Brought to us by The Beer Store, Toronto’s Festival of Beer is back this weekend and headlining is Hip-Hop icon ICE CUBE at CNE‘s Bandshell Park. The Festival celebrating Toronto’s love of lager (and more!) reunites the City again against a backdrop of food and great live entertainment. In addition to Ice Cube, other acts like Big Boi (Outkast), Third Eye Blind, Ruby Waters and T-Pain will grace the stage at the outdoor affair.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer not only reached legendary status as a member of iconic Rap Outfit N.W.A., but achieved incredible success as a Solo Artist throughout the ’90s. He also has achieved much success as an Actor starring in popular titles like Boyz n the Hood, Anaconda, the xXx and Barbershop franchises and more. He even was portrayed even by his own son Oshea Jackson Jr. in heavily-acclaimed 2015 feature Straight Outta Compton. He next will be featured in the Voice Cast of already critically-acclaimed TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM, out August 2, 2023.

We had the amazing honour of meeting Ice Cube and he was incredibly gracious to fans despite a long wait getting through to the City for his gig. He stopped to sign vinyls and I was so lucky to get a Selfie and he even gave me a couple cracks at it! A legend.

See our Snap:

More on the Toronto Festival of Beer here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

BARBIE continues to post staggering numbers in its second weekend out, with $94 million from 4,337 theatres, already reaching $350 million for Warner Bros.

OPPENHEIMER is set to close its second weekend with $46 million, a tally of $173 million for Universal Pictures.

Third is 20th Century Studios‘ HAUNTED MANSION landing in third with a solid $25 million from 3,740 theatres. It gets 42% on the Tomatometer.

In fourth is SOUND OF FREEDOM with $13.3 million for Angel Studios, and a run of $149.7 million to date domestically.

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE takes fifth with $11.1 million for Paramount Pictures, a total of $139.6 million grossed, just edging out a debuting TALK ME ME in sixth, earning $10 million from 2,340 theatres for A24/VVS Films, garnering a whopping 95% on the Tomatometer in this debut for Australian twin brother Directors Danny & Michael Philippou.

Telefilm Canada is announcing its funding commitment to 20 feature-length documentaries in the English market under the Theatrical Documentary Program, for a total of $5 million.

Under the same program, Telefilm announced the selection of eight feature-length documentaries in the French market last week. More on that here.

The Art of Adventure
Director and screenwriter: Alison Reid
Production: Free Spirit Films Inc.
Distributor: Game Theory Films
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Black Zombie
Director and screenwriter: Maya Després-Bedward
Production: Black Zombie Productions Inc.
Distributor: Raven Banner
Province: Ontario
Languages: English and French

The Death Tour
Directors: Stephan Peterson and Sonya Ballantyne
Screenwriter: Stephan Peterson
Production: H2LShiners Inc.
Distributor: Raven Banner
Province: Quebec
Languages: English, French, and Cree

Disco’s Revenge
Directors and screenwriters: Omar Majeed and Peter Mishara
Production: Disco Movie Canada Inc., 86 Media House Inc., and Elevation Pictures Corp.
Distributor: Elevation Pictures Corp.
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Dress for Excess
Director and screenwriter: Trish Dolman
Production: SILO Entertainment Inc. and Screen Siren Pictures Inc.
Distributor: Photon Films and Media Inc.
Province: British Columbia
Language: English

Ending it All
Director and screenwriter: Alan Zweig
Production: 52 Media Inc.
Distributor: National Film Board
Province: Ontario
Language: English

I Will Not Forget You (working title)
Director and screenwriter: Deanne Foley
Production: Odd Sock Films Inc. and Pearl Productions Inc.
Distributor: National Film Board
Province: Newfoundland/Labrador
Language: English

King Arthur’s Night
Director: John Bolton
Production: Let’s Get the Grail Productions Inc.
Distributor: levelFILM
Province: British Columbia
Language: English

The Mad World of Harvey Kurtzman
Director and screenwriter: Bart Simpson
Production: Intuitive Pictures Productions Inc.
Distributor: levelFILM
Province: Quebec
Language: English

Monkey on a Stick
Director and screenwriter: Jason Lapeyre
Production: Sphere Media Toronto Inc.
Distributor: Sphere Films
Province: Ontario
Language: English

The Passion of Kurelek
Directors: Halya Kuchmij, Cordell Barker and John Paizs
Screenwriter: Halya Kuchmij
Production: Merit Motion Pictures Inc.
Distributor: Northern Banner
Province: Manitoba
Language: English

