Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story’ unveils a feminist way ahead of her time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Can you name some Old Hollywood Glamour? My picks would be Hedy Lamarr, Ingrid Bergman, Vivien Leigh, and Grace Kelly. I’ve seen Bergman, Leigh, and Kelly in action, but I’ve never seen Lamarr’s works. According to PBS’ American Masters – Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story, Lamarr never had her Casablanca, and surprise, surprise, Leigh was one of Hedy Lamarr wannabes!

Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story is literally a bombshell of fascinating eye-openers. You’ll be shell shocked at one alluring tidbit after another. Who would have thought? Hedy Lamarr (1914 – 2000) is the Hidden Figure behind secure WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth technologies, yet she never publicly talked about her acute interest in inventing a wide range of things from compressed Coke cube (although she admitted this attempt was ‘one of my boo-boos’) to revolutionary frequency hopping. What makes this documentary so intimate and endearing is that Lamarr herself gets to tell her untold story thanks to journalist Fleming Meeks who kept his phone interview tapes for 25 years.

The show opens with her quote: “Any girl can look glamourous. All she has to do is stand still and look stupid.” Lamarr’s astute observation embodies not only Hollywood but also the universal culture toward women. She desperately wanted to make her mark, but did not get the R-E-S-P-E-C-T she craved as someone who contributed to the wellbeing of humankind. Instead of accepting her secure communications system, the Navy told her to sell kisses for war bonds. MGM Studios used Lamarr as a money-making distraction for the troops. How humiliating and demeaning that must have been! We’ve been there more or less, haven’t we, ladies? But we’re talking about the most recognizable face of her time being ‘handled’ and never seen for who she was.

I don’t think I’m reading too much into her remarks; I certainly detected disappointment and resigned sadness in her voice. The saving grace of this documentary is that Lamarr seemed to have come to grips and made her peace with the grim reality of the patriarchal society. Dim our lights. Dumb ourselves down, way down. We don’t want to be labeled as ‘difficult,’ do we now?

They say “beauty knocks many doors.” Lamarr innocently walked into the first door that opened wide for her, but the Studio System did not appreciate her ‘being herself.’ She had too many faces to fit the traditional Hollywood Glamour mold. So she jiggled many more doors, but unfortunately her stunning beauty held her back in the doorways. Lamarr was a trailblazer for feminism; ingenious inventor and fiercely independent problem solver who refused to be just a pretty face. I wish I could tell her things have changed, but regrettably not much.

PBS’ American Masters – Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story premieres on Friday, May 18, 2018.

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.

The Incredibles for your incredible family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

If you haven’t heard that there is a sequel to The Incredibles (2004) coming out this summer, you have been living under a rock. The crime-fighting family returns for Incredibles 2, an all new adventure and yes, baby Jack-Jack is front and center. ShopDisney and the Disney Stores have some great products with all the characters and many pieces of clothing to make your entire family an incredible family.

The line of T-shirts is a great way to dress up your entire family – or just one person – even if you don’t have super powers. You can wear the Incredibles Logo or a design for each character. Plus, there are plenty of baby onsies and bodysuits so your own little bundle of joy and turn into an incredibly adorable super baby.


And speaking of super baby, Jack-Jack has been adored by all since he first appeared in the original movie. The small plush is sure to be adored by the kids in your family. He is dressed in his red suit and wears his black mask. The tuft of hair on top of his head is soft and fluffy. I have no doubt this little fellow will be spending a lot of nights under the covers with plenty of little kids this summer. His smile will put a smile on anyone’s face.

And for even more Jack-Jack fun, the Jack-Jack Fightin’ Fun Light-Up Talking Plush will make everyone laugh right along with this little guy. His eyes light up and he laughs and jabbers as he shuffles along. This is really an adorable toy. He is dressed in his red suit, dons his black mask, and wears his raccoon slippers. So darn cute! And that laugh is infectious!


This Halloween – yes it’s a little while away but… – the family can dress as the Incredibles. There are costumes for everyone.

Children might make their beds if they have an Incredibles comforter. This depicts all the characters and comes in Twin size. There are also Incredibles sheets as well. With Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack, nighttime will be an incredible experience. (yes, pun intended) And with pajamas for the entire family, everyone will be able to have an incredibly good night’s sleep.

