Author: Francine Brokaw

‘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

‘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.