Sofia the First Songs from Enchancia CD

Posted on January 27, 2014 by FCA Editor

From the popular Disney Junior Channel’s series Sofia the First comes a delightful CD filled with music embracing the love and spirit of Sofia and everyone in the land of Enchancia. Sofia the First: Songs from Enchancia includes 19 musical tracks, and several are karaoke versions so your child can sing along with the music and be the star of the song. And what little kid doesn’t fancy himself/herself as an aspiring singer?

One of the fun things about the show is that Sofia, a Disney Princess-in-Training, is often visited by the other Disney Princesses, who help her out when she is troubled. And we all know music is part of the Disney Princess stories, so it’s natural they sing with Sofia as well. On the CD Sofia sings songs with Ariel, Belle, and Jasmine, who each visited her on one occasion. The song with Cinderella was in the first Sofia the First soundtrack.

The tracks on this CD are:

Sisters and Brothers
Merowe Cove
The Love We Share (with Ariel)
Bigger is Better
You Can Always Count on Baileywick
Make it Right (with Belle)
Good Little Witch – Ballad
Good Little Witch
The Ride of Your Lives (with Jasmine)
A Recipe for Adventure
Bring My Best Friend Back (with Clover, the bunny)
The Simple Life
Make Way for Miss Nettle
Enchancia
Be Who You Wanna Be
Merroway Cove (Karaoke version)
Bigger is Better (Karaoke version)
Good Little Witch (Karaoke version)
A Recipe for Adventure (Karaoke version)

These are all fun songs sung by the various members of the cast, and mostly by the little princess (in-training) who is learning how to be a princess, how to be Royal, how to live with siblings, and how to grow up. Sofia is a beloved character and her TV show is popular with kids and their parents. Sofia is a great role model for little kids. She is kind, caring, courteous, and loving. The songs included in her new CD are sure to be sung around your house over, and over, and over…

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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Maleficent – Dream Trailer

Posted on January 27, 2014 by FCA Editor

“Maleficent” explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty” and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king’s newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever.

The film stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.

“Maleficent” opens in theaters on May 30, 2014.

For more information, check out Disney.com/Maleficent, like us on Facebook:
Facebook.com/DisneyMaleficent and use the official hashtag #Maleficent.

Nicholas Sparks DVD Collection

Posted on January 26, 2014 by FCA Editor

The Nicholas Sparks Limited Edition DVD Collection includes seven films with stories created by the best-selling author. Sparks is noted for his sensitive and dramatic stories filled with love, compassion, suffering, and hope.

The films in this collection are:

Message in a Bottle (1999) starring Kevin Costner and Robin Wright in a story about a lost love and a new one.

A Walk to Remember (2001) starring Mandy Moore and Shane West) in a story of teens whose lifestyles are complete opposites yet they are drawn to each other.

The Notebook (2004) starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in a story about true love that surpasses even the tragedy of Alzheimer’s.

Nights in Rodanthe (3008) starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane in a story about two people who meet and share an unforgettable time together which leads to a deep love.

Dear John (2010) starring Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried in a story of a soldier and his girlfriend who correspond via love letters through the years.

The Lucky One (2012) starring Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling about a soldier who returns from battle with the quest to find the woman he feels was his good luck charm by way of a photograph he discovered while at war.

Safe Haven (2013) starring Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel in a story of a terrorized woman who finds love and compassion in a new town.

Each of the films revolves around a couple who find love that helps them through tragic times. Some of the movies follow the books penned by Sparks, and some vary a little – or in the case of The Notebook, a lot. Avid Nicholas Sparks readers will see some variations, but still enjoy the screen adaptations, and for fans of dramatic love stories who have not read his books, they will enjoy these intense stories.

Each disc contains some bonus features, which add to the enjoyment of the films. Every viewer will undoubtedly have one film in this collection that will be his/her favorite. Sparks is an interesting man and having had the opportunity to interview the author, I can attest to the fact that he feels strongly about his novels and subsequent films. While death and absence play a big part if his stories, at the heart of them are heartfelt loving relationships.

The Nicholas Sparks Limited Edition DVD Collection includes a special postcard set with images from each film and a letter from Nicholas Sparks. It is a great Valentine’s Day gift!

These films are rated PG-13 except A Walk to Remember, which is rated PG.

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Hindenburg: The Last Flight on DVD

Posted on January 26, 2014 by FCA Editor

This 2011 made-for-TV (Encore) miniseries is now available on DVD. Hindenburg: The Last Flight, is a fictional story putting forth an alternate history of the final and fatal flight of the giant airship.

In the same vane as the film Titanic, Hindenburg follows a group of passengers as they travel from Germany to America aboard the fated Zeppelin. Yes, the airship exploded on landing, something we all know, but the reason for the explosion is fictionalized in this film.

