Susan Lucci stars in Ebbie, a 1995 retelling of the classic Dickens story “A Christmas Carol.” This TV movie is now available on DVD.
Lucci is Elizabeth ‘Ebbie’ Scrooge. She is a ruthless owner of a thriving department store. She wasn’t always this way. She started out at the bottom of the heap and worked her way up the ladder. Along the way she neglected her family, her personal life, and the staff. Her entire life has been dedicated to making the most money. Her work is her life.
On Christmas Eve she is visited by the Spirits of Christmas Past (Jennifer Clement and Nicole Parker), the Spirit of Christmas Present (Lorena Gale), and the Spirit of Christmases Yet to Come (Bill Croft). Along the way Ebbie sees that her life has been a selfish one. She realizes that she has neglected her family and been a horrible boss. She is able to reflect on what she has done and is horrified with the future. Ebbie knows that that woman she sees in the future is not the woman she wants to become. She knows she has to change her life, and when Christmas arrives she does just that.
Wendy Crewson costars as Roberta Cratchet, and Taran Noah Smith is little Timmy Cratchet. Molly Parker plays Ebbie’s older sister as well as her niece.This updated version of the classic story is heartening and uplifting. It leaves viewers with a happy feeling, just as it does for Ebbie. Susan Lucci is a delight to watch as she changes from the hardnosed and callous Elizabeth to the joyful and hopeful Ebbie.
Ebbie is not rated however it is a wonderful movie for the entire family. Enjoy the holiday season with your family and this enchanting story told in a modern way.
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.
Making her debut with Disney on Ice, Moana joins Maui for a wonderful adventure. Belle reveals that the Beast is a kind, gentle fellow, and Anna, Elsa, Cinderella, Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder join together for this season’s newest ice show.
Mickey and Minnie host this musical extravaganza that features elegant and fun skating as well as the stories from the Disney movies we all know and love. There are spectacular props, like Cinderella’s coach and Moana’s boat, and many other characters we all know and love, like the Fairy Godmother, Olaf, the Beast, and others. Together they make the ice a spectacular Disney experience for the entire family.
Through the event sing-along with your favorite Disney songs like “Be Our Guest,” “How Far I’ll Go,” and “Let it Go.”
Before the show begins, there is a special sing-along with Miguel from Coco. It’s a fun fiesta so arrive early to enjoy the music and the tradition and music of Miguel and his family.
Disney on Ice presents Dare to Dreamis a wonderful family experience and for many it’s a traditional annual treat. What better way to enjoy the season than with ice-skating and Disney?
To find out where and when you and your family can experience Dare to Dreamgo to their website where you can input your city or zip code. The show is scheduled for various locations around the country until April 21, 2019 so don’t miss out. Check out your location and get ready to experience the Disney magic on ice.
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.
Tim Allen stars in Big Trouble, a 2002 farce with an incredible cast. Besides Allen, Rene Russo, Stanley Tucci, Tom Sizemore, Johnny Knoxville, Dennis Farina, Janeane Garofalo, Patrick Warburton, Zooey Deschanel, Jason Lee, Omar Epps, Heavy D, Sofia Vergara and others make up this cast of characters trying to locate a missing atom bomb.
The entire cast is entwined through a confluence of circumstances that has them all involved in this international plot. First, there is Tucci who has been stealing from his company. Add to that, his company has hired hit men to take him out. Then Allen’s son is playing a prankish school game where he has to use a squirt gun to shoot a fellow student. But when everyone collides in one place, well, the craziness begins and everyone is involved as the FBI (D and Epps) close in on the suitcase with the bomb. The thing is, no one knows there is a bomb in the suitcase. Well, almost no one. Tucci and the Russians from which he purchased the weapon know, but, well, you get the picture.As the events unfold, kind of like dominoes, the possibility that the bomb will explode gets more and more likely.
It may not be the funniest comedy, but the actors are fun to watch. After all, they are 16 years younger. This was Vergara’s first film and one of the first for Deschanel. For Allen, it was after his hit Home Improvementseries, during his Buzz Lightyear reign, and between his Santa Clause films.
Big Trouble is rated PG-13 for language, crude humor, and sex related material. The disc can be ordered here.
