Prime Video plunges into summer with the return of Canadian Amazon Original series The Lake on June 9, 2023. The trailer for Season Two of the sun-kissed lakeside comedy premieres today. Justin (Jordan Gavaris), Maisy-May (Julia Stiles), and Billie (Madison Shamoun) are joined for the summer by Maisy-May’s mom, Mimsy (Lauren Holly), whose presence adds even more drama to the mixed-family dynamic. The Lake Season Two is the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members in Canada enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership for just $9.99/month or best value $99/year.
“Much like taking a well-deserved vacation to your favourite summer getaway, it’s a thrill to revisit these wildly funny characters with another season at The Lake,” said Brent Haynes, head of local originals, Canada. “We’ve been extremely lucky to work with our production partners at AMAZE, showrunner Julian Doucet, and the stellar cast and crew on a hilarious and, at times, touching series that will snap customers in Canada and around the world out of their winter doldrums.”
“We’re thrilled to return with a sophomore season of The Lake,” said Teza Lawrence and Michael Souther, co-founders and executive producers, AMAZE. “We can’t wait for audiences to join us on this next chapter of the series and to yet again showcase the beauty of Northern Ontario as the perfect backdrop for our story.”
In Season Two, Justin and Riley (Travis Nelson), decide to make their relationship official. But their plans, along with the beloved boathouse, go up in flames. Carrying equal parts shame and blame, Justin sets out to prove his innocence, rebuild the heart of the lake, and win back the man he loves. Meanwhile, Maisy-May is dealing with a wildfire of her own: The return of her mother Mimsy, who claims she’s dying and wants to spend her final summer with her family on the lake. Billie returns for what is meant to be a one-week vacation. Her holiday changes after a gorgeous tree planter, Forrest (Jhaleil Swaby), and a fierce climate activist, Ivy (Max Amani), suddenly give her two reasons to blow up her summer. Series regulars back this season include Terry Chen, Jon Dore, Carolyn Scott, Natalie Lisinka, and Declan Whaley.
Written and executive produced by Julian Doucet, the series is produced by AMAZE, with Teza Lawrence and Michael Souther serving as executive producers along with Karen Troubetzkoy and Andrew De Angelis.
The Lake is part of Prime Video’s Canadian Amazon Original slate that includes The Kids in the Hall, LOL: Last One Laughing Canada, Three Pines, LOL: Qui rira le dernier?, All or Nothing: Toronto Maple Leafs, and upcoming series The Sticky, Luxe Listings Toronto, Nuit Blanche, and more. Since 2015, Amazon Studios has filmed more than 25 Amazon Original series and films in Canada, including The Man in the High Castle and Upload in British Columbia; The Boys, Reacher, and The Expanse in Ontario; Tales from the Loop in Manitoba; as well as parts of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan and The Voyeurs in Quebec.
The series will join the thousands of TV shows and movies from Hollywood and around the world in the Prime Video catalog, including award-winning and critically acclaimed Amazon Originals like Citadel, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, the award-winning The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls, and more.
Here’s a new Trailer for a Prequel to ORPHAN. Joining the Cast here are Julia Stiles and Rossif Sutherland. This was filmed in Winnipeg!
Synopsis:
In this prequel to the 2009 film Orphan, Leena Klammer (Isabelle Fuhrman) is a woman suffering from hypopituitarism, and ressembles a child. She decides to present herself as “Esther,” the missing daughter of Katie Mauerova (Julia Stiles) and Richard Mauerova (Rossif Sutherland). Richard becomes convinced that she isn’t his daughter, while Katie disagrees, believing that her husband is suffering from paranoia and hallucinating.
Leena tries to separate them, causing major problems to the family. But the couple soon discover Leena’s dark past and murderous history.
Leena tries to separate them, causing major problems to the family. But the couple soon discover Leena’s dark past and murderous history.
VVS Films release ORPHAN: FIRST KILL.
Available for digital purchase beginning August 19, 2022.
(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)
You might recall last month we shared an update about Canadian-made Prime Video Series THE LAKE starring Orphan Black‘s Jordan Gavaris, Madison Shamoun and Julia Stiles! Here’s your first look at the Trailer, in advance of its Premiere at the Inside Out Festival!
