Author: Francine Brokaw

Liam Neeson is ‘Gun Shy’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



An impressive cast leads this offbeat 2000 movie. Liam Neeson, Oliver Platt, Sandra Bullock, Richard Schiff, Mary McCormack and others join together in Gun Shy, a whacky story of a DEA agent who has had enough of the dangers and undercover actions he has endured for his entire career.

Neeson is Charlie, a veteran undercover agent who is losing his mind, or so he thinks. He’s smart and quick on his feet, but his heart isn’t in his job any more. All he wants is to retire to someplace with an ocean view. After his last encounter where his friend got killed and he came close to following, he wants out of his job. But the powers that be want him in for another mission.

His new mission involves Colombian drug lords, the local mafia, and some interesting characters. Charlie undertakes this assignment with trepidation. He knows he has lost his edge, and he is losing control of his stomach. He decides to see a psychiatrist and it’s there he divulges his undercover work. Plus, when he joins the group therapy sessions, he involves everyone in the group in his undercover operation. They learn everything about his case and what he is about to do. For a veteran agent, he should know better, but Charlie is on his last bit of nerves and he is an unconventional agent, to say the least.

Then he is advised to see a gastroenterologist for his stomach problems. The nurse, Judy (Bullock), takes a liking to Charlie and soon they are dating. Finally he divulges his job and current mission to her while she is trying to calm his stomach. So now everyone knows what he is doing, except for the drug lords and the mafia.

This off-beat and whacky story has a little bit of “The Sting” in it as Judy and the others decide to help Charlie in his last efforts, before he gets himself killed.

What do gangsters, psychiatric patients, a sweet nurse, a barium enema, millions of dollars, and a traumatized DEA agent have in common? That is answered in this movie.

Platt is the son-in-law of the Mafia Don who is always eager to shoot his gun but deep down wants to be a vegetable farmer. Jose Zuniga is the son of a Colombian drug lord who wants to please his father but also has a tough side.

This combination of characters is off beat, to say the least. The film starts out in an unusual way but as it picks up it brings viewers deeper into the psyche of Charlie and his desire to be good at his job while at the same time keeping his eye on the prize – a place to retire with an ocean view.

Gun Shy is rated R for violence, language, and some brief nudity.

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

‘Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



In 2011 the movie William and Catharine: A Royal Romance brought the love and romance of Will and Kate to TV viewers. Since then, we have all watched the couple grow with three kids (so far) and their story seems to be one of fairy tales, unlike that of Diana and Charles (who in 1982 also had several TV movies made about them and their seemingly wonderful relationship). Well, last year Lifetime created a similar film, Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance, in which viewers got an inside look at the courtship of the newest royal couple. This film is now available on DVD.

What Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance shows is the struggles the couple have gone through and devotion the two have for each other. The actors portraying the real life couple (Murray Fraser and Parisa Fitz-Henley) do resemble their counterparts and are charming to watch. Their story has been written about and discussed at length, and this film is an appealing view of the couple and what they went through to get to their royal wedding.

To think, it wasn’t that long ago that the King had to abdicate to marry an American divorcee. And the Queen’s sister was prevented from marrying the man she loved. Well, times have changed and the consensus is that Diana was the impetus for those changes.

Although the movie is a dramatization and a mash-up of several stories that actually happened, it is a nice way to see the love that developed between Harry and Meghan and imagine how their relationship grew over basically a short period of time. The world has embraced Harry since his mother’s death, and everyone wanted to see him happy. Yes, he was the wild child, but it took Meghan Markle and her “Markle sparkle” to tame him.

Meghan’s work with the clean water initiative as well as her charity work and gung-ho attitude was the perfect match for Harry who has always wanted to carry on the legacy of his mother. Together it looks like this couple will be the continuation of Diana.

Marrying an American actress who is divorced and is bi-racial was a big step for the monarchy, but as they say, the times they are a changing. Watching the film it is heartening to see how devoted these two people are to each other, and how headstrong they each are in their own right.

At the end of the movie there is a seamless transformation from the actors to the real Harry and Meghan, as they walk among the crowd. Hopefully they will have their “happily ever after.”

Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance is rated TV-PG.

Mr. Poldark goes to Westminster – Adventures and ordeals of a man who sold his soul to become a politician

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Poldark Season 4 explores the three prominent couples in Cornwall in the 18th century. Disenchanted with each other one way or another, Ross & Demelza Poldark, George & Elizabeth Warleggan, and Dwight & Caroline Enys sail out on rough seas called ‘adult life.’

