John Cena stars in VACATION FRIENDS, coming soon to STAR, only on Disney+! We love a good raunchy Comedy and here’s the new Trailer.

Synopsis:

In this raw and raunchy comedy, straight-laced Marcus and Emily (Lil Rel Howery, Yvonne Orji) are befriended by wild, thrill-seeking partiers Ron and Kyla (John Cena, Meredith Hagner) at a resort in Mexico.  Living in the moment, the usually level-headed couple lets loose to enjoy a week of uninhibited fun and debauchery with their new “vacation friends.” Months after their walk on the wild side, Marcus and Emily are horrified when Ron and Kyla show up uninvited at their wedding, creating chaos and proving that what happens on vacation, doesn’t necessarily stay on vacation.

VACATION FRIENDS arrives on Star August 27, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

James Wan returns to his Horror roots in MALIGNANT coming this September.

Synopsis:

In the film, Madison is paralyzed by shocking visions of grisly murders, and her torment worsens as she discovers that these waking dreams are in fact terrifying realities.

“Malignant” stars Annabelle Wallis (“Annabelle,” “The Mummy”), Maddie Hasson (YouTube’s “Impulse,” TV’s “Mr. Mercedes”), George Young (TV’s “Containment”), Michole Briana White (TV’s “Black Mafia Family,” “Dead to Me”), Jacqueline McKenzie (“Palm Beach,” TV’s “Reckoning”), Jake Abel (TV’s “Supernatural,” the “Percy Jackson” films) and Ingrid Bisu (“The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,” “The Nun”).

MALIGNANT arrives September 10, 2021 via Warner Bros. Canada.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros. Canada)

CNN Originals Docu-Series THE MOVIES, with Tom Hanks serving as Executive Producer, arrives next month on Hollywood Suite! Split by era over six episodes, the Series gives an in-depth look at the movies that defined the decade and influenced a generation. There will be star-studded interviews as well.

The Movies features interviews with Paul Thomas Anderson, Alec Baldwin, Ellen Burstyn, Tim Burton, Cameron Crowe, Billy Crystal, Robert De Niro, Jon Favreau, Antoine Fuqua, Morgan Freeman, Bill Hader, Tom Hanks, Amy Heckerling, Ron Howard, Holly Hunter, Anjelica Huston, Baz Luhrmann, Julianne Moore, Ed Norton, Rob Reiner, Molly Ringwald, Maya Rudolph, Ridley Scott, John Singleton, Sharon Stone, Robert Zemeckis and many more.

Episodes include:

THE SEVENTIES Tuesday, August 10 at 8pm ET

The episode explores the films of the 70s that pushed the medium of movie-making such as The Godfather, The Exorcist and Jaws.

THE EIGHTIES Tuesday, August 17 at 8pm ET

The episode explores the crowd-pleasing titles of the 80s such as The Empire Strikes Back, E.T. and The Breakfast Club.

THE NINETIES Tuesday, August 24 at 8pm ET

The episode explores movie stars of the 90s like Julia Roberts and Will Smith and beloved films such as Jurassic Park, Titanic and Pulp Fiction.

THE 2000S TO TODAY Tuesday, August 31 at 8pm ET

The episode explores popular films of the 2000s such as Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings and Moulin Rouge.

THE GOLDEN AGE Tuesday, September 7 at 8pm ET

The episode explores the most iconic films from the 1930s through the 1950s such as King Kong, Casablanca and A Star is Born.

THE SIXTIES Tuesday, September 14 at 8pm ET

The episode explores the popular films of the 60s such as West Side Story, Bonnie and Clyde, and The Graduate.

The Movies will make its debut with “The Seventies” on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at 8pm ET, with new episodes following Tuesdays at 8pm ET through September 14. All episodes of The Movies will be available on Hollywood Suite On Demand beginning August 1.

(Photo credit: Hollywood Suite)

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon team-up again in historical epic THE LAST DUEL! This is your first look.

Synopsis:

The historical epic is a cinematic and thought-provoking drama set in the midst of the Hundred Years War that explores the ubiquitous power of men, the frailty of justice and the strength and courage of one woman willing to stand alone in the service of truth. Based on actual events, the film unravels long-held assumptions about France’s last sanctioned duel between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris, two friends turned bitter rivals. Carrouges is a respected knight known for his bravery and skill on the battlefield. Le Gris is a Norman squire whose intelligence and eloquence make him one of the most admired nobles in court. When Carrouges’ wife, Marguerite, is viciously assaulted by Le Gris, a charge he denies, she refuses to stay silent, stepping forward to accuse her attacker, an act of bravery and defiance that puts her life in jeopardy. The ensuing trial by combat, a grueling duel to the death, places the fate of all three in God’s hands.

