Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Never so Few’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Frank Sinatra leads an interesting cast in the World War II film Never So Few. Among the other actors are Peter Lawford, Gina Lollobrigida, Dean Jones, Paul Henreid, and Charles Bronson.

The story has a band of American O.S.S. guerilla fighters joining with the Kachin locals in the jungles of Burma to fight off the invading Japanese. Sinatra is Captain Tom Reynolds, a man with a mission and a strong sense of right and wrong. This leads him to do things that others might not think is best, but he does them nonetheless.

While on leave Reynolds meets Carla Vesari (Lollobrigida) and immediately falls in love with her, even though she is with another man (Henreid). During this time out of the jungle, he recruits a much-needed doctor (Lawford) and another guerilla fighter (McQueen) who shows a knack for getting things done.

Fighting off the Japanese is tough enough, but the fighters also run into some renegade Chinese gangs who are killing the Americans as well as the Chinese who were sent to assist them. But Reynolds doesn’t back down, even though it could mean a court martial. He leads his group on an unsanctioned mission into China where he discovers something horrific.

Never So Few is a typical 1959 film that made sure there was a love interest for the leading man. The movie was filmed on location in India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Burma (which is now Myanmar). This is, at its core, a war drama, however, and as such there are plenty of killings. The film is loosely based on the novel by Tom T. Chamales who penned the story based on his experiences in the O.S.S.’ Burma campaign.

There are some interesting facts about the making of the film. This was Lollobrigida’s first American movie. It was also McQueen’s first film, having already made his mark on TV. Sinatra and Lawford were off-camera buddies and co-starred in many films, including Ocean’s 11, Sergeants 3, and It Happened in Brooklyn. In 1960 McQueen teamed up again with Bronson in The Magnificent Seven and again in 1963 in The Great Escape.

Never So Few is part of the Warner Archive Collection and can be ordered on their website or online retailers.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Operation Finale’ revisits the capture of Eichmann

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



After the end of World War II, many Nazis moved to Argentina where they evaded capture. Adolf Eichmann was one of the higher-ranking Nazis who moved to South America and made a good life for himself and his family, after all the horrors he caused under Adolf Hitler. Operation Finale looks at the capture of this man who was in charge of the Final Solution for the Third Reich.

Oscar Isaac, Ben Kingsley, Mélanie Laurent, Lior Raz, Nick Kroll, Michael Aronov, Haley Lu Richardson, Joe Alwyn, Torben Liebrecht, Ohad Knoller, Michael Benjamin Hernandez, Greta Scacchi, Pêpê Rapazote, and Peter Strauss star in this tense and intense story of the Israeli’s ingenious plan capture Eichmann and bring him safely back to Israel for trial. The mission was fraught with danger but was ultimately a great success.

Screenwriter Matthew Orton researched the incident thoroughly to bring to life the people who were involved in the mission. He said about the group of agents, “while desperately trying to move on with their lives [they] were still wrangling with the ghosts of their pasts,” as visions and memories of the murder of six million Jews were still vivid in their minds and to audience members as the team and Eichmann flash back on memories of the war.

Orton acknowledged that he did take creative liberties with the timeline and some of the characters, but wanted to make the film reflect what everyone went through in this highly intense period. Producer Brian Kavanaugh-Jones said, “It’s a story about justice, about good versus evil, a cat-and-mouse game and a tension-filled spy thriller, all wrapped up into one. You have all these spies and Mossad agents going undercover to track a real criminal and all the pitfalls they encounter. It felt very real and was all the more exciting because it was true. It’s pretty rare to find a script this meaningful and powerful wrapped around such a thrilling true-life event,” adds Kavanaugh-Jones.

The year was 1960. Israel was very young and the memories of WW II were still vivid in the minds of people around the world. But it wasn’t until Eichmann’s trial when the world woke up and realized exactly what he and his fellow Nazis did and how many people they murdered and tortured.

“There are so many takeaways from Operation Finale,” contends producer Fred Berger. “It’s about the effects of the Holocaust, which should never be forgotten. But it also illuminates a different chapter, an untold story that most people don’t know about in a totally captivating manner. And it demonstrates that, while it would have been easier to take vengeance on Eichmann, bringing him to justice was more important, more consequential, more cathartic.” Killing him in Argentina, once there was proof he was the real Eichmann, would have been preferable to many people, but the Israeli’s wanted to bring him to justice for the eyes of the world.

Operation Finale is a newer version of the 1979 film The House on Garibaldi Street. They both concentrate on the identification and capture of Eichmann, and his return to Israel, however in different ways. They are both good lessons in history and both provide windows into this chapter of history. They are essentially the same story however done in a different tone.

