Disney Wisdom Jiminy Cricket

Posted on July 31, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Every third Saturday of each month during 2019, the folks at Disney release a new set in their Disney Wisdom Collection. These are different each month and include several items, each with an inspirational quote from a classic Disney film.

This month the focus is on Pinocchio. The saying from The Blue Fairy, “Always let your conscience be your guide” is something every age should follow.

The plush ($26.95) for the July release is a bright green Jiminy Cricket, complete with his tie, jacket and signature hat. This fellow has a broad smile and all his features are stitched on, so there is nothing for small hands to pull off. He is a true plush – soft and cuddly. Yes, even a cricket can be cuddly!

His bright green hat is embroidered with the phrase from the Blue Fairy, with the emphasis on the word “conscience.” The back of his coat is stitched with the Disney Wisdom patch and the words “Series 7 of 12.” This is what makes him official and unique among other plush animals.

Besides the plush Jiminy, the collection includes a bright green mug ($18.95) with the wise quote on the front and a picture of Jiminy and Figaro the cat on the back. It is a great way to start the day. Fill it with your favorite coffee or tea and you are off to a good start, keeping the words of wisdom in your mind.

Also in this collection this month is a set of three pins ($16.95): Jiminy, Figaro, and a plaque of the quote. They are all done in bright green. There is a book ($16.95) as well, with the quote on the front and blank pages so it can be filled with your own quotes, or maybe a shopping list or honey-do list. And there is a T-shirt ($26.95) for adults with the wise quote on the front. The shirt is white but the quote is emblazoned in bright green. What else?

The star of the series is definitely the plush Jiminy Cricket. He stands about 15 inches tall and is about 12 inches when sitting. Just looking at his face will make anyone smile. He is filled with love, happiness, and the whimsy that makes these characters adorable for all ages. He definitely put a smile on my face when I opened the package.

This little fellow is so darn cute and cuddly. Adults will want to display him as a collector’s item, however kids will definitely want to hug him and play with him. And he might even get the whole family singing “When You Wish Upon a Star.”

As the folks at Disney say, “Celebrate the timeless wisdom found in Disney films with our special edition Disney Wisdom Collection…Collect them all to add color to your life and revel in the everlasting wisdom taught by classic Disney films with this magical rainbow collection.”

Everything in this collection is limited so make sure you get the item or items of your choice by going to the Shop Disney website.

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. 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.

‘2:Hours’ Movie Review

Posted on July 30, 2019July 30, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

2: Hours is a journey into self-discovery as a teenager learns he has only two hours left to live. The story is thought-provoking for viewers and will have everyone thinking about what they would do if they knew their date and time of death.

Tim (Harry Jarvis) is less than a stellar student. He is a graffiti artist and takes pride in defacing walls around the city. Along with his two best friends Vic (Ella-Raw Smith) and Alf (Alhaji Fofana), they ditch their High School field trip to the museum and wander around the hidden hallways, ending up in a laboratory where a press conference is being held.

This press conference introduces a new machine that can tell how long a life has left to live. It has only been tested on small creatures like spiders, but Tim decides it’s time for a human experiment so he jumps into the device and pushes the button. The machine does its job and Tim learns he has a mere two hours left to live.

The trio takes off stunned and confused. What should they do? Is the machine correct? If so, what does Tim want to do with his final hours left on earth?

They make a short bucket list and as they attempt to fulfill Tim’s wishes, things don’t go the way they want. They come up against obstacles and a duo of bumbling journalists hot on their trail for the story of their lives.

Tim has been a troubled teen since his father’s death and a frustrating son to his mother. He has also been a horrible brother to his sister Shona (Fabienne Piolini-Castle). In these final two hours Tim examines his life and learns what should have been the most important thing to him: his family.

The movie was filmed in London and, although it is a low-budget family movie, it does have some interesting and thought-provoking concepts. The idea of knowing exactly when you will die (with the exception of accidents and violence) is an intriguing thing to ponder. While we cannot all live like this is our last day, we can think about the important things in life and the things we want to accomplish, do, and see before we die.

Director D. James Newton explained, “I’m certainly not trying to tell people how they should lead their lives but it is a maxim born out of truth as well as experience that Ovid said: ‘Love is no assignment for cowards.’ Tim has to recognize this for himself and in so doing is capable of transcending any fears he might have of dying too early. And only when he does so, can he actually start to live.”

