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WORLD-FAMOUS SELFIES↥ 

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#FIRSTLOOK: “WELCOME TO CHIPPENDALES”

By Mr. Will Wong

Based on the book Deadly Dance: The Chippendales Murders by K. Scot Macdonald and Patrick MontesDeOca, WELCOME TO CHIPPENDALES might on the surface appear to be wild, rowdy and sensational, and that it is in ways. The eight-episode Limited Series exploring the rise and fall of Steve Banerjee, founder of male dance troupe The Chippendales, is more than that, tapping into questions about racism, the circumstances that led a once successful businessman to make detrimental choices and his mental decline.

Kumail Nanjiani stars as Banerjee, whom we meet working at a convenience store being harassed by customers. It’s the late ’70s and America isn’t necessarily the most welcoming place to immigrants. People giggle about his birth name Soman and it’s a real process for him getting into the exclusive restaurants he wishes not being an exclusive member, even after he’s become wealthy legitimately. He’s ambitious, but also obsessive, controlling and a Sociopath. The Series, created by Robert Siegel (Pam & Tommy), gives balanced observations that are in ways empathetic where Banerjee was coming from, without necessarily being forgiving of some of the horrible things he did. Above all, it honours his commitment to making The Chippendales a groundbreaking success, feuding with his creative partner Nick De Noia (Murray Bartlett) in a power struggle, before plotting his demise. It is a balance of legacy and the tragic True Crime that has left a blood stain on The Chippendales‘ brand.

Beneath the copious snorting of coccaine, sex, machismo-proud choreography and flashed buttocks, the Series really attempts to get into Banerjee‘s headspace. The charismatic Nanjiani is tasked with playing someone not necessarily likable and void of charm, but makes us believe he really can go against all odds, win the heart of the woman he feels he deserves and be the boss of an empire. And he does this exceedingly well, especially late in the Series where he growingly is paranoid and vulnerable, refusing to go down in defeat.

Annaleigh Ashford is a real force, playing his wife Irene and is the real moral compass of the story, helping enable him to become the man he aspires to be. But things are problematic when he doesn’t know where to draw the line in order to stay on-top of the throne he built. Bartlett who really is in a career renaissance following a Primetime Emmy win for The White Lotus and a memorable turn on Physical, once again tackles the role with aplomb even if he doesn’t quite get the space his character should have gotten, equally responsible for the success of The Chippendales as its face. Juliette Lewis rounds-out this Ensemble and is better than ever as the present and commanding Denise who is introduced as just a fan, but becomes an integral part of the success story as Bartlett‘s Nick launches plans to bring the troupe on tour… and further away from Banerjee.

The Series explores also Banerjee‘s relationship with his Indian mother, keeping his growing empire a secret from her, exploring cultural disapproval, but he also faces racism in America on a daily basis and in this regard, taps into some of that anger within that drives him to fight. Like Pam & Tommy, Siegel once again takes us back to another era with a commitment to detail, capturing the climate of the time period, taking us on a messy, mesmerizing journey.

The first two episodes of WELCOME TO CHIPPENDALES arrive November 23, 2022, with new episodes arriving weekly on Disney+.

#FIRSTLOOK: NEW TRAILER FOR “WELCOME TO CHIPPENDALES”

We’re so drawn to the saga of The Chippendales! Disney+ today released the official Trailer for upcoming Series WELCOME TO CHIPPENDALES, based on a true story. Strippers. Money. Murder.

Synopsis:

A sprawling true-crime saga, “Welcome to Chippendales” tells the outrageous story of Somen “Steve” Banerjee, an Indian immigrant who became the unlikely founder of the world’s greatest male-stripping empire—and let nothing stand in his way in the process.

“Welcome to Chippendales’” star-studded cast includes Kumail Nanjiani (“The Big Sick”), Murray Bartlett (“The White Lotus”), Juliette Lewis (“Yellowjackets”) and Annaleigh Ashford (“American Crime Story”), with recurring guest stars Quentin Plair (“The Good Lord Bird”), Robin de Jesús (“tick, tick… BOOM!”), and Andrew Rannells (“Girls5eva”), along with guest stars Nicola Peltz Beckham (“Holidate”) and Dan Stevens (“Gaslit”).

Robert Siegel and Nanjiani executive produce alongside Dylan Sellers, Jenni Konner, Matt Shakman, Emily V. Gordon, Nora Silver and Rajiv Joseph, who will write on the series along with Mehar Sethi. Siegel and Konner serve as co-showrunners and Shakman will direct. Jacqui Rivera is co-executive producer and Annie Wyman is co-producer.

Robust parental controls ensure that Disney+ remains a suitable viewing experience for everyone in the family. Subscribers can set access limits on mature content and create PIN-protected profiles alongside the already existing Kids Profiles to give parents and guardians peace of mind.


WELCOME TO CHIPPENDALES arrives on Disney+ November 22, 2022 via its Star banner.

