Author: Francine Brokaw

MicrodermMD from Trophy Skin – Product Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Trophy Skin’s at-home microdermabrasion device is simple to use and provides instant results. The MicrodermMD is safe for all skin types and as someone who has sensitive skin, I can attest to that.

What exactly is microdermabrasion? If you haven’t had a treatment in the past, you will be surprised at what it does for your skin. With its diamond tip, this device safely buffs your skin, taking away dead skin and leaving your skin smooth and radiant. By exfoliating your skin, fine lines are reduced and in many cases they are erased. The dead cells that are buffed away also cause your skin to look dry and lifeless. This gentle exfoliation machine leaves your skin with a smoother texture that looks refreshed.

What makes this unit special is that it can be set on an auto mode or manual with different levels and a timer that lets you know how much time to spend on each area. And with the LCD screen, the device shows you in which direction to swipe the wand on various areas: forehead, eyes, cheeks, nose, chin, and even your neck and chest.

When your skin is free of dead skin cells and buffed, you immediately look younger and refreshed. I particularly like using it around my mouth to buff the skin near my lips and improving the texture while minimizing those pesky fine lines that make putting on lipstick or gloss smoothly a little difficult. It definitely smooths out the skin. And speaking of pesky fine lines, most of us have them on our foreheads. Try this device for a few weeks and see if they are smoothed out of your own forehead. It really does work.

The MicrodermMD comes with 100 filters, a diamond tip, a pore extraction tip (for clogged pores), the unit itself, as well as a user manual and a handy DVD that takes you through everything the device can do. I highly recommend viewing the DVD and reading the manual before using the unit. Also included is an infusion tip that easily inserts onto the wand and presses your serums or lotions deeper into your skin than simply rubbing them on, thus getting the most out of your skincare products.

Once you use this unit, you will see your face has a brighter glow that looks revitalized. And instead of going to a spa for a treatment, you can now perform microdermabrasion safely on yourself in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

There is a 60-day return policy so you have nothing to lose by trying it for yourself. This unit was sent to me a while ago to test for review. I have used it and will continue to use it as it does everything the company says it will do.

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.

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‘Grand-Daddy Day Care’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In a new twist to the 2003 film Daddy Day Care, Grand-Daddy Day Care brings in a whole new element – senior citizens.

Reno Wilson stars as Frank Collins, a struggling writer with writer’s block. He is restless and uncomfortable not being able to write his next novel. When his father-in-law Eduardo (Danny Trejo) moves in with the family, his tension rises. They are about to lose their house, they have unpaid bills, and the family is on the brink of bankruptcy.

After Eduardo and his friends spend a fun day together, Frank has a brilliant idea. He learns that people will spend money to have their elders cared for during the day so he starts his own day care center for seniors. With the money from this center his family will be financially in the black.

Veteran actors play some of the attendees at this new day care: Barry Bostwick, James Hong, Julia Duffy, George Wendt, Linda Gray, and Margaret Avery. This is an eclectic group of characters who all find their lives are enriched by spending their days at Frank’s house. But without a proper license, Frank is about to be shut down.

The film is a mix of slapstick, sentimentality, and, of course, seniors and their antics. It’s nice to see Frank go from a man struggling with his life to a man who finds a reason to keep going and to make a difference in the lives of others. There are some adorable scenes and several laugh-out-loud moments. Viewers will be able to relate to several characters and feel compassion for the seniors who are still viable but to their own families are a bit of a nuisance. We send our children to day care, so why not our seniors?

Grand-Daddy Day Care is rated PG-13 for some drug material (this scene is hysterical).

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 Man Who Killed Hitler and then The Bigfoot’ – Movie Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Sam Elliott stars in this strange but somehow interesting look at a man named Calvin Barr who has had some remarkable experiences in his life Barr and is troubled by his past, but is also trying to get through his life today as an aging senior. The Man Who Killed Hitler and then The Bigfoot is a concoction of sci-fi, history, drama, and myth.

Aidan Turner plays Calvin when he was a younger man. He went off to do his part in World War II leaving his girlfriend (Caitlin FitzGerald) behind. Calvin never expected his part in the war was to kill Hitler, but nevertheless that is what he did. He was an excellent tracker and although Hitler had several duplicates for his own safety, Calvin managed to locate the real menace and kill him, which is something that has haunted him his entire life.

Now the FBI (Ron Livingston) enters his life and asks him to help his country and the world once again. Bigfoot is real and is carrying a virus that will eventually kill the population. But somehow Calvin is immune and knowing he is a good tracker, he is tasked with hunting down this creature and killing him – once again to save the world.

Is this a far-fetched story? Absolutely. But somehow Elliott makes it a movie that you stick with instead of turning and walking out. He is a loveable fellow as Calvin, a man with integrity and honor.The casting of Turner as young Calvin was a great feat as he looks and acts the same way as Elliott.

