Author: Francine Brokaw

‘The Affair’ Season 4 debunks the popular belief ‘Time is a great healer’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Alison (Ruth Wilson) and Noah (Dominic West) had an affair while married to Cole (Joshua Jackson) and Helen (Maura Tierney), respectively. Showtime’s Golden Globe-winning series The Affair is a fascinating study of the emotional and psychological effects of an affair that shatters two marriages and the crime that keeps the star-crossed quartet intertwined. In Season 3, after spending three years in prison for the crime he didn’t commit, Noah finally revealed his true identity with a question to his therapist, “Can a cheater be a great accomplished man at the same time?” What a narcissistic, insecure man-child he is!

The Affair Season 4, which returns Sunday, June 17, embodies the phrase “out of the frying pan into the fire.” The four characters are all involved in new relationships, yet it’s business as usual in the new normal. More than six years have passed and their unexamined past rear its ugly head. Helen doesn’t bend, accommodate, or meet halfway when it comes to co-parenting with Noah who followed the two younger children across the country. He was incarcerated to protect the mother of his children, but she just can’t forgive him for leaving her! How dare her ‘safe choice’ betray and abandon her!!! Never mind she lives very comfortably with Dr. Vic Ullah (Omar Metwally) in a beautiful house.

While Noah & Helen carry on their dumper-dumpee drama in sunny Los Angeles, Alison and Cole stay put in Montauk. Alison, still in a victim mentality, is the embodiment of insanity; she does the same thing over and over again and expects different outcomes. And she works as a peer-to-peer counselor!? Seriously? Haven’t you heard of a self-fulfilling prophecy? What I fear, I create? Cole might be the only one who is aware of his baggage he has brought into his marriage with Luisa (Catalina Sandino Moreno), but he just can’t let go of Alison. In other words, they haven’t learned a thing from the trials and tribulations of divorce and other trauma.

Divorce is not for the faint of heart, especially if kids are involved. There is no time to grieve or work on yourself, period. Although Helen sees a West Coast therapist and scans her body to read her feelings, healing/forgiveness/enlightenment might be the last thing on her mind. She claims that she has put the past behind her, but is in total denial of her own baggage and demons. The lifetime damage inflicted by our parents (Thanks, Mom & Dad!) and the absence of positive married role models usually do a number on us. So if you don’t take time to face the pain head-on and become aware of your emotional baggage you might be bringing into your next relationship, you are doomed to end up like the star-crossed quartet you see in Season 4.

“I learned from my parents’ mistakes, your mother learned from hers, just as you will learn from our mistakes. Until someone someday finally has a perfect childhood,” said Noah to Whitney (Julia Golden Telles), his oldest daughter. Really? It is more than likely that Whitney as well as her younger siblings will continue the dysfunctional legacy; the damage is already done until somebody decide to break the vicious cycle. Nobody will ever have a ‘perfect childhood.’ You’ve got to grow up, Noah! It’s what you do with the time that counts. Healing doesn’t just happen; you have to make it happen.

The Affair returns Sunday, June 17, on Showtime.

About the Author

Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of human drama worth watching. She is a member of Television Critics Association as well as Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

‘American Values: Lessons I Learned from My Family’ by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. – Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has penned an interesting and insightful memoir about his life and times, and his family and how their legacies have shaped the country and the world. There are plenty of personal memories recounted throughout the pages, but the book is a memoir of how his relationships and how his family have played a role in the world and how they have shaped his own life. “American Values: Lessons I Learned from My Family” is filled with history and facts that are new to most readers.

Kennedy breaks the book down into sections, each focusing on a specific person or time in history. He begins with his grandfather, Joseph P. Kennedy, the patriarch of the family, and then turns his focus to his grandmother, Rose Kennedy. He discusses his grandparents and their contributions to the family. Kennedy emphasizes his grandmother’s insistence on punctuality, cleanliness, and good manners – especially at the dinner table.

