How do you mess with perfection? Honda long has been refining its top-selling showpiece, the Civic, and we were lucky enough a second time to get to review the 2019 Honda Civic 5D Sport.  This time around we won’t talk about specs and features but more how it was our saving grace when we needed it most.

We had all sorts of plans to celebrate Black Friday and Cyber Monday. That is, until we got a concerning phone call from our Mom Thursday afternoon. I advised her to have Dad looked at as he was showing erratic behaviour last week, often tired and growingly-confused. After bringing him in to see their Family Doctor, he told her to have Dad checked-in at the ER right away and that’s when the phone call came. My Mom was inconsolable.

I began suspecting the worst, that maybe he had a stroke and having to leave work early to be by his side, every worst case scenario ran through my mind driving-up the DVP. I picked them up in the Honda Civic 5D Sport and off we went to the Hospital.

After several tests, ultrasounds, CT Scans and about eight hours of waiting, we were so relieved that while it was deemed his symptoms weren’t related to a stroke, it was revealed he had an infection incubating, which affected his coherence. It wasn’t till he was asked to do so, he wasn’t able to remember my name, the current year, nor could he write his own signature on his admittance forms at the Hospital. And this apparently is commonplace in elderly people experiencing this infection.

The Doctor sent us on our way after everything, referring us to multiple specialists to follow-up with. We had a late night dinner, all of us starving. Dad’s appetite was ferocious going for a third helping despite initially insisting he wasn’t hungry and didn’t want to eat. The Civic 5D Sport took us around as we struggled finding a place open in the wee hours  of  the morning. Google, while great at generating search results, isn’t always on-top of restaurant business hours. We were lucky finding a Pharmacy open late too to fill his urgent prescription, again made possible by our time in the 5D Sport.

Dad slept well that night and first order in the morning was getting him fed and medicated. He had no energy and insisted on sleep.  While I was ready to cancel my cross-border Black Friday shopping plans, Mom let me know a short road trip was in good order, so skipping out for a few hours while Dad caught-up on sleep while oddly-timed, worked out just great. One of my brothers came by also to help, thankfully. One, we missed all the traffic at the Border and two, the crowds weren’t so bad at the Walden Galleria as all the early-rising shoppers had cleared-out. Getting a table at The Cheesecake Factory (the only American restaurant she likes)  was quick and simple, as we ate an early dinner, beating the dinner rush. I snagged a couple winter coats – one dressy and one practical – got some Christmas shopping done and got Mom a new bag, which made her day. I even tried on a few ridiculous jackets which gave Mom some much-needed laughs! We then head back home to check-in on Dad.

See Gallery below. Hover cursor right to navigate.

Sometimes life’s roadblocks aren’t always on the road itself, sometimes they are. Sunday was my day to catch-up with our namesakes A Pic by Mrwill and Mr Will. I was less than thrilled to read the Forecast. While the weather was a mess to say the least, I was driven – pardon the pun – to see my beloved babies. While nobody likes driving in bad weather, we were pleasantly surprised by the few cars on the road. Our Snowplows on the 401 were working hard to keep us safe. And Yorkdale Shopping Centre, which notoriously is horrible for parking, was actually relatively empty for once enabling a quick visit for more Christmas odds and ends.

As we drove into Caledon on country roads, the scenic snow-filled route was actually meditative and driving was a breeze. This, paired with SiriusXM‘s Hallmark Channel blaring Holiday favourites, was just perfect.

While some roads were slippery, the Civic 5D Sport‘s Traction Control System kept us safe, as did its Forward Collision Warning, Honda LaneWatch Blind Spot Display and Multi-angle Rearview Camera  – which we can’t live without!

Now, with the heavy snow, we did get a warning: “Some Driver Assist Systems Cannot Operate: Radar Obstructed”, but as always, it is best to drive with that extra bit of caution in inclement weather and reduced visibility anyway.

The Civic 5D Sport‘s Fuel Economy using ECON mode remains a game-changer and our week of travels, taking us from the burbs to the City, to the countryside and even Buffalo, tallied-in at less than $100 CAN. Its Fuel Economy comes in at:

City 9.3 L/100km
Highway 6.5 L/100km
Combined 8.0 L/100km

This beauty in Aegean Blue Metallic is controlled by a 7″ colour TFT centre meter display. Climate control, an array of audio and entertainment options are at the control of your finger tips. We adore the charging plate for our Smartphone, plus several charging ports for our passengers. Our passengers and I loved the heated seating options which are a necessity in these frigid conditions.

