While the 2020 racing season at Woodbine Racetrack came to an early end, we look back with gratitude at being able to cover our favourite sport even admist the most challenging of circumstances.

Though many hours go into commuting, capturing content, editing and posting never have we complained about the process. Being a part of the Horse Racing community brings me great joy and it makes me proud that Woodbine Entertainment managed to put together a fantastic abbreviated season, keeping everyone safe and well with some well-managed health and safety protocols.

Though border restrictions did alter the make-up of some of our most high-profile stakes races, one of the greatest things this year was seeing our local jockeys, trainers and owners take some of our biggest fixtures. Sam-Son Farm is one the reasons I love this sport so much, having brought us some phenomenal talent over the years. Stable stars like Dance Smartly, Ruling Angel, Wilderness Song and Sky Classic held Madonna and Michael Jackson-level idol worship from me as a kid. They were my heroes and I couldn’t wait for the weekends to come because I could see my favourite horses at Woodbine.

While I like many others are saddened Sam-Son Farm will be exiting the sport, they do leave on-top taking the Grade I Northern Dancer Stakes in October with Say the Word. I wish the best to the Samuel and Balaz families, in addition to everyone who helped preserve their legacy all these years. I am grateful for all the memories.

2020 came with challenges, but also some bright spots. How amazing was it seeing Woodbine-based star Starship Jubilee beat the boys en route to a Grade I score in the Woodbine Mile? Though Mark Casse would prevail as the meet’s leading trainer, Josie Carroll dazzled us with her phenomental roster of stable stars in a career year, taking all legs of the Canadian Triple Crown, the first ever woman to accomplish the feat. Our heart belongs to her trainee, the hard-trying one-eyed wonder Mighty Heart, our 2020 Queen’s Plate and Prince of Wales Stakes victor. His fast-developing stablemate Belichick just might have a thing or two to say about the award for the country’s top three-year-old male. And while Rafael Hernandez would prevail in jockey standings with 129 wins, Justin Stein made it a thrilling match to the wire with 126!

As I do every year, here is my A YEAR IN HORSES compilation, capturing some of my favourite moments and faces of the 2020 meet. It brings me so much joy to share back to a community that gives so much to me. I hope this year’s edition does them justice.

We are so proud also to be a part of Mr Will‘s story. He tried his best with each start this season and came so close to the win. He will be going in for a minor procedure this week. Please send him and Michelle Love all your positive thoughts for a quick recovery. We will for sure spend time with him over the Holidays to check-in on him. We appreciate all your support!

While we will miss being at the races over the winter, we hope all our friends in the racing community enjoy the Holidays and a well-deserved recharge. We will be unstoppable in 2021.

Happy Holidays!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The Queen of Christmas is back and her latest Special, MARIAH CAREY’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL is set to debut on Apple TV+ soon!

Featured in the Special is an all-star line-up including the likes of Tiffany Haddish, Billy Eichner, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Snoop Dogg, Jermaine Dupri, Misty Copeland and Mykal-Michelle Harris. Carey‘s children Moroccan + Monroe also join-in on the fun!

In celebration of this, a new video has been filmed for “Oh Santa!,” co-written by and featuring Carey performing with Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson. This will be released the day of the Special and the companion soundtrack to the Special is full of brand new interpretations, and will also include Snoop Dogg and Jermaine Dupri as additional musical guests, in addition to a new version of “Sleigh Ride.” The soundtrack will be available exclusively on Apple Music December 4, and all other platforms on December 11.

See the Trailer:

MARIAH CAREY’s MAGICAL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL streams Friday, December 4, 2020 only on Apple TV+!

(Photo credit: Apple TV)

Great news for the Holidays! Hollywood Suite will be available as a free preview for you from December 1, 2020 to January 5, 2021! Among the exciting things they have lined-up are a tribute to Keanu Reeves, a KEANUSSANCE and the second season of their series A YEAR IN FILM. As announced previously, HBO MAX series VALLEY OF TEARS also is coming to Hollywood Suite exclusively.

VALLEY OF TEARS

Hollywood Suite is the exclusive Canadian home of the all-new HBO Max Original 10-part war drama, Valley of Tears. The biggest budget Israeli TV series of all time, Valley of Tears comes to Hollywood Suite following the smashing success of its debut in its home country and on HBO Max in the US. 

The series is inspired by the true events of the 1973 Yom Kippur War in Israel. 

Episodes 1 and 2 of Valley of Tears will premiere back-to-back Saturday, December 19 on HS00, with a new episode airing each following Saturday. Each episode will be available On Demand immediately following their air date. The series will be broadcast in the original Hebrew with English subtitles. Subtitled and English-dubbed versions will be available On Demand. 

