Five episode Mini-Series DOPESICK arrives on Disney+ right in time for Disney+ Day. Based on the Book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America by Beth Macy, the Series by Danny Strong recounts the Opioid Crisis that began in the ’90s as Americans were misled down the path that a new-to-market prescription pain medication OxyContin. was not addictive with its delayed release. Subsequent to that, we see the impacts as doctors are incentivized to prescribe this to their patients, and then the impacts on communities with a surge in associated addictions and deaths.

Michael Keaton (who serves also as Executive Producer), stars as Dr. Samuel Finnix at the center of the story, who despite showing reluctance to embrace narcotics for pain, begins prescribing it to his patients. He then begins to question its safety and finds himself in a real dilemma of accountability. We fast-forward about ten years and meet two lawyers, Rick Mountcastle (Peter Sarsgaard) and Randy Ramseyer (John Hoogenakker) begin to launch an investigation into Purdue Pharma, manufacturer of OxyContin after it leaves a trail of devastation among its users.

We also meet Bridget Meyer (Rosario Dawson), the highest-ranking woman at the Drug Enforcement Administration. The story cuts back in time as we see her marriage dissolve from a once-happy place. We witness her ordeal with sexism in her work, as Dawson delivers us a rich performance here. Most affecting is Betsy Mallum (Kaitlyn Dever) who really brings to life what it meant to be a promising young woman who worked in the mines, getting injured, coping with pain and then becoming addicted to OxyContin. Her battle halts her plans for a new beginning with her girlfriend, with her family being unsupportive of her being a Lesbian.

DOPESICK looks at an important issue which still impacts us today, but does it with a fresh lens and what it meant to those key players surrounding the crisis. Deeply-enthralling, DOPESICK is meant to be difficult to watch, meaning it has succeeded in its intentions.

Disney+ premieres DOPESICK November 12, 2021.

Star Wars fans, something exciting is coming this Holiday! Check-out the new Trailer for THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT.

Synopsis:

“The Book of Boba Fett,” is a thrilling Star Wars adventure teased in a surprise end-credit sequence following the Season 2 finale of “The Mandalorian,” finds legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett and mercenary Fennec Shand navigating the galaxy’s underworld when they return to the sands of Tatooine to stake their claim on the territory once ruled by Jabba the Hutt and his crime syndicate.

“The Book of Boba Fett” stars Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen. Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Robert Rodriguez, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson are the executive producers. Karen Gilchrist and Carrie Beck serve as co-executive producers, with John Bartnicki producing and John Hampian as co-producer.

THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT arrives December 29, 2021 on Disney+.

(Photo/video credit: Disney+)

DUNE takes top spot at the Box Office a second straight week for Warner Bros., with $15.5 million from 4,125 theatres, for a two-week tally of $69.3 million domestically.

In second is former #1, HALLOWEEN KILLS, taking $8.7 million from 3,616 theatres for Universal Pictures. Over three weeks, it has grossed $85.9 million.

A surprise third is MY HERO ACADEMIA: WORLD HEROES” MISSION with $7.9 million from 1,602 theatres. The Anime Feature gets 80% on the Tomatometer.

NO TIME TO DIE lands in fourth with $7.7 million from 3,507 theatres, a four week run of $133.2 million for Universal Pictures.

VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE rounds-out the Top Five with $5.6 million, a total $190 million over five weeks for Sony Pictures.

Notables include also Edgar Wright‘s LAST NIGHT IN SOHO debuting in sixth with $4.3 million from 3,016 theatres for Universal Pictures. The Thriller-Horror which did the Festival rounds including TIFF ’21, gets 73% on the Tomatometer.

ANTLERS starring Keri Russell and Jesse Plemons, opens in seventh with $4.1 million from 2,800 theatres for Searchlight Pictures. It garnered 62% on the Tomatometer.

Following the events of 2017’s CULT OF CHUCKY, Toronto-filmed CHUCKY is winning over Critics and audiences, becoming one of the top-rated TV Series of 2021.

Jake (Zackary Arthur) finds a Chucky doll at a yard sale but what ensues shortly after are a spree killings throughout the town of Hackensack, which uncover a trail of dark secrets. The Series works on multiple levels as we witness Jake‘s coming-of-age and he begins to understand his own sexuality, but we also get a glimpse also of Chucky‘s untold past. He is depicted as a normal child and the Series will trace retroactively his path to becoming a psychotic killer.

We know the Series is packed with appearances from several stars from the Franchise including Brad Dourif who returns to voice the titular character, plus Jennifer Tilly and Alex Vincent, reprising their roles as Tiffany and Andy. The latter two surface a bit later.

