BECOMING arrives next week on Netflix! This intimate Documentary about one of our favourite first ladies, Michelle Obama is sure to be fascinating!

Synopsis:
BECOMING is an intimate look into the life of former First Lady Michelle Obama during a moment of profound change, not only for her personally but for the country she and her husband served over eight impactful years in the White House. The film offers a rare and up-close look at her life, taking viewers behind the scenes as she embarks on a 34-city tour that highlights the power of community to bridge our divides and the spirit of connection that comes when we openly and honestly share our stories.

See a Clip:

BECOMING streams on Netflix Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Singaporean Chilli Crab on BBQ Pork & Scallop Fried Rice. Mildly-spicy and tangy, sauce bursting each bite!🌶🦀

Crab:
1 2 lb live Snow Crab, cleaned and sectioned
2 tomatoes, sectioned
2 tbsps ketchup
1 tsp organic raw sugar
1/2 tsp sea salt
2 tbsps soy bean paste/Miso paste
1 tbsp tamarind paste (or a few seedless candied tamarind)
1 medium white onion, minced
1/2 sweet red pepper, sectioned
1/2 sweet orange pepper, sectioned
1 stalk green onion, minced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 green chillies, seeded and minced
2″ cube ginger, minced
1 egg, beaten
Coriander

Lime wedge

BBQ Pork & Scallop Fried Rice:
4-5 cups cooked white rice, chilled overnight
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup green peas
1/4 cup corn kernels
1/2 cup Chinese BBQ Pork, diced
1/2 cup Bay Scallops, brined in salt water
1/4 cup sweet red/orange peppers
1 cup Chinese Broccoli, minced thinly
1 stalk green onion, minced
2 tbsps Crab Tomalley (green gunk from crab)
2 tbsps soy sauce
Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Banana Leaf

Instructions:
1. With larger skillet on medium-high, heat oil. Once hot, throw-in peas, corn, Chinese Broccoli and peppers. Cook till wilted. Add pork and scallops. Cook till scallops lose translucence; don’t overcook. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
2. Add egg, Tomalley. Cook till almost done. Add rice. Stir with spatula and add soy sauce. Cook till rice is about to caramelize, about 5 minutes, medium-high heat. Top with green onions.
3. Line bamboo steamer with banana leaf, covering base fully. Transfer rice onto leaf.
4. Boil a bit of water (do not fill too high) in a large skillet/wok with a dome lid. Once boiled, place bamboo steamer in and cover lid. Steam medium-low while prepping crab.
5. In large skillet/wok heat oil till hot. Add ginger, garlic, chillies, soy bean paste and onion. Fry on medium heat 2 minutes.
6. Add tomatoes, sweet peppers, tamarind paste, ketchup, sugar, salt and 1/2 cup water. Bring to boil and add crab pieces. Cover and cook 8 minutes medium-high heat.
7. Remove cover and add beaten egg, stirring gently till egg is wispy, thickening sauce. Remove from heat. Transfer some of crab mixture over rice, not too much sauce. Serve.

Matcha-Pistachio-Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies. Scaling it back a bit today, but nothing beats a perfect cookie! This buttery elevated twist to the classic Chocolate Chip Cookie is a delight and easy to make! 🍵🍪

Ingredients:
2 cups flour, sifted
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup organic raw sugar
1/3 cup of almond and pistachios, crushed
1 egg + 1 egg yolk
1-2 tablespoons Matcha powder, to taste
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven at 325°F.
2. In large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder and soda.
3. In separate bowl, cream butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla with handmixer.
4. Add flour mixture to butter mixture bit by bit till combined.
5. Add-in chocolate chips.
6. In small skillet, toast nuts. Be careful not to burn as this happens quickly. Mix into dough evenly.
7. Using hands, roll 24 even balls and place on greased cookie sheets, 2 inches apart.
8. Bake 10 minutes, or till bottom of cookie is golden brown.
9. Cool 20 minutes, transfer to storage container.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Paramount Home Entertainment x Mr. Will want to give Readers in Canada a chance to win a copy of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG on Blu-ray, and also Digital!

Synopsis:
Powered with incredible speed, Sonic the Hedgehog (voiced by Ben Schwartz), aka The Blue Blur, embraces his new home on Earth. That is, until he accidentally knocks out the power grid and sparks the attention of super-uncool evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey). Now it’s super-villain vs. super-sonic in an all-out race across the globe to stop Robotnik from using his unique power for world domination. Sonic teams up with The Donut Lord, aka Sheriff Tom Wachowski (James Marsden), to save the planet in this action-packed hit that’s fun for the whole family.