Newton said, “During his ‘journey’ he comes to realize that the most important ‘things’ in his life are his relationships and significantly, he decides to fix the broken ties he has with his younger sister, Shona – made worse since the recent death of their father.”

The actors will probably not be familiar to American audiences as this is a true British production. The movie has had mixed reviews however it is a story that is intriguing.

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.

Glass Glow Shinelighter – Product Review

Posted on July 23, 2019July 23, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

The new “Shinelighter” from beautyblender is a unique product. It is a clear gel that is not sticky and adds shine to your face to give you that healthy glow.

Sometimes a little shine on the upper part of your cheeks looks amazing, and that is just what this product does. It gives you that healthy shine wherever you put it. I love it on my lips. It does not get gooey or sticky and gives users that “Jennifer Lopez” look of shiny lips.

I have also tried it on my eyelids over eye shadow. That is an interesting look. As long as you don’t get it on the bottom of your eye you will have a very shiny eyelid. Placed over gold or silver eye shadow at the holiday time, this is definitely going to make you stand out. Just make sure you do not get it below your eyes or you’ll look like you’re crying. On the top lid is an impressive new look, however.

Test is on different areas of your face to see what you prefer. This is a unique item that will be in demand at the holiday time.

Beautyblender has many unique products. Check them out, and take a closer look at this Glass Glow Shinelighter. It’s something new and something you definitely do not have in your beauty drawer…yet. It adds a little sparkle to your face. And who cannot use a little extra sparkle and pizazz?

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and entertainment. 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

One million and counting

Posted on July 23, 2019August 12, 2025 by Francine Brokaw

The Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land opened in the Disneyland Resort on May 31, 2019. Less than six weeks later the one-millionth guest enjoyed the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction in the new land.

Yep, the Ridgeway family from Ocean Springs, Mississippi had the satisfaction of being the millionth riders piloting the Millennium Falcon. And what a ride it was. A special guest, Chewbacca himself joined the family on their historic journey through the galaxy.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is an immersive land that is currently the top attraction in the resort. Later this year another attraction will open to complete this 14-acre addition to the Disneyland theme park.

After their historic ride the Ridgeway family (Mom, Dad, Jonathan 8, and Logan 4) celebrated with green and blue milk (some of the traditional libations in this part of the galaxy). They went back to Mississippi with memories they will never forget and also the satisfaction that they were part of Disneyland history.

Congratulations, Ridgeways. Your trip to California was definitely out of this world.

About the Author

Photos: courtesy of Joshua Sudock/Disneyland

‘The Lion King’ Movie Review

Posted on July 11, 2019July 11, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

In 1994 audiences took one little lion cub to heart, and everyone around the world started saying “Hakuna Matata,” or “No Worries.” Now the classic animated film The Lion King is reimagined without the animation, yet it still holds all the fun and sentiment of the 1994 classic.

Following the same story, Little Simba (JD McCrary) is the heir apparent. His father Mufasa (James Earl Jones) is the king of the Pride Lands. Simba is looking forward to his time as king, but his uncle Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor) will do whatever it takes to make sure that will not happen. Scar is not happy being the “spare,” or second in line. And when Simba is born he knows he will never be king. So Scar develops a plan to get rid of his brother Mufasa and little Simba, take over the Pride Lands, and rule with an iron paw!

When his father is killed and Scar tells him he is responsible for his dad’s death, Simba runs off and finds Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) and Timon (Billy Eichner). The three of them become best friends and as Simba grows up (Donald Glover), he is happy with his new family. But one day his old friend Nala (Beyonce) runs into him and their friendship is rekindled, as Nala describes how Scar has ruined the Pride Lands.

Now it’s up to Simba, Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa to take back what was stolen from the animals and return the land to its former glory, with the natural Circle of Life.

This movie is beautifully filmed and adds a new dimension to the story without the animation we are all used to when it comes to viewing Simba. With live action and CGI, a new vision of this classic story comes to the screen in a visually stunning way. And although the original had many comical elements, this newer version is filled with many more laugh-out-loud moments (no spoiler alerts here!). This movie had the audience laughing at plenty of aspects while still touching their hearts with the sentimental story of the little lion cub. It is a pure delight from beginning to end and for those of us who are ambivalent about turning classic animated films into live action (even with CGI), it is an entertaining and endearing vision of the original story.

