Captain America: The Winter Solider

Posted on March 6, 2014March 7, 2014 by FCA Editor

After the cataclysmic events in New York with The Avengers, Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” finds Steve Rogers, aka Captain America, living quietly in Washington, D.C. and trying to adjust to the modern world. But when a S.H.I.E.L.D. colleague comes under attack, Steve becomes embroiled in a web of intrigue that threatens to put the world at risk. Joining forces with the Black Widow, Captain America struggles to expose the ever-widening conspiracy while fighting off professional assassins sent to silence him at every turn. When the full scope of the villainous plot is revealed, Captain America and the Black Widow enlist the help of a new ally, the Falcon. However, they soon find themselves up against an unexpected and formidable enemy—the Winter Soldier.

Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1941, Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” is produced by Kevin Feige, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, from a screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely, and stars Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Emily VanCamp and Hayley Atwell, with Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.

The Jungle Book 2 GIVEAWAY

Posted on March 4, 2014March 31, 2014 by FCA Editor

The continuing story of little Mowgli is just as endearing as the initial 1967 film. This 2003 movie has Mowgli missing his friends in the jungle, and ultimately merging his jungle life and friends with the man village. There is plenty of music and fun as the man cub continues his adventures.
We have one (1) copy of this delightful Combo Pack to giveaway to one lucky reader. To be eligible to win a copy of The Jungle Book 2 Combo Pack, email us at [email protected] with “Jungle 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 March 18, 2014.

The Osmonds in Concert

Posted on March 4, 2014March 4, 2014 by FCA Editor

If you grew up in the 1960s or 1970s, you undoubtedly know of the Osmonds. If you are a fan of Dancing with the Stars, you have seen Donny and Marie Osmond competing. By the way, Donny won, which is something he lauds over his sister.

The Osmonds started performing when they were very, very, very young. They originally began as a quartet called The Osmond Brothers. The quartet included Alan, Wayne, Merrill, and Jay. Then Donnie grew up and the foursome became five. When Marie joined in the family business they changed their name to The Osmonds. Jimmy, the youngest, performed with his family but also had a popular solo career.

Today “The Osmonds” consists of Merrill, Jay, and Jimmy. The three brothers are performing together and are just as enjoyable today as they were all those years ago. As a matter of fact, they perform about 150 concerts every year, with a long string of one-nighters in the UK each year.

Although the days of screaming girls and large arenas are gone, the trio still sings their hearts out for faithful fans. And their fans are definitely faithful. They mention while on stage that many of the faces are familiar. With over 50 years of concerts under their belts, they have racked up a large fan base that continues to be entertained by the singers.

Today’s concerts are a little more intimate and consist of some of their hit songs as well as songs made famous by other singers. They tailor their concerts to the venue and the audience. So, if you see them one place one night then catch another concert a month later, you will probably see a little different show. Whatever show you see, you can be assured the singers are giving you their all. These guys are consummate performers and know how to entertain their audiences. After all, they grew up doing this and even though it might seem that they are on autopilot, they personalize everything for their audiences. They even come into the audience to shake hands and meet some of the fans.

From starting as barbershop singers, then transitioning to pop, then rock, then country, then back to pop, The Osmonds have proven that staying power in show business depends on talent. These guys have it. They don’t simply come on stage and sing. They dance, they joke, and they work hard to make their audiences happy and give them their money’s worth. Many times during their show they project home movies and photos on a screen. This gives fans the opportunity to relive some of the moments of the last 50+ years.

You might be wondering why the other original Osmond brothers are not performing any more. Alan and Wayne have retired due to medical conditions. And although Merrill and Jimmy have had great success on their own, they all joined forces several years ago to get back to their roots and sing again as a family unit. While they might be a little greyer and don’t jump as high when performing “Yo-Yo”, they still give it everything they’ve got.

