Hayden Christensen and Director Deborah Chow (The Mandalorian, Mr. Robot) got a hero’s welcome back to Toronto tonight at a special six-hour Marathon Screening of the Series STAR WARS: OBI-WAN KENOBI at Scotiabank Theatre with an Intro and Q&A!
Fans queued for a chance to see the Series star, who reprises his role of Anakin Skywalker in the Series, along with Chow, who directs the Limited Series! Both are proudly Torontonian. And Fans surely weren’t disappointed, getting lots of facetime with them.
Christensen and Chow wrapped-up a two-day Press Tour in Toronto which concluded with a post-marathon Q&A where they answered fan questions, moderated by Toronto Film Critic and TV Personality, Richard Crouse.
Chow, who had directed two episodes of The Mandalorian, reveals that her favourite moment of this new Star Wars Series, is Episode Six and all the build-up that brought her to the Finale. Christensen, reveals that Ewan McGregor‘s performance as the Titular Character and what he brought to his character, is his favourite thing about the Series.
ABOUT STAR WARS: OBI-WAN KENOBI:
“Obi-Wan Kenobi” begins 10 years after the dramatic events of “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith” where Obi-Wan Kenobi faced his greatest defeat—the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.
Carousel:
Some more Snaps of the festivities:
STAR WARS: OBI-WAN KENOBI streams now, only on Disney+.
(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong/Disney)
By Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
In a galaxy far, far away we have the first two episodes of The Book of Boba Fett and while there is a lot of back story and information thrown at the audience, there is definitely a lot to have for die-hard fans and casual fans alike. Not going to spoil anything, including the end of The Mandalorian either, but there more back story of how Boba Fett became Boba Fett versus where he currently resides and the responsibilities he has now. But strap yourself in for the adventure worth a bounty!
Episodes one and two feature our titular character, Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison) and his right hand advocate Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen) as they’re continuing their saga as it ended at the end of The Mandalorian Season Two. While balancing what is happening in the current time, they explore the past and how Boba Fett came to be the world’s greatest Bounty Hunter. There is a lot for fans to indulge in within these first two episodes, while sometimes the time shifting is a little hard to follow, there are always great fight sequences and a Batman Begins-esque training montage explaining how he became who he is.
There is so much to indulge in and enjoy with these first two episodes of The Book of Boba Fett, however it will always leave the audiences wanting more as each episode ends. There is so much to unpack, without spoiling anything, and brings forth some truly deep cut characters like Black Krrsantan showing up in episode two. There is a lot to love about The Book of Boba Fett and we cannot wait to see what else comes forward in this season in the Star Wars universe.
Episodes one and two of THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT is now streaming on Disney+.
Two new character posters have been unveiled for upcoming Disney+ Series STAR WARS spinoff, THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT: Boba Fett and Fennec Shand.
Synopsis:
“The Book of Boba Fett,” a thrilling Star Wars adventure teased in a surprise end-credit sequence following the Season 2 finale of “The Mandalorian,” finds legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett and mercenary Fennec Shand navigating the galaxy’s underworld when they return to the sands of Tatooine to stake their claim on the territory once ruled by Jabba the Hutt and his crime syndicate.
“The Book of Boba Fett” stars Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen. Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Robert Rodriguez, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson are the executive producers. Karen Gilchrist and Carrie Beck serve as co-executive producers, with John Bartnicki producing and John Hampian as co-producer.
THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT arrives December 29, 2021 on Disney+.
(Photo/video credit: Disney)
Star Wars fans, something exciting is coming this Holiday! Check-out the new Trailer for THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT.
Synopsis:
“The Book of Boba Fett,” is a thrilling Star Wars adventure teased in a surprise end-credit sequence following the Season 2 finale of “The Mandalorian,” finds legendary bounty hunter Boba Fett and mercenary Fennec Shand navigating the galaxy’s underworld when they return to the sands of Tatooine to stake their claim on the territory once ruled by Jabba the Hutt and his crime syndicate.
“The Book of Boba Fett” stars Temuera Morrison and Ming-Na Wen. Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Robert Rodriguez, Kathleen Kennedy and Colin Wilson are the executive producers. Karen Gilchrist and Carrie Beck serve as co-executive producers, with John Bartnicki producing and John Hampian as co-producer.
THE BOOK OF BOBA FETT arrives December 29, 2021 on Disney+.
(Photo/video credit: Disney+)
By Mr. Will Wong
Lots of wonderful streaming options to share with you as we enter my favourite season! Put on that cardigan, grab a blanket and cozy on up with your Pumpkin Spice Latte and enjoy some of our recommendations!
