We can’t wait! Check-out this brand-new Featurette for Disney’s MULAN which you’ve probably heard arrives on Disney+ next month. Starting September 4, with Premier Access, viewers can watch “Mulan” before it’s available to all Disney+ subscribers. Disney+ will offer Premier Access to “Mulan” for $34.99 on disneyplus.com and select platforms.

Synopsis:

Acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro brings the epic tale of China’s legendary warrior to life in Disney’s “Mulan,” in which a fearless young woman risks everything out of love for her family and her country to become one of the greatest warriors China has ever known. When the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders, Hua Mulan, the eldest daughter of an honored warrior, steps in to take the place of her ailing father. Masquerading as a man, Hua Jun, she is tested every step of the way and must harness her inner-strength and embrace her true potential. It is an epic journey that will transform her into an honored warrior and earn her the respect of a grateful nation…and a proud father.

“Mulan” features a celebrated international cast that includes: Yifei Liu as Mulan; Donnie Yen as Commander Tung; Tzi Ma as Zhou, Jason Scott Lee as Böri Khan; Yoson An as Honghui; Ron Yuan as Sergeant Qiang; with Gong Li as Xianniang and Jet Li as the Emperor. The film is directed by Niki Caro from a screenplay by Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver and Lauren Hynek & Elizabeth Martin, suggested by the narrative poem “The Ballad of Mulan.” The producers are Chris Bender, Jake Weiner and Jason Reed, with Bill Kong, Barrie M. Osborne, Tim Coddington and Mario Iscovich serving as executive producers.

See the Trailer:

Disney‘s MULAN arrives on Disney+ Friday, September 4, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

One of the titles to get the most buzz out of Comic-Con@Home was Gillian Flynn‘s UTOPIA. Check-out this brand-new Trailer for the Series coming to Amazon Prime Video.

Synopsis:

Utopia is an eight-episode conspiracy thriller about saving the world, while trying to find your place in it. Inspired by the British series of the same name, the new Amazon Original series was written by Gillian Flynn, who also serves as showrunner and executive producer.  Utopia centers on a group of comic fans who meet online and bond over their obsession of a seemingly fictional comic called, “Utopia.” Together, Becky (Ashleigh LaThrop), Ian (Dan Byrd), Samantha (Jessica Rothe), Wilson Wilson (Desmin Borges) and Grant (Javon “Wanna” Walton) unearth hidden meanings cloaked within the pages of “Utopia,” predicting threats to humanity. They realize these are not just the makings of a conspiracy; they are very real dangers coming alive right now in their world. The group embarks on a high-stakes adventure, bringing them face-to-face with the comic’s famed central character, Jessica Hyde (Sasha Lane), who joins them on their mission to save the world while harboring secrets of her own. The series also stars John Cusack as Dr. Kevin Christie, in his first series regular role for television. Rainn Wilson stars as Dr. Michael Stearns, Farrah Mackenzie as Alice, Christopher Denham as Arby, and Cory Michael Smith as Thomas Christie.

See the Trailer:

UTOPIA arrives on Amazon Prime Now Friday, September 25, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Amazon Prime Now)

After a few reschedulings, the release of THE NEW MUTANTS finally is before us! To pump you up, here is a new Special Look at the Film, coming soon to theatres!

Synopsis:

Twentieth Century Studios in association with Marvel Entertainment presents “The New Mutants,” an original horror thriller set in an isolated hospital where a group of young mutants is being held for psychiatric monitoring. When strange occurrences begin to take place, both their new mutant abilities and their friendships will be tested as they battle to try and make it out alive. Directed by Josh Boone (“The Fault in our Stars”) and written by Josh Boone & Knate Lee, “The New Mutants” stars: Maisie Williams (“Game of Thrones”); Anya Taylor-Joy (“Glass”); Charlie Heaton (“Stranger Things”); Alice Braga (“Predators”); Blu Hunt (“The Originals”); and Henry Zaga (“13 Reasons Why”). 

See the Special Look:

20th Century Studios Canada release THE NEW MUTANTS in theatres Friday, August 28, 2020. Tickets are on-sale now.