Synopsis:
The series follows Justin (Gavaris) as he returns from living abroad after a break-up with his long-term partner, in the hope of reconnecting with the biological daughter that he gave up for adoption in his teens. His plans to create new memories with his city-loving daughter Billie (Shamoun) at the idyllic lake from his childhood go awry when he finds out his father left the family cottage to his “picture-perfect” stepsister, Maisy-May (Stiles). Additional cast include Terry Chen, Jon Dore, Carolyn Scott, Natalie Lisinka, Travis Nelson, Jared Scott and Declan Whaley. The series is produced by AMAZE and written and executive produced by Julian Doucet.
The Lake will launch exclusively on Prime Video on June 17, 2022.
(Photo/video credit: Prime Video)
We were so thrilled to attend the Prime Video Presents Canada Showcase at historic Massey Hall. The event highlighted Prime Video‘s place as not only a streaming service, but an Entertainment Hub focusing on shining a spotlight on homegrown talent and voices, to the diverse audience that is Canadians. Partnerships with the likes of StackTV has allowed Prime Video to diversify its audience base which traditionally might’ve subscribed to certain networks and specialty channels only on cable.
Head of Prime Video Canada, Magda Grace tells us, “This has been many years in the making. We want to draw focus to local talent in-front of and behind the camera. shining spotlight on homegrown talent.”. “Our focus is customer obsession and curating the best entertainment for diverse local audiences.”.
To date, there have been 25 Prime Video productions based in Canada and they currently are developing ten Canadian productions to be enjoyed around the globe. The numbers speak for themselves. Prime Video subscribers thanks to hit series like The Wheel of Time, are streaming 70 more hours of programming per year, in over 240 countries around the world.
An exciting slate of programming was unveiled today at the event, focusing entirely on productions that were made here in Canada or have been green-lit to be made in Canada soon!
Iconic Canadian Comedy Outfit KIDS IN THE HALL are back and their hilarious brand of Sketch can be seen on Prime Video beginning May 13, 2022. All five original members reunite on the Series, which just premiered at SXSW ’22 and appearing today at the event were Dave Foley, Bruce McCulloch, Mark McKinney and Scott Thompson. A two-part Documentary about KIDS IN THE HALL also will arrive on the service May 20, 2022.
On their long-awaited reunion, McCulloch summed it up, “Isn’t it funny to hear old people talk dirty??”.
Toronto Funnyman Mark Little‘s Animated demon-slaying Series called CBC and CBC Gem its own for its first season. Its second season will be coming soon to Prime Video Canada! In 2019 it was awarded Best Web Series at the Canadian Screen Awards.
Little tells us he came up with the idea for the Show while he was in the hospital with a broken ankle, taking stock of life.
Perhaps the most-buzzed title at the presentation this year was THE LAKE. The Series was filmed in North Bay starring Orphan Black‘s Jordan Gavaris, Madison Shamoun and Hollywood star Julia Stiles.
Showrunner Julian Doucet tells us the Series actually is quite autobiographical. He says, “After high school, me and my girlfriend gave-up our baby for adoption. We chose the parents and are very involved with our daughter’s life. The Show explores what if me and my daughter took a vacation together?”.
Stiles tells us, “The experience moving to North Bay was beautiful. I was not familiar with the society of the lake. It was very insular. The lake is the Lake. Their games nights were a ride or die charades. They know everything about each other. Their lake is the only lake on the planet.”.
On her character Maisy, she says, “She’s competitive, petty and selfish. She likes to see the competition fail. It’s so satisfying and now I feel like a horrible person.”.
THE LAKE arrives June 17, 2022 on Prime Video Canada.
Filmed in Quebec, upcoming Series THREE PINES, based on the Novels by Louise Penny, stars Alfred Molina. Penny tells us how moved learning that Molina was cast in the role of Armand, whom is based loosely on her husband whom she says, “understood the gift of life”.
