Author: Francine Brokaw

CW’s new dramedy ‘Life Sentence’ is full of ‘I’ve never thought of it that way’ moments

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



From the network that brought us a number of heartwarming shows like Privileged (2008-09), Life Unexpected (2010-11), and No Tomorrow (2016-17), comes this sweet, touching, yet thought-provoking new dramedy Life Sentence. Let’s hope this show outlasts its predecessors!

Stella (Lucy Hale) was diagnosed with cancer when she was 15 years old. Thanks to her family’s inexhaustible support, she lived like there was no tomorrow. She even got married to a total stranger she met in Paris, the birthplace of love. After eight years of living life to the fullest, Stella finds out she is cured. She believes everybody would be elated at this best news ever, but to her dismay and astonishment, the ‘perfect family’ falls apart in front of her eyes. The rug has just been pulled right out from under her. Now what?

Life Sentence explores a family lucky enough to beat cancer yet faced with its grave repercussions. Stella was clueless about all the sacrifices and compromises the ‘perfect family’ had made to give her a better shot of beating cancer. They were advised not to share anything negative with her. Some doctors believe in the mind-body connection, I take it. That makes sense, but Stella feels guilty about breaking up the family. Who would have thought? Years of lying that everything was hunky-dory have definitely taken their toll on her parents and older siblings.

“She did live in a fantasy world. Her family tried to give her the best last years of her life. So you later find out that her family’s about as dysfunctional as they come,” explained Hale at the press conference held earlier this year. It’s also about this young woman whose development was arrested in her teens; she is totally unprepared or unequipped to face the post-cancer harsh realities of life. “The show is about Stella finding out who she wants to be in the world, because she was living like she was dying. Now she has to live like she’s going to live. Who does she want to be? What are her dreams? What are her aspirations? Does she want to stay married?” Hale expressed her passion for the character she decided to play.

Starting over, no matter what kind of losses or ordeal you’ve survived, is no day at the beach. I used to tell myself “there is life after divorce” over and over again. I also know how hard it is to reinvent oneself. Good luck, Stella. Now you must change. My advice to you is to eradicate the three lethal words from your mind: perfect, forever, and guilt. Nobody is perfect. Nothing lasts forever. Guilt is a wasted emotion. Changes are inevitable. Charge ahead and you’ll do fine. I’ll laugh and cry with you on your starting over journey!

Life Sentence premiered on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 on The CW.

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.

EddieWorld rest stop along I-15

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



In Yermo, California on the I-15 between Los Angeles and Las Vegas is the latest and greatest in the world of truck and rest stops. EddieWorld opened earlier this year (2018) and combines a truck stop with a food court, candy store, and clean rest rooms. EddieWorld is unique and an enjoyable stop while driving along the I-15.

What makes this place different than, say, a Travel America, Loves, or other stops along the freeways is its cleanliness and what it offers travelers in the way of food. First, when you walk in you see it is quite large. And there are aisles and aisles of candy. There’s a section for ice cream, jerky, pizza, and even sushi. Yes, sushi and poke. There’s a Peet’s Coffee, a place to get caramel corn, and a variety of beverages to stock up with before getting back in your car and heading to your destination.


What EddieWorld prides themselves on the most is their “clean” restrooms. The stalls are equipped with self-cleaning handles. In this world of germs and bacteria, this is something that is welcome for all us germophobes. Although I still don’t think of it as the be-all and end-all of germs, it’s a start. And above the men’s urinals are media screams. These monitors, located above each urinal, have something to occupy your mind while taking care of business.

It’s crazy to see this beautifully designed, large and clean stop basically in the middle of nowhere. You can recognize it by the large ice cream sundae in the front. The cherry on top is visible for miles.

The next time you’re driving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, or from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, and you’re in need of some fuel for your car or your body, or you need a rest stop, check out EddieWorld.

About the Author

Roy Brokaw writes about interesting things to do and places to see. He is also an accomplished travel photographer.

PhoneSoap XL

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

According to the PhoneSoap Company, a cell phone has 18 times more bacteria than a public restroom. PhoneSoap has produced several disinfecting/sanitizing units designed for cell phones, tablets, and other items that carry germs and bacteria. The PhoneSoap XL is their big unit that can safely sanitize several items at one time, in 15 minutes. By using UV-C light, all the bugs are safely destroyed. The PhoneSoap products kill 99.99% of bacteria.

Besides disinfecting cell phones and tablets, you can also disinfect your TV remote. And if you have babies, put in their rattles and pacifiers. And toothbrushes can be sanitized much faster and easier than putting them in the dishwasher, which many of us often do. Plus, small stuffed animals can be cleaned. If they can fit into the machine, they can be disinfected.