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

There’s less than two weeks left till September and what normally would be signalling the start of the CNE in Toronto, is instead a much more low-key affair this year. The CNE at Home Virtual Fair runs August 21 to September 7, 2020. The Portal accessible online gives fans of the Summer favourite a chance to still enjoy the Exhibition’s most popular shows, favourite food recipes, tricks of the trade from buskers, historical retrospectives, new music performances and much more.  

Funnyman Howie Mandel is even feeling the loss this year. Did you know one of his first gigs was on the Vegas Chicks ride?

Recipes/How-Tos to be shared include:

Some activities to be enjoyed are:

CNE Jam sessions online featuring Toronto bands and artists

Gaming Garage powered by AMD online tournaments with cash prizes and giveaways up for grabs (Aug. 21-23)

Rising Star Youth Competition and online voting

Virtual rides, ghost walks, and retrospective specials including a look back at the history of the CNE Grandstand (Bandshell), Best Of the Aerial Acrobatic & Ice Skating Shows, President’s Choice SuperDogs and much more

Special online events include a commemoration the 99^th Annual Warriors’ Day Parade with a look back at its history (Sat. Aug. 22); and a virtual edition of the Canadian International Air Show (Sept. 5-7).  

Visit TheEx.Com for more! There’s also a 50/50 with tons of lucrative prizing!

(Photo credit: Canadian National Exhibition)

BECOMING is a new Docu-Series arriving soon on Disney+. The Series visits various celebrities in their hometown, as they share their journey to success with us.

Synopsis:

In this Documentary-style series, shot in vérité, each episode centers around a visit to the celebrity’s hometown, touring important locations central to their upbringing.  A supporting cast of family members, coaches, teachers, mentors and friends are interviewed, sharing rarely heard anecdotes and insights into the star’s “becoming” story.  

The insightful and uplifting series tells the origin stories of 10 talented athletes, entertainers, and musicians including Adam Devine, Anthony Davis, Ashley Tisdale, Caleb McLaughlin, Candace Parker, Colbie Caillat, Julianne Hough, Nick Cannon, Nick Kroll and Rob Gronkowski.

BECOMING arrives Disney+ Friday, September 18, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

By Amanda Gilmore

Good news Cinephiles, Fantasia Fest is still happening during these uncertain times! And to mould with the moment it’s going to be completely virtual. It’s all kicking off this week starting August 20th and will run until September 2nd with a mix of VOD and Live Screenings. That means those who want to attend won’t have to travel to Montreal this year, making this one of the more easily accessible Film Festivals of the year. And there are many films in the lineup this year gathering buzz.

Kicking off the festival is the opening night live screening of Niel Marshall’s (2019’s Hellboy) latest The Reckoning. The Film takes place in 1665 and follows a woman accused of being a witch after losing her husband to the plague. It stars Charlotte Kirk, Joe Anderson and Sean Pertwee. One film garnering buzz is Fried Barry, which follows drug-addict Barry (a fantastic Gary Green) who’s body gets hijacked by an alien and taken on a joyride through Cape Town. There is plenty of love for our homegrown Canadian talent as well. Slow-burning Thriller The Oak Room unravels a mystery though eery storytelling, cabin-set Isolation Film Bleed with Me follows a shy girl who struggles to integrate herself on a weekend getaway, and high-octane For the Sake of Vicious is a home-invasion gorefest with killer stunts and acting. There are also Documentaries making waves such as Canadian-made Clapboard Jungle which examines the life and career of an independent Filmmaker, and You Cannot Kill David Arquette which follows a wrestling comeback for its quirky subject.

The Films aren’t the only events you can virtually tap into! There are plenty of events happening, and what’s best is they are completely free! Afrofuturism takes place on August 21st at 5 PM and examines how Afrofuturism changed the lack of representation of BIPOC people in the Science Fiction genre. There’s going to be a talk with the Screenwriter of Horror-hits The Guest and You’re Next Simon Barrett on August 24th at 5 PM, Doctor Sleep and The Haunting of Hill House Writer-Director Mike Flanagan will be speaking about adapting literary works into film and making them your own on August 30th at 3 PM. And the legend of Horror himself, John Carpenter, is not only being honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Fest, but he will also be giving a masterclass on August 22nd at 4 PM.

Don’t forget to check-back daily as we bring you reviews from the hottest Films to come out of the Fest!

If you want to get tickets or learn more about Fantasia Festival 2020 head over to fantasiafestival.com.

