Author: FCA Editor

We Always Lie to Strangers DVD

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alwayslie

Branson, Missouri has population of 10,500, and hosts over seven million people annually. We Always Lie to Strangers is a documentary about the history of this small town and what it has become, which is an entertainment destination for tourists from around the world.

 

With over 100 music shows, Branson has earned the title of “the live music capital of the world.” The Lennons, The Osmonds, The Duttons, the Presleys (not Elvis), the Haywoods and other families have made Branson a family-oriented entertainment destination. Branson boasts entertainment for the entire family, with no nudity, swear words, and with a nod to America and its veterans. This Ozark mountain community is, for the most part, fairly conservative, but, as this show demonstrates, there is room for all views in Branson. Just remember, if you are a liberal, you will be in the minority.

 

Surrounded by all that Mother Nature has to offer, Branson has a lot besides the musical shows. There is boating, kayaking, and plenty of water activities. But people flock to this small corner of the world for the family style of entertainment.

 

We Always Lie to Strangers is an interesting look at the lives of people in this town, the history of the town, the various performers who have made it their home, the entertainment, and the other activities in the town. Even though millions of people visit Branson, it still remains a small town, with a small town feeling, a small town atmosphere, and a small town home to a little over 10,000 people.

 

If you have considered a trip to Branson, this show might tempt you into actually making your reservations. The scenery is beautiful. Looking at this film, it is obvious Branson is the complete opposite of Las Vegas. It has a calmer, laid back feeling, yet the performers are anything but laid-back when they prepare for their shows. They want to give the visitors the best home style entertainment they can, and most of them live to entertain.

 

We Always Lie to Strangers is not rated.

 

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

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The Boxtrolls Official Trailer

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A family event movie from the creators of “Coraline” and “ParaNorman” that introduces audiences to a new breed of family – The Boxtrolls, a community of quirky, mischievous creatures who have lovingly raised an orphaned human boy named Eggs (voiced by Isaac Hempstead-Wright) in the amazing cavernous home they’ve built beneath the streets of Cheesebridge. When the town’s villain, Archibald Snatcher (Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley), comes up with a plot to get rid of the Boxtrolls, Eggs decides to venture above ground, “into the light,” where he meets and teams up with fabulously feisty Winnie (Elle Fanning). Together, they devise a daring plan to save Eggs’ family.

 

The Mechanic on Blu-Ray

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mechanicThis 1972 film is considered a classic among many Charles Bronson fans. Bronson is at the top of his game as a hired hitman who takes on an associate to teach him his ways. The Mechanic is filled with psychological intrigue and plenty of drama.

 

Bronson is Arthur Bishop, a mild-mannered man, cool, calm, and collected hitman. He’s also methodical, which helps in his job – as a hitman for the mob. This guy plans out everything, takes his time, gets to know his marks, then strikes at the ultimate moment, and most times the hits are made to look like accidents, or even heart attacks.

 

When a young man, Steve McKenna (Jan-Michael Vincent), an odd guy, really, takes an interest in Bishop, the older man sees the potential in him. He takes him under his wing and teaches him the tools of the trade. McKenna is ruthless and eager to learn from the best, and become a hitman like Bishop.

 

The problem comes when the mob discovers Bishop has been training McKenna and has taken him on as an associate, without informing them. The mob likes to know everything that goes on. Bishop broke a rule.

 

While it might seem like the best idea for Bishop to train a protégé, the mob doesn’t see it that way. Bishop is happy to have this young man step into his shoes. After all, he doesn’t know how much longer he will be doing his job, and having someone trained by him to be the best seems like a good idea. But not to the mob.

 

It’s interesting to watch Bronson’s character throughout the entire movie. He is very laid back and takes things as they come without showing any emotion. It’s like watching an artist create a great painting. He knows what he wants to do and simply goes about doing it. End of story. Or is it?

 

By bringing McKenna into the fray, Bishop has made enemies in the mob. Just what they intend to do about it is a spoiler I won’t divulge. Let’s just say the final scene is worth the entire movie, and tells everything there is to know about Arthur Bishop.

 

Charles Bronson is wonderful to watch and it seems as if this role was created for him. A bonus feature on this edition is an isolated score track by Jerry Fielding, a three-time Oscar nominee.

 

The Mechanic is rated PG.

