#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “THE KING’S MAN”

A new Trailer has just surfaced for KINGSMAN Origins Story, THE KING’S MAN coming this September!

Synopsis:

As a collection of history’s worst tyrants and criminal masterminds gather to plot a war to wipe out millions, one man must race against time to stop them. Discover the origins of the very first independent intelligence agency in “The King’s Man.” “The King’s Man” is directed by Matthew Vaughn and stars Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans, Matthew Goode, Tom Hollander, Harris Dickinson, Daniel Brühl, with Djimon Hounsou, and Charles Dance.

See the Trailer:

20th Century Studios Canada release THE KING’S MAN December 22, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Studios)

kingsman The King's Man

#COOKING: CHOCOLATE CHIP SCONES RECIPE

Chocolate Chip Scones. The Royal Ascot meet runs Tuesday, June 16 – Saturday, June 20, 2020 and the finest around the world congregate at Ascot Racecourse for an abbreviated, action-packed meet. Queen Elizabeth II already has scored at the meet, her first time in four years, with her horse Tactical. So excited to see Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf champ Sharing represent America for Trainer Graham Motion in Saturday’s Coronation Stakes.

In celebration of the meet which can be seen televised on NBC Sports, how about some tea and scones? We believe in only the best and are serving these with Fortnum & Mason Tea – the real deal, approved by Her Royal Highness herself. 💂

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 egg
3 tsps organic raw sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 425°F.
2. In large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder and sugar.
3. Grate butter into mixture.
4. Add cream, egg, vanilla and egg. Mix till just combined. Do not over-mix.
5. Either shape dough into disc on floured surfaced and cut into 8 equal slices or roll into 12 equal balls.
6. Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Brush with cream and sprinkle sugar on top.
8. Bake about 17 minutes or till golden brown. Serve with clotted cream and preserves.

Gallery:

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A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 19, 2020 at 5:45am PDT

I miss real British Scones. Having Tea at Selfridges in London.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#NEWMUSIC: “THE ROAD TO F9” MIXTAPE | NEW SINGLE “ONE SHOT”

We’re sure many of you are bummed we have to wait till next year for F9, the next in the Fast and Furious Franchise. To get us excited, is a new single from Youngboy Never Broke Again ft. Lil Baby, “ONE SHOT“.

Check it out below:

Star-studded Mixtape “THE ROAD TO F9” also is coming soon!

Universal Pictures Canada release F9 Friday, April 21, 2021.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Music)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “HANNA” SEASON 2

HANNA Season 2 is about to arrive soon on Amazon Prime Video and just released was this new Trailer. Check it out!

Synopsis:

Welcome to the Meadows, a secret conditioning school where assassins are trained to go undercover as everyday teenage girls. But a former test subject, Hanna, returns to infiltrate the facility and put an end to this shadowy organization. They took her father. They took her identity. But can they stop her? Watch the official trailer now for Hanna. New Season July 3rd, only on Prime Video.

See the Trailer:

(Photo/video credit: Amazon Prime Video)

#COOKING: BEND & SNAPS RECIPE (“LEGALLY BLONDE”-INSPIRED FOR HOLLYWOOD SUITE’S “REEL MEALS”)

Bend & Snaps! Our friends at Hollywood Suite enlisted our help crafting a yummy Legally Blonde-inspired creation as part of their Reel Meals Series. We’re so thrilled to hear Mindy Kaling will be co-writing Legally Blonde 3, one of our favourite underdog stories of all time! How timely, especially since Legally Blonde will be premiering on Hollywood Suite June 28, 2020? Be sure to check-out their Blog for more movie-inspired delectables on their Blog here.

While cookies aren’t technically a meal, who doesn’t love a snack while watching a movie?

These ginger snaps not only are sinfully buttery and full of spicy sass, but they also can be dolled-up like Elle Woods would! We challenge you to break-out the sparkliest sprinkles and the hottest pink icing to pay tribute to one of our favourite on-screen heroines.