RFK Jr. is not only a Kennedy, but he is also part Skakel. His mother, Ethel Skakel Kennedy came from an influential and wealthy family. The Skakels were different from the Kennedys in that they did not have the regulations placed on them. They didn’t have a set dinnertime, and they were staunch republicans. So, when Ethel married into a democratic family, her family was surprised. She gradually took on the values of her husband. Theirs was a love that lasted through the decades, and even the five decades since his death.

Kennedy then tackles the subjects that we have come to expect from a Kennedy memoir: The White House years and the contributions of the president as well as his mistakes, growing up at his family’s farm known as Hickory Hill, his father’s tenure as Attorney General, and his father’s years as senator. The author had a front row seat to all of these and although he was young, he has a remarkable memory and adds his own reflections about these times.

Unlike most personal Kennedy memoirs, RFK Jr. tackles the subjects of both assassinations and describes what he and his family did during those horrific days. He explains how he found out his father had been shot and what he did – along with his siblings – on the subsequent days. It’s heartening to read his personal accounts of the tragedies that affected the country but even more so the family. While we think of the assassinations as American tragedies – which they were – we also have to remember the victims were also members of a large and loving family.

The author finishes with reflections about his mother and their turbulent relationship through the years. RFK Jr. was often in trouble with the law and confesses to being an alcoholic and drug user. He also confesses to the many times he and his mother clashed. But in the end, they have come to terms with their past and, according to the book, have a good relationship today.

There is no doubt the world would be a different place if either John or Robert had not been killed. As the author explains, President Kennedy had planned on removing all American forces from Vietnam as soon as possible after his reelection. He also wanted to normalize the relationship with Cuba, making the tiny island nation a friend and not a foe.

There are also several interesting facts brought out about the CIA and the assassinations. The author has had personal conversations with many influential people all around the world and weaves them into the pages as he paints a portrait of his life and times, in a very interesting and compelling way.

Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: Harper
ISBN-10: 0060848340
ISBN-13: 978-0060848347

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

‘Incredibles 2’ is filled with fun

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



In 2004 the world was introduced to an incredible family – the Incredibles. Actually, they are the Parr family. Audiences probably remember that Supers, aka Superheroes, have been outlawed and they are living regular lives, well, as regular as they can. Incredibles 2 begins about 30 seconds after the end of the first film and takes audiences on a fun adventure with the entire Parr family, especially little Jack-Jack. Actually, you could say Jack-Jack is the star of the show!

When approached by a tycoon who wants to bring back Superheroes and make them legal, Elastigirl, aka Helen Parr, is offered the first assignment. She is tasked with saving people from horrible fates so she can prove that Supers are necessary and worthwhile and should not be outlawed. But to take on this assignment Mr. Incredible, aka Bob Parr, must also take on a new role, that of stay-at-home dad. He feels confident he can handle the three kids with no problems. After all, how hard is it to get them fed, to the school bus on time, help them with their homework, take on the emotional upsets of a young girl’s first date, and look after a tiny baby?

“Bob isn’t a bad dad,” says producer Nicole Paradis Grindle. “He’s a little overconfident at first. He thinks, ‘I’m Mr. Incredible, I’ve got this.’ But I think any parent can relate to the idea that kids can wear you down. Add to that a toddler—they want what they want and they don’t like hearing ‘no.’ Jack-Jack is no different, except when he gets mad, he bursts into flames.”


That might sound difficult, but out in the world Helen comes up against a difficult villain. Her concentration is split between her job as Elastigirl and her role of mom. “This villain is different,” says producer John Walker. “Helen has her work cut out for her to stop a villain who can manipulate people from a distance. And if Helen fails, her mission to bring back Supers fails. A lot is at stake.”

As the audiences, and soon the Parr family, discovers, Jack-Jack isn’t your ordinary baby. He has powers – and not just one or two. He has a lot of powers. He’s a super baby.

Soon the entire Parr family finds themselves in the middle of a Super catastrophe.

Before the movie is the new short Bao. It’s a cute little film about a mom who is suffering from empty nest syndrome. Then, magically, one of her dumplings comes to life and she once again has a little guy to care for. But this little dumpling soon starts growing and eventually leaves the nest. No one stays young forever.