Going into the press screening I was eager to see if this version would be as endearing as the classic animated film. It did not disappoint me or the rest of the audience. It is a fun film with the popular characters and sentimental story we have known for over two decades. Hakuna Matata.

The Lion King is rated PG for sequences of violence and peril, and some thematic elements. It opens in theaters July 12, 2019.

About the Author

Greg Kinnear stars as “Phil”

Posted on July 1, 2019July 1, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

In his directorial debut, Greg Kinnear stars in the drama Phil. Also appearing in the film are Emily Mortimer, Jay Duplass, Taylor Schilling, Kurt Fuller, Luke Wilson, and Bradley Whitford.

Phil McGuire, DDS, is a depressed and despondent man. Although he has a thriving dental practice, his marriage is over and his life is not what he had expected it to be. He even contemplates suicide. Then, one day, Michael Fisk (Whitford) sits in his dental chair. This one dental exam changes Phil’s life forever.

Phil is enamored by Fisk, who has a great career, a wonderful marriage and family, a nice house, and the idyllic life. At least it is that way on the outside. Phil starts stalking this man to find out how someone with a perfectly happy existence lives on a day-to-day basis. But when he discovers Fisk’s suicide, Phil is more confused than ever.

Taking on the identity of a Greek friend Fisk mentioned while in his office, Phil (now aka Spiros) endears himself to the grieving widow (Mortimer) in an attempt to get inside the head of the man who had everything and threw it all away. This becomes an obsession for Phil, who also begins to take on the persona of Spiros with his likes and dislikes. He is happy as Spiros. Now all he needs to do is to find out why Fisk killed himself, and hopefully answer some of life’s questions and be happy as Phil.

As Fisk told Dr. McGuire, Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Phil is now examining not only Fisk’s life but also his own. This double life he is living is not without consequences. His dental practice goes practically down the drain because Phil has no desire to go back to his office until he follows Spiros’ journey to the end, wherever that leads.

So, the story is about life lived. Unfortunately, in the end, there is one big unanswered question for audiences. But that aside, this is an intriguing story about life, love, relationships, and what is worth living for. And audiences will examine their own lives and possibly decide to seize the moment because, as Fisk said, “Life is too short.”

Phil is rated R for some language and a violent/disturbing image. It is definitely for adults only. Phil opens in theaters July 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

Binging on the royals with True Royalty TV

Posted on June 25, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

I recently had a few days to myself so I did something I rarely do. I binged on TV. Actually, I binge watched True Royalty TV and now you can ask me any question about the royals. I cannot guarantee I will know the answer, but I definitely know a lot more than I did a week ago.

True Royalty is a screening service. If you have Apple TV it is just a click away. I couldn’t stop once I started. Not only do they have programs about the British royal family and its history as well as the current members, but there are insights into other royals around the globe that are highlighted in several of the programs.

Of course Meghan Markel, aka The Duchess of Sussex, has an entire section devoted to her and her hubby. There are plenty of programs about royal wardrobes, royal weddings, marriages, divorces, scandals, broken hearts, duty, and love. Besides learning about the current royals, the history of the British Monarchy is not only an education for those of us on this side of the pond, but also quite intriguing.

So why is it we are enamored by royalty? Perhaps it is because we like pomp and circumstance, but I think it is because we are intrigued by why there are still monarchs in today’s world. And the British monarch is not a ruling monarch. So why do the “subjects” pay for a royal family? What is it they provide?

That is a question that has puzzled me for ages. However it didn’t deter me from watching all about these people.

Disney has created a “princess” dream for us. And as the Disney princesses have evolved and become strong women, so have the real princesses. It is interesting to watch the evolution of “princessdom” from Princess Elizabeth (now Queen), to Princess Diana, to Princess Kate (now Duchess), and Princess Meghan (also a Duchess). Apparently being a Duchess is a higher rank than a princess. But the Queen is the highest. And as we see, it’s good to be Queen.

If you get a chance, check out True Royalty TV. It’s interesting and although many of the commentators describe how “difficult” it is to be in the royal family, I know many viewers will live vicariously through them. After all, who wouldn’t want all those incredible wardrobes, and let’s not forget about the crown jewels.

