Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Mother of the Bride’ is cute yet has a disturbing aspect

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The 2024 movie Mother of the Bride is a cute rom-com, however there is a secondary storyline that should raise an alarm for people. Brooke Shields, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Rachael Harris, Sean Teale, and Chad Michael Murray star in this film that takes viewers to a picturesque setting in Phuket, Thailand. 

Lana (Shields) is a successful doctor who just found out her daughter Emma (Cosgrove) is getting married to a man she has never met. Emma is an “influencer” and her sponsors are going to pay for her whole wedding, which will be in Thailand. Everything is planned out, thanks to Emma’s sponsors. She has nothing to do but to follow the directions of the event planner. Everyone has to follow her directions, even to the point of Lana and the bridesmaids wearing hideous black dresses. But it’s all for Emma’s online social followers.

Once she gets to Thailand, Lana discovers Emma’s future father-in-law Will (Bratt) is her old love. They still have feelings for each other but their history is keeping them apart. 

So, while the wedding preparations are unfolding, there is a little dance – literally and figuratively – between Lana and Will. And to add some spice to the situation, Lucas (Murray), another successful doctor who happens to be on vacation at the same resort, begins to pursue Lana. 

The rom-com storyline is fun, with Shields providing plenty of comedy. While everyone is there for Emma and RJ’s wedding, the passion sizzling between Will and Lana is obvious to all.

The secondary storyline is a sad comment on life in the 2020s. While Lana has always looked forward to planning her daughter’s wedding with her, she get absolutely no say in anything. And neither does Emma. Everything is done so Emma’s followers and her social influence will raise her profile. It’s a very sad way that so many people are living these days. Everything is done to get just the right photo op and photo angle, and to reel in viewers. But really, do viewers actually care about strangers online? Actually, and that’s anther sad thing, yes they often do. 

Being a social influencer and content creator is a big thing these days. But so often the content is, well, honestly crap. But no one seems to care. They forge ahead racing each other for more followers, more clicks, more likes, and just more. But when you think about it, the “more” is so darn superficial it really does not make any difference.

The bottom line is, I thought the movie is cute and entertaining, however while I was watching all that influencer crap play out, it was more than a little bothersome.

In the end, yes, Emma decides to stand up for herself but her brand ambassadorship and influencer status remains a priority in her life. 

Brooke Shields is delightful to watch, as always. She lights up every scene in which she appears. No wonder she has lasted so long in this business.

The scenery in the movie is spectacular, as is the resort in which they stay. It is a good travel ad for the country but a serious comment on life for today’s generation.

Mother of the Bride streams on Netflix. It is rated TV-PG.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

POG Dole Whip special at Disneyland Hotel

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


To commemorate the 15th anniversary of Trader Sam’s, the fun Polynesian-style eating establishment at the Disneyland Hotel, there is a delicious new Dole Whip flavor available just for a limited time. For those who have visited the Hawaiian Islands, POG (Pineapple-Orange-Guava) is not new. It is a popular drink in the islands. Now, at Trader Sam’s and the Tangaroa Terrace, guests can taste the delicious POG Dole Whip which comes in a special commemorative cup. 

Dole Whip is a delicacy in itself. Whether just as a cold, whipped treat or in a tall glass of pineapple juice as a Dole Whip float, the hotel’s Trader Sam’s and Tangaroa Terrace have offered it to guests, while in Disneyland Park it is available at the Tiki Juice Bar in front of the Enchanted Tiki Room and the adjacent Tropical Hideaway. The traditional flavor is pineapple. 

This flavorful favorite was invented in 1983 by the folks at Dole. It first came to the public at various locations in Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It wasn’t until 1986 when guests to Disneyland in Anaheim, California were able to partake in a cool, refreshing Dole Whip. 

Other flavors of Dole Whip have been offered, especially in the Florida parks, however for the most part, West Coast guests find Pineapple the predominant flavor and the only one at the Tiki Juice Bar. Strawberry, Mango, and Peach are often offered at the Tropical Hideaway.  But now, to celebrate the anniversary, POG Dole Whip is available. 

Guests to the hotel and the park usually do not think about their food intake because they are on vacation. Hey, who counts calories when you’re on vacation? But for those who are interested, Dole Whip is fat-free, vegan, and cholesterol-free. The caveat is that a regular serving of Dole Whip has about 110 calories, 25 grams of carbs, along with a lot of added sugars. But how often do you indulge? And add a bit more sugar if you get the float. 

