles for hip-hop immortality, a weary henchman gets a shot at redemption, and an NBA All-Star settles the score.

If you want to see some Nazis get brutally killed, you’ve come to the right place. This entertaining, bloody ride through the Bay area in ’87 is a thrill. Boden and Fleck have created an Anthology feature that pays homage to Grindhouse Cinema, the ’80s, and the Bay Area. The Filmmakers have created four stories that feel as though they stand alone but manage to connect in the end. A feat for any Anthology feature.

But just like all Anthologies, some stories hit more than others. Additionally, the stories feel too short. The audience would’ve loved to get more backstory on the characters and even stayed with them longer. Story 3 is the one with the most developed character. It follows a Hitman (Pedro Pascal), who has just recently lost everything. It’s the meatiest role out of the four and Pascal unsurprisingly hits a home run.

The entire Ensemble — kill — it. Jay Ellis, who plays Warriors player, Sleepy Floyd, will stick with audiences. His story is the final one and it includes a samurai sword and lots Nazis becoming instinct. This final story feels like a huge nod to Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, Sleepy even dons a yellow floor-length jacket for a bit.

Freaky Tales is a fun time with some delightful Grindhouse gore.

Freaky Tales screens at Sundance ’24:

Jan 18 at 6:45 PM at Eccles Theatre

Jan 19 at 9:00 AM at Egyptian Theatre

Jan 20 at 2:30 PM at Magaplex Theatres at The Gateway – Theatre 1/2/3

Jan 23 at 7:00 PM at The Ray Theatre

Jan 25 at 3:00 PM at Redstone Cinemas – 2

Jan 28 at 8:00 PM at Library Center Theatre

…

By Amanda Gilmore

I Saw The TV Glow is a visceral examination of our obsession with Media and a look at growing up queer in suburbia.

Writer-Director Jane Schoenbrun (Sundance ’21’s We’re All Going To The World’s Fair) returns to the Festival with this Midnight selection. It’s story reaches decades in the life of Owen (as a seventh-grader Ian Foreman and Justice Smith for the remainder of the Film) who’s trying to make it through life in the suburbs. Then they meet Maddy (an outstanding Brigette Lundy-Paine) a classmate a few years older than them. She introduces Owen to the late-night TV show “The Pink Opaque” (it feels like a nod to Buffy The Vampire Slayer). The two become obsessed with the show, seeing themselves within the characters. For Owen, it allows them to identify the person within. For Maddy, it’s seeing someone similar to her on screen. But soon their obsession with the show blurs their lines between reality and fiction.

Just like with their feature debut, I Saw The TV Glow has a vibe all of its own. It’s clear Schoenbrun, with only two features under their belt, is an Auteur. The hypnotic neon lights suck us into this story of Owen, a person trying to figure out who they are and where they belong. Smith is enchanting as Owen discovers the show and a world they can escape within.

The outstanding Script has haunting lines of dialogue such as Owen admitting to Maddy that, “someone took a shovel and dug out my insides.” Later when the lines between reality and fiction blur, particularly for Maddy, she’s given a monologue that Lundy-Paine delivers with an intensity that consumes the viewer.

I Saw The TV Glow is a mix of genre filmmaking that only Schoenbrun could accomplish. The Lighting, Score, and Sound assault the senses. Thus mimicking the sense of overwhelming Owen walks with every day. Schoenbrun examines the identity of their characters while providing an examination of the positive and negative effects of our TV obsessions.

There is a lot at play within I Saw The TV Glow. There are many ways to look at the Film and dissect it. But there isn’t a need. It feels more like a film you experience, one based on instinct and feeling. And does it ever pack a punch right to the gut. Just wait for that ending.

A24 has distribution of I Saw The TV Glow in the U.S., but the Film currently doesn’t have a release date.

I Saw The TV Glow screens at Sundance ’24:

Jan 18 at 10:00 PM at Library Center Theatre

Jan 19 at 9:30 PM at Redstone Cinemas – 7

Jan 21 at 8:15 PM at Broadway Centre Cinemas – 6

Jan 23 at 10:30 PM at The Ray Theatre

Jan 27 at 8:15 PM at Broadway Centre Cinemas – 6

For a second week straight, we see MEAN GIRLS on-top at the Box Office with $12.5 million from 3,791 theatres for Paramount Pictures. Over two weeks, this adaptation of the 2004 film and Broadway Musical, has grossed $51.3 million.