Kingsley portrays Eichmann. While it’s hard to dislike Ben Kingsley, his acting makes it impossible not to be abhorrent about the man he portrays – Eichmann. It’s also eye-opening how the Argentine powers-that-be were complicit in hiding the Nazis and revving up the feelings of Hitler. The country definitely turned a blind eye to the war criminals. There was an effort to keep the Nazis together and their ideals alive.

Operation Finale opens in theaters August 29, 2018. It is rated PG-13 for disturbing thematic content and related violent images, and for some language.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

Farewell to ‘Sofia the First’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



All good things must come to an end. This is true for the popular Disney Junior series Sofia the First. This series has captured the hearts and imaginations of young viewers with the delightful heroine, Sofia,

Sofia didn’t become a Disney princess by marrying a prince or being born into royalty. She became an instant princess when her mother married the king. All of a sudden the young girl moved from the village into the palace and became a royal. And she got an instant family: a father, a brother, and a sister. Plus there were a menagerie of critters that befriended this young girl. And, by the way, with her magic medallion she was able to talk to animals.

Later little Sofia had many magical responsibilities, including being in charge of the Secret Library and being a Guardian, and along the way she was visited by several other Disney princesses who provided assistant and advice to the young Sofia.

Now the series is coming to an end. As Sofia, Amber, and James prepare for graduation, the young princess must return to the Mystic Isles to face an evil witch who is trying to take over Enchancia.

With over 100 fun-filled episodes, Sofia the First has been a beloved series. It’s sad to say goodbye to this adorable character, not to mention her bunny Clover and horse Minimus.

The finale premieres Saturday, September 8, 2018 on Disney Junior.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Pandas’ documentary on IMAX

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Pandas are adorable. I doubt you will find anyone who doesn’t think so. But these delightful little (giant) fellows are in danger. Human encroachment has changed their habitat. The new IMAX film Pandas looks at a group of people who are tackling this difficult situation in scientific and humanitarian ways.

At the Chengdu Panda Base in China, they are breeding the animals with the intent on repopulating the wild population. However this brings up a unique problem. How do they get a captive-born panda prepared to live in the wild?

With the help and examples of Ben Kilham in New Hampshire, Hou Rong, aka “Panda Mom,” learns his technique when it comes to preparing bears to live in the wild. Kilham’s technique has helped hundreds of black bears but will this method work for Pandas as well? That is what they hope to accomplish.

The team chose little Qian Qian (Chen Chen) as their test panda. She was the most promising of the new cubs. She had spunk and curiosity as well as courage. Viewers see how she prepared to face her new life in the wild, away from her “friends” and the comfort of the Panda Base.

Dr. Jake Owens moved to China to teach the Kilham method to the panda team and to prepare little Qian Qian.

Kristen Bell narrates this film that combines the East and the West in a collaboration to help the endangered panda population. Will little Qian Qian learn enough to face life on her own?

“The scientists at Chengdu Panda Base have dedixated their lives to creating a more secure future for the wild giant panda,” said Drew Fellman who wrote, produced, and co-directed this film. He also said he wanted Bell to narrate the film because of a funny little incident. “I was building a snowman at the Panda Base for the panda cubs to play with and I was humming ‘Do You Want to Build a Snowman?,’ which Kristen Bell sang in Frozen.” That was his sign to get the actress to be part of this incredible documentary.

Pandas will play in special IMAX theaters for one week beginning August 17, 2018, then move to science centers around the country.

Pandas is rated G. It’s fun and educational for all ages. Kids and adults at the screening were all entranced by these adorable animals. It’s a film for the entire family.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Generations: A Greek Family Odyssey’ – Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Entertainment journalist Angela Couloumbis Dawson’s book Generations: A Greek Family Odyssey spans three generations of tough Greek women. The story is part autobiography with a little mystical element added in for fun and whimsy.

Dawson delves into the lives of her grandmother, mother, and her days as a schoolgirl in a private boarding school. Through her colorful and dynamic descriptions, Dawson pulls readers right into the story as the three women face personal hardships and disappointments.

Traveling from Greece, Sandra (the name she changed to when she became American) entered into an arranged marriage. Then with the arrival of her daughter Krystal, she realized she had to strike out on her own and look for her own happiness with a man who wanted her and would love her. The lives of these women are wound tightly in this touching family story of love, devotion, and difficulties.

At about five years old, little Angela was sent to boarding school away from her mother and grandmother. There she learned to survive while at the same time maintaining her sweet innocence. Her mother worked three jobs while her grandmother worked in her own record shop. With all of this, they couldn’t handle looking out for the young girl full time, so off she went.

