Yes! He’s back! Our favourite Kazakhstani, BORAT is back and ready to rock our worlds in this new Trailer for BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIE FILM: DELIVERY OF PRODIGIOUS BRIBE TO AMERICAN REGIME FOR MAKE BENEFIT ONCE GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN! Antics!

See the Trailer:

BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIE FILM: DELIVERY OF PRODIGIOUS BRIBE TO AMERICAN REGIME FOR MAKE BENEFIT ONCE GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN arrives on Amazon Prime Video Friday, October 23, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Amazon Prime Video)

Right in time for Halloween comes the Thriller, HIS HOUSE, an official selection at Sundance this year.

Synopsis:

After making a harrowing escape from war-torn South Sudan, a young refugee couple struggle to adjust to their new life in a small English town that has an unspeakable evil lurking beneath the surface.

Cast: Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Wunmi Mosaku and Matt Smith

See the Trailer:

HIS HOUSE arrives on Netflix Friday, October 30, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Some gorgeous new stills have surfaced from Netflix’s THE CROWN Season 4. You won’t believe your eyes! The costumes and make-up are astounding!

Synopsis:

As the 1970s are drawing to a close, Queen Elizabeth (Olivia Colman) and her family find themselves preoccupied with safeguarding the line of succession by securing an appropriate bride for Prince Charles (Josh O’Connor), who is still unmarried at 30. As the nation begins to feel the impact of divisive policies introduced by Britain’s first female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (Gillian Anderson), tensions arise between her and the Queen which only grow worse as Thatcher leads the country into the Falklands War, generating conflict within the Commonwealth. While Charles’ romance with a young Lady Diana Spencer (Emma Corrin) provides a much-needed fairytale to unite the British people, behind closed doors, the Royal family is becoming increasingly divided.

See some stills:

THE CROWN Season 4 arrives on Netflix November 15, 2020.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

This is a must-watch for any Marvel lover! Anthology Docu-Series MARVEL’S 616 is coming soon to Disney+!

Synopsis:

“Marvel’s 616” explores Marvel’s rich legacy of pioneering characters, creators and storytelling to reflect the world outside your window. Each documentary, helmed by a unique filmmaker, showcases the intersections of storytelling, pop culture, and fandom within the Marvel Universe. Episodes in this anthology series will cover topics including Marvel’s world-spanning artists, the trailblazing women of Marvel Comics, discovering the “forgotten” characters of Marvel, and much more.

See the Trailer:

MARVEL’S 616 arrives on Disney+ Friday, November 20, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

You know we love our Holidays and we also love our Musicals! Check-out these new stills from JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY, coming to Netflix in November!

Synopsis:

A musical adventure and a visual spectacle for the ages, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a wholly fresh and spirited family holiday event. Set in the gloriously vibrant town of Cobbleton, the film follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker) whose fanciful inventions burst with whimsy and wonder. But when his trusted apprentice (Emmy winner Keegan-Michael Key) steals his most prized creation, it’s up to his equally bright and inventive granddaughter (newcomer Madalen Mills) — and a long-forgotten invention — to heal old wounds and reawaken the magic within. From the imagination of writer-director David E. Talbert and featuring original songs by John Legend, Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan, and “This Day” performed by Usher and Kiana Ledé, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey reminds us of the strength of family and the power of possibility.

Cast: Forest Whitaker, Madalen Mills, Keegan-Michael Key, Sharon Rose, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Kieron Dyer, Justin Cornwell, Lisa Davina Phillip, Hugh Bonneville

See these new Stills:

JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY arrives on Netflix Friday, November 13, 2020.

(Photo credit: Netflix)

Following-up on this success of his victory in the Queen’s Plate “one-eyed wonder” MIGHTY HEART repeated the feat in the second leg of Canada’s Triple Crown, the $400k Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie Racetrack today!

Unlike his wire-to-win earlier this month at Woodbine, Jockey Daisuke Fukumoto had the Dramedy colt, owned and bred by Larry Cordes, rate off the pace today before collaring rival CLAYTON who stalked the lead, at the top of the stretch. The final time for the race was 1:55.5, more than two seconds off the track record for 1 3/16 miles. The betting public bet him down as the favourite at $0.85 to the dollar, rewarding his backers with $3.70 per two-dollar wager. CLAYTON finished second under Rafael Hernandez and DOTTED LINE completed the top three under Justin Stein.

Trainer Josie Carroll, whom last took the Prince of Wales Stakes in 2016 with Amis Gizmo, continues to have a prolific 2020 season. She is poised to take the third and final leg of the Triple Crown with MIGHTY HEART, the race to be contested at 1 1/2 miles on the E.P. Taylor turf course at Woodbine on October 24, 2020. His only attempt on the grass in March at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, resulted in a tenth place finish, although he has improved drastically since then.