For the entire selection of Incredibles merchandise, go to the ShopDisney website.

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

ShopDisney adds a new element to the Lilo micro play set

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The popular Animators’ Collection from ShopDisney has been around for a little while. They are miniature homes for the characters in the line. So far they have offered a micro play set for Ariel (underwater castle), Tinker Bell (woodland home), Belle (cottage), Snow White (cottage), the Frozen sisters (castle), and now Lilo’s house. Every set includes several characters and accessories that all fit into the portable homes and each set includes a surprise figure.

The new Lilo Surprise Feature Playset has all of these and more. Yes, there is still a surprise item included in the set, along with Lilo, Stitch, Scrump, a wagon, record player, and Lilo’s bed. But wait. There is a new surprise. Stitch activates the front door, which swings open when he sits on a specific location. And when he sits on another location the house lights up. And the third location starts “The Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” song. The batteries are included and when they run down it’s easy to replace them through the little hidden door on the bottom of the house.

Lilo’s house is colorful and portable. When the back is opened, it turns into a little playhouse for the micro dolls. There is a surfboard inside however it’s not moveable. It is attached to the wall.

The only way to activate the music, light, and door is by placing Stitch on the Plumeria flower designs on the floor. Your finger won’t do it, nor will anything else. Stitch is the only one who can activate the special features. What else would you expect from Experiment 626?

Lilo’s playset, along with the others in the line, are great for traveling. They’re compact and every one has a little handle for tiny hands to hold while carrying to the car, a play date, or grandma’s house. The electronic features make this a special set and hopefully there will be more electronic play sets coming down the road. They are just an added element to these already fun sets.

Because the characters and accessories are small, these play sets are for ages 3+.

Those clever folks at ShopDisney have once again outdone themselves with the added elements in this playset.

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

‘Les Girls’ on Blu-ray from Warner Archive Collection

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Les Girls is a fun film with plenty of musical numbers and Gene Kelly’s delightful dancing. This 1957 film was the final movie for composer Cole Porter, and it was the final MGM musical for Kelly.

Mitzi Gaynor (Joy), Kay Kendall (Sybil), and Taina Elg (Angele) co-star with Kelly as a musical act in Europe. The film retells their story from the testimonies of Sybil and Angele, while in court years later for a libel suit. The problem is that both women remember their situation completely differently.

With an American woman, a French woman, and an English woman in the act with Barry Nichols (Kelly), he has his hands full. But the three women get along very well. Actually, they got along well when they were an act, however once the act split up, well, let’s just say that they didn’t see eye to eye.

There are musical numbers highlighting each of the cast as the story follows the first year of their new show, and viewers see the different interpretations by the characters as they are told in court years later. So, who is telling the truth and exactly what happened to the act? That is what the final scene is for, not for me to spoil it for you.

The bonus feature is very informative. Elg discusses the casting of the film and making the movie. She also discloses little known secrets and tidbits about the cast, including the fact that at the time of the production Gene Kelly was going through a painful divorce.

Les Girls won an Academy Award for “Best Costume Design” (Orry-Kelly), and was nominated for several other awards and accrued three Golden Globes (Best Motion Picture/Musical or Comedy and Best Actress/Musical or Comedy was a tie with Kendall and Elg).

Les Girls is a fun movie with a delightful cast. The songs, however, are not memorable as in most of the previous Cole Porter films.

Les Girls is part of the Warner Archive Collection and can be purchased at their website or online retailers where DVDs and Blu-rays® are sold.

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

‘Tully’ – Motherhood is a tough job

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


In the new movie Tully, Charlize Theron is front and center in this story of motherhood. No one said it was going to be easy, but it is rewarding.

Theron is Marlo, a mother of two with a third coming any day. Let’s face it, the final days of pregnancy are rife with frustrations and uncomfortable feelings. But when the baby arrives, the tide turns. No longer is there a new baby on the way…it’s here! And now Marlo is the mother of three – a daughter, a challenging son, and a new baby girl. Her husband Drew (Ron Livingston) is caring but not hands-on, which would be a big help. Taking care of one child is hard enough, but three is, well, it could send someone over the edge. Even Marie Osmond and Brooke Shields have come out publicly about their experiences with post partum depression. While Marlo isn’t displaying these symptoms, she is suffering from exhaustion and being over worked. Motherhood is a tough job.