The commemorative cup at Trader Sam’s is colorful with the restaurant’s logo in bold letters and “15 Years” also printed on the cup. Polynesian patterns encircle the cup so whichever way you look at it, you’ll see a bright, colorful, “enchanting” design.

What’s the difference between a regular, aka pineapple Dole Whip, and the POG Dole Whip? First of all, I have to say I love POG anyway, so having this flavor is a bonus for me. But if you have not had POG, it is fruity and with the addition of orange and guava to the pineapple, it is a bit less tart than a pineapple dole whip. It is flavorful and fruity, but unfortunately is only available for a limited time during this 15th anniversary celebration.

Do I recommend it? ABSOLUTELY. Can you say “Yummmm?”

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘Buffalo Kids’ now streams on Wonder Project

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Buffalo Kids is a fun and heartening animated story filled with sweet characters and a memorable theme. Set in the 19th century, it is the story of two orphans from Ireland who come to America to live with their uncle, but things don’t exactly go according to plan.

When Mary and Tom reach New York City, having traveled from Ireland on a ship, they are supposed to be met by their uncle Niall, however he is a no-show. So these two siblings decide to travel to California where Niall lives. 

Without enough money for the train, they sneak aboard with a group of other orphans who are traveling to meet their new families. Eleanor, the head of the group, discovers the siblings and vows to keep them safe and see them to their uncle. 

America is filled with wonder for Mary and Tom. She is an optimistic and energetic little girl, and he is a smart little boy who knows he must look after his little sister, and the dog she found on the dock. Little Sparky could be a hindrance but Mary knows he is worth keeping.

The group of orphans includes a paraplegic little boy named Nick. Nick is hopeful he will be adopted, however when his prospective parents meet him, they decide he would be too much trouble, so Nick returns to the group downhearted and dejected. But Mary manages to cheer him up. She knows there is a family out there for him, and her effervescence rubs off on little Nick, who has lived his entire life in a wheelchair.

When the train stops to refuel, Mary talks Tom into getting off to pet the buffalos that are roaming the land. They take Nick and Sparky with them. Unfortunately, the train departs without them and they must find a way to reunite with the others.

The threesome, along with Sparky, encounter some dangerous as well as some fortunate situations as they travel across America. First they are taken in by a group of Cheyennes who care for them and keep them safe  while Tom’s leg heals. Did I forget to mention he was bitten by a coyote?

After their good experience with the Cheyenne, Tom, Mary, Nick, and Sparky then encounter the bandits who had attacked the train and taken the passengers as slaves in their mine. It is there where everyone is reunited.

Throughout all this time, Mary remains optimistic that things will turn out for them all. She is a great character that audiences will take to their hearts, along with Tom and especially Nick. Nick’s courage is unbeatable. And, as they are told, they may be little but their hearts are as big as buffalos.

While there are plenty of dangerous situations throughout the film, the theme is courage, helpfulness, camaraderie, friendship, and love as the three little kids (along with Sparky) use their intellect to save the others. And in the end, they find their forever family and a loving home. 

This is a good story that is filled with, yes, heart, and characters that audiences will enjoy watching as they take on whatever comes their way, with confidence and caring hearts. There is no doubt Tom, Mary, and Nick are kind and loving souls, not to mention inspirational.

Buffalo Kids is rated PG for action, violence, some language, rude humor, and thematic elements. 

It is available to stream on Wonder Project, which is a great add-on subscription to Prime Video. It is a channel filled with plenty of family-friendly shows. They also have an assortment of classics, TV syndicated shows, and Biblical stories.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Personal note: There is something about this movie that has captured my heart. I have watched it several times. It is touching and inspiring.

Bring home ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The 2006 film, The Devil Wears Prada, was a success. It revolved around a simple girl with a lofty career goal. Andy (Anne Hathaway) was on the path to be a serious journalist, but to get there she had to take a job as the assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the snooty, high-class, glossy magazine editor of Runway. The Devil Wears Prada 2 continues with those characters as it explores human relationships.

As that initial story played out, audiences saw Andy jettison some of her core values. She went from a simple woman who does not care about fashion to a sophisticated woman dressed to the nines with a hairstyle to match. 

Along the way, Andy and Miranda clashed but deep down they held each other in high regard. Andy respected Miranda for her achievements, and Miranda in turn respected Andy for grasping her reality that high fashion, with all its intricacies, has a place in the world.

