Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ streams on Peacock

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The dinosaurs are back, and most of them are not friendly. The latest film in the franchise, Jurassic World Rebirth, stars Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Ed Skrein. 

The premise is that scientists have discovered a way to cure several diseases by combining the DNA from three different species of dinosaurs. The caveat is that the DNA must be collected from live specimens. That creates a problem when retrieving samples. After all, these gigantic animals are really not on friendly terms with humans, let alone each other.

They have been living in a small area near the equator, and humans have been banned from going there, for obvious reasons. But a slimy businessman from a pharmaceutical company leads a group of mercenaries and a dino expert to retrieve the samples. Along the way they receive a May Day call from a family whose boat has been attacked by one of the demons in the ocean.

Soon the team now has four additional people who have no desire to hunt down the animals. All they want to do, after their horrific ordeal, is to get to some place safe and far away from the dinosaurs. Nevertheless, they are now all now involved in the hunt for the three species.

The danger is real and one by one the group sees their number reduced as one by one the dinosaurs attack and eat members of the team.

This is a gritty and frightening story as the team’s main objective is to get the DNA samples to benefit humanity, however they now have to add “staying alive” to their journey. 

The one cute part is the tiny dinosaur befriended by the family’s little girl, who she names Delores. It’s a cute bonding aspect, but the only cute aspect of the entire film.

The movie is tense and disheartening. The dinosaurs are innocent beings having been created by greedy humans. But in the end, will they be the saving grace of humanity? Well, maybe they might be helpful if, and it’s a big IF, the team can stay alive long enough to get the DNA and return to civilization.

This has been a popular franchise, starting in 1993 with Jurassic Park. Jurassic World: Rebirth is the seventh film in the franchise. 

Jurassic World: Rebirth is rated PG-13 (definitely needs parental supervision) and is now available to stream in the comfort of your own home via Peacock. 

Check out this link to get started with Peacock or use your app.

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

 

Image courtesy Peacock

‘An Alpine Holiday’ is a sisterly adventure

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Faith and Kelly (Ashley Williams and Laci J. Mailey) were brought up by their grandparents after their mother died and their father left. Faith, the adventurous and free spirited sister, left NYC and moved to Florida. Kelly, the cautious homebody stayed to look after their grandmother. After her death, Faith returned for their grandmother’s last request which set them both off on An Alpine Holiday.

The final request of their beloved grandmother was for the sisters to travel to France to relive and retrace the days that led up to their grandparents’ first trip when he proposed, setting them on a life of love and joy. Faith can’t wait to go, but Kelly is apprehensive. Faith is a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of gal whereas Kelly is a woman who must analyze everything before making a decision.

Once in France, their guide Frederic (Julien Marlon Samani) helps them follow the daily requests specified by their grandmother. Even in death, she is there by their side, taking them on the same adventure she had been on years before. The trio stayed in the same chalet, experienced the same cold plunge and hot tub, and the same food. Then they faced their biggest challenge. They were to climb the mountain to where countless couples become engaged on Christmas Eve. 

This is not a problem for Faith, but when Kelly sees the cable car, her fear kicks in. But there is more to this mountain, much more. A second cable car and, yes, the final part is actual mountaineering are on the agenda. 

Throughout the time in France, the sisters face personal issues and confront their relationship. Meanwhile, Faith is wrestling with the proposal from her boyfriend back in Florida, and Kelly is dealing with her attraction to Frederic. It’s crazy. She just met the man, and it is not like her to plunge into anything, especially a romantic relationship. 

The scenery is magnificent. Although it is set in Chamonix, France and Mont Blanc, the movie was mainly filmed in Sofia, Bulgaria, with some scenes in the U.S.A. and France.

Faith discovers more about herself on this adventure, and Kelly discovers it is ok to take a chance. As their grandmother said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” These women decided to make it a daring adventure.

Grab some hot chocolate or a hot toddy, cuddle up with a warm blanket, and settle in for An Alpine Holiday with plenty of sisterly situations.

