‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’ on Blu-ray

Posted on March 12, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Neil Simon penned both the play and the screenplay of Brighton Beach Memoirs, which was loosely based on his life. Simon penned many plays/films from his life and this one looks at a teenage Eugene Jerome (Jonathan Silverman) growing up in his Jewish family with his mother (Blythe Danner), father (Bob Dishy), aunt (Judith Ivey), brother (Brian Drillinger), and cousins (Lisa Waltz and Stacey Glick) while they’re all dealing with personal issues and the threat of another World War looming on the horizon.

It’s the late 1930s, innocence of youth was still something to cherish and paying the bills was always on everyone’s mind. Young Eugene aspires to be a writer. His cousin wants to be a Broadway dancer, his widowed aunt is starting to think about dating again, and his brother is well meaning but a bit of a screw-up.

The story is filled with funny situations but through it all is the family. Family looks out for each other – no matter what and no matter what hardships they must endure for each other. The bottom line is family is everything, especially for this Jewish family who is worried about their relatives in Europe while also trying to solve each other’s personal problems at home.

Eugene is also going through puberty, meaning his inquisitiveness about the opposite sex is always on his mind. The only person with whom he can discuss this is his brother.

This film came out in 1986. It was the first in a trio of Eugene Jerome films, which were semi-autobiographical. After Brighton Beach Memoirs came Biloxi Blues (1988) which had Eugene going into the army, then Broadway Bound (1992) in which Eugene and Stanley began in show business. The most comical of the three is undoubtedly the middle one, however all three combine to show the life of a Jewish writer as he stumbles through all the obstacles of life and family.

Although they are not wealthy, the Jerome family is rich with love for each other. They are a family that displays what a family should be.

The Blu-ray edition is available March 26, 2019 from Shout! Factory. You’ll laugh and you’ll shed a tear. But you’ll always remember Eugene Jerome.

Brighton Beach Memoirs is rated PG-13.

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.

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Oh My Disney Swim Collection

Posted on March 12, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Why does your swimwear have to be ordinary? It doesn’t. With the new Oh My Disney Swim Collection you’ll be a standout this summer whether you’re by your pool, at the beach, or on vacation at a resort. With this assortment featuring characters from Aladdin, The Lion King, and Mickey Mouse himself, there are some fun items to wear to show your inner Disney child.

For women Mickey Mouse is front and center on the adorable one-piece swimsuit. Pair it with some Mickey Slides and you’re ready to hit the beach in mouse-style. Don’t forget your Mickey towel! And the bright red Mickey’s swim trunks along with the Mickey slides show off the whimsical side of your man.

For the wild side, the collection, featuring characters from “The Lion King,” are perfect. The swim trunks for men have Simba, Nala, and all their friends scattered on a turquoise background. For women there is a whimsical cover-up in black and white featuring a colorful Zazu. There are slides with Simba and Scar that are fine for both men and women. Pair all of these with your Hakuna Matata beach towel and you’ll be the most stylish couple on the beach.

And when you’re out at your pool just lounging around on a hot summer day, do it with a little magic. Aladdin and Jasmine make a chic swimsuit playful. And when paired with the sparkling slides, well, everyone will do a double take when you walk by. Add the magic carpet pool float – featuring Abu holding onto the back – and a magic carpet towel and you have your own “Aladdin” inspired day. Then go inside and watch the animated movie in preparation for the new live-action film that will soon hit the theaters. And, when going on vacation, pair the Aladdin swimsuit with the matching tote for a “Shining, Shimmering, Splendid” – and perfectly matched – chic look!

With the new Oh My Disney – OMD Swim Collection from Disney Store, this summer will definitely be more fun, more whimsical, and more memorable.

And if you’re having a swim party at your house, make sure to have some Mickey and Lion King tumblers for your thirsty guests. They are the finishing touches to a fun Disney-themed pool party.

Families can show their love of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy with the tropical family Aloha assortment of summer clothing. Shirts for men and boys and sundresses for women and girls are a fun way to show family spirit and togetherness – Disney style!

All of these new swimwear items and more are available at shopdisney.com. Have a fun summer filled with friends, family, and fantasy.

I want to thank shopDisney for sending some free samples for my review.

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.