Ingredients:
2 cups flour
2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup Crisco Golden
3/4 cup organic raw sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup molasses
3 tbsps candied ginger, chopped
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ginger
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:
1. Mix flour, spices, baking soda and salt together in one bowl.
2. Using handmixer, cream butter, shortening and 1/2 cup sugar. Add egg and vanilla, beating till creamy.
3. Add molasses and mix till combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally.
4. Add flour mixture bit by bit with handmixer on low, combining fully.
5. Disperse candied ginger throughout cookie dough using hands. Shape dough into a ball, cover and refrigerate for minimum 1 hour.
6. Using food processor, take 1/4 cup sugar and grind for about a minute. Pour sugar in a shallow platter.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F.
8. After chilled, allow dough to stand room temperature till pliable (about 15 or more minutes). Roll dough into equal-sized balls.
9. Dip dough balls into sugar and place on parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Dough should yield 20-24 cookies.
10. Bake 13-15 minutes depending how firm you want the cookie. When you see crinkles form, this means the cookies are done. Remove from oven.
11. Cool on sheet for about 20-30 minutes. Once fully cooled after minimum 1 hour, you may start dressing the cookies with icing and favourite Legally Blonde phrases and words like “Elle“, “Bruiser” and of course, “Bend” and “Snap“!  These are fine in the fridge for a week or more.

Gallery:

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A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 18, 2020 at 4:49am PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong/Hollywood Suite)

#GIVEAWAY: ENTER TO WIN A PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT DIGITAL PRIZE PACK FOR FATHER’S DAY!

Paramount Home Entertainment x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Father’s Day Digital Prize Pack. This bundle gives you free download codes to classics Urban Cowboy (celebrating its 40th anniversary), Gladiator  (celebrating its 20th anniversary), and Braveheart (celebrating its 25th anniversary)! Happy Father’s Day!

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance. This is open to Readers in Canada and the U.S. You must be following to qualify!

Enter to win a Digital Father's Day Prize Pack which includes Urban Cowboy, Braveheart and Gladiator!

More here: https://t.co/ImMGaRx0I0 pic.twitter.com/SdsFuT6AFy

— MR. WILL WONG 📸 (@mrwillw) June 16, 2020

(Photo/credit: Paramount Home Entertainment)

#FIRSTLOOK: DC FANDOME COMING AUGUST 2020!

Okay, we get it. We’re all a bit bummed about the several cancellations this summer but DC Comics have our back.

Fans around the world will be able to tune-in to DC FANDOME Thursday, August 22, 2020.

For 24 hours, fans will be able to immerse in an event celebrating DC Comics’ past, present and future with several announcements from their favourites including: WB Games, Film and TV, and comics. They also will hear from Casts and Creators behind: Aquaman, The Batman, Batwoman, Black Adam, Black Lightning, DC Super Hero Girls, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, DC’s Stargirl, Doom Patrol, The Flash, Harley Quinn, the SnyderCut of Justice League, Lucifer, Pennyworth, SHAZAM!, The Suicide Squad, Supergirl, Superman & Lois, Teen Titans GO!, Titans, Watchmen, Young Justice: Outsiders and, coming this fall to theatres worldwide, Wonder Woman 1984. 

Fans also will be able to strut their stuff and prove they are the ultimate DC Superfan by showing-off their make-up, Cosplay, tattoos and Batcaves! They may do so here: create.DCFanDome.com

Fans will be able to access content at DCFanDome.com,

#COOKING: KEY LIME PIE RECIPE

Key Lime Pie. Summer’s back and this is my favourite pie of all time. Nothing compares to sweet and tart. Best of all, it is real simple and requires minimal baking! Now that’s our kind of pie!

Crust:

1 1/2 cups Graham Crumbs

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup organic raw sugar

Pie Filling:

1 cup sour cream

1 can sweetened condensed milk

8 limes, juiced (abt 2/3 cup)

Zest of 4 limes (put aside 1 tsp) 

Topping:

1 cup whipping cream 

1/4 cup icing sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Mix Graham Crumbs, butter and sugar. Line pie dish with crumbs.

3. Bake 7 minutes, careful not to burn. Place in fridge, cool 30 minutes to an hour.

4. In large bowl, mix sour cream, condensed milk, zest and juice.

5. Preheat oven to 350°F.

6. Pour filling into crust. Bake 10 minutes.

7. Cool at room temperature for 30 minutes minimum and chill overnight.

8. Prepare topping by whipping cream with handmixer. 

9. Fold-in icing sugar with vanilla extract, using spatula. Scoop into piping bag and pipe on top of pie. Sprinkle reserved zest.

Gallery:

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A post shared by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jun 16, 2020 at 6:37am PDT

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “FORCE OF NATURE”

Mel Gibson is back in FORCE OF NATURE, coming soon!

