What on What's Good

90th anniversary & Tree Lighting Ceremony  December 09, 2019  by: Jovin Tardif #RYHFestive I attended the Tree Lighting Ceremony and it did not disappoint.  As soon as I walked through the front door, I knew I was in for a treat.  I was greeted by a few elves who guided me towards the Santa experience.  I grabbed a hot chocolate and a cookie and went over to see my good friend Santa.  We posed for a photo and had a very quick but fun conversation.   I walked back through a beautiful setup of the largest gingerbread house that I have ever seen.  Kudos to Executive Chef, JW Foster, and his staff at Fairmont Royal York for their hard work and dedication to building a two-story gingerbread house for the holidays.  It is sensational. A few moments later, I met Hotelier of the Year: Edwin Frizzell.  What a wonderful gentleman.  I shook his hand & applauded the fantastic work at the hotel.  He made me aware that everyone ...

Christmas in the Square 2019 By: Jovin Tardif November 30, 2019  I love the holidays, but I also understand the bigger picture.  We are all extremely blessed this time of year.  We are making our list and checking it twice.  Everyone is running around on Black Friday looking for the latest gadgets, new fashion, great deals, and gifts for the family.  It's the most wonderful time of the year.  However, there are others that aren't as fortunate.  They could be in a tougher situation and they need your help.  After meeting the Salvation Army at Hope in the City, I was informed of another event that was happening in our city on Friday, November 29th, 2019 at Yonge-Dundas Square, 1 Dundas St E, Toronto.  Starting at 11:30am, you can head over to Yonge-Dundas Square, enjoy the festivities, a warm cup of hot chocolate and hang out with your friends at CTV and the Salvation Army.  You had the opportunity to participate in sing-alongs to Celebrat...

Servant   Blinding Edge Pictures/Escape Artists/Dolphin Black Productions Apple Inc./Apple TV+ Express Review "Servant is creepy.  I guess it's what we should expect from M. Night Shyamalan.  The story follows Philadelphia married couple, Dorothy (Lauren Ambrose) and Sean Turner (Toby Kebbell), whose child (Jericho) is deceased.  Following the death of their son,  Dorothy uses a baby doll as a coping mechanism.  Before Jericho’s passing, she hired an 18-year-old Leanne Grayson (Nell Tiger Free) to be their nanny. Leanne is not what you think.  I am not actually sure how to explain her to you but she can turn a doll into a real baby.  How does she do it?  Who is she?"  Created by Tony Basgallop Written by Tony Basgallop, Nina Braddock, Ishana Night Shyamalan Starring Lauren Ambrose as Dorothy Turner (née Pearce) Toby Kebbell as Sean Turner Nell Tiger Free as Leanne Grayson Rupert Grint as Julian Pearce Sunita Mani as Vera Jack and ...

Hope in the City 2019  November 22, 2019  by: Jovin Tardif I was truly honoured to be a guest at The Hope in the City Breakfast this morning Friday, November 22, 2019, from 7:30AM–to 9:00AM.  Essentially, "Toronto’s business community joins together to kick off the holiday season, raise funds and awareness while celebrating the work of The Salvation Army."  I think Sasha Stoltz opened the door to let me in today because in my heart I believe after talking to me online that she loved my energy and positivity.  When I walked into Fairmont Royal York, I met Sasha in the lobby and I was informed to make my way to Level C.  On the elevator, you can hear the beautiful brass instruments playing in the background and when the doors open, it was like being a kid again. You get to experience love in a room while you listen to your favourite holiday music played by a fantastic brass band.  It was truly sensational.  After hearing the beautiful sounds, I made...

Interview with DJ / Producer / Artist 4Korners November 25, 2019  Today on What On What Good with Jovin Tardif, I am here with 4Korners. As you may or may not know, I am also a Toronto Raptors Fan.  So, I thought to myself, who would have a bird's eye view of the game and can tell me more about the 2019 NBA champions.  4Korners, that is who.  So I contacted him.  I hope he knows that I am a huge NBA fan.   I have been watching the NBA since I was a kid.  My favourite team growing up was the Chicago Bulls.  Michael Jordan was my hero.  Year after year, he would challenge everyone, anyone and would always come out on top.  It was so exciting. The landscape changed in 1995.  Toronto welcomed the Raptors.  I have been watching and cheering ever since. Alright, let's drop a beat 4Korners. 1. How did you build a relationship with the Raptors? This right here has been a crazy ride. I've been a Raptors fan since the beginning. I ...