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You go, girl! Diane Lockhart fights the ‘Good Fight’ in Season 3

Posted on March 11, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

When something catastrophic happens, the TV industry is known to write a story about it and air it quickly. So you’d think a number of TV shows would have been produced dealing with Trump in the White House since 2017. As it turns out, however, The Good Fight is the only drama series that daringly questions and challenges Trump in real time. “It’s a brave move for writers to be in the belly of the beast at this time,” praises Christine Baranski who has played Diane Lockhart since 2009. “The election gave us a spine,” pointed out the show creators, Robert & Michelle King, when they decided to create a spinoff and sequel of The Good Wife (CBS 2009-16). Quite a spine, I’ll say, yet I keep wondering how long they can get away with their blatant attacks on lawsuit-happy Trump without actually being sued.

The Good Fight Season 2 depicted Diane (Baranski), who had arrived and no need to prove herself any longer, stumbling through the remaining days of her career. Disillusioned and dazed Diane described her state of mind as “the Dark Night of the Soul.” It was so reassuring to witness Diane, my hero and role model, staggering through the topsy-turvy months of assault after assault on our democracy.

Our pitiful new normal consists of early morning temper tantrums, whining, and inhuman comments by the Leader of the Free World and endless deluge of absurdity and insanity in the Oval Office. Diane was right; the secret to happiness in the looming Trumpocalypse is insensitivity. When resistance proves to be futile, we give up and become complaisant. Have you noticed nothing shocks us anymore?

The third season, subtitled “Stormin’ Season,” opens with Diane uttering “I’m happy!” Imagine that! It doesn’t take long, however, to find out who her husband Kurt McVeigh (Gary Cole) hobnobs with these days and her resistance becomes much more personal than the previous two seasons. She joins a covert operation to fight the good fight. In order to take Trump down, they have to follow the New Rules; move fast, be smart, attack, lie, and don’t get caught. Diane just might find a way into this ‘winning is everything’ psychology in her own backyard.

Her goddaughter/protègè, Maia Rindell (Rose Leslie), tries to shed her Rindell and “good girl” skin. Sick and tired of being pushed around, she brands herself as a cool, younger, tougher, and smarter lawyer. Marissa Gold (Sarah Steele) explains her ‘curse of short people theory’ and coaches Maia to develop an attitude to get ahead. She is no Alicia Florrick anymore!

With her Congressman boyfriend in D.C., Lucca Quinn (Cush Jumbo) is practically a single mother, but to her amazement she loves and enjoys the motherhood. Who would have thought! She decides to head up Reddick, Boseman & Lockhart’s Matrimonial Department.

Roland Blum (Michael Sheen), a brash, cocky, and arrogant lawyer, believes there could be beauty in well-told story….Sounds familiar? This Roy Cohn-esque lawyer is all about winning, how you win, and how you get ahead. Roland is an agent of chaos within Reddick, Boseman & Lockhart encouraging people to embrace their id. He wreaks havoc among people and his seeds are handed down from generation to generation. Maia gets caught in his outrageous theatrics and falls victim to his vicious trickery.

The Good Fight Season 3 presents a conundrum. Can good people like Diane fight fire with fire? Would she stoop to the “victory at all costs” mindset? Can she stomach this kind of take-no-prisoners approach? “Trump wins because he sees life as a battle, not accords. He uses your strength against you,” explains Roland about how the Three Amigos (Trump, Roger Stone, and himself) operate. Funny, I’m grappling with that very conundrum on a personal level. How do you fight criminals who never had the traditional Rule Book without turning into despicable subhuman yourself? Uh-oh! I might have used more than five trigger words…I hope the NSA won’t come after me. Trump uses the NSA to go after his enemies, domestic terrorist to be precise, you see?

The Good Fight Season 3 returns Thursday, March 14, 2019 on CBS All Access.

About the Author

Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of thought-provoking and paradigm shifting human drama worth our precious time. She is a member of Television Critics Association.

‘The Titanic’ miniseries on DVD

Posted on March 9, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

The 1996 TV miniseries The Titanic is a star-studded two-part event that depicts several characters as they sail on the disastrous ship Titanic. This is a well-made version of the epic story with Peter Gallagher, George C. Scott, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Eva Marie Saint, Tim Curry, and Marilu Henner.

