Movie: ‘Constantine’
Keanu Reeves has achieved multiple eras of megastardom, including his “Speed” breakthrough, the “Matrix” universe and his resurgence as John Wick. But there’s one cult classic always deserving of new devotees. In 2005’s “Constantine” (now streaming on Crave), he plays the titular sassy exorcist with a serious smoking habit and the ability to see and communicate with angels and demons. A brilliant cast (including Rachel Weisz, Tilda Swinton and Djimon Hounsou), eye-popping effects and stylish costumes make for a hell of a ride. Already love it? Keanu recently said a long-awaited sequel finally may be entering the script stage. —Briony Smith
Concert: the Damned
While the Sex Pistols and the Clash were bringing politics to punk in the U.K., the Damned were adding goth flourishes and welcome humour to their slash-and-burn antics. Founding drummer Rat Scabies is back in the fold, as is ‘80s bassist Paul Gray, for their show Thursday night at Danforth Music Hall (147 Danforth Ave.). Nearly 50 years on, they’ve still got the fire and with vampiric frontman Dave Vanian and boomeranging guitarist Captain Sensible, they are a wonder to behold. —Doug Brod
Classical: “Carmina Burana”
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s 103rd season kicked off on Thursday at Roy Thomson Hall (60 Simcoe St.) with Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana.” (Yes, that one, best known for the rousing movement “O Fortuna.”) If you missed it, fear not. The series continues with two more performances this weekend. “Carmina Burana,” a choral work bringing together the TSO, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the Toronto Children’s Chorus, also features as soloists the French soprano Julie Roset, the American baritone Sean Michael Plumb, and Canadian Opera Company regular Andrew Haji. The concert also includes the Canadian premiere of Wynton Marsalis’s jazz-infused “Concerto for Orchestra.” —Joshua Chong
Comedy: ‘Dying Seconds’
What could be more Canadian than a whodunit in a hockey rink? “Dying Seconds” even had its unofficial premiere at the Hockey Hall of Fame. The comedy from actor, writer, and former TSN and Sportsnet producer Brendan Halloran follows the shenanigans when the GM of the Hamilton Hammers is found dead. It stars Dylan Taylor (“Workin’ Moms”), Emma Hunter (“The Beaverton”) and Rong Fu (“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”), and is the only Canadian entry in the new Just for Laughs Pilots competition, making its world premiere Tuesday on the JFL YouTube channel. —Debra Yeo
