Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Wonder Pets: In the City’ returns for more fun adventures

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Finally the adorable critters are back for a second season. Izzy the guinea pig, Zuri the bunny, and Tate the snake are the Wonder Pets: In the City. This little trio are fun, funny, and filled with excitement as they are always eager to help other animals who are in trouble.

The three are classroom pets in a New York City kindergarten, and when the kids leave for the day, the trio get into their roles as heroes to help other animals in need. Each of the 13 episodes contains two different adventures for the three.

The adventures begin when the “walkie-phone” beeps and buzzes. That tells the trio that an animal somewhere is in trouble and in need of their assistance. 

From there, they set off to a different location to help or lend a hand. Sometimes they put together their “Jetcar” to take them to far off locations. 

There are plenty of lessons kids can take from this show. First, and most importantly, is that working together is the best way to solve a problem. Even working as a team is how they assemble the Jetcar properly. As they say (or rather sing), “working together there’s nothing we can’t do.” After all, they’re “the biggest little team.” They sing they are “full of heart, super smart, and stronger than we seem.”  (note: try to get that little ditty out of your head after watching the show!)

What makes this animated series stand out from other children’s shows, besides the fun trio, is that each episode is like a mini children’s opera. The stories are filled with songs. They are catchy little toons that add to the background and enjoyment of the show.

While other heroes have super powers, the super powers of Izzy, Zuri, and Tate is their intelligence and common sense. Whether they are called on the assist another animal or simply give support and confidence to them, these little fellows are always able to complete the task at hand.

In this season they are after my heart as they help the pizza cat next door to the kindergarten. Together they create a delicious pizza with, my favorite pizza topping – pineapple. That might be my favorite episode this season. Delicious!

Whether they are assisting other critters or, in this season some origami animals, Tate, Izzy, and Zuri are always upbeat, eager, and helpful. Their compassion is unmatched as they set out to solve whatever problem is at hand.

Wonder Pets: In the City is one of the best preschool shows that has come out in years. The threesome, songs, cute stories, and delightful animation combine to make this a pure delight – even for parents. And, they eat their vegetables!

This is an updated version of the original Wonder Pets that came had different characters and lasted three season from 2006-2016. Now a new generation of young viewers are enjoying this talented little trio. Wonder Pets: In the City is, in my opinion, more fun and enjoyable than the original series. These three characters are cute, engaging, and have personality, and together they make this a great preschool series that everyone can enjoy.

Fans of the show have eagerly awaited another season.   The second season of Wonder Pets: In the City premieres March 20, 2026 on Apple TV+.

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 the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Bluey comes to Disneyland

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Bluey, the beloved blue heeler dog, and her little sister, Bingo, are joining Disney Experiences as part of Disney’s global relationship with BBC Studios. The animated series Bluey has been entertaining kids since its debut in 2018, and fans are looking forward to next year when The Bluey Movie is released.

Bluey and Bingo are featured everywhere – in book stores, craft stores, toy stores – you name it, they’re there. They are adorable and have captured the hearts of youngsters around the world.

Beginning March 22, 2026 Bluey and Bingo will also be at Disneyland.  With fun and food for the whole family, Bluey and her sister add an additional element to the theme park which kids are going to enjoy.

“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” invites guests to an immersive celebration of the heart and humor of the critically acclaimed Disney+ animated series Bluey, inside the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif., beginning March 22, 2026. Bluey and her sister Bingo appear live on stage, joining a troupe of comedic actors and musicians as they bring to life the popular music and imaginative games that are emblematic of the beloved episodes, inspiring young families and guests of all ages to participate. (Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)

Join in the fun with them at Fantasyland Theater for their stage show “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” Joining Bluey and Bingo are Chattermax, Unicorse, and a troupe of Grannies. Fantasyland is the destination for all things Bluey when visiting the park.

Guests can enter the life-sized Gnome Village and Fairy Garden for fun adventures, as well as partake in some of Bluey’s favorite games.

Besides the characters appearing at the park, as well as the fun stage event, the chefs at Disneyland Resort have concocted some special treats for guests.

The Troubadour Tavern has a big selection of Bluey inspired food. There are Magic “Asparagus” Pretzels, Pizza Girls Baked Potato, Troubadour Baked Potato, a Mini All-beef hot dog kids meal, Poffertjes! Poffertjes! (mini Dutch pancakes), Watermelon Ice Block, Pavlova Parfait (this sounds and looks delicious – meringue bites, vanilla yogurt mousse, berry compote, vanilla cake, fresh berries, and candied kiwi), Lime Ice Block Drink (can you say “refreshing?”), and Mud Cake Cold Brew. 