A YEAR IN FILM – SEASON TWO 

The Hollywood Suite original documentary series A Year in Film explores how movies reflect the events, mood, politics, and culture of their time. A Year in Film immerses you in film history and pop culture with insights and movie memories from filmmakers, industry insiders, and critics. Season two dives into the films that shaped the years 1975, 1986, 1994 and 2000.

A Year in Film: 1975

With Watergate and the fall of Saigon dominating the news, people were looking for an escape. 

• New Hollywood delivered with films like Nashville, Shampoo and Dog Day Afternoon
• Women directors crafted an independent vision with Hester Street and Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles 
• And in Canada, David Cronenberg clashed with the Canadian government over his first hit Shivers

Premiering December 6, 2020 at 9:00pm ET on Hollywood Suite 70s Movies (HS70)

Films featured in A Year in Film: 1975 airing or On Demand in December : Dog Day Afternoon, Barry Lyndon, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles.

A Year in Film: 1986

Celebrations like Vancouver’s Expo 86, Hands Across America and the passing of Halley’s Comet were tempered by the sadness of tragedies like Chernobyl, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster and the uncovering of the Iran-Contra affair. 

• Robots dominated the box office with hits like Short Circuit
• Decade-defining hits like Pretty in Pink, Top Gun and Stand by Me cemented their iconic status. 
• And in Canada, Canadian directors scored big in Hollywood with The Fly, Aliens and The Decline of the American Empire
• Featured in the episode, director Jim Wynorski looks back on Chopping Mall

Premiering December 13, 2020 at 9:00pm ET on Hollywood Suite 80s Movies (HS80)

Films featured in A Year in Film: 1986 airing or On Demand in December:The Fly, Aliens, Top Gun, Platoon, Chopping Mall, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, River’s Edge, The Decline of the American Empire, and Stand by Me. 

A Year in Film: 1994

Gen X controlled the narrative in a big way. While Hollywood struggled with the generation gap, independent films connected with mainstream audiences more than ever. 

• Pulp Fiction cemented Quentin Tarantino as a bold voice in Hollywood
• Jim Carrey hit big with three massive films: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask andDumb and Dumber
• And in Canada, Canadian filmmakers gained notoriety with hits like Double Happiness
• Featured in the episode, director Atom Egoyan discusses his classic Exotica

Premiering December 20, 2020 at 9:00pm ET on Hollywood Suite 90s Movies (HS90)

Films featured in A Year in Film: 1994 airing or On Demand in December: Forrest Gump, Double Happiness, Pulp Fiction, Reality Bites, Dumb and Dumber, Clifford, Speed, The Crow, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and Eat Drink Man Woman.  

A Year in Film: 2000

The dawn of the new millennium saw a mix of frustrations over a contested U.S. election and relief after Y2K fears fizzled. The film landscape seemed wide open for new and exciting voices to emerge. 

• Asian cinema took the art-house spotlight with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Yi Yi andIn the Mood for Love
• Steven Soderbergh made an Oscar double-play with Erin Brockovich and Traffic
• And in Canada, Canadian directors mined horror and satire with films like American Psycho
• Featured in this episode, director John Fawcett reflects on Ginger Snaps

Premiering December 27, 2020 at 9:00pm ET on Hollywood Suite 2000s Movies (HS00)

Films featured in A Year in Film: 2000 airing or On Demand in December:Erin Brockovich, Traffic, Yi Yi, American Psycho, Ginger Snaps, In the Mood for Love, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. 

KEANUSSANCE

December is all Keanu, all the time. His name means “cool breeze over the mountains,” and he’s a well-rounded, well-loved, low-key Canadian guy who kicks ass and has serious acting chops. Raised in Toronto, his three-decade long filmography is prolific and filled with an alarming amount of Hollywood’s biggest blockbuster franchises. The cinematic homage to The One includes: 

Hollywood Suite 80s Movies Channel (HS80)

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) – December 5, 9:00 pm ET

River’s Edge (1986) – December 6, 9:00 pm ET

Hollywood Suite 90s Movies Channel (HS90)

Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991) – December 5, 10:35 pm ET

Speed (1994) – December 5, 12:10 am ET

My Own Private Idaho (1991) – December 6, 10:45 

Chain Reaction (1996) – December 6, 12:30 am 

The Matrix (1999) – December 12, 9:00 pm 

Johnny Mnemonic (1995) – December 12, 11:20 pm 

Point Break (1991) – December 13, 9:00 pm

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) – December 13, 11:10 pm

Hollywood Suite 2000s Movies Channel (HS00)

The Replacements (2000) – December 20, 9:00 pm

The Matrix Reloaded (2003) – December 12, 11:20 pm

The Matrix Revolutions (2003) – December 12, 1:40 am

Something’s Gotta Give (2003) – December 20, 11:00 pm 

John Wick (2014) – December 30, 9:00 pm

John Wick 2 (2014) – December 30, 10:45 pm 

Constantine (2005) – December 31, 9:00 pm

FAMILY FAVOURITES

These family films are like your favourite PJs and a weighted blanket. Here’s a list of Hollywood Suite comfort films to ease your mind: The Holiday (2006), Grease (1978), Labyrinth (1986), Little Women (1994), The Karate Kid (1984), Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights (2002), Ella Enchanted (2004), Grown Ups (2010), Pitch Perfect (2012) and The Princess Bride (1987). 