BONUS FEATURES ON DIGITAL*, 4K ULTRA HD COMBO, & BLU-RAY COMBO:
Commentary by director Jeff Fowler and the voice of Sonic, Ben Schwartz
Around the World in 80 Seconds—See Sonic’s next adventure!
Deleted Scenes—Director Jeff Fowler introduces deleted scenes
Bloopers—Laugh along with Jim Carrey and the cast
“Speed Me Up” Music Video
For the Love of Sonic—Jim Carrey and the cast discuss what Sonic the Hedgehog means to them
Building Robotnik with Jim Carrey—See Jim Carrey bring supervillain Dr. Robotnik to life
The Blue Blur: Origins of Sonic—Explore the origins of the legendary Blue Blur
Sonic On Set—Visit the set with the voice of Sonic, Ben Schwartz

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and if you want another chance, Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw! Specify if you want to win a Blu-ray or a Digital copy. You would get to see it right away with a Digital copy!

Rules and regulations here.

Paramount Home Entertainment release SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, out now on Digital and on DVD/Blu-ray/4K Ultra HD on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Home Entertainment)

Paramount Home Entertainment x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a Digital Download of LIKE A BOSS!

SYNOPSIS:
Best friends, Mia and Mel (Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne) are living their best lives, running their own cosmetics company until a villainous beauty mogul (Salma Hayek) conspires to steal it from under them. When her devious plan drives the besties apart, Mia and Mel learn that sticking together is the only way to turn the tables and take their company back. The beauty business is about to get ugly. The film also stars Jennifer Coolidge and Billy Porter.

See the Trailer:

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

Rules and regulations here.

Paramount Home Entertainment release LIKE A BOSS on Digital, out now, and on Blu-ray Combo Pack Tuesday, April 21, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Paramount Home Entertainment)

Have you ever heard of cell-based meat? Me neither, but it has the potential to reduce land use by more than 95%, climate change emissions by 74% to 87%, and nutrient pollution by 94%.

Filmmaker Liz Marshall explored the topic of animals being used for food, fashion and entertainment in The Ghosts in Our Machine. She returns with MEAT THE FUTURE which explores the benefits and potential of cell-based meat, or growing animal cells to harvest seafood and meat.

See the Trailer:

MEAT THE FUTURE – OFFICIAL TRAILER from LizMars on Vimeo.

MEAT THE FUTURE airs Thursday, May 7, 2020 on CBC and CBC GEM, 8 PM ET and documentary Channel 9 PM ET.

(Photo/video credit: CBC)

Hollywood Suite has got you covered with an exciting slate of new additions to their programming to entertain you as we navigate COVID-19! If you are a Rogers Cable subscriber, you’re probably already enjoying your free preview!  Check it out!

STRONGER TOGETHER, TOUS ENSEMBLE (in support of FOOD BANKS CANADA)
Sunday, April 26 at 6:30 pm ET on HS00
Hollywood Suite joins the coalition of broadcasters’ all-star show of support for front-line workers battling COVID-19, with the live broadcast of Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble. Canadians, who are able, are invited to donate to Food Banks Canada in association with the broadcast to support local food banks from coast-to-coast-to-coast as they face the drastic impacts of COVID-19. Talent performing and appearing to date include Alessia Cara, The Arkells, Barenaked Ladies, Bianca Andreescu, Bryan Adams, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Céline Dion, Chris Hadfield, Connor McDavid, David Suzuki, Eric McCormack, Hayley Wickenheiser, Howie Mandel, Jann Arden, Jason Priestley, Margaret Atwood, Marie-Mai, Michael Bublé, Penny Oleksiak, Rick Hansen, Rick Mercer, Russell Peters, Sarah McLachlan, Shania Twain, Sofia Reyes, Tessa Virtue, Will Arnett, William Prince and more.

Also, coming soon:

TAKE A WILD RIDE

• Little Women (1994) Wednesday, April 29 at 4:50 pm ET on HS90 – A powerhouse of actresses, including Susan Sarandon, Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst, Samantha Mathis and Claire Danes, star in the 1994 Academy Award-nominated version of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel.
• Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang (1999) Friday, May 1 at 3:35pm ET on HS90 – Mordecai Richler’s humorous book about a young boy who wants to be heard, comes to life with performances from Gary Bussey, Mark McKinney and Miranda Richardson.
• Time Bandits (1981) Sunday, May 3 at 7:00 pm ET on HS80 – A young boy joins a band of time-travelling dwarves searching for treasure in Terry Gilliam’s fantasy adventure starring John Cleese, Sean Connery and Ian Holm.