This South Korean Series is bloody violent and a sleeper hit for Netflix, just now garnering all the buzz! The nine-episode Drama pits 456 contestants who are deeply in debt, against one another in a game of survival where they are to compete in children’s activities with deadly consequences. But who exactly will go on to win the 456 billion (Korean dollars) prize with the stakes being upped as each contestant gets killed? At the center of it is Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), divorced and a single father with a gambling addiction who gets in way over his head, literally gambling his life away – but this might be his only shot left at reclaiming back his life. Will he succeed and at what cost does this come? The Series is overdubbed in English for those of us who are just too tired to read and the Voice Actors do a very capable job translating the emotions and fears of these Actors. We’ve never quite seen anything like this deadly game of survival, which is one-part The Hunger Games, one-part Tarantino and all sorts of crazy! SQUID GAME streams now on Netflix.
This ten-episode Mini-Series is based on Stephanie Land’s New York Times best-selling Memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive. It centers on a young single mother Alex (Margaret Qualley) who decides to leave her manipulative partner Sean (Nick Robinson), following her struggles in poverty and finding shelter, while also battling for custody of their daughter Maddy (Rylea Nevaeh Whittet). Alex aspires to be a Writer but to survive, she takes on the job of maid, with costs adding-up while she makes very little money. Qualley delivers a sympathetic performance which really gets into the soul of Alex, who wants the best for her daughter knowing this can’t come if Sean gets full custody. But also, she must carve out her own path in life, which has taken a backseat in an unhappy relationship. We explore all aspects of Alex’s life including her troubled relationship with her Artist mother Paula (a commanding performance by Qualley‘s real-life mother Andie MacDowell), and what it might look like for her to begin pursuing romance again and the gray areas that come with it. A phenomenal layered performance also from the well-to-do and frenetic Regina (Anika Noni Rose), who is one of Alex‘s clients, and with production taking place in Vancouver, we see many familiar Canadian faces like Raymond Ablack and Théodore Pellerin who also turn-in great work in supporting roles. We are a huge fan of Qualley, so it is a treat getting to see her really show her range. So excited for you to discover this when it streams October 1, 2021 on Netflix.
Erin Lee Carr directs this new Documentary shedding light on Britney Spears‘ struggles with her conservatorship. Carr teams with Rolling Stones Writer Jenny Eliscu, who prior has profiled Spears, to give us a clearer focus on the events leading to the much-talked-about conservatorship and more so the strained relationship between Spears and her father, as well as her deep unhappiness. Unlike other Documentaries we have a clearer motive on the deliberateness of Jamie Spears’ intentions in controlling his daughter and it becomes more apparent the fear instilled in others involved or engaged along the way. Once again we meet among others, Felicia Culotta, a friend and Assistant to Spears, shedding light how she was separated from the Artist. Interestingly, we get firsthand interviews with often-vilified ex-boyfriend Paparazzo Adnan Ghalib and former manager Sam Lutfi and the narrative is that perhaps maybe they weren’t as evil as we were led to believe. Carr uses dramatic music to build a bit of tension and overall, this was an informative watch. BRITNEY VS SPEARS streams now on Netflix.
This follow-up to The New York Times’ FRAMING BRITNEY SPEARS gives us additional insight into Britney Spears’ conservatorship. We get interviews with former members of her touring/management and security team with some shocking revelations about some of the perhaps illegal surveilling, that had been put in place over the Popstar. The Documentary sets-out to paint a portrait of the motions that occurred as a result of the #FreeBritney movement and the concern and love of fans and it is even clearer that Spears is a woman imprisoned against her will by red tape and legal deadbolts. Not that we didn’t know this before, but one can’t blame the Filmmakers for catering to public interest seeing how well this Film’s predecessor did. In the end the Film rides its hopes on first-hand eyewitnesses and footage. What we really want is Spears to tell us her truth on-screen and we feel this is coming with the latest movements in this story. CONTROLLLING BRITNEY SPEARS streams now on Crave.
You know how much I love RuPaul’s Drag Race, so while we wait for a new season of the U.S. flagship Series, our thirst is quenched by this latest season of the UK sister Series. We get 12 new Queens and we were wowed by some of the fashion and style here, definitely a step-up from the prior season. While I find it interesting that legalities in the UK prohibit these Queens for competing for cash like the other versions of the Series, these “girls” are ready to bring it to win a badge! Victoria Scone makes things super-interesting being a contestant assigned a female at birth and competing as a Drag Queen, and we love the Show is embracing a wider inclusion in its contestants. There also are a couple Queens who are as young as 19-years-old but show an amazing level of professionalism against some of these seasoned performers. New episodes arrive Thursdays on Crave.
