Author: Francine Brokaw

‘The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature’ on Blu-ray Combo Pack

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



In 2014 a group of nutty (no pun intended) park critters stole the hearts of movie audiences. Led by Surly (Will Arnett) the gang headed for the Nut Store where food was plenty. Now The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature follows the further escapades of this little gang as they join together to save their home.

The story picks up where the first left off. Surly and his friends are living in the Nut Store because it was closed and the owner left all of the products behind. There are enough nuts to last years. But Andie (Katherine Heigl) isn’t pleased with the gang that abandoned their roots (again, no pun intended) and left the park, the trees, and their natural habitat for the good life in the store. She sees them losing their natural instincts and insists they return to the park.

That’s the last thing they want. After all, it’s a comfortable life in the Nut Store. No climbing trees and no foraging for food. They’re living the good life. But in an instant all of that is gone so they are forced to return to nature.

Things are going all right until the greedy mayor decides to build an amusement park on the site of Liberty Park. After all, the park isn’t bringing in any revenue so he feels an amusement park would add to his wallet.

The animals band together to take on the mayor and the construction crew, as well as the shabby rides that are built on their home-site. They get the assistance of an unusual group of mice who have taken over part of the city after they had to leave their own home when a golf course was built there. So now the whole gang sets up barriers and obstacles for the new amusement park hoping to save their home and return the site to Liberty Park.

Liam Neeson, Brendan Fraser, Maya Rudolph and the other actors from the first show return to voice their characters. And the third film in the franchise is scheduled for release in 2019.

The Blu-ray combo pack includes some deleted scenes. Viewers can also see the concept art that was the foundation for the show, as well as see how scenes are brought to life from the original storyboards to the final animated scenes. The movie is also available on DVD.

The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature is rated PG for action and some rude humor.

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

2017 Disney Advent calendars

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

It’s that time of year again. The holidays are quickly approaching and for those who celebrate Christmas, the month of December is filled with anticipation, fun, excitement, and energy as preparations for the holiday near.

Disney has three fun Advent Calendars this year to get everyone in the spirit of fun and celebrations. Every day in December a new item is revealed in the calendars as the countdown to December 25 gets closer and closer.

The Disney Animators’ Collection Advent Calendar (lists for $34.95) is filled with all the whimsy and fun of the Animators’ Collection of dolls and plush. For fans of this collection, the Advent Calendar will bring more cherished items. The collection is focused on the Disney characters as children, and the Advent Calendar contains miniature representations of the characters from Pocahontas, Tinker Bell and Peter Pan, Belle, and Ariel.

The box is designed with the same care as the boxes for the Animator dolls. Open it to see 24 little doors, one for each day of December leading up to Christmas. Opening each door reveals a white plastic bag. The bags contain the little keepsakes. Spoiler alert – door #1 contains a tiny Pocahontas and door #2 contains a tiny Tick Tock. There are scenery made out of card stock so the little characters can be placed to create a setting for them.

The Animators’ Advent Calendar is for ages 3+ due to the small size of the keepsakes.

There are two other Disney Advent Calendars ($99.95) this year. For collectors of the Tsum Tsums, there is a fun Tsum Tsum Plush Advent Calendar, with 25 (this one goes to Christmas) micro Tsum Tsum plush: Mickey on sled, Minnie skiing, Goofy in snowball, Thumper as snowman, Bambi as reindeer, Tigger with candy cane, Dumbo in snowball fight, Miss Bunny as present, and more.

For Star Wars/LEGO there is a new LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar ($46.95) with 24 individual tiny Lego keepsake items from the Star Wars films.

This is the time to buy/order your Disney Advent Calendar from your local Disney Store of the Shop Disney website.

About the Reviewer

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

Follow her on Twitter

Three releases from GKids

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


With the recent Blu-ray combo packs of Only Yesterday, When Marnie was There, and Mune, GKids brings three very different stories to viewers. They are all filled with the charm and emotions for which Studio Ghibli and GKids are known.

Only Yesterday

The year is 1982 and 27-year-old Taeko (voiced by Daisy Ridley) leaves Tokyo for a vacation in the countryside. She longs to work the land and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. On her train ride from the city to the country, Taeko begins to remember her 5th grade year and the film flips back and forth between the young Taeko and the 27-year-old.

As Taeko works the fields, she and organic farmer Toshio (voiced by Dev Patel) become close friends. All the while she is in the country, Taeko’s younger self is brought to the forefront as incidences of puberty, her frustrations in school and with her sisters and family, and first encounters with boys overtake the memories and concerns. The past and the present meet and the young and the current Taeko discover things about their lives that will take them forward.