While this is a slow-moving story with an interesting main character, the story itself is something that will have viewers thinking. Yes, we know Hitler had duplicates and Calvin alludes to the others from historical accounts. And countless sightings of Bigfoot have been reported. Combining these into one story and adding the part about a virus that could wipe out humanity as we know it is a lot to ask for one movie. The saving grace is Sam Elliott. After all, he is the reason why viewers will go see the film. And he doesn’t disappoint.

The Man Who Killed Hitler and then the Bigfoot opens in theaters February 8, 2019. It is not rated but it’s not for kids.

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

‘Under the Eiffel Tower’ – Movie Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Under the Eiffel Tower is a story of finding one’s place. Stuart (Matt Walsh) is “living a life of quiet desperation.” He’s bored, and to top it off, he just got fired. His friends invite him on their family vacation to Paris and he accepts. It’s there where he finally learns what is important and what he really wants out of life.

It starts with him abruptly proposing under the Eiffel Tower to the 24-year-old daughter of his friends. His initial thought is that they have some of the same ideas about life so why not share them together? It doesn’t bother him that he is young enough to be his daughter. After her rejection, Stuart takes off for the French countryside, where he meets Liam (Reid Scott), a man who fancies himself a ladies’ man and who can turn a good tale.

The two meet Louise (Judith Godreche) on the train. She owns a chateau and vineyard and the three end up at the chateau, along with the other owner Gerard (Gary Cole). It’s there where Liam makes his move on Louise. But it’s also there where Stuart comes out of his self-imposed exile and into his own. He shows everyone how knowledgeable he is about wine, history, and even his accomplishments in the kitchen. He is a well-rounded man, which is something that initially will surprise viewers. In the beginning he is just a schlub, but as the story progresses, Stuart shows he is a smart, cunning, sweet, and loveable gentleman.

As the time goes on, Stuart’s attraction to Louise and hers to him is evident, to the dismay of Liam, who ultimately comes to blows with his traveling buddy. But what will happen to these two men and this woman? What is in store for all of them?

This romance is, at its heart, a story of two people who discover that home is where the heart is.

Although it is filmed in France, the movie is in English with just a few scenes of subtitles.

Under the Eiffel Tower hits theaters February 8, 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

‘Norm of the North: Keys to the Kingdom’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In 2016 Norm of the North entertained audiences with a cute animated film about a bumbling Polar Bear. Now Norm is back for a sequel – Norm of the North: Keys to the Kingdom. This time Andrew Toth voices the big guy.

Norm has just been crowned polar bear king of the Arctic. Sure, he’s still a bit of a bumbling fellow, but he has a good heart. And his friends back in New York City want him to return for a celebration in his honor. When Norm heads back to the big apple, he takes along his son Quinn and the lemmings. In NYC Norm is hailed as a hero and given the key to the city. This key opens every lock in NYC.

Things are going pretty well for Norm. He is articulate and presents a great image of himself. But the next day he is no longer the hero of New York, but the villain of the city. Someone has stolen all the money from several banks using Norm’s key and wearing a look-alike costume. Norm is being framed for these crimes and it’s up to his best human friend Olympia, Quinn, and a banker named Fong to expose the real criminals.

Soon Norm is once again the hero of the city. Upon his return to the Arctic he comes across some other evils. A bottled water company wants control of the Arctic to use the ice for fresh water. The bottles and cups are already being trashed all over the land, and now Norm must deal with the ecological issue of the trash as well as the company that wants the land. Who will prevail for the Arctic? Will it be Norm and all the animals who call the land their home or will it be the bottled water company and their scheme to take the ice for their own profits?

Norm is a fun character with a lot of heart as well as a good mind. He might not be the noblest king the Arctic has ever had, but he is the most caring king.

This family film is not rated however it is suitable for all ages. It’s a fun family film filled with fun family characters. All hail Norm, King of the Arctic.

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

Welcome back Bo Peep!

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Toy Story 4 is coming…along with Bo Peep!

Bo Peep is back! This long-lost friend of Woody, Buzz and the gang always shared a special connection with Woody, but they have not seen each other in years, and Bo has become chipped and faded over time. Bo’s strength and sarcasm always belied her delicate porcelain exterior, and it turns out she’s an adventure-seeking free spirit who feels right at home on the road. When she and Woody are reunited under unlikely circumstances, they realize they’ve grown worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy.

Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) has always been confident about his place in the world, and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. So when Bonnie’s beloved new craft-project-turned-toy, Forky (voice of Tony Hale), declares himself as “trash” and not a toy, Woody takes it upon himself to show Forky why he should embrace being a toy. But when Bonnie takes the whole gang on her family’s road trip excursion, Woody ends up on an unexpected detour that includes a reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (voice of Annie Potts). After years of being on her own, Bo’s adventurous spirit and life on the road belie her delicate porcelain exterior. As Woody and Bo realize they’re worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy, they soon come to find that’s the least of their worries.

 

U.S. Release Date:  June 21, 2019

 

Celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Disneyland Resort

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

It’s the Year of the Pig and everyone is celebrating at Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort. For the first time, guests will be able to see the Three Little Pigs (Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical) in Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession. And of course, there is little Mushu as well as a bunch of other Disney characters on hand to celebrate.