You can place multiple items into the unit at one time. In 15 minutes they will be cleaned and sanitized. The dimensions of the unit are 3” wide, 9.75” high, and 12.4” deep. Plus, there is a USB port to charge your device at the same time for your convenience. Simply place the item(s) into the unit and close the door. It will turn itself off when the sanitizing process is complete. That’s all there is to it.

Families with kids are especially vulnerable because of all the germs the little ones bring home. But they’re not the only ones prone to bacteria and germs. When we fill up our cars at the gas station we touch the nozzles and the keypad. When we touch a cart or sign for our groceries at the store and when we punch in our PIN on any keypad, we are inviting germs into our homes. Think about that before you pick up your cell phone when you’re out of the house. But by using the PhoneSoap once you get home, you will be killing whatever you touched and making your phone safe for more calls or texting.

Besides washing hands and using hand-sanitizers, we all need a little more help in preventing illness. While nothing will keep us 100% free from germs, doing what we can by using the tools available will definitely add to our health. Keeping your family safe from germs is a little easier and more convenient with the PhoneSoap XL.

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

Nu Skin LumiSpa – Product Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The Nu Skin ageLOC LumiSpa is a new device designed to cleanse and improve the skin on your face. It is like a spa for your face and feels marvelous.

The set includes the ageLOC LumiSpa deep cleansing device with a nonabrasive head, a charging base, and the Treatment Cleanser. The scent is light and refreshing, with a hint of cucumber.

As soon as the unit starts, you can immediately see the difference between the LumiSpa and other facial cleaning machines. The two concentric circles softly oscillate in different directions. And they feel soft on your skin. The heads have been embedded with antimicrobial silver so they stay cleaner than other devices.

The LumiSpa is designed for men and women. After all, we all want to look our best and put our best face out there, literally. This device helps the appearance of your skin and cleans it from toxins, dirt, pollution, and makeup.

The seven benefits of this device touted by the company are: Skin renewal, purified skin, minimized appearance of pores, smoothness, radiance, more refreshed look, and increased appearance of volume and density.

“When it comes to skin care, today’s busy consumer is looking for multi-functional products that are 
simple to use, yet produce results they can see and feel,” said Dr. Joseph Chang, chief scientific officer. “AgeLOC LumiSpa combines patent-pending technology with scientifically researched treatment cleansers to cleanse, exfoliate and renew the skin in a single treatment. As a result, customers can instantly experience softer, smoother skin that becomes more radiant.”
There are kits for normal/combo skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, dry skin, and acne skin. Plus, there are additional head that can be purchased so everyone in your family can get the benefits of this spa treatment for your face.

It doesn’t need a lot of pressure. Simply glide it over your skin. And when the time is up, it will turn itself off. I have been testing this device and can attest to the fact that it does make my skin softer and smoother and my pores look smaller and tighter. My complexion looks refreshed and even a little younger.

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

‘Death Wish’ stars Bruce Willis

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Bruce Willis takes over the role initially inhabited by Charles Bronson in the original Death Wish. This incarnation is somewhat different than the first film of the same name however it’s just as violent and thought provoking.

Willis plays Paul Kersey, a trauma doctor in a Chicago hospital. He sees countless gunshot victims every day. Chicago is like a shooting gallery. Although they are disturbing to him as a doctor, the violence taking over the city doesn’t hit him hard until his wife (Elizabeth Shue) is killed in a home invasion robbery and his daughter is and put into a coma. With an overload of unsolved shooting cases, the police are up to their necks but are confident there will be a break in the Kersey case soon. Dr. Kersey is not one to sit on the sidelines. He decides he has to take matters into his own hands.

Kersey becomes a vigilante, going out into the streets killing the bad guys and eventually stumbling upon the gang that killed his wife. He has been dubbed a hero by some and the Grim Reaper by others. His actions set off a firestorm of controversy in the city. There are those who think his actions are great. After all, he’s taking out the bad guys who are taking over the city. On the other hand, he is taking the law into his own hands and this could be dangerous for innocent people. But Kersey is diligent in his actions and only takes on the bad guys.

There are plenty of gruesome scenes in the film. And it does bring up the topic of street justice, especially now in Chicago when crime is high and shootings are a dime a dozen in that city. The police are doing their best, but with so many shootings, their best is often not good enough.

This film, as in the original, brings up the subject of vigilantism. When is it okay to take matters into your own hands? Audiences will undoubtedly be rooting for Kersey. He is a kind doctor and a loving husband and father. But when someone messes with his family, watch out.

Willis is interesting to watch however fans of the original film cannot help but compare his character to that of Bronson’s version of the man who has been pushed too far and decides to do something about it. This is an updated version of the classic film for a new generation in a new era.

