Author: Francine Brokaw

Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival for 2019

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


It’s back and bigger than ever. The Disneyland Resort is a fun place any time, and now during the California Adventure Food & Wine Festival it is also a place to sample a wide variety of food as well as wine and beer. The festival runs March 1 to April 23, 2019 and there are plenty of things for everyone in the family.

Entertainment, food seminars, wine seminars, merchandise, and definitely food and drinks are everywhere in the park to celebrate this annual event. This year, besides the marketplaces (kiosks) that are set up around the park, guests can sample special Festival offerings at some of the regular restaurants as well.

With the additional purchase of the Sip and Savor Pass ($49 for Annual Pass holders and $54 for non pass holders), guests don’t have to keep opening their wallets. Simply purchase this Pass and hang it around your neck. There are 8 tickets included in the Pass. When you go to a Marketplace or restaurant that is set up for the event, simply detach one of the tickets and present it to the cashier. That’s all there is to it. With 8 click-off tickets, you’re sure to get your fill of a variety of food and beverages, and for the price it’s a bargain. There are 21 places available to use your Sip and Savor Pass, and if there is a long line at the Marketplace where you want to order, just go to another site and order there then take your ticket to the counter – passing up the long line – and present it in exchange for your food. It’s that simple. Trust me, once you do it once, you’ll completely understand. Disney is making taking advantage of the festival easier and easier every year.

Besides the food and drinks, there are wine seminars, beer seminars in the Beer Garden, and cocktail making classes. And the food is out of this world. How about some Greek Yogurt Cheesecake? Or a Buffalo Style Turkey Leg? Or perhaps it’s a chilly day and you want some Fiscalini White Cheddar Lager Soup in a Mini Boudin Sourdough Bowl. For those who like things spicy, the Ghost-Pepper Mac & Cheese with Chili Cheese Corn Chip Dust is delicious and super spicy. Trust me, it’s not for the meek! It’s bold, spicy and very delicious!

When you purchase your Sip and Savor Pass, pick up the complimentary Tasting Passport. In it you’ll see all the offerings for the festival and where to purchase exactly what you want. (I’m flipping through it now and believe me, I want to go back to try more. Everything I sampled was delicious.) And for Vegans, you have to get the Impossible No Meat Ball Submarine with Marinara Sauce topped with Soy Cheese and served with Kettle Chips. I had to get a couple of these they are so delicious and tasty.

Besides the food and beverages, there are plenty of merchandise items to purchase to commemorate this festival. And there are cooking programs for kids, concerts, and plenty of entertainment.

The Food & Wine Festival runs 54 days this year, the longest festival they have ever had since it originated at DCA in 2006. With 35 specific items created for the festival, this is the best and biggest Food & Wine Festival ever. Featuring the best of California, there is definitely something here for everyone – young and old-er.

For more information, go to this website.

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

‘Daughter of Moloka’i’ – Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Alan Brennert weaves together a mesmerizing tale of love and family in his latest novel Daughter of Moloka’i. This is definitely a page-turner.

Young Ruth was born to a couple at the Kalaupapa Leprosy settlement on the Hawaiian island of Moloka’i.  She was taken away after birth to assure she didn’t contract the disease. One of the nuns at Kaluapapa took her to Honolulu where she was placed in the care of a compassionate nun at the Kapi’olani Home for Girls for daughters of parents from the settlement.

Ruth was a sensitive young child and extremely drawn to animals. She had a way with animals and loved them dearly. Being half Hawaiian and half Japanese made her undesirable for many couples, but one Japanese couple adopted the young girl. Ruth grew up with brothers and a lot of love, but never knew why her birth mother gave her away.

The family moved to California and Ruth met and married and had two children. Then Pearl Harbor happened and her life changed in ways no one could ever have imagined. Having survived Father Damien’s settlement then the girls’ home and adoption, Ruth was a strong woman and her mettle was tested when the entire family was sent to relocation centers. The years were horrible and readers will undoubtedly feel pangs of sorrow as the author describes life in the internment camps.

Finally – years later – Ruth was reunited with her birth mother and learned the story of her background.

