Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Meghan & Harry: A Royal Baby Story’ on TLC

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


It’s almost time for the newest member of the royal family to make his/her appearance. In anticipation of this big event, TLC will air a new hour-long documentary Meghan & Harry: A Royal Baby Story on April 9, 2019.

This baby will be a big change for the royal family. It’s mother is the first bi-racial, American, divorced princess. Harry and Meghan’s wedding was the start of something new for the royal household.  Meghan has proven to be quite a change for the royals, as Diana was. The similarities between Diana and Meghan are highlighted in this film.

Another highlight is Meghan’s wardrobe during her pregnancy. Diana and Fergie wore baggy, loose maternity dresses. Kate Middleton was classier with more modern dresses yet she still dressed more modestly than Meghan. Meghan has been wearing bump-hugging dresses that royals have not worn before. And Meghan has also been wearing highly priced designer clothing. Wait until you see some of Meghan’s outfits. They will have many women drooling when they watch this show.

Meghan’s Hollywood personality and red-carpet style is new for Britain. She definitely has her own way of doing things and since she is not going to be queen, her style and lifestyle are not as stringent as those of Kate Middleton who has to conform to certain standards. Meghan does not conform and it appears she will never conform. She is her own woman and her appearances during her pregnancy prove that.

The show has several people speculating about the future baby and Meghan’s motherhood style. Those appearing in the film are:

  • Emily Andrews, Royal Correspondent
  • Juliet Angus, Fashion & Lifestyle blogger
  • Sarah-Jane Crawford, Broadcaster
  • Grant Harrold, former Butler to Prince Charles
  • Duncan Larcombe, Author, ‘Prince Harry: The Inside Story’
  • Samantha Markle, Meghan Markle’s half-sister
  • Sophia Money-Coutts, Journalist
  • Emily Nash, Royal Editor, HELLO!
  • Katie Nicholl, Royal Author
  • Ashley Pearson, Celebrity Journalist
  • Ken Wharfe, Former Royal Protection Officer
  • Kate Williams, Historian

Another aspect of the show is Meghan’s lavish lifestyle and her over-the-top baby shower. Her celebrity friends have stood beside her the entire time and have come to her defense when the British press has criticized her.

The similarities between Meghan and Diana as well as Meghan and Harry are examined, as is their new life together in their home away from London where they will raise their family out of the public’s eyes. Their life is quite different than that of William and Kate as is their future.

So, for royal watchers, this show is a fun look at the royal life of Meghan Markle as she forges her own way in the House of Windsor.

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

Tom Selleck is ‘An Innocent Man’ now on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


In this 1989 film, Tom Selleck touches viewers’ hearts when he encounters two bad cops. An Innocent Man is the story of Jimmy Rainwood, a long-time and trusted mechanic for American Airlines. He and his wife Kate (Laila Robins) live a simple and loving life. They have not worries until everything is turned upside down.

Mike and Danny (David Rasche and Richard Young) are two detectives in the LAPD. They are highly decorated and manage to bust a lot of drug deals. But they also skim off the top and they are in the pocket of one of the biggest drug lords in the city. When they get a tip about a drug deal, Mike mixes up the address and the two barge into Jimmy’s house. When they realize they have shot an innocent man, their careers could be in jeopardy so they frame him and after a trial where he maintains his innocence, he is sent to prison.

In prison Jimmy’s kind nature is put to the test. Under the guidance and friendship of another inmate, Virgil Cane (F. Murray Abraham), Jimmy must toughen up and do things he never would have imagined in the past in order to survive prison life.

Meanwhile, Kate is doing everything in her power to persuade the IA officer (Badja Djola) that the two cops framed her husband. He knows she is right but cannot get the proof he needs to charge them.

After three years, Jimmy is released and tries to go back to his old life, but Mike and Danny see to it that that is not going to happen. They threaten him and Kate. After awhile Jimmy has had enough. It’s then when he must dig down inside himself, with the help of Virgil Cane, to plan how to take down the two crooked cops.

This is an intense story that will have viewers’ emotions spread across the spectrum. On one side they will be empathetic for Jimmy and Kate, and on the other side they will feel nothing but loathing for Mike and Danny.

There are two new interview bonus features on this Blu-ray. One is with Laila Robins who discusses her role and how she got the part and beat out another actress who went on to have a major acting career. The other interview is with David Rasche who said he didn’t want to play that purely evil character.

Tom Selleck’s career has never waned. He was in the popular 1979 TV Mini-series The Scaketts, starred as Magnum, P.I. from 1980-1988, was one of the three men in the 3 Men and a Baby franchise, starred in TV and feature films, appeared as Monica’s boyfriend for 10 episodes in Friends, stars as Jesse Stone in that franchise, and is currently starring in the hit drama Blue Bloods.