Now, 20 years later, Andy is a successful journalist who loses her job at a newspaper. Actually, everyone there loses their jobs due to the decline of journalism itself and the fact that periodicals continue to be swallowed up by high tech. Many viewers can feel Andy’s dismay and frustration, not only about losing a job, but also the way in which journalism is heading. The print media is slowly, or some would say rapidly, being erased, and journalism itself is turning into a trade rather than a profession.

What’s a girl to do? 

Andy finds herself back at Runway as the features editor, tasked with bringing the magazine some serious direction other than simply fashion, colors, and shoes. 

The relationship between Andy and Miranda once again starts off a little rocky. There is a big twist when Andy is reacquainted with Emily (Emily Blunt), who, in the first film, was her mentor. Emily lived and breathed fashion back then. Now she does the same, only this time she works in retail – Dior.

Throughout the film, all the characters come up against each other. They are each grounded in their own feelings about the world of fashion and the way the world is heading. But there is one big difference dividing some of them. That is ego. 

Back stabbing seems to be a common element when it comes to stories about success and climbing the corporate ladder, and this one is no exception. 

When Andy realizes Miranda’s job, not to mention Runway itself, is in a precarious situation, she turns to Emily for help. Can Emily’s beau Benji (Justin Theroux), a Jeff Bezos clone, help Runway stay as it is?

While Emily pretends to be Andy’s ally, she is only thinking about herself. Forget about Miranda and the rest of Runway. Emily is out for one thing – Emily.

Andy’s motives are good. She wants to save her “friend” Miranda. And, in the end, she manages to do just that while at the same time giving Emily her due.

Perhaps the most endearing relationship in the film is between Miranda and her husband Stuart (Kenneth Branaugh) who is resolutely in his wife’s corner. Even when Miranda puts her job and Runway ahead of their marriage, he is there to lend a shoulder and encouragement. 

While some characters are only thinking about themselves, there are a few who are true friends and not out to elevate themself. Ruthlessness abides in this film, but there is a little sliver of humanity that shines through.

Bonus Features (May vary by product and retailer. Only available on Digital and Physical.)

There are a few bonus features rounding out the entertainment value of the film. 

“Level Up: Updating the Icons” explores the chemistry that the cast had and still has. And Andy now is more confident, Emily has the power she always wanted, Nigel is basically the same, and Miranda knows she has to change with the times.

“Inside the Fashion Closet” looks at the clothing, styles, and the timelessness of the fashions. Molly Rogers, the lead costume designer on the film, discusses her choices and the look of the film.

“Front Row Access: Shooting in Italy” brings viewers, along with the cast and crew, to the country to not only shoot the scenes, but also to explore the classic art and buildings. “Filming there is so magical” Hathaway states. And an added bonus in the movie is that the shooting schedule in Italy aligned with the Milan Fashion Week, which afforded everyone additional access to the fashion houses.

There is a Gag Reel (bumping into walls and sliding in chairs, etc,) and a Music Video with Lady Gaga and Doechii for the movie’s song “Runway.”

Although this is rated PG-13 for strong language and some suggestive references, it does not specifically confront sex itself. There are references and PDAs, but that is where the camera stops. Some language might offend some viewers as there are mild obscenities, but compared to most films, these are few.

The 4K digital version of the movie is available June 30, 2026, with the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray editions coming July 28, 2026.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘A Prince in Paradise: A Royal Wedding’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


A not-so-funny thing happened to Olivia and Prince Alexander on their way to the altar. The third film in the popular franchise tests their love as they encounter a major obstacle the night before their wedding.

Rhiannon Fish and Mitchell Bourke return as Olivia and Alex. She is an American romance writer who, back in 2023, fell in love with a prince (A Prince in Paradise: Royal in Paradise). Prince Alexander was enchanted with her as well. Then, in 2024 he proposed (A Christmas Castle Proposal: A Royal in Paradise 2).  Now they are getting married. Or are they?

The night before their wedding a very bitter and evil lord interrupts their rehearsal dinner festivities with a surprise announcement. It just so happens that according to the Constitution a royal is not allowed to marry a commoner, if there is opposition. Well, there is opposition as this dastardly man has influenced the government to do just that.

Queen Patricia (Andrea Moor) and Prince Alexander try everything in their power to get the people on their side, but with no luck. Everyone is on edge as the lawyers delve into their options. Unfortunately, they cannot find anything that would not harm the monarchy.

While the lawyers as well as the queen and Alex are working on finding a solution which would not harm the monarchy and would allow the marriage, Olivia starts her own investigation. 

