Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Predator: Badlands’ is now available to watch at home

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Predator: Badlands is now available on digital to stream and will be coming on Blu-ray, DVD, and in a SteelBook format in the near future. There are plenty of bonus features that will entertain and entrance fans of the film, taking viewers behind the scenes and adding to the background of the film’s creation.

The story is about Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young Predator who is an outcast from his clan. He soon meets Thia (Elle Fanning) and the two become unlikely allies in this dark and dangerous world.

The story is set in the future on the deadly planet of Genna. The duo face a dangerous trek in their search for the ultimate adversary.

Bonus features 

There are several additional features that add to the understanding of the characters and how the film was created.

“Embodying the Predator” looks at the physical challenges facing the actors. As Director and co-writer Dan Trachtenberg explains, he was completely amazed at Dimitrius’ abilities to embody the character in every way. Dimitrius is described as “a unicorn.” The filmmakers needed to use a New Zealand actor and they were thrilled to find Dimitrius.

“Authentic Synthetics” looks at how Elle Fanning fit in perfectly to the role. She was the only actor Trachtenberg wanted to play Thia. And Fanning says the script and story were “so wild” and was excited to take it on. Trachtenberg explains, she was perfect for this “movie about a monster and a robot.” Combining the two characters was a unique experience for the filmmakers and they pulled it off beautifully.

In “Building the Badlands,” viewers get to see Genna, the home planet of the Predators, for the first time. This is “the most deadliest planet” where, as Fanning says, “every plant and creature is trying to kill you.” The landscapes of New Zealand were the perfect settings for the planet. The filmmakers say they had to only slightly enhance the scenery to make it Genna. The digital augmentation was added to the natural environment of the country and the amazing scenery, creating a stunning setting for the story.

The final feature, “Dek of the Yautja,” delves deeper into the world of the planet of the Predator. This is a unique place never before seen. 

Additionally, there are 27 minutes of deleted scenes to add to viewers’ enjoyment of the film and story. 

Predator: Badlands is now available on digital platforms. The 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Code, Blu-ray + Digital Code, DVD, and SteelBooks with 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Code will be available to purchase February 17, 2026. 

The movie is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong sci-fi violence. This is the ninth film in the Predator franchise. And it is a wild ride!

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Candace Cameron Bure returns as Ainsley McGregor for the third time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In the third movie with Candace Cameron Bure starring as Ainsley McGregor, the stakes are high for Ainsley and her friends and family. Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker has Ainsley involved in a timeless tale, pun intended.

Her book club has decided to investigate cold cases, however in this case it is a luke warm case. One of the members’ husband was found dead a while ago, but the club thinks there is more to it than a simple accident. Initially, it looked like he was killed for his expensive antique watch, however his one-of-a-kind watch was eventually returned to his widow, leaving the club to wonder exactly why he was killed. There is much more to this death than meets the eye.

With Ainsley on the case, things are heating up and she soon finds herself a target. It seems digging into this case has ruffled some feathers. On the advice of her brother, Police Chief Ryan McGregor (Robin Dunne), Ainsley’s boyfriend Fire Chief Jake Trenton (Aaron Ashmore) sticks close to her – day and night.

What no one suspects is that this murder goes deeper than anyone could imagine. And with a three million dollar watch connected to the murder, things get real uncomfortable for the folks in Sweet River, Texas.

For those not familiar with the characters, criminologist Ainsley McGregor moved back to her hometown of Sweet River from Chicago after an incident there. Could the attack on her be related to Chicago or is it part of her current investigation? 

This is the third film in this franchise based on the characters by New York Times bestselling author Candace Havens. And with Bure stepping into the shoes of Ainsley McGregor, these films are fan favorites. Bure and Ashmore make a cute couple. Candace Cameron Bure has been acting most of her life and her fans follow her wherever she lands, and now she in the stable of reliable and fun actors on Great American Family. 

Victoria, British Colombia doubles for Sweet River, Texas in this timely tale of intrigue, corruption, and family history.

Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker streams on Great American Pure Flix beginning January 1, 2026. The movie premieres on Great American Family and GFAM+ Beginning January 10, 2026. It is an enjoyable way to start the year. Ainsley McGregor is an interesting character and Candace Cameron Bure Is delightful,  as always.