FIGHT THE SYSTEM

• Michael Collins (1996) Monday, April 27 at 11:00 pm ET on HS90 – Neil Jordan’s biopic, starring Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn and Julia Roberts, tells the story of the Irish revolutionary who led a guerilla war against the UK and negotiated the creation of the Irish Free State.
• Inherit The Wind (1960) Wednesday, April 29 at 9:00 pm ET on HS70 – Spencer Tracy and Gene Kelly star in this film based on the real-life case of a Tennessee schoolteacher put on trial for teaching evolution vs. creationism.
• Philomena (2013) Thursday, May 2 at 9:00 pm ET on HS00 – A woman searches for her son who was taken away from her decades earlier, with the help of a BBC reporter. Dame Judi Dench and Steve Coogan star.

GET IN ON THE ACTION

• Play Misty For Me (1971) Friday, May 1 at 4:50 pm ET on HS70 – Clint Eastwood stars as a DJ whose life is turned upside down by a crazed fan.
• Munich (2005) Saturday, May 2 at 4:20 pm ET on HS00 – This historic drama starring Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Geoffrey Rush and Mathieu Kassovitz recounts the events of Black September and the five men chosen to assassinate those responsible for the massacre.

REV YOUR ENGINES
Get behind the wheel for four road trips that go to some very unexpected places.
• The Transporter (2002) Thursday, April 30 at 9:00 pm ET on HS00 – Jason Statham stars in the film that launched a franchise about a mercenary who transports dangerous good.
• Christine (1983) Thursday, April 30 at 9:00 pm ET on HS80 – In this adaptation of a Stephen King novel, no one can get between a nerdish boy and his car.
• Smokey and The Bandit (1977) Friday, May 1 at 9:00 pm ET on HS70 – Get ready for some highway hijinx when Jackie Gleason, as Sherriff Buford T. Justice, tries to stop wise-cracking trucker Bandit, played by Burt Reynolds, from moving beer across state lines.
• The Trip (2010) Saturday, May 2 at 10:40 pm ET on HS00 – Break out your best Michael Caine impression, as Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon play fictionalized versions of themselves on a foodie restaurant tour of Northern England.

COMING IN MAY
Pitch Perfect, Event Horizon, ‘night Mother, Matilda and Save The Tiger!

(Photo credit:

Some exciting Star Wars day celebrations are coming on Monday, May 4, 2020 for those of you with Disney+ including an eight-part Series behind-the-scenes of The Mandalorian with Jon Favreau and the conclusion of Clone Wars!

“Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian”
Series Premiere, Monday, May 4

In “Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian,” Executive Producer Jon Favreau invites the cast and crew to share an unprecedented look at the making of the series which quickly became a pop culture phenomenon after premiering in November. Debuting on the day that a worldwide community of fans celebrate all-things-Star Wars — Monday, May 4 — “Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian” is an eight-episode documentary series that pulls back the curtain on “The Mandalorian.” Each chapter explores a different facet of the first live-action Star Wars television show through interviews, never-before-seen footage, and roundtable conversations hosted by Jon Favreau.

“’Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian’ is an opportunity for fans of the show to take a look inside and get to see a different perspective, and perhaps a greater understanding, of how The Mandalorian came together and some of the incredibly talented contributors throughout Season 1,” said Favreau. “We had a great experience making the show and we’re looking forward to sharing it with you.”

Topics this season include the filmmaking process, the legacy of George Lucas’ Star Wars, how the cast brought the characters to life, the series’ groundbreaking technology, the artistry behind the show’s practical models, effects, and creatures, plus the creative influences, the iconic score, and connections to Star Wars characters and props from across the galaxy.

“Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian” will premiere three days after “The Mandalorian” will wrap its first season in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland. New episodes of “Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian” will stream every Friday on Disney+.

“Star Wars: The Clone Wars”
Series Finale, Monday, May 4

After seven seasons, one of the most critically acclaimed chapters in the Star Wars saga, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” will come to a close on a special day, Monday, May 4, giving fans around the world the chance to watch the finale together for Star Wars Day.

See the TV Spot:

The Emmy award-winning continuation of the greatest space fantasy of all time, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” was created by George Lucas and Lucasfilm Animation with Dave Filoni (“The Mandalorian”) serving as Executive Producer/Supervising Director. With ambitious, ground-breaking computer animation, classic characters, astounding action, and the timeless battle between good and evil, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” expands the Star Wars story with all-new adventures set in a galaxy far, far away.

The highly anticipated conclusion to the critically acclaimed series explores the events leading up to Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Curry Shrimp & Scallop Pie. I love pies and always have been terrified of making them because the crust is notoriously tricky. I finally nailed it thanks to an amazing pastry recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction. If you’ve never used Crisco‘s Golden All-Vegetable Shortening, it’s a thing of wonder!