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.
The new Stitch Poseable Plush and “Holiday Mischief with Stitch” Book Set is a fun way to learn about the holiday season. The set includes a plush Stitch and a book filled with colorful images and a cute story.
The plush Stitch is eight inches tall with poseable arms and legs. His eyes are embroidered and he is winking. And to make him even more adorable, he wears a red holiday hat with Hawaiian print. The soft pom pom ball on the tip is embroidered on one side with the word “Nice” and on the other side with the word “Naughty.”
The book features Experiment 626 with Lilo and her family and friends as they learn about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza. Stitch loves learning about all the food, games, and presents.
This is a great bedtime story to read to your kids as they hug the little fellow and decide whether he’s been “naughty” or “nice” that day. And, to make this set even more exciting, at the end of the story Stitch takes off to celebrate and have more holiday fun. He’s probably hiding somewhere in your house. This is the opportunity for parents to hide the plush Stitch to be discovered by the kids the next day. This could be your new family holiday tradition!
The box comes with a paper ribbon and bow so it doesn’t need to be wrapped. It’s probably a good idea to start this holiday fun well before Christmas to get your whole family into the spirit of the season.
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.
Ralph Breaks the Internet is an adorable and very imaginative and creative movie. The Art of Ralph Breaksthe Internet brings the images to the pages of this colorful book that animator enthusiasts will enjoy as well as those who simply just loved the movie.
There are plenty of vehicles in the film and this book shows them from all angles. As Kevin Nelson, Visual Development Artist, says, “The vehicles in Slaughter Race are nuts.” And he’s right. But it is sometimes difficult to see all the intricacies when you watch the movie. This book shows them in more detail.
Besides the vehicles, the characters are all laid out with both black and white sketches and colored digitalized versions. The new characters that come into play in the film are there but also included in this book are the Disney princesses that create a memorable scene with Vanellope. Again, it’s a little difficult to get all the nuances while watching the movie for the first time. Audiences want to take it all in, so this book is perfect to be able to see the princesses in their gowns as well as their casual wear that Vanellope inspires. The book has a fold out section dedicated to the princesses. Matthias Lechner, Art Director, Environments, writes, “It’s intimidating to make even a small change to one princess, and we had to come up with a new style for each of them.”
So, besides the graphics in the book, there is a lot of input from the filmmakers and artists. This adds to the fun of looking at the pictures.
Parents will be able to discuss the images with their children and relive the various scenes from the film. It also makes a fun way to put a child to bed. Open up a page and tell a story about one of the characters or vehicles or locations (probably while your child hugs the plus Ralph of Vanellope from the Disney Store).
“The Art of Ralph Breaks the Internet” is a fun and informative book that is sure to be enjoyed by everyone, not only animator enthusiasts.
Hardcover: 168 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books
ISBN-10: 1452163685
ISBN-13: 978-1452163680
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.
The sequel to the hit Disney animated film Wreck it Ralph (2012) has Ralph and Vanellope on another high-octane adventure. This time they leave the haven of Litwak’s arcade and venture into the wide, wide world of the Internet. Ralph Breaks the Internet is filled with humor, heart, and a lot of Disney imagination.
“Ralph and Vanellope are imperfect characters,” says Academy Award®-winning director Rich Moore, who directed the original film. “But we love them because of their flaws. Their friendship is so genuine—the chemistry between them so engaging—that I think we were all anxious to know more about these characters.”
In their newest adventure, to save Vanellope’s game from being shut down, they have to find a replacement steering wheel, which is only available on eBay. So off they go into the world of eBay and all the sites that live in the vastness of the Internet. Audiences will recognize some of their favorite sites (eBay, Instagram, Amazon, Snapchat, and more). One of those sites is Oh My Disney and the princesses we all know and love are there. Vanellope is a princess so she joins the group.
“Putting Vanellope in a room with all of the Disney princesses was funny from the get-go, considering her unapologetic personality and laid-back outlook,” says director Phil Johnston. “As the story evolved, the scene changed considerably to best serve the story, which was imperative. And as it turned out, Vanellope is on a coming-of-age journey, so her encounter with the princesses was integral to the completion of her arc in the film.”