The narrative is touching and Dawson tugs at readers’ heartstrings while being honest as the story unfolds. The touch of fantasy doesn’t detract at all from this heartening tale.

Generations: A Greek Family Odyssey is an interesting read. It’s touching, whimsical, sweet, tender and definitely emotional.

Paperback: 178 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (May 3, 2018)
ISBN-10: 1718738544
ISBN-13: 978-1718738546

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

‘Muppet Babies: Time to Play!’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Disney Junior’s Muppet Babies brings back the adorable tots. Kermit, Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo, Animal, and Summer are together in this fun animated series. The Muppet Babies: Time to Play! DVD combines six episodes (each with two stories) along with several bonus features.

Matt Danner voices Kermit the Frog, Melanie Harrison voices Piggy, Dee Bradley Baker is the voice of Animal, Ben Diskin voices Gonzo, Eric Bauza supplies the voice for Fozzie Bear, Jessica DiCicco is the voice of Summer Penguin, and Jenny Slate voices Miss Nanny. Every day the six young Muppets meet at their daycare and experience some exciting antics.

Each one of the youngsters has a great imagination and when they join together they can go and do anything. Whether they are in their playroom or out in the playground, there are plenty of great adventures dreamed up by the group.

With songs to accompany the stories and little life lessons in each story, the episodes are enjoyable for all age groups. Preschoolers especially will enjoy the fun had by the group. And older kids as well as parents will get a laugh at Miss Nanny’s socks. Every episode her socks match whatever the subject is.

Everyone will undoubtedly have his/her favorite among the six youngsters. Piggy is always looking to be the star. Kermit tries to be the bravest. Summer is the most artistic. Animal is adorable, to say the least. Gonzo is inventive. And Fozzie is always inserting one-liners and jokes into everything – Wacka Wacka!

There are ten shorts on the disc: “Muppet Babies: Show & Tell” shorts each have the kids looking for something fun for show and tell time at the daycare. And there are six music videos featuring the cast of young Muppets.

Whether confronting a fear of the dark, or learning about favorite places, leave it to Kermit, Fozzie, Piggy, Animal, Gonzo, and Summer to entertain young kids. This is a great DVD to keep in the car or keep on hand for times when kids need a little down time. The episodes are filled with imagination and a lot of Muppet entertainment. They are musical, colorful, and quite frankly, really cute. And, the entire family will be entertained by the antics and cuteness of the gang!

Muppet Babies: Time to Play! is rated Y for everyone.

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.

Follow her on Twitter

‘The Nutcracker and the Four Realms’ – trailer and new poster

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

All Clara (Mackenzie Foy) wants is a key – a one-of-a-kind key that will unlock a box that holds a priceless gift. A golden thread, presented to her at godfather Drosselmeyer’s (Morgan Freeman) annual holiday party, leads her to the coveted key—which promptly disappears into a strange and mysterious parallel world. It’s there that Clara encounters a soldier named Phillip (Jayden Fowora-Knight), a gang of mice and the regents who preside over three Realms: Land of Snowflakes, Land of Flowers and Land of Sweets. Clara and Phillip must brave the ominous Fourth Realm, home to the tyrant Mother Ginger (Helen Mirren), to retrieve Clara’s key and hopefully return harmony to the unstable world. Starring Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Disney’s new holiday feature film “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” is directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe Johnston, and inspired by E.T.A. Hoffmann’s classic tale.

The movie opens in theaters November 2, 2018.

Sleeping is now easier and more fun with Disney

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Parents know that bedtime can be a daunting time for little kids. But help is on the way, courtesy of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy. These classic Disney characters are on hand to give your child a special bedtime message, but don’t wait too long. They are only available until August 31. Simply call toll free 1-877-7-Mickey.

Disney has also teamed up with pediatric sleep coach Lauren Olson (founder of “Sleep and the City”) to provide tips for distraught parents.

“As a mom of two extremely busy toddlers, I know keeping consistent napping schedules and bedtime routines can be a major production – from stall tactics to short naps and pre-dawn wake ups, it can be hard on everyone in the household,” Olson said. “I love that Disney store is providing families with some easy, fun tools, like a sleep rewards chart and light up plush toy, to try and alleviate some of the stresses associated with sleep!”

Lauren’s top tips for common sleep challenges:

Early Wake Up
This is common! If your child is waking up every morning before 6am, it’s time to invest in a black out shades and a light or clock that illuminates when it’s time to get out of bed in the morning.

