Stephen Merchant directs, writes and produces upcoming Prime Video Series THE OUTLAWS. Here’s a glance at the new Trailer!

Synopsis:

The Outlaws is a comedy thriller about a disparate group of lawbreakers thrown together to complete a community service sentence. Seven strangers from different walks of life are forced to work together to renovate a derelict community center. When one of their number gets dragged into a dangerous world of organized crime, they unite in ways none of them thought possible. The series stars Rhianne Barreto (Hanna, Dixi) as Rani, Gamba Cole (Hanna, Guerrilla)as Christian, Stephen Merchant as Greg, Christopher Walken (Severance, The Deer Hunter) as Frank, Eleanor Tomlinson (Poldark, The Nevers) as Lady Gabriela, Darren Boyd (Trying, Fortitude) as John, Clare Perkins (The Wheel of Time, Suspicion) as Myrna, and Jessica Gunning (Back, Fortitude) as Diane.

The Outlaws is a Big Talk and Four Eyes production co-created by Stephen Merchant—who also serves as an executive producer, director, and writer—and Elgin James. Luke Alkin, Kenton Allen, and Matthew Justice also serve as executive producers for Big Talk. The Outlaws is co-produced by BBC One and Amazon Studios. Global distribution is handled by BBC Studios. The pickup of the show’s second season was announced in November.

THE OUTLAWS arrives April 1, 2022 on Prime Video.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video)

After its acclaimed Premiere at Sundance and soon at SXSW, MASTER arrives this month on Prime Video!

Synopsis:

In writer-director Mariama Diallo’s debut feature, Master, three women strive to find their place at a prestigious New England university whose frosty elitism may disguise something more sinister. Professor Gail Bishop (Regina Hall) has recently been promoted to “Master” of a residence hall, the first time at storied Ancaster College that a Black woman has held the post. Determined to breathe new life into a centuries-old tradition, Gail soon finds herself wrapped up in the trials and tribulations of Jasmine Moore (Zoe Renee), an energetic and optimistic Black freshman. Jasmine’s time at Ancaster hits a snag early on when she’s assigned a dorm room that is rumored to be haunted. Things get worse when Jasmine clashes in the classroom with Liv Beckman (Amber Gray), a professor in the middle of her own racially charged tenure review. As Gail tries to maintain order and fulfill the duties of a Master, the cracks begin to show in Ancaster’s once-immaculate facade. After a career spent fighting to make it into Ancaster’s inner circle, Gail is confronted with the horrifying prospect of what lies beneath, her question ultimately becoming not whether the school is haunted, but by whom.

MASTER arrives on Prime Video March 18, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video)

After its critical and commercial success, Ghostface is heading to your homes! SCREAM is available now digitally. Paramount Home Entertainment, Spyglass Media Group x Mr. Will want to give you a chance to see it!

Synopsis

Twenty-five years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, a terrifying new killer resurrects the Ghostface mask. As the deaths mount, Woodsboro’s new targets must seek help from the survivors of the original Ghostface attacks. Now, only Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), former sheriff Dewey Riley (David Arquette), and reporter Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) can find a way to stop the killer when everyone is a suspect. The film also stars Melissa Barrera, Mason Gooding, Jenna Ortega, Jack Quaid, and Marley Shelton.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet for an extra chance.

Rules and regulations here.

SCREAM is available now on Digital. It will be on DVD, Blu-ray and Ultra HD 4k April 5, 2022.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Home Entertainment)

THE BATMAN fans, you cannot miss this! Available today through March 8, 2022, Torontonians get an exclusive chance to check-out THE BATMAN’S COLONY OF BATS Activation of Eaton Centre.

Details below.

WHAT:           In celebration of the Canadian theatrical release of THE BATMAN,DC and comic book fans have the opportunity to visit a one-of-a-kind world exclusive installation and photo opportunity today through March 8 when THE BATMAN’s Colony of Bats swoops into Toronto. Dominating the concourse of the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, the Colony of Bats swarms in mid-air to form a massive recreation of THE BATMAN’s logo in the middle of Toronto’s flagship shopping centre. Depending on where fans stand, the installation presents itself as either a flock of more than 10,000 bats mid-flight or the film’s logo, a striking and visually stunning effect achieved through forced perspective.