Molina who couldn’t make it to Toronto, tells us via video about his experience filming in Quebec. “My preparation involved reading the Novels. He is operating on different levels. Armand‘s strongest trait as a Detective is his empathy for both victims and perpetrators. I had the best experience working with the Crew, filming from August to late December and you’ll see us following the seasons through the episodes. It was beautiful and I’d work with them for the rest of my life.”.
THREE PINES arrives in 2023 on Prime Video Canada. Left Bank Pictures, which produces THE CROWN, also produces.
This upcoming Docu-Series recalls a 50+ year murder case which still remains unsolved. Smith at the age of 22 was murdered in Oshawa and the Series puts a human face to true crime, while revealing all twists and turns with empathy. Directed by Nathalie Bibeau, the Series arrives May 6, 2022 on Prime Video Canada.
Feature Film SUGAR stars The Shadowhunters’ Katherine McNamara, Jasmin Sky Sarin and Riverdale‘s Anthony Timpano. It is based on a true story of two girls from Montreal who went on a boat cruise, only to get way more than they bargained for. Sarin and Timpano were in-attendance at the presentation.
Sarin says, “These girls go on a beautiful cruise, going to amazing places, documenting everything online. They’re having fun till they aren’t. This is not what they signed-up for and they find themselves in a drug smuggling operation, fighting for their lives.”.
If you loved LOL: Last One Laughing Canada, hosted by Jay Baruchel, a Quebec version of the Comedy Reality Series Competition putting Comedians against one another, is soon to be filmed! Actor Patrick Huard (Bon Cop, Bad Cop) will host.
Nav Saini, Head of Content, Prime Video Canada announced today that the service will be collaborating for the first time ever with Just for Laughs on a French Comedy Special, to be filmed in Quebec. The Special is to be titled JUSTE POUR RIRE. More to come.
Just green-lit this upcoming Series, from Executive Producer Jamie Lee Curtis, is based on a true story of Ruth Clarke and the Maple Syrup Heist. Filming for this Blumhouse production is to begin this Summer as Lee Curtis told us via video.
Mike Downie, brother of late The Tragically Hip Frontman Gord Downie, helms an upcoming Documentary due in 2024 about his brother and the Band’s success and legacy. The surviving Bandmembers attended the event. Fun fact, we learned that the Band actually got signed to a record deal after playing at the Toronto Music Awards, which took place as Massey Hall – a full circle moment.
(Photo/video credit: Prime Video Canada/George Pimentel)
HUSTLERS still ranks among our favourites of 2019 and we’re thrilled with Elevation Pictures/Universal Home Pictures Entertainment to give our Readers in Canada a chance to win a Blu-ray copy of this enthralling true story!
Synopsis:
Inspired by the viral New York Magazine article “The Hustlers at Scores,” follows a crew of savvy strippers who band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients.
Starting in 2007, we meet experienced exotic dancer Ramona (Jennifer Lopez) and newcomer Destiny (Constance Wu). Ramona takes Destiny under her wing and introduces her to the life of an exotic dancer, showing her how the game works. She also learns that the group of strippers she’s become a part of not only dance, but hustle their way into the pockets of their wealthy clients.
However, after the 2008 Wall Street crash, attendance at the club drops off and the dancers struggle to earn money. They devise a scam to coerce potential clubgoers to spend huge amounts of money at the club, with the women getting a large cut of the profits. But this scheme doesn’t work well in the long run.
Features:
Includes Blu-ray, DVD and a digital copy of Hustlers (Digital Copy redemption code subject to expiration. See product insert for details.)
Trailer 1
Trailer 2
Feature Commentary with Director Lorene Scafaria
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
To enter to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK and Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet from @mrwillw of an extra chance.
Rules and regulations here.
Buy here.
HUSTLERS is in stores Tuesday, December 10, 2019.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures/Universal Home Pictures Entertainment)
As if our TIFF ’19 couldn’t be any more explosive, it just did! A bit saddened we missed Leonardo DiCaprio at the Premiere of ICE ON FIRE amidst all the bustle, but we can’t complain!
