‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ on Blu-ray

Posted on September 10, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is the second film in the Jurassic World trilogy and is filled with excitement and heart pounding moments as Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) reunite for the sake of the dinosaurs.

When we left the Jurassic World, only dinosaurs inhabited the island because it became too dangerous for humans. Now the island is going to be blown away by a volcano and all the dinos will die. However there is a plan to capture as many species as possible and relocate them to another island, so Owen and Claire are enlisted to help in this endeavor. What they don’t know is that the real plan is not to save the dinos but to sell them.

Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) has cautioned the U.S. government about doing anything to save the animals. After all, they were meant to be extinct, so making them extinct once again is the right thing to do. But many people don’t agree and want to save them.

There are heart-pounding scenes with the dinosaurs and the volcano as the team gets to work capturing the dinos. The main dinosaur that is held with high esteem is Blue, the velociraptor that was raised by Owen.

There is, of course, a T-Rex, a funny dino called Stiggy, and a new creation known as the Indoraptor, which was created to be the ultimate weapon. While the team encounters these dinosaurs, they also must deal with evil people who can be just as destructive and dangerous as the dinos.

The Blu-ray combo pack includes many fun bonus features. There is a behind-the-scenes featurette with Bryce and Chris, where viewers see how they entertained each other while on set. There is a feature about returning to Hawaii where they filmed the other movies. The jungle there makes the perfect setting for the Jurassic era. There are several other behind-the-scenes featurettes and viewers also see how the scenes evolved from storyboards to live action. And, to make it more believable and fun, instead of using all CGI, the filmmakers created animatronic dinosaurs and puppets that were used on set. They were definitely more life-like for the cast and look realistic to the viewers. There is a featurette about Goldblum’s character who, as he reveals, was almost cut from the original film. He is now the “voice of reason” for the story. With clips from the other films in the series and some fun interviews, not to mention a funny song by cast member Justice Smith, the bonus features make this a great addition to the film.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom lays the groundwork for the final film in the trilogy which is scheduled to be released in 2021.

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.

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A digital age thriller asks ‘What would you do for love?’

Posted on September 6, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

Ever since a certain dating site scared me to death over a decade ago, I’ve been trying my best to keep a low profile. I do not wish to have any social media footprint and would like to erase digital trail as far as my personal life is concerned. Fat chance, so I’ve been told. Keeping personal data out of the hands of governments, corporations, and criminals is virtually impossible today. It’s absolutely terrifying to imagine my data being used against me in any shape or form. I wish I could turn back the clock when privacy was well and alive. Just when I have no choice to accept the disturbing reality of modern life comes Lifetime’s new romantic thriller, You.

Based on Caroline Kepnes’ novel of the same title, You explores “how men and women move through the world differently,” said Sera Gamble, who co-created this unsettling yet fascinating series with Greg Berlanti, Hollywood’s most prolific producer. It totally confirms my conviction that information is power and privacy is dead.

Joe Goldberg (Pen Badgley) meets Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail), aspiring writer/college student, when she walks into a bookstore he manages. Immediately we hear what’s going on in his head and this seemingly harmless guy decides that there is nothing he wouldn’t do to make her fall in love with him. Joe stalks Beck (who can blame her for not using her first name) online and off-line to collect information as his tools and ammunitions.

There are many obstacles in his way to winning her heart, but no problem! He weeds them out discreetly, strategically, and nonchalantly. He enjoys all the challenges, especially those thrown down at him by a fellow savior wannabe named Peach Salinger (Shay Mitchell), who claims to have Beck’s best interests at heart. Right! You know what they say; it takes one to know one.

Something tells me this ain’t his first rodeo and winning might be the key word since he is not ruffled by Beck’s one-night stands and transgressions. It’s a predator-prey relationship. Joe knows what he wants, but gradually finds out Beck, his current precious prey, is not what she claims to be. Her online version caters to NY’s highbrow society she desperately aspires to fit in and is vastly different from Beck in person, who is not at all comfortable in her own skin.

You asks what would you do for love? Sure, I’ve always wanted to know the inner workings of a psychopath, but Joe’s internal mental processes and justification for his offenses ‘in the name of love’ are downright chilling. I do not envy any of you having to navigate dating in the digital age. Thanks to all the growth-at-all-costs Internet giants, we’re all more alone than ever in and out of cyberspace. It’s too late to put all the evils and miseries of the world back into Pandora’s box, isn’t it?

You premieres Sunday, September 9, 2018 on Lifetime.

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.

‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Sing-Along Edition

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

Every year families gather together at the holiday time to watch Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. The new Blu-ray + Digital Code Sing-Along Edition is a fun way to update your home entertainment library at this special time of year.

This is the 25th anniversary of this strange and macabre fairy tale. Jack Skellington and his dog Zero have become favorite characters and Imagineers at The Haunted Mansion in the Disney parks have embraced them and the film, reimaging the popular attraction for the holiday season. Jack and the story are part of the mansion for Halloween and Christmas time.

Jack is the Pumpkin King in Halloween Town, however Jack is bored scaring people of the “real world.” He ventures out and is swept into a new place – Christmas Town and, well, nothing is the same for them and for fans of the film. Christmas Town is bright and colorful and he feels cheery himself. This is where he belongs, he thinks. So what does he do? Jack Skellington decides to kidnap Santa Clause and take over. But things don’t go according to plan.

Zero, Sally and the rest of Halloween Town are drawn into Jack’s scheme, but they manage to mess things up. Thus, the nightmare begins. Can Christmas be saved? With a mash-up of Halloween and Christmas, things are kind of whacky.

