Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Dunkirk’ is a remarkable true story

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



1940 was a pivotal year for the Allies in World War II. The Germans had 400,000 British soldiers trapped by the sea in Dunkirk, France. What happened was a true testament to the strength and will of the people of Britain. Dunkirk tells this remarkable story.

The movie is unique in that the dialogue is kept to a minimum. The action is the foundation of the film. The story is well known but has never been portrayed in this way. Filmed mostly with large format cameras, the movie brings viewers right into the action, on and in the water, into the air, and on the ground with scenes that will break your heart yet is, in the end, an inspiring and historic end to a bleak situation.

With hundreds of thousands of soldiers basically pinned down on the beach at Dunkirk, they were sitting ducks for the German artillery and air attacks. And the British large ships were being targeted and sank. How could Britain rescue all of these men? It seemed like an impossibility. But when the call went out to all small boats in England, the civilian population answered and their flotilla of fishing boats and pleasure boats came across the channel to the rescue. And they managed to save the British soldiers to fight another day, which they did to victory.

Imagine if those 400,000 men had been killed on the beach in Dunkirk. That would have wiped out the British fighting force and the war would have had a very different conclusion.

While the movie shows all aspects of this horrific yet historic time, there are basically three stories at the forefront: a young soldier who is intent on leaving the beach and getting home, two British Spitfire pilots, and a civilian father and son who helped rescue many soldiers on their small boat. These three stories involve plenty of action on the ground, in the air, and on the sea.

The movie shows one of the turning points in WWII. The tagline is “400,000 men couldn’t get home, so home came for them.” That is what happened and watching the story play out on the screen is amazing. The people would not give up and risked their own lives for their soldiers. This was something Hitler never considered. But Hitler never knew how strong the will of the people was.

On the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital combo pack is a disc dedicated to bonus features. Viewers get more insight into the actual events and see the beach on which the events unfolded and on which the movie was filmed. Actual survivors of the event discuss their experiences. The filmmakers researched this chapter in history and got first hand stories from those who were there. It is truly an amazing and remarkable story of triumph in the face of adversity. It is the story of good versus evil. It is the story of humanity. It is the story of survival. It is the story of courage. It is a fascinating chapter in British history.

Dunkirk is rated PG-13 for intense war experience and some language. The film should be an interesting family-viewing experience (for teens and parents) as they learn about the war and what can be accomplished with desire and compassion.

Own Dunkirk on Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD or Digital HD.

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

‘All the Money in the World’ movie review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



All the Money in the World garnered plenty of hype before it was completed because of the recasting and reshooting of one of the main characters. After the debacle with Kevin Spacey, he was completely wiped away from the movie and his scenes were reshot with Christopher Plummer taking the role of J. Paul Getty. Director Ridley Scott acknowledged to the private media screening audience that he had never met Plummer until a few weeks prior and the actor immediately agreed to take over the part after reading the script. “I was thrilled when Ridley called me to do it – I had always wanted to work with him and this is such a fascinating subject. I’m fond of playing real people because the research is fascinating and what an extraordinary character to play. And it is so well-written that I completely jumped at it,” Plummer said.

The film is based on actual events. According to screenwriter David Scarpa, “The kidnapping provided the spine of the script, although we do go back in time to the childhood of the boy and background into who Getty was. The biggest structural challenge was balancing the kidnapping drama with a classic biopic and we sort of smashed those genres together. The idea was to move back and forth between this thriller and this Shakespearean family drama at the same time.” Indeed, the film jumps back and forth through time as the audiences puts the pieces together of this dysfunctional but extremely powerful family.

J. Paul Getty (Plummer) was the richest man in the world. He was a master at making and keeping money, but his personal life was a shambles. He was estranged from his family but eventually was able to forge a relationship with his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, albeit a little strained.

Michelle Williams plays Gail Harris (Getty) who divorced John Paul Getty II (Andrew Buchan). Their oldest son, J. Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer), aka Paul, was a rebel. When the 16-year-old was kidnapped in Italy, the kidnappers thought they could make a quick 17 million dollars. After all, that was chump change to Getty.

Gail had no money of her own and Getty refused to pay the ransom. As the film progresses, audiences see the ruthlessness of this man who does, in some corner of his heart, have a little compassion.