And for guests with a sweet tooth, Plaza Inn will offer a Stumpfest Cake (this looks amazing) which is described as chocolate roulade with white chocolate mousse and ganache. Wow!

Bluey Sipper at Troubadour Tavern in Disneyland Park, Anaheim, Calif. (David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort)

Bluey Sippers will also be available while supplies last, with a limit of 2 per person. These are “must haves” for young (and old) fans of the little pups. And Bluey popcorn buckets will also be available at select carts, with a limit of 10 per person.

With the fun of the stage event, the games, interactions with the characters, photo ops, as well as the delicious looking food and beverages, Bluey and Bingo are a welcome addition to Disneyland Resort.   

For more information about the Bluey activities, go to the Disney Parks Blog, and for more detailed information about the new Bluey food and beverages, click here.

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 and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Note: Unfortunatley, I was not able to test any of the food or beverages or see the stage show prior to this writing.

Images supplied courtesy Disneyland 

‘The Madison’ is a touching family drama

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The latest series from writer/producer Taylor Sheridan is a touching family drama that will definitely pull at the heartstrings of viewers. Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell star as Preston and Stacy Clyburn, an affluent couple living in Manhattan. 

Preston and his brother Paul (Matthew Fox) built a ranch together in the Madison River Valley of Montana, right next to the river. Paul lives there full-time and whenever he can, Preston escapes to his idyllic world in Montana. His passion is fly-fishing which is something he can do right outside his front porch. Stacy is a high-fashion Manhattanite and has no interest in Montana, and neither do her two spoiled and bratty daughters Abigail (Beau Garrett) and Paige (Elle Chapman).

When a tragedy hits the family, they all travel to Montana, including Paige’s husband Russell (Patrick J. Adams). The women are confronted with the beauty of the land, however they cannot embrace some of the lifestyle, namely an outhouse and a freezer filled with freshly killed local meat. And, there are no lattes or cappuccinos in the area. How are they to survive?

Stacy decides to embrace this way of life. After all, it is the place Preston loves more than anywhere. And little by little she sees the ranch through his eyes. 

The story is filled with tragic elements as everyone faces a family drama that came out of the blue and hit them in the gut, so to speak. While in Montana, they fight, make up, and even bond. But the daughters are too spoiled to give this lifestyle a chance.  Abigail’s young daughters Bridgett and Macy (Amiah Miller and Alaina Pollack), however, are a bit more open to the outdoors and Montana life. Their snooty woke schooling tends to get in the way, but they soon learn the lesson of being kind to others, even when you don’t agree with them.

This is a story filled with emotions and viewers will feel every one of them. 

The show is filled with the “f” word, as well as plenty of alcohol consumption, so keep that in mind when deciding to watch this with others. Even though it is a show about a family, it is not for family viewing.

The first season of The Madison debuts March 14, 2026 on Paramount +.  There are six often gut-wrenching episodes in this season. Even though it is overflowing with many sad elements, it is a series that is worth watching. The acting is top notch (could there be an Emmy in store for Pfeiffer?), and every once in a while there is a spattering of humor. The bottom line is it is a heartfelt and heartening family drama.

Title Credit Paramount+

Individual Photos Credit: Emerson Miller/Paramount+

‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ now on digital

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Amanda Seyfried stars in The Testament of Ann Lee, a story based on the legend of the Shaker founder. With intense scenes as well as songs and dancing, this is an interesting movie about one woman whose devotion led her to question the religious teachings of the day, the moral standards of her time, relationships between men and women, and to strive to form a utopian society.

The filmmakers did extensive research about Ann Lee and her experiences in order to create this film. 

Ann Lee’s story is not widely known. She grew up in the 1700s in England, and moved to America with the intent of creating an equal society where people could live their lives in a harmonious place, aka utopia.

Writer/director Mona Fastvold said, “For me, being an artist is always about striving to create the impossible – that’s what drew me to Ann Lee. This film is offered as a tribute to her dream – and the silence that now surrounds it.” 

There is a bonus feature that delves into the cast and story. This is a visually dark film, which breaks into dance and movements as well as songs. This behind-the-scenes feature looks at the history of the time, the history of Ann Lee, and how the filmmakers decided to represent her story as truthfully as they could. 

