James Franco is back and badass, just how we love him. See the new Trailer for KIN!

Synopsis:

KIN, a pulse-pounding crime thriller with a sci-fi twist, is the story of an unexpected hero destined for greatness. Chased by a vengeful criminal (James Franco) and a gang of otherworldly soldiers,​ a recently released ex-con (Jack Reynor) and his adopted teenage brother (Myles Truitt) are forced to go on the run with a weapon of mysterious origin as their only protection.

See the Trailer:

eOne Films release KIN Friday, August 31, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films)

Many were wondering about ANT-MAN and THE WASP amidst the Canadian Box Office record-setting bustle of AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR this weekend. At last we see what they are up to in this new Trailer!

Synopsis:
From the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes “Ant Man and The Wasp,” a new chapter featuring heroes with the astonishing ability to shrink. In the aftermath of “Captain America: Civil War,” Scott Lang grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from the past.

See the Trailer:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release ANT-MAN AND THE WASP Friday, July 6, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

Like the rest of us in Toronto and around the world, I too still am trying to come to terms with Monday’s tragic events. While tragedy may have crippled our City, our bond, compassion and love for Toronto ultimately will prevail through crisis and I saw it in some of the makeshift memorials put together by the Community in Willowdale.

Mourners gathered at Olive Square Park (just south of Yonge x Finch) and at Mel Lastman Square (North York City Centre) with flowers, candles, ornaments and signs as we heal together in what surely will be a long, painful process.  Our hearts are with the family, friends and Victims themselves: Ji Hun Kim,  So He Chung, Geraldine Brady, Chul Min Kang, Anne Marie D’Amico, Mary Elizabeth Forsyth, Munir Abdo Habib Najjar, Dorothy Sewell, Andrea Bradden and Beutis Renuka Amarasingha.

A piece of my heart always will belong to that strip from Yonge x Finch through Yonge x Sheppard, an area I have frequented since my early 20s whether it be changing buses on my way to the races at Woodbine Racetrack, having a cheap and cheerful, hearty Korean meal, some of the amazing grocers, bakeries and cafés or the good old days doing Karaoke with friends at Twister till the wee hours of the morning. I am saddened that all that happiness now is marred by darkness.

In the event you haven’t caught wind of it, a Vigil in honour of Monday’s victims will be held Sunday, April 29, 2018 at Mel Lastman Square (at North York City Centre station), 7 PM.

See some of the beautiful things Torontonians have done for Toronto in light of this tragedy:

We will make it through this together. #TORONTOSTRONG

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Not that there ever was a doubt about it! AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR is en route to a $237 million opening for Disney/Marvel, from 4,475 theatres, pegging it as second-highest all-time opening right in behind Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It gets 84% on the Tomatometer from Critics and an A CinemaScore which should help continue spreading word of mouth in coming weeks. Expect it to all about Avengers these next few weeks.

A v. distant second is A QUIET PLACE with $10 million from 4,101 theatres for Paramount Pictures. Overall it has made $147.6 million over four weeks domestically.

In third is I FEEL PRETTY with $7.9 million for STX Entertainment/eOne Films, a two-week tally of $29.3 million.

RAMPAGE slips to fourth spot with $$6.8 million, a three week total of $77.6 million for Warner Bros.

SUPER TROOPERS 2 in its second week earns $3.2 million for Fox Searchlight, a two-week gross of $21.7 million.

TRAFFIK rounds-out the Top Ten with $1.7 million, a total $6.8 million earned over two weeks for Lionsgate Films. The Film doesn’t have a Canadian release.

He’s the talk of the town! Playing late Toronto Mayor Rob Ford in upcoming Ricky Tollmam Feature RUN THIS TOWN, Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Damian Lewis has just wrapped production on the highly-buzzed Film.

Synopsis:
Run This Town follows a young journalist (Ben Platt), desperate to prove himself, who catches wind of a scandal involving a flashy, unpredictable politician with no filter (Damian Lewis). Political aides (Mena Massoud and Nina Dobrev) attempt to keep their boss in check – and the story under wraps – in order to save their jobs. The Film tells the story of the Millennial generation while spotlighting the power dynamics operating in today’s workplace.

The English Actor known best for his work on Series Billions and Homeland, has been in the City for the past week hard at work filming into the wee hours, generating a lot of conversation about his drastic transformation into the controversial politician.