An Innocent Man is rated R and is now available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber. It’s definitely not for kids but adults will enjoy this intense drama that will leave them with a feeling of karma! (oops…was that a spoiler?)

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

‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ is a sweet musical

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

We all know the story of Willy Wonka and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but this new production, now playing at the historic Pantages Theater in Los Angeles, is a fun way to experience all the craziness of the story with plenty of music and some whacky characters.  The opening night was filled with expectant audience members anxious to see how this new production would play out, and it didn’t disappoint anyone – young or old.

From the opening “The Candy Man” song, the audience was off on an amazing journey with young Charlie, enthusiastically played by Rueby Wood in this performance. Noah Weisberg was a fun and over-the-top Willy Wonka who provided plenty of jokes, one-liners, and songs to keep everyone entertained.

The first half of the play is all about Charlie and his family. They are poor and living together in one small house – his four grandparents and his mother, and of course, young Charlie who has dreams and an incredible imagination. But they are too poor to buy more than one chocolate bar for him and he only receives his beloved chocolate once a year on his birthday. This year he is hoping a gold ticket will be inside his birthday chocolate, but it isn’t. Then, miraculously, he does receive a golden ticket and off he goes with his Grandpa Joe to join the other four winners at the colorful and strange factory where the delicious treats are created.

The first half of the play is filled with plenty of upbeat songs. They’re enough to give everyone a sugar high as the audience claps along to the music and enjoys the characters as one by one the four young winners claim their gold tickets.

The second half of the play is actually better because it all takes place inside this wondrous chocolate factory. One of the highlights for the audiences is the imaginative way the Oompa Loompas are performed. They are adorable and are on stage in a very creative way.

The play is considered PG because of some violence and one or two areas of dialogue not intended for young ears. It is recommended for ages 6 and up. Children under 5 will not be admitted. But all in all, this is a fun family affair with songs, lessons, and a young hero who never gives up his imagination and never fails to follow his dream.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is an entertaining new musical production playing at the Pantages through April 14, 2019.  It runs 2 hours and 30 minutes (including intermission.)

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

Disney on Ice presents “Worlds of Enchantment”

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Gather your family for some fun with the Disney characters we all know and love. And they’re all on ice. Combining the skating skills of the ice skaters along with the fun of the characters, audiences will truly be delighted by this magical show that has all the earmarks of the Disney Magic!

Four different stories: Cars with Lightning McQueen, Mater, and the others race across the ice, Ariel and friends go under the sea in The Little Mermaid’s kingdom, Toy Story has Buzz and Woody along with the rest of the toys journeying through the ice to make it back home, and Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff from Frozen learn about true love.

These adorable characters swoosh, swing, slip and skate over the ice along with plenty of special effects. There is magic everywhere. Young and old-er will enjoy watching their favorite characters come to life on the ice.

If you have seen any previous Disney on Ice production, you know how special they are. They are a delight for everyone and no one leaves without a big smile.

Enjoy this latest production when it comes to your city. To find out where and when this truly enchanting show arrives in your town, go here: https://www.disneyonice.com/worlds-of-enchantment

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

Two-faced zealot? Fangirl? Or sociopath? You decide. HBO’s ‘The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Alex Gibney’s latest documentary, The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley, looks into the unprecedented rise and astonishing fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her biotech company. Holmes, an insanely driven 19-year-old Stanford dropout with little medical or engineering training, launched Theranos in 2004. She promised “a world in which no one ever has to say good-bye too soon.” Proudly fessing up her needle phobia, Holmes purported to disrupt the health care industry with a compact blood-testing device that quickly performs hundreds of scans on a micro-dose of blood. Well-rehearsed speech without a blink in a strenuously forced baritone bewitched thousands of people. Apparently she was a Steve Jobs wannabe and mimicked Jobs in every way from his signature black turtleneck to management and lifestyle. Yes, she was a fangirl!

Holmes gained her stardom when magazines like Forbes, Fortune, and The New Yorker featured her confident promises to upend and “democratize” the health care industry by one pinprick of blood at a time. She was a talk-show darling and sought-after public speaker and unsuspecting audience drank the Kool-Aid immediately. She was excellent at convincing people she knew what she was doing. After all, appearance is everything for branding! Among her cult followers were a number of former government officials, Stanford faculty, and famous investors like Larry Ellison and Rupert Murdoch. She honed in on and cultivated high-ranking officials as her smoke screen so neither her creditability nor her far-fetched idea would be scrutinized by the government agencies. Curiously, her unflinching believers happened to be older men who couldn’t ask the ‘right questions’ to save their lives.

I worked with quite a few biotech startup founders as well as pharmaceutical & medical professionals in my previous career. On top of that, I’m blessed with a keen BS detector. The ridiculous number of tests this small machine claims to handle with a drop or two of finger prick blood raised a red flag for me. Neither do I buy her poor uncle story nor her claim that giving blood is the only thing she’s scared of in her life. Come on! Don’t be a baby!