(Photo credit: Hollywood Suite)

Right in time for the Holidays comes this new Disney+ Docu-Series about what it takes to be in the New York City Ballet‘s famed production of The Nutcracker!

Synopsis:

On Pointe captures a season in New York City’s world renowned School of American Ballet (SAB). Featuring unprecedented access to one of the top youth ballet institutions in the world, the series follows the lives of the students ages 8 to 18 pursuing their dreams to become ballet dancers. While older students from all over the country rigorously train for professional careers, younger students from New York City are put through their paces as they rehearse and perform in New York City Ballet’s holiday classic “George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®” onstage at Lincoln Center.

See the Trailer:

ON POINTE arrives on Disney+ Friday, December 18, 2020.

(Photo credit: Disney)

Following the smash success of its Predecessor, now comes THE BOSS BABY: FAMILY BUSINESS. Check-out the new Trailer!

Synopsis:

In the sequel to DreamWorks Animation’s Oscar®-nominated blockbuster comedy, the Templeton brothers—Tim (James Marsden, X-Men franchise) and his Boss Baby little bro Ted (Alec Baldwin)—have become adults and drifted away from each other. Tim is now a married stay-at-home dad. Ted is a hedge fund CEO. But a new boss baby with a cutting-edge approach and a can-do attitude is about to bring them together again … and inspire a new family business.

Tim and his wife, Carol (Eva Longoria), the breadwinner of the family, live in the suburbs with their super-smart 7-year-old daughter Tabitha (Ariana Greenblatt, Avengers: Infinity War), and adorable new infant Tina (Amy Sedaris, Netflix’s BoJack Horseman). Tabitha, who’s at the top her class at the prestigious Acorn Center for Advanced Childhood, idolizes her Uncle Ted and wants to become like him, but Tim, still in touch with his overactive youthful imagination, worries that she’s working too hard and is missing out on a normal childhood.

When baby Tina reveals that she’s—ta-da!—a top secret agent for BabyCorp on a mission to uncover the dark secrets behind Tabitha’s school and its mysterious founder, Dr. Edwin Armstrong (Jeff Goldblum), it will reunite the Templeton brothers in unexpected ways, lead them to re-evaluate the meaning of family and discover what truly matters.

Lisa Kudrow and Jimmy Kimmel also reprise their roles as Ted and Tim’s parents.

See the Trailer:

Universal Pictures Canada release #BOSSBABY Friday, March 26, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

Taylor Swift fans are going to love this! folklore is considered by many as her finest Album to date. Here’s a glimpse into the making of this new classic and it’s coming to Disney+!

Synopsis:

Taylor Swift, Aaron Dessner (The National), Jack Antonoff (Bleachers) and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) created an album that crossed genres — a musical journey that allows us to cry and laugh, and during these trying times, makes us feel like we’re not quite so alone. They recorded “folklore” thousands of miles apart from each other and had never been in the same room together…

…until now

“folklore: the long pond studio sessions” was filmed in upstate New York in September 2020 and will premiere exclusively on Disney+ on Wednesday, November 25, at 12:01AM PT / 3:01 AM ET. Taylor, accompanied by co-producers Aaron Dessner and Jack Antonoff along with a guest appearance by Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), performs each song in order of her critically adored, five star album, “folklore” and for the very first time, reveals the stories and secrets behind all 17 songs.

“folklore: the long pond studio sessions” was directed by Taylor Swift and filmed on 6 x Lumix S1H mirrorless cameras with Leica lenses embedded in the studio, along with a one Alexa LF with an Angenieux 24-290 on a Furio robotic camera with 30+ feet of curved track.

See the Trailer:

See a new performance for the Track EXILE ft. Justin Vernon from Bon Iver:

#FolkloreOnDisneyPlus arrives November 25, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Let’s just say the weather’s been a little bit unpredictable. That extra week of Summer we saw a couple weeks back certainly came at a cost as we got a major snowstorm this weekend. And for all that unpredictability, we couldn’t have been in better hands than in Honda’s star SUV, the 2020 CR-V Sport!

We brought our beanie home a few weeks back and that first car ride home gave her major anxiety, but this time around she seemed to have adjusted well, napping away in the front passenger’s seat on a blanket. Dare I say, she actually enjoys car rides now.

