#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “TARGET NUMBER ONE”

Check-out this new Trailer for TARGET NUMBER ONE, based on a true story!

Synopsis:
Inspired by real events that took place in 1989, Target Number One follows three interconnected stories: an ex heroin junkie who gets trapped by a criminal organization to set up a drug deal in Thailand; an undercover cop who’s humiliated and decides to take a short cut to enhance the performance of his team; and an investigative reporter who’s forced to re-evaluate his core convictions and maverick methods after the birth of his first child.

Starring:Josh Hartnett, Antoine Olivier Pilon, Jim Gaffigan,
Stephen McHattie, Don McKellar, J.C. Mackenzie & Amanda Crew

See the Trailer:

eOne Films release TARGET NUMBER ONE in Ontario Friday, August 14, 2020.  It is playing now in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba,New Brunswick, Nova Scotia & Quebec.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

#FIRSTLOOK: “LONG WAY UP” COMING TO APPLE TV+

Ewan McGregor is back in LONG WAY UP, a new Docu-Series coming soon to Apple TV+!

Synopsis:

Motorcycle Series “Long Way Up,” stars and is executive produced by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, which reunites best friends after more than a decade since their last motorbike adventure around the world. Covering 13,000 miles over 100 days through 16 border crossings and 13 countries, starting from the city of Ushuaia at the tip of South America, Ewan and Charley journey through the glorious and underexposed landscapes of South and Central America in their most challenging expedition to date, using cutting edge technology on the backs of their electric Harley-Davidson LiveWire® motorcycles in order to contribute to the sustainability of the planet. The new series will follow Ewan and Charley as they journey through Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and up through Colombia, Central America and Mexico. Also joining them are their longtime collaborators, directors David Alexanian and Russ Malkin following them in their electric Rivians.

The first three episodes of LONG WAY UP arrive on Apple TV+ Friday, September 18, 2020 with new episodes to come weekly.

(Photo credit: Apple TV+)

#COOKING: PORTOBELLO MUSHROOM CROSTINI RECIPE

Portobello Mushroom Crostini. Got this idea from Lisa and Pandora Vanderpump. An amazing quick-to-prepare, light yet substantial brunch, which you can double if you have more guests! 🍞🍄

Ingredients:

4 slices of French bread
200g Smooth Ricotta
4 tbsps Goat Cheese
6 large Portobello Mushrooms, sliced thin
1/2 white onion, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cloves garlic, halved
3 tbsps red wine
2 tbsps pine nuts, toasted
1/4 tsp Thyme
1 tsp Truffle Oil
Olive oil
Sea salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sautée onions on medium-high heat and garlic in olive oil till almost caramelmized. Toss-in mushrooms and cook till wilted.
2. Add wine and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir-in Thyme. Do not cook too long. Once wine reduces, add Truffle Oil, salt and pepper and remove from heat.
3. Rub garlic clove halves on bread and toast in oven at 350°F for 5-6 minutes till crisp. Drizzle olive oil on-top.
4. In small bowl, whisk Ricotta, olive oil, salt and pepper.
5. Layer Ricotta onto Crostini. Spoon mushroom mixture on-top. Spoon Goat’s Cheese and toasted Pine Nuts on-top. Garnish with a bit more Thyme and serve with olives. Serves 4.

Gallery:

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(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: WHAT TO WATCH AUGUST 2020 – “FEAR CITY”, “THE KISSING BOOTH 2”, “THE REMIX”, “GOOD GIRLS”, “MUPPETS NOW”, “BLACK IS KING”, “THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY”, “SUGAR RUSH: EXTRA SWEET”

It’s Civic Day weekend, meaning it’s time to stream something new! Here’s some of our best recommendations to help make this an even better long weekend!