Synopsis:

The legendary Mel Gibson stars in this edge-of-your-seat action-thriller that explodes during a violent Category 5 hurricane. As disgraced cop Cardillo (Emile Hirsch, Into the Wild) races to evacuate an apartment building, he comes across Dr. Troy (Kate Bosworth, Superman Returns) and her retired detective father, Ray (Mel Gibson, Braveheart). When a murderous gang of thieves arrives to rob a wealthy tenant, they must join forces to battle the criminals and escape with their lives before the entire city is deep underwater.

See the Trailer:

Lionsgate release FORCE OF NATURE Friday, June 30, 2020 on-demand and DVD.

(Photo/video credit: Lionsgate)

#FIRSTLOOK: WHAT TO WATCH JUNE 2020 – “DEFENDING JACOB”, “JEFFREY EPSTEIN: FILTHY RICH”, “LAST MOMENT OF CLARITY”, “ABE”, “JUDY AND PUNCH”, “SURVIVE THE NIGHT”, “HONEY BOY”, “QUEER EYE”, “BUFFALOED”, “DA 5 BLOODS”, “WHITNEY”, “STEALING SCHOOL”, “DATING AROUND” + MORE

The streaming options are limitless right now during this isolation period and our Team gather together some Series and Films that might be on your radar this month!

DEFENDING JACOB (APPLE TV+)

Based on William Landay‘s best-selling Novel of the same name, this eight-part Series stars Chris Evans, Michelle Dockery and Jaeden Martell as a family navigating the son being accused of a deadly crime.  The suspenseful Series throws in a few twists where we realize very early the outcome, but the story doesn’t end there as it goes a layer deeper and we learn about Andy (Evans), a successful lawyer navigating being a father to his son Jacob (Martell) and seeking justice for him, yet having to step aside from the situation based on conflict of interest. We learn that Andy has been covering a deep, dark secret about his family which is key to how the story unfolds.  Evans shows us his true dramatic chops, while Downton Abbey‘s Dockery also transforms into a suburban housewife/mother who increasingly grows doubtful of her son’s innocence. Martell, who we loved in It, Knives Out and St. Vincent continues to show why he’s among this next generation’s top young talent. All episodes are available now to stream on Apple TV+.

JUDY AND PUNCH (A71)
Set in Seaside, which humourously is nowhere near the sea, this Australian Black Comedy centers on a couple, Judy (Mia Wasikowska) and Punch (Damon Herriman), a pair of Puppeteers with a popular show. Taking place in an era of Paganism, where justice is sought through hanging and stoning, we see Judy frustrated by her husband’s drinking which leads to catastrophe and domestic violence.  Just when we think Judy is dead, she isn’t and she bands with a group of misfits who help her find herself as she exacts revenge on her husband who manufactures a story about her disappearance, struggling to maintain his puppet act on his own. This Film, which got raves at Sundance last year, is the directorial debut by Actress and Writer Mirrah Foulkes, carried by a post-Me Too energy and fantastic performances from its two leads. Wasikowska emerges from the background as the Film progresses breathing a vulnerable courage into Judy, while Herriman who has played Charles Manson in both Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood and Mindhunter, brings a similar type of manic energy to Punch.  Worth a watch if revenge stories are your thing.  Available June 5, 2020 on Digital and On-Demand.

JEFFREY EPSTEIN: FILTHY RICH (NETFLIX)

This four-part Netflix series is based on the Book of the same name by James Patterson. Co-written by John Connolly and Tim Malloy, it gives us candid interviews with victims of the convicted sex offender, also exposing some of his high-profile and highly-guarded circle of friends who victimized these young, often under-aged women. Certainly a difficult watch and often enraging how successful Epstein and his legal team were for several years dodging conviction and receiving pardon.  Being so secretive and cryptic, we never get a clear picture as to the Whys behind Epstein‘s action, although we commend this being largely about what this opportunity means to his many victims who never really had their justice or chance to be heard with him ending his life.