Plastic People
Directors: Ben Addelman and Ziya Tang
Screenwriter: Ben Addelman
Production: Plastic People Documentary Productions Inc.
Distributor: White Pine Pictures
Province: Ontario
Language: English

PostNatural
Directors: Brett Story and Ben Travers
Screenwriter: Ben Travers
Production: 90th Parallel Productions Ltd.
Distributor: Photon Films and Media Inc.
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Saigon Story
Director: Kim Nguyen
Screenwriter: Dimitri Katadotis
Production: Noble Television Inc.
Distributor: National Film Board
Province: Quebec
Languages: English, French, and Vietnamese

Saints and Warriors
Director and screenwriter: Patrick Shannon
Production: Ball Is Life Entertainment Inc., First Take Entertainment Ltd., and Grand Old Time Productions Inc.
Distributor: Game Theory Films
Province: British Columbia
Languages: English and Haida

Say it Loud
Director and screenwriter: Graeme Mathieson
Production: 1000374247 Ontario Inc.
Distributor: levelFILM
Province: Ontario
Language: English

Shifting Baselines
Director and screenwriter: Julien Elie
Production: Greenground Productions Inc.
Distributor: Acéphale
Province: Quebec
Languages: English, French, and Spanish

Taste of Longing
Director and screenwriter: Noura Kevorkian
Production: Saaren Films Inc.
Distributor: Game Theory Films
Province: Ontario
Language: English

The Visitors
Director and screenwriter: Carol Nguyen
Production: Metafilms Inc. and Portage Films inc.
Distributor: National Film Board
Province: Quebec
Languages: English and Vietnamese

Under Duress: Max Stern and the Nazi Art War
Director and screenwriter: Jamie Kastner
Production: C7 Galerie Productions Inc.
Distributor: Vortex Media
Province: Ontario
Languages: English and German

More funding decisions from the Production Program will be announced in the coming weeks. Statistics on all films funded in this fiscal year will be released once all funding decisions have been made.

An advisory committee of external and internal representatives assessed the projects and made recommendations to Telefilm. The decision-making process considered Telefilm’s goal of fostering a diversity of voices in the industry, ensuring that Telefilm funds a balanced portfolio of productions that reflect a variety of genres, budgets and company sizes, regions of the country and points of view. Names of selection committee members will be published on the Project Financing Advisory Committees webpage once all funding decisions have been made. 

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win passes to an Advance Screening of THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER.

Advance screenings will be held Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 7 pm:

• Toronto: Scotiabank Theatre
• Montreal (EN): Cinema Banque Scotia

Synopsis:

Based on a single chilling chapter from Bram Stoker’s classic novel Dracula, The Last Voyage of the Demeter tells the terrifying story of the merchant ship Demeter, which was chartered to carry private cargo—fifty unmarked wooden crates—from Carpathia to London.

Strange events befall the doomed crew as they attempt to survive the ocean voyage, stalked each night by a merciless presence onboard the ship. When the Demeter finally arrives off the shores of England, it is a charred, derelict wreck. There is no trace of the crew.

The film stars Corey Hawkins (In the Heights, Straight Outta Compton) as Clemens, a doctor who joins the Demeter crew, Aisling Franciosi (Game of Thrones, The Nightingale) as an unwitting stowaway, Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones, Clash of the Titans) as the ship’s captain and David Dastmalchian (Dune, the Ant-Man franchise) as the Demeter’s first mate.

The film also features Jon Jon Briones (Ratched, American Horror Story), Stefan Kapicic (Deadpool films, Better Call Saul), Nikolai Nikolaeff (Stranger Things, Bruised) and Javier Botet (It films, Mama).

From DreamWorks Pictures and the producers of Zodiac and Black Swan, The Last Voyage of the Demeter is directed by Norwegian horror virtuoso André Øvredal (Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark, Trollhunter), from a script by Bragi F. Schut (Escape Room), Stefan Ruzowitzky (The Counterfeiters) and Zak Olkewicz (the upcoming Bullet Train), based on the chapter “The Captain’s Log” of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

The film is produced by Brad Fischer and by Oscar®-nominated producer Mike Medavoy and Arnold Messer for Phoenix Pictures and is executive produced by Matthew Hirsch.

Genre: Horror

Cast: Corey Hawkins, Aisling Franciosi, Liam Cunningham, David Dastmalchian

Director: André Øvredal

Screenplay By: Bragi F. Schut, Stefan Ruzowitzky and Zak Olkewicz, based on “The Captain’s Log” from Bram Stoker’s Dracula

Producers: Brad Fischer, Mike Medavoy, Arnold Messer

Executive Producer: Matthew Hirsch

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City for us in the comments. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for an extra chance. We’re also now on Threads! Be following!

