Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will want to give readers a chance to win Advance Screening Passes to see FAST & FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS & SHAW!

Screenings take place Wednesday, July 31 @ 7:00PM
TORONTO // Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
MONTREAL // Scotiabank Theatre Montreal
VANCOUVER // Cineplex International Village
EDMONTON // Scotiabank Theatre Edmonton
CALGARY // Cineplex Eau Claire Market Cinemas

Synopsis:
After eight films that have amassed almost $5 billion worldwide, the FAST & FURIOUS franchise now features its first stand-alone vehicle as Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham reprise their roles as Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw in FAST & FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS & SHAW.

Ever since hulking lawman Hobbs (Johnson), a loyal agent of America’s Diplomatic Security Service, and lawless outcast Shaw (Statham), a former British military elite operative, first faced off in 2015’s FURIOUS 7, the duo have swapped smack talk and body blows as they’ve tried to take each other down.

But when cyber-genetically enhanced anarchist Brixton (Idris Elba) gains control of an insidious bio-threat that could alter humanity forever — and bests a brilliant and fearless rogue MI6 agent (The Crown’s Vanessa Kirby), who just happens to be Shaw’s sister — these two sworn enemies will have to partner up to bring down the only guy who might be badder than themselves.

HOBBS & SHAW blasts open a new door in the FAST universe as it hurtles action across the globe, from Los Angeles to London and from the toxic wasteland of Chernobyl to the lush beauty of Samoa.

Directed by David Leitch (DEADPOOL 2) from a story by longtime FAST & FURIOUS narrative architect Chris Morgan and a screenplay by Morgan and Drew Pearce (MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE-ROGUE NATION, IRON MAN 3), the film is produced by Johnson, Statham, Morgan and Hiram Garcia. The executive producers are Kelly McCormick, Dany Garcia, Steven Chasman and Ethan Smith.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

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Universal Pictures Canada release FAST & FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS & SHAW Friday, August 2, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)

What a Canada Day weekend it was! We had the sheer joy of driving the 2019 Honda Passport Touring for the occasion and it was magical. While the Passport is just making a comeback after being absent from production since 2002, its return certainly is welcomed, enhanced with sensibilities of the now. The versatile mid-sized five-door SUV is a melding of style, sophistication and practicality. It spaciousness is an embarrassment of riches for a single driver like me, although I can’t deny it was super-handy for running errands and stocking-up for the weekend!  Fittingly, we got to drive it in a patriotic Deep Scarlet Pearl for our long weekend adventure!

Boasting a powerful 3.5-litre, 24-valve, Direct Injection, SOHC, i-VTEC® V6 engine, we were king of the road, navigating with its 9-speed automatic transmission with Grade Logic Control, operating at 280 horsepower. The Passport Touring‘s Fuel Economy tallies in at 12.5/9.8/11.3 City/Highway/Combined. We admire Honda‘s commitment to Fuel Economy and the environment with its dealbreaking for many, Eco Assist system, idle-stop engine and ECON mode button, easy on the wallet and the earth we live.

Power and economy aside, the Passport Touring is obsessed with our safety. It possesses 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, Honda LaneWatch Blindspot Display, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Tire Fill Assist and Blind Spot Information (BSI) system with Rear Cross Traffic Monitor system and the ultra-convenient Auto High-Beam which helped greatly in our evening drives, taking us city to countryside. Its Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System is an added protection and we are notorious for fumbling for our keys and can’t live without Proximity Extry which the SUV has.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. Honda‘s Multi-angle Rearview Camera with dynamic guidelines is life-saving and makes us a pro at parking at the trickiest spots. Fitting in between two trucks at the airport? No problem! Parallel parking downtown? Please.

Driving in the Passport Touring is a joy with its powerful 550-watt AM/FM Premium audio system with MP3/Windows Media® Audio playback capability and 10 speakers including subwoofer. Everything from Bluetooth Audio to Sirius XM is an entertainment option and there is an abundance of charging options including 12 and 115-volt outlets, plus USB and wireless charging.

Keeping with our Honda Caraoke tradition, we’re still buzzing with delight after attending the sold-out Ariana Grande show at Scotiabank Arena! I’ll let the sound quality speak for itself!

