Toronto Teacher Mom: Entertainment

Disney's Tomorrowland

From the magical world of Disney comes an inspiring mystery adventure called Tomorrowland, a place where anything is possible. Starring Academy Award winner George Clooney, the film follows the story of former boy-genius Frank (Clooney) and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teenager full of curiosity. Together, bound by a shared destiny, they embark on an action-packed and danger-filled mission to uncover the secrets of an incredible world of epic imagination.

While I really enjoyed watching George Clooney take on the role of a genius jaded by disillusionment, it was Britt Robertson who really shone in this movie. Why I have never seen her in any other major feature films sure beats me. This girl has talent and I can't wait to see some of her upcoming movies. She almost reminds me of a young Renee Zellweger, only with a lot more spunk.

Watch this featurette and correct me if I'm wrong:

Another fresh face that will certainly light up many a big screen in the near future is the adorable Raffey Cassidy. This blue-eyed English actress, who you may remember from Snow White and the Huntsman, underwent training in swimming, gymnastics, wirework and martial arts, which becomes evident throughout the movie when her character kicks some serious buttocks.

Featuring a screenplay by Lost writer and co-creator Damon Lindelof and Brad Bird, Tomorrowland is now available on Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital HD. Bonus features include:

Remembering the Future: A Personal Journey Through Tomorrowland With Brad Bird in which the director reflects on the movie as both a celebration of humankind's can-do spirit and a rousing call to action
Animated Short: The Origins of Plus Ultra
Casting Tomorrowland
A Great Big Beautiful Scoring Session
Deleted Scenes
And more!

You can now purchase Tomorrowland in a Blu-Ray combo pack for as little as $24.99 at BestBuy.ca.

Disclosure: I received product to help facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own. Key set images courtesy of Walt Disney Motion Pictures Canada.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015
17 Comments

Win Tickets to the Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress

Canada Salsa Congress

In less than one week, salsa and bachata fans from the world over will be coming to Toronto for the 13th Annual Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress. Hosted by Jennifer Aucoin & Steps Dance Studio Inc., the four-day long event will feature 35 international artists, 60 dance companies from across the globe, 40 of the world's best instructors, ten DJs and a live band. Attendees will be able to join in a variety of workshops for all levels, beginner bootcamps, master intensives, four nights of social dancing in three ballrooms, and the 9th Annual DanceFeet Canadian Championships with Professional, Amateur & Pro-Am Heats & Showcases. Also on site will be 20 vendors and booths which will include presenting partners DanceFeet, Telelatino and Ossington Chiropractic and Rehabilitation.

This year, for the first time, all of the events, workshops, performances, parties, trade show and accommodations will take place under one roof at the beautiful Fairmont Royal York Hotel with over 50,000 square-feet reserved for this incredible event.

Click here to view photos from last year's Canada Salsa Congress.

What: Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress
When: Thursday, October 8 to Sunday, October 12, 2015

Where: Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto, 100 Front St. West

Cost: Tickets for attendees range from $20 to $40 for individual show or evening tickets up to $195 for a day and evening pass. Or save on à la carte pricing by purchasing a full pass for $300. Online sales close Wednesday, October 7 at midnight and tickets must be picked up at the registration booth. Tickets can also be purchased at the door but the prices will be higher.

The 13th Annual Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress - Tickets

Win Tickets to the Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress!

For my fellow salsa fans, I have two pairs of tickets to give away:

TWO (2) Thursday Night tickets, includes admission to Opening Night Gala & the DanceFeet Canadian Salsa & Bachata Championships (approximate value: $55)
TWO (2) Saturday Night tickets, includes admission to Saturday evening gala performances, parties in three ballrooms and general admission to concert. Doors open at 8pm, show at 9pm, concert at 12am. Parties until 4am. (approximate value: $125)

You can enter to win either one or both sets by completing the Rafflecopter forms below. Please note that the winners will be contacted by email and will need to provide their full name within 24 hours of receiving the winning email notification in order to claim their prize. Winners will need to show photo ID at the registration booth at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel to pick up their tickets. Prizes include admission only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, October 02, 2015
1 Comments

Marvel Universe Live in Toronto

Entertainment

A few weeks ago, Toronto welcomed the first-ever Marvel Universe LIVE! tour. Featuring the most Marvel characters ever assembled in one production, the show was jam-packed with spectacular action and electrifying battles. Our family enjoyed complimentary tickets to the show and watched on as more than 25 Marvel characters fought, flipped and flew throughout the Air Canada Centre.

The story begins with Tony Stark and Pepper Potts as they receive troubling news about Loki's plan to find scattered fragments of the Cosmic Cube. With this source of ultimate power, Loki threatens to destroy Earth and obliterate the Universe. It isn't long before our favourite heroes, such as Thor, Iron Man, Hulk, Wolverine, Captain America and Spider-Man, band together on an epic quest to find the scattered fragments and thwart Loki's plans to obtain global domination.

Marvel Universe Live - Toronto by Diana M.