Ladies and gentlemen, I died when I met Leonardo Dicaprio today! I had my #OnceUponATimeInHollywood Rick Dalton shirt on and he loved it (there he is checking it out in the pic) #Tiff19 pic.twitter.com/DHu7zYmN8R
— MeLiSsA dACrUz ‼TIFF‼ (@MelissaDacruzz) September 8, 2019
Congrats Tina, Cindy + Melissa!
See our day three sightings!
Hover cursor right to navigate each album.
HARRIET – Press Stop
OUR ZOE – Press Stop
BEGINNINGS, ENDINGS – Press Stop
View this post on Instagram
#TIFF19: #JamieDornan x #ShaileneWoodley at #TIFF for #EndingsBeginnings. #HuaweiP30Pro
AMERICAN SON – Press Stop
DOLEMITE IS MY NAME – Press Stop
View this post on Instagram
#TIFF19: Comedy legend #EddieMurphy at #TIFF with #DolemiteismyName! #HuaweiP30Pro
A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD – Press Stop
HUSTLERS – Press Stop
FORD v. FERRARI – Press Stop
THE GOLDFINCH – Afterparty/strong>
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
Review by Mr. Will Wong
Make no mistake, HUSTLERS isn’t just ‘that stripper movie’. Lorene Scafaria (Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Ricki and the Flash) is back with this enthralling look at a group of woman, whom after thriving in the business relying much on Wall Street clientele, see it all fall apart after financial crisis ensues in the late 2000s. Refusing to fall in defeat, the women led by Ramona (Jennifer Lopez), band together in a carefully-executed plan, stealing from unassuming wealthy men silenced by the same of their habits being uncovered.
Hustlers is told from the perspective of Destiny (Constance Wu), as it cuts between past and present where she is being interviewed by Elizabeth (Julia Stiles), a journalist reporting on the scandal. Scafaria hones-in on the heart of the story, a story of two women brought together by their determination to care for their families and drive to give themselves a better life, even if it means doing illegal things.
Lopez has never been better. Wu is fantastic as our eyes into this irresistible, dark world which is both scary and fun at once.
HUSTLERS screens at TIFF Sat, Sep 07, Roy Thomson Hall at 9:30pm and Sun, Sep 08, Ryerson Theatre at 6:00pm.
Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see TIFF ’19 selection HUSTLERS! Screenings take place Wednesday, September 11, 2019 in Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, Halifax, Winnipeg and Edmonton.
Synopsis:
HUSTLERS follows a crew of savvy former strip club employees who band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients. The film was inspired by the article published by New York Magazine entitled “The Hustlers at Scores” written by Jessica Pressler.
See the Trailer:
Artwork:
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!
Elevation Pictures release HUSTLERS Friday, September 13, 2019.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
We can’t wait for this! J-Lo slays it in this new Trailer for HUSTLERS. But you won’t believe this powerful Supporting Cast! LIZZO! CARDI B! CONSTANCE WU! JULIA STILES! LILI REINHART! We’re hearing whispers of a TIFF ’19 Premiere? We’ll see!
Synopsis:
Inspired by the viral New York Magazine article “The Hustlers at Scores,” Hustlers follows a crew of savvy strip club employees who band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients.
We meet experienced exotic dancer Ramona (Jennifer Lopez), and newcomer Destiny (Constance Wu), who learns from Ramona the art of pole dancing. She also learns that the group of strippers she’s become a part of not only dance, but hustle their way into the pockets of their wealthy clients.
See the Trailer:
Elevation Pictures release HUSTLERS this September!
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
We got a huge surprise tonight during the Super Bowl as the latest installment of the BOURNE franchise got a quick unveiling! See this high-octane new Teaser for JASON BOURNE!
Synopsis:
Matt Damon returns to his most iconic role in Jason Bourne. Paul Greengrass, the director of The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum, once again joins Damon for the next chapter of Universal Pictures’ Bourne franchise, which finds the CIA’s most lethal former operative drawn out of the shadows.
Alicia Vikander, Vincent Cassel, Tommy Lee Jones and Julia Stiles also star.
See the Spot:
Universal Pictures Canada release JASON BOURNE on Friday, July 29, 2016.
(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)
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