The Passport Touring‘s extra-large moonroof was made for this weather we experienced Canada Day weekened, giving our drives pure mood and ambience.

Its Tri-Zone Climate Control and air filtration system is a thing of wonder, keeping my passengers calm and cool amidst the blistering weekend heat, letting them in both front and back, customize their own tenperature settings. Front seats have heating and cooling options as well, the latter which definitely got put to good use.

See some Snaps including our weekend at the historic Queens Plate Festival, our favourite event of the Summer! Strapped for time, we got to preview a smooth ride along the 407 which got us there right in time! Hover cursor on the right of each album to navigate further.

More on the 2019 HONDA PASSPORT TOURING starting at $49,900 CAN here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

The 160th edition of the Queen’s Plate took place at Woodbine Racetrack this Canada Day weekend!  The two-day festival of horse racing, fashion, music, food and drink, culminated in North America’s most historic race on Festival Saturday. The race at ten one and a quarter miles, is restricted for three-year-old horses foaled in Canada and valued at a purse of $1 million. Taking the glory was none other than California-based ONE BAD BOY. The strapping dark brown son of Twirling Candy took it wire-to-wire by 3 and 1/2 lengths over Avie’s Flatter and then Tone Broke under Flavien Prat, defeating a field of 13 in 2:02.9 minutes before a packed grandstand. Prat won the Kentucky Derby this May via disqualification aboard Country House. One Bad Boy colt is owned by a partnership of Say Jay Racing, Brooke Hubbard and Greg Hall. He was bred by Ontario’s Ron Clarkson and was sold at the 2017 Keeneland September Sale. It has just been confirmed that he will contest the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown, the Prince of Wales Stakes July 23, 2019 at Fort Erie.

One Bad Boy

The two-day Festival featured a star-studded lineup of racing with six other stakes races contested including the Lady Angela, Charlie Barley, Zadracarta, King Edward, Dance Smartly and Highlander Stakes.

Holy Helena – Dance Smartly Stakes, the 2017 Queen’s Plate victress shows she’s still got it! Her owner, icon Frank Stronach was in attendance.

Synchrony – King Edward Stakes, the American invader is owned by Josephine Abercrombie‘s Pin Oak Stable and she too graced us with an appearance.

Wet Your Whistle – Highlander Stakes, the off-the-pace sprinter went last-to-first for American-based trainer Michael Trombetta, who has found stakes success locally this season.

The Black Album (FR) – Charlie Barley Stakes, this French-bred colt ridden by Flavien Prat, is owned by Team Valor and Hollywood Mega-Producer Gary Barber, and regained the winning form he showed in France last year.

Desert Isle – Zadracarta Stakes, this Graham Motion-trained filly is owned by iconic Canadian outfit, Sam-Son Farms

Ciuri – Lady Angela Stakes, this Bob Tiller trainee owned by the same connections as Woodbine legend Pink Lloyd, was one of two stakes winners at Woodbine this weekend by red-hot sire Souper Speedy.

Also taking place at Woodbine this weekend was the unveiling of the new Inner Turf course. I recall Woodbine having had a Marshall Turf Course as a child, however this new, improved and re-branded course gives fans something new to cheer about and a new angle to wager on.

The Queen’s Plate is rooted in tradition and pageantry. Lovely seeing Lieutenant Governor of Ontario Elizabeth Dowdeswell with us once again, a vision of royalty.

We wished we had more of a chance to enjoy the Hats & Horseshoes Party and witness some of the Fashion, but our focus always has been the amazing racing on Queen’s Plate Festival weekend and we simply had to choose with six stake races on one card. We did spot these amazing looks including a Pretty Woman homage and David Dunkley owning the fascinator and hat game!

JUNO winners THE WASHBOARD UNION headlined the Queen’s Plate Festival, playing Festival Friday. The Trio treated fans to a surprise bringing on-stage fellow JUNO winner, BRETT KISSEL! Check-out a Clip of them performing their new single, “She Gets Me” below.

“She Gets Me”

And for your favourite part of our coverage of course, our world-famous Selfies!