THE KISSING BOOTH 2 (NETFLIX)

Joey King is back in this direct sequel to 2018’s The Kissing Booth, reprising her role as Elle, who is now in her senior year of high school. Returning also is her flame Noah (Jacob Elordi) who now is studying at Harvard. The love triangle game is strong in this Sequel with her visiting him in Boston, only to meet Chloe, who appears to be getting rather close to him. Bringing back The Kissing Booth for her school’s charity fair, she and BFF Lee (Joel Courtney) recruit heartthrob Marco (Taylor Perez) for a dance competition and before we know it, they start developing feelings for one another. Matters are complicated as Elle isn’t sure if she if Noah is cheating with Chloe and at the same time she feels a romance blooming between her and Marco. She finds herself resented also as Lee‘s girlfriend Rachel (Meganne Young) can’t get a moment together with him, without Elle always being in the picture. All the while, Elle‘s trying to figure out if she will choose Harvard to be with Noah or just go to Berkeley. Above this, she’s worried she won’t have enough money to go to the school of her dreams. While we clearly don’t remember our senior year of high school having this much drama, kudos to Elle who is played well again by King. This Sequel really doesn’t resolve much, leaving room for yet another installment of this Franchise and still capturing that sweet spot in her life where she still is free to do whatever she wants before college. Judging by interest in this, a third Film seems likely!

FEAR CITY: NEW YORK VS THE MAFIA (NETFLIX)

The Producers of Don’t F**k With Cats are back with this gripping three-part Docu-Series which takes us back to the ’70s when New York went from the “City of Fun” to the “City of Fear” as various five big mafia families had their hands in controlling every aspect of the City whether it be garbage collection to real estate. With a combination of interviews, photographs, actual surveillance tapes and re-enactments, we learn how under eventual Mayor Rudy Giuliani, the FBI and a team of undercover agents in gut-wrenching detail, walks us through how they infiltrated the Mafia’s cars, homes and frequented establishments. We see also the challenges the Prosecutors faced convincing a jury with collected surveillance footage, before a ruling defined an era of change for a crime-riddled New York. Once again, some great haunting storytelling here from both sides of law enforcement, which educates as well as it entertains.

THE REMIX: HIP HOP X FASHION (NETFLIX)

The ’90s were a pivotal period for Urban Music and Fashion with several of today’s looks and sounds having stemmed from that renaissance period. But did these artists all come armed with their own sense of style to go along with their groundbreaking music? THE REMIX: HIP HOP X FASHION is a concise 67-minute Documentary which premiered at Tribeca, taking a look at some of the unsung heroes of fashion who conceptualized some of the ’90s biggest acts like Mary J. Blige, Lil’ Kim and more. They came out of the underground and into the mainstream in much of the fashion we see today from major fashion houses like Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Fendi. The Film looks at the likes of Dapper Dan who now is an official collaborator with the former, April Walker of Walker Wear and Stylist Misa Hylton who still is working with the likes of Beyoncé. We see their unsung legacies on style as we know today and how it has left an indelible mark on black and mainstream culture.

GOOD GIRLS – SEASON 1 (NETFLIX)

Acquiring NBC’s GOOD GIRLS has proven to be a winning move for Netflix. The Series now available on the streaming service shot straight to #1 on its Trending list in Canada. Starring Mad Men‘s Christina Hendricks in the lead role of Beth, teams-up with best friend Beth (Retta) and her little sister Annie (Mae Whitman) deciding to rob a supermarket to make ends meet. Aiming for $30,000 but instead walking away with $500,000, they soon become the target of a band of criminals, led by Christopher (Manny Montana). Unable to re-pay their debt, they soon find themselves caught in a criminal underworld carrying-out jobs for Christopher, unable to escape. Matters get even more complicated as Christopher and Beth develop a complicated relationship, which at any moment feels like it’s ready to implode. Despite a story which takes some implausible turns, Hendricks carries the lead role superbly, making this a fun watch.

MUPPETS NOW (DISNEY+)

A huge emphatic stamp of approval for this six-episode improvisational Comedy Series which has our beloved Muppets back and funnier than ever as they are in an age of Instagram, Vlogs and Social Media. The episodes are part Talk Show and part Game Show, with a diverse variety of celebrity guests (including RuPaul, Seth Rogen, Linda Cardellini, Aubrey Plaza, Roy Choi and more!) who play it straight like they are on any other interview, but what truly makes this a joy is how the Muppets true to form, ham it up true to brand and they ultimately are the stars of the interview. Danny Trejo in a Taco Challenge in episode 2 against The Swedish Chef is outrageously-funny! While this looks like it’s for the kids, it’s definitely more for the big kids. We adore The Muppets and our only complaint is how quick the time passes. We want more!

