The Slipper and the Rose on Blu-ray

Posted on November 11, 2013 by FCA Editor

The story of Cinderella is re-imagined through the eyes of the Prince in this enchanting 1976 film starring Richard Chamberlain and Gemma Craven. The Slipper and the Rose is a romantic musical story of love, written by Bryan Forbes and the legendary writers Richard and Robert Sherman. The Sherman brothers wrote the memorable songs that help make this the amazing movie it is. Yes, before you say that the Rogers and Hammerstein TV movie Cinderella was both musical and memorable, I admit that I agree. However, The Slipper and the Rose is more through the eyes of Prince Edward than those of Cinderella, making this a different story than the others.

The story takes place in the tiny kingdom of Euphrania where Prince Edward (Chamberlain) is being instructed by his parents to wed. If he selects the right wife, war will be avoided. But Edward wants to select his wife on “the convenience of love rather than the convenience of convenience.” Their answer is that he must find a mate and “love will have to wait.”

At this same time, Cinderella’s (Craven) father has died and she is relegated to being the servant to her stepmother and stepsisters. We all know this story. The Fairy Godmother (delightfully and often humorously played by Annette Crosbie) appears and soon Cinderella finds herself on the way to the ball, where she and Edward instantly fall in love. But when she disappears, the search for the woman who fits the slipper ultimately leads him to Cinderella and he announces to his parents that he has found his wife. Cinderella is sent away but alas, she returns to marry her beloved Prince.

Nothing new you say? On the contrary. Although the storyline is your basic Cinderella story, there are plenty of new elements, namely the magical and delightful songs that fill the scenes and add to the enjoyment of this story. And viewers feel the angst of the Prince as he is delegated to live his life in a structured way and yearns to be able to make his own decisions, especially when it comes to his wife.

Bonus features on this high definition disc include a behind the scenes “making of” featurette in which David Frost (who was the Executive Producer of the movie) discusses how they found their Cinderella. That in itself is a Cinderella story. Gemma Craven was plucked out of the theater for her first film. Her screen test and interviews add to the story of her ride to film stardom. More than 800 actresses vied for the role.

The sets are also extraordinary. The filmmakers used 10,000 candles to light up the sets on camera. The entire movie making process is laid out for viewers to see.

Another featurette revolves around the Sherman brothers who discuss writing the screenplay. They agree the movie is, “The last of the big original musicals.” They also say The Slipper and the Rose is their “most romantic musical.”

Most people think the story of Cinderella began with Walt Disney in 1950. Little do they know that it began in China in 850 A.D. – according to David Frost.

Enter the “secret kingdom where dreams come true” with this beautifully written and filmed story of the endearing legend.

The Slipper and the Rose is rated G, however it is most appropriate for those over 10, as there is a scene in the graveyard that might upset youngsters.

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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Autumn McAlpin Hits the Ground Running

Posted on November 11, 2013 by FCA Editor

In her first time directing, Autumn McAlpin has produced a heart-felt family film. Shadow is a short (30 minute) film about forging ahead in the face of adversity.

When Chase Davis (Mason Mac), a champion long board surfer, is beaten almost to death by a gang of hoodlums, his dreams of surfing are dashed. Or are they? Chase is now a depressed loner who prefers to hide away in his mother’s house than chase his dreams, no pun intended.

With the help of his mother’s three-legged dog Shadow and Shadow’s upbeat dog walker, Chase comes out of the depths of despair and takes his first steps back the living a full life. Shadow and Chase are examples of forging through when confronted with life-changing dynamics or with disabilities.

At the premier of the film, Autumn, who also wrote the story, admitted she definitely had her friend Mason Mac in mind for the role of Chase. The film was a dream come true for McAlpin, who currently has several feature films in the works. While bigger budget films take time to get from point A to point B, Autumn decided to get something in the can, so to speak, immediately, so she quickly wrote this illuminating story, having had the idea originally from her mother’s dog, Shadow.

If Shadow is any indication of McAlpin’s talents, and it is, she is just beginning a long career. Shadow will be submitted to several film festivals. Watch for it.