The previous two movies in the franchise are available to stream, so if you haven’t seen them, this is a good time to binge the Ainsley McGregor Mysteries over a New Year weekend.

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images supplied courtesy Great American Media

“The Art of ‘Zootopia 2’ by Kalikolehua Hurley – book review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The latest book in the “Art of” series is The Art of Zootopia 2, which brings readers into the making of the Disney instant classic animated film. This movie has captured the hearts of viewers young and old, and the book is a great way to relive the story as well as discover what went into making this new film.

“Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 64th feature film, Zootopia 2, transports audiences back to Zootopia, a utopian city built by animals for animals, where anyone can be anything,” Hurley writes in the book. And teaming an adorable and headstrong rabbit with a street-wise fox is just one example.

Judy Hopps is a favorite characters for kids. She is dedicated, brave, and definitely cute. Her partner Nick is sometimes just along for the ride, but in this story they work together again to help all the animals and bring justice to Zootopia.

The book looks at how the storytellers researched animals of all kinds, and in this film they added reptiles, which provided a new aspect to Zootopia as well as an additional task for the filmmakers who managed to create some interesting and likable reptiles.

With all the steps involved in bringing this film to the screen, the book is jammed packed with digital images and information about the characters and their environments.

Fans of Nick and Judy will enjoy looking at a lot of images of this crime-fighting duo. Along with the pictures there is editorial content delving into the story, the characters, and the process of making the movie.

With commentary from animators throughout the pages, readers get an insight into the way the animators thought about the characters to bring them to light for the viewers.  Referring to Judy and Nick, Kira Lehtomaki, Head of Animation says, “In animation, we emphasize their differences on screen through their actions, postures, and mannerisms.”

The pages are filled with insight into each of the characters as well as countless images that show how they evolved through the animation process to the final characters we see on screen.

Insight into the scenes brings readers into the mindset of the animators. For instance, Griselda Sastrawinata-Lemay, Associate Production Designer, says about the Zootopia Gala,  “It’s vibe is John Wick, Mission Impossible, and The Godfather meets The Met Gala but on ice.” That’s something to think about the next time watching the film, which will be out on Blu-ray and Digital in the near future.

There are cute comments by the animators which add to the enjoyment of the book, however the images are what many people want in an “Art of” book, and this one delivers on that. For those who have seen the movie, these pages bring back the fun of the film with so much more. 

What will strike readers as they flip through the pages are the colors. The colorful images almost jump off the page. These digital images show just what the animators were thinking when they created the costumes, scenery, characters, expressions, and all the objects – big and small.  

The theme of the story is that even though we might be different, we do not have to be against each other. “Just as Judy and Nick learn that seeing and accepting their differences makes them not only better partners but also closer friends, maybe in our own world, we can begin to see that our differences don’t have to divide us. Rather, if we let them, maybe they can even bring us together and make us stronger,” says Producer Yvette Merino. In today’s world of chaos, that is something important to keep in mind.

The Art of Zootopia 2 is a wonderful addition to “Art of” libraries, or even just for fans of Judy, Nick, and the gang in Zootopia. 

  • Publisher  :  Chronicle Books
  • ISBN-10  :  1797233629
  • ISBN-13  :  978-179723362

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘She’s Making a List’ and not checking it twice

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Lacey Chabert and Andrew Walker star in the new Christmas movie from Hallmark, She’s Making a List. Have you ever wondered how Santa gets his Naughty or Nice list? Well, he outsources the job of ascertaining which kids are in each category. And the Naughty or Nice Group is the place where the inspectors work. They are tasked with the job of traveling the world checking on kids to place them on the Naughty or Nice list.

Isabel (Chabert) is a no-nonsense, tough inspector who does not believe in coloring outside of the lines, so to speak. She prides herself on the ability to instantly decide if a kid is naughty or nice. One little slip and they are definitely on the naughty list.

But Isabel does not take into consideration outstanding circumstances, and neither does anyone else at the Naughty or Nice Group. As a matte of fact, Rudolph (Steve Bacic), the man who started the company, is even tougher than she is. If a kid is naughty, there is no wiggle room. He or she is put on the Naughty list. The end of discussion.