We are thrilled to have met the incredibly-kind Lewis right before his wrap as he is England-bound.

See our Snap:

I think we're all stoked to see #DamianLewis star as the late #RobFord in #RunThisTown! The Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy winner just wrapped on the juicy upcoming Drama. #Homeland #Billions

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 🐇 (@mrwillwong) on Apr 27, 2018 at 3:26pm PDT

Here’s your exclusive first look at former #homeland star #damianlewis in full costume as late #toronto Mayor Rob Ford. Click the link in our bio for more photos and to see the transformation timeline! #etalk

A post shared by etalk (@etalkctv) on Apr 24, 2018 at 5:26am PDT

Lewis next can be seen in OCEAN’S EIGHT this Summer!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Showtime)

One of Pop Music’s fastest rising stars is 20-year-old Detroit-born Singer/Songwriter Bazzi. After gaining followings through VINE and YouTube, he truly come into his own, landing a recors deal with Atlantic Records (Warner Music). His debut Disc Cosmic, released late 2017, went on to peak at #14 on the US Billboard Hot 200 Chart propelled by the success of Bazzi‘s single Mine.

Hw currently joins Camila Cabello’s sold-out Never Be The Same Tour which plays at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts.

We loved meeting the Pop sensation whom the likes of Louis Tomlinson and Taylor Swift are counted among his fans. He was really patient to take Selfies with fans in advance of his performance.

See our Snap:

Pleasure meeting up-and-coming Singer/Songwriter #BAZZI in advance of his performance at Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, supporting #CamilaCabello! We love his current single #Mine!

A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 🐇 (@mrwillwong) on Apr 27, 2018 at 3:31pm PDT

Check out Bazzi’s Mine below:

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Warner Music)

A major hit at Sundance earlier this year, we get to see a proper Trailer for SORRY TO BOTHER YOU.

Synopsis:

In an alternate present-day version of Oakland, telemarketer Cassius Green discovers a magical key to professional success, propelling him into a macabre universe.

See the Trailer:

eOne Films release SORRY TO BOTHER YOU Friday, July 6, 2018.

(Photo/ video credit: eOne Films)

Running Thursday April 26 through Sunday, May 6, 2018, the 2018 HOT DOCS CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL is set to take over Toronto.  The annual Festival brings together lovers of Cinema with an extensive programming line-up cover Films from a wide array of topics.  Films about Bill Murray, Imagine Dragons Frontman Dan Reynolds, M.I.A., Alexander McQueen, Gilda Radner and Andy Irons are among the most high-profile of the 246 Films to screen at the Festival.

Highlighting this year’s Festival is a free World Premiere of THE TROLLEY at Ontario Place’s Cinesphere. Hot Docs also will present special 25th anniversary screenings of THE WAR ROOM and KANEHSATAKE: 270 YEARS OF RESISTANCE with Directors in attendance.

Our Amanda Gilmore (@GilmoreAmanda) had the pleasure of previewing some of the Festival’s key titles already and shares with us some thoughts on what you should check-out at Hot Docs this year!

In order, she lists her Top Five Must-See Films at Hot Docs this year:

1. Inventing Tomorrow
2. The Guardians
3. Active Measures
4. Alt-Right: Age Of Rage
5. On Her Shoulders

Inventing Tomorrow

Inventing Tomorrow follows teenagers from around the world who are working on innovative solutions to fight against environmental issues. Due to their brilliant minds, they have become finalists at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles, which is the biggest school science fair in the world, to showcase their work.

Director Laura Nix puts her focus on brilliant teen minds in Indonesia, India, Mexico and Hawaii who have been effected by the environmental issues they are trying to fix. In doing this, Nix showcases how children and teenagers will be the ones to save our earth. She also crafts a Documentary that will make the audience want to spark environmental change in their community.

Inventing Tomorrow screens at Hot Docs on Sunday, April 29 at 9:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, Monday, April 30 at 12:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, Saturday, May 5 at 8:30PM at Fox Theatre, and Sunday, May 6 at 12:30PM at Isabel Bader Theatre.

The Guardians

The Guardians exposes the corrupt guardianship program within the state of Nevada. Director Billie Mintz interviews those involved in the guardianship program, including lawyers, private and public guardians, the victims, and the victims family members who are trying to free them.

