A special look at Marvel’s GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY character Gamora. GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY opens in theaters on August 1, 2014!
Author: FCA Editor
Cary Grant on Blu-ray
Cary Grant was one of those rare breeds of actors. He could play dramatic roles as easily as he could comedy. Two Blu-ray releases of his final films are now available. In Father Goose (1964) and That Touch of Mink (1962), Grant shows his comedic chops and proves the adage that some things get better with age.
That Touch of Mink is a fun-filled story of a rich man who woos a working girl and, of course, they fall in love. Doris Day is perhaps best known for her romantic comedies with Rock Hudson, but in this film Grant is equal to Hudson as Day’s romantic partner.
Phillip Shayne (Grant) is happy with his life and lifestyle. He jets off to wherever whenever he feels like it. And he has no ties. Cathy Timberlake (Day) is a small town girl with a different lifestyle and different moralities. She believes in love and marriage, with the emphasis on marriage coming before anything else. Shayne believes in love and not necessarily marriage.
Shayne is intrigued with Timberlake, and the dashing millionaire sweeps her off her feet. But when it comes down to the nitty gritty, will she relent or will her moral standards win out?
Take note of co-stars Audrey Meadows who plays Cathy’s roommate and best friend, and Gig Young you plays Shayne’s business associate who wants to prove that his boss won’t win the battle with Timberlake.
Cary Grant is charming and witty, and Doris Day is sweet and adorable. That Touch of Mink is a fun romantic comedy with a great ending.
Cary Grant was 60 years old when he made Father Goose, which was his second to last film role. He plays Walter Eckland, a grumpy, scruffy, alcoholic loner. But it’s wartime and everyone is expected to do his part.
Eckland is duped into becoming a plane spotter. He lives on a deserted South Pacific island and when Japanese planes fly overhead, he radios back to home base, relating the number of planes and their direction. He’s happy being alone but things change when he travels to a neighboring island to help a fellow plane-spotter. There he discovers Catherine, a French woman who seems to be alone on the island. But Catherine is not alone. She is with a group of young girls and Walter has no choice but to bring them all back to the safety of his island.
Now, put a well-bred, stuffy woman and a bunch of girls together on one island with a gruff loner and you have the makings of a fun story. And that is exactly what this movie is. Grant proves that even at 60 (which is relatively young today) he is dashing, debonair, and the object of women’s desires even when he’s unkempt and rude.
Cary Grant once said even he would like to be Cary Grant. This man was the epitome of a Hollywood star. He played every kind of role in his long and illustrious career. The romantic comedy Touch of Mink was followed by Charade the next year, then Father Goose the year after that. Grant’s final film, Walk Don’t Run, was filmed in 1966.
It’s difficult to choose the best Cary Grant film. Topper, The Awful Truth, Bringing Up Baby, Holiday, Gunga Din, His Girl Friday, My Favorite Wife, The Philadelphia Story, Penny Serenade, Arsenic and Old Lace, Night and Day, Notorious, The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer, The Bishop’s Wife, To Catch a Thief, An Affair to Remember, Indiscreet, etc. Which one tops the list? For comedy, it’s clear that That Touch of Mink and Father Goose are among his fun and memorable roles. And in Blu-ray, Grant looks even better, if that is possible.
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.
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Planes: Fire & Rescue – Movie Review
He’s back! That cute little crop duster who became a worldwide racing hero returns for a second feature film. Dusty Crophopper is just as eager to keep flying and showing off as ever, but when something happens, his life suddenly changes. Planes: Fire & Rescue is the next chapter in the life of little Dusty.
“Life doesn’t always go the way you expect it,” Dusty is eventually told by one of his new friends.
When flying high and showing off, Dusty has a malfunction. It turns out his gear box is bad, and worse yet, that model is out of production. If his friends cannot locate another one, this little fellow is not going to race at high speeds ever again. Feeling depressed, he tries to prove that he can still fly like before, but ends up causing an accident in Propwash Junction, causing a fire to erupt and eventually the airport to be shut down. The authorities insist unless Mayday gets another firefighter, they will not reopen.
This begins the next chapter of Dusty’s life. He decides to help his buddy and become an air tanker to get the airport reopened. The little guy goes to train with the Aerial Fire Fighters at Piston Peak Air Attack Base. He is determined to become a SEAT (single engine air tanker).
Piston Peak is a popular National Park. Along with the rest of the crew, Dusty gets first hand training in fighting fires. Yes, his stubbornness and arrogance often get the better of him, but he has a big heart and works tirelessly to learn the trade.