Isabel is assigned  the task of evaluating an 11-year-old girl, Charlie (Cadence Compton), who is a little mischievous with a knack of doing the wrong thing, but has a kind heart. Isabel does not give any kid any leeway, and Charlie is no exception, even given the fact that she lost her mother and is being raised by her widowed father.That is until she meets her father Jason (Walker). Isabel and Jason have an instant connection but besides the fact that he is the father of the child she is investigating, there are other “rules” she must follow.

The rule book is clear. She cannot make contact with a subject or a family member. And by no means is she to enter the house of a child in question.  You guessed it, Isabel breaks plenty of rules, for the first time in her long and illustrious career as an investigator. And the worst is falling for the father of a kid in question.

Then Isabel starts wondering who decides what is naughty and what is nice? Who made the rules in the first place? Shouldn’t adults guide children instead of categorizing them?

Isabel ends up changing a lot of “rules” and even the Naughty and Nice lists, making Christmas happier for kids around the world.

Both Chabert and Walker are fan favorites and part of Hallmark’s stable of popular actors.

This cute little holiday film is now available to stream on Hallmark+.

<strong>About the Author</strong>

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for <em>Good Day Orange County</em>. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. 

 
Image supplied courtesy Hallmark

 

Download a new song for Chanukah

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Kids now have a new song for Chanukah, courtesy of The Laurie Berkner Band. It’s a fun song kids can sing along with.

“I wrote this song about Hanukkah (Chanukah) thinking of the warm feelings that come from having a celebration at home with family and friends,” says Laurie Berkner. “Where the focus on remembering the past and enjoying the present creates feelings of love and hope through simple rituals like singing, sharing a meal, playing games, and lighting 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 candles over the eight nights of this holiday.”

The song is soft, soulful, and memorable, and will be enjoyed by all ages not only this year but in years to come.

“I remember what it’s for, and the world lights up a little more,” Berkner remarked about the holiday.

While there are countless Christmas songs for kids, there are not too many great Chanukah songs and this new single is just what is needed in these times. Kids can celebrate the holiday, light the menorah, and sing along and enjoy everything Chanukah means and brings for all eight nights.

The new song is geared for ages 1 – 8, but adults will also enjoy singing along.

For more information about Laurie and to get this new Chanukah song, go to her website.

You can download or stream Laurie Berkner’s “Lighting the Menorah” from major music platforms like Amazon, Apple Music (iTunes), and her official site’s shop at (https://laurieberkner.com) with streaming available on Spotify, YouTube Music and SoundCloud.

Laurie Berkner

Business Insider dubbed Laurie “the gold standard of the children’s music world.” As a leader and innovator in children’s music and entertainment for more than 25 years, Laurie has released 17 bestselling, award-winning albums, was the first recording artist to ever appear in music videos on Noggin and Nick, Jr., appeared regularly on those channels’ Jack’s Big Music Show, and helped develop the short form animated musical preschool series Sing It, Laurie! on Universal Kids (formerly Sprout TV).

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘The Emperor’s New Groove’ celebrates 25 years of entertainment

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Twenty-five years ago the animated story of Emperor Kuzco and the caring peasant Pacha became a beloved little film. They all return as The Emperor’s New Groove is now available on Digital as well as 4K UHD+Digital and Blu-ray discs.

Kuzco (voiced by David Spade) is a selfish, greedy, uncaring emperor. His devious assistant Yzma (Ertha Kitt) feels she would be a better leader and plots to kill Kuzco. Along with her loyal but bumbling – yet brawny – assistant Kronk (Patrick Warburton), they devise a plan to get rid of him. But things go awry and the potion that was supposed to kill Kuzco turns him into a llama. Kronk takes this llama to dispose of him but, in another misstep, he loses Kuzco. 

Kuzco is found by Pacha (John Goodman) who is kind-hearted but ambivalent about helping the emperor who was going to evict him and his family from their ancestral home. However, he is just too nice a guy to leave Kuzco to his own devices, knowing full well the emperor won’t survive without him.

The two are off on a wild journey to get Kuzco back to his palace to locate a potion that will return him to human form. Along the way, the duo face some pretty wild encounters. The banter between them is what makes this so cute. 

While they are on this crazy trek back to the palace, they discover more about each other and in a nice little twist, Kuzco faces his conscience, something he never had before, or never thought he had. He was a mean, ruthless emperor, and this journey brings out a different side of him.

