Netflix‘s most expensive endeavour yet, The Crown, focuses on Queen Elizabeth‘s rise to the throne beginning from her marriage to King Philip.  Set to take place over six seasons at ten episodes each, you can bet the Internet Television purveyor is confident in its investment. The ambitious drama series takes us within the walls of Buckingham Palace, peeling-off the Royal Family mask and giving us fly-on-the-wall access with  a few scandalous surprises along the way. Stephen Frears returns to direct here after finding Oscar success on familiar territory with 2006’s The Queen.

We had the pleasure of previewing the first few episodes of The Crown and right away found ourselves swept away into Queen Elizabeth‘s (Claire Foy) world after suddenly she is thrust into the spotlight with the sudden passing of her father, King George (Jared Harris). We had little clue who Foy was before setting her eyes upon her here, but we quickly have become a huge fan of her already. Possessing physically one-part the relatability of Reese Witherspoon and one-part the commanding elegance of a Felicity Jones, something feels familiar about her. She captivates at every turn and we want very much to see her transformation as a young wife, mother, daughter and sister into a powerful world ruler.  We want also to witness and understand the change in family dynamics that come with her new role.

Aside from the Queen‘s journey, we get insight on some of the power struggles both the Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Jon Lithgow) and Royal Family in the wake of  King George‘s (Jared Harris) death, the former venerable and vulnerable as his standing in the political world is threatened as others chomp at the bit to succeed him. The Crown reads at times as a political drama and other times like a juicy soap opera.

We see Princess Margaret also as an arresting young beauty involved in an illicit romance with married Group Captain Peter Townsend (Ben Miles), Vanessa Kirby playing the much criticized public figure with great empathy. Her carefree nature juxtaposes well with her sister’s great focus when matters become serious after her father’s passing.

Matt Smith balances a young King Philip with a perfect aloofness and at once an awareness that keeps us invested with him as an outsider looking into a world rooted deeply in tradition and history, in which he along with we, are just getting immersed.

Performances aside, the cinematography is simply breathtaking and clearly we see where that well-publicized budget of $7.5 million per episode was spent in all the detail.

The Crown looks to be an adored staple for seasons to come. We’re thrilled for the world to discover the Royal Family as you’ve never seen them before. Netflix Canada stream the first 10 episodes of THE CROWN Friday, November 4, 2016.

See this brand-new Featurette from the Series:

Halloween is just around the corner and while it is a joy seeing all the adorable little costumes, let’s be real for a second, it’s super annoying having to pause what we’re watching on TV every time that doorbell rings! Never fret, Netflix has the perfect solution for your Halloween night viewing so that you can plan around all the ghoulish unpredictability that ensues! Get those bloody thumbs ready!

Here’s your “Pause + Effect” schedule:

Planning on staying in? Love STRANGER THINGS? Why not try these Series-inspired creations which positively look horrific and taste terrific below:

FRENCH ONION BARB

DEMOGORGON PIE

Happy Halloween!

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

We’re about two weeks away from the release of Netflix‘s most expensive Series made ever with a budget of $7.5 million per episode. THE CROWN recalls Queen Elizabeth II’s (Claire Foy) reign from her marriage to Prince Philip (Matt Smith) to present day. Starring in the titular role at this point is Foy, with the buzzed and controversial Series which strips away the Royal Family mask, expected to span across six seasons.

In town to ring-in the release of THE CROWN are stars Jared Harris (Mad Men, The Mortal Instruments) who plays King George VI, and Vanessa Kirby in the role of Princess Margaret. While rushed, the duo met and greeted fans quickly, although Kirby was kind to come out of her vehicle for a quick second to snap a Selfie with Billy and I after doing a limited number of photo ops.

The pair began their day at CITY‘s Breakfast Television before splitting up for a bit to do press. An intimate Premiere and Reception will be held in celebration of what looks like a staple for the groundbreaking streaming service.

See our Snaps:

Billy meets Princess Margaret, played by the lovely #VanessaKirby in controversial new #Netflix series #TheCrown.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Oct 25, 2016 at 5:23am PDT

#JaredHarris meets Billy! The #MadMen star in town for #Netflix series #TheCrown.

A photo posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Oct 25, 2016 at 5:25am PDT

Watch the latest Trailer for THE CROWN:

Netflix Canada stream the first ten episodes of THE CROWN Friday, November 4, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

After a Premiere at TIFF ’16, Netflix present new release JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND THE TENNESSEE KIDS, documenting the worldwide megastar’s emotional final show of his 20/20 Experience World Tour!

Synopsis:
Music superstar Justin Timberlake and acclaimed director Jonathan Demme team up for a visionary concert-film experience with the new Netflix release Justin Timberlake + the Tennessee Kids. Timberlake, along with his band and dancers – the Tennessee Kids – will have you on your feet singing along, from “Cry Me a River” to “Mirrors.” The Netflix Original Film, which premiered at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival, gives you the best seat in the house for the final show of the 20/20 Experience World Tour at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena in January 2015.

See the Trailer:

Netflix Canada stream JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND THE TENNESSEE KIDS Wednesday, October 12, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

We’ve waited a long time for this! We love Baz Luhrmann and since hearing about his new Series for Netflix, THE GET DOWN, we’ve been stoked.