Through research, the sets were designed to give viewers the feeling of the era, and to add to the captivating story of Ann Lee. She was a force to be reckoned with, and her steadfast idea and ideals, combined with her personal charisma,  led her to found the Shakers. According to Fastvold, Ann Lee was  a “wild feminist religious leader in late 1700s America.” 

The story is an interesting look at this time in history, and a woman who has been widely overlooked.

The movie – along with the bonus feature – is now available on digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango.

Beginning March 31, 2026, the movie will be available on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ (for bundle subscribers in the U.S.).

This is not a film for kids. It is rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity, violence and 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. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘The Art of Hoppers’ book review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The newest “Art of” book in the Disney/Pixar series is The Art of Hoppers, with coincides with the release of the latest animated film. The story focuses on one determined young woman who makes it her mission to save and protect animals and their habitats.

The book, like all the others in this series, includes editorial as well as countless images and drawings that went into creating the movie.

The foreword from Executive Producer Pete Doctor, is filled with his usual wit. With the main character “hopping” into the robotic body of a beaver, Doctor writes, “So as you gnaw through these pages, take a moment to chew over the artistry behind the adventure, This is where Hoppers began – not in the final polished frames, but in the raw, dam-bursting creativity that first brought these beavers to life.” 

Indeed, the story did not begin the way it ended up, and through the pages the various prospective scenes are shown, giving readers a better insight into the mindset of the creative team. Director Daniel Chong admits that his initial thoughts on the film could not come to fruition. But things eventually worked out. He writes, “As our own King George would say, we were all in this together.”

There is a picture of the blackboard which the scientists use to figure out how to “hop” from a human brain into a robotic animal. It is filled with equations and scientific terms. Is this really how to do it? It is in a Disney/Pixar film!

Mabel, the hero of the film, went through different visual incarnations until they came up with final look of this girl. Mabel Tanaka is a determined 19-year-old who is fearless when it comes to helping the animals. Granted, she may not be the cutest animated hero, but she does have something very likable about her looks and her expressions. And her love of animals adds to her likability.

The pages are a great adjunct to the movie. I highly recommend seeing the movie first then going through the book to get a detailed background to the characters, the story, and the visuals that are seen on the screen. 

The animators describe how they created the various animals – their shapes and colors. Plus the attitudes of the critters had to come through in the film, so that gave them more reason to delve into the construct of the faces and bodies.

My favorite page is 69, and it is a digital drawing of the main animals in the film. It brings back the humor, humanity, and fun of the story.

There are comments by the artists along with the digital art that helps readers learn about the background of the story and the scenes.

True, there are some intense and scary parts to the film, but the majority is colorful and sweet. Sensitivity, however, always resides in the background, and the book demonstrates that.

As story artist Vanessa Guvele says, “The fire scene symbolizes everything Mabel has fought for going up in flames. … Even after Mabel loses everything, her friends are there to pick her up when she needs them the most.” That is the theme of the film. We are all in this together and must help each other. 

The book is filled with artwork and background, and screenwriter Jesse Andrews admits it took three years to write the story. Reading the comments by the filmmakers, it is evident they all had a lot of fun creating this new movie.

  • The Art of Hoppers
  • Publisher  :  Chronicle Books
  • Publication date  :  February 10, 2026
  • ISBN-10  :  1797237071
  • ISBN-13  :  978-179723707

About the Reviewer

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 and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Read our movie review of Hoppers here.

 

‘Hoppers’ is fun for the whole family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The latest Disney/Pixar animated film, Hoppers, focuses on one young lady who simply wants to do good in the world. Her priority is saving the habitat for animals she has come to love and look after. 

Mabel starts off in the film as a very young girl who has always tried to help animals, even going so far as to attempt to take them from her school and set them free.  The story then jumps to Mabel as a 19-year old and living with her grandmother who teaches her about the environment and how we are all connected – animals and humans.

When the mayor starts building a beltway through the area where animals reside, Mabel sets out to stop him, however things don’t go the way she plans.

Then she discovers an experiment being conducted by her college professor. It involves transferring a human brain into a robotic animal and going out into the world, to discover more about them. They call it “hopping.” Well, Mabel is not one to sit by and watch. Instead she jumps into the machine she describes as being like Avatar, and off she goes into the wild to help the animals.