This Documentary is a shocking investigative examination of a corrupt system that is legally stealing the wealth of Baby Boomers. Mintz is relentless in his pursuit to expose the hidden truths behind the guardianship program in the state of Nevada. As well as revealing those in charge of this horrifying legal reality. Therefore making The Guardians an important and shocking Documentary.

It screens at Hot Docs on Wednesday, May 2 at 6:00PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Thursday, May 3 at 4:00PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, and Friday, may 4 at 10:15AM at TIFF bell Lightbox 2.

Active Measures

Active Measures examines Trump and his close White House staffers and their connections to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin staffers.

Director Jack Bryan does a phenomenal job of getting political insiders to give in-depth examinations of Russian interference in the 2016 US Presidential Election. But Bryan goes further into the past to other democratic elections that were interfered with by Russian Intelligence Officials. What the audience is left with is a mind-blowing journey that gives substantial information of collusion.

Active Measures screens at Hot Docs on Monday, April 30 at 9:00PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Wednesday, May 2 at 3:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, and Friday, May 4 at 6:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1.

On Her Shoulders

On Her Shoulders follows Nadia Murad, a 23-year-old Yazidi genocide and ISIS sexual slavery survivor, who is thrust onto the international stage as a spokesperson for change. As her journey leads down paths of advocacy and fame, she uses her voice to spark activism worldwide to help the Yazidi people.

This Documentary works because it not only brings Murad’s story to the world, but also the stories of the Yazidi people. It becomes as a second lens to what Murad has been advocating for years. Director Alexandria Bombach brilliantly shows the immense pressure put on Murad by world leaders and politicians, as well as her close aides and herself. Yet, she never struggles under this heavy weighted stress she has on her shoulders. On Her Shoulders is a powerful examination of a truly inspiring woman.

On Her Shoulders screens at the Hot Docs on Tuesday, May 1 at 6:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Wednesday, May 2 at 10:00AM at TIFF Bell Lightbox, and Saturday, May 5 at 4:00PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox.

The Cleaners

The Cleaners follows the “digital janitors” whose job it is to make decisions on what content and images we are allowed and not allowed to see on Social Media.

This Documentary follows workers in Manila, Philippines that watch tens of thousands of content, spanning from pornography to war zone photography, a day and decide if it should be censored or not. The Cleaners works because it examines the negative impact the job has on the individuals and organizations involved. They feel the weight of the world is on their shoulders and look at horrific images and videos that become imprinted on their mind, so they won’t be on ours.

The Cleaners screens at Hot Docs on Monday, April 30 at 6:30PM at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema as part of the Big Ideas Series presented by the Scotia Wealth Management Programme. It also screens at the Festival on Wednesday, May 2 at 2:45PM at Scotiabank Theatre 3, and Friday, May 4 at 9:00PM at Revue Cinema.

Blowin’ Up

Blowin’ Up is an inside look into a New York City special intervention court, that helps sex workers escape the unjust cycle of arrests and clear their record of the charges against them. But after the 2017 US election their efforts become endangered by the new White House administration.

The Documentary is a powerful expression of human compassion. Director Stephanie Wang-Breal’s focuses not only on the sex workers, but the judges, lawyers and organizations trying to help them. This aides in telling all sides of the human trafficking perspective. Wang-Breal also uses her camera to better understand the reasons why some become sex workers. And why it’s often threatening to get out of. Resulting in the viewers preconceived judgement to dissipate.

Blowin’ Up screens at the Hot Docs on Tuesday, May 1 at 6:45 PM and Hart House Theatre, Thursday, May 3 at 12:30PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox, and Saturday, May 5 at 9:00PM at The Revue.

Alt-Right: Age Of Rage

Alt-Right: Age Of Rage follows the race war in the United States through the eyes of alt-right white supremacist leader Richard Spencer, and anti-racist activist Daryle Lamont Jenkins.

What Director Adam Bhala Lough creates with Alt-Right: Age Of Rage is a chilling expose on the tensions in America since Trump’s presidency. Lough focuses on interviews from alt-right members and anti-racists members to give an in-depth look at two opposing sides. And it all leads up to the shocking 2017 Charlottesville riots and the moment an alt right member drove a car into counter-protestors.