One Bad Boy and his winning connections, including Co-Owners Brooke Hubbard and Greg Hall

The Washboard Union and Brett Kissel

Kaitlyn Leeb, star of upcoming Netflix Figure Staking series SPINNING OUT

Fort Erie‘s Ashley Mailloux joined us this weekend, contributing to HRRN‘s Queen’s Plate coverage

Beauty Queen and TVG personality Megan Devine also gave us a real treat with her visit. Amazing seeing America’s Best Racing‘s Dan Tordjman and Boston’s Woodbine fan extraordinaire, Sean Patrick Nolan back too!

This amazing sculpture had Instagram ‘lit’ Queen’s Plate Festival weekend!

Also, our dear friend Dawn Lupul, who has given fans amazing race analysis for eleven years now, says goodbye. We will miss her so much at the races and can’t wait for her next venture in holistic health and wellness. Send her your regards at @DawnLupul.

Congrats to our Reader, Cindy who won a pair of passes to the Festival this weekend. She had a blast, meeting The Washboard Union and also our adorable Mr Will!

More on the Queen’s Plate here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Woodbine Entertainment)

TOY STORY 4 prevails again a second week at the Box Office, taking $56 million in week two from 4,575 theatres for Disney, taking it to $235 million in a two week run thus far.

ANNEBELLE COMES HOME lands a distant second with $16.4 million in its debut from 3,613 theatres for Warner Bros. Franchise best still belongs to the first Film in the Series, with $37.1 million back in 2014. It gets 69% on the Tomatometer and a B- CinemaScore.

YESTERDAY debuts in third with $15 million from 2,603 theatres for Universal Pictures. The latest from Danny Boyle gets 61% on the Tomatometer and an A- CinemaScore.

ALADDIN is in fourth with $8.8 million, a total $305 million grossed in North American to date for Disney.

AVENGERS:ENDGAME gets a re-release with additional footage, placing in fifth with $6.3 million from 2,025 theatres for Disney.

JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 – PARABELLUM rounds-out this Top Ten with $2.5 million for eOne Films/Lionsgate Films.

The legacy of The Lion King is unparalleled. The 1994 Animated Musical not only went on to win universal acclaim, but also outstanding commercial success, grossing almost $1 billion internationally, spawning various stage productions of it. The torch is handed off to multi-talented Jon Favreau to tell this story theatrically to a new generation of fans. Expectations are high for this upcoming Remake, which utilizes cutting-edge realism and an all-star Cast which has just about everybody circling their calendars in preparation for its July release.

The Cain and Abel-like story centers on a lion named Simba (Donald Glover) who is destined for greatness as Crown Prince of the Pridelands, in line to succeed his father Mufasa (James Earl Jones). He is derailed into exhile by his father’s ambitious brother Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and it is up to Simba to reclaim what rightfully is his.

The starpower is staggering as the Supporting Cast is rounded-out by Alfre Woodard, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner and Beyoncé.

Daytime Emmy winner Billy Eichner, known widely for his energetic and spontaneous brand of humour on Game Show Billy on the Street, plays wisecracking meerkat Timon, paired with slow-thinking warthog Pumbaa (Seth Rogen). The Funnyman is in Toronto to promote the release of what many are calling the cinematic event of the Summer and we are delighted to speak to him.

Eichner describes himself to us as mix of Theatre and Comedy worlds and he admits he likes this space. He also feels he is in a unique position being of an old school Theatre background, but also speaking to the new school in this Social Media age. In this upcoming Remake, he sings beloved Hakuna Matata and even jokes that he’s on a Track with Beyoncé as Timon sings a snippet of the Film’s centerpiece number, Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

We ask Eichner to tell us about the casting process and his reaction to being cast as Timon.

Eichner: “It was pretty shocking. I literally got a cold call from my agent that Jon Favreau wanted me to be in The Lion King. I had no preparation for it. I didn’t audition for it. I don’t think he auditioned anyone for it actually, maybe the kids?” . He adds, “I knew Jon and I knew he was a big Billy on the Street fan, but I’ve never worked with him before and literally I was shocked.” .

At the time our conversation, we still had not seen this latest incarnation of The Lion King. Curious, we ask Eichner how different it is from its Predecessor.

