‘King of Thieves’ – Movie Review

Posted on January 20, 2019January 21, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Take four very senior retired crooks, add one eager newcomer, mix together gold, money, and diamonds and you have King of Thieves. This movie is based on a true story of an elderly group of thieves who pull off the biggest heist in London’s history.

Michael Caine, Jim Broadbent, Tom Courtenay, Michael Gambon, Ray Winstone, and Charlie Cox make this an entertaining heist film with some added humor. There is diabetes, arthritis, loss of hearing, an enlarged prostate, and a slew of other medical conditions that make this group something for the record books. Besides the ailments, they have determination. They definitely want to pull off this heist in the middle of the jewelry district.

When the leader, Brian (Caine), decides things are getting out of hand, he pulls out of the final plan at the last minute leaving the others to go ahead. And they do. And they are successful. But once the deed is done they start distrusting each other and the over 200 million pounds worth of jewels and money is up for grabs. Who is going to outsmart whom? Who gets how much of the loot? Who is planning on backstabbing the others?

The robbery is an embarrassment for the police. They start their detailed investigation and they wind up identifying the all but one of the men involved in the heist.

The heist is remarkable in itself, but being that it was pulled off by this particular group of elderly men makes it that much more amazing. As one of them comments, “It’s like the blind leading the deaf.”

At the end of the film viewers learn what happened to the men. Remember, this actually happened. And the men, even though they suffer from a variety of ailments and afflictions, not to mention advanced age, say that inside they still feel like they are in their twenties. But watch out, they cannot move like they are in their twenties. They hobble and wobble, which makes this part of the fun.

King of Thieves is rated R for language throughout. It opens in theaters January 25, 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.

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Check out the new clip from ‘Patrick’

Posted on January 17, 2019January 17, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Sarah Francis is a young woman whose life is a bit of a mess. The last thing she needs is someone else to look after, let alone someone who dribbles, snores and eats from the trash! Yet, like it or not, her Grandmother has bequeathed her a very spoiled dog, Patrick – her pug. Surely she must have had her reasons?! Apparently not, as this four-legged interloper proceeds to cause chaos in all aspects of Sarah’s life. But then something remarkable happens. Patrick, with all his stubby, stumpy attitude, begins to turn her life around…

Patrick opens in theaters February 15, 2019.

‘Oklahoma Crude’ on Blu-ray from Twilight Time

Posted on January 14, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Faye Dunaway, John Mills, and George C. Scott star in this 1973 movie set in 1913 Oklahoma. Oklahoma Crude is a story about the ruthlessness and greed by the oil companies at the beginning of the big oil discovery in the state.

Dunaway is Lena, a strong-willed woman who owns a tiny plot of land with a small house and a single oil derrick. She is a tough cookie and is determined to fight off the big companies who are also determined to obtain her derrick, either lawfully or unlawfully.

Lena’s estranged father Cleon (Mills) comes to town to help his daughter, even though she refutes any advancement from him. Nevertheless, he hires a drifter named Mase (Scott) who, along with her one employee, work to keep the derrick working with the hopes of hitting oil.

Jack Palance is Hellman, a greedy employee of one of the biggest oil companies. He has no morals and does not think beating and killing people to get what he wants is a bad thing. On the contrary, he relishes in the fact that people are being hurt and even killed. That includes Lena, who is beaten for not signing an agreement with the company. But she keeps coming back for more! She won’t give up or give in!

Soon it is Lena, Cleon, and Mase fighting the big oil companies alone, with all the firepower they can get their hands on. But is Lena’s well going to come in? Will they actually hit oil?

The music is by Henry Mancini and the film was directed by notable director Stanley Kramer, who also produced the movie. To say the stars are A-list is an understatement.

This film is about the strength and determination of one woman who takes a stand against the big companies. She only has one well, but they want it – at any cost.

Oklahoma Crude is rated PG. There is violence throughout.

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‘Satan Never Sleeps’ on Blu-ray

Posted on January 14, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Twilight Time has just released the Blu-ray edition of the 1962 movie Satan Never Sleeps. The movie stars William Holden as a priest caught in the Chinese Communist revolution.

Father O’Banion (Holden) has just arrived at his new post, a mission in China. He is to take over for the aging Father Bovard (Clifton Webb), but due to the revolution, they are both refused clearance to leave. So, the two priests try their best to keep their flock together even when a former Christian, Ho San (Weaver Lee), takes over the communist leadership in the village.

With the backdrop of the communist atrocities, there is another story unfolding. On his way to the mission, O’Banion caught the attention of a young Chinese woman, Siu Lan (France Nuyen), who is in love with him and follows him to the mission. She is unaware that Catholic priests cannot marry. Nevertheless, she is determined to win his affections, to the chagrin of Father Bovard.

The comedy, if there could be any comedy in this violent and horrific story, is the sweetness Siu Lan feels toward her precious priest. He is, in turn, agonizing over the situation. And Bovard has the idea that O’Banion is leading her on and might succumb to her charms, unaware of another situation unfolding. Ho San is intent on getting Siu Lan, with or without her consent, and O’Banion tries to hide her from his evil intentions. The worst happens.