While searching through stacks of books in the illustrious castle library, she comes upon a hidden diary. As she begins reading the historical writing of a woman who fell in love with a man, she becomes engrossed in their story.  The more she reads, the more she is transcended back to their romance which, to her amazement, ended up being something significant for the country.

At the very last minute, Olivia manages to find a precedent that would allow the government to decide whether she would be allowed to marry her prince.

Olivia, a commoner, a romance writer, and an American, is smart, intuitive, and in love. She has spent a lot of time learning about the country she has adopted, and knows she will be a worthy princess and ultimately queen.

Alex is the heir apparent who knows his duty is to his country, however his love for Olivia might outweigh that as he is tested during this ordeal.

And Queen Patricia knows Olivia is good for the country and the love she and Alex share is genuine. But her hands are tied until the lord approaches her with a bribe. Patricia is a woman of substance and no bribe will have her give into her convictions about the law and her sense of duty.

In the end, as with the previous films in this series, love wins out. Olivia and Alex are two characters viewers have wanted to see united since they met three years ago. And united they shall be. 

Will there be a fourth film in this enchanting tale? We’ll see. Fingers crossed! 

A Prince in Paradise: A Royal Wedding premieres July 30, 2026 on Great American Pure Flix and on Great American Family and GFAM+ beginning August 1, 2026.

About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images supplied courtesy Great American Media

‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ gets a new update

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The dark water ride in Disneyland is one of the most popular attractions in New Orleans Square. It opened in 1967 and was the final attraction that was supervised by Walt Disney himself. Since then, there have been several updates, and now, June 2026, there is a new magical and visual aspect to this attraction.

The Audio-Animatronics captures the attention of guests as their boat sets sail then descends to the depths of the past via a couple water falls. Once down, the story of the pirates of the late 1700s comes into view.

In the first incarnation of the attraction with drunken men, an auction of women, and a humorous jail scene, the pirates demonstrated they were a dastardly bunch. 

The Pirates of the Caribbean movie was created with scenes from the Disneyland attraction. It was the first time a ride was the impetus for a film. This 2003 film hit the top of the charts, with Johnny Depp portraying Captain Jack Sparrow in an entertaining and over-the-top performance. Several sequels followed to make the Pirates franchise very lucrative for the studio. 

Updates to the attraction over the years

To bring some new aspects of the film to the Disneyland attraction, in 2006 characters from the movie were added to the ride. Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones joined the gang of pirates. And at one time, the real Johnny Depp surprised guests by actually being there in the attraction. That was a memory those folks will never forget.

The attraction then changed again in 2017 to reflect the politics of the time. There was no more auctioning of women and the men did not chase them around, as they had drunkenly done in the past. Instead, they chase the booze they carry.

Now, in June 2026, the attraction has been updated with more Disney magic. Guests now see the pirate that sits on a pile of cursed gold transform before their eyes, from a man into a skeleton. How did they do this? The creative team combined the Audio-Animatronics with real-time front projection to create this dramatic change to the character. It is just a small change to the experience itself, however it adds a new fun and fresh aspect and demonstrates the magic guests experience around the park when they step through the gates. 

Telling stories through the attractions is what Disneyland is all about. Instead of just being a park with rides and food, Disneyland is there to bring guests into their stories. 

Various incarnations of the attraction joined other Disney parks after the huge success in Disneyland: Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom (1973), Tokyo Disneyland (1983). Disneyland Paris (1992), and Shanghai Disneyland (2016).

Guests to Disneyland set sail for an adventurous trip to the West Indies in the late 1700s, via this popular attraction, and now with an additional bit of magic. And, when the tale is told, they return to modern time via another waterfall, only this time they ascend.

Argh, matey. 

Walt Disney talks about Pirates of the Caribbean

How the new magic happens

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images from inside: Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort

‘Young Washington’ – a film for our time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

To celebrate and honor the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States of America, Wonder Project and Angel Studios have produced an enticing film about the “Father of a Nation.” George Washington is known for his heroics during the War of Independence and for being the first President of the United States of America. Before these events he was a young boy and then a young man. His life prior to 1776 is laid out in this film, Young Washington.

William Franklyn-Miller is George Washington. As a boy then a young man, he was heavily influenced by his half brother Lawrence Washington who, after the death of their father, took his young brother under his wing. Lawrence was a decorated soldier in His Majesty’s Army. Young George wanted to eventually follow in his footsteps.