Death Wish is rated and opens in theaters March 2, 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

Bring Home ‘Ferdinand’ on Blu-ray + DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Ferdinand is a sweet story about a kind bull that spreads love to everyone. This little guy admires flowers and is kind to all those around him, even the other bulls that think he’s a coward. But he’s no coward; he just doesn’t want to fight. What’s the point in fighting when there are flowers to sniff and kids to play with?

This little fellow starts out life on a bull ranch where matadors come to select the bulls they will fight in the ring. After his father is killed (not on camera), Ferdinand runs away and is found in the country by a caring little girl who brings him back to her farm where she and her father and their dog raise the kind-hearted little bull. But he doesn’t stay little for long.

Then, due to circumstances that he really didn’t intend to happen, Ferdinand is captured and sent back to the bull ranch. There he is reunited with his old gang and some new characters. But he is still the compassionate, flower-loving, sweet Ferdinand they remember.

The story is bittersweet in that Ferdinand and the other bulls discover no bull ever wins in a bullfight. Every time a bull fights a matador, he loses – his life. But Ferdinand’s desire to get back to the farm and his “family” is stronger than anything and in the end he manages to save not only his own life, but all his friends as well. So, yes, this does have a happy ending although some kids might be a bit disturbed to learn that bulls die after every bullfight.

Bonus features include 12 different featurettes, which are geared mainly to youngsters. John Cena, who voices Ferdinand, says he’s a lot like his on-screen bull. He also teaches kids how to have a healthy life by eating good food, exercising, and being kind to others. And Lupe, the goat who tries to mentor Ferdinand in the film, talks about living a good life as well. There is a featurette about Ferdinand’s friends and a dance lesson with the big guy. Director Carlos Saldanha says he wanted the film to capture the “flavor of Spain,” and immerses the viewers in the Spanish culture and atmosphere.

Ferdinand was nominated for an Academy Award and several other awards, including a Kids’ Choice Award. It is available on a Blu-ray + DVD + Digital combo as well as a 4K combo and a single DVD. Ferdinand is a sweet film however it is rated PG for rude humor, action and some thematic elements.

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

‘Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz: We’re Not in Kansas Anymore Season 1 Volume 1 DVD GIVEAWAY

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Dorothy and The Wizard of Oz™: We’re not in Kansas Anymore Season One Volume One centers on the adventures of Dorothy after she and her friends defeat the Wicked Witch of the West. Packed with memorable melodies, iconic Oz imagery (and of course her Ruby Slippers) that are sure to delight fans of the beloved children’s book series by L. Frank Baum and the classic film The Wizard of Oz, the series follows Dorothy after she’s named Princess of Emerald City by Queen Ozma. Dorothy embraces her royal duties with enthusiasm, bravery and farm-girl feistiness.

Dorothy is now responsible for reining in the chaos and tracking down whichever magical person, place or thing has caused mischief in Oz, and putting a stop to it. It’s no easy task however, not even for a plucky Kansas farm girl turned royal princess. With her good friends at her side, including Toto, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion (whose newly found courage is often still fleeting), Dorothy is sure to take on her new role with great determination and captivate the hearts of everyone in Oz.

We have some DVDs to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz: We’re Not in Kansas Anymore Season 1 Volume 1, email us at [email protected] with “Dorothy in Oz 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)
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The deadline for this giveaway is March 26, 2018.

‘Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz: We’re Not in Kansas Anymore’ Season 1 Volume 1 DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


She’s back. Little Dorothy returns to Oz with Toto and along with her friends The Scarecrow, The Lion, and The Tin Man, she helps maintain peace in the land. The animated tales take place after the defeat of the Wicked Witch of the West. Queen Ozma is in charge of Oz, and appointed Dorothy as the Princess of Emerald City. Dorothy just clicks her ruby slippers together and voila, she’s back in Oz. Dorothy and The Wizard of Oz: We’re not in Kansas Anymore is an entertaining compilation of stories from the Emerald City.

The series airs on Boomerang and now ten of the episodes are combined in this one DVD. We all remember Judy Garland as Dorothy, but this animated Dorothy is just as endearing. As a matter of fact, she’s even more so. She is upbeat and always willing to lend a hand. She’s perky and a delight.

“Dorothy and The Wizard of Oz draws from the magical stories in L. Frank Baum’s original Oz book series,” said Mary Ellen Thomas, Vice President Family & Animation Marketing. She added, “The Wonder Wizard of Oz, which is the story most are familiar with, served as the springboard for the prolific book series. Consumers today might not be aware that Dorothy’s adventures in OZ continue well beyond the original story. We are delighted to bring these beautiful stories to life with this fun, new, original series.”