Some of their hits that usually make it into their performances are: “Crazy Horses”, “Yo-Yo”, “One Bad Apple”, “The Proud One”, “Love Me For a Reason”, “Down By the Lazy River”, and of course, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother”.
In the past, the Osmonds would play a variety of instruments and dance a lot. Today they are more laid back, but that’s not to say they don’t still perform, in the true sense of the word. And, Jay still wows audiences with his incredible drumming.

Admittedly, as the Osmond’s have aged, so have their fans. And even if you have not been a die-hard Osmond fan through the years, you’ll still get a great show. Merrill, Jay, and Jimmy are not just singers. They are performers.

To find their concert schedule (in the USA and the UK), check their website at www.osmond.com or their Facebook site at https://www.facebook.com/theosmonds/events.

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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Bio-Magnetic Lumbo-Sacral Support Belt: BMS-511

Posted on March 3, 2014March 24, 2014 by FCA Editor

Raising kids can be tough on your back. Awkward lifting from cribs and car seats often leads to lower back pain. Sometimes parents can use a little extra support. The MAXAR Bio-Magnetic Lower Back Support Belt is engineered to provide comfortable support of your back. This revolutionary Patent Pending back support uses powerful magnets for pain management and Far Infrared materials to help retain body heat and promote increased blood circulation. Bio-Magnetic Therapy is recommended by most experts as an effective drug free alternative for pain reduction and rehabilitation after back surgeries and injuries. Front and rear mesh pockets can be used for moldable thermoplastic inserts or hot/cold therapy packs.

Breathable construction/Soft Cotton lining for all day comfort
20 back/6 front magnets create powerful full torso 3D Bio-Magnetic field
Far Infrared fabric to retain body heat
Front & Rear mesh pockets for inserts or hot/cold therapy gel packs
6.5 inches wide/Double pull adjustment for precise fit and desired support

The 100 to Premier on The CW

Posted on March 3, 2014March 4, 2014 by FCA Editor

At the recent Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour, Jason Rothenberg, Executive Producer of the new series The 100, discussed the show and his vision. “I was actually looking to do a Lord of the Flies‑like story at the time that this studio sent The 100 my way, and it sort of touched all those creative erogenous zones. I love Lord of the Flies. It was one of those books that I could blame for the fact I’m a writer.”

The 100 takes place in the future decades after a nuclear apocalypse rendered Earth uninhabitable, forcing humans to retreat to a world on a ship in space. That ship called the Ark, is dying now, however it had sustained who generations have grown up without ever touching solid ground, seeing the sky or trees, or anything associated with the planet. The laws aboard the ship are strict and anyone who breaks them is put in prison. The series begins with a group of 100 kids who have been in prison and are now sent to Earth to see if it is capable to of being inhabited again. While some of the show focuses on the adults on the ship, the story will generate interest among teen viewers because of the story that unfolds on the planet.

“For the first run of episodes,” Rothenberg explained, “it’s about, on the ground anyway, what the kids are doing to each other. Some want to hold on to rules and order and society and discipline. Others are going to go wild. They’re going to go native.” Rothenberg stated, “It’s very much by design, the Lord of the Flies.”

Like his favorite shows, The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, Jason Rothenberg designed this show with plenty of drama so, as he said with enthusiasm, “You don’t know what’s gonna happen.”

He continued, “The families of the kids are up there on a dying ship, and the kids are down on this potentially toxic, dangerous Earth.” He admitted, “In fact, I think it’s the hallmark, certainly of Season 1, is that jumping back and forth. And we do it in every episode except for maybe one.”

Because the show is set in the future after a worldwide nuclear war, Earth is not the same as it had been before the holocaust. Animals don’t look the same, things have changed, [and] radiation has taken a toll on the planet. “A lot of the fun is in the world‑building and the creation of it. We’re trying to ground it in real science as much as possible. Obviously there’s some fiction in our science fiction. But really, we made a decision early on that it was going to be about what the people do to each other more so than what the world does to the people, and I think what the world does to the people implies effects and all that. There will be effects.”