Throughout her adventure, Mabel befriends George, the mammal king who is a well-intentioned beaver. George sees her as another beaver, which is the robot her brain is currently inhabiting. When George and the other animals resign themselves to living away from their home, it is Mabel who spurs them on to regain their habitat. And she is victorious, for a while.

The friendship between Mabel and George is precious. And all the animals have interesting personalities and perspectives on life. The “pond rule” is that if an animal is captured by another animal, that’s just the way it is. He or she then becomes the other animal’s meal. That’s the circle of life, or as they say, the pond rule.

While she is trying to help all the animals, Mabel unwittingly stirs up more trouble for them, and then for the humans. All she wanted to do was to help the animals, but instead things went the wrong way. In the end, though, all is right with the world. 

Parents need to know that there are several incidents of animals being killed, so if that is traumatic for your kids, then perhaps think twice about going to this movie. However, it is a good lesson about life and the world.

“We wanted to dig into nature and be honest about how intense it can be,” screenwriter Jesse Andrews told D23’s Behind the Scenes. “Instead of conceiving animals that are simply furry people, we tried to keep them as animalistic as possible, while still making them funny, relatable, and identifiable.” 

This is a cute story with a young hero who sets a good example for others. The bottom line and theme of the film is that we are all together on this planet and must work and live together, so it is important to take into consideration the animals and humans, as well as nature, as one. 

Hoppers is rated PG for action/peril, some scary images, and mild language. It opens in theaters March 6, 2026.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Read our review of The Art of Hoppers book here.

 

‘The Four Seasons’ returns on Netflix

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

THE FOUR SEASONS, SEASON 2. (L to R) Kerri Kenney-Silver as Anne, Marco Calvani as Claude, Tina Fey as Kate, Colman Domingo as Danny, and Will Forte as Jack in Episode 202 of The Four Seasons, Season 2. Cr. Emily V. Aragones/Netflix © 2025

In 1981 Alan Alda, Carol Burnett, Rita Morena, Jack Weston, Sandy Dennis, Len Cariou, and Bess Armstrong starred in the delightful comedy The Four Seasons, about three couples who vacation together in each of the four seasons. The hilarity exhibited in their relationships and during their shared vacations is laugh out loud funny, with some dramatic elements scattered throughout the story. Now, Netflix revisits that storyline with a new group of actors: Tina Fey, Will Forte, Steve Carell, Kerri Kenney-Silver, Coleman Domingo, and Marco Calvani.

Like the original, this show follows the three couples over a year. While there are many differences between the original film and this series, much of the fun still remains.

The first season of The Four Seasons on Netflix series garnered rave reviews with several award nominations. Season two will drop May 28, 2026.

Personal note: I am not a fan of redoing classic films. In my opinion, leave them alone. However many people have enjoyed this updated version and with Tina Fey as a co-creator, executive producer, and writer, it does have the fun and flair necessary that even diehard fans of the film can enjoy.

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. Francine is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA – Ho Sum Bistro in Newport Beach, California is delicious

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


What might look like a little hole in the wall is actually a treasure for foodies. Ho Sum Bistro takes traditional Chinese food to a new level.

First, we tried the Shanghai Spring Rolls. Two come in one order so this is a good option to share with others as they are cut into four pieces. And yes, they are tasty. Two different dipping sauces accompany the Spring Rolls. One is sweet and one is spicy. They are both delicious, however my personal choice is the sweet one.

Next, we tried the Ho Lo Mein. This is a traditional Lo Mein noodle dish, however it is tossed with a Chinese brown sauce to give it a special flavor. 

The Vegetable Ho Lo Mein is filled with carrots, broccoli, and other veggies mixed in with the noodles.

The Chicken Ho Lo Mein contains plenty of chicken however it lacks in the vegetable department. 

 

This was a tough choice as everything on the menu sounded so good. The salads that went by our table looked very tasty, and the other dishes also looked like winners. Unfortunately, we were only there for a day so we had to select one entree each.

The Ho Lo Mein is available in two sizes, and the small one is perfect for a meal (especially with the Spring Rolls as an appetizer). However, for larger appetites, the large option is a good choice.

Several dishes are also available in two sizes, which is a plus for those who want to try a couple selections or just want a small meal.

There is a Lunch Special on Monday through Saturday, from 11am to 4pm. The special is a choice of either salad with fried rice, salad with soup, or soup with fried rice.