Mark Wahlberg plays Fletcher Chase, a tough negotiator and cunning former agent with contacts and influences around the world. He was on Getty’s payroll and was tasked by Getty to get his grandson back, but as the days and weeks passed, he realized things might not be what they seem on the outside.

The story of the kidnapping made headlines around the world in 1973. After all, this was the wealthiest man in the world who stated he would not pay the ransom. The toughest character is Gail who never gave up on her son and looked for any and every way to get him back.
Audiences will undoubtedly come away from the theater thinking what major SOBs some of the characters were. Getty II was a drug addict and Getty III died of a drug overdose at the age of 54. With all the money in the family, some might wonder how and why they became the basic losers they were. The trappings of wealth are not an excuse.

The kidnapping is played out on screen as audiences see the tragic story unfold and get a peek inside the life of J. Paul Getty, oil tycoon and patriarch. The film shows the quirkiness of this man who actually had a pay phone in his mansion for guests. His stinginess knew no bounds. He could out-Scrooge Scrooge!

As depicted in the film, Getty refused to pay the ransom for two reasons. First he didn’t want to place his other grandchildren (14 in all) in danger. After all, if one was kidnapped and returned for millions of dollars, they the rest would be targets. And second, he said he did not want to spread the idea that lawlessness would be rewarded. – two very solid reasons for not paying. But audiences might wonder if they were the only reasons. After all, this man held onto every penny he had.

All the Money in the World is a long, drawn-out drama that serves to enlighten audiences about this man who has been somewhat mythologized. It is, however, an interesting story and an intriguing film. Plummer, Williams, and Wahlberg are wonderful in their parts and the actors and the film will garner award nominations this awards season. The film is rated R for language, some violence, disturbing images, and brief drug content. The movie opens December 25, 2017.

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

‘Olaf’s Frozen Adventure’ on Digital

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Join Olaf and the gang from Frozen as they celebrate the holiday season with traditions old and new. Available December 19, 2017, go to MoviesAnywhere to get your personal copy of this delightful new holiday treat.

In Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, Anna and Elsa are looking forward to celebrating the holiday in Arendelle. When they discover they don’t have any family traditions for the season, little Olaf takes off, along with Sven, to locate the traditions celebrated by the others in the little kingdom. Olaf has a great big heart but is a bit clumsy.

The film is filled with all the charm of Frozen along with plenty of new songs for the season. This is definitely a sweet little film (21 minutes) that will become a holiday tradition in your family.

Besides Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, there are six classic holiday shorts from Disney, all hosted by little Olaf. He definitely brings the spirit of the season to life.

If you don’t already have an account with MoviesAnywhere, it’s time you get one. With many of your Disney DVDs and Blu-rays (and some other studios) there are digital codes than can be redeemed online for digital copies of the films to view on all your portable devices. It’s worth the few seconds to register so you can get more from your movies, and also purchase digital copies directly on the website.

Frozen is a beloved new classic film for all ages. The characters are delightful and everyone has his or her own favorite. Who’s yours? Anna? Elsa? Kristoff? Sven? Olaf? No matter who you gravitate to, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure will bring a smile and a “warm hug” to the holidays in your house.

Many thanks to Disney – and Olaf – for supplying me with the Frozen Holiday Gift Box.

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

‘I’m Going to Outer Space’ by Timothy Young – Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Author Timothy Young has penned another great children’s book. I’m Going to Outer Space is the perfect bedtime story to read to your kids.

Little Luis is getting ready for bed. Before getting into his bed he looks out his window to wait for a spaceship to take him to outer space. He loves everything about outer space and looks forward to meeting all kinds of aliens and tasting all kinds of new food – even slimy green stuff.

But with the call from his mother or father, the little fellow must get into bed. Oh well, perhaps the space ship will come for him tomorrow.

When you were little didn’t you look out your window at the stars and planets and wonder what was out there? The popularity of sci-fi space shows proves our fascination with exploring outer space. Luis is no different than most young kids, or adults for that matter. The little guy has an imagination as large as space itself.

I’m Going to Outer Space is a great bedtime book to read to your child or read along with your child. It’s also a good book to have him or her read to you. The illustrations are delightful and go right along with Luis’ imagination.