All the princesses (with the exception of Sofia and Elena) are gathered together. They make an impression on Vanellope and she has a large influence on them as well. Pay close attention to the clothes they wear once they change out of their gowns. Cinderella’s shirt has a pumpkin carriage, Merida’s tank top has a bear, Aurora’s shirt says “Nap Queen,” Pocahontas’ has a wolf, Elsa’s says “Just Let it Go,” Tiana’s says “NOLA,” Ariel’s says “Gizmos & Whos-Its & Whats Its & Snarfblats & Dinglehoppers,” Rapunzel’s has a duck, Moana’s says “#shiny,” Belle’s says “BFF, Beast Friends Forever,” Mulan has a Chinese motif, Jasmine’s has three fingers and “wishes,” and Snow White’s has a poison apple. They are clever and adorable as each reflects the story of the wearer.
The filmmakers had the original voice talent return to the studio to bring their characters to life. The reunion included Irene Bedard (Pocahontas), Kristen Bell (Anna), Jodi Benson (Ariel), Auli’i Cravalho (Moana), Linda Larkin (Jasmine) Kelly Macdonald Merida) Idina Menzel (Elsa) Mandy Moore (Rapunzel) Paige O’Hara (Belle), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana) and Ming-Na Wen (Mulan). “We were able to get just about everyone who’s still with us to reprise their roles,” says Johnston. This is just one small part of the story, however.
The movie is about the friendship between Ralph and Vanellope. They are two very different characters who love each other but who want different things out of life. This is the bittersweet part of the film.
“We’re exploring the reality of all relationships, which come with ups and downs. Friendships are tested from time to time, and Ralph and Vanellope have to navigate the complexity of theirs—while attempting to navigate the vast and often intimidating Internet,” explained Johnston. Director Rich Moore said, “They’re like a couple of small-town kids who venture into the big city. One falls in love with the city, while the other one can’t wait to go home.”
So, as the humor on the screen and the fun of the Disney characters as well as the websites appear, Ralph and Vanellope each find something different in the net. Vanellope discovers the Slaughter Race game where she can show off her racing skills, and Ralph is overwhelmed by it all and afraid of not getting what they came for and getting back to the arcade in time.
The bottom line is Ralph Breaks the Internet is a fun, imaginative, endearing movie that will touch your heart as well as your funny bone. It’s a wonderful sequel to the first imaginative and entertaining film. And with all the characters, it’s a movie that will be loved by all ages. It’s a lot of fun! The movie is rated PG for some action and rude humor.
When the movie is over, stay for the credits because there is a cute little bonus!
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.
One of the most popular lines of dolls and animals from the Disney Store and shopdisney is the Animators’ Collection. The latest in this line is the Origins series. These dolls are for ages 2+ and depict the adorable characters as babies. The original Animators’ Collection dolls were geared for ages 3+ and the characters were depicted as toddler age. The Origins are smaller in size and much younger characters. They are babies.
At this time there are three different dolls in the new Origins Series: Aurora, Belle, and Mowgli. Each doll has a soft body with poseable soft plastic legs and moveable soft plastic heads as well as rooted hair. They are each 12” long when lying down.
The boxes are designed for each character. They are decorated to fit they story of the children and Baby Aurora’s box says, “Inspired by the character design from Disney’s Sleeping Beauty, this young interpretation recaptures the gentle nature of the original character. Her dreamy face it accented by her signature crown and blonde curls.” As a matter of fact, this little baby looks exactly like the baby Aurora in the animated movie, although she was only seen for a short time. That baby Aurora endeared herself to audiences of all ages. Aurora is dressed in a beautiful pink dress with matching diaper. She has a soft crown that can be removed. Her violet eyes and sweet smile will touch the hearts of adults and collectors, but she will be loved and played with by youngsters for a very long time.
Belle’s box says, “Inspired by the character design from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, this young interpretation recaptures the kindness of the original characters. Her eyes sparkle with curiosity and compassion foretelling her true beauty.” Baby Belle is dressed in her signature yellow dress with a rosette on the front. She comes with a soft plush rose rattle that she can hold and when shaken it really does rattle.
