Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Hope Springs’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Hope Springsis a 2003 romantic comedy starring Colin Firth, Heather Graham, Minnie Driver, Oliver Platt, and Mary Steenburgen. Firth is Colin Ware, an artist who has just been dumped by his fiancée Vera (Driver). So, what does someone do in that situation? If you’re Ware you travel from London to Hope, Vermont, a quaint New England town where he hopes to get his life back on track. And just how did he decide to go to Hope? Well, he liked the name.

Ware takes refuge in the local motel where he finds more than just a room. The innkeeper (Steenburgen) sends her friend Mandy (Graham) over to his room to help him get over his heartbreak. Mandy is a therapist, of sorts. She works at the Shining Shores nursing home.

Ware and Mandy hit it off from the start and soon they’re dating and are the town’s hot couple. But when Vera shows up and wants him back, things get a bit dicey. She has every intention of waiting for him to go back to London, but Mandy is just as determined, although a bit jealous of their past.

Nothing is a secret in this little town. Gossip runs rampant but these people are loyal to the core. And Ware becomes part of their town, so they are loyal to him as well. The whole town is rooting for Ware and Mandy, but Vera has some tricks up her sleeve.

The movie was filmed in British Colombia, not Vermont. It is based on a novel (New Cardiff) by Charles Webb, the author of “The Graduate.” He knows about small towns. The Graduatelooked at Pasadena, and Hope Springslooks at a small New England town. Small towns seem to be his forte.

The bonus feature on the Blu-ray is a “making of” where viewers go behind the scenes with the cast, crew, and filmmakers to discover their feelings about the story and the film.

Hope Springsis a fun, quirky film. The characters are eccentric and even though he is unusual, Ware is a fun character. The movie isn’t the best romantic comedy but if you’re a fan of Firth you will probably enjoy it.

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

‘Christopher Robin’ and friends

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Christopher Robin is the highly anticipated film that is sure to be a hit with the entire family. This is indeed a multi-generational movie.

Ewan McGregor is Christopher Robin, having grown up, left the old cottage, and now lives in London with his wife (Hayley Atwell) and daughter. The thing is, Christopher Robin has lost all the joy in life. He works all the time and neglects his daughter Madeline (Bronte Carmichael). His only focus is his job.

When Winnie the Pooh steps through the door in the Hundred Acre Wood, he ends up in London and lo and behold, he immediately comes face to face with his old buddy, Christopher Robin. This can’t be true, can it? Robin thinks he has lost his mind. But soon enough he realizes his old friend is there and he must return him to the Hundred Acre Wood.

Once reunited with all his childhood friends, Christopher Robin slowly rediscovers the joy of the little things in life, and the fun that can be had all around.

For those of us who have loved all the gang from the Hundred Acre Wood all our lives, this is a fun adventure back to the joy of Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, Tigger, and the others.

In a way, the storyline is similar to Mary Poppins. Both films have over-worked fathers who often neglect their children. And both fathers have forgotten how to have fun, let go of stress, enjoy just being, and have a silly old time.

With the gang back together, Christopher Robin realizes what is most important in his life. His family must come first and thanks to Pooh and the gang, when audiences leave the theaters they will be smiling.

Christopher Robin is a totally enjoyable film, although at times as an audience member you might want to smack CR and make him realize what he’s missing. But no need, Pooh and the gang take care of that. Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger (along with Kanga, Roo, and Owl) are irresistible. They continue to delight and bring happiness to audiences with their own, funny and quirky methods. They never change, and that’s a good thing.

Christopher Robin is rated PG for some action. It is a nice way to spend a summer day with your own family. It opens August 3, 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 Boxcar Children: Surprise Island’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island is a fun story of family and adventure. When their grandfather tells them they own a private island and the four children can spend their summer on that island if they want, well, what would you do? Of course these four delightful kids welcome the opportunity to explore and enjoy all the island has to offer. Don’t worry. They are not completely alone on the island. There is the captain of the boat that lives on the island and his new assistant, Joe.

The kids enjoy digging for clams, gathering shells, fishing, and swimming while the summer glides by. They also rely a little on their new friend Joe. But there is something suspicious about Joe. He knows a lot about a lot of things and is eager to help the kids any way he can. Yes, there is a mystery about this young man but the truth isn’t revealed until the end of the summer.