I adore this Series so much and it never fails to make me laugh. I somehow missed this Series amidst all the TIFF ’21 bustle but finally put aside some time to catch up with my favourites, Nicole Byer and Jacques Torres! My jaw dropped even seeing surprise contestant Jack McBrayer (30 Rock) surface! Challenges include a Veggie Patch Cake, Alien Candy Apples, Cakes celebrating Black Women in history (!!!) and more. My only complaint ever is that six episodes a season simply isn’t enough. I love celebrating these culinary flops and need more already! NAILED IT! Season 6 streams now on Netflix.
By Justin Waldman
Just in time for October, we have an all new LEGO Star Wars Feature, Terrifying Tales which is a series of Shorts re-telling classic Star Wars stories with a dark side twist to them! All of your favourite characters return in this all new Feature, including Kylo Ren, Luke Skywalker, Darth Maul, BB-8, Poe, Darth Maul, Darth Vader and more.
Directed by Ken Cunningham and written by David Shayne, who wrote and directed the last Lego Star Wars Holiday Special, the Duo team together to bring forward this new terrifying Tale. What would have happened if these dark stories that the Siths are trying to pass as fact were actually true, what would have happened to the Galaxy? Our hero Poe Dameron (Jake Green) must see through these evil rehashing’s to escape the Siths and make way back to his friends.
The Voice Casting is the most distracting part of this new Short, as its clear that none of the characters are the original Actors that voiced them, and the Voice Actors are doing their own voices. While there is no issue with moving forward and having Voice Actors do voice work, hearing someone other than Mark Hamill deliver Luke Skywalker lines just feels off. However, the younger audience that this feature is targeted to, will be delighted by the Feature, delivering the entertainment the feature provides. Disney+ Canada release LEGO STAR WARS TERRIFYING TALES October 1, 2021.
The Muppets never disappoint and this latest Halloween Special is pure laughs! The Story centers on Gonzo, who while being known as a bit of a daredevil, must step-up to face the scariest challenge of his life – staying one night at the Haunted Mansion. Pepe the King Prawn joins along for the adventure and all the while, they are tasked with finding the MacGuffin – a device necessary to the Plot, explaining the motivation of the characters. Along the way, we meet the charismatic Host (Will Arnett), The Caretaker (Darren Criss) and Constance Hatchaway (Taraji P. Henson) who tries to seduce Pepe into marriage – although it is clear she has other motives! Will Gonzo be able to make it out alive and save his buddy from doom? This Special while cute and filled with silly musical numbers, with jokes that connect to an audience of today (the Pumpkin Spice jokes don’t quit!) certainly speaks a bit more to its older audience. Nonetheless, these 50 minutes are whimsical and full of joy, a nod to those classic Muppets Specials we loved in the ’80s! MUPPETS HAUNTED MANSION arrives October 8, 2021 only on Disney+.
We love our Movies too! Don’t forget to check-out some of our Reviews for the latest theatrical releases like VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE, THE GUILTY, NO TIME TO DIE, THE ADDAMS FAMILY 2 and more right here.
Several other new releases like THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE, DEAR EVAN HANSEN and more can be found in our TIFF ’21 coverage here.
(Photo/video credit: Disney+/WOW/Netflix/Crave)
Disney+ has you covered this Halloween with their HALLOWSTREAM Program launching September 24, 2021 on the streaming services featuring all new original programming!
LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales
Premiering October 1, “LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales” is a seasonal celebration of the villainous dark side of the Star Wars galaxy— just in time for Halloween. After the events of “The Rise of Skywalker,” Poe and BB-8 must make an emergency landing on the volcanic planet Mustafar where they meet the greedy and conniving Graballa the Hutt who has purchased Darth Vader’s castle and is renovating it into the galaxy’s first all-inclusive Sith-inspired luxury hotel. While waiting for his X-Wing to be repaired, Poe, BB-8, Graballa, and Dean (a plucky and courageous young boy who works as Graballa’s mechanic) venture deep into the mysterious castle with Vader’s loyal servant, Vaneé. Along the way, Vaneé shares three creepy stories linked to ancient artifacts and iconic villains from across all eras of Star Wars. As Vaneé spins his tales and lures our heroes deeper into the shadowy underbelly of the castle, a sinister plan emerges. With the help of Dean, Poe and BB-8 will have to face their fears, stop an ancient evil from rising, and escape to make it back to their friends. A new image from “LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales” is now available.
Muppets Haunted Mansion
The Muppets’ first-ever Halloween special “Muppets Haunted Mansion” will premiere on Friday, October 8 on Disney+. The brand-new special will feature a star-studded Muppets cast, celebrity cameos, all-new music and spooky fun for families to enjoy together. “Muppets Haunted Mansion” takes place on Halloween night, when Gonzo is challenged to spend one very daring night in the most grim grinning place on Earth …The Haunted Mansion.
