Dean Cain stars in this frolicking family tale as Glenn Barrows, a widower raising two young kids. Elliot (Jet Jurgensmeyer) and Phoebe (Meyrick Murphy) are good kids that see through the phoniness of Glenn’s new girlfriend Dani (Kristy Swanson). You could say, “all belle breaks loose” in A Belle for Christmas.

 

Dani is trying her best to snare Glenn. She is an evil, conniving snob who sees him as an eligible and wealthy attorney that could raise her standing and her lifestyle.

 

This happens to be the kid’s first Christmas without their mother and although they put up a brave front, deep down they miss her tremendously. Adding to the heartbreak is Dani who has wangled her way into their lives and managed an invitation to spend the holidays at their house.

 

Then the family adopts “a fuzzy bit of cuteness.” Elliot names their new puppy Belle and everyone is excited by the new addition except for Dani who is allergic to dogs. When she sees a way to secretly get rid of the pooch, she takes it. While everyone is out looking for the lost dog, Dani’s evil scheme backfires.

 

Haylie Duff plays Kate, the head of the animal rescue shelter, and Connor Berry plays Malcolm, Elliot’s witty and resourceful friend.

 

The story is endearing and good wins out over evil in this fun holiday tale. Or should I say fun holiday tail?

 

Belle is a bundle of love. Just be prepared for your kids to ask for a puppy after seeing this film. Who could resist that cute little face and those floppy little ears?

 

A Belle for Christmas is rated PG for mild thematic material and rude humor.

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Like her on Facebook

This 1959 film is a family classic. The story is filled with everything a fairy tale should have. Sleeping Beauty is a wondrous story of true love.

 

Once upon a time – or, I should say Once upon a dream – a princess was born to a king and queen. She would have had a royal childhood if it weren’t for Maleficent, the “mistress of all evil.” Princess Aurora was being granted one gift from each of the three good fairies – Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather – when Maleficent appeared and put a curse on the baby. By the time of sunset on her 16^th birthday, the girl would prick her finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and die. Flora and Fauna had already gifted the child with their gifts of beauty and song. Luckily for Princess Aurora, Merryweather had yet to give the princess her gift. Not being able to undo the curse, she added that the princess would only sleep until she was awakened by true love’s kiss.
The three fairies, dressed like peasant women, take the child to an abandoned cottage. There they raise the princess until it is safe for her to return to the castle. During her 16 years with the fairies, Aurora is called Briar Rose and knows nothing about the fairies, her parents, or Maleficent.

 

The day before her 16^th birthday Briar Rose meets a young man while in the forest and they instantly fall in love. Unbeknownst to her he is Prince Phillip, the man to whom Aurora is betrothed.

 

Maleficent’s curse is hanging over the kingdom, and, to make a short story shorter, it comes to fruition. But Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather are on hand to help Phillip undo the evil by arming him with a shield of virtue and a sword of truth.

 

The bonus features on this Diamond Edition included two deleted scenes and an alternate scene, all in storyboard format. Another feature has Sarah Hyland telling the story of how all the characters in the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland created their magical parade. Yet another bonus looks at the Disney villains who are described as “the most expressive” characters. And Brittney Lee, one of the creative forces behind many of the Disney animated films, shows viewers how to create a three dimensional sculpture of Maleficent out of paper. A look at how they restored the film and a “making of” feature are also included.

 

With good fairies, an evil mistress, a beautiful princess, a charming prince, some fun animals, an enchanted kingdom, and a memorable theme song, this is definitely a fairy tale for the ages – all ages. The three fairies are filled with fun and are always good for a laugh. They are definitely entertaining characters.

The Diamond Edition includes a Blu-ray+DVD+Digital HD copy code. With the classic film and all the bonus features, this is truly an enchanting edition with great color and sound. Technology and effects aren’t needed with this film – and were not available when it was produced. It is a simple, classic fairy tale and with the restoration, watching it in high definition is a delight.
Sleeping Beauty is rated G.

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Like her on Facebook

In 1992 an adorable St. Bernard captured the hearts and imaginations of moviegoers in his first film, Beethoven, and he has been the go-to dog for warm and fuzzy films ever since. The following year he starred in Beethoven’s 2^nd, then in 2000 Beethoven’s 3^rd, and Beethoven’s 4^th in 2001. Beethoven’s 5^th came along in 2003 and in 2008 Beethoven’s Big Break was released. It’s been awhile, but he’s baaack! Yep, that sweet and cuddly dog is starring in his latest film, Beethoven’s Treasure Tail.

 

Jonathan Silverman reprises his role as Eddie, Beethoven’s trainer. Beethoven has been a movie star for several years and is currently on location filming his latest hit when things go awry. The precious little fellow has lost his mojo. He’s depressed. So Eddie and Beethoven are fired from the set and they find themselves in a rickety old car heading back to Hollywood. When the car breaks down they get stranded in a small coastal village where things get complicated.

 

O’Malley’s Cove has a long history and a very famous legend about a pirate’s treasure buried somewhere in the town. The little village is going broke but one boy knows if he can find the treasure he can save his town. Sam (Bretton Manley) is kind of a nerd and completely obsessed with the treasure, to his mother Anne’s (Kristy Swanson) frustration. Sam is intent on finding the treasure no matter what.

 

When Beethoven and Eddie come to town, Sam finds a friend in the furry fellow and Beethoven gets his mojo back. He loves the little boy and together they make a great team.

 

In the meantime, Eddie has to keep Beethoven hidden from his landlady who happens to be Sam’s grandmother. This snooty woman does not allow pets in her B&B, and Eddie and Sam find ways to hide the big fellow. At least for a while. Beethoven has a mind of his own, and, well, things get out of hand and one thing leads to another and the entire town soon learns that you cannot hide a 145-pound St. Bernard.

 

Then add to all of this mayhem a developer who wants to buy the little village and turn it into a modern town. He would get rid of all the charm and update everything. But what is his real motive?

 

Beethoven’s Treasure Tail is a cute little story with the world’s most beloved pooch. Beethoven’s expressions are priceless. And even though he often gets flatulent, he endears himself to everyone around him.
Beethoven’s Treasure Tail is rated PG for Mild Crude Humor and Peril.

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Like her on Facebook