 

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

The LEGO Movie – Everything is Awesome Edition

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lego

The LEGO Movie – Everything is Awesome Edition is filled with plenty of LEGO fun and some pretty amazing bonuses for LEGO lovers. There is a Blu-ray disc, a DVD, UltraViolet Digital download (to watch the movie on portable devices), a 3D disc, a 3D collectible card of Emmet, and a minifigure of Vitruvius, and the pieces to put together your own Emmet.

 

The movie stars the loveable – well, mostly loveable, LEGO characters who find themselves in a die-hard situation. Emmet is an ordinary construction worker longing for friends and companionship. He follows the rules to the letter. Then one day he accidentally meets Wyldstyle who mistakes him for the “Special.” According to a prophecy, an extraordinary person, aka the Special, would appear to save the LEGO universe. In this dire time when the evil Lord Business is taking over the LEGO universe, the Special is the one called on to save everything and everyone.

 

Emmet finds himself in a strange and difficult situation, knowing the fate of the universe rests on him. Along with his friends, they travel through several LEGO worlds to stop the evil tyrant. The “Piece of Resistance” necessary to put an end to the maniacal ways of Lord Business.

Traveling through the old west, under water, and other adventurous settings, the gang faces one dilemma after another. Some of the LEGO characters that appear are Superman, Wonder Woman, C-3PO, Lando, Han Solo, Abraham Lincoln, The Green Lantern, Shaquille O’Neal, and other recognizable characters. This element of the movie adds to the fun of the story. Unikitty is a character both young and old will enjoy. This cute little combination of kitty and unicorn will steal your heart. The lesson of the film is if you believe you can be special, you can.

 

Bonus features look at the production of the film with the directors, storyboard artists, voice talents, and animators. There is also an interesting visit to the LEGO headquarters in Denmark. Yes, for those who don’t know, LEGO is a product of Denmark where the first LEGO Land is and where the phenomenon began. There are numerous other bonus features that will entertain LEGO lovers.
Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Forte, Morgan Freeman, Jonah Hill, Liam Neeson, Shaquille O’Neal, Channing Tatum, Billy Dee Williams, and many others lend their voices to this fun and clever film.

 

Besides this Everything is Awesome Edition, the movie is also available in a DVD + UltraViolet pack as well as a Blu-ray + DVD + UltraViolet combo pack. LEGO lovers should opt for the Everything is Awesome Edition for the additional collectible figure and the 3D picture of Emmet, suggested for ages 6+ due to the choking hazard of the small pieces in the additional 6-piece Emmet figure.

 

The LEGO Movie is rated PG for mild action 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

NutriSystem’s Fast Five

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For years I’ve been seeing ads on TV and in magazines for weight loss programs. Marie Osmond has been touting the benefits of NutriSystem and her 50-pound weight loss. She has also told us through the years how good and tasty the food really is.

 

The skeptic in me decided to finally give it a try with the new Fast Five system. The Fast Five includes seven EnergiZING shakes, seven Craving Crusher shakes, seven breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

 

The EnergiZING shakes are supposed to rev up your system. They are full of caffeine and green tea extract, as well as calcium and B vitamins. The chocolate is delicious however it did leave me with an aftertaste that was easily remedied by brushing my teeth. It was easy to make. Although the instructions say to shake it, I blended it in my blender with water and ice. And I looked forward to mid-morning when I could drink my shake. The rest of the day I did feel like I had more energy and was able to get through the day without feeling tired or needing a rest. I found my concentration was improved as well. Because of many health issues, I cannot exercise like most people. My body just cannot do it. So, add that to the menopause years and my metabolism has hit rock bottom. I believe the EnergiZING shakes have definitely jump-started my metabolism.

 

fast5logo copyThe Craving Crusher Shakes are made the same as the EnergiZING shakes – with water and some ice, and are filled with fiber, vitamins, protein, and antioxidants. They are meant to keep you feeling full. I blended my chocolate shake with a half of a banana and I have to say, it was the best chocolate-banana shake I have had in a long time. It was delicious.

 

The rest of the program consists of the pre-measured, pre-made meals. There are bars, pizzas, pastas, and other options from which to choose. While I have my favorites among them, I will admit that every one tasted pretty darn good.

 

So, the bottom line, which you are probably wondering about now, did I lose 5 pounds? No. I lost 4 pounds in the week, which is still pretty good. And I have turned several people onto this program. I honestly do not have 50 pounds to lose, or even 20, but I do want to eat healthier. I now have a healthier diet and feel better. Sure, there are some times when I feel a little hungry. After all, the portions of the meals are quite small. But on the whole, I can honestly recommend this program. The counselors are available to assist you with your diet and questions via live chat on the computer or on the phone.