Coming up they have a look at Camilla, the woman who came between Charles and Diana, and who has changed the public’s perception of her through the years. She is a loyal companion to Charles and viewers get to know who this woman is. Look for that to drop on the service on August 1, 2019.

True Royalty TV

About the Author

Bring home ‘Damn Yankees’

Posted on June 23, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Gwen Verdon, Tab Hunter, and Ray Walston star in the 1958 movie Damn Yankees taken from the Broadway play. Recently FX presented a mini-series, Fosse/Verdon based on the lives of Glen Verdon and Bob Fosse and the scene in which Michelle Williams (as Verdon) performs the song and dance number “Who’s Got the Pain” from “Damn Yankees” she knocked it out of the park (no pun intended). Watching Verdon’s performance is like a déjà vu from the recent FX series. What a treat.

The story of Joe, an old man who makes a deal with the devil (Walston) to be a young baseball player (Tab Hunter) for the Washington Senators and win the pennant over the New York Yankees, has several songs as well as dances with the choreography by Fosse. These include “Whatever Lola Wants,” “You Gotta Have Heart,” “A Little Brains – A Little Talent,” and “Two Lost Souls.”

The devil did something he had never done before. He gave Joe an “out” clause. But he had no intention of letting him go once he got his soul. Thanks to the attention of Lola (Verdon), Joe manages to come out on top and get everything he wanted – success and his old life back.

As young Joe Hardy wins over the fans and the city, his heart still lays with his wife Meg (Shannon Bolin). But thanks to the meddling of the devil himself, Joe is kept at bay from the woman he loves.

The story is lighthearted and fun, even though it does look like a Broadway Play at times. Verdon originated the role of Lola on Broadway and brings her to the screen in this film with all the fun and flavor she can muster. Verdon and Fosse were married after he gave her her big break with this play. They were married until his death even though they did not live together for years. Their partnership bore many delightful plays and films and Damn Yankees is only one of them.

Damn Yankees is a classic among musicals and now the Warner Archive Collection has made it available for fans of the story, the film, the play, Verdon, and Fosse. This DVD can be purchased at their website or online retailers where DVDs and Blu-rays are sold. It is not rated however it is suitable for all ages.

About the Author

‘Toy Story 4’ – Movie Review

Posted on June 13, 2019June 14, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

They’re back. Woody, Buzz, Slinky, Hamm, the Potato Heads, Mr. Pricklepants, Trixie, Rex, Jessie, Dolly, and all of Andy’s and Bonnie’s toys return along with some new ones. Toy Story 4 is a bittersweet story of the toys and their relationships with each other and with their kid!

Toy Story 4 director Josh Cooley was in high school when the first Toy Story premiered in theaters. “I think I have an interesting point of view because I didn’t work on any of the other films, so I came into this as a fan,” he says. “To me, the Toy Story characters are the Mickey, Donald and Goofy of Pixar. Woody and Buzz have become part of movie-going lexicon. Toy Story was not only Pixar’s first movie, but it was the first feature-length film to be completely computer animated.”

In Toy Story 3 Andy went away to college and gave his treasured friends to Bonnie, who has an amazing imagination. In subsequent made-for-TV shows, (Toy Story of Terror and Toy Story that Time Forgot) Bonnie’s love and imagination with her toys captured the hearts of viewers.

When Andy had his toys, Woody was his favorite and went with him everywhere. Now Woody is with Bonnie and has been demoted, so to speak. He’s not her favorite but he still feels responsible for her, in the same way he did for Andy. He knows his purpose it to make Bonnie happy. And when she is afraid to go to kindergarten, Woody stows away in her backpack to be there for her if she needs him.

At the kindergarten initiation day Bonnie creates Forky, a spork combined with googly eyes and other items from the trash. She instantly loves this new toy. When they all get back to her room, Woody introduces Forky to the gang. But Forky still thinks he is trash and not a toy. After all, he came from the trash. Says producer Jonas Rivera, “We loved the idea of Forky. He’s like an infant. He doesn’t understand the rules of the world, so he doesn’t play by the rules, which really makes the story feel fun and new. But it makes life hard for Woody, who’s just trying to help Forky understand the importance of his kid.”

Bonnie and her parents take off in an RV for an end-of-summer vacation, along with Buzz, Woody, several of her toys, and her new favorite toy Forky. While Forky still doesn’t understand the importance of being there for his “kid,” the gang instills in him the duty of being a toy. He still wants to escape from the bonds of toydom.