The book takes readers on a roller coaster ride from page one to the end. It is an emotionally charged story, well written, and filled with wonderful characters who manage to get through their ups and downs as history unfolds. This is a must-read for fans of Brennert and those who enjoy a sensitive and compelling story. It is rich with characters and family love as the story of Ruth unfolds page after page.

Readers might want to keep a tissue handy when reading this amazing, rich, and penetrating story. If I had had the time, I would have finished it in one sitting, as it is a novel readers won’t want to put down once they start reading.

  • Hardcover:320 pages
  • Publisher: Martin’s Press (February 19, 2019)
  • ISBN-10:1250137667
  • ISBN-13:978-1250137661

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.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Good Girls’ struggle to break free from the ‘no-way-out’ situation

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

NBC’s female-forward series, Good Girls, is ‘the blend of comedy and desperation’ created by Jenna Bans. It started out as an edgy yet wildly entertaining dramedy in 2018, but its second season is a series of frenzied attempts to break free from the Evil One with dark humor sprinkled here and there. In other words, it is much darker than its first season since the girls had already crossed the line and it’s high time they faced the consequences.

Good Girls centers around three strapped Detroit moms taking a walk on the wild side. Beth (Christina Hendricks) is a Stepford Wife who is determined to protect her four children and the family home from her lying, cheating husband. Annie (Mae Whitman), Beth’s younger sister, is a wild and irresponsible checkout girl who needs to grow up fast in order to win the custody battle of her daughter. Ruby (Retta) is a happily married waitress who is burdened with prohibitive medical expenses to treat her daughter’s renal disease.

When they robbed the grocery store where Annie works, they had no idea they would be falling into a bottomless pit of turmoil and destruction. As luck would have it, the money they stole happened to belong to Rio (Manny Montana), a local thug. The harder they try to escape from Rio’s clutches, the deeper they get sucked into unsavory world of criminals.

Season 2 digs deeper into their psyche and values. Beth examines if she has what it takes to be ‘Boss Bitch.’ With her moral compass still intact, Ruby wants to do the right thing even if that means turning herself in. Annie runs around like a chicken with its head cut off. Their secrets and lies start showing up in relationships and family dynamics. One thing they finally come to realize is not to expect any man to have answers. That’s right! They’re all they have!

Although Rio teaches manners and social skills to his young son, he is rotten to the core. My way or the highway! Beth should never have trusted him. After all, he’s a criminal who blatantly disregards the law and civility. Let me put in my own two cents on dealing with the criminals next door. You can’t be nice to a criminal. If you give him an inch, he’ll take a mile. You shouldn’t be nasty to a criminal either, however. If you are, he’ll retaliate with vengeance. You can’t ask why he does what he does. That’s who he is and there’s nothing you can do about it.

Though I’ve previewed only six episodes, I felt like I just played a game of Whac-a-Mole for six hours straight. Wait! I’m experiencing déjà vu! This is exactly how I felt when I finished watching the final season of Bloodline (Netflix 2015-17). Come to think of it, Beth’s ‘no-way-out’ situation reminds me of that of John Rayburn (Kyle Chandler). Lying in any shape or form is acceptable as long as it keeps the wolves from the door. John was groomed to save and protect his family, but trying to fend off relentless onslaughts on the Rayburn Empire broke him down. How is Beth going to come through all those perils unscathed? But this is not a serious drama…Rio could turn out to be a double agent or something?! Anything is possible, right?

Good Girls returns on Sunday, March 3, 2019 on NBC.

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.NBC

Mark your calendar for July 19 when Simba returns!

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Director Jon Favreau’s all-new “The Lion King” journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his. The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon. Utilizing pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring treasured characters to life in a whole new way, Disney’s “The Lion King” roars into theaters on July 19, 2019.

 

 

‘The Little Mermaid’ Anniversary Edition in 4K

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


It’s hard to believe but it’s been 30 years since Ariel was introduced to audiences. Now, for the 30thanniversary edition (part of the Walt Disney Signature Collection) of The Little Mermaid, viewers get the opportunity to finally view the adored movie on 4K Ultra HD. And believe me, it does make a difference.

I just finished watching the Blu-ray disc the studio sent for review. It was spectacular with plenty of wonderful bonus features. Then, lo and behold, they sent the 4K Combo Pack so I watched it again. (Yes, I do watch the Disney films over and over and over.) I know Blu-ray is a step above DVD and 4K Ultra HD is a giant leap above Blu-ray.