It was 1937 and the world was on the brink of war. Among those aboard the ship is a Jewish family fleeing the inevitable persecution in their homeland, Nazi soldiers, an entertainer, and the wife and daughter of an American oil industrialist.

Also on board is one of the designers of the Zeppelin, who sneaks on the ship after learning there is a bomb aboard. He needs to find the bomb before it goes off, killing everyone on the Hindenburg. But who is responsible for the bomb? And, more importantly, why would anyone want to bomb the airship?

What viewers see unfold is the fictional story behind the explosion, which centers on money, of course. The Germans need what the American oilman can supply, and he wants the riches he will amass if the trade embargo between the United States and Germany is lifted. So both Hitler’s inner ranks and this American industrialist concoct a scheme to prove that the embargo needs to be lifted. And that scheme involves blowing up the Hindenburg.

Murder, politics, heroics, selfishness, love, romance, and everything else combine to create this dramatic story. It has some scenes of interest, however some of the acting is a little juvenile. This seems like a low budget show however some might find it entertaining. The movie was filmed in Germany and stars Maximilian Simonischek, Lauren Lee Smith, Greta Scacchi, and Stacy Keach. Perhaps the most interesting part of the show is seeing how passengers were accommodated on the large airship. Although it is not an exact replication of the Hindenburg, the atmosphere is similar, when compared to actual photos of the Zeppelin.

Hindenburg: The Last Flight runs 191 minutes. It’s not rated however it is not for young viewers.

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Christopher Plummer is Barrymore on PBS

Posted on January 26, 2014 by FCA Editor

In the new PBS Great Performance show Barrymore, Christopher Plummer re-creates his Tony Award-winning one-man play portraying legendary actor John Barrymore. Plummer is probably remembered by many for his role as Captain Von Trapp in the musical film The Sound of Music, however his career is much more than that one iconic role. Plummer has won two Emmys, two Tonys, and an Oscar.

When people these days hear the name “Barrymore” they probably think of Drew. The Barrymore family is one of the most prolific families of stage and screen. Plummer is amazing in this performance of John – sometimes called Jack – Barrymore and when seeing this film viewers will be immersed in the character and forget they are seeing a performance.

William Luce wrote the original play, but, as Plummer explained to a group of journalists, “we went to work on it because it was just a bunch of gags to begin with, very funny, but there was no depth, or it was rather shallow. So we took it on the road for a long time and worked on it in each town, and William Luce was so flexible and wonderful to work with.” After honing the play and getting into the character, Christopher Plummer had an award-winning performance and a highly touted show.

“So we managed to find, finally, some sort of kind of pain behind the eyes of Jack, and, of course, in life [there] was a great deal of pain. So I think we found it. I think it’s there, and it was a lovely exercise to develop a part and a play.”

Plummer told the Television Critics Association an interesting story. “One day when we were on Broadway, they told me that Elaine Barrymore was out front, and she must have been in her late 80s. She was his last wife, as you probably know. And I thought I was absolutely terrified. So I made my first entrance, and I was determined to sound exactly like Jack. I could do it if I wanted to, but normally, I wouldn’t have done a cheap imitation, but that day I had to so that she would know who I was. And then it was okay. I did the show, and afterwards she came backstage with a friend, and all she said was – and it was the nicest compliment I think I’ve ever got – she said, ‘Jack would have loved to have done the town with you.’ And that was fine with me. That was just great. I don’t think Drew has seen it. I don’t know Drew, but I knew Diana very well, his daughter. So I felt I was, in a sense, a sort of part of the family.”

When asked about Barrymore, the man, Plummer was perceptive about his life and career. “I think [his] whole persona is unique. He was one of the great personalities of the early 20th century. There’s no question. He was embodiment of naughtiness, glamour, talent, and he had it all except height. He was a very short man. And that great extraordinary profile and his delicious self‑deprecating humor of which he had loads. And so that made him a very attractive figure to me.”

Plummer compared John Barrymore to the mythological Greek character Icarus, who ignored warnings and flew too close to the sun and melted. Barrymore burned out himself, not literally, however.

Christopher Plummer is not only an accomplished actor, he is also a witty and highly intelligent man. “I’ve done so many more parts, great parts than Barrymore ever got a chance to do.” When asked about his longevity, he quipped,

“I think it’s because we’re all living longer than Methuselah. And we are on drugs and everything so that we look so young and vibrant.” He also expressed his joy in the fact that more stories are being written with parts for older actors these days.

“I like [performing in] one‑man shows,” the actor stated with a smile, “because there’s no one else to spoil the party. [But] also they’re terribly lonely so that you get your punishment as well. It is lonely up there.”