Synopsis:
The Get Down is a mythic saga of how New York at the brink of bankruptcy gave birth to a new art form. Set in New York in 1977, this music-driven drama series chronicles the rise of hip-hop and the last days of disco -– told through the lives, music, art and dance of the South Bronx kids who would change the world forever.

The Get Down is from Baz Luhrmann and a team of collaborators including four-time Oscar® winner and fellow executive producer Catherine Martin, legendary MC and executive producer Nas, associate producer Grandmaster Flash, Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, co-creator and executive producer Stephen Adly Guirgis; and expert collaborators, including hip-hop historian and supervising producer Nelson George.

Shameik Moore (Shaolin Fantastic), Justice Smith (Ezekiel “Books” Figuero), Herizen Guardiola (Mylene Cruz), Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Cadillac), Jaden Smith (Dizzee Kipling), Skylan Brooks (Ra-Ra Kipling), Tremaine Brown Jr. (Boo Boo Kiping), Mamoudou Athie (Grandmaster Flash), Jimmy Smits (Francisco “Papa Fuerte” Cruz) and Giancarlo Esposito (Ramon Cruz) star.

See this new Trailer for the Series:

Netflix streams the first six episodes of THE GET DOWN on Friday, August 12, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

A star-studded Pride month in Toronto has come to an end and although we regret not being able to partake in the fun this weekend, we are thrilled we got to meet one of the brightest stars of the love-filled celebration!  Samira Wiley is best known for her work as Poussey Washington in Netflix‘s ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK and together with Lauren Morelli, Jackie Cruz, Dascha Polanco and Diane Guerrero, they lit-up the City amidst the festivities, while promoting the just-released fourth season of the wildly-popular, award-winning Series.

Wiley, who studied at Juilliard in New York, is currently seeing Series writer Morelli, and we see that they splurged on their love of Poutine while here!

We love Wiley and along with the Series’ many ardent fans, sad to see her leave the Series. When asked what’s next, she says “We’ll see!”.  We bonded over our wooden-framed sunglasses.  She is amazing!

Matching sunnies. Love and miss #SamiraWiley, #OITNB star known best for her work as #PousseyWashington. She was here for #PrideTO! @whododatlikedat 🕶

A video posted by Mr. Will Wong 📸 (@mrwillwong) on Jul 4, 2016 at 12:43pm PDT

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

An interesting mix of characters are featured in the upcoming season season of Netflix Documentary Series CHEF’S TABLE! This Trailer for Season 2 is scintillating with some absolutely gorgeous creations and certainly doesn’t lack on the drama. Some questions asked, “How does someone without the ability to taste become a world-class chef?” and “Can a chef’s looks take away from their ability to be taken seriously?”.

Featured Chefs this Season include:
Alex Atala, Dom, (São Paulo)
Ana Roš, Hiša Franko (Kobarid)
Dominique Crenn, Atelier Crenn (San Francisco)
Enrique Olvera, Pujol (Mexico City)
Gaggan Anand, Gaggan (Bangkok)
Grant Achatz, Alinea, Next, The Aviary (Chicago)

Synopsis:

Audiences are invited back to take another globe trot in Chef’s Table Seasons 2, 3, and 4 where the series will showcase a variety of chefs from all over the world; talking about what inspires them and how it translates into their individual styles. The filmmakers embark on a personal look into the daily lives of these carefully curated chefs, from their diverse backgrounds to the evolution and craft of their chosen cuisine as well as their quests for sensory perfection.

Trailer:

Netflix Canada stream the first six episodes CHEF’S TABLE SEASON 2 Friday, May 27, 2016, with more courses to be offered later this year and early 2017!

(Photo/video credit: Netflix Canada)

Our favourite inmates are back and it looks like they are ready to get themselves in a whole lotta trouble! The Trailer for season four of the Series has just been released!

Watch:

Netflix Canada stream all 13 episodes of ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK Friday, June 17, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)

Few names have risen as fast in the past year as Model/Actress Ruby Rose. The Australian beauty despite having been in Toronto multiple times already for series Dark Matter and also during TIFF ’15 when she came to DJ and party with BFF Ellen Page, is back for something much more high-profile.  Cast in upcoming installment of the XXX franchise The Return of Xander Cage, Rose continues work on the Blockbuster as femme fatale, Adele, seeing Co-star Vin Diesel back in action and in his element! The Flick by D.J. Caruso just wrapped its Dominican Republic component and will at some point move to the Philippines.

Rose, pardon the pun, has risen to popularity with her role on Netflix‘s ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK as Stella Carlin.  The Series has been renewed another three seasons based on its Award-winning success!

We caught-up with Rose earlier after a celebratory weekend in Los Angeles accepting the GLAAD Stephen Kolzak Award (from Taylor Swift of all people!) for outstanding contributions to the LGBT community and she is just as amazing as we thought she’d be.  Believe me, we had to work for this. We admit, we have a huge crush!

See our Snap:

XXX: The Return of Xander Cage films in Toronto through May. Paramount Pictures release.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Is it horrible that we expected the worst seeing the first few seconds of this Season Four HOUSE OF CARDS Tease with Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) digging … presumably a grave?

See the Trailer:

Netflix Canada stream HOUSE OF CARDS Season 4 beginning Friday, March 4, 2016.

(Photo/video credit: Netflix)