George became an accomplished surveyor and as such volunteered his services to Lord Fairfax (Kelsey Grammer) to survey his Ohio Valley. This land had never been closely looked at. It was filled with Indians (aka Native Americans), and rough territory, which made the job dangerous. 

After he accomplished his job for Fairfax, George then volunteered his services to the crown. The French were declaring the territory for their own, and the British would not have it. George knew the land, having surveyed it for Fairfax.

He was sent to, in a sense, tell the French to leave. His “army” consisted of Virginia men who were unsure what they were doing confronting the French. They were not qualified soldiers, but nevertheless they went.

Lo and behold, a war broke out. The French and Indian War pitted Great Britain against France, each with their own group of Indian allies. This war tested Washington who, after a time, felt he was not a leader. He resigned his commission, but things were not that easy.

George had strong ideas and loyalties – to his men, Virginia, and His Majesty. Returning to the war, George Washington proved his mettle. His bravery and loyalty made him more than just a soldier and a man to be trusted. It made him a hero who ultimately led the colonists to independence. But that is another story.

Young Washington deals with the French and Indian War, where the frontier was up for grabs, at least according to the French and British. This film lays the foundation on which George Washington built military career, his life, and his history.

Mary-Louise Parker co-stars as Mary Washington, George’s mother, who was strict but kind. She knew her son’s strength and although did not want him to go to war, knew he had the ability to lead, no matter what he thought of himself. Ben Kingsley co-stars as Robert Dinwiddie, the governor of Virginia.

“George Washington’s early years is a story I’ve wanted to tell for a very long time,” said Jon Erwin, director of Young Washington and founder of Wonder Project. “The trials he faced shaped the man who would lead a nation, and so much of that journey remains largely untold. Bringing this powerful story to life with such an extraordinary cast is a dream come true.”

“When we launched pre-sale tickets a year before opening day, thousands were purchased immediately, and sales have continued steadily since,” said Brandon Purdie, Head of Theatrical Distribution and Brand Development at Angel Studios. “Opening in theaters during the Independence Day holiday and the 250th anniversary of America, the film will bring an untold chapter of our founding to audiences nationwide.”

Patriotism is thriving in the U.S.A.

Young Washington will premiere in theaters nationwide on July 3, 2026. That weekend marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

PG-13 for sequences of strong war violence and some bloody images.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Summer Fun with Snoopy and the gang

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The Peanuts kids returns for another summer of fun-filled adventures and discoveries on Apple TV. Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally, Snoopy, Franklin, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, and all the gang have been entertaining and delighting generations of people. Through the comic strip, movies, and television shows, their popularity has risen with each endeavor. 

Fun in the Sun – Camp Snoopy season 2

The gang returns to camp for another delightful summer. Camp Snoopy brings the Peanuts gang back to Camp Spring Lake for new adventures and fun in the sun.

Snoopy and the Beagle Scouts, along with  Charlie Brown and all his friends at camp, enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors.

Fishing, canoeing, swimming, arts and crafts, and building sandcastles all add up to another summer of memories for the whole gang.

Charlie Brown is overwhelmed when he becomes the camp’s mail deliverer. Can Snoopy help ease the pressure?

Shirley is a new kid at camp this year. This cutie doesn’t know anyone and is sad and alone. But leave it to Snoopy and the kids to help her enjoy the summer. Shirley only appears a couple times, but she’s a cute new character.

What do they do at camp when it rains? Charlie Brown suggest telling stories like they do around a campfire, but this time it is in their tent. The story of the Big Fish is a little different when told by each kid.

The Beagle Scout Handbook comes into play throughout the season.  

Shirley and Naomi are only seen at camp, but who knows? In the future they might visit the Peanuts kids in their town.

Camp Snoopy season 2 begins June 26, 2026. The 13 episodes in this season are filled with the usual entertaining Peanuts fun.

Patriotism – This is America, Charlie Brown

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of The United States of America, the mini-series This is America, Charlie Brown celebrates the history  and culture of the country. Hailed as one of the Peanuts classics, the gang learns about places, people, and events that have shaped the country, and indeed the world.

This is America, Charlie Brown is a great way for families to celebrate the country together. It is available to stream beginning July 3, 2026.

Classic Peanuts charm – The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show


The 18 episode series, The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show, ran from 1983-1986. It is finally available to stream on Apple TV. This series celebrates the antics, anxieties, and anticipations of the gang, primarily Charlie Brown and his beloved beagle Snoopy.