Alt-Right: Age Of Rage screens at Hot Docs on Friday, April 27 at 9:30PM at Hot Docs Red Rogers Cinema, Saturday, April 28 at 1:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre and Friday, May 4 at 3:45PM at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema.

The Heat: A Kitchen (R)evolution 

The Heat: A Kitchen (R)evolution follows female chefs in Toronto, New York City, London and Paris who have been kept in the background while male chefs dominate magazine covers and TV shows.

This timely Documentary brings women into the boss role in the kitchen. Director Maya Gallus has found rich subjects who are all women, yet they have different perspectives on how to run their kitchen. They also all have unique experiences about how they were treated before and after becoming chef. The overall message is that chefs don’t need to be angry and kitchens don’t need to be stress induced.

The Heat: A Kitchen (R)evolution screens at Hot Docs on Thursday, April 26 at 9:30PM at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, Saturday, April 28 at 1:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1 as part of the Food on Film Programme, and Sunday, May 6, at 3:30PM at Isabel Bader Theatre.

United We Fan

United We Fan follows countless women and men who created fan campaigns to save their favourite TV shows from being canceled.

Director Michael Sparaga examines multiple fan campaigns that have saved TV shows such as Star Trek, Veronica Mars, Chuck and more. This is a fun Documentary that anyone who has cared about a show will love. And for all of those who don’t understand fandom this is a great study in why fans care so much. United We Fan is an inspiring Documentary that examines the change voices can make when they put in blood, sweat and tears.

United We Fan screens at Hot Docs on Saturday, April 28 at 5:30PM at Scotiabank Theatre 4, Monday, April 30 at 3:00PM at Hart House Theatre, and Thursday, May 3 at 12:!5PM at Hart House Theatre.

McQueen

McQueen follows the professional life of Alexander McQueen from the time he got his first tailoring job on Savile Row to his sudden death in 2010.

Directors Ian Bonhote and Peter Ettedgui gather real footage which brings the audience closer to the talented McQueen. They mix this real footage with colleagues, friends and family interviews that bring audiences closer to the fashion designer. Overall, McQueen chronicles the rags-to-riches story of this fashion icon that will have an impact on those who loved him and his designs.

McQueen screens at Hot Docs on Saturday, April 28 at 9:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, Sunday, April 29 at 2:30PM at Hart House Theatre, and Sunday, May 6 at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2.

The Blue Wall

The Blue Wall follows the media, police, activists, lawyers and politicians that were or have become involved with the police shooting of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald in Chicago in 2014.

Director Richard Rowley crafts an engaging Documentary that tells all sides of the 16 shot shooting of a black teenager by a white police officer. With interviews spanning all different perspectives on the problem there is a clear narrative leading to the truth. The Blue Wall is a timely Documentary that uncovers the corrupt truth and tries to expose the reasons why there is rarely any justice.

The Blue Wall screens at Hot Docs on Tuesday, May 1 at 9:00PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Wednesday, May 2 at 12:30PM at Hart House Theatre, and Thursday, May 3 at 9:00PM at Scotiabank Theatre 3.

The Accountant of Auschwitz

The Accountant of Auschwitz follows the trial of Oskar Gröning who was an accountant at Auschwitz during World War II. The trail made headlines around the world because the man was 94-years-old and he was the first Nazi to admit to everything he did.

This Documentary is a powerful look at the history of the justice system in Germany when prosecuting Nazis, and former Nazis that worked and concentration camps during World War II. It chronicles all the trails for World War II Nazis over the years and how they had an impact on the trail of Gröning. With interviews from Auschwitz prisoners, lawyers and people with varieties of views on Gröning’s participation within Auschwitz this Documentary provides the whole picture on the Gröning trail.

The Accountant of Auschwitz screens at Hot Docs on Sunday, April 29 at 5:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2, Monday, April 30 at 3:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, and Friday, May 4 at 9:00PM at Scotiabank Theatre 13.

Chef Flynn 

Chef Flynn chronicles the tremendous talent and passion for cooking that teenage chef Flynn McGarry has had since he was a young child. Director Cameron Yates mixes his footage with those of home videos to tell the whole story of who Chef Flynn is. And what we are left with is a study of a strong young man with ambition. Yates also chronicles McGarry’s mother’s dedication given to make sure her son achieves every goal he has. In doing this, Yates tells the story of the pressure and sacrifices experienced by a family not only the dreamer.