Christopher Plummer is one of today’s great actors and when viewers see his performance as Barrymore, they will undoubtedly agree. “I’ve been terribly lucky,” he said when referring to the parts he has played in his career.

Barrymore premiers on PBS Friday, January 31, 2014. It’s not for kids due to adult content and language.

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The Disney Princess Cookbook GIVEAWAY

Posted on January 25, 2014 by FCA Editor

From Rapunzel’s Frying Pan Eggs to Ariel’s Sea Turtle Cupcakes, this beautiful cookbook is filled with delicious recipes inspired by the Princesses’ many adventures.

With simple step-by-step instructions, mouth-watering photos of each dish, and helpful tips from the Princesses themselves, this cookbook makes it easy to whip up some kitchen magic.

To be eligible to win a copy of The Disney Princess Cookbook, email us at [email protected] with “Cookbook” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address.

The deadline for this Giveaway is February 17, 2014

The Disney Princess Cookbook has earned a Family Choice Award.

The Hunger Games Catching Fire

Posted on January 25, 2014 by FCA Editor

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, Digital HD, Video On Demand and Pay-Per-View March 7th from Lionsgate! Academy Award ® winning Best Actress Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) leads the all-star cast in the action-adventure based on the best-selling novel trilogy. Katniss (Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) return home after surviving the Hunger Games and quickly embark on a “Victory Tour.” Sensing a rebellion, President Snow announces a deadly 75th Hunger Games that could change Panem forever.

The Pretty One – Movie Review

Posted on January 25, 2014 by FCA Editor

The Pretty One is the story of one emotionally conflicted young woman. Laurel (Zoe Kazan) is an artist, a loving daughter to her widowed father (John Carroll Lynch), an introvert, and an identical twin. Audrey is the outgoing of the two and the one who left home after their mother died. She is sophisticated, accomplished, and stylish. So, when she returns home to celebrate their birthday, Audrey informs Laurel that she will be accompanying her back to the city. But first, Laurel must make a few changes so Audrey treats her twin to a makeover. Gone is Laurel’s mousey long hair. In its place is the exact same stylish do Audrey wears. They haven’t had identical hairstyles since they were little and joke about what their father will say when they get home.

Unfortunately, they never make it home. The girls are in a tragic car accident and one of them dies. Because the deceased is badly burned, and the survivor is wearing Audrey’s haircut, it is easy to understand why they all believe Laurel is the one who died. And, Laurel is so confused upon waking up in the hospital, she believes she is Audrey.

The tragedy takes its toll on the household. Through several instances, not the least is Laurel’s funeral, Laurel realizes that her sister was more loved than she ever was. She decides to keep up the charade and insinuate herself into Audrey’s life, explaining the confusion about her friends and work on the amnesia and the car accident.

Laurel goes to the city and starts to reconcile herself and insert herself into her sister’s world. But the internal grief and torment she feels slowly takes its toll. She is not the same Audrey that everyone knew. But they all accept that she has been through a terrible tragedy. No on realizes how right they are when they think she is a different person.

Laurel – as Audrey – is kind and accepting. She cuts off ties with Audrey’s boyfriend Charles (Ron Livingston) and begins a more comfortable and positive relationship with Basil (Jake Johnson), the man next door. Basil and Audrey never got along, but Basil and Laurel are a perfect match. Except he still thinks she is Audrey.

This is a compelling story that keeps audiences interested even though they know who Laurel really is. Kazan does an amazing job of portraying the angst and inner trauma that Laurel goes through from the beginning to the end.

This young woman only wants to be herself and must decide whether she is brave enough to stand up to life, her family and friends as Laurel, not as a broken Audrey. Audrey was part of her. They were identical twins. But Laurel is a different woman and needs validation of her own self-worth.

The Pretty One is absorbing thanks to the performance of Zoe Kazan. It’s rated R for language and some sexual content. It opens February 7, 2014.

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At Middleton – Movie Review

Posted on January 25, 2014 by FCA Editor

Vera Farmiga and Andy Garcia star in this whimsical yet sensitive story of two strangers who meet and spend a memorable day together. The entire film takes place on a college campus during the course of one day.

Edith (Farmiga) is accompanying her high-strung daughter Audrey (Taissa Farmiga) on a campus tour of Middleton College. And George (Garcia) is a straight-laced cardiac surgeon accompanying his unenthusiastic son Conrad (Spencer Lofranco) on the same tour. While George is excited to have his son look at the school, Edith is apprehensive about her daughter going away to college because that would mean she would be an empty nester and alone with her husband.