BLACK IS KING (DISNEY+)

“You can’t wear a crown with your head down” is a quote heard in Beyoncé‘s Visual Album BLACK IS KING, available now on Disney+. And this line sums it all up entirely. Fans have been hungry for new music from the Icon and she rewards them with this gorgeously-shot 85 minute Musical Film immersed in a new Afrobeat-inspired sound, starring, writing, directing and producing. The Film, serving as a companion piece to often-forgotten album The Lion King: The Gift, centers on a young African king, exiled by his family and like Simba, he learns just how dangerous it is out there in the world. While her message is to empower the young to reclaim what is theirs, this might go over the heads of the young audience she is speaking to, but it sure talks to her fans of a generation who are responsible for leading and raising these children by example. BLACK IS KING is loaded with star power including appearances in the Album and Film by Pharell Williams, Kelly Rowland, Lupita Nyong’o, Naomi Campbell, Canada’s Jessie Reyez and of course Jay-Z and their children Rumi, Blue Ivy and Sir Carter. If I Were a Boy, Crazy in Love, Single Ladies and Say My Name were an era of the past for Beyoncé. She is here with a new vision and is in it to be heard.

THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY SEASON 2 (NETFLIX)

Picking-up from the end of Season 1, this quirky Toronto-made fan favourite returns with 10 new episodes. Five (Aidan Gallagher) uses his time travel ability and takes his siblings back in time to stop the Apocalypse from happening. Things go awry however and his siblings all revert back to different eras. Vanya (Ellen Page) has Amnesia and is living with a family; Diego (DavidCastañeda) finds himself in an asylum and eager to get out to prevent JFK from being assassinated; Allison (Emmy Raver-Lampman) is married to an Activist; charismatic Klaus (Robert Sheehan) is finding himself in trouble as usual, having started a cult; and Luther (Tom Hopper) is working in a club as a bodyguard. Season 2 takes us a journey as these siblings find one another again, navigating the scenarios they have landed in, but reuniting is only the tip of the iceberg in the many complex problems they have to tackle.

SUGAR RUSH: EXTRA SWEET (NETFLIX)

This is our first time checking-out this competition Baking Series which takes pairs of skilled bakers, pitting them against other duos in new themed baking challenges each episode. The first round involves cupcakes, the second a confection and the third a cake. This new six-episode set includes celebrity guests like Tyler Posey and the late Naya Rivera and we were entertained as more often than not we agree with the panel of judges’ assessments. Some really brilliant and inspired talent tasked with challenges that update as trends evolve. We were floored by some of these creations including a cake that lit-up under black lights and even levitating cakes!

(Photo/video credit: Disney/Netflix)

#HORSERACING: PRINCE X PRINCESS DIARIES – AUGUST 2020

We hope your long weekend is starting great! Amazing news! Our boy MR WILL is back and ready to rumble in his second race ever, Thursday, August 7, 2020, race 5 at Woodbine Racetrack! We’re so thrilled that we’ve been invited as a guest to watch him race amidst COVID-19 precautions.

In case you missed it, his debut on July 2, 2020 was aired nationally on TSN‘s RACING NIGHT LIVE and he ran a smashing race, pressuring the pace all the way, never backing down to finish a game second. The betting public let him get away at a big 15-1 odds, but we feel his odds will be much lower this time around based on that run under jockey David Moran.

Here is the race:

We couldn’t be happier and prouder of MR WILL. And if we were going to come second, we couldn’t be more pleased coming second to DOUBLE THE HEART from Team John Ross, who gifted me with the experience of our dear Princess (A PIC BY MRWILL). That one race earned him $7,110 paying back his original purchase price and more.

See how proud he was of himself after the race! He’s honestly just adorable! He loves to race!

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MR WILL has taken a while to get to the races, but is proving well worth the wait. He is coming into this second race in amazing shape and his main obstacle is a step-up in class. He ran a very quick race the first time out garnering an 84 Speed Figure on Equibase, and looked like he has it in him to go a little bit further.