Won’t Go to Sleep
If your child suddenly refuses to fall asleep on their own or is waking up in the middle of the night, consider introducing a “friend” which is only offered a sleepy time. This can be a blanket or favorite stuffed animal, like the new Cuddleez! This oversized plush can even double as a pillow for toddlers when traveling.

Be Consistent
Consistency is key. Decide on a consistent, yet flexible schedule that works for your life and stick to it as best possible.

Scared at Night
If your child tells you they are scared at night, introduce a “nighttime friend” that is only offered at bed time, and encourage your child to hold, squeeze or sing to their friend should they wake worried at night.

ShopDisney and Disney Stores have great nighttime products besides adorable pajamas and slippers. The plush Belle and Alien light up to give children a little more comfort about being in the dark. There is also a sleeping Stitch and Angel Cuddleez for cuddling and sleeping. These large plush “alien experiments” as so cute, even older kids will love them.

The Disney hotline (available until August 31) along with bedtime tips and products (shopDisney.com/Sleep-Shop) will help parents when it comes to bedtime. And as we all know, a good night’s sleep is important – for all of us!

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.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Cinderella Liberty’ on Blu-ray from Twilight Time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



The 1973 film Cinderella Liberty stars James Caan and Marsha Mason. This is a bittersweet story – for adults only.

Caan is sailor John Baggs and Mason is hooker Maggie Paul. While on “Cinderella Liberty” (he must be back by midnight) in Seattle, Baggs meets Maggie and they spend a couple hours together at her hotel. There he meets her young son Doug (Kirk Calloway), a half white/half black boy who has a crude mouth, smokes, and drinks. This kid is not a model citizen, but then he has a mother who is not one either.

As time goes by Baggs and Maggie become closer and things progress in their relationship, although he insists he doesn’t want to settle down. He has a heart of gold in many respects, so the plight of the young boy tugs at his heart and he becomes a father figure to the kid.

The language and situations involved in the story are definitely not for kids, but the acting is top notch. Mason was nominated for an Academy Award and John Williams and Paul Williams were also nominated for their musical contributions to the film. Eli Wallach and Bruno Kirby have supporting roles.

The movie is a bit slow and definitely dry. At times it is sensitive, however a better film with the two stars, James Caan and Marsha Mason, is the 1979 romantic comedy Chapter Two.

Cinderella Liberty is now available on Blu-ray from Twilight Time. The bonus on the disc is a behind-the-scenes feature looking at Director Mark Rydell as he plots out the movie. Rydell is a well-known director however his first love is music. Cinderella Liberty 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.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Elena of Avalor: Realm of the Jaquins’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Three delightful episodes along with several bonus shorts make up this newest DVD featuring Elena of Avalor. Elena of Avalor: Realm of the Jaquins combines magic, music, and plenty of fun.

Three episodes (“Realm of the Jaquins,” “Three Jaquins and a Princess,” and “Shapeshifters”) are filled with color and music as Elena and her sister Isabel, along with their family and friends, encounter fun and fantasy. “Three Jaquins and a Princess” is perhaps my favorite episode because it shows the birth of three new baby Jaquins. These delightful and often mischievous little fellows get out of control when Isabel is watching them. They are so cute young viewers will undoubtedly want their parents to find them in the stores – and yes, they are available!

There are many bonus shorts included on the disc. The first set of shorts all takes place in Vallestrella, a magical land with many different creatures. Vallestrella is the home of the Jaquins, but it is also the home to several other delightful critters. There are Butterfrogs, Sunbirds, Peabunnies, and more. Elena and her sister Isabel travel to Vallestrella to “observe,” but Isabel and the baby Jaquins decide to help out from time to time. The babies are a handful, to say the least. But they’re adorable, and Isabel can’t help but assist any creatures whenever she is able, even though her big sis Elena insists they are not to get involved. The shorts: “Flight of the Butterfrog,” “Sleeping Sunbird,” “Fast Food,” “Peabunny Boogie,” and “Human Nature” are all delightful.

The second set of shorts involves Elena’s scepter training. “Scepter Training with Zuzo” are short lessons, each teaching Elena how to handle her magical scepter. Several times, however, she encounters a thief and uses the newfound powers of her scepter to stop him from getting away with items from the castle. The scepter allows her to see through walls, conjure up images, and make things invisible. Sounds like a lot of fun to me. All the shorts: “The Heist,” “Royal Treasury Escape,” “Nothing But Blaze,” “Stowaway,” and “Don’t Be Our Guest” are filled with magic and entertaining powers.

The 10 shorts are great to play in the car. They are short stories that don’t require a lot of time but are entertaining enough to keep young minds occupied.

Elena of Avalor: Realm of the Jaquins is rated Y for everyone.

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.

Follow her on Twitter