An Alpine Holiday premieres November 29, 2025 on Hallmark Channel and streams the following day 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 has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and 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.

Some new ornaments from Disney for 2025

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

It’s that time of year when people begin their holiday shopping. Yes, it is early, but it is never too late to grab your favorite new ornament from the folks at Disney, before they sell out.

All of these come with removable tags and ribbons. The tags can be cut off if you want to just use the ribbon, or the ribbon and tag can be removed if you prefer to add your own ribbon or simply display the ornament on a shelf.

This year the live action movie Lilo and Stitch was one of Disney’s hits. It differed a little from the original 2002 animated film, however the heartwarming story of a little Hawaiian girl and her best friend Stitch, aka Experiment 626, still warms the hearts of viewers whether they are animated, live action, or CGI. 

There is a new Sketchbook ornament from the animated movie. It features Lilo and Stitch building a snowman. They are smiling and look incredibly proud of themselves for creating this perfect snowman complete with scarf and hat.

 

 

2024 saw the return of Moana, however this time her little sister Simea joined the story. Simea stole the hearts of viewers. This little girl is now an adored Disney character along with her sister. 

The new Moana and Simea ornament has the sisters standing on the sand alongside an oar. They are both grinning with delight, however fans of the little sis will undoubtedly enjoy seeing her with her expression of love for her sister.

The Legacy Collection this year highlights several anniversaries of beloved Disney classics. This is the 15th anniversary of the 2010 animated film Tangled, which brought the effervescent Rapunzel to the screen, along with Flynn Ryder. 

 

 

 

The Tangled ornament has Rapunzel gazing out of her window in the tower where she has been living her life. She was kidnapped as a baby and instead of growing up in the castle she grew up in a high tower where she could not leave. She did, eventually escape, with the help of Flynn Ryder, and returned to her parents. 

This ornament includes a “15” medallion to commemorate the anniversary.

Among the other new Legacy ornaments this year are Toy Story (30th anniversary), Fantasia (85the anniversary), The Rescuers Down Under (35th anniversary), and more, each including their anniversary medallion.

 

And to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Disneyland, there are several ornaments to brighten your tree or shelf. Disneyland fans have been making this their go-to for family vacations for 70 years. 

There is a Mickey and Minnie Ear Hat Ornament celebrating the park. With Mickey and Minnie decked out in their colorful anniversary outfits, the bright blue hat showcases the castle, with images of Tinker Bell, a Mickey ice cream bar, and Churros on the front with the Incredicoaster on the back. For guests to the park throughout the years, these images will undoubtedly bring back memories.

The “ears” depict it’s a small world logo, a star with Mickey in the center, and the back of the ears depict the Matterhorn and Grizzly Peak from Disney California Adventure.

There are several other ornaments celebrating the 70th anniversary of Disneyland. These make wonderful gifts for fans who visit the park regularly, or those who just have great memories of their time there. Celebrate “The Happiest Place on Earth” with these new anniversary ornaments for your tree, shelf, or gifts.

To check out all of these ornaments more closely, and to see the others available, go to the Disney Store online.

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 has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and 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.

Celebrate the 35th anniversary of ‘Edward Scissorhands’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The cult classic Edward Scissorhands has been restored just in time for the 35th anniversary. It is now sharper and more breathtaking than ever.

This enchanting story runs the gamut of emotions. The story of Edward, a gentle soul, who was created but the inventor died before finishing his young man. Thus, Edward was left with scissors for hands. 

It is a haunting story of love, loneliness, belonging, and isolation. This poor man means no harm, but unfortunately he is very misunderstood. 

The film is now available on 4K Ultra HD and digital. It has captured the hearts and minds of generations of viewers who have made it a cult classic among fantasy films.