 

Because I periodically interview celebrities, I always want to look my best. I undertook the NutriSystem Fast Five program to start a healthier diet. I also wanted to see if the claims were honest. Four pounds in one week is pretty darn good, and I will be ordering more of those delicious shakes and meals. So, if you are wondering if the new Fast 5 program works, give it a try. You might lose 5 pounds. But even if you lose 4 pounds, like I did, it’s still a healthy way to jump-start your weight loss program.

 

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

Ringling Bros. GIVEAWAY – Southern California

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BL274081-LAcombo-completedWe have Family Four Pack Tickets to “The Greatest Show on Earth” to giveaway. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming to Southern California and we would like to share the excitement with our readers. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS will be in Southern California July 9 – August 3, 2014 at the Staples Center, The Honda Center, and the Citizens Business Bank Arena. This show is packed with family fun with animals, acrobats, and a slew of great features.

To be eligible to win a Family Four Pack of tickets, email us at [email protected] with “Circus 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).

 

*Ticket vouchers need to be redeemed at box offices prior to the shows.

 

The deadline for this giveaway is June 23, 2014.

The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee CD GIVEAWAY

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BariKoral_ATHB_W139_FIN_oThe Apple Tree & The Honey Bee leads off with “Dancing Bear,” a rocking, good-times tune with a great dance beat, which features Bari Koral “trading fours” with Dred Scott’s excellent bass guitar work. Bari wrote “Big Truck” à la Johnny Cash, and Dan Cohen’s twangy guitars combine with Bari’s impressive country vocals to give the song an authentic “on the road” feel. Shifting gears with 18-wheel precision, Bari turns the corner on the next song, “Birthday,” a poppy anthem of love and security. “Sisters & Brothers” follows. A sing-along favorite among the kids in Bari’s classes, it’s also a centerpiece at Bari’s live shows. Other highlights include the New Orleans flavor of “Roller Coaster,” spiced with vocal “whees” that are sure to delight, some mighty fine banjo pickin’ on “Yes & No,” and the humorous, two-beat “Back to the Farm,” which is guaranteed to get kids moving. (Bari notes that “Back to the Farm” and “Dancing Bear” lend themselves especially well to kids’ yoga classes.) The album’s “good-bye song,” “Give A Hug,” brings The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee to a sweet conclusion.

 

BARI KORAL FAMILY ROCK BAND IN PERFORMANCE

 

Highlights – Summer 2014

15-Jun Hard Rock Café Philadelphia, PA
21-Jun Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Amherst, MA
17-Jul Madison Square Kids Series at Madison Square Park NYC
30-Jul Newport Festival Family Concert Newport, RI
Sept. 21 Monterey Jazz Festival Monterey, CA

 

We have some CDs to giveaway. To be eligible to win a copy of The Apple Tree & The Honey Bee CD, email us at [email protected] with “Apple Tree 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 4, 2014.

 

Lucky Me by Sachi Parker – Book Review

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luckymeLucky Me: My Life With – And Without – My Mom, Shirley MacLaine is an “OMG” book of revelations from the daughter of an A-list celebrity. Sachi has not had a life of abundance, as one might expect when someone is the offspring of a celebrated entertainer. As she reveals in this book, her life was filled with loneliness and unbelievable experiences.

 

If the story of Sachi’s father isn’t enough to make you say “OMG” then nothing is. Sachi spent the first part of her life being raised by her father who lived in Japan. Shirley MacLaine and Steve Parker had an “open” marriage. Sachi spend only a few months a year with her mother. While in Japan she was brought up the Japanese way of not making waves. She was sent to boarding schools then had to work to earn a living because after graduation from High School she was told she was on her own.

Okay, back to the story of her father. He was a conman pure and simple. But the con he put over on MacLaine is utterly unbelievable. This man lived the life of luxury with boats and villas around the world. But poor little Sachi never saw any of that luxury. And the reason is spelled out in this book. The reason Steve Parker was so wealthy is an amazing story, and for those who do not know it, I don’t want to spoil anything. It is much better to read it in this book and let everything sink in. Everything in this story is so far-fetched, it would make a great movie, except for the fact that it is Sachi’s reality.

 

Sachi was not allowed to read a book while in Japan and she was often lonely. When she grew up she looked for love from men, and ended up getting engaged at the drop of a hat. Thankfully she didn’t go through with those quick engagements. She managed to discover early enough that the men she chose were not good men. They were manipulative and cruel.
Sachi also delves into the fact that she always wanted to be close with her mother and she yearned for her mother’s approval. But was her mother on her side? You’ll have to read this book to find out what Sachi reveals about many of the things she discovered about her mom.