See the race here:

A Carousel of images from MIGHTY HEART’S win:

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

We love Emma Roberts! So happy to see her back in upcoming Netflix Rom-Com, HOLIDATE!

Synopsis:

Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey) hate the holidays. They constantly find themselves single, sitting at the kids table, or stuck with awkward dates. But when these two strangers meet one particularly bad Christmas, they make a pact to be each other’s “holidate” for every festive occasion throughout the next year. With a mutual disdain for the holidays, and assuring themselves that they have no romantic interest in the other, they make the perfect team. However, as a year of absurd celebrations come to an end, Sloane and Jackson find that sharing everything they hate may just prove to be something they unexpectedly love.

See the Trailer:

HOLIDATE streams on Netflix Wednesday, October 28, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

It’s crunch time! With just a couple months left in the 2020 racing season at Woodbine, the opportunities to win are numbered and we found a gem of an opportunity for William (MR WILL)!

After a gruelling speed duel in his last race on September 13, 2020 at Woodbine, he hung-on to get fourth, bringing home a hard-earned paycheque. He battled through fractions of 22, 44.4, 57.4 pressured the entire way before giving way late.

See the race:

We’re thrilled to see MR WILL back at it in his fourth try Friday, October 2, 2020 at Woodbine, Race 1. He will be ready to fire!

In preparation for the race, he put in a sharp breeze the other day and he looks ready to go again!

Some Snaps from William‘s last race:

Don’t forget to tune-in and wager!

On the Princess (A Pic by Mrwill) front, we hear she’s doing quite well per her Mom Emily Fisher. As she’s lived indoors much of her life, getting used to the outdoors has taken a bit of time to get used to but she’s definitely begun to take a liking to it and she’s putting on a bit of weight again. Love it!

Congrats to Emily who recently acquired track veteran Cummings Road as an addition to Princess‘ family. The war horse won 11 races in his career and over $320k! We hope to pop by for a visit soon!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Emily Fisher)

The 30th annual INSIDE OUT FILM FESTIVAL kicks-off this week, running October 1-11, 2020. Showcasing 150 films and 9 episodic series. The Festival will go by a digital platform this year as we navigate the Pandemic. Programming will be made available via insideout.ca and also via Inside Out’s new AppleTV and Roku apps. This will allow INSIDE OUT patrons to customize their own schedules from home for the first time ever.

Headlining the Festival this year is a special conversation with talent from Netflix‘s upcoming Series BOYS IN THE BAND, adapted from the popular Broadway Play. The Series premieres on Netflix September 30, 2020.

Also Gabriel Range‘s David Bowie Biopic STARDUST, filmed in Toronto, will open the Festival with a special Drive-In Premiere at Ontario Place. The Premiere will feature Drag Queen and Drag King performances by: Drag Queens:
–Allysin Chaynes
–Bonbon Bontemps
–Tiffany Boxx
–Shada Jada Hudson
–Manny Dingo

Acclaimed Festival favourites also will surface at INSIDE OUT this year including THE OBITUARY OF TUNDE JOHNSON, COWBOYS, NO ORDINARY MAN and TIFF ’20 fan favourite, SHIVA BABY.

Our George Kozera (@PartyG) had the pleasure of previewing some of the key titles at the Festival and here are some of his thoughts:

NO HARD FEELINGS

Parvis (Benny Radjaipour) has been sentenced to 120 hours of community service at a Red Cross refugee centre located in Hannover, Germany to be a Farsi translator. Though born in Germany to Iranian parents, he struggles with the various dialects, which affects him emotionally. As a happily-open young gay teenager, partying late nights at local bars and using apps for sexual hook-ups, he tones his image and mannerisms down somewhat when at the refugee camp as to not bring unwanted attention to himself from glaring homophobic eyes. After one frustrating translation session, Parvis sits on a stoop, wiping away tears, and is approached by the handsome, curly haired Amon (Eidin Jalali), with whom he shared furtive glances with up to this point, who offers a sympathetic ear (much to the chagrin of his fellow soccer playing buds). Amon is at the camp alongside his sister Bana (Banafshe Hourmazdi), both awaiting word on their immigration status. The three young people become great friends and Parvis and Amon fall in love with each other.