With Winona Ryder co-starring as Kim, the woman who falls in love with Edward, the film also includes Dianne Wiest, Kathy Baker, Anthony Michael Hall, Alan Arkin and Vincent Price as the inventor. There are so many touching scenes in the film, as well as those which are heartbreaking.

Edward is a sweet, well-intentioned man. Misunderstood yet welcomed at times then feared at other times. He has become a true classic character, and the film has endured with fans adoring the story of Edward, the love story of Edward and Kim, and the wonder of it all. As mentioned earlier, the story runs the gamut of emotions.

This was the first collaboration of Johnny Depp (Edward) and Tim Burton. Their eight films together were Edward Scissorhands (1990), Ed Wood (1994), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Corpse Bride (2005), Sweeney Todd (2007), Alice in Wonderland (2010), and Dark Shadows (2012). 

 

For fans of the film, this restored version is a welcome addition to their library. The SteelBook includes haunting artwork. There is also a Blu-ray included besides the 4K Ultra HD. It is also available in Digital.

Bonus materials include a short peek behind the scenes.

Edward Scissorhands 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 has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and 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.

Images courtesy Disney

 

‘A Newport Christmas’ travels through time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Ella (Gina Claire Mason) has a heart of gold. She wants to help others and goes out of her way to make lives better for those in need. The thing is, she is living in 1905 Newport, Rhode Island. In this time, her experiences as a woman are limited and her father just informs her he is about to marry her off to a man she has never met. Needless to say, this confident young woman declines and runs off to sail on the ocean to clear her mind. While sailing a comet streaks across the sky. Ella wishes on this comet for a different life and for someone to love her. All of a sudden Nick (Wes Brown) appears on the boat. But Nick is from 2025. It is now his boat and not hers. What is going on?  A Newport Christmas mingles old and new in this entertaining time travel story.

What Ella does not know is that she started a charity back in 1905 that has been an institution in Newport for the last 120 years. And, her 1905 elegant house has been turned into a museum, with Nick as a local historian and an expert about Ella and her time. 

While Nick tries to figure out how to get her back to her own time so she can fulfill her legacy, Ella discovers all the wonders of life in 2025. But while she learns more about her past life and the present time, parts of her life are disappearing. This is one of the paradoxes of time travel. 

If she can return to her own time, will things go back to normal in 2025 or will her history have been forever altered? 

Nick describes her as effervescent and adorable. While spending time with this woman from 120 years ago, his feelings for her go beyond just historical interest. 

The longer Ella is in 2025, the more she discovers about her past, but how will this affect her history that has yet to be written, providing she is able to return to 1905?

Then, lo and behold, another time traveler from her age appears. This story is getting more interesting by the minute. And Ella begins wondering if she should stay in 2025. 

Without any spoilers, let’s just say the ending is exactly what fans of Hallmark Channel expect. It is an entertaining and delightful story that is a nice addition to the holiday lineup.

A Newport Christmas premieres November 2, 2025 on Hallmark Channel and begins streaming the following day 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 has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and 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.

Image courtesy Hallmark Media

‘The Roses’ for home viewing

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The Roses is an updated version of the 1989 film The War of the Roses. In this modernized take on the story of a married couple, Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman star as the couple whose emotions run deep – very deep.

Theo and Ivy are a devoted couple with two children. He is a successful architect and her love of cooking turns into a successful restaurant franchise. But when something goes wrong with one of his buildings, Theo is out of work, and as such, supported by Ivy. 

Soon Ivy discovers how much she loves the adoration of the public for her cooking. Her life becomes her business, while Theo turns into a house-husband, bringing up the kids. Yet, he still yearns to return to architecture.

The banter between the couple has been part of their relationship from the minute they met. It continues as they ride a roller-coaster marriage – up and down and up  and down. But how long can they sustain this?

This is the epitome of “dark comedy.” There are some cute and fun segments, but on the whole the dark outweighs the comedy. However, at the heart of the film is the love they have for each other, which is something they have to rediscover. 