That Audio System once again proves superb. It sounds so great, we thought we’d sprinkle a little of that Holiday mood over your way!

Every year we make a point of visiting some of our most valuable partners before the Holidays, dropping-off some Holiday goodies. We are happy we had a chance to do that, because our partnerships are what keeps us thriving! We are saddened our dear dog Billy couldn’t be our Co-Pilot like in past years.

The Civic 5D Sport certainly won’t solve all our life problems. Dad is feeling a bit better. We got more of our Holiday shopping done. And well, we can’t avoid some of the weather conditions we’ll face. The car was there for us and was a reliable friend when we needed it.
 
2020 Civic models are now available. More here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

FROZEN II continues to block it’s competition, taking top spot U.S. Thanksgiving weekend a second week. The Disney release gets $90 million Friday to Sunday, a total $282.3 million grossed in week two across North America.

TIFF ’19 selection KNIVES OUT debuts in second with $29.6 million for Mongrel Media/Lionsgate Films from 3,391 theatres. It gets 96% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore.

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NIEGHBORHOOD takes $15.5 million in third for Sony Pictures, a two-week tally of $36.7M million.

QUEEN & SLIM opens with $11.1 million from 1,600 theatres for eOne Films/Universal Pictures. It gets 84% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore.

THE GOOD LIAR rounds-out this Top Ten with $2.7 million for Warner Bros., A three week total of $16.1 million.

We are thrilled to give Readers in Toronto + Vancouver a chance to win Advance Passes to see SPIES IN DISGUISE!

Screening Date: Saturday December 14, 2019

Screening Locations:
Toronto – Yorkdale Cineplex Theatre at 10:00AM
Vancouver – Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver at 10:00AM

Synopsis:
Super spy Lance Sterling (Will Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is … not. But when events take an unexpected turn, this unlikely duo are forced to team up for the ultimate mission that will require an almost impossible disguise – transforming Lance into the brave, fierce, majestic… pigeon. Walter and Lance suddenly have to work as a team, or the whole world is in peril.

Trailer:

Artwork:

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

Rules and regulations here.

20th Century Fox Canada release SPIES IN DISGUISE Christmas Day.

(Photo/video credit: 20th Century Fox)

Great news! Hollywood Suite will be offering a free preview across Canada between December 1, 2019 to January 5, 2020. One of their exciting new Series to come is A YEAR IN FILM looks at the Films which defined a year according to experts. Films looked at in the Series include 1978, 1983, 1992 and 2007.

Synopsis:
A Year in Film explores the art of film and filmmaking, with expert insight into how films reflect the events, mood, politics, and culture of their eras. The series immerses you in film history and pop culture with rare archival footage, interviews with stars and long-forgotten commercials. With thought-provoking analysis and fun memories from filmmakers, industry insiders and critics, each episode examines: the lasting impact of iconic films; the technical achievements that brought us today’s blockbusters; the hidden gems and cult hits that have gained a following; and what movies can teach us about ourselves and the world we live in.

A Year in Film: 1978 – Flashback to a year where movies reflect on troubles of the past and anxiety for the future. 1978 brings musicals such as Grease, Thank God It’s Friday and Jubilee to movie screens. The Deer Hunter and Coming Home explored the impact of The Vietnam War. And in Canada, a new tax incentive creates art with films like The Silent Partner.
Premiering on Hollywood Suite 70s Movies – HS70: December 8, 2019 at 9:00pm ET

Supporting 1978 films airing in December: Days of Heaven, Dawn of the Dead, The Deer Hunter, Saturday Night Fever and Thank God It’s Friday.

A Year in Film: 1983 – Consumerism and conservative politics take centre stage, while sci-fi runs the galaxy with the release of Return of the Jedi and Spacehunter: Adventures in the Forbidden Zone. Baby boomers embrace The Big Chill while teens delight in Valley Girl. And in Canada, David Cronenberg scores twice in one year with Videodrome and The Dead Zone.
Premiering on Hollywood Suite 80s Movies – HS80: December 15, 2019 at 9:00 pm ET

Supporting 1983 Films airing in December: The Big Chill, Staying Alive, Risky Business, Psycho II, Videodrome, The Dead Zone and Scarface.