The trick to a perfect crust is to never over-handle the dough – handle minimally. This perfect crust combined with one of my favourite curries proved a real knockout. Hope you get to try this yourself. And don’t worry if you don’t know how to do a lattice crust, I didn’t either. Just Google. There are several helpful guides online. It was simple! This was a knockout! 🥊

Pastry:
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup butter, chilled
3/4 cup Crisco Golden All-Vegetable Shortening, room temperature
1/2 cup cold water

Curry Shrimp and Scallop Filling:
2 lbs Tiger Prawn Shrimp, shells/tails removed and halved and brined in salt water
1 cup of Bay Scallops, brined in salt water
1/2 can of Coconut Milk
1 block of Glico Japanese Curry (medium)
2 small white potatoes, diced
1/4 cup corn kernels
1/4 cup of green peas
1 carrot diced
1/2 white onion, diced
1 green chilli, seeds out and minced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
Sea salt to taste

1 egg, beaten

Instructions:
1. In large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add-in butter and Crisco, using two forks criss-crossing mixture till it resembles small peas. Add-in 1 tablespoon cold water at a time, scraping mixture off each fork with the other, till it starts resembling dough.
2. Knead gently and sparingly on floured surface and roll into ball. Chill 2 hours, no more than 5 days.
3. Cut dough into halves. Take one-half and roll with a rolling pin on floured surface into a circle, enough to cover bottom of pie dish.
4. Transfer dough to pie dish and fit till covered. Prick with fork a few times. Refrigerate.
5. In large skillet, sautée garlic, chilli and onion in oil. Add-in potatoes, carrots, peas and corn. Add sea salt to taste. Cook 5 minutes on medium-heat.
6. Add-in coconut milk, Glico Curry and mix till dissolved.
7. Add 2-3 cups of water, a bit at a time, stirring till filling reaches a thick consistency for a pie filling.
8. Once mixture reaches boil, reduce heat to low and simmer 20 minutes. Put aside.
9. Preheat oven at 425°F.
10. Remove other half of dough from refrigerator. Roll into a circle, enough to cover pie dish.
11. Using ruler and knife, cut dough into 12 even strips.
12. Add filling into pie dish, layering-in uncooked shrimps and scallops. Cover top with filling, careful not to overfill.
13. Cover top in lattice pattern.
14. Use fork, crimp edge of crust.
15. Brush crust with egg wash.
16. Bake 30 minutes. Cool for about 45 minutes before serving.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

YouTube Originals have announced an exciting slate of new programming to come in coming months as we navigate COVID-19. The slate is led by a star-studded group of educators on ways to better your life as part of their #WITHME Initiatives!

Check-out some of the selections and the dates they are to surface:

Money Talks: Taxes – Streaming Now!

In this new Learning Playlist, a roundtable of leading female financial experts provide answers to the questions surrounding personal finances that we are all desperate to know. Offering a step by step guide for viewers, this first series of videos covers pressing questions about filing taxes and the COVID-19 stimulus check. “Money Talks” is produced by Refinery29.

The Creator Games Presented by MrBeast – Livestream Premieres April 25 at 6:00pm ET / 3:00pm PT

A global LIVE event where popular YouTube creator, MrBeast (34M subscribers), challenges the platform’s biggest stars to remotely go head-to-head in a first-of-its-kind battle of stay-at-home games where there can be only one winner. “The Creator Games Presented by MrBeast” will encourage viewers to donate to support COVID-19-related charitable organizations and is produced by Night Media and Fly On the Wall.

Stay Home With: YUNGBLUD – Series Premieres April 27

This weekly episodic series follows UK recording artist, YUNGBLUD, through a month at a rental apartment in L.A. Along with four friends – his manager, videographer and two bandmates with whom he is quarantined – YUNGBLUD attempts to shoot a music video, write new songs, cook meals and stay connected to his UK-based family and avid global fanbase, all within the disconcerting shelter-at-home restrictions. “Stay Home With: YUNGBLUD” will encourage viewers to donate to support No Kid Hungry and is produced by Stick Figure Entertainment.

#MoveWithMe – Global Dance Event Premieres April 29

In celebration of International Dance Day (April 29), this special will feature acclaimed choreographer Matt Steffanina as host, and talented dancers and choreographers from across the globe as they come together to provide dance-lovers with high octane performances to today’s chart topping songs in a way that can only be done on YouTube. Choreographers and dancers including LaurieAnn Gibson, WilldaBeast Adams, Chachi Gonzales, Kasia Jukowska, Vale Merino, Sonali Bhadauria, FitDance, Kaelynn KK Harris, Twist And Pulse, D-trix and more will be featured. “#MoveWithMe” will encourage viewers to donate to support the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO during the event and is produced by Den of Thieves.