Bonus Features

One of the bonus features, “A House to Die For,” is the most entertaining part of this release as it delves into the construction of the amazing and beautiful house Theo designs for his family. It is, quite frankly, the most amazing on-screen house. The filmmakers could not build it on a cliff in Northern California, where the film takes place. Instead, they built it in the studio with blue screen wrapping around to insert the scenic beauty of the location it is supposed to inhabit. It is a modern, visually stunning house on the scale of a Frank Lloyd Wright. It’s that impressive.

Another bonus, “The Roses: An Inside Look,” looks at the cast and characters, and the British wry wit that runs throughout the story.

“Comedy Gold” looks at the cast and the screenplay.

There are bloopers as well. 

This is NOT a show for kids. The Roses is rated R for language throughout, sexual content, and drug content.

It is now available on digital and will be available on Blu-ray, 4K UHD, and DVD beginning November 25, 2025.

 

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 has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and 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.

Image supplied by Searchlight Pictures
Bonus features vary by product and retailer

‘Timeless Tidings of Joy’ is heartening and fun

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Once again Candace Cameron Bure turns in a delightful performance – with a twist. This time Cameron Bure stars alongside Paul Greene and her real life daughter Natasha. Timeless Tidings of Joy is an entertaining new holiday film perfect to lift the spirits of viewers who want a sweet (not syrupy) story of family, life, and love.

Ally (Cameron Bure) is the founder of a Chicago tech company and into everything techie.  She was left her grandmother’s little shop, Timeless Tidings, which is a throwback to the past. When she gets word that there is a buyer for the shop, she heads off to Indiana to close the deal. But things don’t go according to plan. 

Ally meets Bennett (Green), the manager of the shop. He loves keeping the old tradition of personalized tidings alive. But for modern-day Ally, that is just not in the cards. It is too old-fashioned. She is a modern businesswoman.

While they are discussing the sale, a strange occurrence happens. The two are suddenly transported back in time to the days just after World War II when the store was new.  It is there where Ally meets her young grandmother Joy (Bure) who is happy bringing good tidings to the people of the town, and especially to the widows of the servicemen who died in the war.

Ally never knew her grandmother as a younger woman. Her memories are of an old woman. She feels her grandmother sacrificed so much for the shop. Now Ally thinks she was brought back to help her grandmother decide to sell the shop, thereby giving her a better life. But if she sells, will it really be better or just different? And who is to say that keeping the shop was not a bad idea? With a buyer (in 1940s) ready, Ally feels it is her job to entice Joy to take the offer.

Ally enlists Bennet to help with her plan. But while they are trying to get Joy to think about selling, Bennet has an encounter of his own. Things get a little twisted when the modern-day duo start meddling in the past. What is it they say about changing the past? Oh yes. If you change the past then you change the present, or something like that. It’s the paradox of time travel.

It is fun to see Cameron Bure acting alongside her daughter who is playing her grandmother. It is not the first time they have been together onscreen. It seems the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in this family.

So, this little time-travel story is filled with plenty of fun and frivolity. The question remains – will the modern-day duo make it back to 2025 from the 1940s? And how will this little trip to the past affect their lives in 2025?

As Joy always reminds Ally, God finds a way, and puts everything and everyone where they should be.

Timeless Tidings of Joy streams on Great American Pure Flix beginning November 13, 2025 and premiers on Great American Family and GFAM+ November 15, 2025.

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.

All images courtesy Great American Media

‘Under Siege’ Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Under Siege: My Family’s Fight to Save Our Nation is a deep dive into not only the family bond of the Trumps, but also the illegalities, hoaxes, and lawsuits brought against the family and their business as a result of an “outsider” plunging into the political world. Reading this is an eye-opener and relevant to today’s world.

Eric Trump, the third child of Donald and Ivana Trump, opens up about his childhood, the rules he and his siblings lived with, the love he has for his family, and the trials (literally) and tribulations they went through just because Donald J. Trump dared to go against the establishment to set the country back on track. It is evident, while reading the book, how close the family is and how much love they share.