McAlpin resides in California with her husband and four children. Besides her film career, Autumn McAlpin also writes a column for the Orange County Register.

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All the President’s Men – Two-Disc Special Edition

Posted on November 11, 2013 by FCA Editor

“What did the president know and when did he know it?” That phrase was one of the most memorable to come out of the Senate Watergate hearings. After the Watergate hearings, the House took up Impeachment proceedings. So, how did Richard Nixon go from a landslide victory in 1972 to the first president to resign from office? That’s the story of All the President’s Men. The movie is based on the investigative journalism of rookie reporters, Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, who broke the story of Watergate and followed it through to the end.

The 40th Anniversary of the Watergate episode is the right time to relive the happenings and inform a new generation of Americans what the country went through in the 1970s, the dedication of the journalists, and the Imperial Presidency. This special edition Blu-ray includes a second disc: All the President’s Men Revisited, a new documentary that is just as important to view and informative as the movie itself. Narrated by Robert Redford, who starred in the movie as Bob Woodward, this new documentary looks back at the actual people who brought the story to the public as well as those who were part of the story.

The documentary reunited Redford with his real-life counterpart, Woodward, along with Carl Bernstein and Ben Bradlee, the Executive Editor of The Washington Post at the time of Watergate. Also talking about the story and the movie are Dustin Hoffman, who played the chain-smoking Carl Bernstein, and members of the Nixon White House and others who played their own parts in the Watergate episode.

In this fascinating documentary, Carl Bernstein acknowledges the whole event “was worse than we thought.” And, what they originally uncovered was just a tiny tip of the iceberg, which turned out to be gigantic.

The break-in was just the clue that led Woodward and Bernstein to the entire scheme and cover-up, which ultimately stopped in the Oval Office. The movie is not merely an entertaining story about what happened, but it is a detective story, and what a detective story it is!

Nixon’s law and order platform crumbled under the pressure of his need for power. His abuse of power was a symptom of his personality. Later, after he was out of office, Nixon said, “When a president does it, it’s not illegal.” Nixon’s flawed sense of thought is still talked about today. And, in many circles he is likened to the current president, who, many people feel, seems to be building his own Imperial Presidency. As they allude to in the documentary, the lessons learned from Watergate didn’t last long and the same mistakes will be made again.

The great takeaway from this story is that the Democrats and Republicans worked together to “put country ahead of party” and politics. The Republicans were front and center when it came to calling for the president’s resignation, which is something that is difficult to imagine today when the bond of party politics is so unbreakable in Washington.

The importance of “Deep Throat”, aka Mark Felt, the #2 man in the FBI at the time, is another amazing sub-story of the entire Watergate episode. The pieces that came together to solve the puzzle of Watergate make for an amazing story, which is All the President’s Men. With the original film, in high definition, and the bonuses, which add to the viewer’s understanding of the times, the people, and the events, this Special Edition is a “must have.”

All the President’s Men is rated PG.

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Epic – Combo Pack

Posted on November 11, 2013 by FCA Editor

Epic is a beautiful fantasy film about a secret miniature world of people and critters that live in the forest. In high definition, the visuals are amazing and wondrous. The filmmakers, through the great technology of computer animation, developed a spectacular world filled with colors and characters.

The story begins when Mary Katherine, who wants to be called MK, moves to the middle of nowhere to be with her father after her mother died. Her father is preoccupied with proving the existence of a tiny world inside the forest. MK feels abandoned by not only her mother who passed away, but also by her father who doesn’t have much time for her.

Then something mysterious happens. While searching for her lost dog in the forest, MK is turned into the two-inch size of the inhabitants of the secret world.

The Leafmen are the warriors protecting the Queen, but when evil people who want to destroy the peace and calm and take over the kingdom attack her, she becomes a casualty of war. But, that’s not the end of life in the forest. Before dying, she passes “the life of the forest” to MK, who then experiences an amazing adventure among the tiny people.