Captain Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner) cannot compete with a ghost of Hugh Armitage (Josh Whitehouse), Demelza’s (Eleanor Tomlinson) paramour, while she has always been in competition with an ideal named Elizabeth (Heida Reed), The One That Got Away. Totally unaware of his pent-up frustrations, jealously, and resentments, the Man of Principle embarks on a new career and heads into uncharted waters of politics. As always, he’s on a noble mission to help the poor, but the Parliament is not impressed. How does an idealistic, inexperienced, and reluctant Old Money Poldark navigate the corrupt world of politics where the likes of New Money George Warleggan (Jack Farthing) could cheat his way in and thrive? Ross’ enthusiasm for the Parliament evaporates into a more cynical disillusion and frustration. You know what they say, “If you like laws and sausages, you should never watch either one being made.”

George is blinded by his own megalomania and in relentless pursuit for historic recognition at any cost, but he has a sneaking suspicion that Elizabeth and Ross might have the last laugh after all. Luckily for Elizabeth, there is no way to determine paternity of Valentine (Raphael J. Bishop) and it torments George to no end. He believes his life would be complete and perfect when he is knighted. Not so fast. Elizabeth cooks up a scheme to put an end to George’s mistrust of her devotion, but it backfires on her. Be careful what you wish for, George.

Dr. Dwight Enys (Luke Norris), the only sensitive soul of this series, has his shares of heartbreaks and losses. Caroline (Gabriella Wilde) hesitantly ventures into parenthood, but it doesn’t end well. Too proud to admit her ‘failure,’ Caroline makes a bolt for London. When an entitled and privileged socialite marries a poor doctor with a heart of gold, there’s no doubt who wears the pants. Can this fragile relationship survive the tragedy? We shall see.

It’s fascinating to observe and analyze the three passive aggressive marriages in the 18th century England. Naturally, those in superior positions (Ross, George, and Caroline) impact their spouses’ self-esteem and the subordinate partners (Demelza, Elizabeth, and Dwight) develop a progressive feeling of isolation and being left emotionally depleted. No wonder the passive partners resort to every trick in the book. Playing coy and then crying foul gets old quickly, Demelza. You’ve done that one too many times; it’s not cute any more. “You never solve problems in a relationship by turning away from your partner,” says Dr. Phil. I realize that his advise might be a foreign concept to unequal partnerships in the 18th century, but you act like Ross’ equal partner yet resort to your usual tricks as you see fit. That doesn’t sit well with me. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

Poldark returns Sunday, September 30, 2018 for the fourth season on PBS’ MASTERPIECE.

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.

Thoughtful gifts for breast cancer awareness month

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

October is breast cancer awareness month. As a BC survivor, I know how a token of thought can brighten up someone’s day and make the experience more bearable. Here are a few ideas that are thoughtful gifts you might want to consider when thinking about someone who has gone through BC, was recently diagnosed, is going through chemo, or just as a way to show you care. I believe most of us know someone who has gone through breast cancer.

When I was a little girl my grandmother had me memorize a poem. “My favorite color is pink, pink, pink, and I always write letters with pink, pink, ink…” Well, pink is not my actual favorite color, however pink is the color of breast cancer awareness and although wearing a pink ribbon shows compassion and hope for the cure, the following items are more useful and thoughtful for that special person who has been effected by the menace of breast cancer.

The Spa Dress is a great little item. It’s easy to put on and can be used in a variety of ways. It’s a comfortable dress in which to lounge around the house. It’s also great by the pool or a spa. You don’t have to wear those bulky robes. Simply put on a Spa Dress and you’ll look like a million bucks. Also, when going to chemo, this is a comfy and casual dress and in the pink it shows your support for breast cancer awareness and a hope for the cure.

When going through the process of dealing with breast cancer, women still want to look their best. Trophy Skin has a wonderful unit – the MiniMD Microdermabrasion device is a thoughtful gift for anyone. In rose gold and white, the MiniMD is easy to use and in just a few minutes removes the top layer of skin on the face, revealing a brighter complexion. And it also works to remove black heads and imperfections that lay right under the top layer of skin. So, with the MiniMD, looking good is easy.

Let’s get a little whimsical now. Nothing says fun and whimsy like Disney. There are some items perfect for October breast cancer gifts. How about a lovely pink jersey from Disneyland? It’ll brighten up even the gloomiest days. And pink Mickey Mouse earrings are just the things to wear when you’re feeling blue, no pun intended. The princess pink tumbler is a fun item to take to chemo or anywhere. And, let’s face it, going for a procedure is no fun. Make it an amusing experience with a pink sequined Minnie Mouse headband. Anything to brighten up a day for a survivor or someone going through the experience is a thoughtful way to express your feelings.