It is easy to see why NO HARD FEELINGS won the Teddy Award for Best LGBTQ film at this year’s Berlin Film Festival. The performances by the three leads are refreshing as they go about their daily lives chanting their mantra: “the future is ours”. Their optimism is intoxicating to watch, despite their feelings of not really belonging anywhere and coping with the racism and homophobia they frequently encounter.There are powerful scenes of many young adults in the refugee centre with looks of despair on their faces as they await their fates that was heartbreaking to see. But whatever the future has in store for the three main characters, we root for them as they approach their lives with hope and dreams to fulfill. NO HARD FEELINGS deserves to be seen.

BREAKING FAST

BREAKING FAST fills a void that is sorely lacking: a charming, funny Rom-Com first date movie for gay men. It has it all…the two very attractive leads, the campy (but all knowing) gay best friend, the gorgeous exteriors (this time, it’s West Hollywood), fabulously decorated homes. Throw-in witty banters, a love of Musical Theatre, a Soundtrack that include songs from Lizzy, Sarah Vaughn and TLC, plates upon plates of sensually-photographed food as well as deep dark secrets and you have a classic movie for the ages!

Mo (Haaz Sleiman) is a gay Muslim doctor, out to his family, who gets dumped by his boyfriend Hassan (Patrick Sabongui, best known for his recurring role on TV’s “The Flash”) on the first day of IFTAR (the meal after sunset during the holy month of Ramadan) for fear of being outed by a family member. Fast-forward a year later, same time of the year. Mo is still aching the loss but grudgingly accepts the invitation to celebrate the nth anniversary of his best friend Sam’s 21^st birthday. As Sam, Amin el Gamal illuminates the screen with panache, style and bitchiness! At the party, Mo meets Kal (Michael Cassidy) and the attraction is instant and eventually theirs is a relationship of sweeping romantic gestures as they celebrate Iftar together. Minus any intimacy between the two as those are verboten during Ramadan and Mo is a devout Muslim. After a contentious accidental meeting with Kal’s mother (Veronica Cartwright) that ultimately brings out secrets Kal has and with Hassan trying to reconnect with Mo, the relationship has hit an impasse.

Writer/Director Mike Mosallam has a deft hand, eye and ear and he navigates through the turbulent waters of being gay and Muslim with valid opinions on both ends of the spectrum with intelligence. I also admired how he portrays an interracial relationship without that being an issue. The chemistry between Sleiman and Cassidy is authentic and the Cinematography is sensual.

And, if you’re like me, the “Climb Every Mountain” scene at a karaoke bar will leave you all goosepimply and teary-eyed. BREAKING FAST is priority viewing.

CICADA

Have you ever seen an undiscovered star miraculously burst through the galaxy and light up the heavens? Let me introduce you to one by the name of Matt Fifer, the Writer/Director/Producer/Editor of CICADA, a movie consummate on so many levels that it continues to resonate with me days after seeing it and will undoubtedly make my list of the best in 2020.

As this Movie opens with a “based on true events” disclaimer, it should come with no surprise that Fifer also plays the lead role of Ben. Once engaged to a woman, this mopey, handsome bisexual man having meaningless sex with anyone and everyone is portrayed provocatively and humorously in a series of vignettes.  Then he meets an attractive black man in front of a used book store. Sam (Sheldon D. Brown) is easily charmed by Ben’s flirtatiousness and quick wit and the two hook-up. Set against a backdrop of a never more beautiful looking Manhattan and Greenwich Village, their relationship blooms and as they blossom together, they slowly reveal their inner fears and demons which range from the insecurities of admitting who they are to their family members to much more shocking revelations of sexual and physical violence, racism and homophobia. Their relationship has hit numerous stumbling blocks and we watch and hope they can survive as a couple. I know I am being deliberately vague about their many obstacles, but one of the powers of CICADA is the sense of discovery that sucker punches you in the heart. Like a great Documentary, Fifer and Brown (who also contributed to the Screenplay) expertly navigate the topics with finesse.

While on the topic of experts, Cobie Smulders (from the recently cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns TV series “Stumptown”) dominates the screen in her role as Ben’s psychiatrist and Neil Patrick Harris’ real-life husband David Burtka shines subtly in his role as a DILF who hires Ben as a House Painter.

Fifer is a powerhouse hyphenate. Taking his incredible acting chops talents aside, his vision is a fully realized accomplishment; from sweepingly-romantic scenes replete with too many laugh out loud one-liners to heartbreaking circumstances, CICADA must be seen. It’s cinematic gold.

SHIVA BABY

A monster breakout hit at this year’s TIFF and already written about on this site by my talented colleague, Amanda Gilmore, I just want to quickly add how much I loved SHIVA BABY and I hope this Movie resurges Polly Draper’s career. Her comic timing is brilliant. I literally almost fell-off my chair when she accuses her daughter of being too thin by saying “You look like Gwyneth Paltrow on food stamps”. Hollywood Casting Agents: can’t get Oscar and Emmy winner Allison Janney? Hire the Divine Ms. Draper.