There are three bonus features on the DVD. The first looks at the making of the film and viewers learn about the author who began the series. She originally wrote the first book to help immigrant children learn the language and included what she thought were the 100 most important words for them to know. The second bonus looks at the music in the film, which the filmmakers wanted to be “dream-like” to reflect the pace of the island. The third feature looks at the folly work, which is how all the sounds in the film are created. Each of these three features is interesting and helps viewers learn more about the movie and making the movie. Also included in the DVD box is a bookmark. Remember, the original author of the book series, Gertrude Chandler Warner, wanted kids to read, so this bookmark is a great incentive.

Gertrude Chandler Warner penned the first book in the series, “The Boxcar Children” in 1924. Since then over 70 million books in the series have been sold. There are 150 books about these four children: Violet (voiced by Talitha Bateman), Jessie (Joey King), Benny (Carter Sand), and Henry (Griffin Gluck). The second book, “Surprise Island” was published in 1949 and is now an animated feature film, with Martin Sheen voicing James Alden, J.K. Simmons voicing Dr. Moore, and Dane DeHaan voicing John Joseph Alden. The first film came out four years ago.

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 Boxcar Children: Surprise Island’ DVD GIVEAWAY

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


THE BOXCAR CHILDREN – SURPRISE ISLAND follows the adventures of the orphaned Boxcar Children as they spend an entire summer living on their Grandfather’s small, nearly uninhabited island. There they meet Joe, who is friendly and helpful, and inexplicably living on their island. Does their new friend have a secret?

We have some DVDs to GIVEAWAY. To be eligible to win a copy of The Boxcar Children: Surprise Island, email us at [email protected] with “Boxcar Children Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).
The deadline for this giveaway is August 10, 2018.

‘Hooked on Hollywood: Discoveries from a Lifetime of Film Fandom’ by Leonard Maltin – Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Film expert aficionado Leonard Maltin’s newest book, Hooked on Hollywood: Discoveries from a Lifetime of Film Fandom, is filled with facts and interesting stories from the movies. Maltin has been studying and covering Hollywood since his days as a teen. This man has spent his life immersed in film and actors. He’s the “go to” man when you want to know anything about the history of Hollywood.

Learning about his beginning in the business is interesting. He knew from a very young age that he wanted to be part of the movie industry. Covering Hollywood was his destiny. He began interviewing celebs as a teenager. His heart was with the movies.

The book contains backstage info on many different “oldies.” Maltin has taken different aspects of the industry and dissected them. For instance, when you think of the music in Casablanca, what comes to mind? Well, of course the song, “As Time Goes By.” But what you might not remember are the background songs that weave their way through the classic film.

And when TV came on the scene it revitalized the careers of many of the old time actors. Television was the place where many people were introduced to the silent films and silent film stars. TV provided a format for the old films and a place where the old stars could get a second fan base.

What I found most interesting were his Q&A sections. Instead of writing editorial about his interviews, Maltin published the interview sessions with direct questions and answers. This format is not always an interesting read for many of us, however in this instance it is brilliant. Readers learn so much from reading exactly what the actors had to say about their careers and lives in Hollywood. It’s more enlightening in this format than had Maltin simply written about the interviews. And readers also get a flavor of the interviewees this way.

The final section is dedicated to RKO, the old studio that turned out plenty of magnificent films. The defunct studio was part of the “Golden Age” of Hollywood, yet today’s generation has no idea about the studio, the films, the actors associated with the studio and the impact it had on the movie industry.

There’s no doubt this book is a “must read” for anyone interested in the history of Hollywood, the movies, and the industry. Maltin is one of the preeminent experts and his latest book will not only educate but also entertain readers who are interested in the old days of the movie industry. There are plenty of intriguing little factoids from cover to cover.

Hooked on Hollywood: Discoveries from a Lifetime of Film Fandom
Author: Leonard Maltin
Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Paladin Communications (July 2, 2018)
ISBN-10: 0998376396
ISBN-13: 978-0998376394

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about books and entertainment, 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

Warner Archive Collection’s ‘The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Warner Archive brings this 1972 film to Blu-ray. The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean is a farcical story starring ol’ blue eyes. No, not the singing one (Sinatra), but the acting one… Paul Newman!