Rules and regulations here.

THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE DEMETER is in theatres August 11, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a copy of FAST X on Blu-ray!

Synopsis: Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they must confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced. Fueled by revenge, a terrifying threat emerges from the shadows of the past to shatter Dom’s world and destroy everything – and everyone – he loves.

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and indicate your City for us in the comments. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet below for an extra chance. We’re also now on Threads! Be following!

Rules and regulations here.

Own it on Digital on August 1st, and on DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K on August 15th, 2023.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment)

With production now underway in Toronto, CBC and Counterfeit Pictures are pleased to announce casting for the new original comedy series ONE MORE TIME (13×30), from award-winning stand-up comedian D.J. Demers (The Tonight Show, Conan) and showrunner Jessie Gabe (Workin’ Moms, Mr. D).

Premiering on CBC Gem and CBC in Winter 2024, ONE MORE TIME is a workplace comedy about D.J. (played by Demers), the hard-of-hearing manager of a second-hand sporting goods store, and the team of “enthusiastic” employees he leads. D.J.’s optimistic, community-oriented outlook on life is challenged at every turn, as he and his team struggle to keep the small independent shop alive.

Joining Demers on screen are celebrated actress and comedian Geri Hall (Astrid and Lilly Save the World, This Hour Has 22 Minutes) as assistant store manager Cynthia; Daniel Beirne (Ginny & Georgia, Workin’ Moms, Fargo) as undermotivated ‘lifer’ Wayne; Elise Bauman (Workin’ Moms, Carmilla) as employee-cum-Olympian Jen; newcomer Seran Sathiyaseelan as eager, young part-timer Keeran; and Dayton Sinkia (Letterkenny, The Strain) as ill-suited security guard Chris.

Rounding out the cast in recurring roles are Nadine Bhabha (Letterkenny, This Hour Has 22 Minutes), Chris Robinson (The Amazing Gayl Pile, The Boys), Maddy Foley (The Boys, Step Sisters) and Marito Lopez (Gary and His Demons).

“From the writers to the cast to the producers to the CBC, everyone involved in this show is top notch and incredibly adept at papering over my flaws,” said Demers. “I know this phrase gets bandied about, but this is truly a dream come true and I can’t wait to share it with Canada.”

“We are long-time fans of D.J.’s stand-up,” added Dan Bennett, partner at Counterfeit Pictures. “As a comic and performer D.J. is incredibly smart, talented, and he has genuine charm. We are very excited to bring his humour and unique point-of-view to Canadian audiences.”

“D.J. Demers continues to impress us with his wit, relatable humour and the way he crafts a story through his distinctive POV,” said Trish Williams, Executive Director, Scripted Content, CBC. “One More Time portrays an authentically refreshing and funny viewpoint on what it means to be part of a team and we can’t wait for audiences from coast-to-coast-to-coast to fall in love with this store and the world that D.J. and the remarkable team have brought to life around it.”

As seen on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, America’s Got Talent, Conan, and his one-hour specials [Indistinct Chatter], Interpreted, and Born In ‘86, D.J. Demers’ clever stand-up is both personal and universal and has earned him multiple appearances at countless comedy festivals, a nomination for Best Comedy Album at the JUNO Awards, and a growing legion of fans around the world. In 2015, he was awarded Best Breakout Artist at the Canadian Comedy Awards, won the Homegrown Comics Competition at the 2014 Montréal Just For Laughs Comedy Festival, won the 2013 Toronto Comedy Brawl, and was a 2011 finalist on NBC‘s Stand-Up for Diversity. All of his stand-up albums have amassed plays in the millions on all major streaming platforms and his appearances on AGT and Conan have garnered tens of millions of views on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

For those who haven’t yet traveled to the world of the colossal hit Netflix series Stranger Things, there is still one more month to go before the immersive Stranger Things: The Experience wraps up its Toronto run on Sunday, August 20, 2023! The Experience is on only for a short time more! We had a blast, check-out our experience here.

To mark the occasion, Netflix and leading global live-entertainment discovery platform Fever are giving access to the Mix-Tape area free of charge with no time limit for the last month of the Toronto run. Tickets for Mix-Tape free access allow visitors to enjoy the animation, entertainment, catering, and boutique areas in Mix-Tape, and must be booked in advance on the ticketing website.