With plenty of life lessons as well as humor and entertaining characters, this story is a fun film for all ages. And, having been around for 25 years, it is now available for a new generation to discover.

Pacha’s family is a highlight of the movie. His brave and cunning wife Chicha (Wendy Malick), along with his little kids add some additional fun to the story. 

With the digital download and a 4K UHD, the groovy tale of the emperor and his new friend, there is plenty to enjoy for fans of the classic film as well as those who have never seen it before.

It is time to discover – or rediscover – the fun of this entertaining story and all the characters as Kuzco gets a new groove and some new friends.

The Emperor’s New Groove is rated G.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images provided courtesy Disney

‘Christmas in Amish Country’ is warm and cozy

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Ella Cannon and Jason Tobias star in the new original movie Christmas in Amish Country, now streaming on UP Faith and Family.

Claire (Cannon) has just opened her new upscale Chicago restaurant and styles herself as the “Queen of Modern Cooking.” The opening is not a success and Claire and her restaurant are vilified in the press. To let the things settle down she decides to go home for the holiday.

Thinking the waiting car outside her apartment is her Uber, Claire gets in and asks the driver to take her from Chicago to her home about seven hours away, since the airport is closed due to the weather. Jack (Tobias) is, in actuality, a journalist sent to get information on Claire with the intention of writing a hatchet job about her restaurant. He pretends to be the hired driver to get a “scoop” and agrees to take her home.

Still thinking he is her hired driver, the two get to know each other during the drive. Jack is stunned when they arrive at her hometown and even more shocked to know she has an Amish upbringing.

Claire had left the order years ago and followed her dream to be a big city chef. Now, back home, she keeps her family in the dark about her dismal failure. 

Jack is invited to stay with Claire’s family after he divulges that he is a journalist who wants to write about Amish cooking. They welcome him with open arms and the true Amish hospitality. The entire Amish community is warm and welcoming.

In the beginning Jack sees this as another opportunity to write a hatchet job about Claire but the more time he spends with her family and in the community, the more he gets to know them and his views about them change. Helping out with the manual labor is a new experience for him. But tasting all their homemade food is an eye-opener. Everything is delicious.

While Claire tells him Chicago would not welcome a restaurant serving down-home Amish cooking, he disagrees. The food is amazing.

This sweet little romantic Christmas movie is perfect viewing for a cold afternoon. It has heart and soul, family and friendship, old and new, and a lot of food!

Christmas in Amish Country streams on UP Faith and Family.

Interestingly, Cannon and Tobias both star in another Christmas movie this year, Bachelor Santa.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘Another Sweet Christmas’ on Great American Family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Candace Cameron Bure and Cameron Mathison team up for another cute Christmas story of love and harmony. Another Sweet Christmas is the sequel to the 2024 film Home Sweet Christmas. 

Sophie (Bure) and Sam (Mathison) finally got engaged. This is at the same time Sam is working on a movie about their love story. He has written a tribute to their love and the movie looks like it will be a success – if they can get it made.

Sam is not only the writer but halfway through the production he has to also take on the job of director. This actually is fortuitous as he is planning their surprise wedding. Everyone in Sophie’s family and all those in the production are aware of this surprise. But keeping Sophie in the dark adds some unwelcome stress to her life as she feels Sam is more interested in all the nuances of the movie than in planning their  own wedding.

He is sneaky, I’ll give him that. He asks Sophie her opinion on all the details of the “movie” wedding, thereby giving her the final say on the flowers, invitations, and even the dress she has coveted for months. But all of this is a ruse as the movie wedding is, in actuality, her own wedding.

Okay, this sounds like a sweet and romantic gesture on Sam’s part but to me it is not what I would want. However, when it comes down to it, Sophie ends up getting the wedding she wants, but  the path to the alter was a bit stressful. 

The finale might bring a tear to viewers’ eyes as the couple finally wed. Was it worth all the pressure and the little bit of depression on Sophie’s part? The look on her face and the love in her eyes says, “yes.” 

Sam is lucky that Sophie likes surprises. 

The two actors are always adored by viewers and their fans will enjoy seeing them paired again. 