                        THE BATMAN’s Colony of Bats also celebrates a new national Warner Bros. Pictures Canada contest for fans to enter for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles, where one lucky winner and a guest will experience the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. The tour nearly 100 years of Warner Bros, including that of the DC Universe and more iconic entertainment properties. Fans are encouraged to enter the contest at https://bit.ly/thebatmancontest.

Check-out some snaps of the Activation:

                        THE BATMAN glides into Canadian theatres on March 4, 2022.

(Photo credit: Warner Bros. Pictures Canada)

Star-studded Animated Series HUMAN RESOURCES arrives March on Netflix, with ten episodes at 30 minutes each. Here’s the brand-new Trailer!

Synopsis:

From the inventive minds that brought us the award winning adult animation favorite Big Mouth comes the even edgier and adult-ier Human Resources. The spin-off pulls back the curtain on the daily lives of the creatures – Hormone Monsters, Depression Kitties, Shame Wizards and many more – that help humans journey through every aspect of life from puberty to parenthood to the twilight years. It quickly becomes clear that though the protagonists are creatures, they have a lot of humanity themselves. Featuring an all-star voice cast— including Nick Kroll, Maya Rudolph and David Thewlis reprising their Big Mouth roles as well as Aidy Bryant, Brandon Kyle Goodman, Keke Palmer, and Randall Park among others — Human Resources is not your normal day at the office. The series is co-created and executive produced by Kelly Galuska, Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin.

NEW CREATURES:
● Helen Mirren as renowned Shame Wizard Rita St. Swithens
● Hugh Jackman as Dante the seductiveAddiction Angel
● Lupita Nyong’o as Asha the Shame Wizard
● Chris O’Dowd as Flanny the Lovebug
● Harvey Guillen as Jose the Spider Receptionist

NEW HUMANS:
● Ali Wong as Becca
● Janelle Monáe as Claudia
● Mike Birbiglia as Barry
● Tim Robinson as Doug

Series Regulars: Nick Kroll, Maya Rudolph, Aidy Bryant, Randall Park, Keke Palmer, Brandon Kyle Goodman and David Thewlis

Previously Announced Guest Stars: Pamela Adlon, Rosie Perez, Henry Winkler, Thandiwe Newton, Jemaine Clement, Maria Bamford, Bobby Cannavale

HUMAN RESOURCES arrives March 18, 2022 on Netflix.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

By Mr. Will Wong

TURNING RED is about to become a major cultural moment for Toronto. The Toronto-set Disney Pixar Animated Feature is about to see a release on Disney+. We witness the world as a 13-year-old Chinese-Canadian girl named Mei (Rosalie Chiang) and what it means to find her own voice when carrying the weight of expectations that her mother Ming (Sandra Oh) places upon her. Mei turns into a Red Panda when triggered and must learn to navigate this new identity. The high-energy coming-of-age story celebrating friendship, infuses elements of fantasy and fandemonium, making us recall a time in our life that would play a pivotal role in us becoming who we are. The City’s very own Domee Shi who won an Oscar for her Animated Short BAO, makes her feature directorial debut here and once again we get more of her “chunk-cute” aesthetic.

It was such a delight to sit-in on a Virtual Panel with the Cast and Creators of TURNING RED, including:

Sandra Oh… Ming

Rosalie Chiang… Mei 

Ava Morse… Miriam

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan… Priya

Hyein Park… Abby

Domee Shi… Director/Co-Writer

Lindsey Collins… Producer

 Julia Cho… Co-Writer

Director Domee Shi talks about the inspiration behind the Film which in many ways, is autobiographical.

Shi: “The inspiration behind TURNING RED came from my own life growing-up early on Chinese-Canadian. Dorky, sassy, nerdy. Girl who thought she had everything under control. Mom’s good little girl. But then boom! Puberty hit. And I was bigger, I was hairier, I was hungry all the time. I was a hormonal mess and fighting with my mom every other day. Making this Film was a chance to go back to that time.”.

Screen Veteran Sandra Oh is a national treasure and she stars in this very distinctively Canadian film. She talks about the great energy she feels with this Cast and experience with her character, Ming.

Oh: “I think launching the Film is extremely really exciting, to meet all these young women and finally feel the bodies that belong to the voices. I think we’re all excited to be here, excited to launch it. We’re all buzzing.”.