What I discovered by viewing this film on 4K is that the colors are spectacular. Everything jumps right out of the screen. The underwater scenes feel as though you are in the ocean. Not only are the colors more spectacular, it seems like the lines are sharper and the audio is definitely clearer. Although the Blu-ray version is wonderful, when you watch a movie, especially an animated one, on 4K Ultra HD, you’ll feel like technology is definitely on the side of viewers. There is a larger color spectrum, which is evident from the first scene.

The 4K disc contains only the delightful story of Ariel and Prince Eric. It has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. And the music is part of pop culture.

Also included in this Combo Pack is the Blu-ray disc (which can be viewed on any 4K player). This disc includes the film and a sing-along version, as well as bonus features.

The bonus features are definitely worth watching. Alan Menken sits down with Benson, Paige O’Hara (the voice of Belle), Irene Bedard (the voice of Pocahontas), Donna Murphy (the voice of Mother Gothel in “Tangled”), and Lillias White (the voice of Calliope the Muse in “Hercules”) to reminisce about their films and the music that has lasted through the years. Menken and Howard Ashman wrote the wonderful songs from this film.

Another bonus looks at a lecture and history of animation with Ashman who passed away in 1991. His contribution to the studio was enormous.

There is a look at the voice cast in the movie with film from taping sessions and rehearsals. There is also a look at how the animators watched humans to capture realism in animation. This was how animation began but in the years that brought no major animated films to the big screen, the technique had to be relearned by the animators at the studio.

There is also a fun look at Walt Disney’s office and his collections. He loved miniatures and had a large collection of miniatures from around the world. And a special bird in a cage was the impetus for Walt’s development of animatronics. There is history here, and viewers will gain perspective about Walt Disney by watching this featurette.

Some deleted scenes and a few other bonuses round out this new edition.

If you have a 4K TV and a 4K player, I highly recommend this combo pack. If you are not yet set up with 4K (you will be soon), then by all means, the Blu-ray combo pack is still a nice way of revisiting Ariel and all the mer-people, not to mention Sebastian and Flounder.

The Little Mermaid is rated G.

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 Standoff at Sparrow Creek’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The Standoff at Sparrow Creek is an intense story of loyalty and suspicion. It is a bit confusing at times, however the ending ties everything up.

The film begins with a violent shooting at a police funeral. While the viewers do not see this event, it is broadcast on radios and a local militia learns the shooter is a militiaman. The group gathers at their warehouse only to discover one of them is the shooter.

Gannon (James Badge Dale) is one of the militia. He left the police department and joined the group and now finds he is in the position to interrogate each of his fellow militiamen to root out exactly who is the killer. If they do not come forth with the shooter, all of them could be in danger, and the violence set off by the shooting could spread to other militia around the country.

The militia consists of Gannon, Noah (Brian Geraghty), Ford (Chris Mulkey), Beckmann (Patrick Fischler), Morris (Happy Anderson), Keating (Robert Aramayo, and Hubbel (Gene Jones.) As Gannon begins his interrogations, each member of the group is under suspicion and the mistrust spreads while the group is updated via radio about other incidences in other regions. Militias are attacking and to stop the violence this one group must find the shooter that started it.

The Blu-ray includes a “Making Of” bonus with the cast and filmmakers discussing the movie and the production process. The entire 89 minutes takes place over the period of a couple hours and all in the one warehouse. It’s an interesting way to make a film and the story has some interesting plot turns. Unfortunately to tell more about it would be to unleash a bunch of spoiler alerts.

This is a psychological film with a good cast.

The Standoff at Sparrow Creek is not rated however it is not for youngsters. It is available on Blu-ray and DVD.

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

‘Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter’ stars Tony Randall

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? is a cute 1957 film starring Tony Randall and Jayne Mansfield. Usually Randall is the sidekick but in this film he’s the leading man, in more ways than one.

Randall stars as Rockwell P. Hunter, aka Rock Hunter, and later aka Lover Doll. He’s an advertising man on Madison Avenue and if he doesn’t lock down a great campaign for his lipstick client, he’ll be out of a job.