While he’s never been known to throw “bullet” workouts in the morning, he does just enough to get fit and doesn’t usually let his workmates pass him. Owner/Trainer Michelle Love is having a productive season so far and we’re hoping MR WILL notches her another win to reward her for her excellent work!

In preparation for the race, he’s put-in a solid workout and is as sharp as ever!

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A post shared by MrWillTheHorse (@mrwillthehorse) on Jul 29, 2020 at 8:15am PDT

Here are the entries. Among others we’ll be squaring-off with Mark Casse trainee PRICELESS WILL! What a coincidence! He is pegged at 6-1, the fourth choice.

Good luck to all other entrants!

We hope you’ll tune-in on the HPI channel. Unfortunately our race is just right before the start of TSN RACING NIGHT LIVE and you won’t be able to see him on TSN this time.

A very special thanks to Erica of Security at Woodbine Racetrack, who knew how much a photo of MR WILL on his big day with his Caretaker Jayne meant to me!

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Wish us luck! Hope you make some money! We’ll be extra careful following some strict COVID-19 safety guidelines in order to enjoy the race. But we’ll take lots of pics!

Meanwhile on the Princess front, she’s been loving life with her family at her newly-renovated home with her Mama Emily Fisher. Outdoor life doesn’t look like it’s been too tough a transition for her. She’s never been happier! Gotta love how she still lifts one leg up while enjoying something yummy! Love it!

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Everyone continue to stay safe, we have a ways to go!

(Photo/video credit: Michelle Love/Woodbine Entertainment/Emily Fisher/Erica Daniela)

#FIRSTLOOK: BEYONCÉ FT. SHATTA WALE AND MAJOR LAZER – “ALREADY” FROM “BLACK IS KING”

Right in time for the release of Beyoncé-directed BLACK IS KING, comes this new Track from its Soundtrack! Check-out the new Video for ALREADY by Beyonce ft. Shatta Wale and Major Lazer.

See the Video:

BLACK IS KING is available now on Disney+. The Film’s Soundtrack is available to stream now also!

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music Entertainment)

#COOKING: AIR FRYER HAINANESE CHICKEN RICE RECIPE

Air Fryer Roasted Hainanese Chicken Rice. This is a different take on the traditional version of this Singaporean Hawkers Market fave where the chicken is air-fried to juicy, succulent perfection. This is quick, easy to clean and most of all devastatingly-delicious.

Chicken
2 1/2 to 3 lb chicken
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 stalk green onion
4 tbsps soy sauce
2 tbsps white wine
2 tbsps oyster sauce
1 tbsp organic raw sugar
1 tsp white pepper

Hainanese Rice
1 1/2 cups long grain rice, rinsed
2 cups of reserved chicken stock
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsps reserved chicken fat
2 tbsps sesame oil
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. Clean chicken well and pat dry with paper towels. Trim fatty bits off for later use.
2. Combine all other ingredients and run chicken inside and out with marinade. Stuff cavity of chicken with green onion.
3. Marinate chicken minimum three hours in refrigerator, flipping every hour.
4. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
5. Preheat Air Fryer on Air Fryer mode for 3 minutes at 360°F.
6. Fry chicken for 25-27 minutes, flipping it over at half-way mark. Ensure chicken does not touch top of fryer.
7. While cooking chicken, in a skillet, sautée garlic, oil, ginger, salt and reserved chicken fat from prior. Once crisp, add rice to mixture. Fry for 3 minutes and remove from heat. Discard chicken fat.
8. Cook rice mixture in chicken stock. Fluff rice once cooked.
9. Test chicken by poking leg with fork to ensure juices run clear. Dare I say, this chicken is best served just slightly under-cooked for optimal juiciness. Reserve oil collected at bottom.
10. Let chicken stand for 30 minutes before cutting. Serve with rice and sauces.

Sweet Chili Sauce:
1 tbsp Sambal Sauce
1 stalk green onion, minced
1 chili pepper, seeds removed and minced
1 tsps organic raw sugar
1 tbsp reserved oil from Fryer
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil

In skillet, sautée garlic, ginger, oil, onion and chili in oil. Stir-in sugar, vinegar and Sambal Sauce. Add lime juice and remove from heat.