Enter Tully (Mackenzie Davis), a night nanny who arrives in the evenings and takes care of the baby and the house, thereby giving Marlo time for much-needed sleep. Tully takes over and adds the inspiration Marlo desperately needs. She is encouraging and honest. She also has a sixth sense of what Marlo is going through, what she needs, and how to help make her life easier. We could all use a Tully.

Parenthood, especially motherhood, doesn’t come with a manual. New mothers should be celebrated. They have a tough job. But while taking care of their children, they have to learn to take care of themselves. Asking for help is not a bad thing. On the contrary, it shows that you will do whatever it takes to care for your family, which also means caring for yourself. After all, if you are not taking care of yourself and running at your best, then you can’t do a good job being a mom. It is all interconnected, which is exactly what Marlo discovers.
This is a cute yet sensitive story celebrating the trials and tribulations of motherhood. Congratulations, moms of the world. You have a thankless, challenging, rewarding, and most difficult job.

Theron, Livingston, and Davis came to the special screening to introduce the film. Theron, who is a mom, said she is “absolutely in love with the film.” She said the film is about all of the things moms go through. She acknowledged being a parent is hard but also great!

Tully is rated R for language and some sexuality/nudity. It opens May 4, 2018.

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

‘The Seagull’ takes Chekhov’s play from the stage to the screen

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Anton Chekov’s beloved play The Seagull is now a motion picture with an amazing cast. Annette Bening, Saoirse Ronan, Corey Stoll, Billy Howle, Elisabeth Moss, Mare Winningham, Brian Dennehy, Glenn Fleshler) and Jon Tenney join together to bring a cast of dysfunctional characters to the big screen. A weekend in the Russian countryside estate turns into a cathartic session of life, love, and family dynamics.

Sorin (Dennehy), a retired government employee, and his sister Irina (Bening), a famous Moscow actress, entertain their friends while everyone is coming to terms with their age and unrequited love. Irina is a conceited, selfish woman who is not the typical mother to her son Konstantin (Howle), and flaunts her younger lover Boris (Stoll), a famous writer. Konstantin desires to be a writer, but is ridiculed at every turn by his mother.

The estate is managed by Shamrayev (Fleshler) and his wife Polina (Winningham) with their daughter Masha (Moss) helping out. Masha is truly in love with Konstantin but knows he has no feelings for her. Deeply depressed with her life, this young woman dresses in black as a symbol of mourning – for her life – and medicates herself with drugs and alcohol.

The object of Mahsa’s affection, Konstantin, is in love with Nina (Ronan), who wants to be an actress like his mother. Nina is a self-serving woman who will jump at any chance to further her career. During this weekend she falls in love with Boris. It’s as though the audience needs a map to connect the interpersonal relationships of this very dysfunctional group of people.

The story is rich with drama with plenty of humor relieving the tragedy of the situations.

Chekhov (1860–1904) is highly regarded for his probing stories of people and life’s situations. The Seagull was written in 1895 and the stories are still interesting and beguiling today. The play has been performed around the world to rave reviews.

Bening played Irina when she was a student at the American Conservatory Theater. “Irina is a passionate woman who is trying to get every last drop out of life that she possibly can,” she says. “She’s always trying to move toward joy and love and connection, but she doesn’t always get there. I sense that she didn’t achieve the stature that she wants. That’s part of what all of us who are trying to do something creative live with—how long will I get away with this, and is there something that’s gonna come up and take everything away? She feels good about herself until her son attacks her and then suddenly that part of her that is wondering where it’s all gonna go suddenly roars to the front of her consciousness and she’s confronted with her own vulnerability. She feels threatened and so she lashes out.”

“Nina is a bit of a dreamer,” says Ronan of her character. “She’s someone who is stuck in one place and yearns for something different. To her, like a lot of people, acting and the theater offer something exciting and new. She seems full of life, but I always think of Nina as quite a sad girl, actually. There’s something that’s just missing.”

