Tag: Toronto

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie: No, This Film Is Not About Teen Spirit

Time-hopping musicians, a DeLorean-style RV, and a desperate quest for a discontinued drink fuel this proudly Canadian mockumentary. Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie thrives on balancing between nostalgia and improvisation to make it a must-see.

Nirvanna the Band the Show the MovieElevation Pictures

Once a certain word drops in any summary about where the time travel device is housed in
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, this film instantly reveals itself as the perfect tribute to an old pop sound. Part The Beatles, part loving nod to a certain Robert Zemeckis classic from decades past, there’s a lot to like.

If you don’t want to know too much, here’s the abridged take: This Canadian mockumentary, directed by Matt Johnson,
delivers plenty of fun-filled moments and wears its cinematic tribute proudly. The script was co-written by Jay McCarrol, and together they play fictionalized versions of themselves as two musicians trying to land a bar gig despite never having recorded anything together. It’s a concept fuelled by nostalgia and awkward, self-aware laughs.

Rather than riffing on The Blues Brothers, what’s presented here is Canadiana through and through. Shot around Toronto, Ontario, the locations are real, the energy is grounded, and the familiarity adds to the charm. It is best not to know more before the spoiler wall, so consider this your courteous pause point.

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The Deets on Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. coming to Canada Nov 20th!

The Yorkdale Shopping Centre will host the multi-room exhibition and Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. retail store.

AvengersPaquin Entertainment Group, Victory Hill Exhibitions and the Yorkdale Shopping Centre are proud to announce the CANADIAN PREMIERE of Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.: The Experience.

The award-winning immersive exhibition will thrill the City of Toronto for a limited engagement, running from Nov 20, 2020 until Jan 31, 2021.

Guests at Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N., the Scientific Training And Tactical Intelligence Operative Network, journey through an advanced, multi-room training facility, where they receive unprecedented access to the most sensitive intelligence and cutting-edge science behind the Avengers. After completing their training, they become integral members of the Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N.

“The Avengers movies were game changers, and this exhibition will give everyone a chance to extend and personalize their experience with this iconic franchise” says Gilles Paquin, CEO of Paquin Entertainment Group. “With our 25,000 square foot venue, you will be able to safely explore the exhibit in a socially-distanced setting.”

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Doxa Docs in Review, Part Two

doxa film festival logo* Playing from June 18 to 26. Tickets to an online screening can be purchased here. For information, please visit their faq.

The Doxa Documentary Film Festival continues to stream direct to your home, and in part two, I look beyond the Pacific Northwest. This time, I’m travelling East to get a taste of what living in Toronto was once like, when a person of my namesake helped change the scene long ago. But home is where the heart is, no matter where you live. This includes finding love in a digital age.

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There’s a Full Moon Coming to … or Howling at Toronto!

AvengersBy Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

Anyone looking for a howling good time with a highly anticipated cult movie sequel can see Another Wolfcop on Saturday, September 2 at the Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto, Ontario. This carnage comes courtesy of The Coup Company working with Fan Expo Canada and its multiple sponsors. This movie has screened at a few festivals with nothing but praise. Interestingly, no announcements were made if it will screen at the Toronto International Film Festival which is take place in this city a week later. Some nerds get all the luck instead of cinephiles.

People missing out may get another chance with Fan Expo Vancouver coming in November 10-12. No official word has been made yet, but for this fan, I’m hoping!

A limited number tickets will most likely be available during the Toronto show, and at the venue. For more information, please visit www.wolfcop.com

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National Film Board of Canada Releases BAM for Toronto’s UNITY Festival

1-BAM_02_861360_300dpiBy Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

The National Film Board of Canada has made BAM, an animated short, available for free public viewing. This piece made its premiere at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival and was nominated for Best Animated Short at the 4th Canadian Screen Awards. But not everyone can make it to this show, and with it now available online, I can see why it’s a modern take on the myth of Hercules. We are not necessarily talking about the twelve labours here, but instead, this film explores the psychological side of this unnamed animated character. This hard-boiled piece begins with a look at his life while at a subway. As reserved as he is in one moment, at another he suddenly goes postal for nearly no reason at all. The violence is hidden as a train roars by, and the fallout is at the core of this short where he silently questions everything about himself. Where does his rage come from?

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Sharon, Lois and Bram Receive Playground Honour

SharonLoisBram1Toronto and East York Community Council has honoured children’s musical group Sharon, Lois and Bram, by naming a playground after them.

The ceremony was held this past Saturday at the June Rowlands Park, located at the corner of Daisville Ave. and Mt. Pleasant Rd.

Sharon Hampson, Lois Lilienstein and Bram Morrison were reunited for a special performance during the naming ceremony. In 2000 Lillinstein retired from touring with the group after the death of her husband. The last public performance of the trio was in 2008 at the Toronto Jewish Film Festival.
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