Another Sweet Christmas streams on Great American Pure Flix beginning December 18, 2025 and can be seen on Great American Family and GFAM+ beginning December 20, 2025.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image supplied courtesy Great American Media

‘Zootopia 2’ is now in theaters

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved 2016 animated film Zootopia is now playing in theaters, with the original actors voicing the characters they brought to the screen nine years ago. As with the original, Zootopia 2 is an instant classic in the animated genre.

Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) is still the over-enthusiastic police bunny who, in the original film, teamed with the street-wise fox Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman). They are still partners but are the rookies in the department.

Zootopia is a utopian world with animals of all kinds inhabiting the lands, with a weather wall dividing the various climates making each location comfortable for the different animals. The wall was thought to be the invention of the Lynxley family, but as Judy surmises, there is something amiss with the whole history.

Judy and Nick, who reluctantly goes along with her, set out to find what is happening now after Judy sees a snake in the area. Snakes are not allowed in Zootopia. Their history of mischief and murder make reptiles persona non grata and they have been exiled to a separate place. 

Judy and Nick join with Gary De ‘Snake (voiced by Ke Huy Quan) to set the record straight and uncover the nefarious plot by the Lynxley family. While they are specifically forbidden to take on the case, thanks to Judy’s exuberance and dedication to the job, she talks Nick into following the clues.

This leads them on a wild and dangerous journey where they encounter a myriad of characters, old and new. Flash the sloth has a fun scene. Chief Bongo (Idris Elba), 

Dawn Bellwether, Duke Weaselton, Mr. Big, Fru Fru, and Yax also return in this adorable sequel.

Disney does sequels almost better than anyone and this is a prime example. Zootopia 2 is just as entertaining and delightful as the original.

Besides the fun story, the film has plenty of nods to other movies, as well as a scene where the Matterhorn from Disneyland is seen. As for the Easter Eggs, look for nods to The Little Mermaid, Star Wars, Ratatouille, Frozen, and more. The movie is rife with Easter Eggs.

Zootopia 2 is a pure delight from start to finish. It emphasizes the importance of teamwork, trust, and doing the right thing. 

Judy Hopps is a character that brings out the best in others, even though it takes a while for them to realize it. She is steadfast in her determination to bring down criminals and bring justice those who have been wronged, and in this film she does that, with the help of Nick, Gary, and a few others who assist her in making things right.

Zootopia 2 is rated PG for action/violence and rude humor.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘Christmas at the Inn’ is a heartfelt holiday story

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Jill Wagner and Trevor Donovan star in this comfy, cozy Christmas movie. Christmas at the Inn is a sweet film that is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

Beth (Wagner) returns to her family’s Garland Inn in the little town of Snow Ridge to help with the holiday festivities, namely the town’s annual  Yuletide Potluck to honor veterans. Jack (Donovan) has come to Snow Ridge to spend the holiday near his brother and sister-in-law. As luck would have it, Jack is booked into the Garland Inn.

Jack and Beth have a little history. They had a blind date years ago in college. That date did not go well for either of them.

Beth is a list-maker perfectionist who was put off by Jack’s talk of concrete (yes, concrete) on their date and Jack was put off by Beth’s list of appropriate restaurants for the date. That date was a once and done thing for both of them. 

When they meet again at the inn, Beth wants nothing to do with Jack but somehow they keep winding up in the same place. His job as a civil engineer for the military has kept him traveling around the world without any real place to call home. He feels comfortable in the inn and loves helping out, to Beth’s annoyance. 

But, as fans of heartfelt Christmas movies and viewers of Great American Family know, the couple will find a spark between them, and a new understanding of each other.

What is an appealing aspect of this story is the connection to the military and veterans. The potluck was started by Beth’s family during World War II and has continued through the decades. The entire community is focused on the military and veterans. They are dedicated to honoring those who served and who are presently serving the country in uniform. 

This little holiday romance is a tasty treat, pun intended, as there are plenty of cookies and pastries continually being brought out. So, my suggestion is to grab yourself some gingerbread men (I did) and settle in for a heartfelt cozy Christmas story.

Christmas at the Inn, streams exclusively on Great American Pure Flix beginning Thursday, December 4 and premiering on Great American Family and GFAM+, Saturday, December 6, 2025.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image supplied courtesy Great American Media