TERMINATOR: DARK FATE takes the top spot at the Box Office in its debut this weekend with $27.1 million from 4,086 theatres for Paramount Pictures. It gets 69% on the Tomatometer and a B+ CinemaScore.

MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL lands a distant second with $11.2 million from 3,280 theatres of Disney,  a three week total of $82.5 million in North America.

In third is JOKER with $11.2 million for Warner Bros., a five week total of $296.8 million domestically.

HARRIET debuts in fourth for Focus Features/Universal Pictures with $8 million from 2,059 theatres. The TIFF ’19 selection gets a 73% on the Tomatometer and an excellent A+ CinemaScore from Audiences.

ARCTIC DOGS opens in seventh with $5 million from 2,844 theatres for Entertainment Studios. It gets a B- CinemaScore.

THE LIGHTHOUSE in eighth in its second week out with $4.4 million from 978 theatres for A24 Films/VVS Films. 

BLACK AND BLUE rounds it all out wth $3.4 million for Sony Pictures in its second week.

JOKER returns to the top spot once again at the Box Office this weekend with $17.7 million from 3,936 theatres for Warner Bros. This brings its four week tally to $276.3 million.

In second spot his last week’s queen, MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL with $15.9 million, a total of $62.8 million over two weeks for Disney in North America.

Third goes to ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP with $12.2 million for Sony Pictures, a two week total of $47.6 million.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY gets fourth with $10 million for Universal Pictures, a total $71 million in its third week out.

COUNTDOWN debuts in fifth for STX Entertainment/Elevation Pictures with $8 million from 2,675 theatres. The Thriller gets 23% on the Tomatometer and C+ CinemaScore.

BLACK AND BLUE opens in sixth with $6 million for Sony Pictures. The Cop Action-Drama gets 46% on the Tomatometer.

At the bottom of the Top Ten is THE LIGHTHOUSE with $2 million for A24/VVS Films, playing at just 586 theatres. The Robert Eggers film starring Robert Pattinson, gets 91% on the Tomatometer.

While it doesn’t quite match the feat of its Predecessor, MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL opens on-top for Disney in its bow with $37 million from 3,790 theatres. It gets 41% on the Tomatometer and an A CinemaScore. The previous installment in 2014 opened with $69.4 million.

In second after two weeks on-top, is JOKER with $28.3 million from 4,090 theatres for Warner Bros., a total $346 million grossed thus far in North America.

In third is ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP with $26.5 million for Sony Pictures from 3,468 theatres. This bests its 2009 Predecessor which opened with $24 million. It gets 68% on the Tomatometer and a B+ CinemaScore.

HUSTLERS is in right with $2 million from 1,575 theatres for STX Entertainment/Elevation Pictures, taking it just past the $100 million-mark donestically in six weeks.

IT: CHAPTER TWO rounds-out this Top Ten with $1.4 million from 1,528 theatres, a seven week run of $209.5 million. It just edges-out critical darling PARASITE, which from just 30 theatres, takes $1.38 million for Neon/MK2.

A special treat is in stores for those of you in Toronto! This is your chance to get MALEFICENT nails done! 💅

WHAT: To celebrate the release of “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” Walt Disney Studios Canada invites fans to experience the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil Pop-Up Nail Salon at Majesty’s Pleasure. Open to the public and free of charge, the limited time event offers guests complimentary polish changes featuring a custom nail design inspired by the film.

WHEN: Thursday, October 17 from 9 AM – 1 PM ET
All services are first come first serve
*Media previews for coverage purposes are available on request

WHERE: MAJESTY’S PLEASURE
556 King Street West
Toronto, ON
M5V 1M3

Maleficent is in theatres Friday, October 17, 2019.

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Canada)

Walt Disney Studios Canada x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win Advance Passes to see Disney’s MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL as follows:

Toronto: October 16th, 7pm, at Yonge + Dundas Theatre
Vancouver is: Oct. 16th at 7pm, Scotiabank Vancouver
Montreal: Oct.16th at 7pm, English – Forum, French – Starcite Montreal
Calgary: Oct 16th at 7pm, Scotiabank Chinook
Edmonton: Oct 16th at 7pm, South Edmonton Theatre

Synopsis:
The years have been kind to Maleficent and Aurora. Their relationship, born of heartbreak, revenge and ultimately love, has flourished. Yet the hatred between man and the fairies still exists. Aurora’s impending marriage to Prince Phillip is cause for celebration in the kingdom of Ulstead and the neighboring Moors, as the wedding serves to unite the two worlds. When an unexpected encounter introduces a powerful new alliance, Maleficent and Aurora are pulled apart to opposing sides in a Great War, testing their loyalties and causing them to question whether they can truly be family.

