‘The Little Mermaid’ Anniversary Edition in 4K

Posted on February 24, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

It’s hard to believe but it’s been 30 years since Ariel was introduced to audiences. Now, for the 30^thanniversary 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.

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‘The Standoff at Sparrow Creek’ on Blu-ray

Posted on February 24, 2019 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.

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‘Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter’ stars Tony Randall

Posted on February 24, 2019February 24, 2019 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.

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

Posted on February 23, 2019 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 February 10, 2019 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.

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‘Patrick’ – Movie Review

Posted on February 10, 2019February 10, 2019 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.

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MicrodermMD from Trophy Skin – Product Review

Posted on February 4, 2019 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 February 4, 2019February 4, 2019 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).

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

Posted on February 4, 2019 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.

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‘Under the Eiffel Tower’ – Movie Review

Posted on February 4, 2019 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