A Year in Film: 1992 – Unexpected creative rebels start trending with low-budget success stories including El Mariachi and Reservoir Dogs. African American filmmakers and actors have a significant impact with Malcolm X, Boomerang and Candyman. And in Canada, Canuck-born Mike Myers goes from SNL star to Box Office powerhouse with the success of Wayne’s World.
Premiering on Hollywood Suite 90s Movies – HS90: December 22, 2019 at 9:00 pm ET

Supporting 1992 Films airing in December: Single White Female, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Boomerang, Malcolm X, Wayne’s World, Batman Returns, El Mariachi and Reservoir Dogs.

A Year in Film: 2007 – Troubling flashbacks mix with new comic voices. Filmmakers look at America’s dark history in There Will Be Blood, Zodiac and No Country For Old Men. Judd Apatow directs Knocked Up and produces Superbad, and Diablo Cody’s voice rings out in Juno. And in Canada, Sarah Polley examines aging and Alzheimer’s with Away From Her, while Andrew Currie produces cult zombie-hit Fido.
Premiering on Hollywood Suite 00s Movies – HS00: December 29, 2019 at 9:00 pm ET
Supporting 2007 Films airing in December: Away From Her, Eastern Promises, Zodiac, The Assassination of Jesse James By the Coward Robert Ford, Fido, There Will Be Blood, Superbad and Juno.

See a Trailer:

A Year in Film on Hollywood Suite from Hollywood Suite on Vimeo.

(Photo/video credit: Hollywood Suite)

The World’s love for KITKAT knows no boundaries.  We grew-up loving the chocolate wafer bar which we never envisioned possible would be available in so many varieties internationally. With locations abroad including the UK and Japan, Yorkdale Shopping Centre is the latest location to play home to KITKAT CHOCOLATORY, a confectionery shop which lets you watch the bars be made and also allows you a chance to customize your own bar right in time for the Holidays!  These literally are a genius gift idea which allows you to personalize packaging for your recipients!

For the price of $15 CAN you can customized your own extended KitKat bar in either a base of white chocolate, milk chocolate or dark chocolate, plus an array of toppings like organic gummy bears, rose petals, sprinkles, nuts, shortbread, toffee, pretzels and several more. After submitting your order and a 90-minute wait, you receive a text message notification to pick-up your order. The bar is sealed air-tight with an expiry date of about a month, and is packaged beautifully in an embossed box, personalized.

The KitKat Chocolatory also has curated experiences where you can watch your own KitKat be made at the Chef’s Table at $45 CAN (maximum five friends per sitting). You also can skip the line and buy pre-made limited edition KitKats at $8 CAN each.

Varieties include:

Butter Tart
Candy Cane
Coffee and Donuts
Blueberry Streusel
KitKat Gold
Rose
Birthday Cake

We made our own THE WILLIONAIRE BAR combining organic gummy bears, Christmas Tree sprinkles and crushed rose petals. We’re saving it for Christmas and can’t wait to give it a break!

Gift Packs and cards are available too. Learn more about KitKat Chocolatory here.

We’re hearing it may open for online purchases soon.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers in Toronto a chance to win Advance Screening passes to see CODE 8, with star Robbie Amell in-attendance. The screening takes place Wednesday, December 4, 2019 in Toronto at Cineplex Yonge & Dundas. Winners also will receive promotional socks and shot glasses from the Movie!

Synopsis:
In a world where 4% of the population is born with varying supernatural abilities, a desperate young man possessing special powers clashes with a militarized police force after committing a series of crimes. Based on the short film.

Starring: Stephen Amell & Robbie Amell
Directed by: Jeff Chan

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!

Rules and regulations here.

Elevation Pictures release CODE 8 in theatres Friday, December 7, 2019 and on-demand Tuesday, December 13, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

Running November 21 to 26, 2019 at The Royal Cinema, the Blood in the Snow Festival celebrates Horror in all its glory. Our friends at Hollywood Suite this year showcased their one-of-a-kind Virtual Reality activation at the Festival this year, giving fans of Night of the Living Dead, a chance to be taken right inside the famed Pennsylvania farmhouse  seen in the 1968 classic! Other fun and surreal things one can do within the immersive experience include boarding-up the house, touching George Romero‘s glasses and gearing-up to shoot some zombies! T

The experience now is available to download on Oculus.

Above this, Hollywood Suite in March 2020 will premiere their Documentary Raising the Dead: A Re-Examining of Night of the Living Dead. The Film contains interviews with Cast, Crew and Film Experts.