Disneyland always prepares special food items for their celebrations and this is no exception. Pick up a Sip and Savor pass so you’ll be able to sample a wide variety of food from various countries. Personally, I can highly recommend the Stir-fried Vegetables & Pineapple with Soy Protein at the Lucky 8 Lantern. Just thinking about it I want to go back for more! And definitely try the Raspberry Lychee Chia Tea (non-alcoholic) at the Red Dragon Spice Traders. With the Sip and Savor pass, you can go to any of the food kiosks celebrating the Lunar New Year in DCA and sample whatever you want. Of course, if you don’t want to purchase a pass ($36 for annual passholders and $39 for non annual passholders) you can still purchase the individual food and drinks. As Gary Maggetti, General Manager of DCA West, told a group of media, “It’s the Year of the Pig-Out.” And with all the food the chefs have created, that is definitely the case.

(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

There are plenty of things to do during the Lunar New Year Festival. There is an area where guests can create their own paper lantern, there is a Lucky Wishing Wall where guests write their wishes for the upcoming year on little pieces of paper then attach them to the wall, there are musical performances (Dat Ngyuen and the performing group from China called Melody of China) and there is the colorful and musical Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession.

(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

The procession has several of the Disney characters along with Mulan and Mushu, but there are also Asian dances and music. It’s truly a delightful way to immerse guests in the Asian cultures and the spirit of the Lunar New Year.

And last but not least, guests will be inspired to purchase a special item to commemorate this event. Perhaps it will be the beautiful ears, a light-up lantern, some shirts or other items. The folks at Disney have come up with some great items to bring home to enjoy long after you leave the resort.

The Lunar New Year festival at the Disneyland Resort runs through February 17, 2019, so get down there soon to enjoy the sights, sounds, and of course the food and celebrate along with Mickey and Minnie.

(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

Happy Year of the Pig!

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

 

 

Season 2 trailer for ‘The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Based on the epic books by Dav Pilkey, DreamWorks The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants is back for a second season with more adventures for George Beard and Harold Hutchins, two best friends who’ve bonded through their love of pranking, comic books and being the thorns in Principal Krupp’s side. In Season 2, George and Harold must try to keep their grades up in order to go to summer camp! But with Principal Krupp sent away, will they come out on top in a school run by Melvin and a Cyborg Melvin from the future? All new episodes of DreamWorks The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants debut exclusively on Netflix February 8, 2019.

Paul Newman wins ‘The Prize’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The Prize is a 1963 film starring Paul Newman and a collection of other well-known actors. This is a Hitchcockian-style story written for the screen by the same writer of North by Northwest, and has some of the same suspense throughout the film.

When the Nobel Prize winners come to Stockholm for the ceremonies, things get a little out of hand for writer Andrew Craig (Newman), who is an alcoholic, womanizing American author only interested in the money and not the prestige. He finds himself in the middle of a Cold War situation in which his life and the lives of others are at stake.

Remember, this film was made at the height of the Cold War. The Cuban Missile Crisis had occurred the year before and the Berlin Wall had gone up. The Communists and the West were waging covert operations, and at this Pulitzer Prize gathering, that is especially the case.

Dr. Max Stratman (Edward G. Robinson) is there to collect his prize for physics. He is being accompanied by his niece Emily (Diane Baker). Stratman is an American and proud of his escape from the Communists, but they want him back. He is kidnapped and replaced by a look-alike imposter while he is being smuggled behind the Iron Curtain.

Craig is assigned an official, Inger Andersson (Elke Sommer), to assist him on his trip to Stockholm and hopefully keep him out of trouble. Craig, being his usual self, makes a play for her.

When his imagination and curiosity take over, Craig detects a difference between the Stratman that is taking part in the festivities and the one he met on his arrival. He puts two and two together and decides this one is an imposter. But who will believe him?

In the meantime, there are personal stories being played out by the two doctors who are sharing the prize for medicine: Dr. Farelli (Sergio Fantoni) from Italy and Dr. Garrett (Kevin McCarthy) from America. And, a married couple (Micheline Presle and Gerard Oury) are also there to accept their prize however their marriage difficulties adds to their stories, as well as Craig’s.

It might sound confusing however it’s not. While the various winners are playing out their personal situations, it is Craig who is at the center of it all while he tries to find out what is actually going on with Dr. Stratman. And when his life is put at risk, he is certain his hunch is correct. Knowing and proving are two very different things, especially when the Communists have people strategically placed to help in the cover up.

Ernest Lehman wrote the screenplay from the best-selling book by Irving Wallace. There are several aspects of this film that will remind viewers of the 1959 Cary Grant movie, including Leo G. Carroll who appears in both The Prize and North by Northwest.

While it is long and at times a bit drawn out, this movie is interesting and filled with suspense as well as some humor. Paul Newman is a hero everyone loves.

The Prize on Blu-ray is from the Warner Archive collection and can be purchased from their website or online retailers where DVDs and Blu-rays are sold.

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