HONEY BOY (AMAZON PRIME)

Winning much Awards Season acclaim and a premiere at TIFF ’19, this Dramedy based on Shia LaBeouf’s life growing-up as a child actor with his alcoholic, sex offender father, played by himself. Noah Jupe (Mid-90s) plays a younger LaBeouf, as this story which doubles as therapy for LaBeouf who still maintains a close relationship with his father.  Honey Boy explores the peculiar dynamic when a child is the breadwinner in the family and the power struggle between parent and child, set in a $40-a-night motel room where they live. A difficult watch at times, we gain insight and some empathy for this troubled, often misunderstood star who also wrote the Film, directed by Alma Har’el. This has been on Amazon Prime for a bit, but definitely worth a watch for their phenomenal work by the Film’s two leads.

FLAVORFUL ORIGINS (NETFLIX)
This gorgeously-shot treasure is a quick watch and we easily zipped through this. Those who love to learn about other cuisine and cultures should definitely check this out. Season One draws you right in as we visit the Chaoshan region of Guangdong, China. Each episode we learn about native ingredients which define the region’s tastes and learn about the processes behind making dishes like Raw Crab, Fish Sauce, Master Sauce, Fish and Meat Balls, plus so much more. Highly-educational, giving you insight into the science behind foods also. Something to wind down to at the of the day. Both seasons are on Netflix.

BLOCKERS (NETFLIX)

This 2018 coming-of-age Comedy finally surfaces on Netflix and the timing is perfect with many of our grads missing out on their Proms this year, being at home. Directed by Kay Cannon, BLOCKERS centers on three girls about to graduate high school, making a sex pact together to each lose their virginities.  Their parents get involved after learning of this and try to intercept this from happening. We see their adventure unfold as the parents try to find out where they each are headed to after Prom. Fantastic performances by our three teen leads Kathryn Newton (Julie), TIFF International Rising Star Geraldine Viswanathan (Kayla) and Gideon Adlon (Sam), and our three adult leads John Cena (Mitchell), Leslie Mann (Lisa) and Ike Barinholtz (Hunter).  The jokes are relentless as the fumbling parents desperately try to go undercover and understand the lingo, but ultimately the Film is heartfelt and about each of the girls finding themselves. Blockers is so much more than a raunchy Comedy.

LAST MOMENT OF CLARITY (VVS FILMS)
By Justin Waldman

First-time Writer/Director Duo Colin and James Krisel come together to bring Last Moment of Clarity to our viewing pleasure. While there are strong performances from the Cast, the familiarity of plot points and themes, along with a truly head scratching turn leaves the audience slightly dumbfounded. Sometimes the best mysteries would be the ones that are left unturned or without the resolution desired by the protagonist, however then one would always be chasing that final answer.

The Movie focuses on Sam (Zach Avery), who is living in Paris, goes to a local cinema and sees his assumed dead partner, Georgia (Samara Weaving) as an actress in the Film and this causes him to question the world he left behind, and, if Georgia is actually dead. Upon launching his own private eye investigation, he runs into old acquaintance Kat (Carly Chaikin) as she tries to help him uncover the mystery.

What makes Last Moment of Clarity work well are the performances by Avery, Weaving and  Chaikin. Avery is determined to find out if the woman he assumed was dead, is actually alive and stops at nothing from uncovering the truth, Samara’s performance is grounded and incredibly-focused, and Carly’s desire to reconnect and help her old friend is precise and heartwarming. The action that flows in the Movie while keeping you locked in suspense, including up to the last frame of the Movie, keeps you captivated, but the big plot twist, later explained by a Hitchcockian means, is a bit far-fetched. VVS Films release LAST MOMENT OF CLARITY on-demand June 5, 2020, and DVD/Blu-ray June 30, 2020.

ABE (MK2 | MILE END)

We didn’t expect much from coming-of-age Dramedy ABE, but it was a pleasant surprise.  The Film centers on a 12-year-old boy (Stranger Things’ Noah Schnapp) with a love of cooking, who must reconcile the conflicted feelings brought upon his grandparents. One side of his family is Palestinian, the other side Israeli and this is a recipe for disaster as family dinners often end in both sides not seeing eye-to-eye when it comes to harbouring past political and religious resentment. With him reaching the age for a Bar Mitzvah in the near future, Abe must choose which side of his heritage he will adopt. Abe‘s parents enroll him in a summer cooking camp which he realizes quickly is well below his skill set, and he winds-up studying under a professional Chef, Chico (Seu Jorge) without his parents knowing.  Will his new skills help him prepare a meal that will being both sides of his family together at last? What happens when his parents find out he’s been hiding this secret?