So, even though there are strange and unusual creatures inhabiting the planet, Rothenberg stressed the show is more about what the people do to each other rather. What kind of society will they build? Are the kids going to be disciplined or go wild? While those on the ship are going through their own transitions, the teens on the planet also have to figure out their future. “If they can’t work out their internal crap, if they don’t stop killing each other, then this external threat that’s out there is going to wipe them out. And so it really becomes an existential threat to them. And, on the Ark their parents, the survivors that are up there, for them it’s life and death from the jump. And really there’s a very similar dynamic at play up there [on the ship].”

The adults on the Ark are trying to survive on a dying ship that cannot sustain the entire population for much longer. Will they thin the herd? The teens on the planet are trying to survive in the new world and the new world order they must create. “How dark are they going to go? How many people will they sacrifice in order to ensure that the human race goes on? And so these things, to me ‑‑ it’s not about kids. It’s not about teenagers. It’s about people.”
The 100 premiers March 19, 2014 on The CW.

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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The Little Rockers Band: Count Me In! CD GIVEAWAY

Posted on March 1, 2014March 31, 2014 by FCA Editor

It’s a rocking dance party all the way on this album. Count Me In! stays the course, with The Little Rockers Band remaining true to their commitment to creating music that speaks to children’s real life experiences through songs as varied in style as their subjects. On Count Me In! families will hear a ’90s rocker, a ’50s style rave up, a honky-tonk country tune, a Motown scorcher, a beachy/acoustic cover of a Paul Simon classic, and more.

This fun CD includes 11 cool songs including a fun spin on Old MacDonald, only this time it’s “Old Mick Jagger”. You have to hear it to appreciate the fun of this song. And there are plenty more great tracks for kids to enjoy, and this is something parents won’t mind hearing over and over again either.
We have five (5) CDs to give away. To be eligible to win a copy of The Little Rockers Band: Count Me In! CD, email us at [email protected] with “Little Rockers 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 March 14, 2014.

The Flintstones Kids: Rockin’ in Bedrock on DVD

Posted on March 1, 2014March 4, 2014 by FCA Editor

Can you imagine Fred, Barney, Wilma, Betty, and even Dino as youngsters? The Flintstones Kids was an animated TV series from 1986-1990, introducing new viewers to the iconic characters most of us grew up with, only this time they are little kids. Ten episodes are included in this 2-disc DVD set.

There are some pretty cute situations in which these four kids get involved. “Freddy” and Barney are best friends, and little Dino still runs out to greet Freddy when he gets home. And Wilma and Betty are best friends as well. The Bedrock we all know and love is pretty much the same, only these kids don’t have the same responsibilities they do in the original TV series. Instead of going to work, they go to school. And, of course, Pebbles and Bam-Bam are not even a figment of their imaginations, yet.

These four frolicking youngsters are entertaining and for kids who are not familiar with them in their adult form, this is a delightful little collection of episodes that is great for little ones today. I have to admit, I was partial to Pebbles and Bam-Bam, but these kids are cute in their own right.

And viewers get a chance to see the kids interact with their parents. Barney’s dad sells cars and Freddy’s dad is a fix-it man. You should see how he fixes little Freddy’s bike for the motocross race. Yes, the wheel was already invented and Bedrock is a thriving little town.

The Flintstones Kids: Rockin’ in Bedrock is not rated but it is fine for all ages.

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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Winnie the Pooh: Springtime With Roo on Blu-ray

Posted on March 1, 2014March 12, 2014 by FCA Editor

Winnie the Pooh” Springtime With Roo is an adorable movie for the entire family. Set in the Hundred Acre Wood, as all Pooh stories are, this story focuses on little Roo who is excited to celebrate his second Easter with the gang. Everyone is looking forward to the “Eastery” egg hunt and all things “Eastery”, except Rabbit.

For some reason, Rabbit is not in the Easter mood. Instead, he organizes “Spring Kleening Day” and doles out chores for everyone. Why is Rabbit being so obstinate?