If you’re looking for a new bedtime story, definitely check this out. Luis is a sweet little guy ready to explore new worlds. Perhaps he will get to do so in his dreams.

Age Range: 5 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 1
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. (September 28, 2017)
ISBN-10: 0764353853
ISBN-13: 978-0764353857
Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 0.6 x 11.2 inches

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

‘Tangled: Queen for a Day’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Can Rapunzel take over the kingdom when her parents leave for a vacation?

In Tangled The Series: Queen for a Day, Rapunzel’s parents leave her in charge while they go for an anniversary vacation. Both she (Mandy Moore) and Eugene (Zachary Levi) assure them they will be fine and the kingdom is in good hands. After all, what could happen in two days?

What could happen? First, the king and queen have an accident in their carriage leaving Maximus to return to the castle to get help. Second, mysterious rocks are taking over the village. Third, a snowstorm is threatening the island. Fourth, some of Rapunzel’s helpful ideas for the people aren’t as helpful as she hoped and thought. Fifth, Varian’s father is trapped inside one of the mysterious rocks. Sixth, Rapunzel defies her counsel and seeks out a mythical weather machine. And seventh, Rapunzel turns her back on her friend Varian (Jeremy Jordan). But hey, it’s only for two days, right?

Viewers of the popular animated series will undoubtedly enjoy Rapunzel, Eugene, and Pascal as they each embark on journeys to save the kingdom and her parents. But will they all make it back safely?

As in the past, Rapunzel’s instincts are spot on and she takes control of everything. Well, almost everything. She feels badly about not being able to help Varian, and that one decision will have consequences, although she made it for the sake of the entire country, not just his father.

This is an enjoyable 45-minute episode from the series that aired in November 2017.

Bonus features on the DVD include four shorts – each of them is an entry in Rapunzel’s journal. In them she talks about returning to her parents, her father and her mother, and her best friend Cassandra.

The entire family will enjoy watching the show following the shoeless young princess, her faithful pal Pascal, and Eugene who is anxious to take control. All three of them are committed to maintaining stability and proving they have what it takes: courage and dedication.

Tangled The Series: Queen for a Day is rated TV-Y.

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

CozyPhones for the whole family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

It’s time to say goodbye to uncomfortable ear buds and headphones. CozyPhones are comfortable headbands that pug into your devices and provide quality listening while not hurting your ears.

Paw Patrol CozyPhones are their latest models, making listening to portable devices fun for kids. The Paw Patrol TV series on Nickelodeon is a favorite among youngsters, especially those who love dogs. So whether your child likes the German Shepherd Chase, the Dalmatian Marshall, or the little pooch Skye, they can add a sense of whimsy to listening to movies or games. The removable speakers are set to 90 decibels max so you can be sure little ears are not going to be blasted with a high volume. Because the thin speakers are removable, the headbands are washable. The Paw Patrol CozyPhones list for $21.97 and are for ages 3+.

Bluetooth Contour Series Sleep Headphones are perfect to wear at night. They must first be charged, then they can synch with any Bluetooth device like an iPhone, iPad, iPod, or another audio device. The mesh lining is comfortable and the thin speakers can be removed when washing the headband. And, for those who cannot sleep when it’s light in the room, simply pull down the headband and it doubles as a sleep mask that blocks out light. If you know anyone who has a hard time falling asleep, perhaps listening to soothing sounds will help them drift off. And it’s also a nice device to use while exercising or meditating. When this is on, all the noisy distractions of the outside world are blocked out and replaced music of your own choosing. The controls are easy to reach and operate. ($29.99)

Going out for a run? Try the Active Headband Headphones. The headband is made from Lycra mesh to stay on and keep your head cool at the same time. This model is made specifically for active people who want to listen to their portable music devices while on the go. Imagine jogging or exercising without worrying about your ear buds popping out or your bulky headphones wobbling around on your head. ($19.97)

By combining easy-to-wear headbands with removable speakers, CozyPhones are the answer for many people who want comfortable headphones that stay on and provide good quality sound. They’re also handy to take on airplanes and to college dorms. The durable cords, and the wash-ability of the products make the CozyPhones long lasting too.