Chef Flynn screens at Hot Docs on Saturday, April 28 at 6:45PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Sunday, April 29 at 10:45AM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, and Saturday, May 5 at 1:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre.

The Sunday screening of Chef Flynn will be part of the Food & Film Programme and will be followed by a Brunch at The Anne Boleyn at 1:00PM.

Call Her Ganda

Call Her Ganda chronicles the violent murder of transgender woman Jennifer Laude in Olongapo City, Philippines, and the trail of her murderer, US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton.

This timely Documentary gives an inside look at the family of Laude and the fight they gave to get justice for her murder. Call Her Ganda also works as a education in history of US and the Philippines relationship to each other. As well as an eye-opening look at the consistent violence by US Marines when on liberty leaves in Olongapo City.

Call Her Ganda screens at Hot Docs on Saturday, April 28 at 9:15PM at Isabel Bader Theatre, Sunday, April 29 at 3:45PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 1, and Sunday, May 6 at 5:45PM at Scotiabank Theatre 3.

Playing Hard

Playing Hard follows Jason Vandenberghe on his journey in bringing his passion project video game, For Honor, to life.

This Documentary brings audiences into the world of video game creation. Though this Documentary wouldn’t be interesting if not for the entirely unique Vandenberghe. The stresses that Vandenberghe has during the entire development of his video game brings audiences along on his journey. Playing Hard manages to capture all audiences attention, even those who aren’t interested in the gaming world.

Playing Hard screens at Hot Docs on Wednesday, May 2 at 9:15PM at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2, Thursday, May 3 at 2:45PM at Scotiabank Theatre 13, and Friday, May 4 at Scotiabank Theatre 3.

306 Hollywood

306 Hollywood is a loving examination of Sibling-Directors Elan Bogarin and Jonathan Bogarin’s late-grandmother, Annette Ontell. The Directors go through their late-grandmother’s house within the first year of her passing, and investigate all of the objects within it to hold on to the woman they deeply miss.

This may be one of the most unique Docs at the Festival as it plays out like a Feature Film. The Directors mix video footage of Annett, live-reenactments, and dance sequences to bring audiences close to their grandmother. Siblings Elan and Jonathan teach us that the remnants of our homes speak volumes to the people we are. And 306 Hollywood makes an important point that not all lives may be extravagant, but there is importance in every single life.

306 Hollywood screens at Hot Docs on Monday, April 30 at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2, Wednesday, May 2 at TIFF Bell Lightbox 2, and Saturday, May 5 at Scotiabank Theatre 13.

Get Tickets here!

(Photo credit: Hot Docs)

As you know, CINEMACON is underway in Las Vegas and Paramount Pictures were front and center with a star-studded presentation of several upcoming releases on their release slate! Taking place at Caesar’s Palace last night, stars and titles were unveiled including the likes of Tiffany Haddish, Taraji P. Henson, Jane Fonda, Mary Steenburgen, Candace Bergen, Diane Keaton, Johnny Knoxville, Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, Angela Bassett, Simon Pegg, Henry Cavill, Rachel Platten, Tom Cruise and several more!

BOOK CLUB
May 18, 2018
Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Candice Bergen, Mary Steenburgen, Bill Holderman, Erin Simms

ACTION POINT
June 1, 2018
Johnny Knoxville

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT
July 27, 2018
Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Simon Pegg, Angela Bassett, Christopher McQuarrie

UNTITLED TYLER PERRY MOVIE
November 2, 2018
Tiffany Haddish

BUMBLEBEE
December 21, 2018
Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Travis Knight

WHAT MEN WANT
January 11, 2019
Taraji P. Henson

WONDER PARK
March 15, 2019
Rachel Platten

See the stars:

Exciting stuff! Things we never thought we’d see: our faves Rachel Platten and Tom Cruise side-by-side in a pic! Love it!

(Photo credit: Paramount Pictures/Getty Images)

We’ve seen the Teasers, now here’s the real deal. A new Trailer for Marvel’s VENOM!

Synopsis:
One of Marvel’s most enigmatic, complex and badass characters comes to the big screen, starring Academy Award® nominated actor Tom Hardy as the lethal protector Venom.

See the Trailer:

Sony Pictures Canada release VENOM Friday, October 5, 2018.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)