It comes through how much Donald Trump loves his kids and grandkids. He is a family man at heart. He always takes their calls and is happy to spend time with them, whether they are newborns or teens. They are his legacy, along with his work.

Throughout the book, the journey the family took to get to the White House is examined – both good and bad. What Eric Trump hopes, by writing this book, is that his children – and the country – will fully understand the war that was waged against the President.

Eric delves into each of the attacks on his father and takes readers through the processes that they had to endure but ultimately won. Throughout the book, the chapters are highlighted with quotes from Donald Trump’s books, and illustrate the mindset of the man who won the hearts and souls of the people in his effort to make the country, once again, a shining example of liberty and freedom.

When he decided to run for the presidency, Donald Trump told his family that now they will see who their real friends are. And that really came into focus for Eric when people he had known his whole life turned on the family just because the political establishment and the Democrats (and many Republicans) decided he was not worthy of leading the country. He didn’t take bribes. He didn’t make underhanded deals. Instead he was, what many refer to, as a breath of fresh air, blowing through the halls of the Capitol clearing out the dust and debris. 

One episode that is especially heartening is when Eric, his wife Lara, and their two young children were watching the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Reading about their reaction and how they handled the assassination attempt brings to light how close they are and how much they endured together.

For liberals and conservatives

The book is a fascinating look at everything that was thrown at the family, and how they overcame the lies and deceptions that came their way. It is a “must read” for anyone who wants to know what really happened during the war against the Trumps. It is not only for Trump supporters. 

Both liberals and conservatives can learn a lot from this well-written book. It is actually a history lesson about the last couple decades in the United States of America.

Under Siege: My Family’s Fight to Save Our Nation is an insider’s involved and intricate look at the life and times of Donald J. Trump, by his devoted son.  

  • Publisher  :  Threshold Editions
  • ISBN-10  :  1668205874
  • ISBN-13  :  978-1668205877

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 35 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.

Note: This unit was sent to me for an honest review with no expectations.

Check out the upcoming new animated show ‘BAT-FAM’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


BAT-FAM follows Batman (Luke Wilson), Alfred (James Cromwell), and young Damian Wayne (Yonas Kibreab) – now having taken on the mantle of “Little Batman” – as they welcome a few new residents to Wayne Manor. Joining the family dinner table is Alicia Pennyworth, Alfred’s free-spirited grandniece; Claire, a recently reformed Super-Villain; Ra’s al Ghul, Damian’s adoring “Pap Pap” who also happens to be Batman’s longtime nemesis; and Man-Bat, who takes up residence in the Wayne Manor belfry. This close-knit family of misfits navigate the fun and frustrations of ordinary life while protecting the streets of Gotham City.
 
BAT-FAM premieres November 10, 2025 on Prime Video.

Check out the trailer below.

 

Image courtesy Prime Video

Some Disneyland Annual Passes are returning – get yours while supplies last

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

photo: Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort announced that two types of Magic Key annual passes – Inspire and Believe – will once again be available for purchase beginning Tuesday, Nov. 4, no earlier than 9 a.m. PT, while supplies last.

Guests with a Magic Key pass can multiply the magic during the Holidays at Disneyland Resort, which returns Nov. 14, 2025. With Park Hopper admission included, Magic Key holders can experience delightful décor and limited-time offerings over and over again, which may include holiday favorites such as “it’s a small world” Holiday, “A Christmas Fantasy Parade,” and Disney Festival of Holidays. In addition, Magic Key holders can enjoy these experiences alongside limited-time offerings available for the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, as well as a variety of discounts on all-new seasonal food and merchandise available throughout the calendar year and more.

California residents can pay for a pass over 12 months with 0% APR after a new, lower $99 down payment.

Availability of other pass types varies throughout the year. To view current pass type availability, sign up for sale alerts or learn about the Magic Key program, visit www.Disneyland.com/MagicKey.