THE LAST DUEL opens in theatres October 15, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios)

There are few places that can excite us enough to come out almost weekly during a Pandemic. And for us, Shan Shan Cafe, also known as La Petite Colline, was the one spot we couldn’t get enough of.

The elegant space which sadly couldn’t host indoor dining until only this past weekend as the province entered Phase III of its reopening, is now ready to be enjoyed. We were so thrilled to be invited for a private tasting of their Dine-In Menu, having devoured many of their takeaway items in recent months, namely their breads and incomparable Toast sandwiches.

The menu is the amalgamation of ideas from Pastry Chef and Bread Master Vivi Ju and also Chef Willett, both imports by way of Taiwan. Its offerings are what I’d peg as part of a new wave of Asian Cuisine fused with European flare. High-quality ingredients and innovative techniques are the philosophy behind Shan Shan Cafe/La Petite Colline, elevating several classics. You think you’d know all there is to know about Chinese bakery staple Pineapple Buns, until you’ve tried their take on it. And wait till you try it with Ice Cream, a limited time offering on their Summer Take Out menu.

Shan Shan translates in Chinese to “mountain” and such is the imagery behind the establishment’s branding. You literally are elevated to the great heights when you try their Nama Shokupan, a Japanese Milk Bread. Even someone accustomed to the most basic store-bought variety of white bread would know they are experiencing something truly unique and special when they try the loaf stamped with the “Shan Shan” logo.

Our server Leo tells us about the commitment its staff take to be the best. Bakers arrive around 5 AM daily for their 11:30 AM rush. In its initial opening, weekends saw hour+ long queues outside the shop. When it closes usually by 7 PM, most breads and bakery items are sold out completely. Hotter items like their delectable Garlic Cream Cheese Bread, often sell-out right at opening.

Service staff are attentive and exceptional from the servers and hosts to the individuals shuttling online orders out to customers in an orderly system. If you don’t know what to choose, chances are asking your server will garner you a recommendation you’ll love. Case in point, I always order their Housemade Iced Coffee which is better than anything I can make at home, and I have a fancy coffee maker. Wanting something new, Leo pointed me to their Iced Grapefruit Honey Soda, which beautifully captures all the notes of grapefruit we love – sweet, tart and bitter.

While the establishment isn’t particularly a large dining space, it is great in height, elegant, modern and understated. Its Robin’s Egg Blue and gold wall panels exude sophistication and class, as do its clean white and earthy tones.

Not to get you too excited, but Shan Shan Cafe/La Petite Colline‘s official Grand Opening takes place July 25-26, 2021. You will be thrilled to know that customers will benefit from 30% off everything. And it is recommended you order online in advance, scheduling a pick-up on their store site. Note, they are closed Tuesdays.

Here’s what we’ve tried and loved thus far:

Truffle Yam Fries – truffle oil, ketchup & garlic mayo. These fries boast an intense truffle flavour.

Chicken Lollipops – popular dine-in item. Frenched chicken wings, house mayo, lemon, mixed greens. Every bite is meaty and that mayo is incredible. Eat while hot.

Smoked Salmon Toast – a real showstopper and personal favourite. Smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, dill cream cheese, lettuce, house mayo. There are various options of this Sandwich and the Short Rib option also is great. A must-try.

Seafood Pesto – shrimp, calamari, scallop, pesto sauce, parmesan cheese, toasted bread, (contains nuts). A bit oily, but very flavourful and impactful.

Short Rib Omurice – another centerpiece item on the menu. Sous vide short ribs, fried rice-filled omelette, mushrooms, demi-glace, contains mushrooms. You might want to ask for the beef a little more rare if that’s your thing.

House Iced Coffee – we learned these coffee beans are from a Hamilton, Ontario supplier. There apparently are a combination of three different milks, creating a creamy magic storm. You can adjust ice level and sweetness.

Iced Grapefruit Honey Soda – bitter, sweet and sour. Perfectly captures the essence of grapefruit without an artificial syrup.

Iced Lychee Lime Soda – so flavourful, it tastes like a Cocktail almost. Love the grated lime zest which packs a punch.

Pineapple Bun – by using natural fermentation method, each bun has a unique texture and a richer taste. You must try this with Ice Cream!

Mentaiko Baguette – housemade mentaiko sauce with French baguette, crispy and chewy. Love the chew this bread has with a very unique texture and tons of umami flavour.