(Photo credit: Fantasia Festival)

This actually looks entertaining! Jacki Weaver stars in STAGE MOTHER arriving later this week digitally!

Synopsis:

Stage Mother follows the conservative, Texas church choir director Maybelline as she inherits her recently deceased son’s drag club. To the surprise of her conservative husband and community, she moves to San Francisco to save the club from bankruptcy. In this raucous, racy new environment, she begins to open up and find new meaning, becoming a maternal figure to the club’s flamboyant performers …until a surprise visit threatens to upend her new life.

Cast includes: Jacki Weaver (The Disaster Artist, Silver Linings Playbook), Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels, Kill Bill, Elementary), Adrian Grenier (Entourage) and Canadian actor Allister MacDonald (Splinters). 

See the Trailer:

Film Mode Entertainment and Momentum Pictures release STAGE MOTHER digitally Friday, August 21, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Momentum Pictures)

EARTH TO NED arrives soon on Disney+. This new take on the Late Night Talk Show from The Jim Henson Company is spawned from alien commander Ned and his lieutenant Cornelius, after they call off the invasion of Earth after falling in love with human culture including Comedy, Sports, Social Media and Fashion, interviewing celebrity guests about things they find fascinating.

Celebrity guests this season include Joshua Bassett (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), Rachel Bilson (“The O.C.”), Michael Ian Black (“Wet Hot American Summer”), Rachel Bloom (“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”), Gina Carano (“The Mandalorian”), RuPaul (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”), Taye Diggs (“Rent”), Lil Rel Howery (“Get Out”), Bindi and Robert Irwin (Crikey! It’s the Irwins”), Gillian Jacobs (“Love”), NeNe Leakes (“The Real Housewives of Atlanta”), Thomas Lennon (“Reno 911!”), Joel McHale (“Community”), Andy Richter (“Conan”), Olivia Rodrigo (“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”), Eli Roth (“Hostel”), Kristen Schaal (“Gravity Falls”), Paul Scheer (“The League”), Jenny Slate (“Zootopia”), Raven Symoné (“Raven’s Home”), Reggie Watts (“The Late Late Show with James Corden”), and Billy Dee Williams (“Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”).

EARTH TO NED arrives on Disney+ Friday, September 4, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Disney)

Funnywoman Katherine Ryan stars in, produces and writes THE DUCHESS, coming soon to Netflix!

Synopsis:

Katherine Ryan, fresh off her Netflix special “In Trouble,” came to us with an idea based on her life as a fabulous single mom living in London. Season 1 follows Katherine as she debates if she should have a second child with her estranged and troubled baby daddy. It is meant to be a Catastrophe-like single-cam comedy set in London.

See the Trailer:

THE DUCHESS arrives on Netflix Friday, September 11, 2020.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Super Saturday definitely wasn’t a lie. It was the best Saturday we’ve had all year.

While the public still is enjoying the Woodbine Racetrack‘s world-class racing online and on television, Stage III in Ontario’s reopening has signaled the green light for local media now to return to the races. I was delighted to return to the races once again, which has been my favourite pastime since I was three years old. It’s been a tough 2020, made tougher by not being able to see our friends and favourite athletes. But truly, my grievances aren’t unlike anyone else’s. I am fortunate to be healthy and glad nobody in my circle has fallen ill. I am happy to be well enough to write this post, you lucky to be well and reading along. Without health, we have nothing.

The stage is rather different this time around. Visits to the races now require at least 24 hours’ registration. The day of the visit, an online health check is to be completed prior to arrival. When arriving, our temperature is taken and our name is verified on a list of approved visitors. As of today, owners with horses racing are permitted to bring a guest who like them go through screening, but are to leave after the race. Even if they have multiple horses running on the card, they are to leave between races. Prior to this weekend media, other than TSN and their Thursday Racing Night Live broadcast, were not allowed on premises.

My temperature reads 97°F. I ask the Security Guard, what temperature exactly is deemed inadmissible. “If you are over 100°F, we will not allow you in”, she informs me. I gain a bit of wisdom and move along.