The focus however is on the new generation. In addition to Jake, we meet his cousin Junior (Teo Briones) and the two completely do not get along. Lexy (Alyvia Alyn Lind) is Jake‘s arch-enemy and love interest to Junior. Devon (Björgvin Arnarson) is Jake‘s crush.

We love that the Franchise has pivoted to adapt to issues of the now and does so successfully, but it still manages to maintain that beloved spirit of Horror and a dash of camp, while still managing to tell a story well and suspensefully. The credit goes to Creator Don Mancini, who oversees some of the writing and direction here, staying true to original vision, knowing best what fans want to see.

The tension is felt right away between characters on the Series and you get a sense of their back stories and complicated histories. We can see these relationships taking turns over the course of this first season, which will keep viewers invested at all twists and turns. But more importantly, we need to know who Chucky will off next!

CHUCKY airs Tuesday nights 10 PM ET on Showcase in Canada. More here.

We were so lucky to have the Cast film literally a few minutes from where we live this Summer.

Catch-up on our experience here meeting the Cast here.

(Photo/video credit: SyFy/Showcase)

Honey Butter Mochi.  I honestly have been non-stop busy for a while now so thought I’d de-stress with a little baking. Butter Mochi are all the rage. Visually, they’re not much to look at, but they are addictive. Think a Blondie, but super-chewy to the bite, the exterior is a thin, crispy crust. I love sweet but not too sweet, so this amount of sweetness is just right for me! Add more if you wish. Have fun with these – they’re super-easy to make!  If shopping for rice flour, ensure you are using Glutinous Rice Flour, versus standard Rice Flour which would give you an entirely different texture.

Ingredients:

1 400g bag of Glutinous Rice Flour

1/2 cup organic raw sugar

2 tsps baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

3 eggs

1/3 cup melted unsalted butter

1/4 cup honey

1 can of Coconut Milk

1 1/2 cups water

Vegetable Oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven at 375°F.

2. In large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

3. In another large bowl, mix eggs, honey, water, coconut milk and butter.

4. Using hand mixer, combine wet and dry ingredients till smooth.

5..Grease a loaf pan lightly. Pour batter.into pan.

6. Bake one hour or till toothpick comes out smooth.

7. Allow to stand room temperature till cool and cut into squares.

8..Place in air-tight container lined with wax paper for about three days or freeze right away. If freezing, leave out at room temperature 30 minutes before heating in toaster oven. Allow to cool a bit before eating as these get hot.

These also translate beautifully into muffins. Depending on how deep your muffin pans are, you can bake these for about 35-40 minutes. Remember to grease your pans well!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The wait has been excruciating almost, but here’s a new glimpse at HOUSE OF GUCCI to tie us over till later next month!

Synopsis:

The Gucci family had it all. She wanted more. Watch the new #HouseOfGucci trailer now, starring Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Al Pacino, and directed by Ridley Scott. Only in theaters This Thanksgiving.

(Photo/video credit: MGM)

Featuring groundbreaking technology, you can view the new Trailer for Prime Video‘s THE WHEEL OF TIME in a virtual 3-D wheel with YouTube‘s 360 Player. More on the 360 Player here.

Synopsis:

The Wheel of Time is one of the most popular and enduring fantasy series of all time, with more than 90 million books sold. Set in a sprawling, epic world where magic exists and only certain women are allowed to access it, the story follows Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), a member of the incredibly powerful all-female organization called the Aes Sedai, as she arrives in the small town of Two Rivers. There, she embarks on a dangerous, world-spanning journey with five young men and women, one of whom is prophesied to be the Dragon Reborn, who will either save or destroy humanity.

Based on Robert Jordan’s best-selling fantasy novels, The Wheel of Time was adapted for television by executive producer/showrunner Rafe Judkins. Larry Mondragon and Rick Selvage of iwot productions, Mike Weber, Ted Field of Radar Pictures, Darren Lemke, Marigo Kehoe, and Uta Briesewitz will also serve as executive producers, with Briesewitz set to direct the first two episodes. Rosamund Pike will serve as producer and Harriet McDougal and Brandon Sanderson as consulting producers. The Wheel of Time is co-produced by Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television.

THE WHEEL OF TIME arrives on Prime Video November 19, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Prime Video)

At long last we get some new footage from Steven Spielberg‘s WEST SIDE STORY! Here’s a new sneak peek!