Moss explained about Masha, “She can be angry and stubborn one minute, and then the next dissolve into tears, and then make a joke. There’s something wonderfully Bette Davis about her. But at the same time I think she’s the most self-aware character in the play. They’re not willing to accept their lot in life, whereas I feel like Masha sort of has. She has accepted that she’s not going to be happy— that’s just the way things are gonna go.”

This group of tangled relationships combines to create a dramatic story with wonderful performances.

The Seagull is rated PG-13 and opens in New York and Los Angeles May 11, 2018.

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

Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort through September 3, 2018

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



For the first time ever, Disneyland Resort is filled with all things Pixar for the Pixar Fest. This event encompasses both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure and there are plenty of great things to see and do, as well as eat and purchase during this special summer.

First of all, let’s face it. Disney Parades are always fun. And with the Pixar Play Parade, the characters from the beloved films are front and center. Leading the parade are, of course, the lamp and light that open every Pixar film. Another parade, the Paint the Night Parade, moves from Disneyland to Disney California Adventure and adds some favorite Pixar characters to the beloved and very colorful parade.


The creative chefs at the resort have designed several Pixar Fest specific items that will only be available during the event. From Toy Story there is a hearty cheeseburger pizza located at the Alien Pizza Planet. From Ratatouille there is, obviously, ratatouille, as well as berry-stuffed beignets. Monsters Inc. inspired color-changing noodles. Remember Randall changed colors in the film. Well, these delicious chilled noodles change from blue to pink when spritzed with lime and dressing. And, they are really tasty. Fried Bologna Sandwiches, Berry Funnel Cake, a variety of caramel apples and cake pops plus many other delectable items can be found throughout the two parks.

Guests to the Disneyland Resort also get a chance to meet their favorite Pixar characters. Why not say “howdy” to Woody or see if you can catch Jack-Jack on the Incredicoaster.

There are many items to purchase to show your fun-loving Pixar side. Specially designed mouse ears, fun sippers, a Sully popcorn holder that fits together with a Mike Wazowski sipper, clothing, and of course characters of all shapes and sizes. And from Alex and Ani are some specially designed bracelets. Definitely bring your wallet because there are so many fun things to buy.

And whatever you do, make sure you stay for the Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular. This is not only a grand fireworks show, but it is also a laser show as well as combining extra features in this one incredible display. Buzz Lightyear starts off the spectacular flying overhead, and later guests are wowed by Carl’s floating house. Whether you’re standing in front of the castle to see the amazing visuals displayed on the front of the building with the fireworks exploding above, or over by “It’s a Small World,” or on Main Street USA, there are things to see all around you. The buildings on Main Street come alive with all the fun of the Pixar films. If you can, come back over and over again to catch this spectacular from different locations. You’ll get a unique experience and see different things every time. It’s an immersive nighttime spectacular.

Pixar Fest at Disneyland Resort is fun, fabulous, and full of excitement for all ages – and I do mean ALL ages. From ages 5 to 105, guests will be enchanted and entertained during this wonderful event. The theme is friendship and togetherness. Bring your family to Pixar Fest for some great memory making experiences.

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

‘Maya the Bee 2: The Honey Games’ is a buzzing good time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



She’s back and even sweeter than before, just like her honey. Maya the Bee stole the hearts of movie audiences in 2015 and she does it again in her second film Maya the Bee 2: The Honey Games.

When fun-loving Maya gets the hive into a jam, it’s up to her to save their summer honey crop, with the help of a team of misfit bugs and her best friend Willie. After upsetting the Empress of Buzztropolis, who happens to be the Queen’s sister, Maya must win The Honey Games or forfeit Poppy Meadow’s entire summer honey crop, which would mean certain death for many in the hive.

The Poppy Meadow team consists of a lackluster group of last-minute recruits who only want to lose quickly to get back to their humdrum lives. They are unaware of the issue of the honey crop. They are also uncoordinated, clumsy, and lack the desire to win. Maya decides in order to win she must make this ragtag group into a cohesive team. Teamwork is what will win the games, and the honey crop.

They are up against a team from Buzztropolis, led by a snobby group of mean girls. These selfish, conceited, snotty girls will stop at nothing in order to win the games.