Just Beyond
All eight episodes of the supernatural anthology series “Just Beyond” will premiere on Wednesday, October 13 as a part of the Disney+ Hallowstream celebration. Inspired by the writings of R.L. Stine, the series tells astonishing and thought-provoking stories of a reality just beyond the one we know. Each episode introduces viewers to a new cast of characters who must go on a surprising journey of self-discovery in a supernatural world of witches, aliens, ghosts and parallel universes.
What If… Zombies?!
To kick off the celebration early, fans can watch “What If… Zombies?!”—the latest episode in Marvel Studios’ first-ever animated series—premiering today on Disney+. In this eerie episode, The Avengers are infected by a zombie plague, and surviving heroes must search for a cure.
Above this though, Disney+ also will have several of your favourites up. Here’s a graphic with all the details:
(Photo/video credit: Walt Disney Studios Canada)
The English Voice Cast for STAR WARS: VISIONS, an Anthology Series of Shorts coming to Disney+, have been announced!
See the star-studded Voice Cast below:
The Duel: Brian Tee (Ronin), Lucy Liu (Bandit Leader), Jaden Waldman (Village Chief)
Tatooine Rhapsody: Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Jay), Bobby Moynihan (Geezer), Temuera Morrison (BobaFett), Shelby Young (K-344), Marc Thompson (Lan)
The Twins: Neil Patrick Harris (Karre), Alison Brie (Am), Jonathan Lipow (B-20N)
The Village Bride: Karen Fukuhara (F), Nichole Sakura (Haru), Christopher Sean (Asu), Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa (Valco), Andrew Kishino (Izuma), Stephanie Sheh (Saku)
The Ninth Jedi: Kimiko Glenn (Kara), Andrew Kishino (Juro), Simu Liu (Zhima), Masi Oka (Ethan), Greg Chun (Roden), Neil Kaplan (Narrator), Michael Sinterniklaas (Hen Jin)
T0-B1: Jaden Waldman (T0-B1), Kyle Chandler (Mitaka)
The Elder: David Harbour (Tajin), Jordan Fisher (Dan), James Hong (The Elder)
Lop & Ocho: Anna Cathcart (Lop), Hiromi Dames (Ocho), Paul Nakauchi(Yasaburo), KyleMcCarley (Imperial Officer)
Akakiri: Henry Golding (Tsubaki), Jamie Chung (Misa), George Takei (Senshuu), Keone Young (Kamahachi), Lorraine Toussaint (Masago)
Trailer:
STAR WARS: VISIONS launched on Disney+ September 22, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Disney)
This one’s for you fans of STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH! Here is brand-new mid-season Sneak Peek for you!
Synopsis:
“Star Wars: The Bad Batch” follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in “The Clone Wars”) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War.
New Episodes of Original Animated Series from Lucasfilm stream Fridays Exclusively on Disney+.
(Photo credit: Disney)
By Justin Waldman
The second episode of The Bad Batch isn’t quite the same action-packed thrill ride we had in our Series Premiere, however it definitely is an interesting turn of events that brings our characters to new decisions and issues they have to face. This second episode is a partial heist and partial heart-warming story with the 99 crew. With the first two episodes we’ve had the pleasure of seeing so far, there is definitely more to be desired and with each and every week we can only assume the show is going to get better and better.
The Bad Batch is the next installment in the Star Wars universe and continues to build on the already incredibly legacy that has been built. As each week occurs, and each episode airs we can only hope more questions get answered and the suspense doesn’t overwhelm us all as we wait at 3 AM EST every Friday to see the next episode of Star Wars: The Bad Batch.
Episode 2 of STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH airs on Disney+ Friday, May 7, 2021.
By Justin Waldman
Season seven of The Clone Wars ended exactly one year ago, and one of the most popular Star Wars shows came to an end. Thankfully though, The Bad Batch is an immediate Sequel to Clone Wars. The first episode, without giving too much away takes place simultaneously to the finale of Clone Wars and provides wonderful action, fight sequences, and more insight as to what went down regarding order 66 and the aftermath.
The Bad Batch focuses on five clones, Hunter, Crosshair, Tech, Wrecker and Echo all voiced by Dee Bradley Baker. They identified group 99, which are our main characters, now have to travel through the galaxy trying to find their way after order 66 was executed. Without any clear objectives, and a world of confusion, our protagonists have to protect themselves and explore their options. With more characters being introduced in future episodes, and even a few surprises in the pilot, there is definitely a lot to be explored and devoured by fans. The Bad Batch will give fans new and old something to look forward to, but if you haven’t seen Clone Wars, make sure to catch-up on that first!
The first episode of The Bad Batch soars onto your screens via Disney+ on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.
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