Hollywood Suite also is readying a four-part Series, A Year in Film. More details to come soon!

Some Snaps from the Night of the Living Dead VR Experience:

See the Trailer for the VR Experience:

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

1. Hot off it’s Box Office-topping success, DOWNTON ABBEY now is ready to take home for the Holidays! Almost.

See the Trailer:

BLU-RAY™, DVD & DIGITAL BONUS FEATURES:
• Deleted Scenes
• Cast Conversations – Exclusive roundtable interviews with the cast.
o Upstairs Cast
o Downstairs Cast
• The Royal Visit – A look at how the royal visit proved to be an ambitious event both on and behind the camera.
• True to the Twenties – Fans of DOWNTON ABBEY are charmed by the sheer grandeur of the aristocracy in the early 20th century. Learn how DOWNTON ABBEY maintains a reputation of being true to the time period.
• Welcome to Downton Abbey – A behind-the-scenes look at the grandeur of Highclere Castle and how it serves as a cornerstone in the Downton Abbey franchise.
• The Brilliance of Julian Fellowes – Writer Julian Fellowes has created a story and beloved characters that resonate with people across the world. This piece celebrates Julian’s brilliant creativity and reveals his approach to bringing Downton Abbey to the big screen.
• Downton Abbey Series Recap* – Whether you’re new or just need a refresher, this series recap will catch you up on the story so far.
• Feature Commentary with Director Michael Engler

*Available only on Blu-ray™ and iTunes.

Artwork:

To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Indicate your City there as well. You may Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw for an extra chance.

Canadian readers only, please.

Rules and regulations here.

DOWNTON ABBEY will be available on Blu-ray™ and DVD Tuesday, December 17, 2019 and Digital Tuesday, November 26, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment)

One of this Fall’s biggest sleeper hits could well be QUEEN & SLIM. From Emmy-winning Writer Lena Waithe (Master of None) and first-time Feature Director Melina Matsoukas (Director of Beyoncé‘s “Formation” Video), the dialogue-generating Thriller in the spirit of Bonnie & Clyde and Thelma & Louise soon is set for release. The Duo came to Toronto this weekend to promote the Film including special Advance Screenings plus Q&As at Varsity Cinemas and TIFF Bell Lightbox, which completely were sold-out.

Starring Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out) and newcomer Jodie Turner-Smith as a couple who go on a Tinder date gone-wrong after they are pulled-over by a police officer, we soon find these polar opposites in a thrill ride to escape capture. They soon rise to prominence as figures, representing the fears and uproar of America’s black community against discriminatory policing.

We’ve never seen anything like this genre-bending Romance-meets-Drama-Thriller and cannot stop thinking about Kaluuya‘s brilliant performance and an unforgettable debut by Turner-Smith. Bokeem Woodbine also delivers a standout performance as Uncle Earl. The Film is provocative as it should be, exploring further the dialogue about how often we remember and immortalize Black Americans in loss and how they are made to feel threatened by the police. Waithe’s Script accomplishes exactly what she hopes to achieve, the humanizing of Black Americans for those who might need that. Brought to life by gorgeous Cinematography and curated by a phenomenal Soundtrack, Queen and Slim cannot be missed.

See the Trailer:

Matsoukas and Waithe we met with standing ovations and if this is any early indication of what’s to come, expect the community to turn-up at the Box Office for this Film, which already is garnering tons of buzz with a rating of 91% on the Tomatometer at Rotten Tomatoes.

See an intro by CBC‘s Amanda Parris:

See some Snaps:

eOne Films release QUEEN AND SLIM Wednesday, November 27, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: eOne Films/Mr. Will Wong)

German-born and Los Angeles-based Singer-Songwriter Kim Petras has been winning universal acclaim for her debut Disc CLARITY. She makes a stop in Toronto at The Phoenix on her tour in support of the Album, with dates going into early 2020 in Europe.

Petras has been releasing music independently since her teens and has been generating heat with tracks like Love Me Less and Heart to Break, also making a contribution to the Charlie’s Angels Original Motion Picture Soundtrack on How It’s Done.

Many are comparing her to the likes of Robyn, labelling her a new Princess of Pop.

We are so pleased to have met Petras, exchanging compliments, she looking gorgeous. She did the rounds including Global Television’s The Morning Show.

See our Snap:

Heart to Break

Icy

How It’s Done

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)