And finally, Halo has the ultimate ways to be thoughtful while at the same time showing support for BC awareness. These items are some of the most useful products anyone can receive. The Halo Bolt ACDC portable Charger and Car Jumper is the ultimate thoughtful gift. This handy device provides backup power when the lights go out during those winter storms. It is also a car jumper so when you have a dead battery you don’t have to call the auto club or wait for a second car to jump your battery. With all the cables included, all you have to do is to follow the easy directions to jump your own car battery. Talk about being thoughtful. This way women can feel safe when their car won’t start. No stranger is necessary. How thoughtful is this for a gift? And in the rose gold or the pink floral it shows your appreciation for BC awareness.

All of the Halo products are useful and thoughtful, so they make great gifts all year round, but these other pink items are especially thoughtful for October breast cancer awareness month:

The Shine 3000 Portable Chargers are perfect for pockets and purses. And who doesn’t ever run out of power in their cell phone or tablet? We all need more power. And the Shine 3000 with rose gold fashion cable makes quite an exquisite statement. It also includes a built-in flashlight. How cool is that? The HALO lipstick portable chargers provide users with back up power without anyone knowing it. They look like a lipstick and the rose gold accent color is a fun way to incorporate pink into the unit.

The blush colored Halo 8000 Wireless Portable charger has two USB ports so charging a phone and a tablet or two phones at the same time is possible. This comes with a USB to micro cord as well. And the HALO Pocket Power 6000 also charges a phone and tablet, and in the pink snakeskin it looks quite chic.

To brighten up any room, the bright pink HALO Square 52000 cell phone and tablet charger fits the bill. It’s stylish and functional. And speaking of stylish and functional, the rose gold HALO Sleek 3500 fits easily into a purse. The stunning pink lattice design on the HALO Powerpatch Portable Charger includes a USB to micro cable and a USB to Lightning cable.

The HALO Power Cube has a built in wall and car charger. Simply plug it into a wall outlet or your car charger and you’re ready to go. It’s sturdy (a big bonus when it comes to car chargers) so you don’t have to worry about it wobbling around when you drive over an inevitable pothole. Trust me, I’ve had problems with car units in the past, but this one is the best. And in pink paisley or rose gold, it’s a handy and useful gift for BC awareness month.

HALO takes the worry out of electronics. With any of these extremely useful and attractive devices, there’s one less thing to worry about, and for people going through breast cancer therapy and for survivors, that is being extremely thoughtful.

I love all of the products and would be over the moon if anyone gave me any of them. If your finances won’t allow you to purchase any of these items, a simple card will also lift the spirits of someone going through the BC process. Just show you are thinking of them and you care. That makes all the difference in the world.

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

A wake-up call from Perfect Jon? ABC’s new tearjerker explores ripple effects through his friends stuck in a rut

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



A Million Little Things, ABC’s new family drama created by DJ Nash, follows a group of friends trying to make sense of an abrupt departure of their trusted leader who seemed to have everything. Why did Perfect Jon (Ron Livingston) jump to his death? Why didn’t they know he was hurting? Was there something more they could have done? Stricken with guilt and regret, his friends and family struggle with the devastating aftermath. How do they even move on without knowing the reason why?

Gary (James Roday), an insurance agent, reluctantly takes over the honcho role while a stay-at-home Dad Eddie (David Giuntoli) and Rome (Romany Malco), a lost soul, are not entirely sure if the group will survive without Jon. After all, Jon was the one who shepherded them through thick and thin.

Katherine (Grace Park), Eddie’s businesslike wife, and Regina (Chritina Moses), Rome’s wife, deal with the tragedy in an altogether different manner. The bereaved family, wife Delilah (Stephanie Szostak) and two children, host a wake allowing mourners to walk all over the house with their shoes on despite Jon’s particular pet peeve. The two outsiders are Ashley (Christina Ochoa), Jon’s assistant, who seems to know more than she lets on, and Maggie (Allison Miller), Gary’s fellow cancer survivor, who happens to be a clinical psychologist specializing in depression and offers fresh perspective to the bereaved.

