If all you know about reindeer is Rudolph and Sven, then this is a great way to learn about the lives of reindeer in the frozen Lapland of Finland. A Reindeer’s Journey is the story of one reindeer’s first year as he learns about how to survive.

Donald Sutherland narrates this tale of Ailo, a newborn reindeer that learns to navigate the ups and downs of life with the help of his mother. He was born about a day or two early so his start in life was a little difficult. But once he and his mother joined the herd things got a little easier.

The herd migrated down the mountain for the summer months where they grazed in the meadow. During those months Ailo saw many new things, including foxes, wolves, bears, and other potential threats as well as potential friends. Life in this cold region is difficult but the animals have been there for thousands of years and they know instinctively how to survive.

As the months progress, little Ailo grows and eventually becomes the leader of his generation. By the time the herd migrates back up the mountain to the windy region where they can get their winter food, Ailo has successfully maneuvered through the trials and tribulations of life as a reindeer.

This is a family film and – spoiler alert – those viewers that are sensitive to animal deaths do not have to worry. Little Ailo and his mother do not get killed. As a matter of fact, no killings are shown so this fact can set your mind at ease. Yes, there are deaths of animals. After all, this is a nature film. However the actual killings are off camera.

The film is meant to be a fun way for viewers to learn about the realities of life as a reindeer and to educate them about the struggles of the environmental impact on their lives. Logging disrupts their migration routes. Sensitivity to the generations of animals that have called this land home is something people need to heed.

Viewers will definitely take little Ailo to their hearts.

A Reindeer’s Journey is available On DVD November 26, 2019. It will be in theaters November 15, 2019.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 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 has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

Ever since Princess Diana came onto the scene, the royals have fascinated the world. With the arrival of Kate Middleton and Meghan Markel, Americans especially have been engaged in the fairy tales of Diana’s sons William and Harry and their princesses.  Royals & Romance is a three-disc collection of the Lifetime bio films focusing on the lives and loves of these royal couples.

First of all, in 2011 William & Kate entertained viewers with the love story of these down-to-earth people who met at school and began their lifelong love affair. Even though they had their ups and downs, with “Waity Katy” holding on to her dream of marrying William, the couple eventually tied the knot and today have three children while waiting for their ascendance to the throne (after the Queen and Prince Charles).The film depicts several aspects of their courtship and is a fairy tale in itself.

Then in 2018 Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance focused on Meghan Markel who burst onto the world scene. Having been a successful actor and activist, Meghan was set up on a blind date with Prince Harry. The two hit it off immediately and the movie shows many parts of their relationship as they head toward the alter, combating many obstacles along the way.

The following year, Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal shows the ups and downs of their new life as husband and wife. Meghan had to conform to royal life however she decided many things were just not her way of living. She threw away the panty hose and reveled in black nail polish when she wanted to wear it. The couple is played by different actors than the original film. It would have been fun to see the actors return, but this couple is just as entertaining to watch.

These instances actually happened, however the films might be a bit off when it comes to timelines. Yes, the films are fiction, however they are definitely based on actual events. The way the filmmakers wove the actual situations into this narrative about the lives of the two couples makes them enjoyable to watch. No one actually knows what was said between the main characters in private, however the public scenes are definitely based on reality.

The three movies were shown on Lifetime Television and are now available in a 3-disc package. Royal fans will definitely want this collection. And although the movies are biopics, they are a fairly good depiction of the lives of the four royals. We all love a good fairy tale, and especially one based on reality.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 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 has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

It is hard to believe but it has been 25 years since The Swan Princess captured the hearts and imaginations of viewers. This classic fairy tale of good versus evil, with true love winning out, is now available on Blu-ray for fans of the film and a new generation to enjoy. The story is peppered with delightful songs to accompany this delightful story.

When Baby Odette was born to King William, he was overjoyed. But the evil Lord Rothbart (voiced by Jack Palance) swore he would one day make the king pay for his banishment from the kingdom.

Over the years King William (Dakin Matthews) and Queen Uberta (Sandy Duncan) from a neighboring kingdom, planned on their two children marrying some day and joining the two kingdoms. Every summer King William brought Princess Odette (Michelle Nicastro) to spend the months with Prince Derek (Howard McGillin) but the two kids never got along. Then one summer when the adult Prince and Princess acknowledged their attraction and love for each other the plan came to fruition. Hooray. The wedding was on. But that was short lived.

Lord Rothbart kidnapped Odette and put a spell on her. During the day Odette would be a swan, but when the moon was out she would be her human self.

Prince Derek vowed to find the princess. He perfected his archery skills to prepare for the final battle. But would his skills be enough to battle the powerful Lord Rothbart and reverse the spell?

Odette’s three friends from the lake where she is a swan are delightful cohorts on her effort to get back to Prince Derek. There is a frog, a puffin, and a turtle, each with the goal to reunite the two lovers.

There are two interesting bonus features on this 25^th anniversary Blu-ray (that is also available on 4K Ultra HD).  First, there is a look back at the 25 years of this classic film. The filmmakers reflect on making the film and look back at the time when they created this beloved fairy tale. Another bonus is a behind the scenes “making of” feature giving viewers a step by step account of how this animated film was produced. This was a time long before the CGI technology we are used to today. Rounding out the bonus features are three sing-alongs.

The Swan Princess is a charming family film. It is rated G for everyone. Now viewers can fall in love with the story that captured our hearts a quarter century ago.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 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 has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

The 2016 film Snowtime wowed audiences with its characters and excitement. The cast of animated friends now returns for Racetime. While Snowtime centered on a big a snowball fight, Racetime focuses on a big sledding race. With songs by Cyndi Lauper, Simple Plan, Robby Johnson, and others, this is a fun and family-friendly film that is perfect for this time of year.

Frankie is a genius and creates the most inventive sleds. He has won the annual race five times in a row. But the new kid, Zac, intends on dethroning the little guy. Everyone in the barn has no doubt Frankie will win. Their only regret is that their beloved dog Cleo is not around any more. (She died in the first film.)

When it comes to the big day, the group is shocked when Zac wins and Frankie loses. They go into spy-mode and what they soon find out is that Zac cheated. So a rematch is scheduled.

In the meantime, while the genius and the evil genius are constructing their new sleds, Chuck falls in love with Zac’s cousin Charlie and cannot believe she would cheat, but once he learns the truth, his heart is broken. And it takes Charlie a while to realize that cheating is not the right thing to do.

Frankie, twins Henry and George, Lucy, Daniel, Nicky, Piers, Sophie, Luke, Manolo, Jack, Chuck, Fran are united again in this adorable sequel. And with Charlie and Zac, along with a new puppy, the scene is set for an epic sled race through the village.

Check out the official website for more information about the characters and the movie.

The film is rated PG for some mild rude humor, however it is a nice family film with some valuable lessons.

Ready, set, snow! Racetime comes out for home entertainment on digital and on demand November 5, 2019.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 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 has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.