Garlic Cream Cheese Bread – a real showstopper which always sells-out. Crispy garlic bread filled with cream cheese. Will make you forget about bagels.

Nama Shokupan – outstanding loaf of bread. Texture is soft and moist, with a hint of milky flavour. You slice it yourself. In a class of its own.

Red Bean Custard Danish – little hits of custard paired with red bean bits. Taking ideas we are familiar with and making them magical.

Basque Burnt Cheesecake – cream cheese, whipping cream, free-run farm eggs, madagascar vanilla beans, maldon sea salt flakes on the side. A decadent treat.

Shan Shan Cafe | La Petite Colline is located at:

3355 Steeles Avenue East, Unit C 5 & 6,

    Toronto, ON, Canada M2H 0A7

Learn more about them here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

We last got paired with the Honda CRV series back in November 2020, an experience one-upped only by our Test Drive in the 2021 Honda CRV Black Edition in a a classic Platinum White Pearl. As our province has just entered Phase III of our re-opening, it has been reassuring seeing businesses and restaurants welcome us back. Having had the reassurance of being double-vaccinated, I felt comfortable enough finally to be able to go out and visit our old stomping grounds downtown again, reuniting with missed friends including Team Mr. Will, and attending some in-person events again at long last. We couldn’t have been paired with a more powerful and elegant partner in the 2021 Honda CRV Black Edition!

What is a Black Edition you ask? It is a tier available in Honda’s offerings where the vehicle has black aluminum-alloy wheels, a black grille, among other aesthetic options.

The 2021 Honda CRV Black Edition is powered by a 1.5 litre, 16-valve, Direct Injection, DOHC, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 179 -lb.ft. of torque. As it physically is more imposing than some of our favourite Honda Sedans and Hatchbacks, it is a bit slower on the accelerate, but once it’s in motion, the CRV is sheer power.

Fuel Economy comes first and foremost for us and the 8.7/7.4/8.1 litres per 100 km of regular fuel (City/Hwy/Combined). This is aided further by is game-changing ECON mode and Idle Stop. The latter which we got plenty of use from dealing with Toronto traffic! Over five days, we drove from the east-end of the City to Hamilton, Etobicoke, Mississauga and Downtown multiple times on approximately $60 of fuel which is tremendous, considering that gas prices are on the higher side of late.

The Black Edition of the 2021 Honda CRV is a statement of style and luxury. Its perforated leather-trimmed seating surfaces and woodgrain panel finish exude pure class. Did we mention the Driver’s Seat is adjustable 12 ways?Appearing here is Honda’s beloved 7-inch Display Audio System with Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System, plus its Panoramic Moonroof is a real treat, bringing ambience to both front and back passengers, not to mention interior ambient lighting.

A litany of passenger-catering considerations show Honda‘s commitment not only to the driver’s experience, but also their passengers’. Powerful Climate Control and vents, charging ports (our favourite wireless charging plate is back!) and gracious, spacious roominess sets the vehicle aside from others. Not to mention the generous storage space in the hatchback which activates and closes with a push or a lift.

The audio experience during our drives were phenomenal, as it boasts a 331-watt AM/FM Premium audio system with MP3/Windows Media Audio playback capability and 9 speakers including subwoofer. The SUV is SiriusXM-ready and syncs easily to Bluetooth, Apple or Android enabling Playlist-curated drives.

All the bells and whistles mean nothing without safety and Honda continually has asserted itself as being best in class in this regard. How do you go for any other make when you know the 2021 Honda CRV is jampacked with a laundry list of safety and cautionary features?

A Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system; Collision Mitigation Braking System; Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system; Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF); Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS); Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) system; Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ) with Traction Control; Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).  These all are working for you, in-motion while you are focused on our drive. Think of this as rolling with an entourage and a security team everywhere you go.

In the event of collision, the 2021 Honda CRV Black Edition comes armed with an i-SRS airbag system (front); Side curtain airbags with rollover sensor system; SmartVent side airbags; HondaLink Assist; and Automatic Emergency Response System, among others.

Let’s not forget that super-resourceful multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines.  You can reverse, parallel park and more with confidence knowing that you can’t get it wrong with this! And who doesn’t love a car with rear windshield wipers?  It’s as if the CRV read our minds!

Some trips down memory land this past weekend in the 2021 Honda CRV Black Edition.

Netflix Canada and Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a NEVER HAVE I EVER Prize Pack! S2 of the beloved Comedy Series is already #1 in Canada on Netflix!