Check their website for colors and pricing plus several other models for adults and styles for kids. They offer discounts on multiple units.


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

‘Doc Hollywood’ stars Michael J. Fox

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Michael J. Fox might have burst onto the small screen as the irreverent Alex P. Keaton in the hit sitcom Family Ties (1982-1989) and stolen the show in the Back to the Future franchise, but he also showed how adorable he could be in the 1991 hit comedy Doc Hollywood. The movie also stars Julie Warner, Woody Harrelson, David Ogden Stiers, Bridget Fonda, Frances Sternhagen, and Barnard Hughes.

As an eager surgeon traveling to his dream job in California, Ben Stone (Fox) manages to wreck his car in the small southern town of Grady. The town, incidentally, is in need of a doctor. So when he is charged with the offense and given community service in order to repay the damage he caused, he is put to work in the local hospital/doctor’s office. The town’s doctor (Hughes) is aging and the mayor (Stiers) feels he can persuade Stone to stay and becoming the official doctor of the little hamlet.

And speaking of hamlet, Stone is given a pig as payment for service by one of the locals. He also meets Lou (Warner) who has lived in the town her whole life, is planning on staying there, and who also drives the local ambulance which the doctor uses for housecalls. Yes, housecalls are common in this town. Stone falls for this young, perky woman with a strong sense of herself and her life.

Nancy (Fonda), the mayor’s daughter, takes instantly to Stone. She wants to get out of the town and feels he might just be her ticket out. Since he is going to L.A., she desperately tries to charm him hoping he might take her with him when he leaves. But Hank (Harrelson) is a bit put off by the new guy in town.

This is a fun little film filled with plenty of quirky characters and a lot of southern charm. And Fox is completely endearing as a man caught in a difficult situation where his dreams and goals conflict with his heart and mind.

If you haven’t seen this film or haven’t seen it in a long time, now’s the time to relive the fun that takes place in the town of Grady.

Doc Hollywood is now available on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection. It can purchase at their website or online retailers where DVDs and Blu-rays® are sold. It’s rated PG-13.

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

Rosalind Russell is ‘Auntie Mame’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Auntie Mame is a delicious film from 1958 starring Rosalind Russell in the title role. Ms. Russell was nominated for an Academy Award and received the Golden Globe for her performance in this film and the movie garnered other nominations and awards. The movie was based on the novel by the same name by Patrick Dennis. After this film it was later made into a musical with Lucille Ball as Mame Dennis. But it is Russell who embodies the character with every cell in her body.

Mame is a force of nature, to say the least. She is a free- spirit filled with love and a lust for life. When her brother dies, leaving custody of his son Patrick to Mame, she embraces the young lad with all the spirit with which she embraces life. She intends to widen his eyes and have him explore everything life has to offer, however that gets waylaid when the executive of the will, Dwight Babcock (Fred Clark) comes into the picture and insists Patrick be sent away to boarding school where he will be molded into a man of character.

Mame adores Patrick and he feels the same toward her. They are two of a kind, even though Babcock wants to knock that free-spirited sense of adventure out of the young lad.

One of the upper class, Mame is hit hard by the stock market crash and has to find a way of supporting herself and Patrick in the manner in which they are accustomed. When she meets Beauregard Jackson Pickett Burnside (Forrest Tucker), they are instantly attracted to each other and with their marriage Mame’s bank account is once again exploding. But things don’t go according to plan.

Soon Mame hires Agnes Gooch (Peggy Cass) (Patrick’s original nanny) to be her assistant. Mame and her dearest friend Vera Charles (Coral Browne) take on a new project. This time they set their sights on Agnes and send her out into the world to experience life the way they do.

All the characters are enjoyable to watch as the years progress and they each endure life with gusto. Well, except for Babcock who is keen to have the grown-up Patrick (Roger Smith) marry the snooty heiress Gloria Upson (Joanna Barnes), to Mame’s dismay and ultimate displeasure. But don’t worry. Mam has everything under control – her way. And who can fight a hurricane like Mame Dennis? No one!

This is truly an enchanting story, and Russell deserved the Academy Award, which went to Susan Hayward who also gave a magnificent performance in her film I Want to Live! Russell did win five Golden Globes and was nominated for four Oscars. In 1973 she was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy Awards.