I just happens that Rita Marlowe (Mansfield), the hot Hollywood blonde, is in NYC to get away from her ex-boyfriend Bobo (Mickey Hargitay). Rock sets his sights on getting Rita to endorse the lipstick. She has the most famous lips in the world, among other attributes. They meet by a fluke and Rita agrees to help him if he helps her. What she wants in return is for him to play her “Lover Doll” and escort her around town while behaving as if they were madly in love. It sounds like a good trade. He can keep his job and she will make Bobo jealous so it’s a win-win for both of them.

But when Rock’s fiancé Jenny (Betsy Drake) sees him being linked publically with the blonde bombshell, her jealousy takes over. How can a plain woman with a brain compete against the famous platinum blonde top-heavy actress?

Soon women around the city are hounding Rock. They want to see this “Lover Doll” who has captured the heart of their screen idol. He becomes the most sought-after man in the city. After all, he won the heart of Rita Marlowe. And Rita is actually falling for him in her own way.

This is a bit of a farce yet it has some very entertaining scenes and Randall is hysterical as Lover Doll. Then when he manages to lock down Rita for the ad campaign, his success in his profession skyrockets.

Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? is definitely a fun film that flashes back to the sights and sounds of the late 1950s. Mansfield is adorable as the smart cookie who comes up with the plan and although she is a hot Hollywood star, she has down-home feelings. And of course Randall is top notch, as always.

The film is not rated. It is not for kids but teens and above will find this farcical comedy a lighthearted delight. Check out this Twilight Time limited edition Blu-ray.

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

‘Whiskey Cavalier’ – Modern version of ‘Remington Steele’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Since ABC’s Scandal concluded with the most infuriating ending with only Jake Ballard (Scott Foley) behind bars while the other worst offenders went scot-free, I’ve been praying that Foley would make a spectacular comeback in some form or another. Consolation prize for Jake’s unwarranted punishment or not, Foley will rise like a phoenix from the ashes this spring.

Whiskey Cavalier follows the adventures of tough but sensitive FBI special agent Will Chase (Foley), codename ‘Whiskey Cavalier.’ Still suffering from a recent breakup, the hopeless romantic who believes compassion makes the world go around meets formidable CIA operative Frankie Trowbridge (Lauren Cohan), codename ‘Fiery Tribune.’ Not looking for emotional attachment makes her a total user, but she does whatever it takes to accomplish her mission. Clearly opposites attract, but this isn’t your typical will-they-or-won’t-they story. An interagency team is formed to save the world from evildoers, but the contention between ‘the button-down Boy Scout’ and ‘the trigger-happy cowgirl’ is always who leads the team.

Based in Prague, the Czech Republic, Whiskey Cavalier travels to a number of European cities; it looks and sounds like James Bond movies minus a macho attitude. “I have a very strong belief that it’s time to sort of reinvent that trope that is the leading man in an action series. This is something that I think is modern and more interesting, for me, at least. It’s much more relatable to have a character like this than someone sort of stoic instead,” explained Foley at the press conference held early February. 

Will is based on the show creator David Hemingson’s CIA friend who saves the world, but calls him at 2 am confiding his pain and suffering of a breakup. Although I believe a secret agent who wears his heart on his sleeve would not last very long, I wholeheartedly embrace Foley’s attempt to make a lighter show. In this doom and gloom political climate, I’ve been craving for a world I can escape to. The banter between ‘Mr. Feelings’ and ‘Ms. Business as usual’ reminded me of my all-time favorite detective show, Remington Steele (NBC 1982-87). So you can imagine my surprise when Foley concluded the press conference with this statement. “I wasn’t interested in just doing an action show or a drama. I wanted to do a show that reminded me of the shows that I grew up watching, Remington Steele, Moonlighting, Hart to Hart, Simon & Simon. I miss those light one hour shows. And for me, I wouldn’t be interested in doing this if the comedy wasn’t there.” Finally somebody shares my sentiment against doomsday downers!

Foley’s got what it takes to make Whiskey Cavalier a modern version of Remington Steele with role reversal twist. This zestful, jet-setting series is certainly a rare gem these days. No psychoanalysis necessary. Just sit back and enjoy!

ABC airs a special sneak preview of Whiskey Cavalier on Oscar Sunday, February 24, in advance of the series premiere on Wednesday, February 27.

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.