Incredibles 2 is a fun frolic through the lives of this incredible family. It’s filled with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. And, as stated earlier, little Jack-Jack steals the show, or at least every scene in which he is seen. What a cute – and scary – baby. And Violet and Dash have some great scenes as well.


If you love the visuals and the characters in the movie, “The Art of Incredibles 2” is a great book that takes you into the creation of the scenes and the characters. With a foreword by John Lasseter and an introduction by Brad Bird, readers get an inside look at the creation of the film.
The house the Parr family uses is a typical mid-century modern house with great open spaces and plenty of rocks and stone. Lasseter admits he grew up in a mid-century modern house and says the designs of them are “cool” to those of us today. Mid-century modern is “on trend” these days, so having the Parrs live in one of these beautiful homes is the perfect touch to the story.

Bird explains, “The core idea of Incredibles 2 – a role reversal between husband and wife superheroes Bob and Helen Parr – was one that I had a long time ago…” Many of today’s audiences can relate to this situation.

As readers flip through the pages of the book, there are countless images of the characters and the items used in the film even drawings of the cereal boxes enjoyed by the Parr family. When audiences see the scene in the film when the family goes to dinner at The Happy Platter, most of them will recognize the architecture as also being mid-century. Images of this place are part of the book.

The book highlights the creative genius that went into crafting this new film. As readers turn the pages there are new drawings and images that recreate the fun of the film.

“The Art of Incredibles 2” makes a great coffee table book and is always fun to flip through to see how these images became part of this great movie.

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

Enjoy ‘Girlfriends’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



The first season of this intoxicating and addicting British drama series is now available on DVD. Girlfriends stars Phyllis Logan, Miranda Richardson, and Zoe Wanamaker as best friends who manage to get into a lot of drama through each of the six episodes in this season. It’s like a train wreck of situations, each more dramatic than the others. And, like a train wreck, you can’t stop watching!

The season starts and ends on a cruise ship. In the opening episode Linda (Logan) and her husband are celebrating an anniversary. But soon her husband falls overboard leaving no trace and leaving Linda alone to cope with the tragedy.

Sue (Richardson) learns her business partner and ex, not to mention father of her son, is replacing her in their bridal magazine. It’s age discrimination, pure and simple.

And Gail (Wanamaker) is separating from her husband. She lives in her house with her mother who has dementia, her son who is out on probation, and his young son. To say she has her hands full is an understatement, but she doesn’t complain.

The three women see each other through all the ups and downs of life – together. Whether it’s propping one of them up when her husband dies, or encouraging one of them in a tough business decision, they have each other’s backs.

It’s nonstop drama as these “senior” women prove that youth isn’t always the best time in life. There’s something to be said for experience. Yet, those experiences add up to some pretty weird and often humorous situations. They are parents and grandparents, and they have arthritis, need glasses to read, and want to be appreciated. That’s the bottom line. It is the love and appreciation of each other that sees them through all their tragedies, and yes, adds to their triumphs.

These three amazing actors are not new to American viewers. Phyllis Logan was Mrs. Hughes in the popular PBS series Downton Abbey. Miranda Richardson was Clemmie Churchill in the film Churchill and Rita Skeeter in the film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, to name just a couple roles. And Zoe Wanamaker was Princess Marie in Mr. Selfridge.

Bonus features on the DVD include a behind the scenes look at the series and a featurette with the cast talking about their characters and the show.

Girlfriends is a fun British drama with plenty of meat and potatoes, or should I say shepherds pie and chips? It’s for adults only as the content is not child-friendly.

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

‘Incredibles 2’ Jack-Jack Attacks doll from Jakks Pacific

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

By now you probably know that baby Jack-Jack steals the movie Incredibles 2. This adorable little baby unleashes his super powers throughout the film.

Jakks Pacific has created a fun doll that not only looks cute and will ultimately be a child’s friend, but also has lights and sounds. Beware, this cutie shows off his super powers – in a less dangerous way than the one on screen.