See the Trailer:

Artwork:

Contest rules and regulations here.

Disney’s MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL is in theatres, Thursday, October 17, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Canada)

©Disney

Disney held their annual D23 Expo in Anaheim, California today and several announcements were made and unveiled including some exciting casting additions to Marvel’s The Eternals. The Cast of FROZEN 2 even did a performance!

Check-out some of the highlights!

LUCASFILM

President of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy and “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” director/writer/producer J.J. Abrams showcased the riveting conclusion to the Skywalker saga. Kennedy and Abrams revved up the audience, introducing nine stars from the film—many of whom marked this as their first D23 Expo appearance: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Anthony Daniels, Naomi Ackie, Keri Russell, Joonas Suotamo, Kelly Marie Tran and Billy Dee Williams, plus special appearances from R2-D2, BB-8 and the new droid D-O. A brand-new poster was revealed—and gifted to the entire audience. And all were given a look back at the incredible legacy of Star Wars storytelling and treated to a sneak peek of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” which opens in theatres on Dec. 19, 2019.

MARVEL STUDIOS

Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios, kicked off his presentation with a surprise visit from “Black Panther” director and co-writer Ryan Coogler. Together, they revealed that “Black Panther 2” (working title) will hit theatres on May 6, 2022.

Feige segued to next year’s “The Eternals,” inviting cast members from the much-anticipated film to the stage: Richard Madden, who portrays the all-powerful Ikaris; Kumail Nanjiani, who plays cosmic-powered Kingo; Lauren Ridloff, who portrays the super-fast Makkari, the first deaf hero in the MCU; Brian Tyree Henry, who plays the intelligent inventor Phastos; Salma Hayek, who plays the wise and spiritual leader Ajak; Lia McHugh, who portrays the eternally young, old-soul Sprite; Don Lee, who plays the powerful Gilgamesh; and Angelina Jolie, who stars as the fierce warrior Thena. Feige revealed concept art images of each character, and announced three new cast members and their characters: Gemma Chan, who plays humankind-loving Sersi; Kit Harington, who was cast as non-Eternal Dane Whitman, and Barry Keoghan, who portrays aloof loner Druig, and was on hand for the event. Directed by Chloé Zhao, who helmed the critically acclaimed Sundance film “The Rider,” “The Eternals” opens in theatres on Nov. 6, 2020.

Feige concluded with “Black Widow,” the Cate Shortland-directed first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which hits theatres on May 1, 2020. Feige shared a pre-recorded greeting featuring stars Scarlett Johansson, who reprises her role of Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow; David Harbour, who was cast as Alexei the Red Guardian; and Florence Pugh, who plays Yelena. The audience was also treated to an exclusive look at the upcoming film.

DISNEY LIVE ACTION

Sean Bailey, president, Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, took the audience through upcoming releases for the studio, including next summer’s “Jungle Cruise,” a rousing adventure inspired by the classic theme-park attraction. Star Dwayne Johnson, who plays riverboat captain Frank Wolff, entered Hall D23 aboard an original Jungle Cruise boat, introducing a “trailer” that showed off his character—so much so, that co-star Emily Blunt, who portrays Dr. Lily Houghton, arrived via classic car to share with fans her own “trailer,” offering a different perspective—Bailey laughingly informed Johnson and Blunt that neither trailer was official. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” hits theatres on July 24, 2020.

Bailey welcomed Angelina Jolie back to the stage to present exclusive footage and details about Disney’s “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” the exciting follow-up to the hit 2014 film. Maleficent, portrayed by Jolie, and her goddaughter Aurora, played by Elle Fanning, begin to question the complex family ties that bind them as they are pulled in different directions by impending nuptials, unexpected allies and new dark forces at play. Aurora’s imminent marriage to Prince Phillip is cause for celebration—however, Prince Phillip’s mother, Queen Ingrith, portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer, challenges Maleficent’s role as Aurora’s mother figure. Chiwetel Ejiofor stars as Connal, one of the leaders of the dark fey who becomes Maleficent’s ally. Ejiofor, Pfeiffer and Fanning were all welcomed to the stage by an enthusiastic audience. Directed by Joachim Rønning, who co-helmed 2017’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” arrives in theatres on Oct. 17, 2019.