There are several individual stories that play out during the film. It begins in London with a young thief (Mike Doyle) stealing a ticket on the great steamship, which is heading to NYC and a new life. On board he joins with a purser (Curry) to steal the jewels from the rich and famous. After all, John Jacob Astor IV (Scott Hylands) and his young wife Madeline (Janne Mortil) are on board, as is the vivacious and devil-may-care unsinkable Molly Brown (Henner).

With Captain Smith (Scott) at the helm, the ship is in good hands, until a confluence of mistakes takes the ship from unsinkable to very sinkable.

Meanwhile, Wynn Park (Gallagher) rekindles a long-ago relationship with the love of his life, Isabella Paradine (Zeta-Jones) who is also still in love with him even though she is married with a young daughter. Will they throw caution to the wind and run away together or will she return to her husband and daughter?

Also, there is young unstable woman taking care of the children of Bess Allison (Harley Jane Kozak) and her husband, who are completely unaware of her past and her mental instability.

Add to the passenger list is a snooty, snobby woman, Hazel Foley (Saint) who insisted on bringing her dog on board and even on the lifeboat when they women and children were being evacuated.

The individual stories and the combination of characters make this an enjoyable version of the story of the Titanic. April 14, 1912 was a day that is etched in history, and the passengers on this maiden voyage included some of the famous and some of the downtrodden people looking to make a new and better life in America.

While the rich crossed the Atlantic in style in First Class, the others were making the best of thing in steerage. But Jaimie Perse (Doyle) snuck up to First Class whenever he could manage.

The tapestry of individual stories along with the tragedy of the ship makes this a compelling and engrossing film. The first part lays the background of all the main characters while part two delves into the tragic events that led most of the passengers to their death.

There have been many films and documentaries made about the Titanic. This miniseries is one of the most enjoyable versions with a mix of colorful characters and the catastrophic ending of this great and mighty ship. It’s definitely a great fictional version of the story with a wonderful cast and a well-written script.

The DVD includes a Digital version as well. The Titanic: The Epic Miniseries Event is rated PG-13 for a scene of sexual assault and other violent areas. The miniseries won an Emmy for “Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Drama Miniseries or a Special” and was nominated for many other awards that year.

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‘Finding Steve McQueen’ – Movie Review

Posted on March 9, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

We all know about the Watergate break in and the resignation of President Richard Nixon. But there is another part to this story that has been hidden for years. Finding Steve McQueen is that story and this movie will intrigue viewers as it unravels this outrageous tale.

In 1972 a group of workers in Youngstown, Ohio got a tip through a representative of Jimmy Hoffa. Yes – that Jimmy Hoffa. They learned that Nixon was hiding $30 million in a bank vault in Laguna Niguel, a city not far from San Clemente, which was the Western White House for Nixon. The money was dirty campaign funds, so they figure if they stole it there would be no repercussions because the Nixon staff would not be able to report it due to the status of the money. It was dirty – illegal campaign funds.

Not being fans of the president, the group went to California to do the deed. They planned an ingenious heist and managed to get away with a lot of money, but they didn’t find Nixon’s stash. Or did they?

Everything went perfectly. Well, almost perfectly.

The story unfolds from the beginning with Harry Barber (Travis Fimmel) telling his story to his girlfriend Molly Murphy (Rachael Taylor) whose father happens to be the sheriff in the Pennsylvania town where he settled after the heist. She is dumfounded by the story he tells her. How could she not have known that he is a criminal? And as he reveals more, she realizes she still loves this guy who idolizes Steve McQueen.

Due to his fascination with the movie star, Harry signs the lease on the house in California “Steve McQueen” and he rents the car in the same name. Thus the name of the film!

While the heist was going on, two soon-to-be famous journalists (Woodward and Bernstein) were reporting on the break in at the Watergate and they uncovered more about the Nixon administration. This one incident slipped by them, however had they discovered it and put the bank heist together with the Watergate, it would have been an interesting addition to their story.

However, this story in itself is interesting. What happened in the seven years after the incident was that Harry rebuilt his life. But having taken part in one of the biggest bank robberies in America, let’s face it, he couldn’t get away with it forever.

