Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Finding Steve McQueen’ – Movie Review

Posted on 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.

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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Nicolas Cage is the ‘Lord of War’

Posted on 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!

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 Siege at Ruby Ridge’ on DVD

Posted on 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.

 

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

‘Lovers and Other Strangers’ comes to Blu-ray

Posted on 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.

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

Live action ‘Dumbo’

Posted on 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 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.

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 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.