Newman is a former outlaw in the old west. Roy Bean is a wanted man, but due to circumstances, he ends up in a little “town” and decides to turn things around. He reads the Texas law book and proclaims himself the law of the town. He’s the judge – and jury. Everyone gets hanged.

When an outlaw gang rides into town, they become part of his plan and are deputized. The men split the wealth of the “bad guys” and soon the town is thriving. The prostitutes are now upstanding women whom, I might add, are married to the deputies. Bean’s brand of law has made this little town into a law-abiding place rich with people and profits.

The film has an impressive cast of supporting actors. Anthony Perkins, Ned Beatty, Steve Kanaly, Tab Hunter, John Huston, Stacy Keach, Roddy McDowall, Jacqueline Bisset, and Ava Gardner. The movie introduced Victoria Principal as a young Mexican woman, Maria Elena, who is attracted to Bean and later, vice versa.

Principal was nominated for a Golden Globe for “Most Promising Newcomer – Female” and was soon starring in the hit TV drama Dallas (1978-1987). The movie itself was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, -“Marmalade, Molasses & Honey” – which was sung in the movie by Andy Williams.

The movie is a farcical story with strange characters and, let’s face it, a strange story in itself. It is a fun role for Newman, however it’s not a laugh-out-loud film. It received mixed reviews.

Bean’s brand of justice might be well received by many folks in today’s world. If you do something wrong you get severely punished. Public hangings, the punishment, might be a little too old school today, but it sure got people thinking back in those days!

The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean on Blu-ray is from the Warner Archive Collection. It 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 20 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

Clips from ‘DreamWorks The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants’ Now Streaming On Netflix!

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Get your pranks and whoopie cushions ready because DreamWorks The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants is now streaming on Netflix!

The series provides an entire new experience with new storylines, crazier adventures, wilder pranks and never-seen-before villains. To celebrate this exciting premiere, we have three new clips to share (with additional links and materials below) that highlight our two best friends, George Beard and Harold Hutchins, who continue to share a love of comic books and practical jokes – and a strong dislike for their cranky, fun-hating school principal, Mr. Krupp.

In the hilarious new series, each 22-minute episode is divided into short “chapters.” Along with a seemingly unstoppable villain, each stand-alone adventure contains an original comic created by George and Harold. Check out some fun clips:

Disney Eats expands with a second wave of products

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The popular kitchen line of products from Disney, Disney Eats, expands with new products for kids and adults. The line was designed to bring families together. After all, a good part of our lives is spent in the kitchen. With items that encourage kids to help out and enjoy being with mom and/or dad while cooking, the products are colorful and filled with the fun of Disney.

There are new Mickey items, including a spoon rest, spatulas, a fun timer, and more. And there are some princess items just hitting the shelves.

For your princess, the newest Flatware Set includes a fork and spoon. They are made of stainless steel with plastic handles. The fork handle is adorned with a pink heart and the spoon with a purple heart. They come in a see-through case and are dishwasher safe.

Another new princess item is the Food Cutter Set. This set includes a large castle shape cutter to create royal sandwiches. There is also a smaller shell-shaped cutter for Ariel fans, as well as a shoe-shaped cutter to remind everyone of Cinderella. Kids will enjoy cutting out food in these magical shapes, and, well, doesn’t food taste better when it is shaped into something fun? Cut out watermelon, cantaloupe, or anything else you can think of to shape them into fun and delicious food. The blades are made of stainless steel and the tops are colorful plastic.

Another great new princess product is a Silicone Food Storage Container. This fits into a lunchbox for easy toting to school. Yes, school is right around the corner. The container comes with a spork, which has a plastic spoon on one end and a fork on the other. The utensil has it’s own plastic container that snaps into the storage container. The storage container expands to fill and then collapses for easy storage. The lid snaps on and is adorned with the phrase “Listen to your Heart” as well as images of Merida, Snow White, and Rapunzel. This purple and pink container is also a fun, whimsical item for adults to use to take their own lunch or snack to the office, the gym, or the park. It is dishwasher safe.

All of these new items, as well as the popular older items are available at the shopDisney website and in Disney stores.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about 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

Play Disney Parks App

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The new Play Disney Parks App (downloadable free from the App store and Google Play) is an app whose time has come! It makes exploring and enjoying Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort even more fun, if you can believe that. One app works in both Orlando and Anaheim.