Characters in the forest include the Leafmen Commander General Ronin (voiced by Colin Farrell), and Nod (voiced by Josh Hutcherson), a soldier who doesn’t always follow directions. There are also a fun pair, Mub and Grub, a snail and a slug. And let’s not forget the wise Queen, voiced by Beyoncé Knowles.

In the end, MK (voiced by Amanda Siegfried) learns to appreciate her father and his work in the forest. And they finally form a bond of love that has been missing for many years.

Bonus features include the physics of being tiny, and life at two inches tall. Viewers also learn about the real-life counterparts of the characters presented in the film.

Epic is an action/fantasy film and is part of the Fox Home Entertainment Holiday Collection. It’s rated PG for mild action, some scary images, and brief rude language.

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Sofia the First: The Floating Palace on Disney Junior

Posted on November 11, 2013 by FCA Editor

Disney’s youngest princess stars in her first Primetime special. Sofia the First: The Floating Palace is filled with magic and fun as the little princess and her family set sail on their floating palace for a fun filled summer vacation.

Once the family reaches their destination, Maraway Cove, a secluded cove where King Roland vacationed when he was a boy, the fun begins. Well, it’s not all fun. Actually there is a lot of danger. Sofia’s enchanted necklace (the Amulet of Avalor) transforms her into a mermaid when she is in the water. How cool is that?

Sofia meets a friendly and curious young mermaid. Oona is a princess too. She has an enchanted comb; only Oona hasn’t learned the power it holds. Unfortunately, Cedric the Sorcerer knows full well the power it contains and he sets out to capture Oona and take the enchanted comb for his evil scheme to take over the kingdom.

Oona’s life somewhat parallels Princess Ariel’s. Ariel’s friend was a fish named Flounder and Oona’s friend is a seahorse named Sven. Ariel’s father has a trident and Oona’s mother has a trident. And, they are both young mermaid princesses. The two little mermaids share a common background and their families both distrust humans. And, hold onto your tails, Ariel makes an appearance in this special. Disney legend Jodi Benson reprises her role of Ariel, who comes to assist Sofia. After all, the Disney princesses all stick together!

When Sofia sets out to rescue Oona from the “Sea Monster” – who is really Cedric – she discovers the power of love and family. Whether they are mermaids or humans, “We’re all devoted to our families.”

The two worlds collide in an amazing undersea adventure focusing on the love of families. “In sea or air, the love we share” is what makes life worth living.

Sofia the First: The Floating Palace premiers Sunday, November 24, 2013 on Disney Junior. This is a wonderful story of love, friendship, and family that is enjoyable for everyone. It’s filled with music, magic, and mayhem.

Sofia the First is cable’s #1 series for kids ages 2-5. It’s also the #1 preschool cable TV series in total viewers and women ages 18-49. Everyone enjoys the little princess and her adventures. Mark your calendar for this adorable new special.

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The Day Kennedy Died – On Smithsonian Channel

Posted on November 11, 2013 by FCA Editor

2013 marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. To commemorate this tragic event in America’s history, many new films, documentaries, books, and television shows have been produced. Among them is the new documentary on Smithsonian Channel – The Day Kennedy Died. This insightful film takes viewers back to November 22, 1963 and follows the movements of the president and his accused assassin Lee Harvey Oswald as they make their way, minute by minute, through the day.

Narrated by Kevin Spacey, The Day Kennedy Died is a good history lesson for those who were not alive fifty years ago, and for those who were it is a flashback in our minds. “The assassination of President Kennedy stunned the nation and continues to be a defining and highly scrutinized moment in American history,” said David Royle, Executive Vice President, Programming and Production, Smithsonian Channel. “In this new film, we allow the images, the witnesses and events of that agonizing day to speak for themselves. They remain as vivid as they were five decades ago.”

The film begins that morning in Fort Worth, with the world’s most famous couple. JFK is labeled “a global superstar” and his wife was just as beloved around the world. With narration and interviews with witnesses who were there in Texas that day, the atmosphere in Dallas is described as “charged.” It was a dangerous situation in Texas at that time and Kennedy haters were everywhere. Tension was high, but so was love. The streets of Dallas were filled with Kennedy admirers who wanted to get a glimpse of the first couple.