While many of the fight scenes were underwhelming, the children in the audience marvelled at the sight of Spider-Man swinging and zipping through the set as well as Iron Man as he 'flew' upwards to avoid enemy attacks. The fireworks were impressive but the sound effects were quite loud given that this show was designed for little ears. The fire scene (see above) with Aldrich Killian was interesting to watch and some of the motor bike stunts were pretty impressive as well.

The set design was large-scale and included innovative special effects. A circular screen was used to project the head of the Statue of Liberty for a fight scene high above ground level but also doubled as a hiding place where another fight scene took place.

The final scene includes the appearance of the Hulk but he looked more like a giant inflatable. The crowd cheered nonetheless. On the whole, the two-hour show was entertaining and fun. A definite must-see for die-hard Marvel fans.

Disclosure: Our family received complimentary tickets to facilitate this review. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015
8 Comments

Vampire Campfire at The Second City, Toronto

Entertainment

A vegetarian chupacabra, a witch who can't 'spell', a werewolf who doesn't know when to transform... These are just a few of the hilarious characters entertaining children this summer on the stage of The Second City, Toronto. Vampire Campfire features a band of ghoulish misfits whose families send them to a remedial summer camp for monsters in the hopes that they will harness their individual talents and invoke their inner beasts. Unbeknownst to them, this unlikely gang will encounter a greater challenge as they unite forces to battle one of the most heinous villains of all - a logging company intent on destroying the campground for the sole purpose of getting rich. (Insert ominous music here.)

If you've never taken your kids to The Second City, then you have to bring them out for Vampire Campfire. The show is an hour of singing, dancing and interactive improvisation that will have you laughing and smiling till it hurts. It becomes clear very soon in the show that the five cast members, who play multiple roles, really give it their all. Their dedication to the performance was truly a joy to witness. It has been a couple of weeks and my kids and I still have a hoot impersonating the vegetarian chupacabra and walking around the house like Rhonda. We had a table at the very front and had ordered chips and fries to enjoy during the show. My son still smiles to this day when he recalls how the werewolf improvised a song that mentioned "the boy in the front row eating fries." I couldn't decide whether to watch the show or watch my kids' reaction to the show. They had a blast!

My first time at @SecondCityTO and came across this photo. A Canadian classic! #VampireCampfire pic.twitter.com/lDDwmsbBIP
— Diana M. (@TeacherMomOfTwo) July 3, 2015

Plus, the venue itself is full of photos that bring me back to my childhood, to the days when Martin Short, John Candy, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Rick Moranis, and Catherine O'Hara provided countless hours of comedy through SCTV. Gosh, I'm starting to feel old...

Wednesday, July 15, 2015
10 Comments

Cavalia Odysseo Toronto - VIP Social Media Night

Arts

Tuesday, May 12, 2015
72 Comments

Treehouse Ultimate Collection Gift Set and Other New Releases

DVD Review

This month, my goddaughter will be spending some time with a few of her favourite characters thanks to the NEW Treehouse Ultimate Collection Cube. Inside this boxed set is a collection of ten Treehouse favourites, each in its own DVD case. Included in the set are two DVDs each of the following shows: Toopy and Binoo, Max and Ruby, Octonauts and My Big, Big Friend. Also included are: one Franklin DVD and one The Berenstain Bears DVD. In total, she will be able to enjoy over 100 of the best Treehouse episodes over and over again! When I visited over the weekend to deliver this special gift, my goddaughter couldn't wait to open it. And when I started singing the theme songs for Max and Ruby and Toopy and Binoo, she looked at me like I was out of this world. In a "you're the coolest godmother ever" kind of way.

Treehouse Zack & Quack: Popping Hopping Easter DVD

With Easter right around the corner, I also brought over another new Treehouse release. Zack & Quack have arrived in Canada for the first time on DVD in Zack & Quack: Popping Hopping Easter (available March 10). This adorable show by Kaboom! Entertainment follows Zack and Quack as they take a trip to the circus. During their fantastic adventures inside a pop-up book, they find a cure for Belly-Up's hiccups and help the Easter Bunny get her special chocolate chickens back to the coop just in time to save Easter. It all takes place in a world full of surprises, where pulling pop-ups makes exciting and unexpected things happen. This DVD includes five fun episodes and include: Zack & Quack Pop-Up Circus, Popping Hopping Hiccups, The Pop-Up Easter Egg Hunt, The Poparang 3000, and The Pop Up Easter Egg Hunt.

Kaboom! Guess How Much I Love You - Someone Special

And remember Little Nutbrown Hare? He returns this year in the new release titled Guess How Much I Love You – The Adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare – Someone Special. Inspired by the best-selling books, this DVD follows the adventures of Little Nutbrown Hare and his father Big Nutbrown Hare through seven heartwarming episodes. Little Nutbrown Hare sets out on a hunt for treasure in a meadow, tries to touch the stars and learns to find his way home while spending time with someone special. It's the perfect reminder that there is no greater love than that shared between a parent and child. Episodes include: Moon Dance, Can You Touch The Stars, Field of Flowers, Treasure Hunt, Wind Whistle, Lucky Stick and Shadow Play.