I make my way to the Trackside Apron, one of the areas we are permitted to be. The E.P. Taylor Turf Course is as beautiful and manicured as I remember. Several canopies are set-up to provide Owners, Grooms and Trainers some relief from the relentless sun. Track Announcer Robert Geller‘s crisp timbre Brit-Aussie accent can be heard throughout the speakers. It’s a site that’s fondly-familiar other than bits of weeds peeking through cracks on the pavement. At once, it is an odd view with new things situated where they weren’t before. This certainly is a far cry from the festive atmosphere we see on Queen’s Plate Day – a grandstand filled with fans in fascinators and suits, cheers erupting as the horses thunder down the stretch. Part of me is so happy to be back, but part of me also is terrified.

Like myself, others around me are super-cautious of our face coverings slipping out of place. As the humid afternoon progresses, I admit it is difficult to breathe at times. My “new normal” at home consists of daily hour-long walks to avoid putting-on an extra “Covid-20”. On my walks, I wear a face covering, stopping occasionally for groceries or something at the drug store. Other than a couple Zoom chats with friends, that’s been the extent of my human interaction. I am working at home comfortably in air conditioning, where navigating a mask is just an afterthought. Track Workers, Hotwalkers, Grooms and Trainers are required to wear these all day long. And it is the responsibility of Woodbine‘s Security and Operations staff to ensure that everyone is in compliance. The rule is enforced with great diligence. This is for our safety and understandably, there is a learning curve in our new normal. The occasional nose exposed quickly is corrected when pointed-out. Commuting to and attending the races before rarely warranted second-guessing ourselves. Our new normal now involves bringing a back-up face covering and extra sanitizer even though there are plenty of dispensers at Woodbine; we sanitize our hands obsessively; we try not to grab the bus pole or door handles; and we are concerned when someone on the bus ride to the races isn’t wearing a mask or if someone is sitting or standing too close. We see friends at the track we haven’t seen in a long time and by instinct want to give them a hug, before correcting ourselves and offering an “air hug”. All it takes is one person to be in contact with one person who has been infected.

There are no guarantees and we can only do our best to ensure we stay safe. That being said, we are grateful to be doing again what we love so much, bringing the community and fans together with our content and photos, even if on a more limited scale and from further vantage points.

Budweiser Woodbine Oaks Day was certainly the day to come back to the track with a card loaded with five of the meet’s most important stakes: the Grade II Dance Smartly; Grade III Bold Venture; Grade II King Edward; official Queen’s Plate prep race the Plate Trial; and the titular stakes which sees the best Canadian-foaled three-year-old fillies vie for $500k. Many a winner of the latter have also gone-on to beat their male counterparts in the $1-million Queen’s Plate, which traditionally is contested in July but takes an altered course amidst the Pandemic to be contested next month.

Some snaps from the day below, including a fantastic day for Woodbine‘s leading rider Rafael Hernandez (Twitter: @HernandezRafii) taking four races, three of those stakes scores. One interesting thing about U.S. border and quarantine restrictions is that we saw members of our jockey colony take all five Super Saturday stakes – a big win for the locals. We are used to seeing American-based jockeys invade and sweep.

With purses more lucrative than ever and that fact that Woodbine has a secure plan in place for the 2020 meet, we are seeing some high-profile Owners and Trainers from abroad bring their horses up to Woodbine. Top Trainers like Eoin Harty for the Maktoum family’s Godolphin, Wesley Ward, Doug O’Neill and Michael Trombetta are seeking success at Woodbine and this is exciting to see. Case in point, Harty and Godolphin, with the assistance of Team Catherine Day Phillips whom often care for their horses on-site, notched a score in a $123k maiden event with Brassy, a regally-bred daughter of Medaglia d’Oro on the undercard Super Saturday.

Above this, numbers are strong with betting handles as healthy as ever. Super Saturday pulled-in $7.4 million in wagering thanks to American fans turning their sights north to Woodbine for its quality brand of racing during the Pandemic.

Being back at the races meant seeing old friends and also some new faces I’ve been longing to see all year! A great deal of gratitude goes to the hardworking team at Woodbine for getting the season to where it is. I only hope it’s not too long before fans can be back.

It wouldn’t be a Mr. Will post without some star selfies! How I’ve missed these!

We’re exhausted, but resting-up for the Queen’s Plate, set to take place Saturday, September 12, 2020. Even with it coinciding during the Toronto International Film Festival, you can expect to see us there!

While tickets are on-hold still for the #QueensPlate, check back here often for updates.

Also, be following Woodbine on Twitter @WoodbineTB.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

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