Rosalie Chiang is a star in the making and talks about her deep connecting to our central character, Mei.

Chiang: “My favourite animals are actually Red Pandas. Before the whole project even started. The main thing is that my mom called me “Mei Mei” even before the project. Because “Mei Mei” means “little sister” in Chinese. And so when it came to a point everyone called me “Mei Mei” – even those younger than me, which you’re not supposed to do – and my character was called ‘Perfect little Mei Mei‘. I thought, ‘Hey! I went through that too!'”.

Friendship is such a central theme in TURNING RED. Ava Morse who plays Mei‘s friend Miriam, talks about what this meant to her.

Morse: “I’m still in high school and obviously it can be very stressful and dark at times, because everyone is going through a lot and changing together. Not everyone knows how to handle that. At the same time, they’re living life the best they can. And all my friends means so much to me and they’re all very supportive no matter what. I was inspired by my own friends, putting some of my own friends into Miriam as she’s such a wonderful, supportive friend to Mei and the other girls. My friends are so supportive and always there for me no matter what so it was really cool to give back.”.

The Music plays a very central theme in TURNING RED and here we meet Pixar‘s first ever Boy Band, 4*Town, voiced by among others, Finneas and Jordan Fisher. Mississauga’s Maitreyi Ramakrishnan who voices Mei‘s friend Priya, talks about her own first concert experience.

Ramakrishnan: “I remember when – and this is gonna be very Canadian of me – I remember going into grade nine and going into high school, I went to my first concert to see Mariana’s Trench. And I lost my mind! I was always like ‘Why do people cry at concerts? Shouldn’t you be happy? Shouldn’t you be excited to be there?’. But then as soon as they came out.. bawling! I understand. I understand why I’m crying. I was so emotional and I didn’t know why. Music is important growing-up. It totally shapes who you are. But also enjoying that with your friends – shout-out to specifically to female friendship – which is so key. I love that we show the importance of four young girls being supportive of each other.”.

Often we see story lines with feuding female tropes, but TURNING RED steers from that. Hyein Park who plays another one of Mei‘s friends Abby, talks to this.

Park: “Because I’m a Story Artist at Pixar too, it is very important. So when we finally got to create this female friendship, it was very important that it was authentic. So Domee talked a lot about her own experience with friendship and she would hate to add onto those tropes and just make it real. We actually shared a lot of different stories and moments we love in terms of female friendship. She actually asked a lot of different people in the Studio to get a lot of authentic insight into what girlfriends are really like and how they are there for each other.”.

Producer Lindsey Collins tells us how Grammy-winning brother/sister duo Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell came to be involved with the project.

Collins: “4*Town was in the first draft of the Script. It was a very early fake scene written between Ming and Mei that helped illustrate what their dynamic was, and part of that was this joke that has Ming saying, ‘I don’t understand your obsession with this Boy Band and if they’re called 4*Town, why are there five of them?’. It all started as a way to colour Mei‘s character. By the third draft of the Script, we came to this moment. What are the stakes of the Film? What feels right? And certainly all of us remember our 13-year-old selves and what going to our first concert was like. Your first concert felt like the most important thing in the world. It became this great way to ground this fantastical movie with real world 13-year-old stakes. There also was a selfish desire. An animated Pixar Boy Band? Yes, please. Then the question, who was gonna write the music. I have three teens at home and they are listening to music constantly. And Billie and Finneas‘ music was being played all the time in my house. They clearly are people who spoke to this generation in a way that those songs they’re writing, were written for them. And I think, ‘Let’s ask!’. It was such a weird ask. They’re super-popular people and I don’t’ think they’re gonna take anything… but because it was such weird ask, they were kinda intrigued. We pitched in-person and before the meeting, they were like ‘We’re in!’. It’s huge!”.

“The minute you start talking about the music that speaks to that age group and also what it feels to be that age – that is the message of the Film and again, if it was something that felt less in-line with the approach they take in their own music, their answer would’ve been different.”.

TURNING RED arrives March 11, 2022 on Disney+.

