Author: Francine Brokaw

‘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

‘Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia’ available on Netflix

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Last year the DreamWorks Animation series Trollhunters took Netflix viewers to a new realm. The 26-episode first season was the most watched kids original series on Netflix, to date. The second season, Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia premiers December 15, 2017 with 13 fun-filled episodes for fans young and not-so-young.

As the writers explained to members of the media, the story was originally envisioned as a feature film, but there was too much to explore so they designed a serialized trilogy that has been created for TV viewers on Netflix. In the first season they crafted the different worlds: the human world and the troll world, and they brought the characters to life. Season two expands the characters and explores the mythology, giving a more detailed look at the background of the special magical items as well as the characters.

As they also discussed, Toby is not just a sidekick for Jim, and Claire is not just the token female/girlfriend. This season is definitely the “season of Claire,” and her strength and the power of her shadow staff comes into play more as the episodes progress.

The series is as entertaining for girls as it is for boys, and the kids who have been hooked on the show have involved their parents in it as well. The characters, mythology, and magic appeal to all viewers.

The late Anton Yelchin voiced the character of Jim in the show and the writers/producers expressed sadness that the actor didn’t live long enough to see the love and affection viewers have for the series.


Kelsey Grammer voices the adorable troll Blinky, and this season Mark Hamill comes on as Blinky’s evil brother Dictatious Maximus. The writers are excited by Hamill’s addition to the show. He brings a different level of enthusiasm and vision to his character than they originally imagined.

The third season in the trilogy will be “Wizards” yet that has yet to be finalized.

Trollhunters garnered the most Emmy Awards for in single year for an animated show. There’s no doubt the show has a strong following and with the way the entire season is available for binge watching on Netflix, it is sure to gain even more viewers as the second season hits the network.

With the winter months being notorious for sick days, having these two season available to view will be a welcome experience for any kid who is stuck in bed with a cold or the flu.

Trollhunters and Trollhunters: Tales of Arcadia are rated TV-Y7.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Father Goose’ on Blu-ray with new bonus features

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Olive Films has just released the Cary Grant film Father Goose as an Olive Signature Blu-ray with new bonus features. This 1964 movie was one of Grant’s final films. After this he made only one more movie, Walk, Don’t Run, which was produced in 1966.

Father Goose takes place during World War II. Grant stars as Walter Eckland, a bum drifting through life. He was a former teacher but is now just taking it easy and appropriating whatever he can find for his own purpose – even military supplies.

Walter is manipulated into taking a position as a coast watcher on an uninhabited South Pacific island. What he gets is more than he bargained for.

When he is sent to a nearby island to rescue the local coast watcher after a Japanese attack, he discovers a woman and a group of young girls. Catherine Freneau (Leslie Caron) is chaperoning several girls from a boarding school and they ended up on this island. To keep them alive, he takes them back to his island, hoping they will be taken back to civilization the next day. What actually happens is that he is stuck with them all for the foreseeable future.

So, take one somewhat stuffy French chaperone, add seven impressionable young women, and mix in a grumpy, unkempt bum and you have the recipe for two hours of fun. From the opening scene with a catchy song to the ending credits, this is a film for Cary Grant fans and everyone else (although who isn’t a fan of the legendary actor?).

Trevor Howard plays Walter’s friend and the commander who initially blackmails Walter into being a coast watcher but then must face the sticky situation with Walter being in charge of eight females who are counting on him to keep them safe. Caron is delightful as Catherine Freneau and as the story progresses and the young women become infatuated with Mr. Eckland, she also falls under his rather gruff charm.

A bonus feature looks at the final part of Grant’s career and life. It might surprise fans to know that he was going to play Professor Higgins in the film version of My Fair Lady, but thought he would always be compared to Rex Harrison who inhabited that role on stage and ultimately reprised it in the movie.

Cary Grant wanted to go out on top. He didn’t want to be remembered as one of those Hollywood stars who kept going and going, like the Energizer bunny. This man had class and wanted to be remembered as the dashing movie star and not some old man on the screen.

This feature will definitely enlighten fans of Grant about his desires and goals. One of those goals was to get an Academy Award, which he eventually did for his body of work but not for one performance. That was fine with him.

There is a bonus feature with Ted Nelson whose father Ralph directed the film. In this feature Nelson talks about his father’s career. He comes from a show business family, with his mother being actress Celeste Holm, however Ted has earned his own place in history as the man who initially envisioned the World Wide Web – back in the 1960s!

With the new informational bonus features and the delightful movie, this edition of Father Goose is a must-have for fans of the show.