Fans of classic Peanuts storylines can now access this beloved series on Apple TV.

Home and Family – Snoopy Presents: There’s No Place Like Home, Snoopy 

Uh oh! Snoopy is traumatized when is doghouse is accidentally sold at a yard sale. How can Snoopy survive without his beloved house? After all, he does everything there – mostly on top of it.

It is where he writes his novels. It is where his World War I Flying Ace takes on The Red Barron. It is where he plays with Woodstock. It is where he has his keepsakes. It is where he sleeps.

Emotions run amok in this heartwarming new special that begins streaming July 31, 2026.

Check out Apple TV for plenty more with Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images courtesy Apple TV

‘A Castle of Our Own’ is another endearing Hallmark movie

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Take one high-powered, over stressed, Type-A business woman and add a low-key, sensitive, and charming man, and you have this new Hallmark original movie. A Castle of Our Own stars two veteran Hallmark actors – Brennan Elliot and Erica Cerra.

Marley (Cerra) is an architect in the city. She is overwhelmed with work and always trying to find quality time to be with her daughter Lily (Sarah Sheehan). Her desire to cut back on her work load is offset by her earnings as she is saving money to take that long-awaited and long-promised trip to Paris with Lily, but something always gets in the way.

When her ex-husband bails on a father/daughter trip to the beach, Marley steps in. She wants this to be a week without work, without phones, and without stress. It is also going to be a week of mother/daughter bonding.
Just how she is going to succeed at that is another matter.

Marley meets Adam (Elliott) in a “meet-cute” moment. He is renovating the house next to the one Marley rented for the week. His somewhat laissez-faire attitude impresses her. How can he ignore all the text messages popping up on his phone? He simply doesn’t need to answer them right away. He lives for the moment.

That’s not to say he isn’t a responsible man. On the contrary. He is very responsible and a great uncle to his niece Paige (Sophie Thom).

The foursome ultimately enter the local sandcastle contest, which is something Marley hopes will help her daughter unwind and have fun, while giving them quality mother/daughter time.

Building sandcastle involves planning, dedication, artistry, and patience. And in this case, it also brings out the best in each of the characters.

The quiet beach town of Cannon Cove gives them all a sense of renewal and they manage to end the week with new perspectives and positive outlooks on their lives.

Brennan’s fans have been anxiously awaiting his return to Hallmark. And this movie demonstrates why he is one of the most loved “Hallmark Hunks!”

Cerra is another Hallmark “go-to” actors, having starred in several films. The pairing of Cerra and Elliott is truly a delight.



A Castle of Our Own premieres June 27, 2026 on Hallmark Channel and begins streaming June 28, 2026 on Hallmark+.


About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image supplied

Bring Home ‘You Light Up My Life’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

This 1977 film introduced audiences to the award-winning title song. “You Light Up My Life” was the centerpiece of the movie and turned out to be the song that skyrocketed Debbie Boone to stardom. 

In the film the song is sung by Kasey Cisyk and lip-synched by Didi Conn who stars as Laurie Ribinson. Laurie’s father (Joe Silver) is an over-bearing stage father who pushed his daughter to be a comedian since the time she could talk. He never bothered to find out if that was what she wanted to do.

And it wasn’t. What Laurie wants is to be a songwriter/singer/actress, and she is good at it, but her father keeps pushing her and she can’t say no. But Laurie also continues with her passion of singing/songwriting, and acting.

One night she has a random encounter with a director. Chris Nolan (Michael Zaslow) is charming and entices her back to his house. 

A short time later, Laurie and Chris meet again when she goes in for an audition. Armed with her own song – and the entire orchestrations – Chris sets her up with a full orchestra and Laurie finally gets to sing her song the way it was meant to be. The ballad is a hit with everyone, including Chris.

They have a short-lived affair which ends when Laurie discovers the dark side of Hollywood. The business of show, aka show business, is ruthless and uncaring.

The finale is joyful as Laurie is finally able to stand up for herself and sets out to fulfill her own dreams. 

The song won the Academy Award that year. It also won a Golden Globe, an ASCAP Award, and was nominated for a Grammy.

The movie takes viewers on a journey as Laurie learns the ups and downs of show business, and finds her own true self. With the song as the backdrop, the Blu-ray is an entertaining show.

This new release is packaged to look like a retro VHS. It fits perfectly with the movie, which is a representation of the late 1970s in style and wardrobe. 

You Light Up My Life is rated PG.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.