(Photo/video credit: Disney+)

#FIRSTLOOK: “QUEER AS FOLK” (2022)

We’ve been meaning to get around to this for the longest time, but then Pride happened and things got a bit hectic. We loved both the 2000 American version of the Showtime Series, filmed right here in Toronto, and also the original 1999 Channel 4 Series. I remember distinctly sneaking downstairs into the living room while Mom and Dad slept, and watching it with the volume down low late at night. The Series meant so much to me growing-up because there weren’t many LGBTQ+ characters on TV and here I was immersed entirely in these fictional worlds, waiting eagerly for the next episode. If only they knew the way they’d pave eventually for LGBTQ+ Storytellers today and the conversations they would enable in a generation to follow. And here we are today with a new reimaging of Queer as Folk from Peacock, speaking to yet another generation.

At the center of this new Series are Brodie (Devin Way), Noah (Johnny Sibilly) and Mingus (Fin Argus), our new Love Triangle. Brodie returns to New Orleans after quitting Medical School, reuniting with his ex Noah and the two have some unresolved issues in their relationship to work out. Their lives are intertwined further and changed irreversibly when tragedy strikes at a night club where their friend Daddius is shot to death. Trauma Queens, if you will. Brodie and Mingus narrowly escape death. And the Series focuses on how these central characters cope and navigate the pain of loss, ever-present Homophobia in the community they live, and also the dynamics of their own strained relationships with themselves amongst themselves. We meet also Ruthie (Jesse James Keitel.. a relative of Harvey) who is a Trans woman navigating the tragedy also and becoming a new mother with her partner Shar (CG). And yes, the baby is Brodie‘s.

In many ways, this new Series is louder and prouder than its Predecessors, but the humour is just as biting and cruel, true to brand. And it isn’t just gay white men at the center of this world. We get so involved with these characters and their complicated lives that we forget just how diverse this Cast actually is. The Series goes a layer deeper in its exploration how these characters process grief and the post-trauma. Tonally, they get it right, self-aware of its own cynicism towards things like those using the tragedy to serve themselves, but it becomes heartfelt where it matters and is appropriate. We see and hear the course-corrections it makes, necessitating a reboot today, whether it be calling-out misgendering or acknowledging disability.

We love Sibilly from HBO Max’s HACKS and are thrilled he gets the space to flex his craft here as Noah, who knows Brodie is wrong for him but welcomes him back into his world. This is a great introduction to Way as well who carries much of the weight as the Series’ Protagonist. He’s flawed and figuring it out and that’s what keeps us invested. But how about this Supporting Cast? Familiar faces like Kim Cattrall as Brodie‘s quirky mom is a real treat, as is Juliette Lewis as Mingus’ mother – also eccentric, but both undeniably cool. And yes, we think we recognize Ed Begley Jr. as Brodie‘s dad!

Though QUEER AS FOLK premiered late June, it’s not too late to get caught-up on STACKTV. New episodes air in Canada Sundays 9 PM ET on Showcase.

#SUNDANCE: “MAYDAY”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

After a storm causes short circuits at her place of work, Ana (Grace Van Patten) wakes up on a mysterious island. She quickly finds herself among an army of girls — Marsha (Mia Goth), Bea (Havana Rose Lui), and Gert (Sono) — who are in a never-ending war. The leader of the pack, Marsha, explains that Ana was sent there because of the sexist experiences and assault she endured. The four women spend their days luring men to the island through false mayday calls to hunt them.

Writer-Director Karen Cinorre has created a feminist Fantasy film with a beautiful setting and compelling visuals. There is an alternate reality feeling to the island. A place where women can seek revenge on those who have wronged them. Cinorre creates conflict on this idyllic island by throwing in the good guys with the bad. When Ana realizes that not all the men are a threat tensions heighten between her and the war-intent Marsha.

Marsha is the standout character and Goth gives a commanding performance. She’s at her best when butting heads with Van Patten over the altering views. Same goes for Van Patten who is great as the level headed Ana. The rest of the ensemble, which includes a minor but memorable role from Juliette Lewis, is strong and play well off each other.

Although the Film drags at times, Cinorre gets her message and questions surrounding empowerment across. Additionally, she’s got a strong creative flair that brings her feminist message to a reimagined war-fantasy.

Mayday screens at Sundance:

Live Premiere: January 31 at 3 PM (EST)

On-Demand (available for 24 hours): February 2 at 10AM (EST)

#TIFF13: “AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY”

There is absolutely no way this isn’t going to be amazing. Based on the Award-winning Play August: Osage County, The Weinstein Co. just released this brand new Trailer for this  upcoming Film Adaptation.  It centers around three strong-willed Women brought back to the Midwest after a Crisis takes place, reuniting them with the dysfunctional Woman who raised them;  John Wells (Shameless, ER) directs.

Take a deep breath.  The Cast includes: Julia Roberts, Abigail Breslin, Juliette Lewis, Ewan McGregor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Cooper, Sam Shepard and of course, MERYL STREEP!

August: Osage County looks to deliver tons of sass and lands in theatres November 8, 2013.  

Watch the Trailer:

Those of you attending TIFF ’13 can see it first:
Monday, September 9, 2013 – Roy Thomson Hall at 6:30 PM
Tuesday, September 10, 2013 – Visa Screening Room (Elgin) at 11:00 AM

(Photo/video credit: The Weinstein Co./eOne Films)

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