AHEAD OF THE CURVE

AHEAD OF THE CURVE is a Documentary Feature about Franco Stevens who, with grit and determination, printed the first lesbian lifestyle glossy Magazine. “Curve” was the first of its kind as the many talking heads in this Film (that include Melissa Etheridge and SAG and Obie winner, Lea DeLaria) expound what a significant impact it made on their lives. The Movie opens with the fear that the print edition of this iconic Magazine may be heading towards extinction and how an online version could successfully compete in an already over-saturated environment. I was fascinated with all aspects of starting and maintaining the many successes that was Curve magazine and the constant battles initiated by the readers over the use of the lesbian on the cover versus words like gay, dyke, queer, etc.

Where AHEAD OF THE CURVE falters with me is that it spends considerable screen time on many topics and issues that, though very important (homophobia, transphobia, legal inequities…the list goes on), had little to do with the Magazine itself or the life of Franco Stevens. Whereas earlier in the Movie, there are many theories, humorously depicted, as to why the magazine was first called “Deneuve”, these same women express shock and indignation when the magazine is sued by Catherine Deneuve for infringement. Much of Stevens’ personal life is glossed over. She married a man at 19 and after one class realized she was gay…that was a head scratching revelation. I found many aspects of AHEAD OF THE CURVE informative and interesting but, all in all, for me, it’s a noble misstep.

THE OBITUARY OF TUNDE JOHNSON

Written by then 19-year-old Stanley Kalu (now 23) then having its world premiere at TIFF ’19, THE OBITUARY OF TUNDE JOHNSON is, sadly, as timely today as when it was first conceived. The Movie opens with its Narrator saying “Tunde Johnson departed this life 9:30pm, May 28th, 2020 at the hands of police officers in Los Angeles, California”, the day he came out as gay to his wealthy Nigerian-born parents. His crime? Being black while driving. Using “Groundhog Day” as a template, we relive Tunde’s school day and his tragic fate over and over again, though the reasons for the death change as the story takes us along different paths. Nevertheless, death for sitting in an expensive car or walking alone in a prosperous neighbourhood or standing in front of a store smoking a cigarette is heinous and difficult to watch. Steven Silver (Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why”) gives a multi-faceted, intense performance in the lead role and is complimented greatly by all the Supporting Actors, which include David James Elliott. Director Ali LeRoi succinctly and eloquently depicts the movies many issues as racism, police brutality, LGBTQ acceptance, drugs and mental health. It is a searing commentary on the consequences of being black in America, made even scarier if you’re young and gay. THE OBITUARY OF TUNDE JOHNSON is a towering and powerful achievement.

NO ORDINARY MAN

NO ORDINARY MAN is a fascinating documentary that focuses on the life of Billy Tipton, a popular Jazz Musician in the ’40s and ’50s whose Trans identity was not publicly revealed until after his death in 1989. In a male-dominated Jazz scene from which women musicians were excluded, the talented Tipton found work and fame dressed as a man; he married a woman and together they adopted 3 children (from whom he continued to keep his gender a secret). After his death, the tabloid newspapers and TV shows (including Oprah and Geraldo) fixated on the salacious and a posthumous Biography, titled “Suits Me” added flames to the horribly-misinformed fire. I found NO ORDINARY MAN absolutely engrossing and illuminating as Trans men are sadly under-represented in the arts. TV shows like “Pose” and multiple Emmy nominated Laverne Cox shed positive portraits of Trans women but who gets more media attention: Chaz Bono or Caitlyn Jenner? Not only do Directors Aisling Chin-Yee and Chase Joynt employ Tipton’s photographs, music and personal tape recordings, the “talking heads” interviews shed insights into a world of Transmasculinity and gender versus sexuality. I particularly enjoyed sequences where Trans men were reading from a Script about a proposed Tipton Biopic and their unique and individual interpretations of how Tipton would react, intermingling with their own thoughts and experiences. NO ORDINARY MAN is groundbreaking and triumphant.

MONSOON

The handsome, charismatic and talented Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians) is the centerpiece in the introspective, languidly-paced MONSOON from writer/director Hong Khaou. Playing Kit, he returns to the country of his birth, Vietnam, to scatter the ashes of his late parents. While there, he reunites with his childhood friend, Lee (David Tran), meets an Art Curator, Linh (Molly Harris) and has an online hook-up with Lewis (Parker Sawyers), the son of a troubled Vietnam War vet. The lush Cinematography of modern day Vietnam only accentuates the rich heartfelt performances by everyone in MONSOON.