Through discipline and motivation, Maya and her team manage to pull out several victories and on the way to the finals she learns the most important lesson of all. She must take responsibility for her deeds. This adorable and well-meaning little bee always feels like she has to solve all the world’s problems by herself. But just as she made a team out of the bugs from Poppy Meadow, Maya learns how to be part of a team herself.

The movie is colorful, exciting, and of course Maya is a character that will capture your heart once again. This high-spirited little bee is an inspirational character and one the entire family will enjoy. Her lust for life is infectious. Her giggles and laughter will ring in your ears long after the movie is over. She is definitely a delight.

Maya the Bee 2: The Honey Games is just as fun and entertaining as the original film, and Maya continues to be a bee to believe in! Yay, Maya. And go Team Poppy Meadow!

Maya the Bee has been a beloved character for generations, ever since she was introduced to the public in 1912 in the children’s novel, “The Adventures of Maya the Bee” by Waldemar Bonsels. She has gained international acclaim and fans in her TV series, books, and films. This is her second feature film with hopefully more on the way. Maya the Bee 2: The Honey Games is a fun family film with plenty of buzz. Enjoy!

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

‘Paddington 2’ – as sweet as marmalade and a pure delight

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



That adorable and loving little bear is back for an all-new adventure. Paddington 2 is a sweet story featuring the kind-hearted bear and his “human” family, the Browns. The cast from the original 2014 film reunites to continue the story of Paddington’s life in London.

With Aunt Lucy’s (voiced by Imelda Staunton) birthday coming up, little Paddington wants to send the perfect gift. He sets his sights on an old Pop-Up book about London. After all, Aunt Lucy always wanted to visit this fabulous city and the book will show her the sites of the town. To afford this book Paddington takes on several odd jobs, with plenty of humor. But just when he’s able to afford to buy the book, it is stolen. Not one to sit by while a theft is taking place, let alone the theft of something he has worked so hard for, Paddington takes off after the thief. But the poor little fellow is arrested because the police think he is the thief. How is this fluffy little guy going to survive in the rough and tumble world of prison?

True to form, Paddington sees the good in everything. While the Browns are trying to find the real thief, Paddington learns to settle in to life in prison. But not only does he keep his kindness and good manners, he teaches them to his fellow inmates. Yes, this furry felon has such a kind heart that it rubs off on everyone.

And when he accidentally turns all of the prison garb pink – a red sock in a load of white and black uniforms isn’t such a good thing to do – the entire prison population is now wearing pink jumpsuits. And what a lovely shade of pink. As Paddington points out, it adds a bit of color to the drab place.

And when he teaches the “chef” how to make marmalade, it cheers up the crowd. Soon the lunchroom is turned into a tearoom, and the rough inmates are turned into a bunch of well-mannered men. All thanks to the kindness of this one little bear.

The theme in the film is that seeing the good in people is more important than seeing the bad. And looking on the bright side is much better than dwelling on the dark side of a situation.

Sally Hawkins (Mary Brown), Hugh Bonneville (Henry Brown), Samuel Joslin (Jonathan Brown), Madeleine Harris (Judy Brown), Jim Broadbent (Mr. Gruber), and Judy Walters (Mrs. Bird) all return for this delightful sequel, with the addition of Hugh Grant as Phoenix Buchanan, an eccentric has-been actor.

Bonus features in this Blu-ray Combo pack include a look at how the filmmakers worked with stand-ins for Paddington while the human actors were filming their parts. As they say, it was much easier to work with humans than imagine where the little bear would be. After all, reacting to another actor is half of acting whereas reacting to a blank spot is, well, even more acting.

Another bonus looks at the magic of the Pop-Up book that was important to the little bear. These were popular a long time ago, and as the filmmakers discovered, filming the scenes where Paddington imagines taking Aunt Lucy through the pages of the book were not easy at all.

Other bonuses look at the kindness of Paddington and his outlook on life. After watching this film, hopefully his sweetness will rub off on all the viewers. There is a look at the cast and how they all relate to the little fellow, a “how-to” make a marmalade sandwich featurette, an adorable music video with Hugh Grant and the inmates performing a high-stepping music and dance number, and some other bonuses that add to the fun of this Combo pack.

Paddington 2 is rated PG for some action and mild rude humor. It’s a cute little movie with a memorable character and his heartfelt outlook on life. Marmalade sandwich anyone?

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