Mrs. Kennedy’s Secret Service agent, Clint Hill, said the president wanted to be “accessible to the people” so the agents were supposed to maintain a respectable distance from the couple to let the people feel they were not closed off from their president. To this day, Hill wonders if he had acted just a split second faster if he could have saved Kennedy’s life.

First hand accounts from people who were there, describe the moments after the shooting as “mass pandemonium.” Doctors and nurses at the hospital talk about treating the president, who had no pulse when he arrived. When Attorney General Robert Kennedy spoke to Clint Hill, Hill told him “It’s as bad as it can get.” Mrs. Kennedy exchanged rings with her husband before his body was taken from the hospital to the waiting jet where Lyndon Johnson was sworn in as the 36th President of the United States.

The film shifts back and forth between the president’s location and what was happening with Oswald the remainder of the day and into the following days – through the tumultuous streets of Dallas to Bethesda Naval Hospital where the autopsy was performed, back to the White House (at 5:30 am November 23), then back to Dallas where Oswald claimed to be a “patsy” then was shot and killed on November 24. After being shot, Oswald was asked if he had anything to say. He simply shook his head.

The Day Kennedy Died is a fascinating look at a historic event through the eyes of those who were there. It’s an interesting dissection of November 22, 1963 and relatable to viewers.

The Day Kennedy Died will premier Sunday, November 17, 2013 on Smithsonian Channel. I highly recommend this for anyone over the age of 13.

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James Dean: Ultimate Collector’s Edition

Posted on November 11, 2013 by FCA Editor

With a limited edition of 50,000 boxes, the James Dean: Ultimate Collector’s Edition is an extraordinary package and makes a great holiday gift for fans of James Dean, fans of movies, and fans of Hollywood. Included in this set are seven discs, photos of the actor, memorabilia from the studios, and three mini movie posters of the three films Dean made in his short career. Plus, there is a collector’s hardcover book with plenty of photos and information about the actor and his films.

Now, to the nitty gritty parts of this amazing collection – the discs. What is interesting is that James Dean only made three films: East of Eden, Rebel Without a Cause, and Giant. Warner Home Entertainment includes all of these films in the package, and they added more discs filled with all things James Dean. A special disc contains the PBS American Masters – James Dean: Sense Memories. Another bonus disc is the documentary James Dean: Forever Young narrated by Martin Sheen. A third bonus disc is the documentary George Stevens: A Filmmaker’s Journey about the director of the epic film Giant. And the final additional disc includes a slew of bonus features from the film Giant, which starred Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson along with James Dean.

The discs containing the three highly-regarded dramatic films also include bonus features and plenty of documentaries so by the time viewers see everything in this phenomenal set, they will know as much about James Dean as anyone can know. This tormented young man died when he was 24, yet he is a legend in Hollywood. Why? Personally, I cannot figure that out, but for those who feel that Dean was a superstar, this is the ultimate collection.

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First Monday in October on DVD

Posted on November 11, 2013 by FCA Editor

1981 was the year Ronald Reagan nominated Sandra Day O’Connor to the United States Supreme Court. She was the first woman justice to serve on the bench. That same year the movie First Monday in October hit the screens. Based on a play written four years earlier, this fictional film is about the first woman on the U.S. Supreme Court.

Jill Clayburgh plays Judge Loomis, a conservative from Orange County California. Her liberal foil on the High Court is Judge Snow, adeptly played by Walter Matthau. They balance the power with conflicting ideas and always clash, however they ultimately respect each other.

What is interesting about this movie is that even though the two justices are foes when it comes to ideology, they have respect and admiration for each other’s opinions and know that by expressing opposite arguments, they are doing their jobs. This is something today’s politicians should take note of.