And little Mowgli’s box says “Inspired by the character design from Disney’s The Jungle Book, this young interpretation recaptures the joyfulness of the original character. His smile and fun-loving attitude warm the hearts of his jungle family.” Baby Mowgli is really endearing with his sweet smile and his very wide eyes. He is eager to explore and to be loved. Mowgli comes with a soft plush prickly pear rattle that he can hold it does make noise. He is dressed in a loincloth and also comes with a green blanket in the shape of a leaf. Mowgli’s little face will melt everyone’s heart. He is so loveable that everyone, boys and girls, young and old, will enjoy having him around. His “skin” and “body” are dark tan and this little jungle boy is ready to be loved. It’s great to have this little boy in the collection.
Each doll in the new Animators’ Collection Origins Series can sit and lie down. They have soft bodies for little hands to hug and all three are completely adorable. Collectors will love to have them in their collections, but more than that, kids will love them and they will undoubtedly be favorite sleeping pals and best friends to little kids. They’re small enough to take in the car and for play dates, and especially to bed. This new series is a wonderful addition to the Animators’ Collection. Just one look and they’ll steal your heart.
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.
Even though we will always think of Julie Andrews as Maria, the play itself has been around longer than the film. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Broadway classic play, this 2015 live performance is definitely worthwhile and is filled with the songs and the emotions we know from the film.
Kara Tointon is wonderful as Maria, the wanna-be nun who ends up falling in love with a man with seven children. And Julian Ovenden is equally entertaining as Captain von Trapp. The role of Max Detweiler, the family friend, is played by Alexander Armstrong who is a more personable character than the Max Detweiler in the movie. And Maria Friedman, who sings a heavenly version of “Climb Every Mountain,” plays Mother Abess
The story differs slightly from the film as do the songs, however most of the wonderful songs we know from Rodgers & Hammerstein are included in the play, along with some that were deleted from the film.
When a movie is so well known and beloved it might put off viewers from seeing a different version, but don’t let the fact that this is different from the movie dissuade you from this Blu-ray. It is just as enchanting as the film, however in a little different way.
The cast does a wonderful job of creating the characters and singing the songs.
This version of “The Sound of Music Live” won the BAFTA Television Craft Award.
“The Sound of Music” has been performed on stage by a variety of casts, and this one does the writers proud. The Blu-ray from Shout Studios includes an optional commentary by Tointon and Ovenden as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the story and the making of the broadcast.
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.
Incredibles 2 begins about 30 seconds after the end of the first film and takes audiences on a fun adventure with the entire Parr family, especially little Jack-Jack who turns out to be the star of the show. If you have Incredibles at home, you might want to refresh your memory and when it’s finished pop in this new disc for an entire evening with the Parr family.
Superheroes are coming back and Elastigirl (Helen Parr) is offered her first assignment. So, how will she juggle saving the world and being a mom, and more importantly, how will Bob handle being a stay-at-home dad?
Soon, as things progress, the entire family is once again involved in saving the world and doing so with their usual flair.
Included in this combo pack is the adorable short film “Bao” that ran in theaters before the movie. And there is an all-new mini-movie “Auntie Edna” with Edna and Jack-Jack. (By the way, when you go to Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure in the Disneyland Resort in California, the Incredicoaster is based on Edna and Jack-Jack.)
There is a bonus disc included filled entirely with additional features. Besides a music video and 10 deleted scenes, the featurettes add more for viewers to understand the characters and the movie.
One featurette looks at the vehicles in the film, especially Elastigirl’s Elasticycle. How cool is this? And a featurette focuses on the individual characters with comments by the actors and filmmakers.
The 4K Ultimate Collector’s Edition is the way to go. If you don’t have a 4K set-up yet, you will soon. This pack includes a Blu-ray, a 4K, a digital code, and a Blu-ray disc with the bonus features. The 4K is remarkable for bringing out all the colors and making this movie as brilliant to see and enjoy as if you were in a theater. 4K is the future, and the future is here. Watching Incredibles 2 on 4K Ultra HD is amazing. It’s visually stunning and the audio is the highest quality available to date. It’s corny to say, but this 4K is incredible.
Check out some clips from the bonus features:
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.