Synopsis:

Directed by Academy Award® winner Steven Spielberg, from a screenplay by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award® winner Tony Kushner, “West Side Story” tells the classic tale of fierce rivalries and young love in 1957 New York City. This reimagining of the beloved musical stars Ansel Elgort (Tony); Ariana DeBose (Anita); David Alvarez (Bernardo); Mike Faist (Riff); Brian d’Arcy James (Officer Krupke); Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank); Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino); with Rita Moreno (as Valentina, who owns the corner store in which Tony works); and introducing Rachel Zegler (Maria.) Moreno – one of only three artists to be honored with Academy®, Emmy®, GRAMMY®, Tony® and Peabody Awards – also serves as one of the film’s executive producers. 

Bringing together the best of both Broadway and Hollywood, the film’s creative team includes Kushner, who also served as an executive producer; Tony Award® winner Justin Peck, who choreographed the musical numbers in the film; renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor and GRAMMY Award® winner Gustavo Dudamel, who helmed the recording of the iconic score; Academy Award®-nominated composer and conductor David Newman (“Anastasia”), who arranged the score, Tony Award®-winning composer Jeanine Tesori (“Fun Home,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie”), who supervised the cast on vocals; and GRAMMY®-nominated music supervisor Matt Sullivan (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Chicago”), who serves as executive music producer for the film. The film is produced by Spielberg, p.g.a., Academy Award®-nominated producer Kristie Macosko Krieger, p.g.a. and Tony Award®-winning producer Kevin McCollum. “West Side Story” has been adapted for the screen from the original 1957 Broadway show. Original choreography by Jerome Robbins, based on the stage play, book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, play conceived, directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, music by Leonard Bernstein. 

20th Century Studios Canada release WEST SIDE STORY December 10, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios Canada)

TIGER KING 2 is around the corner and we know just like us, you can’t wait for these five new episodes!

Synopsis:

With Joe Exotic behind bars and Carole Baskin closing in on ownership of his disreputable zoo, the Emmy-nominated saga continues its twisted course with Tiger King 2 as newfound revelations emerge on the motivations, backstories, and secrets of America’s most notorious big cat owners. Old enemies and frenemies, including Jeff Lowe, Tim Stark, Allen Glover, and James Garretson return for another season of murder, mayhem, and madness. Thought you knew the whole story? Just you wait.

TIGER KING 2 arrives on Netflix November 17, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

TIFF announce their upcoming programming slate, and trust me, there is some really good stuff including TIFF ’21 favourites SPENCER (we’re definitely seeing this again!) and THE POWER OF THE DOG, plus some cool retrospectives!

TIFF CINEMATHEQUE SERIES

Céline Sciamma: Portraits of Desire – November 11 to 21, 2021

Since the success of the widely acclaimed Portrait of a Lady on Fire — which won both the Queer Palm and the Award for Best Screenplay at Cannes 2019 — French filmmaker Céline Sciamma made both a departure from her three previous films and a masterful culmination of an oeuvre that sensitively and intelligently deals with such urgent themes as gender identity, female bonds, and the blurred boundaries between friendship and love. This programme was created to celebrate her work upon the release of her fourth feature, and now, two years later, it’s even more urgent and resonant as audiences await the theatrical release of the director’s latest film, Petite Maman (2021), which had its Canadian premiere at the Festival. Included in this retrospective are Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Girlhood, Tomboy, and her debut, Water Lilies, as well as the animated film My Life as a Courgette (which Sciamma co-scripted).

Paul Thomas Anderson: Evolution of a Master – November 25 to 28, 2021

Size matters in the films of Paul Thomas Anderson, and the increasing visual and thematic scope of his work is illustrated by these 70mm presentations tracing his evolution from big, unwieldy indie-cinema talent to a refined, mature American master. From the pyrotechnical brilliance of his sophomore breakthrough, Boogie Nights, to the elliptical psychic case study of The Master, to the wry fairy-tale riffage of Phantom Thread, Anderson has always crafted images strong and detailed enough to match his ideas. With introductions by critic Adam Nayman, author of the acclaimed 2020 book Paul Thomas Anderson: Masterworks, and a screening of David Lean’s 1949 romance The Passionate Friends, a major influence on Phantom Thread, this series seeks to honour these movies’ monumental accomplishments. 

Musicals! The Movies that Moved Us – December 2, 2021 to January 6, 2022

Whether you know all the words to each song or you’re discovering these classics for the first time, there’s no denying the show-stopping pleasure of the form. The best musicals are grounded in sophisticated narratives, remarkable visual invention, and towering achievements in technical craft. Watch how Stanley Donen, Vincente Minnelli, Farah Khan, Jacques Demy, Ken Russell, Mani Ratnam, and more turn the delights of movie musicals to their own particular passions. Comprising 25 films, the programme will delight any fun-loving musical fan with movies like Singin’ in the Rain (1952), West Side Story (1961), Moulin Rouge! (2001), Mughal-E-Azam (1960), All That Jazz (1979), Kandukondain Kandukondain (2000), Grease (1978), and Purple Rain (1984).