The Mix-Tape area at Stranger Things: The Experience plunges visitors straight into the ‘80s world of the series. From arcade games to cocktails, photo booths to rad ‘80s music, attendees will find themselves in Hawkins with its emblematic stores and numerous food stands (including the iconic Surfer Boy Pizza and Scoops Ahoy Ice Cream Parlour). Key locations from the series have also been recreated for everyone’s enjoyment, including Joyce Byers’ mythical living room – complete with the strings of lights Will used to communicate from the Upside Down.

For those who want to become the hero or heroine of their own Stranger Things adventure, the immersive, interactive laboratory experience is still available. Tickets for the full Experience (immersive lab story and Mix-Tape access) can be purchased on the ticketing website. Those with Mix-Tape free access tickets will also be able to take part in the full Experience if they wish by buying a separate ticket. The Experience takes to the Hawkins National Lab from the series, where they will need to unleash their powers to escape the Upside Down.

Tickets for the immersive experience are still available for dates until Sunday, August 20, 2023 at strangerthings-experience.com/toronto or on site.

Tickets can be booked for either:

Stranger Things: The Experience – Mix-Tape free access
Where: Cinespace Marine Terminal Studio – 8 Unwin Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5A 3L1
When: Various dates and times.
Closing date: August 20th
Cost: Free – But spots must be reserved before attending
Duration: There’s no time limit, stay as long as you want during open hours!
Age: This experience contains mature language and graphic imagery and effects. Children under five will not be admitted, and anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult
IMPORTANT: The Mix-Tape-only ticket area does not include access to the immersive experience of Stranger Things: The Experience.

Stranger Things: The Experience – Immersive experience + Mix-Tape access
Where: Cinespace Marine Terminal Studio – 8 Unwin Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5A 3L1
When: Wednesdays to Sundays. Select your dates and times directly in the ticket selector
Closing date: August 20th
Cost: Starting at CA$39 per person
Duration: The visit to the immersive experience element at Hawkins National Lab will last 45 minutes, then you’ll be able to hang out in the Mix-Tape area as long as you’d like during open hours.
Age: This experience contains mature language and graphic imagery and effects. Children under 5 will not be admitted, and anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult

Apple TV+ today released a gripping teaser for the highly anticipated third season of “The Morning Show,” starring and executive produced by Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. The 10-episode third season of “The Morning Show” will premiere globally on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 with the first two episodes, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through November 8, 2023.

In “The Morning Show” season three, the future of the network is thrown into question and loyalties are pushed to the brink when a tech titan takes an interest in UBA. Unexpected alliances form, private truths are weaponized, and everyone is forced to confront their core values both in and out of the newsroom. Along with Witherspoon and Aniston and, the star-studded season three ensemble cast is led by Billy Crudup, Mark Duplass, Nestor Carbonell, Karen Pittman, Greta Lee, Jon Hamm, Nicole Beharie, and Julianna Margulies.

The Emmy, SAG and Critics Choice Award-winning drama, which has already received an early renewal for season four, is directed and executive produced by Mimi Leder, with Charlotte Stoudt serving as showrunner and executive producer. The series is produced by the studio Media Res, and executive produced by Michael Ellenberg through Media Res, along with Aniston and Kristin Hahn through Echo Films; Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter through Hello Sunshine. Leder serves as executive producer and director.

Now streaming globally on Apple TV+, the broadly acclaimed second season of “The Morning Show” received Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, Reese Witherspoon; Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Billy Crudup, who also won the award for season one; and, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series, Marcia Gay Harden.

In its first season, Crudup’s performance as Cory Ellison earned an Emmy win in the Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category, in addition to a Critics Choice Award. Aniston’s powerful performance as Alex Levy, earned a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series. Leder earned an Outstanding Directing For a Drama Series nomination for helming the season one finale. The series also received nominations from the Television Critics Association for Outstanding New Program and a TV Choice Award for Best New Drama.

Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favourite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 371 wins and 1,544 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

TIFF is thrilled to announce that Studio Ghibli’s long-awaited fantastical epic feature film, The Boy and the Heron, from Academy Award–winning visionary director Hayao Miyazaki, will be the Opening Night Gala Presentation for the 48th Toronto International Film Festival® on Thursday, September 7, at Roy Thomson Hall. The original story was written and directed by the Japanese filmmaker and produced by Oscar®-winning Studio Ghibli, which Miyazaki co-founded.

While several of Studio Ghibli’s films have screened at TIFF, including The Red Turtle (2016), The Tale of The Princess Kaguya (2014), The Wind Rises (2013), From Up on Poppy Hill (2011), Spirited Away (2002), and Princess Mononoke (1999), this is the first time a Japanese film or an animated film has opened the Festival.