This is the 25th anniversary of the English language release of this Studio Ghibli animated film.

When Marnie was There

This is a heartfelt story done with wonderful animation and a character that will capture the hearts of viewers. Like the others from this Japanese studio, the film was re-recorded in English.

Anna is a morose 12-year-old who suffers from asthma. She is a great artist and loses herself in her sketching. Anna is an orphan who has lived with her foster family since she was a little girl. She knows they have her best interest at heart, yet they are not her real parents so how could they feel the love for her that real parents would? Conflicted about life and shutting out the world, Anna is quiet and stays to herself.

Sent from her foster home in the city one summer to a sleepy town by the sea in Hokkaido, Anna dreams her days away among the marshes. She believes she’s outside the invisible magic circle to which most people belong – and shuts herself off from everyone around her, wearing her “ordinary face”. Anna never expected to meet a friend like Marnie, who does not judge Anna for being just what she is. But no sooner has Anna learned the loveliness of friendship than she begins to wonder about her newfound friend.

The love and devotion between Anna and Marnie comes full circle when all is revealed. The summer proves to be a life-changing time for young Anna, who comes to terms with her past and her present.

Mune: Guardian of the Moon

In this beautiful land, there is a Guardian of the Sun and a Guardian of the Moon. They keep nature in balance.

Mune is not supposed to take over being a guardian, but fate intervenes and he is pronounced the Guardian of the Moon. This little guy has good intentions, but manages to mess up the balance of nature. And, the new Guardian of the Sun is also messing up his job.

Soon the land is thrust into darkness and all is not right with the world. It is up to little Mune to find a way to get the moon and the sun back in their proper places, even if that means dealing with the dark influences of the Underworld that have taken over.

There are many interesting characters in this classic tale of good versus evil.

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 Moscow Ballet Company comes to LA for ‘The Nutcracker’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


If you love The Nutcracker, 2017 is the year to make it to The Wiltern for one of the three performances of the holiday traditional ballet by the world-renowned Moscow Ballet.

All ages are invited to celebrate Christmas with the Moscow Ballet Company of almost 40 ballerinas and dancers on their 25th Anniversary Tour of North America in 2017. Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is known for its award-winning dancers, lavish costumes in the style of the Victorian era, and its Russian focus including life-sized Matryoshka Dolls, Russian folk legends Ded Moroz (Father Christmas) and Snegurochka (Snow Maiden) and Troika Sleigh.

The Nutcracker is a timeless tale that has been enjoyed by families for generations. The Moscow Ballet Company puts their own spin on the tradition and brings traces of Russia to Los Angeles audiences. There is still the wonderful score by Tchaikovsky and the traditional characters, but the Moscow Ballet Company turns up the volume on this performance with amazing props and of course, the performances by their talented artists.

Groups of ten or more and Girl Scout troops receive discounts by calling 800-320-1733. Discounts for Seniors 65+, Active and Inactive Armed Services are available from www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets . Single tickets in Los Angeles are available now at www.nutcracker.com/buy-tickets or call Ticketmaster 800-745-3000.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker returns to Los Angeles at The Wiltern on December 15 and 16.

Gelli Arts®for fun family activities

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


What is Gelli Arts®? It’s a fun system of acrylic paint with textures and items to craft yourself for a different artistic experience. With the online tutorial you can start creating some great crafts right away.

Their new Feather Printing Kit is really unique. The kit includes three paint colors, the Gelli® plate, tools, a few textures, and eight white feathers. Feathers? Yep. Imaging creating colorful and unique feathers for a cool birthday party. Who would think of painting designs on feathers? Gelli Arts® did!

Once you begin, you’re in for some great finished products. And they’re easy to create.


First, put a drop of paint on the gel plate. Then take the roller and spread the paint on the plate. Next select a texture and press it onto the plate and then remove it. Carefully place a white feather on top of the plate and cover it with a thin piece of paper and press with your hand. Remove the paper and carefully pull off your feather. Clean the tools and plate (with wet paper towels or baby wipes) and you’re ready to go again. You can keep adding more colors to your feather with different designs if you prefer.

There are kits for creating unique cards and several kits for stamping and printing. And you will definitely find textures around your house to use (plus there are options to purchase them on the website). For instance, a piece of screen or lace would work beautifully. You’ll also think of other things on which to create your new art.