Halloween Kills Miramax/Blumhouse Productions/Trancas International Pictures/Rough House Productions Universal Pictures Release date   10/15/2021 My Rating: 6/10 #whatonwhatsgood Fan Club Rating: 65% #whatonwhatsgood Express Review by: Jovin Tardif | What On What's Good) In the 2018 Halloween film, Michael Myers is burning up in the basement. Did they finally beat his monster?  In Halloween Kills, the story continues from the 2018 film with Laurie (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her family going to the hospital thinking they’ve killed Michael.  At a local bar, Tommy Doyle (Anthony Michael Hall), Lonnie Elam (Robert Longstreet), Lindsey (Kyle Richards), and Marion (Nancy Stephens) are getting drunk and discussing how they survived Myers back in ‘78. During the night, the group heard on the news that Michael is still alive.  They can't believe it.   Tommy chants “evil dies tonight”. The Haddonfield residents decide to work together to fight Michael Myers.  Can ...

Hubie Halloween Happy Madison Productions Netflix Hubie Halloween (2020) Express Review It wasn't that bad, but it wasn't great. I think what really bothered me was Adam Sandler's voice. It reminded me too much of "The Waterboy" (1998). Actually, there were times, it even reminded me of the nerdy office guy in "Office Space" (1999). The story was okay but the jokes weren't the best. However, I was kind of interested in seeing what he could do next with the thermos. They had a great cast that included friends from Sandler's past movies (Kevin James, Julie Bowen, Rob Schneider, Steve Buscemi). Directed by Steven Brill Written by Tim Herlihy, Adam Sandler Produced by Adam Sandler, Kevin Grady, Dominico Hadelo, Allen Covert Starring Adam Sandler as Hubie Dubois Kevin James as Sgt. Steve Downey Julie Bowen as Violet Valentine Ray Liotta as Pete Landolfa Rob Schneider as Richie Hartman June Squibb as Hubie's mother Kenan Thompson as Sgt....

Ontario Science Centre 50th anniversary By Jovin Tardif The Ontario Science Centre is celebrating its 50th anniversary.  Since 1969, they have had over 53 million visitors.  I wanted to drop by to say hello but who knew it would be a life-changing experience.  The Science Centre is located on Don Mills Road just south of Eglinton Avenue East.  I arrived by public transportation and walked to the front door. I'll be honest with you.  I haven't been to the Ontario Science Centre in quite a while.  I was not expecting the new layout at the front door.  On your left was the membership area.  The staff were incredible, friendly and courteous.  I was handed a map and got some advice on some must-see areas.  I got tickets for the OMNIMAX and a general admission ticket for the centre. It was brought to my attention beforehand that I should check out 'Volcanoes: The fires of Creation' brought to you by Director Michael Dalton-Smith.   E...

Movie Expo 2019 by: Jovin Tardif The Movie Expo was held on September 20-22, 2019.  It is a chance to bring together thousands of movie-making professionals under one roof and discuss their craft.  The trade show offered opportunities to all actors, actresses, filmmakers, producers, writers, musicians, dancers, and more to get a chance to learn more about the film business and connect with those already in the business.  There was also a chance to learn about stage jobs, voiceover work, jobs in music, child acting opportunities, and casting calls.  It is a one-of-a-kind show. You can also pitch your ideas in a private area to producers and directors. As you walked into the Movie Expo, you felt like a movie star as you made your way down the red carpet.  There was a security guard all dressed up at the front door ready to greet you as you arrived.  When we walked in, we were immediately attracted by what was happening on the stage.  We got to watch Iron...