“We are honoured to open the 48th Toronto International Film Festival with the work of one of cinema’s greatest artists,” said Cameron Bailey, CEO, TIFF. “Already acclaimed as a masterpiece in Japan, Hayao Miyazaki’s new film begins as a simple story of loss and love and rises to a staggering work of imagination. I look forward to our audience discovering its mysteries for themselves, but I can promise a singular, transformative experience.”

This announcement comes on the heels of TIFF’s recent showcase and audience favourite, POP Japan, celebrating the convergence of the cult, pulp, and popular in Japanese film and art, in which Miyazaki’s seminal films and most lauded classics, My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, were also featured.

The Boy and the Heron opened to record-breaking success in Japan. The hand-drawn, animated feature — director Miyazaki’s first feature film in 10 years — features a musical score from Miyazaki’s long-time collaborator Joe Hisaishi. In an extraordinary break with tradition, Studio Ghibli released the film in Japan without any promotion, marketing materials, or film description, allowing audiences to discover the film for themselves. This screening will be the International Premiere and the first opportunity for audiences outside of Japan to experience the film for themselves. GKIDS is distributing The Boy and the Heron in North America, where it will be released in theatres later in the year.

In celebration of Warner Bros. Studios’ 100th anniversary, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment and Fever, the leading entertainment discovery platform, Toronto is among the 100 cities worldwide hosting “Candlelight:

100 Years of Warner Bros.”. Part of the company’s global centennial campaign, the commemorative international concert series features music from award-winning films and unforgettable television shows from the Warner Bros. library in a one-of-a-kind musical experience taking place in majestic venues, noted for their historic nature or unique character, from iconic cathedrals, theaters and museums,
with breathtaking candlelit settings.

Next Thursday, August 3rd, 2023 the Paradise Theatre will host a second date for this exclusive celebration that takes place throughout the year to commemorate Warner Bros.’ 100 th anniversary. Tickets are now on sale for the 100 cities worldwide, including New York, London, Paris, Singapore, Milan, São Paulo and Mexico City.

From The Wizard of Oz and Casablanca to FRIENDS, Batman, Harry Potter and many more, “Candlelight: 100 Years of Warner Bros.” will take fans on a musical journey to relive their favorite soundtracks while celebrating a century of captivating stories in a whole new light.

Details and Rundown:

Where: Paradise Theatre – 1006c Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1M2
Dates and times: August 3rd at 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
Value: 1 Ticket – from $35 CAD
Musicians: Listeso String Quartet

Tickets here.

Tentative Program
The Wizard of Oz – Over the Rainbow (1939)
Casablanca – As Time Goes By (1942)
Singin’ in the Rain – Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Scooby-Doo – Theme Song (1969)
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory – Pure Imagination (1971)
The Exorcist – Theme Song (Tubular Bells) (1973)
Purple Rain – Purple Rain (1984)
Batman – Main Theme (1989)
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring – Suite (2001)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – Hogwarts’ Anthem (2005)
Inception – Time (2010)
Wonder Woman – Suite (2017)
A Star is Born – Shallow (2018)
Friends – I’ll Be There for You (1995)

“The “Candlelight: 100 Years of Warner Bros.” concert series is a true celebration of storytelling, music, and creativity,” said Peter van Roden, SVP, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment. “From the musicals that we know and love to the iconic films and television series that have shaped generations, Warner Bros. has long been a leader in entertainment, and we are thrilled to bring this unforgettable
event to our fans and music lovers from around the world to honor this momentous occasion.”

“The fact that Warner Bros. has chosen Fever and Candlelight to celebrate such a significant milestone as a 100th anniversary gives us tremendous pride.” said Ignacio Bachiller, Co-Founder & CEO at Fever. “The “Candlelight: 100 Years of Warner Bros.” concert series will be held in some of the most unique venues worldwide, performed by talented local musicians and this mix will continue and reinforce the
mission of introducing classical music to every taste”.

Warner Bros., founded by Albert, Sam, Harry and Jack Warner, will celebrate its centennial on April 4, 2023 and throughout the year. The Studio is home to one of the most successful collections of brands in the world and stands at the forefront of every aspect of the entertainment industry, from feature film, television and direct-to-consumer production to animation, comic books, video games, consumer
products, themed entertainment, studio tours and brand licensing. The Studio’s vast library, one of the most prestigious and valuable in the world, consists of more than 145,000 hours of programming, including 12,500 feature films and 2,400 television programs comprised of more than 150,000 individual episodes. Warner Bros. is also home to one of the most diverse portfolios of adored franchises in the world, including Looney Tunes, Wizarding World, DC, FRIENDS, Game of Thrones,
Hanna-Barbera and many more.