Eichner: “It’s completely different. Because of this, our vocal performances have to match the photo-realism of the Movie. They’re using some state-of-the-art technology, Virtual Reality and things I don’t comprehend. They put a helmet on me at some point and I was like, ‘I don’t know what’s going on. I’m just here to try to be funny’.” .

“The Movie just looks incredible. It looks so real and it is really breathtaking.” . While he realizes he really doesn’t have to do much to sell The Lion King to us since it is so well-loved, he reveals, “It’s such a nice escape from the real world and the daily onslaught of everything.” .

Eichner is known for his energetic and fast-thinking on Billy on the Street, where often he brings a notable name onto the street, giving New Yorkers a real shock and delight. We ask how different it is for him working in a controlled framework and a Script.

Eichner: “I’ve done scripted things before like American Horror Story. I would improvise and they would be like ‘What are you doing?’. But in The Lion King, the way that Jon wanted to do it, he encouraged us to riff and improvise. And a lot of our Improv remained in the final cut of the Movie. And I was surprised, I thought maybe we were just doing it as an exercise. It really gives this version of Timon and Pumbaa a really unique feel. Me and Seth Rogen aren’t going to sound like the original characters (voiced respectively by Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella), so I’m guessing there was a lot of spontaneity and Improv involved and I’m guessing that’s what Jon Favreau really wanted since he cast me and he knew that’s my background.” .

Walt Disney Studios Canada release THE LION KING Thursday, July 18, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Walt Disney Studios Canada)

The Trailer for Elizabeth Banks’ CHARLIE’S ANGELS has just surfaced and it actually looks AMAZING!

See the Trailer:

Sony Pictures Canada release CHARLIE’S ANGELS November 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures Canada)

Luke Evans, Mandy Moore, Nick Jonas, Darren Criss, Aaron Eckhart, Woody Harrelson and Patrick Wilson star in MIDWAY! Check-out this brand new Trailer!

Synopsis:
MIDWAY centers on the Battle of Midway, a clash between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy which marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific Theater during WWII. The film, based on the real-life events of this heroic feat, tells the story of the leaders and soldiers who used their instincts, fortitude and bravery to overcome the odds.

See the Trailer:

Elevation Pictures release MIDWAY Friday, November 8, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)

It was a special night in Toronto last night as Ariana Grande not only brought her Sweetener Tour to Toronto’s Scotiabank Theatre, the second of two shows but she also celebrated her 26th Birthday in our City! While her parents Edward Butera and Joan Grande might not be together anymore, they joined together surprising Ariana on-stage to wish her a Happy Birthday! That was so sweet!

We are a huge fan of Grande‘s and her catalog of smash hits which she zipped right through with razor precision. We’re thoroughly impressed how effortless it was for her and how strong her voice was still by the end of the show, she’s definitely a star and we got exactly that.

See the Highlights:

As Security has been upped for Grande since her Manchester incident, fans experienced some delays getting their bags checked with her clear bag policy which saw several guests having the check-in their baggage. Queues also were large to buy Tour merchandise with a variety of sweatshirts and t-shirts available and in high-demand.

Normani, formerly of Fifth Harmony, opened the Show and put on a dazzling display despite having some audio issues.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Photo credit: Money Cortex

The vast majority of us are not and will never be a billionaire. We may be comfortable or even a bit more than comfortable, but we will never have an amount of money that makes us have to consider it a civic responsibility or a threat to our safety if the wrong person were to hear of it. But, we still dream about our ship coming in and winning the lottery. This inevitably brings up the question, if I won a billion dollars, what would I do with it?

Is it possible?

Even dreamers wonder if it is possible to win a billion dollars. While it is rare, it is possible. In the lottery, and other games of chance you are more likely to become a millionaire. The most recent high-winners have won:

• $590.5 Million
• $648 Million
• $656 Million
• $758.7 Million

However, there is also a recent record of a winning of $1,537 Billion in South Carolina, USA.

This is just a small example of many winnings that happen every day.

Photo credit: Rawpixels

Common answers

When you ask people what they would do with a large cash winning and you can expect a few “standard” answers. Here they are:

• Quit my job!
• I would travel around the world.
• Buy a new house and a new car.
• I would give some to charity and save the rest.
• I would retire and invest in the stock market.