I know a thing or two about depression. My ex put me through the wringer when he confessed he had been looking for a place to kill himself. In the deep fog of depression and spiraling further down into the abyss of anger, he was more unreachable than ever before. He was laid off and couldn’t even hold an entry-level job; his self-esteem was down in the dumps. I had to be his caregiver as well as breadwinner to float our boat called ‘marriage.’ I drove over two hours everyday for this crummy part-time job while wondering if he was successful in the deed today. There is no word to describe the angst I felt every second of the day. Is today the day I find him dead on the beach? Or is he going to jump off a building? That was way above my pay grade, but I tried my best to keep our boat afloat even with a big hole at the bottom. Oh, the horror! Little did I know he had an exit plan; he jumped ship and that’s that.

Memories of angst and despair came rushing back to me when I watched the pilot. Yes, it was a little too close to home! Although my ex’s family blamed me for making him sick, I have a clear conscience; I knew the depth of his anger and suffering and did all I could to help him. I took our wedding vows seriously…’for better or for worse, in sickness and in health.’ So, in a way, I may be better off than Delilah. I just can’t imagine the guilt that will follow her for the rest of her life because…wait, I can’t give away the final big reveal! You’ll see. I definitely cannot live with myself if I were in her shoes. Just sayin’! You be the judge.

A Million Little Things premieres September 26 on ABC. This is a show for adults only.

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.

‘Big Wednesday’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Big Wednesday is a 1978 film celebrating the surfing culture in Southern California. Beyond the gnarly surfing scenes, the underlying story is about friendship. It’s the story of Matt Johnson (Jan-Michael Vincent), Jack Barlow (William Katt), and Leroy Smith (Gary Busey) as they navigate the trials and tribulations of growing up and assuming responsibilities. After all, life is not one big wave.

Katt would go on to star in the TV series The Greatest American Hero, Busey maintained his TV and film acting, and Vincent went on to star in Airwolf. Sam Melville who also had his own series, The Rookies, plays the boys’ mentor and surfboard maker Bear.

The film is a bit slow and grueling at times, however the soundtrack is wonderful, reflecting the popular songs of the 1960s. The surfing scenes are great to watch however the personal stories of these three friends run the gamut from drunken parties to bar fights to the Army. Life leads them in different directions as they age, yet they know their friendship will last a lifetime.

This is not a Gidget or Beach Blanket Bingo style of surfing film. It definitely involves the surfing culture, but friendship is at it core. Yes, they have their differences over the years, however their love endures.

In the bonus feature, writer/director John Milius admits the three characters were composite of people he knew when he was surfing.

While it is supposed to take place in Southern California in and around Malibu, many of the surfing scenes were filmed in Hawaii. Southern California is known for its surfing culture, but the waves are nothing compared to those in the islands. And it might look like the actors are doing their own surfing, but that’s not the case. Professionals stood in for the actors, and rightly so. Some of these waves were gigantic.

Big Wednesday is for the surfing crowd of yore.

The movie is rated PG. There are scenes of sex and drugs.

Big Wednesday is on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection and can be purchased at 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

‘Watch the Sky’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



The 2017 film Watch the Sky has been met by mixed reviews. It’s the story of two brothers who find themselves in the middle of a major event that could change the world.

Shawn Neary (Miles Muir) is an intelligent kid with his eyes on the sky. He talks his brother Michael (Karson Kern) into helping him with his school project. Shawn intends on launching a weather balloon with a miniature shuttle connected to it equipped with a camera. The idea is to capture photos of the edge of the atmosphere. What they capture on camera is much more. There are aliens out there. But are they good or are they bad?

While Shawn and Michael are busy with their project, their father, the sheriff, is busy with his own dilemmas. First, a local farmer disappears and his wife says he was dragged away by a tall mysterious man. And next, all the cows in the area are found dead with their stomachs blown out. Finally, the army is moving into town and taking up residence at the abandoned army camp. Just what in the world is going on?

The film is a low-budget movie with less than stellar acting, however preteens and young teens will appreciate the film. The problem everyone will have is the ending. The story simply ends. There is no wrapping up or anything.

It’s an interesting plot and might just encourage youngsters to learn more about space and scientific experiments. While Shawn is considered a nerd in school, he is definitely a bright boy with a great future in front of him, unless the aliens get him first.

With a non-ending, viewers can make up their own story of how this mystery concludes. There is a slight possibility that there will be future films as this movie was planned as a pilot or the first in a series, but as of this time nothing has been determined yet.

Watch the Sky is a sci-fi family film. Don’t expect a film like ET. It’s interesting at times but as a stand-alone film, it doesn’t quite work. But hopefully there will be more stories continuing with this plot coming soon.