As the City is entering lockdown, having access to the CR-V was of great value as we were able to tie-up loose ends and errands in preparation for the next few weeks.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Sport is non short on power – 190 horsepower @ 5600 rpm to be exact. It operates on a 1.5-litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and is conscious with its Eco Assist™ system and features like Idle stop and ECON mode. Running on regular fuel, the CR-V is all about value delivering a City/Highway/Combined Fuel Economy of 8.7/7.4/8.1 km per litre.

The CR-V in addition to being about spaciousness (its trunk is incredible!), is all about comfort. The Driver’s seat comes with 12-way power adjustment, including 4-way power lumbar support. For those frigid mornings ahead. that heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and heated front seats are a life saver. beanie can attest to that!

While the CR-V Sport doesn’t have a wireless charging plate, it still does contain a variety of charging options including two on the front side. We were thoroughly impressed how quickly our phone charged! Audio entertainment is extremely important in our drives and the SUV comes with a 180-watt AM/FM audio system with MP3/Windows Media® Audio playback capability and 6 speakers. We love our Sirius XM and our customized Spotify Playlists, both which work easily with the SUV. Navigation on its 7-inch Display Audio System is easy and controlling climate, customizable for Drive and Passenger is simple as it should be as our attentions should always be on our drive.

Visibility is so important in these winter months ahead. The CR-V‘s auto-high beam and multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines are essentials. I don’t remember driving before having these. It also comes with a front wiper de-icer, intermittent and variable rear window wiper/washers, plus front and rear splash guards. The car is also sizey, hence folding door mirrors are handy when navigate tight spots.

Safety and security should be a dealbreaker for all and Honda once again pulls-out all the stops. The CR-V Sport comes with a 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS®), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system, Honda LaneWatch™, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, Tire Pressure Monitoring System4 (TPMS), Vehicle Stability Assist3 (VSA®) with Traction Control and also Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system. All this, plus a theft-deterrent system and security system, plus SmartVent™ side airbags, i-SRS airbags and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system.

Starts at $31,776. More here.

Some of the amazing adventures we were able to experience in our Test Drive, courtesy of the 2020 Honda CR-V Sport:

Until our next adventure!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

After premiering at TIFF ’19, heart-breaking OUR FRIEND finally is ready for release. We don’t know about you but we can’t get enough Dakota Johnson!

Synopsis:

Nicole (Dakota Johnson) and Matthew Teague (Casey Affleck), faced with Nicole‘s impending death, see their best friend (Jason Segel) move in to help them out.

Directed by: Gabriela Cowperthwaite
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Casey Affleck and Jason Segel

See the Trailer:

Elevation Pictures release OUR FRIEND in theatres and on-demand January 22, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a Pizza Movie Night with THE BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY! One winner will win a $40 PANAGO Gift Card and Digital Download of the Film, directed by Natalie Krinsky and produced by Selena Gomez. There will be runner-up prizes where you also could win a free Digital Download as well!

Synopsis:

What if you saved a souvenir from every relationship you’ve ever been in? THE BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY follows the always unique Lucy (Geraldine Viswanathan), a 20-something art gallery assistant living in New York City, who also happens to be an emotional hoarder. After she gets dumped by her latest boyfriend, Lucy is inspired to create The Broken Heart Gallery, a pop-up space for the items love has left behind. Word of the gallery spreads, encouraging a movement and a fresh start for all the romantics out there, including Lucy herself.

We adored this Film. Our Review can be found here.

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

You also can enter on Instagram!

Rules and regulations here.

Elevation Pictures release THE BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY on Digital and On-Demand Tuesday, November 24, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

The Holidays are before us and we want to give one lucky Reader a chance to get super-festive with this amazing Gift Pack in celebration of upcoming Netflix release, THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES: PART TWO releasing November 25, 2020 on Netflix.

Synopsis:

It’s been two years since siblings Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy Pierce (Judah Lewis) saved Christmas, and a lot has changed. Kate, now a cynical teenager, is reluctantly spending Christmas in Cancun with her mom’s new boyfriend and his son Jack (Jahzir Bruno). Unwilling to accept this new version of her family, Kate decides to run away. But when a mysterious, magical troublemaker named Belsnickel threatens to destroy the North Pole and end Christmas for good, Kate and Jack are unexpectedly pulled into a new adventure with Santa Claus (Kurt Russell). Written and directed by Chris Columbus (Home Alone, Harry Potter) and co-starring Goldie Hawn, THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES 2 is an action-packed adventure for the whole family that’s full of heart, humor, and holiday spirit.

One lucky winner will win a Gift Pack with the following:

A mini Christmas tree
Bag of decorative pine cones
PJs (top and bottom)
Santa hat
Toque/hat
Stocking
Coffee/hot chocolate mug
Hot Chocolate and fixings
Gingerbread house kit

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

For those of you on Instagram, tag a friend in the comments on this Post below for a chance!

Rules and regulations here.

#ChristmasChronicles2 is available on Netflix Friday, November 25, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)