Woody and Forky find themselves in the Second Chance antique store where Woody is reunited with Bo Peep, from the good old days. Bo was Andy’s sisters toy and years earlier was discarded. The bond between Woody and Bo is strong, however Bo has been living as a lost toy and has had a different life than Woody. She has not had a kid for a long time.

Annie Potts returns as the voice of Bo Peep. “Bo is everything that we want to be,” says Potts. “She is independent and courageous and funny and smart and able to tackle it all on her own. Her life hasn’t been easy, but whose life is? She is an excellent model of making it in the face of adversity.

In the antique store Woody and Forky encounter a doll that has never had a kid. Gabby Gabby, is a cute doll that came off the assembly line defective. So she has spent her entire life, since the 1950s, without someone to love her. That is all she wants – to be loved by a child. Says screenwriter Stephany Folsom, “Gabby Gabby and Woody have the exact same philosophy, which is to be there for your kid no matter what. But unlike Woody, Gabby’s never actually had that experience, so she clings to the fantasy of what it would be like to be with a kid.”

The escapades with all the toys – including some carnival toys – are fun and a bit disconcerting. There are some toys in the antique store that are set on capturing Woody because he has some parts that will fix Gabby Gabby. Once she is in working condition, this cute little doll knows she will attract a child who will love her with all their heart.

“I’ve known these characters literally half my life,” says producer Jonas Rivera, who joined Pixar in 1994 as the studio’s first production intern. “They’re more like family to me than characters in a movie. So, I felt a sense of responsibility and excitement—and a little nervousness, to be honest—to help lift these characters and carry them forward.”

And in the end they do move forward onto their next chapters. Bring your Kleenex with you when you go. This is bittersweet. However definitely stay for the ending credits, which will help ease some of the sadness you might feel. After all, the responsibility of a toy is to be cared for and loved by a kid and to give them love in return.

Tom Hanks returns as the voice of Woody. “Bo Peep is interesting because she has made her peace,” he says. “She’s wise because she’s actually seen the way the world works. On one hand, it’s completely counter to what Woody is hip to, but at the same time Bo’s outlook is the embodiment of what Woody wants, which is to be played with by children, and to make their lives happier.”

Look for some references to past Pixar films. In the antiques store are awards cases from Gusteau’s office from Ratatouille, furniture from The Incredibles, and props from Coco. And in the movie there is a cute nod to Up.

Toy Story 4 is the next chapter in the lives of the characters we have known and loved for decades. With several new additions to the group, it will be interesting to see if there will be more with Forky and the gang in the future.

As for Bonnie, she is one imaginative little girl. She is sweet, sensitive, and definitely loves her toys. Her creativity is second to none.

Toy Story 4 is rated G. It opens in theaters June 21, 2019.

About the Reviewer

Follow her on Twitter

Pocket Chair from BabyToLove

Posted on June 10, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

There are plenty of instances when families are out and there is no highchair in which to sit a baby/toddler. While most restaurants do offer highchairs, there are still some that do not. And besides restaurants, there are many other places you might go where nothing is available for your toddler. Enter the Pocket Chair from BabyToLove.

The Pocket Chair is made from machine-washable polyester. There are a variety of patterns from which to select. The lightweight product folds up for easy carrying in a purse or diaper bag.

Instead of schlepping a car seat into the doctor’s office or some other place, simply take the Pocket Chair. It easily and securely attaches to a chair and keeps your child safe, however make sure the ground is stable so the chair won’t tip over.

Place the item on the chair and secure it to the top of the chair. Then place the child on the soft padded material and adjust the straps and harness to the child/chair. Now you have an easy solution to lugging a heavy car seat with you.

Think of the times when you go to a church festival or other party or event where high chairs are non-existent. And now think about when you unlatch the car seat to carry your child into one of these events. Now – forget about all of that. With the Pocket Chair you can carry your child into the event and securely strap him or her onto a regular chair.

When you are not using the Pocket Chair, it folds into its own pouch making it easy to store and easy to open when needed.

The Pocket Chair is for toddlers that can sit on their own and recommended for ages 6-26 months and under 33 pounds. It is clever and useful, and inexpensive.

About the Reviewer

Follow her on Twitter