Guillermo del Toro Presents: Film Noirs from 20th Century Fox – December 3 to 19, 2021

In anticipation of Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming release Nightmare Alley, TIFF Cinematheque presents a curated selection of film noirs from 20th Century Fox, hand-picked by del Toro himself. Inspired by the runs of similar genre-making studio films such as the highly-stylized gangster pictures championed by Warner Bros. in the 1930s (which cemented the anti-hero archetype in the face of the Hays Code’s guidelines) and the legendary monster movies helmed by Universal Studios between the ’30s and ’50s (whose creatures became the visual and emotional reference points for all subsequent horror-movie monsters), del Toro sees the brilliant stream of film noirs made under the 20th Century Fox banner as equally deserving of canonization. Before taking a turn down Nightmare Alley, audiences will have a chance to explore the director’s top five influential film noirs from the studio’s golden age of hard-boiled cinema, all on archival 35mm prints or in restored presentations.

SUBSCRIPTION SERIES

Subscriptions are on sale to Members now and to the public on October 27.

Reel Talk: Contemporary World Cinema – November 7, 2021 to March 20, 2022
Offering a global snapshot of the best cinema from around the world, Reel Talk: Contemporary World Cinema provides a focus on non-English-language, art-house films that may not see wide release.

Secret Movie Club – November 14, 2021 to January 23, 2022
Back again in its old clubhouse, TIFF Bell Lightbox, this series offers some of the best new indie cinema before it hits Toronto theatres. Last season’s lineup included Minari, The Mauritanian, and Together Together.

SPECIAL EVENTS 

Viola Desmond Day: Jennifer Holness on Subjects of Desire – November 8, 2021 at 7pm
TIFF is commemorating the 75th anniversary of Viola Desmond’s historic stand against racial segregation and her barrier-breaking work as founder of the Desmond School of Beauty Culture with a special advance screening of the award-winning documentary Subjects of Desire, followed by a conversation with director Jennifer Holness. This provocative and culturally significant film is told from the perspective of women who aren’t afraid to challenge conventional beauty standards, and is partially set around the 50th anniversary of the Miss Black America Pageant, which was created as a political protest against dominant standards upheld by the beauty pageant industry.

Note: A TIFF digital event commemorating Viola Desmond Day is taking place on Monday,  November 8 at 12 pm ET with scholar Cheryl Thompson and Cameron Bailey, TIFF Artistic Director and Head, for a special talk about Black representation in 1940s cinema. They will discuss what the film experience was like for Black spectators at the time, and how systemic anti-Black racism continues to persist in the film industry to this day. Watch this conversation on TIFF’s Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube channels.

TIFF Next Wave 48-Hour Challenge Screening – November 28, 2021, 2:30pm to 4pm

The highly anticipated return of the TIFF Next Wave 48-Hour Film Challenge welcomes teams of young creators to produce a short film in only 48 hours. TIFF will showcase all of the films shot during the challenge and celebrate the next wave of emerging filmmakers. Following the screening, one team will be awarded the grand prize for best film by a jury of film industry professionals.

NEW RELEASES

Opens October 27
Passing
Rebecca Hall | UK, USA | 2021 | 98 mins.

Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga star as two Black women contending with the notion of “passing” for white, in this 1920s-set psychological thriller. Shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio in beautiful black and white, this film was made for the big screen. Nominated for five Gotham Awards, including Best Feature, Best Screenplay, and Outstanding Lead Performance (Tessa Thompson).

Opens November 4
Spencer
Pablo Larraín | Germany, UK | 2021 | 111 mins. 
Official Selection, 2021 Toronto International Film Festival

Kristen Stewart stars in Pablo Larraín’s haunting chamber drama that imagines a tumultuous Christmas in the life of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Opens November 12
tick, tick… BOOM!
Lin-Manuel Miranda | USA | 2021 | 112 mins. 

On the cusp of his 30th birthday, a promising young theatre composer navigates love, friendship, and the pressures of life as an artist in New York City.

Opens November 17
The Power of the Dog
Jane Campion | Australia, New Zealand | 2021 | 127 mins.
Official Selection, 2021 Toronto International Film Festival

TIFF Tribute Actor Award honouree Benedict Cumberbatch and Kirsten Dunst lead Jane Campion’s drama about two brothers whose lives change when a widow and her son arrive at their ranch.

(Photo credit: Elevation Pictures)