The kits are for ages 8+ and there are special prices for teachers. Check their website for all the info.

The company is the brainchild of two women, a crafter and a businesswoman. They joined forces to create this fun and new way to craft. I have only experimented with the feathers however I know I am going to use other items to create some unique objects. I enjoyed trying out my test products and appreciate they are made in the USA and odor free.

https://www.gelliarts.com/pages/gelli-printing-plate-demo

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

Bring home ‘Vampirina’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Disney Channel and Disney Junior simulcast the launch of the new animated series Vampirina in October and it ranked #1 with preschoolers. It was also seen by all ages and has quickly become a “must see” show for kids and families. Combining aspects of The Munsters and The Addams Family (from decades ago) with the fun flair of an adorable Disney animated character, Vampirina is a fun-filled show with plenty to interest kids and parents. Now 5 episodes are available on a DVD with some great stories for everyone.

The show centers around a young vampire named Vampirina, aka “Vee”. She is a sweet little girl who has moved to Pennsylvania from Transylvania with her parents. She desperately wants to fit in with the other kids, but that proves a little difficult at first. But her kindness and friendship wins out and she finally feels like she belongs.

There are plenty of adorable little references in the show. For instance, their computers access the World Wide Cobweb, and her mother starts a Scare B and B. Vampirina has a pet named Wolfie that turns into a werewolf when the moon is full. The characters are all endearing and it’s a cute little show for kids, who have already embraced it as a favorite.

Besides this DVD that will be played over and over again, there are plenty of consumer items to go along with the show. Kids will love the plush Vampirina. This cuddly little doll will be a great bedtime partner. She’s 13 inches high and dressed in “Vee’s” web-inspired dress. This is the dress she chose to wear to her first day of school. With her batwing pigtails, her large smile with her two little fangs, and her large eyes, the Vampirina plush will make anyone grin and embrace this little gal. The stitched accents make her a sturdy as well as a soft best friend for kids to cuddle and carry.

Other plush dolls include a smaller version of “Vee” with her wings. Did I mention that Vampirina turns into a bat from time to time? There’s a fluffy Wolfie plush, shirts, and plenty of other items available from the Disney Store.

Ghouls, vampires, ghosts, and goblins aren’t just for Halloween. With Vampirina, they’re a fun gang all year round.

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

‘Good Behavior’ returns to TNT for season 2

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



When TNT started to go dark and sinister last year, I was so disappointed. Who needs more gloomy and depressing shows in this day and age? We already have Annalise Keating (How to Get Away with Murder) and ‘Smurf’ Cody (Animal Kingdom) to replace the modern television antiheroes like Tony Soprano (The Sopranos) and Don Draper (Mad Men), to say the least.

To my amazement, however, Good Behavior (debuted November 2016) and Claws (June 2017) subsequently became my obsession. Sure, the lead characters are no angels, but they have good reasons to be who they are. Although they end up doing something illegal or immoral, their hearts are almost always in the right place.

Good Behavior returns for Season 2 on Sunday, October 15 2017. In case you missed the first season, the show follows Letty Raines (Michelle Dockery), a con artist, with one thing in mind. Fresh out of prison, she desperately wants to get custody of her 10-year-old son, Jacob (Nyles Julian Steele). The problem is she just doesn’t have what it takes to have and maintain the normalcy of a conventional, structured, predictable life. With her abusive upbringing and a number of addictions, she is forced to go back to her pre-prison life of stealing from high-end hotel guests and ripping off rich people. Since she is prohibited from escaping the reality with her choice of vices, Letty gets high by pretending to be someone with fancy narrative.

Letty meets Javier (Juan Diego Botto), an Argentine hit man, under very unusual circumstance and ends up being dangerously entangled with the embodiment of danger. Two loners who live on the outskirts of society happen to be in the right place at the right time. In search of who they’re dealing with, though, they fight like cats and dogs. Letty’s whiplash comebacks are to die for; I wish I could talk back to controlling men like she does. She is street-smart and wily, but addicted to the reckless sense of danger.

In Season 2, however, the honeymoon is over. Now that Letty has wiped the slate clean to start over with Jacob, the harsh reality sets in. Where should they live? Public school or private school? What size of pants does Jacob wear? They are happily domesticated now. Letty has to control and worry about Jacob as well as Javier on the run from the FBI. Letty wants Javier to change and vice versa. It’s a fake family with fake names and the underlying feeling of irritation is ‘You’re not the boss of me!’ Who are you to tell me to change? Sounds familiar? Even in this wildly unorthodox and impractical lifestyle, men are judged by their income and women by their ability to nurture. Poor Letty! Though she tries her best to become a better version of herself, the odds are stacked against her, particularly with the two new players introduced into her world. I guess they have to become a con artist family in order to survive.