In second is THE BEEKEEPER with $7.9 million from 3,303 theatres for VVS Films/MGM/Amazon Studios, bringing its gross to $30 million.

Third is WONKA with $6 million, a total now of $186 million for Warner Bros.

Fourth goes to ANYONE BUT YOU with $5 million, bringing the total to $63.5 million for Sony Pictures.

MIGRATION rounds things out with $4.9 million, a total $94 million for Universal Pictures.

By Amanda Gilmore

Love Me is the wildly-imaginative debut feature from writer-director duo Sam and Andy Zuchero. It takes place long after humanity’s extinction and tells the love story of a Smart Buoy (Kristen Stewart) and an Orbiting Satellite (Steven Yeun) that spans a billion years and probes the mysteries of being and consciousness.

The Zucheros begin this journey with the introduction of humanity’s extinction. A Smart Buoy is the first thing to ‘awaken’ on earth. Soon it overhears a Satellite in space. To get its attention it mimics its words. Almost immediately, the Satellite shares the intelligence stored within it, mostly from YouTube, with the Buoy. Before long, the Buoy becomes enraptured by an influencer named Deja (also Stewart) and her partner Liam (also Yeun).

The Buoy wants to live like Deja and starts an Instagram page, convincing the Satellite to do the same. As the Buoy becomes increasingly consumed by Deja’s —fake— persona it gets the Satellite to create avatars of them so they can live as humans did. Stewart is truly a delight to watch as this sham influencer.

When the Buoy and Satellite transition into avatars the movie transitions into memoji-esque animation. This is a change that will be hit or miss amongst audiences. However, it gives Stewart and Yeun an amazing showcase for their voice work, both transcending the animation.

It’s when the Satellite is left alone for a billion years without the Buoy that the Satellite becomes ‘real’. It ditches the fake life the Buoy wanted and finds who it truly is. This is when the animation transitions into standard film format. Once we arrive at this Final Act, Yeun and Stewart give immensely captivating performances. Making us wish the animation section was more condensed to get more of their physical presence on-screen.

This may be sold as a love story, and it is, but the Zucheros deliver much more. Love Me is a film that questions what it means to be alive. In the tight runtime, they manage to leave us with questions about humanity and how we interact with technology. And as a result, they question what it means to be our authentic selves.

Love Me has already won the Alfred P. Sloan Prize at Sundance ’24. The price is awarded to an outstanding feature film focusing on science or technology as a theme.

Love Me is in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at this year’s Festival.

Love Me screens at Sundance ’24:

Jan 19 at 12:00 PM at Eccles Theatre

Jan 20 at 9:30 AM at Prospector Square Theatre

Jan 21 at 11:00 AM at Rose Wagner Center

Jan 24 at 8:45 PM at Redstone Cinemas – 2

Jan 26 at 7:45 PM at Library Center Theatre

Online — Jan 25 – Jan 28

Diamond Cafe, who has been recognized as a “Pop-Funk Prodigy” by Pitchfork, has announced his signing to Warner Music Canada. Known for his captivating performances, Diamond creates polished R&B and funky synth-pop that transports listeners to another era. His powerful vocals and impeccable falsetto, reminiscent of a church choir, offer soul-stirring harmonies that immediately capture attention. In an industry saturated with manufactured and auto-tuned R&B, Diamond stands out from the crowd.

Today, he releases the anticipated and seductive R&B single, “When You Can’t Resist”

Produced in collaboration with Grammy-winning producer Pomo (Jon Batiste, Anderson .Paak, Free Nationals), this deeply personal track explores the theme of self-medication during a breakup. It flowed effortlessly from Diamond and came together swiftly. The allure and danger of his vices became the catalyst for this song, allowing him to process the emotional turmoil and move forward. Listen here.

Throughout 2023, Diamond made a name for himself by cultivating a devoted fanbase, selling out numerous live shows, and releasing Diamond Cuts, a collection of remastered versions of his independently released fan-favorite tracks. He has garnered support from notable figures such as Zack Fox, Anderson .Paak, F1 driver Lewis Hamilton, Nick Littlemore of PNAU, and the legendary El DeBarge (“Rhythm Of the Night”), who joined him on stage for a duet during his sold-out debut show in LA. Diamond possesses a special quality that inspires and excites fellow musicians.