The filmmakers didn’t just make a cute little animated movie for kids. This is something adults will enjoy as well, and that’s due to the research and authenticity they put into the characters and scenes. For Piston Peak, they combined Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks. For the characters in the air attack squad, they went to the pros. Yes, the movie has animated planes, trains, and automobiles, but once it starts they are just as real life as their human counterparts in the flesh-and-blood world.
As Dusty was told when he was depressed, “Life doesn’t always go the way you expect it.” However Blade Ranger adds, “But you came here to become a firefighter. If you give up today, think of all the lives you won’t save tomorrow.” The movie is dedicated to the brave men and women who fight the fires and save property and lives.
The Characters
Dusty is a likeable little guy, voiced by Dane Cook. There are rumors he will return for a third movie.
Blade Ranger heads up the attack team at Piston Peak. “He’s a no-nonsense kind of guy,” says Ed Harris who voices the brave helicopter.
Julie Bowen voices Dipper. This little air tanker immediately takes a liking to Dusty.
Windlifter is filled with Cherokee wisdom. This heavy-lift helicopter always has words of faith and calmness, and a sixth sense. He’s voiced by Wes Studi.
Fun Facts
If you think you recognize some of the characters, you’re right. They are based on and inspired by real planes and automobiles.
The Air Tractor 502, Cessna and the Air Dromader inspired Dusty. The Sikorsky Skycrane, a Karnov KA-26, and a Mil MI-10 inspired Windlifter. Mayday is based on the Fordson Tender (circa 1943). Cabbie is based on a C-119. The Secretary of the Interior has the look of a 1968 Ford Bronco. You’ll undoubtedly see others on screen that resemble planes, cars, and locations you recognize. The Grand Fusa Lodge (isn’t that a clever name?) at Piston Peak National Park was modeled after Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn. Keep your eyes open during the show for other recognizable things, including the two motor homes.
Planes: Fire & Rescue is cleverly written. It’s filled with moments where audiences will forget they’re watching machines, and animated machines at that. These fellows have grit, courage, and love. There is amazing animation and scenery throughout the film. The movie runs 88 minutes and is rated PG for action and some peril. While no one dies, there are some close calls, however I don’t believe kids will be traumatized by these scenes but keep that in mind.
The Face of Love on DVD
Annette Bening and Ed Harris star in this dramatic, poignant, and mesmerizing story of love. The Face of Love will have viewers glued to the screen from beginning to end.
Nikki (Bening) and Garret (Harris) are a loving couple filled with hopes and dreams. They have a grown daughter Summer (Jess Weixler), share a love of art and each other. They are blissfully in love. Then when Garret drowns while on a vacation in Mexico, Nikki is grief stricken.
Fast-forward five years. Nikki and her neighbor/friend Roger (Robin Williams) share time together and memories of their deceased spouses. They both have difficulties moving on with their lives. Then Nikki sees a man who could be Garret’s twin. She follows him, stalks him, and then meets him. Tom (also played by Ed Harris) is an art teacher at Occidental College. He is drawn to her and when Nikki hires him to give her private lessons, he does not know the real reason she wants to be with him.
As time goes by, Nikki and Tom fall in love. But is Nikki seeing Tom for who he is or for the husband she lost five years ago? Tom has no idea he is a doppelganger of her late husband and thinks she is interested in him as himself. Is she? Or is she really trying to recapture the love and good times she had with Garret? Will Tom ever know what first drew Nikki to him? And if he finds out, what then? And when Summer meets her mother’s new beau, what will she think? What will Roger think? What will anyone who knew Garret think?
Nikki is perplexed. She is intent on keeping Tom in her life. But are her motives real or fantasy?
During their courtship viewers will become entangled in the lives of these two characters as they both try to capture a love they each want. The acting is phenomenal and the story is heartening. The ending will touch the deepest recesses of your heart. This is not a sappy love story. It is a rich and captivating story of love and loss.
The bonus features include a featurette about the cast and characters. Ed Harris was the only actor the filmmakers wanted for the dual part. The filmmakers and cast discuss the movie and the vision of the story. Robin Williams will definitely steal the hearts and sensitivities of the viewers. His part is small, yet he is instantly likeable as Roger.
The Face of Love is rated PG-13 for brief drug references.
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.
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My Little Pony Giveaway
My Little Pony- Friendship is Magic: The Keys of Friendship DVD GIVEAWAY
Since her arrival in Ponyville, Twilight Sparkle has learned the true meaning and value of friendship. With her very best friends — Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy and, of course, Spike — Twilight goes on the greatest of adventures and comes back with even more lessons. All of this has earned Twilight her wings and the crown of a Princess and now you can learn what Princess Twilight Sparkle has learned and take with you The Keys Of Friendship.