The new edition includes several Sing-Alongs, which are fun to watch and sing along with the scenes as the lyrics are displayed on the screen. There is also a feature on reimagining The Haunted Mansion to embrace the style and fun of the film. There are deleted scenes and an interesting “making of” feature as well. This edition has two ways of viewing the film: with the sing-along lyrics or the original theatrical version.

The combination of Disney and Tim Burton mesh well for the viewers. With songs by Danny Elfman and cute characters, this often macabre yet fun and imaginative film is an annual viewing experience for fans. It’s a clever, witty, and fun.

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is rated PG for some scary images.

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Vivofit Jr. 2 from Garmin

Posted on September 5, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

Just when we thought Smart Phones were taking up too much of our kids’ time, Garmin changes the game. Now your Smart Phone can be helpful with their APP and the new Vivofit Jr. 2. This tracker is on a comfortable adjustable band that comes in a variety of colors and characters and will motivate kids to stay active, do their chores, and achieve goals, while letting parents know how much sleep their child is getting, their activities, and if they are doing their chores.

The Vivofit Jr. 2 is more than a fitness tracker. There is Disney magic inside every band. It’s customizable and parents can adjust the items as needed, via their Smart Phone.

The Disney Princess band is available in two colors: pink and purple. After they reach their activity goals, there are fun adventures to explore with the Disney princesses on a Smart Phone or tablet. They will help Rapunzel and Flynn escape from Mother Gothel, explore the Cave of Wonders with Jasmine, and other fun things. By achieving the goals, they open up more stories and adventures.

Besides activities, parents can set up their App for homework time, brushing teeth, and other responsibilities. And they will be able to design their own rewards for their kids. By achieving their goals, kids earn coins and parents can decide for themselves how many coins must be earned for a special dessert, a trip to the zoo, or any other reward.

The unit is also water friendly, so kids can wear it in the pool or the bathtub. Besides keeping track of time for responsibilities and sleep, the unit tracks steps and activities. It’s recommended that children get at least 60 minutes of activity every day. This unit will not only encourage kids to move but also let parents know if their kids are keeping active or sitting on the couch watching TV or playing video games.

With interactive games and challenges, kids will want to keep busy and keep moving to unlock more fun.

The Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2 comes in the two Disney Princess designs as well as Minnie Mouse, Star Wars and Marvel Avengers with stretchy and adjustable bands. Boys and girls can use it to connect with their friends who also have the App and challenge them to activities.

The unit connects to a Smart Phone via Bluetooth and comes with a one-year battery that can be replaced when needed. It’s recommended for ages 4 and up.

I tested this for a day. It was comfortable and easy to use.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books,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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‘Between Land and Sea’ on DVD

Posted on September 4, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

When you think of a surfing town you probably think of Malibu or Huntington Beach. But have you ever thought of Ireland? Between Land and Sea is a documentary that examines some of the inhabitants as they survive through the year in Lahinch in County Clare.

Lahinch is known for big waves and for the surfing culture. This quiet town is the home of several famous big wave surfers. But what do they do for the 12 months in a year to make ends meet? They are retired from competition and now raising families. They teach surfing in the summer months but must maintain their homes and families the rest of the year.

The town of Lahinch has become a surfing destination for many Europeans, providing spectacular waves with the backdrop of the Cliffs of Moher. These waves can get up to 20 feet high.

The scenery in the film is spectacular however the stories of the men and families are a wake-up call. The men know they are getting up there in age (if you consider 40 “up there”) and they are raising families. They are not longer the carefree surfers they were in their prime. Although they reflect back on their great surfing days, they realize they have new lives now, and with Lahinch making a name for itself as a surfing destination, this is a great place for them to settle.

Move over Malibu, Lahinch is another surfing town!

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‘Scooby-Doo! And the Gourmet Ghost’ DVD GIVEAWAY

Posted on August 23, 2018September 28, 2018 by Francine Brokaw

In Scooby-Doo! And the Gourmet Ghost, the Mystery Inc. gang visits Rocky Harbor Culinary Resort, a new cooking retreat located in New Port Cove, Rhode Island. It’s a food lover’s destination, where visitors can learn to prepare meals like master chefs. As Scooby-Doo and his pals arrive to the resort, they are met by Fred’s uncle Bobby, who happens to be the world-famous chef and restauranteur Bobby Flay.

The bonus episodes on the DVD are:

What’s New, Scooby-Doo? “Recipe for Disaster” — Shaggy wins a tour of the Scooby Snacks factory, where a sludge monster is on the loose.

A Pup Named Scooby-Doo, “Wanted: Cheddar Alive” — A “cheese monster” frightens away all the workers at the Scooby Snack factory, so no more Scooby Snacks can be made. But without a Scooby Snack, Scooby won’t pursue the monster. The kids convince Scooby to help unmask the bad guy and reopen the factory.

Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, “The Devouring” — Dr. Rick Spartan returns to Crystal Cove to stop a gluttonous monster who is devouring people whole.

We have some DVDs to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of Scooby Doo! And the Gourmet Ghost, email us at [email protected] with “Scooby Doo 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 September 7, 2018.

‘Never so Few’ on Blu-ray

Posted on August 23, 2018 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.

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‘Operation Finale’ revisits the capture of Eichmann

Posted on August 22, 2018 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.

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Farewell to ‘Sofia the First’

Posted on August 22, 2018 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.

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‘Pandas’ documentary on IMAX

Posted on August 16, 2018 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.

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