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

‘A Fan’s Guide to Hawaii Five-O” by Cheryl Hollar – Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Author Cheryl Hollar has penned an interesting book for fans of the two TV series Hawaii Five-O and of TV history. “A Fan’s Guide to Hawaii Five-O” is an “unofficial” guidebook to the two shows. It’s clear that Hollar researched extensively in order to bring plenty of interesting tidbits to readers.

In 1968 a little show hit the airwaves. With a powerful opening sequence and memorable theme song, Hawaii Five-O didn’t quite take off with viewers in the beginning. But it soon caught on with interesting and unforgettable characters, tag lines, and stories and scenery that brought viewers to Hawaii every week. It remained on the air until 1980. In 2010 the show was rebooted with a new cast however the scenery is the same and the theme song, although a bit bouncier, is still one of the most memorable tunes on TV today.

Hollar brings readers into the heart of the show and all the actors. There are so many facts woven into her narrative that it a fun read for anyone interested in the shows and TV itself. Do you know how the series got its name? Most people might assume that Five-O is the actual name of a police division in Hawaii. But they would be wrong. It was named Hawaii Five-O because Hawaii is the 50th state.

The show has insinuated itself into pop culture and culture all together. Cops are often called “Five-O,” and the phrase, “Book ‘em Danno” is a definitely well recognized axiom.

Hollar has infused many facts into this book. She even describes how the “big wave” shot in the opening came to be. Readers get to know about all aspects of creating the show and how it weaves into the locations and names in Hawaii. Information from and about writers, directors, locations, actors, names, and plenty of photos combine to make this a book every fan of the original series and the rebooted series should have. The actors from both shows are looked at in detail as the author creates a well-rounded guide to all aspects of Hawaii Five-O. This is a backstage pass into the world of two iconic shows. It’s apparent that Hollar is a devotee of the show and brings her exuberance to the pages of this book.

Paperback: 116 pages
Publisher: Tomahawk Press (October 9, 2017)
ISBN-10: 0956683487
ISBN-13: 978-0956683489

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

‘Sayonara’ on Blu-ray from Twilight Time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Based on the book by James Michener, Sayonara stars Marlon Brando, Miiko Taka, Red Buttons, James Garner, and Miyoshi Umeki in a dramatic story of life and love in Japan after World War II. The story takes place in 1951, just ten years after Pearl Harbor. Tensions run high but yet the people of Japan are eager to get past the resentment they hold for the “Yanks.”

Brando is Air Force Major Gruver, a man from the South who is following in his father’s footsteps in the military. Kent Smith is General Webster, who is friends with Gruver’s father and quite anxious for Gruver to marry his daughter Eileen (Patricia Owens). He reassigns the ace pilot to Japan from Korea so the couple can spend more time together and hopefully marry.

While in Japan, one of Gruver’s men, Joe Kelly (Buttons), marries a Japanese woman (Umeki). The law at the time does not allow American servicemen to bring their Asian wives back to the states. Knowing this, and knowing the prejudice the couple and their children will face, they start their lives as a married couple in Japan. The future will take care of itself.

Gruver is against the union, but eventually comes to realize how much in love the couple is. And to the chagrin of the higher ups, he also falls for a Japanese woman (Taka) and breaks up with the General’s daughter.

Garner is Captain Bailey, a man on the side of love and marriage, and the conduit between the lovers to keep everyone content and in good standing. But that proves a challenge when the military comes down harder on mixed-race couples.

Irving Berlin wrote the title song, and the score is from famed composer Franz Waxman. Joshua Logan directed this epic story of love, compassion, prejudice, and history, and brings the culture of 1950s Japan to the screen.

This film introduced Red Buttons as a mainstream actor to movie audiences. Brando had already made a name for himself with A Streetcar Named Desire, Julius Caesar, On the Waterfront, and Guys and Dolls. Garner went on to star in numerous dramas and comedies in his career. Taka was introduced to audiences in this movie and went on to roles in Shogun and Walk, Don’t Run. Umeki played Mei Li in the 1961 musical Flower Drum Song, and in 1969 co-starred in the TV series The Courtship of Eddie’s Father.

Personally I would have preferred to see James Garner in the lead role, but who am I to challenge Josh Logan? By the way, Garner won the Golden Globe for this film for “Most Promising Male Newcomer.”

Michener penned many classic stories, like “The Bridges at Toko-ri,” “Hawaii,” “Centennial,” and “The Drifters.”

This limited edition Blu-ray from Twilight Time includes a booklet about the movie and the story.

Sayonara is long (147 minutes) and filled with emotions. It’s not rated but due to the subject matter it is not for young viewers. Pop this disc into your player and settle down for two and a half hours of intense drama with a great cast and wonderful performances. Red Buttons won the Academy Award for “Best Actor in a Supporting Role,” Miyoshi Umeki won for “Best Actress in a Supporting Role, “ and the film garnered two additional Oscars.

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