Dark Soy Dipping Sauce:
1 tbsp ginger, minced
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tbsps dark sweet soy sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbp reserved oil from Fryer

Combine all in a bowl, mix well.

Gallery:

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(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Hainanese Chicken Rice Rice Singapore

#FIRSTLOOK: TRAILER FOR “ODD MAN RUSH”

Hockey is here again but so is this new Trailer for ODD MAN RUSH!

Synopsis:
ODD MAN RUSH, a comedic coming-of-age hockey film based off a memoir by Bill Keenan about playing professional hockey in Europe and dreaming about the NHL, will be available on digital and on demand Tuesday, September 1st. It is directed by Doug Dearth and stars Jack Mulhern (The Society) and Dylan Playfair (Letterkenny) with special appearances by Trevor Gretzky (Mile 22) and Alexa Lemieux, daughter of Hockey Hall of Famer Mario Lemieux. 

See the Trailer:

Pacific Northwest Pictures release ODD MAN RUSH on digital and on-demand Friday, September 1, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Pacific Northwest Pictures)

#FIRSTLOOK: “THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN” GETS AN EARLY CANADIAN RELEASE

To celebrate its fruition in Montreal, Paramount Pictures Canada have announced today that THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN will get an exclusive early release in Canada!

SYNOPSIS:

This August, SpongeBob SquarePants, his best friend Patrick Star and the rest of the gang from Bikini Bottom hit the big screen in the first-ever all CGI SpongeBob motion picture event. After SpongeBob’s beloved pet snail Gary is snail-napped, he and Patrick embark on an epic adventure to The Lost City of Atlantic City to bring Gary home. As they navigate the delights and dangers on this perilous and hilarious rescue mission, SpongeBob and his pals prove there’s nothing stronger than the power of friendship.

VOICE CAST:  Tom Kenny, Awkwafina, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Douglas Lawrence, Reggie Watts     

THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE ON THE RUN opens in theatres across Canada Friday, August 14, 2020.

(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures Canada)        

 

#FIRSTLOOK: TRAILER FOR “THINGS I DO FOR MONEY”

Hot off its rounds on the Festival circuit comes the release of THINGS I DO FOR MONEY by Canadian Filmmaker Warren P. Sonoda. Check out the Trailer!

Bold in its execution and a historic addition to the Canadian crime cannon, Things I Do For Money is a dynamic thriller, set to the full-bodied sounds of the cello. Eli and Nick Yaguchi, two Japanese-Canadian cello-playing brothers from Hamilton, Ontario (played by real-life virtuoso brothers Theodor and Maximilian Aoki in their film debuts) inadvertently steal a bag of money. And yes, trouble ensues, starting with a lethal Vancouver hit man that turns out to be their estranged uncle Just Jimmy (played by their actual father, Edward Aoki). Through a confluence of events and massive bad luck, they also have to save their father’s life, steal an $8 million dollar painting and fight for their lives to get into a prestigious music conservatory. Along the way they discover that everyone has a price and that family never bails on family, no matter the cost.

Rounding out the cast is Yodit Tewoderos (Laura), Rhett Morita (Tosh Yaguchi), Jennifer Lynn Walton (Mary Yaguchi), Dax Lough (Alexi Raduli), Danilo Reyes (Gonzo), Colette Zacca (Brenda Mickel) and Ali A. Kazmi (Cossy).

The film also features some of Canada’s best recording artists, The Arkells, July Talk, Jane’s Party and the legendary, iconic, The Northern Pikes whose titular song anchors the film’s most intense scene. Not to mention the phenomenal original score, composed and performed by acting leads and brand-new film composers, Maximilian and Theodor Aoki. This original soundtrack for THINGS I DO FOR MONEY – will be released through IndieCan Records later this year.

See the Trailer:

THINGS I DO FOR MONEY is available via Raven Banner Releasing Tuesday, August 11, 2020. It will be available on iTunes (pre-sale August 4, 2020), Bell, Cineplex, Cogeco, Rogers, Shaw, Telus, and Vimeo.

(Photo/video credit: Raven Banner Releasing)