With the two priests caught in the middle of this dramatic unfolding of the communist takeover, they fear all their hard work will be destroyed. And they are nearly correct.

This is a deep, dark, drama with a wonderful cast. Holden is at his best as the younger priest struggling with what life is throwing at them but doing it in a calm manner and relying on God to see them through. He starred in another movie, Love is a Many Splendored Thing, in 1955 that also took place during the communist revolution.

Satan Never Sleeps is from the Pearl S. Buck novel of the same name. If you are in the mood for a deep, dark, drama, this is the film for you. It is not rated however it is definitely for adults only, due to the story and the violence.

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Check out the new season of ‘The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle’

Posted on January 12, 2019January 12, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

From DreamWorks Animation on Amazon Prime, the new season of The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle is sure to delight the entire family.

From executive producer Scott Fellows, the world-famous talking moose and flying squirrel are back in season 2 of The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle, a serialized comedy divided by unique arcs about two goofball best friends who routinely find themselves thrust into harrowing situations but end up saving the day time and again. The series was recently nominated for three Annie Awards, two for Character Design in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production and one for Production Design in an Animated Television/Broadcast Production.

‘The Aging Brain’ – Book Review

Posted on January 12, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

The Aging Brain: Proven Steps to Prevent Dementia and Sharpen Your Mind is an interesting book by Dr. Timothy R. Jennings. With 3 million new cases of dementia being diagnosed every year, Dr. Jennings presents some insightful and helpful things we can all do to help sharpen our minds and stave off dementia.

Perhaps the most important element of his book is the ending of each chapter where he sums up what was discussed and points out things we can do to help our brain health and ourselves. “The choices we make now can help us to keep our minds sharp and maintain our independence as we age,” says Jennings.

This book is a guide to keeping our bodies and mind healthy. It’s never too late to take many of these steps.

“This book isn’t just for people hoping to slow the aging process,” says Jennings. “It’s also for anyone who is a caregiver to someone at risk of or already beginning to suffer from dementia. It offers a hopeful, healthy way forward.”

We all know someone who has had some kind of dementia in their family. And with the age of the population rising every year, it’s almost a given that each of us will be confronted by Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia ourselves or effecting a close friend or loved one.

The book looks at our cultures, society, and the world in general. It also looks at how we treat our bodies. It’s important to know about what things affect us. Jennings also discusses what might have led us to who we are now because of what our parents did during pregnancy. Diseases we have can sometimes be traced back to the formative weeks in utero.

To say that this is a fascinating read is an understatement. Jennings has truly researched many aspects of our lives that affect our health, and our brains. He is a practicing physician in Tennessee and has authored many books.

By altering our behavior, even a little, and getting more sleep, our cognitive health will improve. Who doesn’t want a strong body and sharp mind when they age? No one wants to lose their mental focus, and with some little changes, you might end up with a sharper mind into your golden years.

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Baker Books (June 19, 2018)
ISBN-10: 080107522X
ISBN-13: 978-0801075223

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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Labelle Ultrasonic Skin Spatula from Trophy Skin

Posted on January 12, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Trophy Skin’s Labelle Ultrasonic Skin Spatula is an amazing little device. Now there is no need to go to an expensive spa to get an Ultrasonic Skin Scrubbing. This little unit will do it for you in the privacy of your own home.

So, what does this actually do? A lot! It unclogs pores, removes excess oil, blackheads and whiteheads, and makes your skin’s tone and texture more youthful. I’ve been using this device regularly for several weeks and I definitely notice a difference – especially around my nose area. For many people this is an area that is difficult to treat and clogs up. But this little spatula cleared it all out.

By sending ultrasonic waves at 30,000 Hz per second to your skin, the spatula then gently scrapes up the junk that comes out of your pores. The first time you use it you will be amazed. Then, with further use you just might get addicted to cleaning your pores with this Labelle.

Let’s face it, there is pollution everywhere and our pores soak it up. The Labelle will clean them out.

After you are done cleansing your pores and your skin, push the button for the second setting and flip the device around to the other side. Now it will infuse your skin with your moisturizer or serum. This is a two-in-one unit that both cleans out pores and refreshes your skin then with its ultrasonic waves it gently presses your moisturizer deep into your cells for a fresh, glowing look.

The Labelle Ultrasonic Skin Spatula comes with its own charging adapter (charge it up before the first use and it is cord free for a long time), a clear storage case, the Labelle spatula, and a user manual. Everything you need is included and there is no need for further purchases unless you want to add any Trophy Skin serum or refresher. You can use these after your cleansing or use your own. With the 60-day return policy, you don’t have anything to lose by trying this device. In all honesty, I can attest to the fact that I use this and recommend it. And it only takes a few minutes to get clean, glowing skin.

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‘All These Small Moments’ – Movie Review

Posted on January 12, 2019January 12, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

All These Small Moments is an introspective look at one family’s ups and downs, beginnings and endings, love and heartbreak, heart and hope. Molly Ringwald and Brendan Meyer lead the cast as a mother and son who each find themselves at potential crossroads in their lives.