Already recognized as Amazon Music’s “Artist to Watch” for 2024, Diamond Cafe is poised to make a significant impact with upcoming releases later this year, complemented by a series of highly anticipated live shows throughout the year. Stay tuned for more exciting updates.

INK Entertainment Group, a leading North American lifestyle and entertainment company, proudly announces the 11th edition of the VELD Music Festival, set to take place at Downsview Park from August 2nd to August 4th, 2024. With an unparalleled history of delivering unforgettable experiences, VELD is thrilled to reveal its highly anticipated lineup, featuring world-renowned artists and some of the biggest names in the music industry.

In its 11th edition, VELD is set to deliver its most exciting lineup to date. For the first time, the festival introduces the inaugural house music headliner on the main stage – none other than the award-winning, ARIA, and Grammy-nominated producer FISHER; best known for singles “Losing It” “You Little Beauty” and “Take it Off”

American electronic music producer and DJ; known for his iconic masked persona, Marshmello will be bringing his signature style to VELD. Returning by popular fan demand is Swedish DJ and Grammy-nominated music producer, none other than Alesso. Joining him in this triumphant return is the renowned Dutch DJ and music producer Martin Garrix. Adding to the stellar lineup, American DJ, music producer, and remixer Kaskade, a crowd favourite, will make a highly anticipated return to VELD.

Making his mark not only on the VELD stage but also in Canada, Swedish DJ and producer Eric Prydz presents HOLO. For the first time in Canada, festival-goers will witness the debut of HOLO, an awe-inspiring visual spectacle. This cutting-edge technology will transform the main stage for one night only, offering a unique and immersive experience that has rarely been seen in North America.

“As we gear up for the 11th edition of VELD Music Festival, the anticipation is reaching new heights and we’re excited to deliver the best VELD experience yet. Bringing back fan favourites, securing top industry headliners, and featuring Eric Prydz presenting HOLO for the first time in Canada solidifies the promise that this year’s festival will elevate the overall experience.

VELD 2024 wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated community and the remarkable artists who grace our stage. We are grateful for the ongoing support, enthusiasm, and positive vibes that fuel the spirit of the VELD Music Festival. As we welcome back familiar faces, introduce newcomers, and promise to exceed expectations, we can’t wait to share the magic of VELD 2024 with all of you.” – Talal Farisi, Music Director of INK Entertainment Group.

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend filled with electrifying performances, groundbreaking visuals, and the vibrant energy that defines VELD.

Stay tuned for more headliner reveals on Monday, January 22nd, 2024!

Join the all-new VELD Fan Club for exclusive drops and the latest updates regarding the upcoming VELD Music Festival. Fan club members will receive pre-sale ticket codes. Sign up at www.veldmusicfestival.com or DM our Instagram “RSVP” and follow to stay in touch with your favourite festival!

Pre-sale tickets will be available on Wednesday, January 24th, 2024.

General on-sale starts on Thursday, January 25th, 2024.

For more information visit: www.veldmusicfestival.com

Threads: @VELDfest

Instagram: @veldmusicfestival

TikTok: @veldmusicfestival

The FIRED UP GALA is back this February, in support of Sick Kids!

This event promises to be an unforgettable night filled with glamour, entertainment, and fundraising for a great cause! After last year’s success, the goal this year is to raise $75,000, with all the proceeds from this event going to SickKids.

Key Details:

An oyster bar

Performance by iconic Canadian artist Karl Wolf

Live entertainment & DJs spinning throughout the night

4-course dinner

Top Shelf Open bar

After party from 10 pm – 1 am with late-night bites & sweets to keep the celebration going

When: Friday, February 23rd, 2024, starting at 6:00pm

Where: Four Seasons Hotel Toronto – 60 Yorkville Avenue Toronto, ON M4W 0A4

Tickets: tickets range from $229-$850. Available for purchase here.

Global rock superstars Green Day – Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool – have unveiled their highly anticipated 14th studio album, Saviors. Along with the record, the band released a video for new track “Bobby Sox,” which has all the classic punk rock panache that only Green Day can deliver.