Jack-Jack himself measures about 10 inches tall in a sitting position and 13 inches high when he’s standing. That’s not counting the little tuft of hair on top of his head. He’s not soft and plush because he is interactive! Press his tummy and hear him laugh. But when he gets angry, watch out. His head turns colors and his blue eyes light up, while crying. But once he is over his “tantrum” he chuckles and is back to normal.

Sometimes his head turns red and his eyes light up, accompanied by the “laser” sound. After all, this little kid has laser eyes that can cut through anything. That’s the Jack-Jack in the film. This doll just imitates that, so a child can use his or her imagination while playing with this little fellow.

Pressing his tummy elicits several reactions from the baby. When he sneezes (as he does in the film), his head lights up and he chuckles. Another time he can become almost electric, with buzzing sounds and flashing head.

Did you know Jack-Jack can teleport from one room to another? Imagine that. When his tummy is pressed and he “teleports” his head turns blue. Imagination is key when playing with this little guy.

And Jack-Jack comes with a raccoon “friend.” This hard- plastic raccoon is a little over five inches high with a fluffy tail. He’s ready to “play” with his on-screen nemesis, baby Jack-Jack.

It’s sweet when he says, “Mama.” His baby babble is also adorable.

When you first take this little guy out of the box, open the back of his red suit and turn him to the “I” mode. This is the interactive mode. Then press his tummy for his reactions. When you hold the button down, he really turns on all his super powers, so watch out.

When you see his smiling face, you cannot help but smile yourself. He’s adorable. He’ll definitely be a fun pal for kids throughout this summer and beyond.

Incredibles 2 Jack-Jack Attacks comes complete with lights and sounds and his raccoon pal and is intended for ages 3 and up. He comes with 3 AAA batteries.
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

Bring home (quack) ‘DuckTales Destination: Adventure!’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



All the quacky characters from the popular animated series DuckTales combine in this new DVD. DuckTales Destination: Adventure! includes six episodes as well as two bonus classic episodes. Huey, Dewey, Louie, Webbigail, and Scrooge and the gang find themselves in plenty of hot water in these adventurous episodes.

Whether it’s Webby looking for a girl friend to be buddies with and have the same connection as the three boys, or the whole gang getting mixed up with mummies, there are plenty of whacky and quacky things in store for these adventurous characters. They love exploring the world, although Duckburg is their home. But who can’t resist the lure of traveling and discovering other places? Certainly not this gang.

The episodes in this disc are: “The Beagle Birthday Massacre!,” “The Living Mummies of Toth-Ra!,” “The Impossible Summit of Mt. Neverest!,” “The Spear of Selene!,” “The Missing Links of Moonshire!,” and “Beware the B.U.D.D.Y. System!” The two classic bonus episodes are “New Gizmo-Kids on the Block” and “Ducky Mountain High.”

Whether you like the classic series or the new one, there is something here for fans of the duck family. With Webby adding a lot of excitement to the gang, and Scrooge McDuck leading explorations (without spending a lot of money), the three boys, and the rest of the characters, this is a fun disc filled with plenty of adventure and spirit, not to mention the escapades and often-dangerous antics of the young ones.

The original DuckTales TV series premiered in 1987 and ran until 1990. The characters have been beloved by generations so the new TV series was created in 2017 and is still going strong, giving youngsters a new look at the gang.

These fine-feathered friends and family provide plenty of fun viewing for your own family. With plenty of chuckles, a lot of exploits, and some adorable and loveable young ducklings, the DVD is filled with fun.

DuckTales Destination: Adventure! is rated TV-Y7.

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

‘Dietland’ is brutal, violent, disturbing, surreal and funny in a way

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Based on Sarai Walker’s novel, AMC’s new series Dietland was developed by none other than Marti Noxon, one of the TV’s top creators. Her shows are almost always realistic to a fault; she unflinchingly faces ugly truths of divorces (Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce), a dating reality show (UnReal), and the 60s society and culture (Mad Men).