The 2022 JUNO Awards are set to return to Toronto this May at Budweiser Stage! Announced today are the first round of performers including Arkells, pop punk icon Avril Lavigne, Montreal music maven Charlotte Cardin and acclaimed singer, songwriter and poet Mustafa. The open-air event will be hosted by none other than Toronto’s own Simu Liu, star of SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS!

Allan Reid of CARAS spoke to Media earlier today about the decision to bring the JUNOs outdoors. “The whole idea behind it was let’s make the JUNOs the kick-off to summer concert season. Let’s get everyone back and gathered. This is the first time since 2019 we’ve been in-person”, says Reid. “We can’t change mother nature or weather. I went to Budweiser Stage on May 15 last year to see what it felt like and it was 22°c, the sun was setting at 8 pm. This is our first ever outdoor JUNOs!”.

The Broadcast Gala airs  8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen, and globally at CBCMusic.ca/junos and CBC Music’s Facebook, YouTube and Twitter pages.

Nominations also were unveiled as well today and leading the way with six nominations is Cardin with six nods. Following closely behind are international icons The Weeknd and Justin Bieber with five nods each. Shawn Mendes and Jessia received four nominations.

The Awards will have an interactive component with fans being invited to vote for the TikTok JUNO Fan Choice, Fans are encouraged to vote on TikTok and at junofanchoice.ca

Winners will be revealed during the closing weekend of JUNO Week, at The JUNO Opening Night Awards Presented by Ontario Creates on Saturday May 14, 2022 and The JUNO Awards Broadcast on Sunday, May 15, 2022. 

Tickets are available here now.

(Photo credit: JUNOs)

We are so delighted to have the opportunity finally to visit CHOTTO MATTE! Let’s say it together once, “chot-toe mat-tay”, The Japanese phrase translates to “Please wait a moment”, and this proved exactly well worth the wait. Situated at Bay x Wellington at Toronto’s Brookfield Place (161 Bay St), the brainchild of founder Kurt Zdesar is so much more than just a restaurant. It is a sensual feast bursting with colour, energetic music, fabulous Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) cuisine and inspired cocktails. Its space is open, full of height, an experience heightened further by friendly staff who are happy to offer informed recommendations. We definitely won’t forget this.

The Dinner Menu offers Sharing Options at fixed prices, or A La Carte, divided by Sashimi Dishes, Tempura, Robata Grill, Sides, Sushi and A Little Something (Appetizers).

Some of the exciting things I got to try on their Menu:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A slice of the atmosphere at this very Instagram-able spot:

Definitely somewhere to celebrate a milestone if you want to make it memorable. Chotto Matte possesses both a a festive electricity, but also a quiet intimacy to it that gives it versatility. And don’t forget, they have a patio as well!

More about Chotto Matte here, including reservations.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE is the latest in the Wizarding World, from J.K. Rowling. Check-out this brand-new Canadian Trailer!

Synopsis:

Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) is moving to seize control of the wizarding world.  Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to lead an intrepid team of wizards, witches and one brave Muggle baker on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald’s growing legion of followers.  But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?

The film features an ensemble cast led by Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne (“The Theory of Everything”), two-time Oscar nominee Jude Law (“Cold Mountain,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley”), Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Callum Turner, Jessica Williams, Katherine Waterston, and Mads Mikkelsen.

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE in theatres April 15, 2022.

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

Based on the best-selling Novel, BETTER NATE THAN NEVER is set to arrive soon on Disney+!

Synopsis:

In “Better Nate Than Ever,” 13-year-old Nate Foster has big Broadway dreams. There’s only one problem — he can’t even land a part in the school play. But when his parents leave town, Nate and his best friend Libby sneak off to the Big Apple for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to prove everyone wrong. A chance encounter with Nate’s long-lost Aunt Heidi turns his journey upside-down, and together they must learn that life’s greatest adventures are only as big as your dreams. Based on the award-winning novel.

“Better Nate Than Ever” stars Aria Brooks, Joshua Bassett, Michelle Federer and introducing Rueby Wood as Nate, with Norbert Leo Butz and Lisa Kudrow. Based upon the book by Tim Federle, the film was written for the screen and directed by Tim Federle. Marc Platt and Adam Siegel served as the film’s producers, with Tim Federle and Pamela Thur as its executive producers.

BETTER NATE THAN NEVER arrives April 1, 2022 on Disney+.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)