The My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic series is currently airing on The HUB TV Network in the U.S. and on Treehouse in Canada.
The 5 episodes include “Rarity Takes Manhattan,” “Pinkie Apple Pie,” “It Ain’t Easy Being Breezies,” “Twilight’s Kingdom, Part 1,” and “Twilight’s Kingdom, Part 2.” A fun sing-along is included as a bonus feature.
We have five (5) copies to give away. To be eligible to win a copy of My Little Pony – Friendship is Magic: Keys of Friendship DVD, email us at [email protected] with “Pony Friendship Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).
The deadline for this giveaway is July 30, 2014.
Goodnight Darth Vader by Jeffrey Brown – Book Review
In a galaxy far, far away, even Darth Vader has a hard time getting his twins to sleep. Little Luke and Leia demand a bedtime story, so this book is the story Vader reads to them. Goodnight Darth Vader is fun for the whole family.
All of the great characters from the Star Wars stories are getting ready for bed: R2D2, Yoda, Chewbacca, Darth Maul, Han Solo, Boba Fett, the baby Ewoks, Lando, Ben, the Banthas, Padme, and even Jar Jar. While the characters all prepare for the night, kids will hear their stories with delight. The droids and characters get ready for a good night’s sleep while Darth Vader reads to his adorable young children.
Do you or your kids need to know the Star Wars characters to enjoy this book? Probably not, but it does help. And honestly, most people these days have some inkling of the characters. They are part of pop culture, after all.
For parents who are looking for a new book to read to their kids at night, this is just what you’re looking for. It’s humorous, filled with fun drawings, enchanting rhymes, and a great sleepy-time story. Even if your kids are not going to grow up to save the galaxy, they will enjoy hearing a little story read to Leia and Luke by their father Darth Vader.
Jeffrey Brown has written several little books about Darth Vader and his kids. Although they were initially designed for adult readers, kids have enjoyed them as well. Parents like sharing the characters with their own children, and this book is really a great little story for youngsters to hear while preparing to go to sleep.
Goodnight Darth Vader is a great little bedtime story to read to your kids, and if they happen to be named Luke or Leia, all the better. Goodnight Luke. Goodnight Leia. Goodnight Darth Vader.
Hardcover: 64 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (July 22, 2014)
ISBN-10: 1452128308
ISBN-13: 978-1452128306
Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 6.6 x 0.5 inches
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.
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Expecting Amish on Lifetime
Expecting Amish is an interesting and dramatic story of one young woman’s external experience and internal conflict. The title is quite misleading.
Hannah Yoder (AJ Michalka) lives a simple life in Lancaster, Pennsylvania with her father, brother, sister, and the rest of the Amish community there. She is supposed to marry Samuel, a childhood friend. Their life’s path was planned years ago. But Hannah is a bit reticent about the whole thing.
Then, along with three others from her church, she sets out on an adventure to Los Angeles. When they are 18 years old they can take part in Rumspringa, where young Amish are allowed to experience life outside of the Amish community and partake in experiences that are not Amish, like riding/driving cars, wearing modern clothes, and living as a modern teen. Then they are expected to return to their homes and be baptized into the church and lead simple Amish lives.
This temporary experience is supposed to quell all their yearnings and set their minds at peace when they return to their homes, ready to start their adult lives as Amish. Hannah is a bit reticent to leave her family. She has taken care of them all since her mother’s death. She is living basically as their servant, with very little gratitude for all she does. So, when she decides to go with her friends Sara, Mary, and Isaac, to L.A., she starts to feel some pangs of guilt.
When the foursome gets to the big city, all but Hannah embraces the modern ways. They change their clothes and start sightseeing and partying – L.A. style. Finally, Hannah agrees to cast off her simple clothes and delve into the life of Los Angeles. It is then when she meets a nice young man named Josh (Jesse McCartney), a DJ at the first party she attends with her friends. As a matter of fact, it’s the first party Hannah has ever attended in her whole life.
Once she begins to experience a new life, slowly she comes out of her Amish shell. And slowly she falls in love with Josh. When he asks her to stay with him, she must decide between her family and old life, and a life with the man she loves. Surely going back would make her unhappy, but staying would mean she would be shunned from her family.
This is a predicament that causes concern for several of the young Amish teens who experience Rumspringa. In this case, Hanna’s friends Mary and Sara love their adventures in Los Angeles, but are happy and eager to return to Pennsylvania and their Amish lives. Isaac is another story. He cannot return. There is too much he wants to do in the outside world.
Hannah is caught in a difficult situation, and it gets even more difficult. Whatever decisions she makes will affect her for the rest of her life. Will she follow her heart or her upbringing?