Dietland follows Alicia ‘Plum’ Kettle (Joy Nash), a woman who bakes despite her weight issue and ghostwrites for the editor of “Daisy Chain,” a “Cosmopolitan” for younger girls. Kitty Montgomery (Julianna Margulies), the self-absorbed and venomous editor, is all about appearances and optics. Although Kitty claims she’s been there, done that, she figures it’s easier to benefit from Plum’s insight into the lost girls who seek Kitty’s wisdom. What wisdom? Kitty is one of those awful people who think that everything they do is magic!!!

Plum is utterly invisible to the world; she feels she’s contained within a 5-block radius of her apartment, cafe, and Waist Watchers’ meetings. However, her drab urban existence now sees a ray of hope. She believes that her life will start as soon as she gets her stomach stapled and fits into a sexy red dress.

While Plum is busy figuring out how to pay for the surgery, she is approached by Julia Smith (Tamara Tunie), manager of the Beauty Closet tucked away in Austen Media Building basement, and Verena Baptist (Robin Weigert), feminist & author of self-help book “Dietland.” Whether it’s an underground operation for female empowerment or a vigilante group (called or headed by mysterious Jennifer) against sexual predators, the chosen one will be groomed to tackle patriarchy, misogyny, rape culture, and unrealistic beauty standards. Maybe she doesn’t need to lose weight but the world needs to change for her to be loved and feel safe.

Plum even quotes Margaret Atwood: “Women are afraid that men will kill them. Men are afraid that women will laugh at them.” Hmm, I’m afraid of being homeless, but not being killed by men. The Jennifer routine of executing sexual predators and hurling their corpse in the name of justice, however, might be what men today anticipate the #MeToo movement to reach sooner or later.

Dietland reminds me of the disturbing worlds of Legion (FX). David Haller has his Shadow King while Plum has her own Daliesque figure popping up from time to time. Just like Legion, Dietland ricochets from drama to uncomfortable comedy to horror to satire to rom-com to revenge fantasy. It is neither a science fiction nor a Superhero fiction like Legion, yet its psychological thriller aspect makes it a hard watch! Stay away from these shows after dark if you’re a scaredy-cat like me.

Dietland premieres Monday, June 4, 2018 on AMC. Be prepared to be uncomfortable since Noxon admits that the show “is really demented.”

About the Author

Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of human drama worth watching. She is a member of Television Critics Association as well as Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

‘RFK: The Kennedy Family Remembers’ on History Channel

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


To honor the life of their father on the 50th anniversary of his assassination, Kathleen, Kerry, and Robert Kennedy, Jr. talk about their dad and his life and times. In RFK: The Kennedy Family Remembers, viewers get an inside look at the man who affected so many people, especially during the last year of his life.

Besides the three (of eleven) children of Robert and Ethel Kennedy, Kennedy insiders and historians also weigh in and discuss the evolution of RFK from the time he was Attorney General under the Kennedy Administration to his death. His fight for economic and racial justice, his depth of compassion, and his commitment to this country is front and center.

This film shows the evolution of the man. He had a great capacity for change, and that is exactly what he did and why he was beloved.

Looking briefly at the Cuban Missile Crisis, Apartheid in South Africa, Poverty in the American South, and the War in Vietnam, the film provides a good sketch of RFK during these critical times. It’s not an intricate documentary, yet it is a good representation of the ideals and the history that led RFK through the 1960s. He forged his own way after coming out of the shadow of his brother, and he was a beacon of hope for the country in a troubled time.

For those of us who were alive, it’s difficult to believe it has been 50 years since his death. In many ways it feels like just yesterday but when we look at the things that have happened since 1968, it seems like centuries ago. The death of Robert Kennedy was perhaps the most pivotal point in recent American history, even more so than the assassination of President Kennedy. With the death of RFK, the country turned a sharp corner and many people, including Robert Kennedy, Jr., say we are where we are today because of the assassination.

I have often been asked if I thought the world would be completely different had RFK not been assassinated. My answer is always, “Yes.” Even if he had not been elected president, he would have been a major factor. And had he become the president, the entire world would definitely be a different place in which to live.

“To tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world.” That is what we would have strived for. That is what he strived for.

RFK: The Kennedy Family Remembers premiers June 4, 2018 on History.

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