Prize Packs include:

– Bucket hat –
– Shoe laces –
– Tote bag –
– Cute school folder –
– Crew socks –

Synopsis:

In Season 2 of the coming-of-age comedy Never Have I Ever, Indian American teenager Devi (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) continues to deal with the everyday pressures of high school and drama at home, while also navigating new romantic relationships. Never Have I Ever is created by executive producer Mindy Kaling, with Lang Fisher serving as executive producer, showrunner and writer. The Universal Television project is also executive produced by 3 Arts Entertainment’s Howard Klein and David Miner.

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

NEVER HAVE I EVER S2 arrives on Netflix Thursday, July 15, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Walt Disney Studios Canada and Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Screening Passes to see Disney‘s JUNGLE CRUISE! We will have tickets available in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton for the screening on July 28, 2021.

Synopsis:

Join fan favourites Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt for the adventure of a lifetime on Disney’s “Jungle Cruise,” a rollicking thrill-ride down the Amazon with wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff and intrepid researcher Dr. Lily Houghton. Lily travels from London, England to the Amazon jungle and enlists Frank’s questionable services to guide her downriver on La Quila—his ramshackle-but-charming boat. Lily is determined to uncover an ancient tree with unparalleled healing abilities—possessing the power to change the future of medicine. Thrust on this epic quest together, the unlikely duo encounters innumerable dangers and supernatural forces, all lurking in the deceptive beauty of the lush rainforest. But as the secrets of the lost tree unfold, the stakes reach even higher for Lily and Frank and their fate—and mankind’s—hangs in the balance.

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

Get your tickets now here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Marvel)

By Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Musical lovers, old and new will rejoice with the new Musical Comedy from Apple TV, Schmigadoon! Audiences will fall in love with the magic of the ’40s and ’50s again through reinterpreted classics and parodies on the shows that brought so much love and joy to their hearts. Schmigadoon! is one for the books, that will leave audiences with that underlying sense of happiness and joy.

The Series focuses on the couple of Josh (Keegan-Michael Key) and Melissa (Cecily Strong) as their relationship is unfortunately on the rocks, and they stumble across a bridge called Schmigadoon while hiking on their couples retreat. As they cross the bridge everything turns from bleak to vibrant life, and full of colour and dropped into a different time. Cue the first big musical number with our Principal Cast. After the first musical number, we start to meet some of the members of Schmigadoon, Reverend Layton (Fred Armisen) who is under the thumb of his rather hostile wife, Mildred (Kristen Chenoweth). Then all chaos seems to break out.

There are two stories that are the focal point of the Show, the first being that Josh and Melissa need to work on their relationship and figure out if they can work. This is another serious issue, because to escape Schmigadoon, and return to reality, they can only do so by crossing the bridge with their loved one. The second story is that within the town of Schmigadoon, where there is conflict between the very aggressive, wretched Mildred and the rest of the town specifically against Mayor Menlove (Alan Cumming). There are several characters that pose at obstacles to either the townspeople of Schmigadoon now that Josh and Melissa are new forces they have to contend with, or for Josh and Melissa themselves, with possible love interests appearing Betsy (Dove Cameron), Emma (Ariana DeBose), Danny (Aaron Tveit), and Doc Lopez (Jamie Camil). With Josh and Melissa’s relationship already on the rocks, being transported to a new world that Josh simply hates and Melissa is falling in love with their rocky relationship and possible faster way home seems to be fading.

What makes Schmigadoon! so great is how meta it is. It makes fun of itself, with Josh constantly calling out the musical nuisances and songs with modern takes. The music itself though is what shines throughout the Series, as they’re changing songs from mainly Rodgers and Hammerstein with the towns problems. However, even with a great premise and incredible music, it would fall short if the cast was unable to deliver. The chemistry between Keegan-Michael Key and Cecily Strong just glows, audiences can sense that dwindling flame between them but knowing it came from a candle that burned at both sides previously, they are believable as a couple whose going through a rough patch. Then you have the Broadway royalty between Alan Cumming, Aaron Tviet, Kristen Chenoweth, and the explosive Ariana DeBose who all shine and dazzle with their performances, whether they be playing ecstatic over the top closeted mayors, outcast and misunderstood, someone truly evil, or someone who just wants best for themselves, they all shine and excel in their performances bringing life and depth to Schmigadoon!

Everyone gives their all in these performances, ensuring that Schmigadoon! succeeds as a Musical Comedy that appeals both to fans of Broadway and Comedy.

SCHMIGADOON! arrives on Apple TV+ on Friday July 16^th, 2021 with episodes airing following Fridays!