Rosalind Russell makes this film. It is a pure delight from beginning to end, and the score makes it a perfect 10. A bonus feature on this new Blu-ray edition is a music track filled with the wonderful score by Bronislau Kaper and the memorable theme song.

Auntie Mame is now available on Blu-ray from Warner Archive Collection. It can purchase 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

‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ finally hits theaters

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Star Wars fans have been waiting anxiously for this next installment in the franchise. Episode VIII opens December 15, 2017 and will undoubtedly be enjoyed by die-hard fans. This is a typical Star Wars story, with good vs. evil, adorable critters, droids (of course), and characters that have become Hollywood history along with some fairly new ones.

The story is a continuation from Episode VII, with Rey (Daisy Ridley) seeking out Luke Skywalker to help the resistance against the evil Supreme Leader Snoke. Luke has been in a self-imposed exile on a far-away island. In the meantime, Leia (Carrie Fisher) is commanding the resistance. Her Vice Admiral (Laura Dern) is just as intelligent and cunning as Leia, and together they make a force to be reckoned with (no pun intended).

Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) was introduced in the past episode as the son of Leia and Han Solo, and is on the path to being the new Darth Vader character. Also returning is John Boyega as Finn, a man who finds himself in situations he never expected but manages to rise to the occasions.

Ok, so what does this film have in store for audiences? It strikes all the same chords as the previous films and actually parallels the first film, Episode IV. Luke becomes an Obi-wan/Yoda to Rey, while Finn becomes the Han character who finds himself smack dab in the middle of the fight between good and evil. And yes, as stated above, there is the force and plenty of “May the force be with you” scattered throughout the film.

C-3PO, R2D2, BB-8, and Chewbacca are all part of this tale and along with Leia and Luke are the threads that connect all of the episodes. It’s definitely surreal seeing Carrie Fisher on screen a year after her untimely death. She portrays her signature character with grace and charm, along with an uncanny sense of what must be done. Unfortunately, she cannot ask Obi-Wan Kenobi for help this time. Now she is at the helm, figuratively and literally.

There are some new critters to entertain audiences, namely the Porg, who, with their sense of excitement and expressive faces, are the most endearing characters this time around. There are also some interesting crystal foxes. And even though they are man-made, the droids are also endearing and entertaining and convey emotions as well as any human.

The worst thing anyone can say about this film is it is a typical Star Wars story with no surprises. The best thing anyone can say about this film is it is a typical Star Wars story with no surprises. The story of the force continues and as characters age and die, new ones take their place. Star Wars fans will enjoy their characters and the force once again.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence.

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 reemergence of Trolls with merchandise and a new TV show

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



I don’t know about you, but Trolls have always been on my radar. They’re not new, even though the TV series on Netflix is. I had a collection of the colorful, longhaired fellows when I was young. I might be dating myself, but I do remember my dad always giving my sister and me each a coin to get a little toy. They still have those machines where you put in a dime (nowadays it is a quarter or more) and turn the handle and out comes a plastic egg with a little toy inside. Well, I would usually go for the machine with the Trolls. I loved getting a Troll with a different color hair each time.

These days there is a reemergence of the Troll market, with films and TV shows, and plenty of new and updated toys with fun and magic for kids. There are, of course, plush Trolls to cuddle. And there are books and games. Talking Trolls, lunchboxes, backpacks, pillows, blankets, and play sets make up a big market for consumers. And there are swimsuits, dresses, and T-shirts for boys and girls.

What’s not to love about these adorable little creatures? They’re cute and full of personality. With the 2016 movie Trolls a new generation of Troll fans arose. The TV special Trolls Holiday is now available on Netflix, and in 2020 Trolls 2 will hit the big screens, with Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake reprising their animated characters of Poppy and Branch. And, drumroll please, Trolls: The Beat Goes On is a new series on Netflix with Amanda Leighton voicing Poppy and Skylar Astin voicing Branch.

So, with all this Troll excitement, it’s no wonder the merchandising has hit the roof. There are many great products for the Troll lover in your family. And, whatever product you choose, you’re sure to bring a lot of color into your home, not to mention all the fun and whimsy of the characters themselves. And don’t forget about the new TV series on Netflix coming in January 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