The takeaway from this entertaining film is not the story of the first woman on the High Court. It is the relationship between dissenting justices. It is the fact that respect and admiration can be sustained even though two people are on very opposite sides of issues. Before the current stalemate in Washington, at the end of the day Democrats and Republicans were friends, not foes. They would enjoy a drink together and socialize with each other. Today’s atmosphere is different. What this film teaches us is that even though people have differing views, we all have the right to our opinions and have the right to express them, and we are all human beings and citizens of the same country. If the people in Washington could all see this film, the country would be better off.

There are opposing opinions on every issue. The point of the film is that our personal convictions should not be the basis for how we feel about others. This is a good lesson for everyone. People – especially those in powerful positions – need to be able to respectfully talk about issues with each other and learn why the other person feels the way he/she does. With civility, people can work together and hopefully forge agreements that take into consideration the differing opinions.

The movie is rated “R” because it takes on the subject of pornography, indecency, art, and free speech, so it isn’t recommended for kids. First Monday in October is part of the Warner Archive Collection and is available from their website at www.wbshop.com. The movie is serious and also entertaining. Listening to Snow and Loomis exchange arguments and cross-examine each other makes for smart and engaging scenes. This movie shows that a serious film can be witty.

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Some Animated Holiday DVDs

Posted on November 11, 2013 by FCA Editor

It’s that time of year again. Holiday-themed DVDs are hitting the shelves. While buying all of them is probably not an option for your family, here are several different animated holiday films for the kids in your home. Check them out and see which ones your kids will enjoy.

Saving Santa

This is a clever and entertaining new movie filled with music and the spirit of the holidays. Saving Santa is the story of Bernard elf (voiced by Martin Freeman) who wants desperately to be one of Santa’s inventors. He has invented some gadgets that feels will be fun and contribute to the Christmas spirit.

Unfortunately, Bernard discovers that due to a little glitch, he unintentionally put Santa and the North Pole in danger. So, being the inventive little fellow he is, he takes Santa’s time globe and goes back in time to undo the damage he has done. But when that doesn’t work he does it again. So, little Bernard ends up reliving the same day three times. His main job in the North Pole is that of pooper-scooper for the reindeer, but due to his cunning and spirit, he makes a friend and confidant of Santa.

The theme is “never give up” which makes this a fun and wonderful little holiday movie. This is definitely an original little Christmas movie that will be enjoyed year after year. I highly recommend this enjoyable holiday story.

My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas

Little bumbling Minty accidentally wrecks the big candy cane atop Ponyville’s Christmas tree. The candy cane is like a beacon, so how will Santa find them if it is shattered into a million pieces? Minty and Thistle set off for the North Pole, with the others on their heels, to help Santa find Ponyville.

The moral to this story is it doesn’t matter what’s in your presents that counts, but what’s in your heart. The ponies all band together and discover their love and caring for each other was enough for Santa to find his way to Ponyville.

Thomas & Friends: Santa’s Little Engine

Five chilling episodes featuring Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends focus on Christmas and wintertime. “Santa’s Little Engine”, “No Snow for Thomas”, “Frozen Turntable”, “The Missing Christmas Decorations”, and “Snow Tracks” combine to make this DVD a winter wonderland of excitement. Thomas plays the role of “Thomas the red-nosed engine” and Gordon decides to avoid advice about maneuvering the icy tracks. There are plenty of winter stories to keep Thomas-loving kids occupied.

The Hive – A Very Buzzbee Christmas

This DVD is not entirely about Christmas but it does include two Christmas episodes from the Disney Junior TV series. Buzzbee and his family live in Honeybee Hive and he exhibits all the emotions of a little boy, even though he’s a bee.

The two Christmas-themed episodes revolve around Buzzbee who finds himself in situations little kids often experience. In “Babee’s First Christmas” Buzzbee is jealous of the attention his baby sister is receiving for her first Christmas. Why is she getting all the attention? And in “The Night Before Christmas” Buzzbee questions the existence of Papa Christmas. Eight other episodes round out this DVD, which will make young viewers “happy as a honey bee.”