Bailey next introduced acclaimed filmmaker Niki Caro, director of “Mulan,” the upcoming live-action reimagining of the 1998 classic animated film. Caro expressed to fans her passion for the project, sharing several minutes of footage from the epic adventure inspired by one of China’s fiercest warriors. In Disney’s “Mulan,” which opens in theatres on March 27, 2020, the Emperor of China issues a decree that one man per family must serve in the Imperial Army to defend the country from Northern invaders. So, the eldest daughter of an honored but ailing warrior masquerades as a man, transforming into a heroic warrior to ultimately earn her the respect of a grateful nation and a proud father.

Next up, Bailey shared details about “Cruella,” an all-new feature film starring Emma Stone and Emma Thompson. Stone, who plays the iconic “Cruella,” sent D23 Expo fans a greeting from the London-based set with help from a spotted, four-legged co-star. Fans also got a glimpse of an image of Stone in full costume with Cruella’s signature black-and-white hair. Director Craig Gillespie, who helmed “I, Tonya” and “The Finest Hours,” brings “Cruella” to the big screen on May 28, 2021, with a fresh, 1970s, punk-rock approach.

PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS

Pixar Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter guided the audience through Pixar’s upcoming film slate of originals. Docter began with next summer’s release, “Soul,” which he directs. The film journeys from the streets of New York City to the never-before-seen cosmic realms and “The You Seminar,” the fantastical place where we all discover our unique personalities. Producer Dana Murray, co-director/writer Kemp Powers and writer Mike Jones joined Docter on stage, and together they set up the film for the audience and shared a sneak peek. The team revealed members of the voice cast who joined them on stage, including Ahmir Questlove Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Daveed Diggs, Tina Fey and Jamie Foxx. Foxx lends his voice to Joe Gardner, a middle-school band teacher whose true passion is playing jazz. Fey plays 22, a soul-in-training who has an unexpected encounter with Joe when he accidentally finds his way to the “You Seminar.” Together, the two are going to find a way to get Joe back to Earth, making him think again about what it truly means to have soul. Filmmakers also revealed that globally renowned musician Jon Batiste will be writing original jazz music for the film, and Oscar®-winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (“The Social Network”), from Nine Inch Nails, will compose an original score that will drift between the real and soul worlds. Disney and Pixar’s “Soul” opens in theatres on June 19, 2020.

Docter next introduced director Dan Scanlon and producer Kori Rae, who shared details and more than ten minutes of exclusive footage from Pixar’s upcoming feature film “Onward.” The movie, which opens in theatres on March 6, 2020, stars Tom Holland and Chris Pratt as two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, who embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still a little magic left in the world. Set in a modern fantasy world, Disney and Pixar’s “Onward” is inspired by Scanlon’s personal experiences with his brother. Holland, Pratt and Julia Louis-Dreyfus—who voices Mom in the movie—joined the filmmakers on stage—much to the delight of the audience, who all received an exclusive “Onward” poster.

WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee presented an overview of the studio’s next two features, beginning with the Thanksgiving 2020 fantasy-action-adventure, “Raya and the Last Dragon.” Directors Paul Briggs and Dean Wellins (“Big Hero 6,” “Frozen”), producer Osnat Shurer (“Moana”) and writer Adele Lim (“Crazy Rich Asians”) joined Lee on stage to set up the film, which introduces Raya, a lone warrior from the fantasy kingdom of Kumandra who teams up with a crew of misfits in her quest to find the Last Dragon and bring light and unity back to their world. The D23 Expo crowd was the first to get a look at the new film, viewing an exclusive three-minute piece. They also met two newly announced members of the voice cast: Awkwafina lends her voice to Sisu, the Last Dragon, who was left on Earth in case dark forces return to the world, and Cassie Steele voices the lead character, Raya. Exploring themes of community and hope, and inspired by the beautiful and diverse cultures of Southeast Asia, the fantasy-action-adventure “Raya and the Last Dragon” opens in theatres on Nov. 25, 2020.