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

Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort 2018

Posted on by Francine Brokaw




First of all, in DCA they’re celebrating the Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, with Miguel from Coco. At the Plaza de Familia guests can join the fun at the memory wall where they can put messages for their families, those who have passed and those still alive. There are plenty of things to do here and some special food just for the holiday. And there is a wonderful musical celebration, which includes an appearance by Miguel. This musical celebration is upbeat and the entire area is colorful and happy. This is definitely a place that celebrates family and family love.

Then over in Cars Land, they are celebrating the holiday with their Haul-O-Ween celebration. Mater’s junkyard jamboree has new songs for the occasion, and there are decorations galore throughout the land. Look up, sideways, and everywhere to enjoy all the special intricate details that went into decorating this land for the holiday.

Halloween is the time filled with special – and sugary -treats and Disneyland Resort is no exception. The chefs have created some amazing food for the holiday and there are some novelties, including seasonal popcorn buckets and mugs that all glow and light up. As far as the sugary delicacies, there are several flavors of churros (try the s’mores churro), a really yummy spooky cone macaroon, cake pops, caramel apples, croissant donut (looks like a mummy), Mickey mummy macaroons (can you say delicious?), and so much more. This is not the time to think about calories. Just enjoy these delicious treats because they are only here through October 31.

Vampirina is at DCA to visit with guests. She’s a favorite among pre-schoolers who always want to give her a hug and visit with her. Her show on Disney Junior is popular and Vampirina has a loyal fan-base. Because she’s a little vampire, Halloween is a tailor-made holiday for this cutie.

What’s Halloween without the Haunted Mansion? This is the 25th anniversary of The Nightmare Before Christmas and the Haunted Mansion is once again decked out with all the characters and fun from that film. Jack Skellington and Zero are inside to greet visitors as well as a giant gingerbread house that this year is being overtaken by a five-foot spider with glowing eyes – 90 pounds of gingerbread, 30 pounds of confectioner’s sugar, 10 pounds of white chocolate, and 45 pounds of fondant went into creating this gigantic confectionary delight. The outside of the mansion is decorated as well as the inside, making the Haunted Mansion a special Halloween spot for every visitor to the park.

Main Street USA celebrates the season with a pumpkin festival and Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and the gang are all decked out in their Halloween costumes strolling around the park.

Don’t forget to pick up a Halloween Time food list when you enter the parks. They have the location of each special treat and a check off box so you can keep track of all the goodies you get.

There is much more holiday fun throughout the two parks. Sights, sounds, and smells greet guests at every turn. Nighttime brings more special times with Mickey’s Halloween Party (requires a separate ticket). But don’t wait. Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort only runs through October 31, 2018.

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 Hot Rock’ on Blu-ray from Twilight Time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Robert Redford and George Segal head up this 1972 heist film. The Hot Rock is part Ocean’s 11, part The Sting, and part Marx Brothers!

Redford is John Dortmunder, an ex-con who cannot stay away from the wrong side of the law. His brother-in-law Kelp (Segal) lines up a big heist and brings John into the plan. They are to steal a special diamond from the museum. To do this they need two more in their gang: Murch (Ron Leibman) and Greenberg (Paul Sand).

The interesting thing about this story is that the diamond is stolen near the beginning of the film. The remainder of the movie is about how they can get it back after it finds its way into several different locations. Zero Mostel is Greenberg’s father and attorney. But his parental feelings disappear when he learns of the diamond. Everyone is after this special rock, but where is it?

It’s a fun little film but by today’s standards it’s quite slow-moving. It’s also enjoyable to watch these legendary actors when they were very young. Redford just announced his retirement from the business.

With some hokey yet laughable scenes, The Hot Rock is a cute story that will leave viewers chuckling. Every member of the team does a great job. Leibman is laughable as the driver/helicopter pilot, and Sand is hysterical as the thief who swallows the diamond, then loses it in the police station. Yes, the police station.

Bad luck follows this team from the beginning, and after each incident of craziness, Dortmunder gets more and more adamant about finding the stone. While the others might want to give up, he wonders what bad thing will befall them around the next corner. Everything seems to go wrong for these guys. The tagline for the film, “How many times does it take to steal the same diamond?” says it all.

The Hot Rock was nominated for an Academy Award for “Best Film Editing”

The year he made this film, Redford also made The Candidate and Jeremiah Johnson. The next year he would come out with The Way We Were and The Sting.

The new Twilight Time Blu-ray includes a booklet about the film and the actors, and of course, the phrase “Afghanistan Bananistan” which I remember well! The Hot Rock is a cute caper film that involves caper after caper. It’s rated PG.

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