The Secret World of Santa

For something a little different this year, The Secret World of Santa set of DVDs countdown to Christmas. It’s like getting a little present every day. The first box contains 13 little North Pole stories and the second disc box contains 12 different animated stories. They each revolve around what Santa and the Elves do on their “off” days, aka Christmas.

Pop in a DVD each day from December 1 until Christmas and watch a different story leading up to the big day. It’s kind of like an Advent Calendar; only it’s better because kids are entertained with a cute little story every day. How’s that for something different this year?

The Naughty List

What happens to two mischievous young elves and a young spirited reindeer when they don’t follow the rules of the North Pole? They get put on the Naughty List, and that means they have additional chores, which are unpleasant and not what they’re used to.

Winter and Snowflake are brothers and, thanks to winter’s feisty behavior, they land on Santa’s Naughty List, along with a rebellious reindeer named Sparkle. The three of them are given chores to perform which they do, but in unconventional ways, causing more and more problems for the residents of the North Pole. Let’s not get into what happens when they are put in charge of the cooking! In the end, it is up to the trio to save Christmas. They finally learn the lesson “Think of others” which lands them back on the Nice List. This is a cute little film with the voice talents of Sean Astin, Drake Bell, Kyle Chandler, and Naya Rivera and appropriate for young viewers.

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Love is All You Need – A Movie with a Message

Posted on November 7, 2013 by FCA Editor

Pierce Brosnan stars in this intricate drama speckled with humor and a lot of charm. Love is All You Need is the story of two people at different stages in their lives who come together and discover each other.

Trine Dyrholm delightfully plays Ida, a Danish hairdresser whose daughter Astrid is getting married in Italy. Ida has just finished her course of chemotherapy and is recovering from breast cancer. Now that the treatment is over her life can get back on track, and with the upcoming nuptials of her daughter, there is much to look forward to. That is until she walks in on her husband having sex with his accountant.

Philip (Brosnan) is a British, well off, middle-aged, widower living in Denmark and running a successful company. His son Patrick is getting married in Italy and even though they have been estranged for a time, Philip is looking forward to the nuptials. The part that causes him concern is that Patrick and his fiancée Astrid decided to open up the family’s Italian villa for the event. Philip has strong memories of his wife at that place, and he still has not gotten over her loss. He is a lonely, bitter man who has rage. Why did his lovely wife have to die all those years ago? Why?

Philip accidentally (literally) meets Ida at the airport on the way to Italy. That is where their friendship, albeit awkward in the beginning, takes root. Then when Ida’s husband shows up in Italy with his young accountant on his arm, Philip’s defensive mode kicks in and he keeps tabs on Ida. They end up spending time together and little by little they each open up about their lives and feelings. And, as we all know, that is the basis of a good relationship.

The movie starts out on a low note but then, gradually, ascends to a hopeful, enjoyable, story filled with several laugh-out-loud moments and a lot of charm. After thinking about this film, I can definitely say it is charming. It is not a typical romance movie. It has plenty of darkness and some twists. But it is a film that conveys the theme that it is never too late for a second chance in life.

Shot in Denmark and Italy, the movie is in Danish and English. The Danish conversations are subtitled, so you don’t have to worry that you won’t know what is going on. But even if you don’t read the words, the facial expressions tell the tale.

The characters in the movie run the gamut. There is the sleazy, inconsiderate, jerk of a husband, the son who is finding himself and learning that he doesn’t have to live his life to please his father, the daughter who is confused about her own life, and the sister-in-law who is over-the-top when it comes to her style, manners, and uncouthness. Then there is Ida, a caring woman who has been through an emotional year and doesn’t feel she is worthy of undying love, and Philip, a sad man who has to get rid of the chip on his shoulder.

Love is All You Need is a simple little film that takes viewers on a journey through the ups and downs of life, but ultimately leaves them with a smile on their face as they walk out of the theater.

The movie is rated “R” for brief sexuality, nudity and some language. It’s an adult movie for adults only. Love is All You Need opens Friday, May 3, 2013. If you want an enchanting little story, this is it. And, what woman could resist a film with Pierce Brosnan? Not me!

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