Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Film critic Barry Hertz from the Globe and Mail and CBC's Jackson Weaver dive into the rich legacy of the Toronto International Film Festival as it celebrates 50 years. They discuss TIFF's unique impact on cinema and its role in elevating unexpected films, while also examining its significance for Canadian filmmakers. The pair reflect on TIFF's origins, challenges during the pandemic, and the enduring popularity of 'The Princess Bride.' They also navigate the future, addressing the need for accessibility and the balance between industry insiders and everyday moviegoers.

Carl Wilson, a music critic for Slate, discusses Joni Mitchell's new jazz compilation, highlighting her evolution from folk to jazz and the significance of her artistic choices. He emphasizes the impact of her collaboration with jazz legends. Meanwhile, Morgan Campbell covers the story of Roy Jones Jr., who finally received the gold medal he was denied in the controversial 1988 Olympics. They delve into the boxing community's reaction and the themes of fairness and redemption sparked by this profound moment.

Teri Hart, a film critic and entertainment reporter, shares her insights on this year's Toronto International Film Festival. She raves about her favorite film, 'Tuner,' calling it a captivating heist story with emotional depth. Teri also dives into Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein,' praising its stunning visuals and Oscar Isaac's performance, while noting the film's extensive runtime might lose some viewers. The trio candidly discusses the quirky nature of festival Q&As, highlighting the balance between genuine audience interaction and rehearsed promotional feedback.

Mosha Lundstrom Halbert, a fashion and culture journalist known for her vibrant NewsFash TikTok account, dives into the allure of New York Fashion Week, spotlighting the monumental influence of Giorgio Armani and Chloe Malle's new role at Vogue. She discusses the merging of tradition and innovation, highlighting how Armani's legacy shapes today’s fashion scene. The conversation also tackles the challenges of privilege and nepotism in the industry, emphasizing the need for diverse voices at legacy magazines. It's a compelling look at an evolving fashion landscape.

The buzz surrounding the Toronto International Film Festival is electric, with standout films like 'Frankenstein' sparking lively discussions. There's a spirited debate over Baz Luhrmann's bold portrayal of Elvis Presley, revealing the complexities of his legacy. Sydney Sweeney's powerful performance as a boxer dealing with domestic violence has Oscar whispers swirling, highlighting her promising future. Amidst the critiques, hosts also share personal updates, adding a relatable touch to the vibrant festival atmosphere.

Rad and Teri join Elamin to talk about the John Candy biopic, 'John Candy: I LIke Me,' Chandler Levack's 'Mile End Kicks,' and Sydney Sweeney attending the world premiere of her boxing movie, 'Christy.' Plus, they talk about what's on the agenda for this weekend - the movies they are going to see, the parties they may attend, and brunch for Rad. 

Movies about splitting up are typically pretty serious, but two new films, Splitsville and The Roses, buck that trend. Rad Simonpillai, Barry Hertz and Haley Mlotek chat with guest host Amil Niazi about why divorce movies are lightening up.

Rad and Teri talk about TIFF's opening night and some of the big Canadian films getting a lot of love. Also, why Elamin isn't there (spoiler: he broke his leg).

Saturday Night Live has announced exits and additions to the cast, just weeks away from the season’s premiere this fall. Ashley Ray joins guest host Amil Niazi to talk about the decisions behind the shuffle, where the show is headed, and the audience reaction to it all. Plus, with reports that pioneering Canadian animation company Nelvana will be indefinitely shutting down production, Commotion guest host Amil Niazi is joined by entertainment reporter Teri Hart and Canadian animator David Soren (Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie) to react to the news and discuss Nelvana’s contributions to animation history.

Librarian Laura Winton joins guest host Amil Niazi to share her reaction to news that the Alberta government has hit pause on a ban that would've seen more than 200 books be removed from public school libraries in Edmonton, including Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale,' due to sexually explicit content.Plus, the new show KPOPPED has artists like the Spice Girls, Boyz II Men and TLC reimagine some of their biggest hits with help from K-pop groups, including ITZY, ATEEZ and Kep1er. Michelle Cho and Hannah Sung join guest host Amil Niazi to review the Apple TV+ musical mashup reality series.