So, what exactly is the Play Disney Parks App? It was designed to bring families and friends even closer while enjoying the theme parks. Let’s face it, waiting in lines (queues) is what we all endure when we go to Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and any of the parks in Walt Disney World. If you look at people in the parks, many of them are standing with their heads down staring at their phones. Well, as long as they are doing this, they might as well incorporate their smart phone with the attraction and share the experience with family and friends.

The mobile app has several modes of play, and some can be played at home too. However, while you are in Disneyland and waiting for the Peter Pan’s Flight attraction, why not play together? Before you even get to the building, there are plenty of fun Q&A games to play. Only one smart phone is needed. The questions are asked to individuals in your party. 2-5 players can play on one phone. Then, when you get to the building part of the queue, there are hidden items to locate and check off on the app. And when you get to the magical lantern, the app will show your party a little magic.

There are several attractions already connected with the app, however if you’re waiting in line for an attraction that doesn’t yet have a special connection, there are some trivia games that will challenge everyone, from young to old.

Another aspect of the app is the Apple Music feature. You can listen to Walt Disney’s Disneyland opening remarks at the location where they were said. And there is plenty of Disney music to play throughout the parks and at home.

Guests ages 13 and older (with a Disney account) can earn achievements while playing with the app.

As Jonathan Ackley, Executive Creative Director Imagineering and Creator of Play Disney Parks, said, it “turns wait time into play time.” The more you explore and play, the more magic there is to encounter.

The technology is being incorporated into the Star Wars Galaxy Edge lands while they are being built in Florida and California. Currently in Anaheim the attractions that have already been specifically associated with the app are Space Mountain, Toy Story Mania, and Peter Pan’s Flight, with more to come.

The Play Disney Parks App provides an immersive experience beyond what the parks already offer. With interactivity and engagement, families and friends spend their time together, while being “together.” This is a multi-generational experience and one sure to add to the fun of Disney Parks.

On a personal note: I played this while waiting for the Peter Pan attraction. It turned the 30-minute wait time into a lot of fun. How’s that for Disney magic?

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about 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

‘The Essential James Garner’ Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Authors Stephen H. Ryan and Paul J. Ryan have compiled the quintessential book about the career of actor James Garner. Garner was equally successful in television and films and his career spanned over five decades. The Essential James Garner is a book that encompasses his entire career.

Garner was just as impressive in a Western as he was in a romantic comedy. The book covers his entire career as one of America’s most beloved actors.

This is mainly a go-to book for stats and info about Garner’s roles and shows. The authors have put together a history book of Garner’s life in show business.

Each chapter is dedicated to a specific title and gives complete production information about that show. Beyond that, the authors have written summaries of each show as well as information about the productions. They also include reviews given to each title. And finally, they have included their own commentaries about the shows, Garner’s characters, his experiences, and how the shows relate to his other titles.

On a personal note, my interview with Mr. Garner was probably the most impressive interview I have ever conducted. He had been a favorite of mine through the years and he was open and honest during the interview. He was eager to answer every question. To say he was fascinating is an understatement. My short time with James Garner will always remain among the highlights of my career.

The Essential James Garner is not a book that you can sit down and read from cover to cover. It is more of an encyclopedia of his career, with plenty of information and some great photos.

Whether you think about him as Bret Maverick or as Doris Day’s husband in two iconic romantic comedies (Move Over, Darling and The Thrill of it All), or as the scrounger Hendley in The Great Escape, or the race car driver in Grand Prix, or as Jim Rockford, James Garner left a lasting legacy for his fans and for a new generation. He had some fabulous costars – Julie Andrews, Eva Marie Saint, Sally Field, Jack Lemmon, Clint Eastwood, and so many more. James Garner shines brightly in the annals of Hollywood history.

His recognizable voice provided plenty of animated characters with life and his easy-going attitude was infused in his on-screen characters.

This book is a must-have for fans of Mr. James Garner.

The Essential James Garner
Authors: Stephen H. Ryan and Paul J. Ryan
Hardcover: 302 pages
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (June 7, 2018)
ISBN-10: 144227820X
ISBN-13: 978-1442278202

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about entertainment, 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