Toronto Independent Film Festival -- Sept 11 - 14, 2019 By: Jovin Tardif Yesterday marked the 10th annual Toronto Indie Film Festival at Carlton Cinema (Imagine Cinemas). The event was sold out. We were invited by a friend of my wife from middle school, Jessica Danov, in her short film debut. We were so blessed to be able to be in this moment with her. Tonight, we were here to see 8 shorts block. *Bad Vegan: The Original Recipe by Jessica Danov told the tale of one girl poking fun at another girl who happened to be a "good" vegan.  It was good versus bad.  The audience enjoyed this nice rivalry. *Clown College by Wendy Keeling took us into a dark world with beautiful colours and bizarre characters. I found it quite amusing and stylish. *Past Partum by Wendy Keeling was a dark comedy about a family tree. A child was trying to study his past and learned more than what he bargained for. I really admired the dark colours in this short film.  *Fish Out of Water by Alyssa Asaro...

Why Women Kill Black Lamb/Acme Productions/Cherry Productions/Imagine Television Studios/CBS Studios Paramount+ Created by Marc Cherry Executive producers Marc Cherry, Michael Hanel, Mindy Schultheis, Brian Grazer, Francie Calfo, Marc Webb, Samie Kim Falvey, David Warren, Austin Guzman, Curtis Kheel Producers Anna Culp, Mark Grossan, Stephen Bowman, Hannah Schneider, Stacey Harman Cinematography Michael A. Price, Scott Boettle, Alan Caso Editors Michael Berenbaum, Andrew Doerfer, Annette Davey, Jan Northrop, Shannon Mitchell, Christopher Kroll Starring Season 1 1963 Ginnifer Goodwin as Beth Ann Stanton Hartlyn Hilsman as a young Beth Ann. Sam Jaeger as Rob Stanton Sadie Calvano as April Warner Alicia Coppola as Sheila Mosconi Adam Ferrara as Leo Mosconi Lindsey Kraft as Claire 1984 Lucy Liu as Simone Grove Harmonie He as a young Simone Grove Jack Davenport as Karl Grove Katie Finneran as Naomi Harte Leo Howard as Tommy Harte Li Jun Li as Amy Lin 2019 Kirby Howell-Baptiste a...

Top Gun: Maverick Skydance Media/Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer Films/New Republic Pictures/TC Productions/Tencent Pictures Paramount Pictures Release date 05/27/2022 #whatonwhatsgood Express Review by: Jovin Tardif | What On What's Good) Top Gun: Maverick starts off with a challenge.  Captain Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is sent back to Top Gun training school.  He isn't there to fly but to teach others.   The Russians have created a uranium enrichment facility that happens to be in a complex area near a canyon that is protected by surface-to-air missiles.   Maverick will need to train 12 young students and select 6 individuals to take on this challenging assignment.  What can I say about the movie?  Top Gun: Maverick is quite entertaining.  The aerial scenes are sensational.  You feel like you are part of the experience.  I like the scenes with Rooster (Miles Teller) and Maverick.  Rooster is not a fan of Maverick....

The King’s Man (2021) Marv Studios/Cloudy Productions 20th Century Studios Release 12/22/2021 Ratings My IMDb Rating: 6/10  #whatonwhatsgood Fan Club Rating: 67% Genres Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Thriller Directed by Matthew Vaughn Screenplay by Matthew Vaughn, Karl Gajdusek Story by Matthew Vaughn Based on The Secret Service by Mark Millar, Dave Gibbons Produced by Matthew Vaughn, David Reid, Adam Bohling Starring Ralph Fiennes as Orlando, Duke of Oxford Harris Dickinson as Conrad Alexander Shaw as young Conrad Gemma Arterton as Polly Djimon Hounsou as Shola Rhys Ifans as Grigori Rasputin Matthew Goode as Captain Morton / The Shepherd Tom Hollander as George V, Wilhelm II and Nicholas II Daniel Brühl as Erik Jan Hanussen Charles Dance as Herbert Kitchener Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Lee Unwin Aaron Vodovoz as Felix Yuzupov Todd Boyce as Mr. Alfred DuPont Branka Katic as Tsarina Alix Valerie Pachner as Mata Hari Olivier Richters as H.M.S.G. (Hugh Machine Shark Guar...