 

Between extraterrestrials, clones, cons, screen tests, sexual escapades (did I mention that Sachi was coerced into losing her virginity while her mother and friends sat in the living room waiting to critique her?), her flight attendant escapades, her life in Japan, Australia, Europe, and America, and her relationships, Sachi Parker could fill an encyclopedia with stories that will knock your socks off. But she has so far only filled one book, and it is filled to the brim with amazing “OMG” stories.

 

Sachi writes a beautiful yet heartbreaking story about life and love – her life and loves. This is a book that once you start reading, you won’t want to put down.
Paperback: 368 pages

Publisher: Gotham

ISBN-10: 1592408621

ISBN-13: 978-1592408627

 

 

Note: This is Sachi Parker’s story. Her mother has written several autobiographies with differing viewpoints.

 

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

Sweet Dreams: Time For Sleepybye! DVD

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sweetdreamsBabyFirst is a wonderful television channel for kids, and especially babies. Their evening programs are designed for babies to unwind, settle down, and go to sleep. This new DVD is part of this evening TV series, only now parents are able to play them any time with this DVD. Sweet Dreams: Time For Sleepybye! is a calming collection of sights and sounds for babies age 3 months to 2 years. Confession time: I almost fell asleep listening to the music, and I am much older than 2 years!

 

With calming sounds interspersed with a child’s laughter, the music and noise is peaceful, restful, and lends itself to relaxing and drifting off to sleep. Now, pair that with some nice visuals – carousels, animals, drawings, etc. – and this is the perfect tool to help babies unwind. Yes, babies, like adults, do need to unwind.

 

More than 80 minutes combine to create this restful DVD. I highly recommend it for anyone who does not get the BabyFirst channel through his or her television provider. It’s a nice tool to use nightly to encourage and create a gentile atmosphere for bedtime. It’s a way for babies (and sometime adults) to unwind, let go of everything that has happened during the day, and simply gets into a Zen feeling.

 

When babies start healthy bedtime habits at a young age, they can carry that through their lives. Unwinding at the end of the day is important, and that is exactly what this DVD does for babies. And again, some of us adults can use this combination of soothing music and visuals too. Although it was created specifically for babies!

 

Kiss your baby good night, press play, and he or she will most likely enjoy the calming effects and go to sleep while the DVD is playing. Ahh. How sweet it is. Sweet dreams!

 

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

The Moment – Movie Review

Posted on by FCA Editor

themoment_onesheet_40613_FFJennifer Jason Leigh stars in this psychological thriller that takes viewers through twists and turns as the story plays out on screen. The Moment is an intense story of emotions, love, and family.

 

Lee (Jennifer Jason Leigh) is a photojournalist specializing in war. In her job she sees the horrors of what war does to people. After being injured in a bombing in Somalia, she is sent to recover in a hospital in Southern California. There she meets a writer and former teacher. John (Martin Henderson) befriends her and her daughter Jessie (Alia Shawkat) who visits her mom every day even though their relationship has been rocky, to say the least.

 

The film bounces around through time, between Lee’s time in Somalia, her days in the hospital, her affair with John, and then her days spent in a mental institution, after a breakdown. Lee does not know what is true and what is just in her imagination, and several scenes replay different ways. Audience members try to put the pieces of the puzzle together along with Lee herself. Could she be a killer? What happened to John? He disappeared from the face of the earth?

 

And add to all of this Peter, a man with emotional problems who is also in residence at the psychological facility where Lee is trying to figure things out, looks very similar to John. Peter, an attorney trying to cope with the fact that he got a murderer off scot-free who then went on to kill again, is understanding and tries to help Lee figure out what happened to John.

 

TheMoment_2Jennifer

 

Between the intense affair with John, his disappearance, her breakdown, and trying to figure things out what with the help of Peter, viewers will often wonder who is whom and what is really going on. It is definitely a little disjointed as the story bounces between her past and the present, then back again, but in the end most of it winds up making sense.

 

Marianne Jean-Bapiste, Meat Loaf, Alessandra Torresani, and Navid Negahban also star in this intense story that is difficult to follow at times, yet filled with suspense and drama. Jennifer Jason Leigh is marvelous as the woman completely absorbed by the disappearance of her former lover.

 

The Moment opens June 20, 2014 in select theaters.

 

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