This DVD includes ten episodes:

1. Beware of the Woozy
2. Magical Mandolin
3. Toto Unleashed
4. Official Ozian Exam
5. Locket Locket in My Pocket
6. Mixed-Up Mixer
7. Ojo the Unlucky
8. The Lion’s Share
9. Rules of Attraction
10. Brain Power of Love

I remember reading all of the Oz books when I was young. I devoured them and couldn’t understand why they all weren’t made into movies. Well, now today’s youngsters can get more of the magic of Oz and The Emerald City in this delightful animated series. And, I highly recommend getting the series of books for the youngsters in your home. They will be swept up in the wonders of Oz, just as I was.

For all the fun of the characters and the magic of OZ, Dorothy and The Wizard of Oz: We’re not in Kansas Anymore Season 1 Volume 1 is a fun DVD.

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

‘Lady and the Tramp’ Signature Collection

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



The 1955 animated classic brings together two memorable characters: the prim and proper Cocker Spaniel Lady and the rough and tumble pooch about town Tramp. And of course, at the end, the couple’s puppies are introduced, setting the stage for the 2001 sequel. Lady and the Tramp has been a beloved film for several generations.

Every animal in the movie has a personality all his/her own. They are a memorable group filled with humor and emotions.

The romantic restaurant scene in which Lady and Tramp share a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, and even one strand of spaghetti that results in a memorable screen kiss, ranks among the film industry’s most romantic moments. And this is an animated film! Plus, more romance ensues when Tramp gives the last meatball to Lady.

This edition has three ways to view the classic movie. First, there is the original theatrical edition. There is also a “Sing-Along-Mode” where viewers can sing the songs with the film. And finally, viewers can select the third option, which allows them to hear Walt discuss the various characters and scenes as the movie plays on the screen.

New bonus features for this Signature Collection edition include a cooking lesson as an homage to the spaghetti and meatballs scene, a tour of Walt Disney’s offices at the studio, and a feature about Walt and his love of dogs. Viewers learn that the scene in the movie where Lady is given as a gift, wrapped up in a hatbox, was taken from Walt’s own life. Yes, he surprised his wife with a puppy that same way, and that incident made its way into the movie.

There are also bonus features from the classic editions, including deleted scenes, a “making of” feature, storyboarding the movie, and a feature where Diane Disney Miller discusses her parents and viewers see the Disney’s apartment above the firehouse in Disneyland. Plus, the song “I’m Free as the Breeze” was supposed to be sung by Tramp before the filmmakers decided not to have him sing at all, however the song is a delightful ditty and would have been a nice addition to the movie.

The Signature Collection edition of Lady and the Tramp includes a Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital code. It is rated G for the entire family. Grab some popcorn and gather up the family. It’s time for a classic and endearing story of puppy love.

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 Good Fight’ returns with a vengeance to CBS All Access with 13 episodes

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



At Reddick, Boseman & Kolstad, Chicago’s preeminent all African-American law firm, Lucca Quinn (Cush Jumbo), on the partner track, is busy trying to exonerate Maia Rindell (Rose Leslie) from her parents’ Ponzi scheme. Boseman’s ’diversity hire’ and once confident power attorney Diane Lockhart (Christine Baranski), on the other hand, is utterly lost. Fellow Chicago lawyers are murdered left and right for overcharging. “Am I next?” she wonders. Can she survive this pandemonium? Outlive Trump? Liz Reddick-Lawrence (Audra McDonald), daughter of the late Carl Reddick (Louis Gossett Jr.) as well as ex-wife of Adrian Boseman (Delroy Lindo), manipulates her way into the firm as a new name partner. Liz is friendly enough and irrefutably against Trump, but Diane detects deceptions and manipulations, wondering if she is going to be pushed out again! Suspicion breeds phantoms.

The Good Fight Season 2 tackles the ‘Trump-fatigued’ stark raving mad Chicago, America’s murder capitol. Death, destruction, disruption, and deception are everywhere and rampant. Nothing makes sense any more. Trust nobody. Mistrust everything. Disillusioned and paranoid, Diane describes her state of mind as ‘the Dark Night of the Soul.’ Just like the insane reality we have endured ever since Trump took office, ‘you’ve got to be kidding me’ moments and ‘I can’t believe this is happening’ incidents are now daily occurrences. Diane has gone totally numb from shock, fear, and terror. How did we get here? My sentiments exactly!

After a narrow escape from a chemical attack, Diane reaches the point of no return and has fits of hysterics. Maybe microdosing mushrooms has something to do with her uncontrollable laughter, but it is somehow reassuring watching Diane, who had arrived and has no need to prove herself any longer, stumble through the remaining days of her career. The ultimate kicker is her insight into the secret to happiness in the looming Trumpocalypse. Insensitivity is the name of the game, folks. Now that’s an Aha! moment, if you ask me.

The Good Fight Season 2 premieres Sunday, March 4, 2018 on CBS All Access.

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.