‘Scarlett’ returns on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

When we last saw Scarlett O’Hara Butler, Rhett said he didn’t give a damn about what happened to her. Gone with the Wind is a classic story beckoned for more from the characters. Alexandra Ripley gave us more in her best-selling sequel, and that turned into a TV mini-series. Scarlett is now available on DVD + Digital for all the fans who long to see what happened next for Scarlett, Rhett, and of course, Ashley.

With their separation, Scarlett is set on getting back her husband, but he won’t hear of it. They share one last passionate encounter that results in pregnancy. Aha, Scarlett thinks. This is how I will win back Rhett’s love. But it doesn’t quite turn out the way she plans. Before she gets a chance to tell him about the baby, Rhett legally divorces her.

Now pregnant and not wanting to trap Rhett by telling him about the baby, Scarlett heads off to Ireland, the homeland of her family. She locates her relatives and becomes an honorable member of the town. Not wanting to disclose she is a divorced woman, Scarlett tells everyone her husband is dead. Now, as a widow, she gets more compassion as she sets out to return her ancestral home of Ballyhara to its rightful glory.

Meanwhile, Rhett remarries and Scarlett continues her lovely life in Ireland, getting caught up in the political turmoil between the Irish and the English. Nevertheless, she is a beloved member of the community and creates a happy life for herself and her daughter.

Back in Georgia all the wounds of the past between Scarlett and her sister are healed. And she now realizes her affection for Ashley was just that. Her one true love is and will always be Rhett Butler.

Unfortunately, Scarlett gets involved with a violent man and ultimately finds herself on trial for her life in England.

To say this is engrossing is an understatement. Viewers might not want to stop watching during the 364 minutes of this mini-series. It’s the perfect way to spend a snowy day or a rainy night, or just a great weekend. It keeps viewers’ attentions from the start to the end.

While it is a difficult task to take on a role that is so embedded in our minds and hearts like Clark Gabel’s Rhett and Vivian Leigh’s Scarlett, in 1994 Joanne Whalley-Kilmer stepped wonderfully into Scarlett’s shoes and Timothy Dalton took on the persona of Rhett. It might take a few minutes to adjust your mind to these new actors, but after you do the movie rolls by with heart, love, and compassion.

The war is over but there is much more to this story. And after viewing this movie, it is apparent that Rhett Butler was lying when he said he didn’t give a damn.

Scarlett is now available on DVD.

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

‘Patrick’ – Movie Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Absolutely adorable. Patrick is a charming story that will capture your heart.

Sarah Francis (Beattie Edmondson) is about to have her life changed – by a dog. When her grandmother dies, her beloved and very spoiled pug named Patrick is bequeathed to Sarah. Sarah has no time for a dog, but she takes him unaware that he will be her salvation.

Sarah’s tiny apartment, aka flat (this is a British film), is a step down for the little fellow. And there are no pets allowed there but Sarah attempts to keep Patrick quiet and well behaved. That is a tall order. Patrick eats everything and when he has to go to the bathroom, he HAS to go to the bathroom.

Patrick can open the refrigerator, the garbage can, lock the car doors, and do a lot of things. He’s very smart and loveable. But it takes a long time for Sarah to warm up to this little pug.

Sarah just started a new teaching job and besides dealing with Patrick – the new guy in her life, she adds two more: a vet and another dog owner. Both men meet her in the park and both are taken by her, as well as by little Patrick.

So, with a new job, and having to find a new residence, not to mention having a spoiled roommate who chews everything, and two potential suitors, Sarah’s life is definitely getting busy.

Audiences will undoubtedly be taken in by the adorable pooch. After all, one look at this little guy and he’ll steal your heart. But Sarah is a character that is also worthy of attention. She is smarter than she originally looks, and she is funny and like her roommate, loveable too.

If your children watch this movie and ask for a pug, just remember how much attention they need. They are adorable and compact, but like any pet, they need to be taken care of and loved.

Patrick is a fun family film not only for dog lovers, although Patrick does steal the show, but also for fans of sweet, charming movies. This is definitely a movie for the entire family. It’s rated PG but even young kids will adore watching because, well, after all, Patrick is the star. Isn’t he?

Patrick opens in theaters February 15, 2019. It will definitely touch your heart and put a smile on your face.

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