As the story continues, and with a nod to Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” viewers see why Rabbit is behaving the way he is. Because of his overbearing attitude the previous Easter, he felt as though he was not wanted, so, this year he aims to forget Easter all together. Will the gang – and Rabbit – finally have the fun celebration they have been anticipating, or will Rabbit spoil things again?

There are several entertaining little songs throughout the film, and one endearing song in particular, sung by little Roo. “The fun never ends when you give to your friends and you share.”

Springtime With Roo is a delightful little story with the endearing characters we all know and love. For some reason, however, Owl is missing from this movie. But the rest of the gang is in good spirits and filled with optimism and cheer, with the exception, of course, of Rabbit.

Jimmy Bennett supplied the voice of Roo in this 2004 movie. The actor is much older now, however when he was young he voiced many animated characters, including Roo again in the 2005 Pooh’s Heffalump Halloween Movie, and Buddha in the 2008 Snow Buddies film. As a child, he brought a sweet quality to the character of Roo and in this particular film Roo will touch the hearts of all viewers. This adorable little fellow is filled with anticipation, enjoyment, and love. That is what he gives to everyone in the Hundred Acre Wood, and in the end, that is what he gets back.

Winnie the Pooh: Springtime With Roo is a movie families will watch together over and over again and it will become an annual Springtime/Easter viewing event in many homes. The bonus on this edition is a little “get up and dance” feature that will have viewers off their chairs dancing and moving to the songs. Winnie the Pooh: Springtime With Roo is rated G for everyone.

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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Non-Stop Movie Review

Posted on March 1, 2014May 27, 2014 by FCA Editor

Liam Neeson stars in this psychological thriller that takes place in the span of six hours at 40,000 feet in the sky aboard a flight from New York to London. Non-Stop is a tense who-done-it suspense with plenty of twists and turns.

Bill Marks (Neeson) is a Federal Air Marshal. He is an alcoholic and has personal problems, but is always dedicated to his job and takes his responsibility seriously. He is on board to protect the passengers aboard his flights. When he begins to get messages on his phone that happens to be on a secure network, the flight turns into a nightmare. The messages inform him that unless $150 million is transferred into a specific off-shore account, one passenger will die – every twenty minutes. Being a six-hour flight, that would mean a lot of dead bodies.

As the time goes by, Marks tries to figure out who is sending the messages. There are over 100 passengers on board. Who could it be? Then the messages start getting personal, so the culprit must be someone who knows him, and the only person that fits that criterion is the second air marshal. When that theory is debunked, the nightmare spirals out of control as things get dicey on board, and the passengers are put through intense surveillance and background checks. Who is sending these messages?
With the help of a flight attendant (Michelle Dockery) and his seatmate (Julianne Moore), Marks sets out to narrow down the list of suspects. Who is using their phone? Who is behaving strangely? Can they find the culprit before it is too late?

Things get even more intense as the minutes go by. Everything spirals out of control and it is ultimately up to Marks to get the control of the cabin before a major tragedy occurs.
This is a tense and intense thriller with Neeson turning in a superb performance. Audiences will undoubtedly feel compassion for his character as he struggles with inner demons while steadfastly doing his job to protect the passengers aboard this very dramatic flight. The terrorist could be anyone on board the plane, with the exception of the young frightened child flying alone. Everyone else is a suspect. Audiences will be trying to solve the mystery, along with Bill Marks.

Non-Stop is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some language, sensuality and 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.

Follow her on Twitter

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Britax B-Safe Infant Car Seat

Posted on February 26, 2014March 31, 2014 by FCA Editor

Enter to win a Britax B-Safe Infant Car Seat!

Lightweight and travel friendly, the Britax B-Safe Infant Car Seat provides your child with comfort and safety.

To be eligible to win, email us at [email protected] with “Britax B-Safe” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).

Deadline to enter is March 19th.