Lee, who directs “Frozen 2” with Chris Buck, and wrote the screenplay, invited Buck to join her on stage as the Oscar®-winning duo revealed new details about the upcoming film, which opens in theatres on Nov. 21. Lee and Buck introduced two new “Frozen 2” cast members: Sterling K. Brown, who voices Lieutenant Destin Mattias, and Evan Rachel Wood, who voices Queen Iduna, Anna and Elsa’s mother. The crowd—who received an exclusive D23 Expo “Frozen 2” poster—saw never-before-seen footage of the new characters, including a scene that featured Wood as Iduna singing to young Elsa and Anna. The song, “All Is Found,” is one of seven all-new original songs by Oscar®-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. The audience also saw a sequence from the movie that showcased Elsa’s yearning for answers about the past, culminating in another song, “Into the Unknown.” And a climactic performance of the song “Some Things Never Change” by Menzel, Bell, Groff and Gad brought the audience to its feet, capping off the studio presentation in extraordinary style.

(Photo credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

Following the international success of 2014’s Maleficent comes the long-awaited followup, MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL!

Synopsis:

“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” is a fantasy adventure that picks up several years after “Maleficent,” in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney’s most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora. The film continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within. The film is directed by Joachim Rønning from a story by Linda Woolverton and a screenplay by Linda Woolverton and Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster, the film is produced by Joe Roth, Angelina Jolie and Duncan Henderson with Matt Smith, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Michael Vieira serving as executive producers.

See the Trailer:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL Friday, October  18, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

We’ve missed Angelina, but this will do! A new release date and Artwork have been announced for MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL!

See the Artwork:

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada release MALEFICENT: MISTRESS OF EVIL Friday, October 18, 2019.

(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Canada)

For the second week in-a-row, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes finds itself atop the Box Office again with $36 million from 3,969 theatres for 20th Century Fox. The second film in the Apes Franchise to date has grossed $138 million in its two week run.

The Purge: Anarchy opens in second spot with $28.4 million from 2,805 theatres for Universal Pictures, almost matching its 2013 Predecessor, which debuted with $34 million. Critics gave the Horror mixed reviews, tallying-in at 53% on the Tomatometer at Rotten Tomatoes, while Audiences gave it a neither here nor there B CinemaScore.

Planes: Fire & Rescue debuts in third with $18 million for Disney from 3,826 theatres. Taking place in the same World as the Studio’s massively-successful Cars Franchise, Critics didn’t take to the family-friendly offering with a 45% score on the Tomatometer. Audiences on the other hand loved it, giving it an A CinemaScore.

The heavily-promoted Sex Tape debuts in fourth spot with $15 million for Sony Pictures from 3,062 theatres. The Comedy starring Jason Segel and Cameron Diaz pulls in a paltry 20% on the Tomatometer from Critics and Audiences didn’t think much of it either with a C+ CinemaScore.

Transformers: Age of Extinction slips to fifth spot with $10 million for Paramount Pictures, just surpassing $228 million in North America, becoming Mark Wahlberg‘s highest grossing Film of all time.

Maleficent rounds-out the Top Ten with $3 million in its eighth week out, edging-in on $230 million domestically.

In yet another battle of the Sequels at the Box Office this weekend, Think Like a Man debuts atop the Box Office with a stellar $30 million from 2,225 theatres for Sony Pictures, just like its 2012 Predecessor did in its opening!  Starring Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, Meagan Good and Regina Hall, the Comedy got little love from the Critics, tallying-in with 22% on the Tomatometer, but Audiences were more than forgiving, giving it an A- CinemaScore.  The Film was made for $42 million and looks to be just one in successful Franchise.

22 Jump Street continues to perform impressively and just because it lands in second in its second week out, it by no means goes down shamed, only narrowly getting edged-out for top spot.  It earns a fantastic $28 million from 3,306 theatres this weekend for Sony Pictures, as positive word-of-mouth continues to spread from Moviegoers for the well-reviewed Sequel.

In third spot this weekend  is How to Train Your Dragon 2 with $25 million for 20th Century Fox.  It inches in its second week close to the $100 million-mark already domestically.

Based on the TONY-winning Musical, Jersey Boys has a lukewarm opening for Warner Bros. with $13.5 million from 2,905 theatres. Reviews likewise for the Clint Eastwood-directed Film were mixed, earning a 55% on the Tomatometer and inversely, a great A- CinemaScore.

Maleficent finds itself in fifth spot with $12.5 million for Disney in its fourth week, now having grossed $185 million in North America.

The Fault in our Stars brings-in $9 million in its third week out for 20th Century Fox, just shy of the $100 million-mark domestically.

Chef rounds-out the Top Ten for Open Road/VVS Films with $16.8 million, now in its seventh week out.