Monday, March 09, 2015
64 Comments

The Next Step Live On Stage Featuring Nerf Rebelle, DohVinci and Twister Moves

Arts

Saturday, February 21, 2015
17 Comments

Dinner With Mr. D

CBC

Tuesday, January 27, 2015
63 Comments

Mr. D on CBC Returns With Season 4!

Canadian

Mr. D Season 4, Episode 1 - Photo Credit: CBC

Today's the day! After Mr. D first premiered on CBC three years ago, the show has grown a strong following across the nation, myself included. And today it returns for what will surely mark another knee-slapping fourth season. If you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for? Mr. D is a hilarious weekly comedy that follows the life of an under-qualified private school teacher played by award-winning comedian Gerry Dee. Joining him is a seasoned cast of Canadian talent, many of which have recently received nominations for the Canadian Screen Awards 2015. Returning this season: Booth Savage, Jonathan Torrens, Bette McDonald, Wes Williams, Lauren Hammersley, Naomi Snieckus, Mark Little, Suresh John, and Darrin Rose. Joining the cast this season are Bill Wood who will return as Frank the new guidance counsellor and Kathleen Philips who will play the role of Emma Turdie, the school librarian.

Mr. D Season 4, Episode 1 - Photo Credit: CBC

After turning down a St. Pat's phys. ed. position at the end of season three, Gerry is back at Xavier Academy. While he won't get to teach phys. ed., he will finally be able to show off his athletic coaching abilities when he takes over the senior boys' championship basketball team. No more grade five girls' volleyball!

Gerry's moving up the inter-scholastic athletic competition ladder and he's dangerously motivated. Unfortunately, the team's prior success puts a spotlight on them, and spotlights rarely do Gerry any favours. When the pressure's on, true to character, Gerry will find a way to ruin a good thing. Many of the usual suspects butt heads with Gerry, questioning his "unique" teaching style and questionable choices. But season four also introduces several new students and staff members...some of whom even match Gerry's knack for inappropriate behaviour.

This season, Gerry has his eye on his future and begins striving for more. With a whole world of opportunity, he just might be able to showcase his proficiencies well enough to move beyond the high school level.

Here's hoping you will join me tonight at 9:30 PM ET on CBC and support a hilarious (and really good-looking!) cast of Canadian actors. And just so you know, I had the great fortune of dining with many of them last night at P.F. Chang's and I can vouch for that fact. Plus the fact that they are an incredibly nice and fun bunch of people to hang out with.

Can I just say the whole @mrd_on_cbc cast is even more handsome in person?! #teachhard pic.twitter.com/O5k5Ztpu9H

— Diana M. (@TeacherMomOfTwo) January 19, 2015

Tuesday, January 20, 2015
14 Comments

Toronto Symphony Presents Young People's Concert Series

Arts

Thursday, November 06, 2014
26 Comments

Milton Fall Fair and Demolition Derby

Auto

Tuesday, October 14, 2014
42 Comments

SXSW Official Selection "Expecting" Now on DVD

DVD Review

What happens when you try to plan ahead and life has something else mind?

Most people will give you the proverbial "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade" adage. Whether that lemonade is enough to "quench your thirst" is an entirely different question. TVA Films recently released Expecting on DVD, a film that explores the difficulties that can arise when faced with unexpected challenges. It is a candid comedy about a husband and wife who have struggled for years to conceive a child. Having given up hope of having a baby of her own, Lizzie (Radha Mitchell) explores an unconventional alternative. Her best friend Andie (Michelle Monaghan) finds herself pregnant after a one-night stand and offers to have the baby and give it to Lizzie. Though Lizzie's husband has his doubts, the couple agrees to let Andie move in with them for the duration of the pregnancy. The question is, will the women's friendship and the couple's marriage survive until the birth?

An official selection at the 2013 SXSW Festival, the movie Expecting features a good cast and intriguing story line. After The Bourne Supremacy and Mission: Impossible III, I was excited to see Monaghan take on the role of a free spirit who suffers mildly from Tourette syndrome. Her on-screen role pairs well with Mitchell's genteel character, who is so talented, there is hardly anything she can't do. Her performance of the nursery rhyme "Down in the Valley", accompanied by her ukele, seems to play as a central motif. The very words, wistfully sung to her unborn child, are enough to get you teary-eyed:

Roses love sunshine; violets love dew.
Angels in heaven know I love you.

The movie will make you laugh and cry. In my case, it left me crying. A lot. I blame the song. And the unfortunate situation many find themselves in when they are unable to conceive. And the fact that I miss the feeling of holding my babies when they were so small. It makes me want to take my two big kids in my arms tonight, rock them to sleep and sing them a lullaby.

The video run time is 87 minutes and features both English and French audio.

Win 1 of 3 copies of Expecting on DVD!

If you would like to see Expecting, I am giving away three copies on DVD. Simply complete the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win. Open to Canadian residents only.