William Fichtner and Forest Whitaker costar in this intriguing and historic tale. Finding Steve McQueen opens in theaters March 15, 2019.

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Nicolas Cage is the ‘Lord of War’

Posted on March 5, 2019March 5, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Lord of War is based on a true story, which makes it a very heart-wrenching tale. Cage plays Yuri Orlov, an arms dealer who has no scruples when it comes to doing business. He is a wheeler-dealer with connections all around the world.

Yuri has always been in love with Ava Fontaine (Bridget Moynahan) and once he is successful, he manages to gain her attention and affections. They marry and have a son. But Ava has no idea what Yuri does to get all his wealth. All she knows it that his business takes him all around the globe, and keeps her living in luxury.

For decades Interpol agent Jack Valentine (Ethan Hawke) tries to capture Yuri, but Yuri is too smart. He manages to just scrape the laws and thereby has nothing to be arrested for. Valentine is determined to get his hooks into Yuri, and is willing to wait him out.

This is a gruesome story. Blood rains down all the time. Killing is the business of war, and Yuri is in the business of supplying the wars. He has no side. His only side is that of capitalism. He sells what he can and he makes all the money he can get.

This 2005 movie is available on a 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack with a 4K disc of the film and a Blu-ray disc beginning March 19, 2019. There are deleted scenes as well as two featurettes. One featurette goes behind the scenes at the making of the film. Another looks at the international arms trade. It’s a frightening realization that this exists. And in these days of total uncertainty, it’s even more terrifying.

The film has Cage doing what he does best – acting. It’s interesting to look at his films through the years. He has won an Academy Award (1996 for Leaving Las Vegas) and has many other awards to his credit.

Lord of War is not a family film. It’s a provocative story that will shock many viewers.

Lord of War is rated R for strong violence, drug use, language and sexuality. Fasten your seatbelts – it’s a bumpy ride!

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‘The Siege at Ruby Ridge’ on DVD

Posted on March 4, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

The events from the 1990s are explored in this film featuring Randy Quaid, Laura Dern, Diane Ladd, and Kirsten Dunst. It depicts the over-zealous and ultra religious family of white supremacist Randy Waver (Quaid) and his wife Vicki (Dern) who moved from Iowa to the top of a mountain in Idaho where they expected to be safe from the government and the wrath of God.

This docudrama also delves into the dark religious beliefs of the family as well as the white supremacists and neo-Nazis who have taken up residency in Northern Idaho and have made that their little corner of the world away from any of the “undesirable” elements in society.

The Weavers were armed to the teeth and from an early age taught their children how to shoot and survive on their own. They also inflicted their own hate of blacks, Jews, and others on their children who grew up with the idea that these people are evil and the government is wicked.

In August 1992 Federal agents began the “siege” waiting for Randy Weaver to come off the mountain. He was at this time a fugitive and was considered armed and extremely dangerous. With his whacky beliefs, the agents had no way of knowing if the cabin was booby-trapped so they waited and waited for the family to come out. Once they did, and the agents saw they were armed, the shooting began.

In the end, the Weaver’s oldest son and Vicki were dead and others were wounded. The trial was a national event, with Joe Don Baker playing the role of defense attorney Gerry Spence.

Laura Dern’s real life mother Diane Ladd plays her mother in this film. Vicki’s family were concerned about her ultra religious beliefs, but failed to deter her from them.

The movie is not rated however it is filled with violence and viciousness. And yes, there is animal cruelty involved. Keep that in mind when watching.

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‘Lovers and Other Strangers’ comes to Blu-ray

Posted on March 4, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

An all-star cast highlights this farcical comedy about love, marriage, and relationships. Lovers and Other Strangers is a 1970 film featuring young Bea Arthur, Harry Guardino, Anne Jackson, Cloris Leachman, Bonnie Bedelia, Michael Brandon, Anne Meara, Diane Keaton, Gig Young, Bob Dishy, and Richard Castellano. It’s fun to see these actors as they were almost 50 years ago.

The story takes place in the space of two days. Susan and Mike (Bedelia and Brandon) are getting married and their families are in the midst of all the wedding hoopla. The thing is, this happy young couple is unaware of all the frustrations that are happening with their parents.