On Sundays the locals as well as tourists indulge in the Sunday Brunch (11am-4pm), with bottomless champaign. Besides the champagne, the brunch is all you can eat of a choice of soup or salad, and two Dim Sum options from Pot Stickers, Ho Sum Dumplings, Shanghai Spring Rolls, Crispy Chicken Won Tons, Quenelles, and Poached Wrapped Won Tons. 

The restaurant is small. The main area downstairs has about 6 tables and a counter. The upstairs also has a counter with an overview of the downstairs and the street, with a few tables as well. Plus, there is a very small outside patio area.  

The restaurant touts itself as “Asian Cuisine with a Healthful California Twist.” It might not look like anything on the outside, and inside as stated, it is small, but the food is definitely some of the best Chinese food we tasted in the area.

While there are many options for dining in this area of Newport Beach, it is worth checking out the Ho Sum Bistro, if you enjoy Asian cuisine.

Ho Sum Bistro is located at 3112 Newport Blvd. in Newport Beach, California.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.

‘Check out the trailer for ‘The Pout Pout Fish’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Based on the bestselling book of the same name, the animated movie The Pout Pout Fish from Viva Kids is coming to theaters March 20, 2026. 

“The Pout Pout Fish” is the hilarious and heartwarming story of an unlikely duo: Mr. Fish (Offerman) a pouty introvert and Pip (Oyama) an energetic sea dragon, who embark on a daunting quest to find a legendary fish to grant their wish to save their homes.

“The Pout-Pout Fish has been cherished in classrooms and homes around the world, teaching lessons of friendship, bravery, and self-discovery to an entire generation,” said Victor Elizalde, CEO of Viva Pictures. “Bringing this beloved story to theaters reflects Viva’s commitment to championing iconic IP and delivering bold, franchise-worthy animation. With its educational legacy, global readership, and stunning adaptation for the big screen, The Pout-Pout Fish is poised to inspire audiences everywhere.”

“The Pout-Pout Fish began as a single book and has since grown into a global franchise embraced by readers, educators, and families everywhere,” said Jen Besser, President and Publisher at Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group. “The film marks an exciting step in expanding the world of The Pout-Pout Fish beyond publishing and onto the big screen.”    

 “From the first draft and designs, The Pout-Pout Fish had us hooked. We’re thrilled to see buyers worldwide share our love for this unlikely duo — a pouty loner and a high-energy sea dragon,” said Sola Media’s Managing Director, Solveig Langeland. “Viva is the perfect partner for a wide U.S. release, and we’re confident they’ll reach the large North American audience that already loves the bestselling book.”

The Pout Pout Fish is rated PG for mild action and rude humor

 

Image courtesy Viva Kids

Francine Brokaw

‘When Twilight Comes: The Animals and Plants That Bring Dawn and Dusk’ to Life by Marcie Flinchum Atkins

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Dawn and Dusk are magical times. This new hardcover book, When Twilight Comes: The Animals and Plants That Bring Dawn and Dusk, looks at the flora and fauna that show themselves during these hours before and after daylight. The writing by Marcie Flinchum Atkins is descriptive and inviting.

Kids are usually inside during these times when the planet is between sunset and sunrise. They might be unaware of the differences that occur in nature in these hours. This book artfully describes the various animals that show themselves mainly when the sun is down, and the plants that take on new forms during the darker hours.

The pages are filled with colorful art by illustrator Michelle Morin who captures the essence of the planet when the hustle and bustle of daily life retreats. As in the actual timeframe, the illustrations have a darker tone than many picture books. It truly illustrates the atmosphere and feeling of dawn to dusk.

So what happens when we (yes, I am including myself here) are tucked away in our comfortable homes? The book answers that quite nicely and with wonderful images.

The final pages include a glossary of terms to help kids understand the hours of twilight and there are descriptions of the animals and plants (along with illustrations), providing more in-depth knowledge of those included in the stories in the book. 

Besides being a nice look at what goes on from dusk to dawn, this is also a good learning tool. The information and illustrations give readers a better understanding of the time of day/night when the sun is not out and when the planet is a completely different place.

When Twilight Comes: The Animals and Plants That Bring Dawn and Dusk to Life is suggested for grades kindergarten to third grade. It also makes a good bedtime book for kids to get an understanding of what is happening while they are sleeping.

  • Publisher  :  Chronicle Books
  • Publication date  :  March 31, 2026
  • ISBN-10  :  1797216791
  • ISBN-13  :  978-1797216799
  • Grade level  :  Kindergarten – 3

The book is available to pre-order now.

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 and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.