Expecting Amish is an interesting and entertaining movie, and worth watching. The cast does a wonderful job and the story is compelling. Expecting Amish premiers Saturday, July 19, 2014 on Lifetime.
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.
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Justin and the Knights of Valor on DVD
The message in this animated film is believe in yourself, which makes it a great little movie for youngsters. Justin, a smart and brave lad, is supposed to go to law school to follow in the footsteps of his father. But Justin would rather follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and become a knight. Justin and the Knights of Valor has plenty of tender moments as well as scenes of bravery and courage.
The country is in chaos. Justin’s grandfather, Sir Roland, was a great knight and served the country well. But Justin’s father decided knights should be outlawed and replaced by a lot of laws. A lot of laws! The knights were banished, but that didn’t stop Justin from dreaming about the glory days of old.
He takes off to learn the ways of knighthood, which means gaining the skills necessary to fight the power-hungry army that is collecting to overthrow the queen. For those of us who are older, this part of the story is reminiscent of the 1984 movie The Karate Kid when Mr. Miyagi is training Daniel. It also has shades of Kung Fu Panda when Po is learning the tricks of the trade, so to speak.
But that is only part of the story. Justin is put to the test and with the help and support of his friends, he must dig deep inside to find the courage, strength, and wisdom to save the queen.
There are some fun characters in this story. Talia is cute yet feisty girl who wants Justin to succeed.
Freddie Highmore voices Justin. Antonio Banderas, James Cosmo, Michael Culkin, Rupert Everett, Alfred Molina, Saoirse Ronan, and Julie Walters also provide voices for the film. Banderas also produced the movie.
The bonus feature on the DVD is a look behind the scenes and characters with the actors. It is also available on Blu-ray.
Justin and the Knights of Valor is a cute story that both boys and girls will enjoy. This animated adventure is filled with heart and plenty of entertainment. It’s rated PG for mild action and some 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.
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Blacklist by Jerry Ludwig – Book Review
In the middle part of the last century, communism was the threat American’s worried about the most. In Blacklist, Jerry Ludwig weaves a fictional story together with people and events of that difficult time in American history.
David Weber and Jana Vardian were childhood friends. They were products of Hollywood. Their fathers were best friends and successful screenwriters. That was until Jana’s father named names in front of the House Un-American Activities Committee. David’s father was fallout from those hearings and had to flee the country in order to work.
Now David comes to California to bury his father in Los Angeles. But David is plagued by the past. He pursues Jana and their old friendship is rekindled. But the bad feelings David had about his family’s experiences still hang on. His father refused to betray any of his friends and coworkers, so he was blacklisted, yet Jana’s father named names and his career remained steady. Now her father is a renowned director.
FBI agent Brian McKenna is still involved in cases dealing with the HUAC, and immediately seeks out David upon his arrival. Then people begin dying. Those people had associations with the HUAC. Could David be retaliating on behalf of his father for all the hardship his family endured? Who is behind the deaths, and most importantly, why?
The chapters are told in first person by the various characters in this little web of intrigue. To keep up with what is going on, make sure you read who is telling his or her story at the beginning of each chapter. This can be a little disconcerting as they jump around, but on the other hand, the reader gets first hand thoughts from each of the integral characters in this story.
With real names, locations, and events, Ludwig brings readers right into Hollywood. And he knows Hollywood. He has written for several TV shows. Now he combines history with his knowledge of Hollywood and mystery.
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.
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Cedar Cove Returns for Season Two
On July 19 fans of the Hallmark Channel original series Cedar Cove will be gathered around their TV sets. The second season begins with a new arrival and some departures. The series was #1 in its time slot for all of the 13 episodes. It is Hallmark Channel’s first original series and the pride of the network.
The first two episodes of season two have a young couple wondering what to do with their baby, another couple facing danger and the law, and a third couple figuring out what they each want in their lives. This might sound cryptic, however the drama is worthy of keeping spoilers to a minimum.
Olivia (Andie MacDowell) and Jack (Dylan Neal) help his son Eric (Tom Stevens) and Eric’s girlfriend Shelly (Hayley Sales) through a difficult decision in the two-part season premier. Justine (Sarah Smyth) and Seth (Corey Sevier) deal with their restaurant issues after last year’s fire, Maryellen (Elyse Levesque) is worried about John (Charlie Carrick) who has disappeared, and Grace (Teryl Rothery) juggles her romantic desires and her maternal feelings.
Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cover returns for another great season July 19, 2014 on Hallmark Channel. Mark your calendars and set your DVRs! You’re in for more dramatic episodes in the quaint, picturesque, and interesting little town of Cedar Cove, Washington.
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.
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