Schnapp is wonderful in the titular role and the Film takes a genuinely-touching turn when the adults are forced to examine their deep hatred of one another.  Abe examines the conflicted reality of growing-up with mixed heritage, the pressures of conformity and also the process of finding one’s self. All the while, Director/Writer Fernando Grostein Andrade presents the story in a fun, lighthearted way with plenty of mouthwatering moments. ABE will be available (to be confirmed) at virtual Imagine Theatres.

QUEER EYE: SEASON 5 (NETFLIX)

The Fab Five are back at it and hit-up Philadelphia this season and true to brand, they hit all the right feels at moments. We meet a diverse range of those in need of help including a Pastor grappling with his church and his sexuality; a Pet Groomer whose boyfriend cheated on her and is in desperate need of business advice; a hunky Jersey Shore DJ in his late thirties who has some growing-up to do; a teen Activist with a nervous energy looking to improve her living space and have people take her more seriously; a Seafood Shop Owner ready to launch a restaurant, coming at the cost of being there for his family; a Pediatrician who feels guilty not spending enough time with her daughter; and a mother and wife who is dealing with her husband’s ALS diagnosis.  The latter is the emotional high point where we see the Fab Five connect with her on a level deeper than any other, revealing a raw, visceral truth about appreciating our past and present. We can never grow tired of these transformations and love that they aren’t about changing these subjects as much as they are about making them elevated versions of themselves. A perfect celebration of Pride, released in a timely manner!

SURVIVE THE NIGHT (VVS FILMS)
By Justin Waldman

From Director Matt Eskandari and first-time Writer Doug Wolfe, comes Survive the Night, which at times feels aptly-named. Despite some brief moments of tension and action, sadly, even a solid Cast which features Bruce Willis, can’t salvage this.

The Movie focuses on brothers Jim (Shea Buckner) and Matty (Tyler Jon Olson) as they’re robbing a gas station and things go awry and Matty gets shot. They’re both worried about getting caught, but end up going to a hospital and following disgraced doctor, Rich (Chad Michael Murray) home. This is where they threaten his family, Frank (Willis) and Jan (Lydia Hull) included, so Rich can operate on Matty and save him, or his family will become collateral damage.

In addition to a lack of cohesion, we don’t feel these characters have enough at stake, which is baffling considering half the Cast is either trying to save their family or save their own skin and at times we felt this is a Film we’ve already seen. VVS Films release SURVIVE THE NIGHT, out now on-demand and on DVD/Blu-ray July 21, 2020.

THE POSTCARD KILLINGS (VVS FILMS)
By David Baldwin

After traveling to London to identify his daughter’s mutilated body, New York detective Jacob Kanon (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) decides to stick around and help with the investigation. He quickly learns that a serial killer is on the loose, murdering people and setting their bodies up in positions similar to popular art pieces. The killer also seems to be sending out postcards to journalists – suggesting where they might strike next – and Kanon is eager to join the chase around Europe to find them.

The Postcard Killings is stylish and looks great. But for the most part, it feels very cold, clinical and by the numbers. Save for one shocking moment in the middle of the Film, everything plays out exactly as you would assume and it was almost too obvious to predict the Film would be based on a book with the way it moves from scene to scene. It makes for a Film that is neither thrilling nor dull – just one that strikes the balance somewhere in the middle. Morgan shines as the cop reeling from a tragedy, but he only gets a few precious moments to breathe life into the character. I wish the same could be said for Cush Jumbo (of The Good Fight/The Good Wife), who does a lot of heavy lifting yet seems to be playing a heroine character cribbed from any number of other thrillers. VVS Films release THE POSTCARD KILLINGS on-demand and digitally now and on DVD/Blu-ray June 23, 2020.

STEALING SCHOOL (GAME THEORY FILMS)

Director/Writer Li Dong examines racial injustice and deep dirty Academia secrets in Satire STEALING SCHOOL, where we see a bright young Chinese-Canadian student named April (Celine Tsai) defend her innocence before a tribunal, when an obsessive Teaching Assistant (Jonathan Keltz) accuses her of plagiarism. As the plot thickens, we learn of a darker web of corruption and the lengths others will go to sway the ruling and what’s in it for them. Despite this not being an issue of April’s race, it comes to the forefront the deeper we go and we realize things might not have been what they appeared at first. We’re afraid to reveal exactly why as it would be giving too much away, but everyone’s hiding something from the past here. Dong manages to keep us in suspense the whole ride with theatrics and a bit of melodrama from its lead characters, telling this story which at times feels more Drama than Comedy, neat and concise. Game Theory Films release STEALING SCHOOL on Vimeo-on-Demand June 19, 2020 and Apple TV/iTunes June 23, 2020.