The Sheffield family is a little dysfunctional. Tom (Brian d’Arcy James) is having an affair and Carla (Ringwald) is figuring out how to proceed with their lives. In the meantime, their two sons Howie (Meyer) and Simon (Sam McCarthy) feel the pain and suffering their mother is living with. But these boys are also on the precipice of adulthood. Howie is definitely feeling the tug of adolescence and has a crush on an older woman he sees on the bus, Odessa (Jemima Kirke).

High school is fraught with interpersonal relationships. Howie and Lindsay (Harley Quinn Smith) spend gym time in the library. She is interested in him but her reputation puts him at bay.

So, living with the frustrations of burgeoning manhood as well as the potential break-up of his parents puts Howie in a difficult position emotionally. He has a lot on his plate and his mind is constantly burdened by all the ups and downs in his life, not to mention helping his troubled younger brother through their parents’ situation.

This coming-of-age story is touching and viewers who remember this difficult time in their own lives can relate to Howie’s adolescent crush as well as his confusion as to how to proceed. Should he talk to her? Should he sit by her?

As the title intimates, there are a lot of small moments in our lives that make us who we are. Going through this time with the Sheffield family is an interesting look at life and tension as well as survival: surviving marriage and adolescence.

This is the theatrical film debut for writer and director Melissa B. Miller Costanzo. All These Small Moments is not rated. It hits theaters January 17, 2019.

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‘Tea with the Dames’ on DVD

Posted on January 9, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Eileen Atkins, and Dame Joan Plowright are the cream of the crop of British female actors. These women have been friends for decades and every once in awhile meet to talk and gab. This time they let the cameras in to give viewers an inside look at their little get-together. With their discussions and clips from their careers, viewers get a great picture of their lives and their friendship.

Loss of vision, loss of hearing, and loss of memory are not enough to stop these four women from an entertaining visit and enlightening view of their lives. They have many awards between them and have played in numerous Shakespeare plays and films, James Bond, Harry Potter, and even Downton Abbey. Their talents run the gamut from comedy to drama and everything in between, and their little discussion is a fun way to get an insight into their personalities as women and as actors.

Plowright is the widow of Laurence Olivier and his career comes up quite often during their get-together. He worked with several of the women as well as his wife. Smith mentioned she was a bit intimidated by Olivier. Well, who wouldn’t be? Atkins was once married to actor Julian Glover then producer Bill Shepherd. Dench was married to actor Michael Williams. And Smith was married to actor Robert Stephens and then to writer Beverley Cross. The four women had worked together many times in various endeavors. For instance Gosford Park co-starred Smith and Atkins. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel as well as Tea with Mussolini co-starred Dench and Smith. The four women also worked with their husbands, in different parts and different combinations.

The women also acknowledge they get nervous before appearances. Although they have been in the business for decades and are the best of the best, it’s interesting to note they still get stage freight.

When asked what they would say to their younger selves, Smith declared, “When in doubt, don’t.” And the others agreed.

The film is an interesting peek inside the lives of these four remarkable actors who have shaped the entertainment industry during their lifetimes. While we rarely get a glimpse into the personal lives, hopes, and fears of actors, this film gives viewers a charming look at these four great British actors.

This is an interesting and enlightening visit with this charming quartet of actors.Tea with the Dames is not rated.

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‘My Neighbor Totoro’ 30th Anniversary Blu-ray

Posted on December 26, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

30 years ago My Neighbor Totoro didn’t wow audiences, but over a short period of time it beame a favorite animated film from Studio Ghibli. The movie’s American voice cast includes Dakota and Elle Fanning who play the two sisters Satsuki and Mei. Other voice cast includes Tim Daly, Pat Carroll, and Lea Salonga.

This is a heartening story of two little girls whose mother is in the hospital. They move from the city to the country with their father while waiting for their mother to get better and return to them. They soon discover a forest spirit that can only be seen by children. Totoro is a big but gentle fellow and comes to the assistance of the girls in their time of need.

While the heart of the story is a bit sad in that the mother is quite ill, the wondrous times the girls have with Totoro is enchanting. The ending is fine so no need to worry about any tears among viewers in your house.

My Neighbor Totoro is the first film from Hayao Miyazaki to be set in Japan. He wanted to take advantage of the Japanese landscape and incorporated it into the film. One of the bonus features in this anniversary edition is a journey to the countryside outside of Tokyo. The areas that are reflected in the film are explored and viewers get to see this part of the country that tourists rarely see or even know about.

Another bonus is a full-length storyboard feature of the film. While this feature might not be exciting to many viewers, it does serve to show how the storyboards were used to create the animated version of this delightful movie.

There is also a look at the voice cast and a little peek behind the scenes as they discuss their roles. It’s fun to see the Fanning sisters (very young at the time) working together to create onscreen sisters.

This anniversary edition also includes a CD disc of the soundtrack from the film. Plus there is a paperback book about the film and the story. It is filled with colorful images from the movie.

My Neighbor Totoro is a whimsical, entertaining, and enchanting story. With fun and delightful characters (look for the cat bus) and a sweet story, this will delight the entire family. And Totoro himself has become the mascot for Studio Ghibli.

My Neighbor Totoro is rated G.

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