Stream #WithMe (UK) – Livestream Premieres April 30

In “Stream #WithMe”, a star-studded crew of some of the UK’s most loved YouTube creators and stars let us in on how they are coping with the lockdown experience in a livestream celebration of solidarity. The all-star group of creators and celebrities will share tips on how to keep entertained, upbeat, and active as they tag-team their way through four hours of joyful unexpected performances and exciting challenges culminating in an almighty stunt for the nation. “Stream #WithMe” will encourage viewers to donate to support NHS Charities Together and is made in partnership with Electric Robin (part of EndemolShine UK).

Celebrity Substitute – Series Premieres May 7

Around the world, millions of students are joining virtual classrooms as part of the current distance learning initiative and teachers are looking for ways to keep their students engaged and focused to stay on target with their curriculum. In this series, some of the brightest celebrities and educators come together to energize distance learning. In each episode, a celebrity steps in to teach crucial high school lessons with real teachers. Some examples include Karlie Kloss working through a coding problem, or Ken Jeong giving a biology lesson that will be remembered for years to come. Additional celebrity substitutes include: Bill Nye, Camila Mendes, Janelle Monáe, and Terry Crews. “Celebrity Substitute” is produced by B17 Entertainment.

The Secret Life of Lele Pons – Series Premieres May 19

In this raw and intimate five-part series, internet personality and music artist Lele Pons shares a side to her that no one knows about… Her lifelong struggle with Tourette Syndrome and OCD. Viewers will follow along on her journey of building and expanding her music career while battling what was previously hidden. Link to official trailer HERE. “The Secret Life of Lele Pons” is a Shots Studios Production.

BookTube – Read with Me Special and Mental Health Episode – Premieres May 21 and June 2020

The critically-acclaimed monthly book club, “BookTube,” is creating a special “Read With Me” episode premiering May 21. Now more than ever, people around the world are turning to books to help them feel connected. This special episode will feature several celebrities, booktubers, and authors – including Melinda Gates, John Grisham, James Patterson, Elizabeth Gilbert, Nicholas Sparks, Elaine Welteroth, and many more – sharing their current book recommendations. Additionally, the June 2020 episode of “BookTube” will feature authors Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General (author of Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World), Lori Gottlieb (author of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone) and Haemin Sunim (author of The Things You Can Only See When You Slow Down) discussing anxiety, mental health, and advice for self care during these uncertain times. “BookTube” is produced by Boardwalk Pictures.

Create Together #WithMe (working title) – Series Premieres May 2020

This mini-series, hosted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, invites friends and families from all over the world who are coping with this unprecedented time of isolation to come together and showcase their creativity and collaboration. Rather than profiling lone artists and showcasing their finished work, each weekly episode will document the creative process as people find each other online and remotely collaborate on a variety of family friendly projects—short films, short documentaries, music videos, and more. Anybody can come be a part of the show on HITRECORD, Gordon-Levitt’s Emmy-winning platform for creative collaboration. “Create Together #WithMe” is produced by Brian Graden Media and HITRECORD.

Locked Down (working title) – Scripted Series Premieres May 2020

A social media mystery in a social distancing era! This scripted event series follows a group of bored teens working together online to solve a mystery involving one of their neighbors. Shot entirely via webcam and smartphone, “Locked Down” is a suspenseful look at how young people stay in touch while having to stay away, as well as what happens when boredom leads to suspicion. The story unfolds almost in real-time as the friend group works together – from a distance – to solve the mystery, while also exploring their own anxieties and frustrations about life during a pandemic. “Locked Down” is created and produced by Toronto-based Sinking Ship Entertainment (Dino Dana, Endlings, Odd Squad).

Untitled Juanpa and Luisito Project (LATAM) – Series Premieres May 2020

Latin America’s top YouTube creators Juanpa Zurita (10.2M subscribers) and Luisito Communica (30.6M subscribers) come together for the first time to document an unprecedented situation (COVID-19 quarantine) in an unprecedented way. Filmed entirely under quarantine with no physical interaction, viewers will hear first hand personal stories from around the globe, including YouTube creators, health specialists, and everyday people as they reflect on their reality. Their challenges, their hopes, their solutions, their stories of inspiration and most importantly the resilience of human nature. This limited series will give a voice to individuals around the globe to unify us regardless of region or language. This project is produced by DW Entertainment & Media.

(Photo credit: YouTube)