BUFFALOED (VVS Films)

Zoey Deutch delivers pure fire in Tribeca Film Festival selection BUFFALOED from Director Tanya Wexler. Set in the chaotic, cut throat world of Debt Collection, we meet Peg (Deutch), just about ready to get into college and onto a bright future till she realizes she’s got to pay for tuition. Making the wrong choices to do just that, she pays her dues in prison only to come out and land a job where she realizes she has the strength of persuasion and is actually good enough to compete against her awful misogynistic boss Wizz (Jai Courtney). What ensues is a turf war between them and we wonder if Peg‘s gotten in over her head, so much that her family gets implicated in some of her sketchy dealings. While the Dark Comedy gets a bit rowdy at times, Deutch manages to capture our interest the entire way with her sheer charisma and despite its absurdities, the Film is making a statement about debt the debt crisis in America today facing every day people like you and me, struggling to afford rent, mortgages and medical bills and the greed that can destroy us. VVS Films release BUFFALOED on-demand June 16, 2020.

DA 5 BLOODS (NETFLIX)

Iconic Filmmaker Spike Lee is back with his latest Feature on Netflix, DA 5 Bloods. We meet four former Vietnam vets: Paul (Delroy Lindo), Otis (Clarke Peters), Eddie (Norm Lewis) and Melvin (Isiah Whitlock Jr.) who return to there on a search to find the remains of and some of the gold their fallen Squad Leader Norman (Chadwick Boseman) had helped them hide back then. The story follows these men, who had several loose ends untied, including coping with PTSD. The Film even explores some of the complexities and resentment locals have towards American soldiers still, being responsible for the deaths of their families in the war. Entering the picture is Desroche (Jean Reno), a Frenchman looking to buy gold off the Bloods and matters get complicated when they find their lives on the line in the name of completing their mission as things get bloody. Performances are very strong from this tight Ensemble, led by Lindo and at moments it feels too long. Lee always has something to say and it is incredibly-timely that he ties it all together in a Black Lives Matter framework, and once again displays his remarkable ability to tell the complicated stories, humanizing his characters with great detail in the African-American voice.

WHITNEY (NETFLIX)

We still don’t believe she’s gone.  We’ve been meaning to catch this 2018 Documentary about our beloved Whitney Houston and after watching it finally we only had regrets we didn’t see it sooner.  Filmmaker Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland) gives us a very intimate look at the troubled life of this famed international Superstar who had it all. He also asks some very uncomfortable questions to those who were closest to her, exploring pressure for her to make her life seem perfect to the world.  Macdonald interviews everyone from her ex-spouse Bobby Brown, who is uncomfortable discussing her drug use still, to those who worked closely with her like Tiffanie Dixon, her Hairstlylist who found her dead. One thing that is crucial for a Documentary about someone this high-profile to succeed is that it uncovers details that weren’t known prior and some shocking revelations are made about her family which are heartbreaking. This story, painted with a backdrop of her powerful catalog of hits makes this an empathetic, truthful portrait of the Whitney we never got to know.

DATING AROUND SEASON 2 (NETFLIX)

I’ll preface this by saying I dislike Dating Shows – the artifice and song-and-dance that comes with them. But I actually really enjoyed the fly-on-the-wall, unforced approach this very inclusive and diverse Series on dating takes. Each episode we follow along with a new person and their slate of potential suitors on dinner and drink dates. Sometimes you really feel the sparks, sometimes it’s just plain awkward and you’re begging for the date to end. By the end of each episode each subject picks the one person they choose to date again and sometimes these are shocking, sometimes not. We love the vast array of people we meet of varying orientations and ethnicities and that everyone is being as close to an authentic version of themselves as possible. We enjoy that uncomfortable subjects sometimes are brought to light in their conversations and we get why some people still remain single! Now in its second season, DATING AROUND was a quick and easy watch and a totally fresh take on a clichéd genre of Television.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix/Apple TV+/VVS Films/A71/Amazon Prime Video/MK2|MILE END/Game Theory Films)