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.

‘Seduced by Mrs. Robinson: How “The Graduate” Became the Touchstone of a Generation’ – Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Author Beverly Gray provides an extensive look at a film that changed many careers and indeed Hollywood itself. The Graduate was a popular book by Charles Webb. It was first published in 1963 but took several more years until it became a feature film. “Seduced by Mrs. Robinson” looks at the preparation to turn the book into a movie, the casting, the making of the film, and the aftermath on this 50th anniversary of the movie’s release.

The film introduced movie audiences to Broadway actor Dustin Hoffman. It is difficult to imagine anyone else in the role of Benjamin Braddock but, as Gray discloses, Robert Redford was anxious to play the male lead. Hoffman wasn’t sure he was Benjamin Braddock material, thinking he didn’t fit the image. But, as Gray points out, there is no description of Ben’s appearance in the book, so readers were free to use their imaginations, and casting Hoffman was a great coup, for him and the film.

As far as the original cougar, Mrs. Robinson, is concerned, there were many actresses who were considered for the part. Can you see Doris Day in that role? Or how about Patricia Neal? We all know that Anne Bancroft got the part and made the sexual dynamo into a character we have come to know and love through the years.

The film went through several script versions before starting production. This was basically a small, art house film that didn’t rely on a big studio. And the popularity of the film surprised Hollywood insiders. It was almost shut out of the Oscars, but director Mike Nichols was recognized by the Academy. The film did win several Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and other awards.

The wardrobe for Mrs. Robinson was carefully crafted. Her animal prints and furs convey a true cougar.

With songs by Simon and Garfunkel, a wonderful cast, fun story, and memorable lines, The Graduate quickly implanted itself in pop culture. It is still being recognized in today’s culture. In the 2005 film Rumor Has It, the plot revolves around a family that was the basis for the story of The Graduate. And there have been several takeoffs through the years of different scenes, including the one with Mrs. Robinson’s stockings.

For anyone who has this film at the top of their “favorites” list, they will definitely enjoy reading all the background in this book.

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Algonquin Books (November 7, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1616206160
• ISBN-13: 978-1616206161

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

‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’ returns to The CW for season 3

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Rebecca (Rachel Bloom), a Woody Allen-esque Manhattan lawyer, took a leap of faith by following her summer camp crush Josh (Vincent Rodriguez III) back to his hometown, West Covina, California. The first season of this quirky musical comedy Crazy Ex-Girlfriend portrayed Rebecca in total denial; she was the Queen of ‘I just happen to be here.’ Despite countless cringeworthy schemes and embarrassingly convoluted excuses, she managed to find her way back to The One that got away a decade ago. Great wish fulfillment for those of us who never get such a do-over!

Rebecca botched that up, of course. In Season 2, she overlooked the red flags that should have alerted her to an ill-fated wedding day. She desperately clung to the fantasy of her knight in shining armor; she believed that Josh was the answer to her problems. She was on the blink of figuring out her serious Daddy issues when Josh barged in on her therapy session. To Dr. Akopian’s disappointment, Rebecca took the easy way out by accepting his proposal.

Consider yourself lucky, Rebecca! No, I wasn’t abandoned at the altar, but the ultimate betrayal and rejection came ten years later when my husband walked out on me. Ten precious years down the drain with nothing to show for. This is not a grief competition, I get that. Although I’d say you dodged a bullet, go right ahead into the jilted bride’s revenge mode and punish the happy-go-lucky Josh for his cowardly escape into priesthood. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Let’s generalize about men and get back at them while you’re at it, shall we?

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend returns for Season 3 on Friday, October 13, 2017. After two seasons of being ’crazy-in-love’ and hence justifiable Rebecca, the show finally grows into its title and turns her into ‘revenge-crazy’ psycho Rebecca.

Although Rebecca tries so hard to put on a brave yet ‘evil’ face, her overall revenge schemes fail to impress. Maybe revenge is a dish best served cold. Maybe deep down inside she knows that resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Like a good lawyer, however, Rebecca exercises her rights to be heard! Good for you! Do whatever you need to and walk through your anger, pain, and sorrow. Seek who you are, not who you are without a man. Then, and only then, you will rise like a Phoenix from the ashes.

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.