First, Susan’s father and mother Hal and Bernice (Young and Leachman) seem like the most loving couple. Unbeknownst to the soon-to-be newlyweds, Hal is having an affair with their family friend Kathy (Jackson), and insists after the wedding he will ask for a divorce so they can be together.

Second, Mike’s brother (Joseph Hindy) is planning on divorcing his wife Joan (Keaton) to the chagrin of their parents Frank and Bea (Castellano and Arthur) who are devout Catholics. Can they persuade their son not to get a divorce?

Third, Susan’s cousin Brenda (Marian Hailey) gets involved with a wedding usher (Dishy) who is only interested in one thing – bedding as many women as he can.

Fourth, Susan’s sister Wilma and her husband Johnny (Meara and Guardino) are in the midst of a marital upheaval when he feels his masculinity is threatened. Are they also headed for divorce court?

With all of these crazy stories playing out against the backdrop of a beautiful wedding, viewers will see how whacky each character is in his/her own right. They are a combination of unconventional psychologically mixed up people.

The movie is from the play by married actors/writers Joseph Bologna and Renee Taylor who also co-wrote the screenplay. What today’s viewers will enjoy most is the wackiness of the characters as well as the wardrobe and hairstyles of the 1970s. And let’s not forget the plastic on the couches and pillows. Yes, this is what many people did back in those days. While the hairstyles might not be rekindled soon, especially the long bushy sideburns, the fun and colorful fashions might be making a comeback.

Lovers and Other Strangers is rated R.

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Live action ‘Dumbo’

Posted on March 4, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

The scene featuring the poignant lullaby “Baby Mine” was perhaps the most memorable moment in Disney’s 1941 classic film “Dumbo.” Serenading a touching moment between mother and son, the song featured music by composer Frank Churchill and lyrics by Ned Washington. “Baby Mine” was nominated for an Oscar® for best original song.

According to Mitchell Leib, president, music & soundtracks for Walt Disney Studios, he and the filmmakers wanted to create a version of “Baby Mine” for the end of Burton’s live-action reimagining that was as artistic and interesting as the film itself. “Not an easy ambition to accomplish,” says Leib. “Arcade Fire is an artist I’d pursued over the years—but this time I had Tim Burton! I pitched the idea to Tim and his producer Derek Frey, and it turned out Arcade Fire is one of Tim’s all-time favorite artists. The rest is history.”

Leib says the end result was perfect. “A brilliant, new, interesting, artistic and very original version of ‘Baby Mine’ now resides at the end of our new live-action ‘Dumbo.’”

‘Pat Boone and Family: Springtime & Easter Specials’ on DVD

Posted on March 3, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

In the late 1970s Pat Boone and his family made several seasonal TV specials. These were filled with music and some – rather corny – skits, but they are fun to watch, nevertheless. This entire family has talent in every pore. And with the recent death of Shirley Boone, this is a great tribute to her love of family and her own entertaining skills.

Pat, Shirley, Cherry, Lindy, Debby, and Laury all joined together to put on some fun entertainment that definitely fits with their wholesome image. There are plenty of references to milk and Boone drinks several glasses in these shows. But the musical aspect is what makes this a fun DVD to watch.

There are cameos from The Unknown Comic, George Burns, Don Rickles, and Dick Van Patten, Parker Stevenson, Ted Knight, Katherine Helmond, and John Byner are guests on the shows. The family aspect of the Boones is highlighted, and the four daughters are a true delight to watch as they dance and sing, and of course, kid playfully. And Lindy’s young son Ryan appears with his grandpa who sings to him “You and Me Against the World.”

Debby joins with Stevenson in a cute little love song, the four daughters do a disco number, they also sing about their family tree. Well, what could be their family tree. It’s fun and lighthearted and what today’s sophisticated viewers will call old-fashioned variety. But that aside, this is a sweet Boone-filled disc with a lot of music and the love of the family.

The entire family roller skates around various landmarks in Los Angeles singing to “Ease on Down the Road.” Debby has some solos as does Pat. And Pat and Shirley join together for a fun version of “Flattery.”

So, even though this is dated and, as mentioned earlier, a bit corny, the music is timeless and the feeling is fun. If you yearn for some nostalgia or just want to see what viewers were watching in the 1970s, check out this disc.

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