Listen to the Album here: https://lnk.to/SaviorsPR

Watch the “Bobby Sox” video here:

https://greenday.lnk.to/bobbysoxvideo

“Bobby Sox” is one of my favorite songs on the album,” shares Billie Joe Armstrong. “It’s the Nineties song that we never wrote. It started out being a song I wrote for my wife but as it materialized, I wanted to switch it up and added, ‘Do you wanna be my boyfriend?’ on top of ‘Do you wanna be girlfriend’… So the song becomes a kind of universal anthem.”

Saviors features previously released bombastic tracks “One Eyed Bastard,” “Dilemma,” “Look Ma, No Brains!,” and “The American Dream Is Killing Me,” which were all met with huge praise from Rolling Stone, Alternative Press, SPIN, Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, and more. Just last night, Green Day celebrated the album release with an intimate show at NYC’s Irving Plaza, as a part of SiriusXM’s Small Stage Series. The concert follows their takeover of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, where the band kicked off 2024 with cuts from Dookie, American Idiot, and a killer TV debut of “Dilemma,” which Rolling Stone hailed as “one of the album’s best songs.”

Over the last few months, Green Day have given fans a taste of what to expect from their forthcoming world tour with surprise performances around the world. Whether they were packing a pub in the U.K. for an impromptu intimate performance, or rocking out with diehard fans at a sold-out surprise show in Las Vegas just days before their killer headline sets at When We Were Young Festival, Green Day made sure to bring the energy leading up to the birth of Saviors.

Recorded in London and Los Angeles, Saviors is the latest powerful collaboration between Green Day and Grammy-winning producer Rob Cavallo, whose notable previous work with Green Day includes two of the band’s most iconic albums, 1994’s Dookie and 2004’s American Idiot.

Green Day’s larger-than-life global stadium tour – The Saviors Tour, fueled by Monster Energy – kicks off in Europe this May before making its way to North America in July for an intoxicating summer run through the states. Earlier this week, the band revealed on Howard Stern’s SiriusXM show that, for the first time ever, they’ll be performing both Dookie and American Idiot albums in their entirety this summer in celebration of their 2024 milestone anniversaries, along with fan favorites and cuts off the new album. All tour dates can be found below.

THE SAVIORS UK/EU TOUR DATES:

With support from Nothing But Thieves, with The Hives & The Interrupters

Fri Jun 21 – Manchester UK – Emirates Old Trafford – with Nothing But Thieves & Maid of Ace

Sun Jun 23 – Isle of Wight UK – Isle of Wight Festival*

Tue Jun 25 – Glasgow UK – Bellahouston Park – with Nothing But Thieves & Maid of Ace

Thu Jun 27 – Dublin Ireland – Marlay Park – with Nothing But Thieves & Maid of Ace

Sat Jun 29 London UK – Wembley Stadium – with Nothing But Thieves & Maid of Ace

*Festival Date

THE SAVIORS NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:

With support from The Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas

Mon Jul 29 – Washington, DC – Nationals Park

Thu Aug 01 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Centre

Sat Aug 03 – Montreal, QC – Osheaga Music and Arts Festival*

Mon Aug 05 – New York, NY – Citi Field

Wed Aug 07 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park

Fri Aug 09 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park

Sat Aug 10 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium

Tue Aug 13 – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field

Thu Aug 15 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre !

Sat Aug 17 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Field

Tue Aug 20 – Kansas City, KS – Azura Amphitheatre !

Thu Aug 22 – Cincinnati, OH – Great American Ballpark

Sat Aug 24 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Field

Mon Aug 26 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion !

Wed Aug 28 – Atlanta, GA – Truist Park

Fri Aug 30 – Nashville, TN – Geodis Park

Sun Sep 01 – Pittsburgh, PA – PNC Park

Wed Sep 04 – Detroit, MI – Comerica Park

Sat Sep 07 – Denver, CO – Coors Field

Tue Sep 10 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater !

Wed Sep 11 – Arlington, TX – Globe Life Field

Sat Sep 14 – Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium

Wed Sep 18 – Phoenix, AZ – Chase Field

Fri Sep 20 – San Francisco, CA – Oracle Park

Mon Sep 23 – Seattle, WA – T-Mobile Park

Wed Sep 25 – Portland, OR – Providence Park

Sat Sep 28 – San Diego, CA – Petco Park

*Festival Date

!With Support from Rancid and The Linda Lindas only