During the tour Edith and George leave the group and wander around the campus together, checking out places that would never be on the regulation tour. Edith shows off her unconventional attitude about life and George follows, even if it means “borrowing” a couple bikes left unattended. Together they learn more about themselves and each other than either had expected. And in doing so, they fall in love. But what could happen? After all, they are each married to other people, albeit unhappily. George’s influence on Edith and hers on him bring out a companionship neither has experienced and one that fulfills them.

While Audrey enthusiastically seeks out Dr. Roland Emerson (Tom Skerritt), the linguistics professor with whom she desperately wants to study, Conrad’s laid-back attitude about the college bring them to a different relationship than their AWL parents. But they also form a rather unusual couple, however not in the usual sense of the word.

Although this is a touching and charming story, it is a little too long and toward the end I felt myself wanting a conclusion. However, I was engaged in the story and could definitely recommend it with enthusiasm were it a little shorter. As it is, I believe some of the scenes were not necessary to make this an entertaining film.

Yes, I did laugh out loud at several scenes and my heart went out to the characters during other scenes. At Middleton has been a crowd-pleaser at film festivals and has won several awards. I enjoyed it however with the caveat that it should be cut just a little for time, which is now 100 minutes. The tagline is “You never know what you’ll discover on your first day at college.” How true.

An interesting note about this film is that Vera Farmiga’s sister Taissa plays her daughter and Andy Garcia’s daughter Danielle Garcia-Lorido has a part in the film as well. It’s a family affair for the two leading actors.

The film is an intriguing romantic comedy, and people might start using the word “feckless” after seeing it. You’ll have to see the film to understand that! At Middleton is rated R – mild drug use and some sexual content. It opens in theaters January 31, 2014.

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Cloudy With a Chance Of Meatballs 2 Combo Pack

Posted on January 25, 2014 by FCA Editor

In this sequel, Flint is called upon to help save the world once more because his invention was not completely destroyed and is causing food havoc once again. Only instead of plain food, it is creating live food and once the new, sentient food gets off the island where they are being created, well, that spells trouble for the world… again.

The creativity involved in this movie is amazing. When we were young we were told, “Don’t play with your food.” Apparently, filmmakers Cody Cameron and Kris Pearn never got that lecture. They played and played and played with food to come up with some pretty funny characters. They actually designed about 150 of them, however only about 40 were used in the movie. First they created the foodimals, and then the creations were animated and given names. A potato became Hippotatomus, mangos turned into Flamangos, a cucumber morphed into a flying Cucumbirdy, watermelon turned into Watermelophants, a taco became a Tacodile, squash became – what else but Sasquash, shrimp turned into Shrimpanzees, and a beet was now a Wildebeet. Are you starting to see the creativity that went into this adorable movie?

From the time the original movie was produced until they started on Cloudy 2, technology had advanced giving the filmmakers even more creative license with which to play. As the directors explained, the first film had a “graphic look” whereas this one looks “like a painting.”

“The characters are the most important thing,” said director Cody Cameron. Besides the story of Flint Lockwood with his friends from the first story, who must save the world once again, there are some other underlying stories as well. The relationship between Flint and his father Tim (James Caan) is part of the movie. Tim is a caring dad but because Flint was always into science, the father/son traditional bonding activities didn’t happen when Flint was a kid. So Tim bonds with some pickles, providing a father/grandfather sub-story, which is an amusing fishing scene. Yes, you read correctly. Tim takes some pickles fishing. As I keep saying, this film is filled with so many creative and funny aspects.

Creative, amusing, enjoyable, colorful, entertaining, funny, cute, adorable, and witty are all words to describe Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.

The Blu-ray Combo pack includes some great bonus features. First there are a few deleted scenes. As director Cody Cameron explained, some scenes were deleted for time constraints, or “sometimes an idea changes in midstream” and the scene is no longer relevant.

There are also four “shorts” – or mini-movies -, which are absolutely adorable. “Steve’s First Bath” is a hilarious story of how the little fellow was finally wrangled into a bath. “Super Manny” has Manny as a, well, Super Hero kind of guy. “Earl Scouts” is about Earl and a group of guys he is trying to teach about the survival of the fittest but things get out of hand. And “Attack of the 50-Food Gummi Bear” is enough to give anyone a large cavity when Steve is left to watch over an endearing but mischievous gummi bear that is transformed into a giant, and Steve follows suit.

Besides these would be great bonus features in themselves, but there are even more, which are included in the Blu-ray/DVD combo packs. There are a lot of “making of” featurettes, including a look at the characters, production design, and creating the Foodimals. Plus, there is a look at how they created the ending credits using mixed media. Once you see this featurette, you’ll have a new appreciation for the ending credits, believe me.

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 runs 95 minutes and is rated PG for mild rude humor. It’s appropriate for most children.

And don’t forget to download the free Foodimal Funimal app for even more fun with the characters, plus the ability to synch to the Blu-ray.

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