The fact is, if you have never had a large amount of money, it is hard to know what you would do. The rules seem to change at that level. The first thing you will face is a winnings tax from the government. That is a substantial amount of money. You will still have a lot of money but not nearly as much as you had.

The next thing you can expect is most of your family and everybody who ever called you friend is suddenly calling you. They all have a need or a cause that they want you to pay for. If you start handing out money it will be hard to stop. It is hard to believe but many millionaires have gone through all of their money in a year or less.

Chase a fantasy

Do you love the glitz and glamour of Hollywood? Are you first in line to see the latest and greatest movie to hit the silver screen? Your fantasy may be to follow the stars through Hollywood. You may see people handing out tickets to anyone who wants to be in a studio audience. Get maps of where television shows and movies are being filmed. Go on tours and see where the stars live. There are many famous sets, restaurants, and shops to visit and who knows who you will meet there. So take a long vacation and take a trip that you will never forget. Who knows? You might get discovered and be the next big star!

Taking a chance on a life-long dream

Maybe you have always wanted to open a bakery or a coffee shop. There is no harm in researching what is needed to make it happen. But you have to face facts. You are not an expert in real estate, employees, labor laws, inventory control, or payroll. You will need to hire someone who is an expert to scout out the property and research the zoning as it applies to that location. He would need to be able to tell you who the competition is and what they sell. You would have to decide what you would sell and if it has enough draw to bring in business. A dream without this information should remain a dream. If you are serious in going for the shop, contact an expert. If not, you will have to decide if your dream is worth all of your winnings.

What the experts tell you not to do with your Billion dollars!

There are some tips that experts tell you not to do. These tips can apply to many things in life, so let’s take a look.

• Do not take the reduced amount in one lump sum payment.

The organization will offer you a lump sum payment that is less than what you won. Not only have you just given away your own money, you now have all the money you are going to get. After taxes, you will be tempted to blow money (like most winners) and your money will not go as far as you expect. You may actually blow all your winnings at one time. Instead, accept your winnings on an annuity plan.

• Hire an accountant and a financial adviser

Hire an accountant and a financial adviser to manage your account. However, make it clear that neither of them can touch your money. Any money that is spent must be paid by you.

• Wait for 1-year before buying anything.
  • Unless something is beyond repairs, wait one year before making a large purchase. If it is something like a house, car, vacation property or a business, think about it and think some more. Wait a year then revisit the topic and see if you still feel the same way.
• Do not invest your money
  • Experts suggest that you put your money in the bank and live comfortably off of the interest. It is a no-risk venture. This is not the time to begin playing with investing.

Following the smash success of last year’s Herditary, Writer-Director Ari Aster is in Toronto to present his latest, Psychological Thriller-Horror MIDSOMMAR. The Film follows a young couple, Dani (Florence Pugh) and Christian (Jack Reynor) on the down and out, this as Dani is coping with a devastating loss. They venture to Sweden with his friends to a Pagan Festival which takes place only once every 90 years. Much to their horror, they witness some gruesome rituals and soon find themselves deeper involved than imagined.

Aster and Reynor spoke at the Q&A presented by Rue Morgue. Contrary to rumour, this isn’t Aster’s last Horror Film, he tells the audience We ask Aster about the gorgeous locations and what went into filming there. He explains the Film, which he’s described jokingly as “The Wizard of Oz for perverts”, despite being set in Sweden, was filmed in Hungary. His challenge was finding the perfect field on which the set, comprised of about ten houses, was built from scratch and on a tight budget.

Reynor tells us about his amazing Co-Star Pugh, who continues to see her star rise.  “I feel as an Actress, there’s nothing that she can’t do. I’ve never had experience of doing a scene with someone like where in that scene where she’s discovered what ‘s happened to her family. She’s screaming. This guttural, animalistic response to this horrific trauma.”. He adds, “I’ve never had another Actor just give me my performance. I didn’t have to think. I just started crying instantly because of the way she’s playing her.”.

See some Clips from the Q&A:

Elevation Pictures release MIDSOMMAR Tuesday, July 2, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)