Like any other tech startup founders in Silicon Valley, Holmes practiced the “fake-it-till-you-make-it” tradition, but in order to be a successful one, she ended up building a brick wall around herself that cut her off from reality. Apparently she was the best used-car salesman in the parking lot! She duped over $900 million from creditable people because she never showed them her privileged and entitled girl face. She demanded loyalty from her people, but her own loyalty lay only with fame and fortune. Forget little people and minions! With the help of her secret boyfriend, COO/President Sunny Balwani, Holmes ran Theranos with an iron fist; keeping its employees under surveillance 24/7, intimidating naysayers with NDAs and possible litigations, controlling information within and without in the name of trade secrets, and practicing unblushing nepotism. Her utmost paranoia induced anxiety and turned good and decent people away in droves. Grief-ravaged and distraught Ian Gibbons, Theranos’ most respected blood test expert, killed himself. His widow was summoned to return his computer and notebooks, but not a single word from Holmes. No wonder so many whistleblowers exposed the biggest case of corporate fraud since Enron. Her game was up!!!

“Is invention act of creation or deception?” asks Gibney in the film. Holmes did both, of course; her looks, intelligence, and charisma raised unprecedented amount of money to create her technological innovation and realize her vision. However, her deceptive nature allowed her to be incredibly flexible around her morality. She should have just concentrated her efforts on marketing/branding (the act of deception) and let her experts do their jobs to work out the kinks (the act of creation). I guess she just didn’t have the wisdom to know she can’t do both. Besides, she totally believed in her calling to do whatever it takes for “the greater good.” Here we go again! As I pointed out in my Good Girls Season 3 review, Holmes must have picked up somewhere that “lying in any shape or form is acceptable as long as it keeps the wolves from the door.”

Since Gibney focused on the psychology of fraud, deception, and self-deception, I turned to John Carreyrou’s page-turner Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup for Holmes’ family background as well as her upbringing. “I want to be a billionaire,” was her go-to answer when young Elizabeth was asked what her future looked like. Carreyrou also pointed out that her parents – Christian and Noel Holmes, nurtured her ambition and competitiveness. “The message Elizabeth took away from them is that if she wanted to truly leave her mark on the world, she would need to accomplish something that furthered the greater good, not just become rich.” Bingo! I believe that’s exactly why she a chose biotech domain, leveraging her family connections and investments chipped in by Noel’s extended family members. That’s fine and dandy, but the problem is she applied the “fake-it-till-you-make-it” culture to a blood-testing machine that spits out critical information on patients’ well being. Messing with people’s life simply is not acceptable even for the greater good. Holmes and Balwani were indicted in 2015 and if convicted, they could face decades in prison. Yet zero sign of admitting wrongdoing! No apologies, no remorse, no shame, no nothing! Neither Gibney nor Carreyrou dare label Holmes a sociopath, but there is something seriously wrong with her. What do you think?

Be sure to tune in for this mind-blowing tale of creation and deception! The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley premieres March 18, 2019 on HBO.

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.

Disney Wisdom Collection

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

During 2019 on the third Saturday of each month Disney will release a new character in their special Disney Wisdom Collection. January’s Dumbo sold out quickly and February’s Mushu was just as popular. March has the loveable bear Baloo from The Jungle Book.


With each release in the Wisdom Collection, there will be one plush animal with a quote from a Disney film. The plush animals each have the quote embroidered on their bodies, and there are pins, mugs, and notebooks to go along with each month’s inspirational quote.

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.” Who would have thought that so much inspiration and wisdom could come from animated films? Well, the folks at Disney did, and this collection is great for the young and the not-so-young.

For the time being, the future animals are a secret, only to be revealed with the public when the product is released, making it a fun thing to look forward to.

The March release is Baloo and the quote embroidered on his paunchy tummy is “Forgot About Your Worries and Your Strife” which is of course from the song he sings in the jungle. He looks for the bare necessities, and teaches little Mowgli to do the same.

 

My suggestion is to display the colorful plush characters together, or add some of the other Disney characters to join with their friends. The Disney Animators’ Collection Mowgli doll from their Origins series is a perfect match to go along with Baloo.

Baloo stands (or sits) about 13 ½ inches high. His body is made of soft green with a corresponding lighter green on his paws and stomach, with the colorful phrase embroidered front and center. He has a happy open smile. This fellow is very huggable, and when paired with Mowgli, they make an adorable setting on any bed, table, or bookshelf.

If you only want to collect the wisdom mugs, they also make a fun and colorful display.

Enjoy the fun of Disney infused with memorable and inspirational quotes to brighten your days.

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

‘Brighton Beach Memoirs’ on Blu-ray

Posted on 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.

Follow her on Twitter

Oh My Disney Swim Collection

Posted on 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.

Follow her on Twitter

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

Posted on 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 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.

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