DATING AMBER

When you’re a closeted gay teen attending high school in picturesque rural Ireland, life would be so much easier if everyone just thought you were in a relationship with someone of the opposite sex. Which is exactly what Eddie (Fionn O’Shea) and Amber (Lola Petticrew) do; they become each other’s’ beard. DATING AMBER takes us on their journey filled with uncomfortable hugs and kisses in public and awkward meetings with their parents as they individually deal with their own coming out processes.

Like Garbo, I rarely laugh but could not help myself guffawing throughout. The two leads are as supremely talented as they are photogenic. Writer/Director David Freyne infuses the screen with authenticity and charm, with letter perfect performances from all the supporting characters. DATING AMBER is a richly composed and executed movie and a must-see!

COWBOYS

Troy kidnaps his child, Joe from his estranged wife Sally and the two travel on horseback through the wilds on Montana towards Canada. Flashbacks show us 11 year old Joe’s discomfort wearing a dress at a family picnic and the exceptionally close bond with Troy. When Joe tells Troy that she is not a Tomboy, but a boy trapped in a girl’s body, his total and complete acceptance of the news contrasts dramatically from how Sally reacts.

COWBOYS is a powerful and complex movie, tackling the subject matter of being a transgender child with grace and eloquence. Not only is this Steve Zahn’s (as Troy) best screen performance ever, young trans actor Sasha Knight’s accomplishment belies his age. As the police officer in charge of finding the two outcasts safely, the always great Ann Dowd adds another feather to her accomplished cap. Against the majestic backdrop of the Montana forests, COWBOYS resonates with compassion.  

Visit insideout.ca for more details and tickets!

(Photo credit: Inside Out/Netflix/Obscured Pictures)

Hollywood Suite present their first ever foray into the world of Podcasts, in celebration of International Podcast Day!

The 50-minute Podcast looks at a diverse array of game-changing moments and films by year of release with Becky Shrimpton, Cameron Maitland and Alicia Fletcher. Beginning October 1st, new episodes (total 12) arrive on the 1st and 15th of the month. The Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and Stitcher.

Episodes are as follows:

Episode 1 – “Disco and Truckers Rule”

Release date: October 1, 2020

Year: 1978

Films: The Eyes of Laura Mars, The Wiz, Convoy and Every Which Way but Loose.

Episode 2 – “Elaine May and Beatlemania”

Release date: October 15, 2020

Year: 1978

Films: California Suite, Heaven Can Wait, I Wanna Hold Your Hand and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band

Episode 3 ­– “Hong Kong New Wave and British Animation”

Release date: November 1, 2020

Year: 1978

Films: The 36th Chamber of Shaolin, Drunken Master, Watership Down and Lord of the Rings

Episode 4 – “The Reign of Stephen King and Porky’s Spawns”

Release date: November 15, 2020

Year: 1983

Films: Christine, Cujo, Screwballs and Losin’ It

Episode 5 – “Prepare for Nuclear War and Gender Swaps”

Release date: December 1, 2020

Year: 1983

FiIms: War Games, The Day After, Mr. Mom and Flashdance

Episode 6 – “Fashion Vampires and Rock ‘n Roll”

Release date: December 15, 2020

Year: 1983

Films: Liquid Sky, The Hunger, Get Crazy and Rock & Rule

Episode 7 – “Women Take Over – Indie Renaissance and New Queer Cinema”

Release date: January 1, 2021

Year: 1992

Films: The Long Day Closes, Just Another Girl on the IRT, Orlando and Gas, Food, Lodging

Episode 8 – “Women Take Over – Fully Loaded and Rappers’ Delight”

Release date: January 15, 2021

Year: 1992

Films: Gun Crazy, My New Gun, Juice and Trespass

Episode 9 – “Women Take Over – Thrillers and Competing Columbuses”

Release date: February 1, 2021

Year: 1992

Films: Love Crimes, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle; 1492: The Conquest of Paradise and Christopher Columbus: The Discovery

Episode 10 – “Mental Health Comedies and Subverting Disney”

Release date: February 15, 2021

Year: 2007

Films: Eagle vs. Shark, Lars and the Real Girl, Enchanted, and Stardust

Episode 11 – “Horror Debuts and Naughty Musicals”

Release date: March 1, 2021

Year: 2007

Films: The Host, REC, Hairspray and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Episode 12 – “Serial Killers and White-Collar Criminals”

Release date: March 15, 2021

Year: 2007

Films: Hot Fuzz, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, Michael Clayton and Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead

Season Two of Hollywood Suite’s A YEAR IN FILM, the TV Series, arrives in December.

(Photo credit: Hollywood Suite)