Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Gidget’ on Blu-ray from Twilight Time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Anyone who grew up in the 1960s knows about Gidget and Moondoggie. The 1959 movie was based on the book, which was based on the exploits on one young California girl who took up the sport of surfing. Sandra Dee inhabited the role of Gidget, aka Frances (Francie) Lawrence, in the movie that started a slew of surfer films, and James Darren stole the hearts of women of all ages as the singing and surfing Moondoggie.

This new Blu-ray edition from Twilight Time includes not only the fun film about Gidget, Moondoggie, and the crew of surfer dudes (Kahuna, Stinky, Lover Boy, Lord Byron, Hot Shot, and Waikiki), but it also has the original movie trailer and a booklet about the movie and making the film.

Francie is basically a tomboy who loves swimming and activities, except for the activity of “man-hunting” enjoyed by her girlfriends. This particular summer changes everything for the straight-A student as she enters the realm of womanhood. For the first time in her life Francie is romantically attracted to a man. Yes, Moondoggie is the object of her affections, but it takes the entire summer for him to realize he is also attracted to her.

Being a film of the fifties, the visuals are not what we would expect from a surfing movie of today. The actors didn’t have to actually surf. They just stood on their boards and pretended to be the surfer dudes they were playing. But that doesn’t take anything away from the film. It is still a story about the friendship between Francie and the guys in the group, and the start of the loving relationship between Gidget and Moondoggie that has remained in the hearts and minds of viewers for over 50 years.

The film inspired two more Gidget movies, with different actresses taking the title role but James Darren remaining in all three as Moondoggie, aka Jeffrey Matthews. The movies then inspired TV shows and TV films. But nothing is as good as the original.

Cliff Robertson co-stars as Kahuna, the head of the group. Joby Baker, Tom Laughlin, Doug McClure, Burt Metcalfe, and Robert Ellis play the rest of “the crew” with Arthur O’Connell and Mary LaRoche as Gidget’s parents. Darren sings the title song and a sentimental love song in the film, and The Four Preps appear in a scene singing their hit song “Cinderella.”

The first time anyone watches the movie they will probably be surprised by the little plot twist that has hints throughout the film. Even if you know what is coming, it’s still cute to watch the first meeting between Frances Lawrence and Jeffrey Matthews.

Gidget inspired a generation of young surfers and introduced the sport to mainstream film audiences.

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 Disney Animators’ Collection Littles: Mystery Figures

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Whether you’re looking for some cute stocking stuffers or additional gifts for Chanukah, this new assortment from the Disney Animators’ Collection is perfect. The Disney Animators’ Collection Littles: Mystery Figures sell for $4.95 each from The Disney Store and ShopDisney.com. Besides gifts for the holiday season, they’re also handy for keeping around for little bonus incentive gifts in the future.

When I was a child and faced a difficult situation or challenge, I was rewarded with a small toy. It wasn’t a bribe to do something. It was a token of accomplishment. These little figures would have been exactly what I would receive for overcoming something or facing an illness.

The miniature figures each come in a pencil-shaped case. The cases are designed to fit together and stack to make a unique display. With their special connectors, they can be set in a variety of ways and can be added to as new figures are brought into the group. These are blind boxed so no one knows what is inside until the package is opened.

Currently Wave One is available, with items from Lilo and Stitch, Tangled, and Frozen. There are eight different figures in this first wave: Rapunzel, Pascal with a chase variant, Elsa, Olaf, Elsa’s Bed, Lilo & Scrump, Stitch, and Lilo’s Record Player with Scrump. New waves will be coming with different characters.


When opened, the pencil-shaped box contains a Micro Collectible figure, display case connectors and clips, a collector’s guide, and a surprise drawing. Due to their small size, these are for ages 3 and up.

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

‘Fuller House’ Season 2 DVD GIVEAWAY

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


In Fuller House: The Complete Second Season, there’s no place like home, as the Tanner-Fuller-Gibblers serve up a whole new set of hilarious adventures. D.J. finally decides between Matt and Steve. Kimmy’s ex-husband, Fernando moves into the Tanner house. Ramona thinks she’s ready for her first kiss. The entire Tanner family shows up to the house for Thanksgiving, pushing D.J.’s organizational skills to the extremes. Kimmy tries to get her childhood band Girl Talk back together again. Uncle Jesse and Becky consider making an addition to their family. A famous ‘90s boy band makes a guest appearance and much more! Fans won’t want to miss the latest antics of the Tanners in the complete second season, available for the first time on DVD!

The series has already been renewed for a third season on Netflix and earned a People’s Choice Award in 2017 for “Favorite Premium Comedy Series.”

We have some DVDs to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of Fuller House: The Complete Second Season, email us at [email protected] with “Fuller House Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).

The deadline for this giveaway is December 12, 2017.

A look at ‘Home for the Holidays’ with Tip & Oh (and Latke recipe!)

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Time for some brand new magic from your friends at DreamWorks Animation Television with Home for the Holidays! Based on the popular Netflix original animated series, Home Adventures with Tip & Oh, the Home for the Holidays special finds Oh experiencing his very first Christmas on earth. Unfamiliar with any of these human traditions, Tip does her best to explain Christmas to Oh and they decide to bring the holiday magic to Boovsland. When the Boovs’ unfounded enthusiasm and outlandish interpretation of Christmas wreak havoc and threaten to ruin the holiday for everyone on Earth, Tip and Oh have to get help from some special new friends to save the Season! This is available on Netflix.

‘Despicable Me 3’ on 4K, Blu-ray, DVD, and digital

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Despicable Me 3 continues to entertain viewers of all ages with the delightful characters that have been beloved by audiences since 2010. The three little girls – Edith, Agnes, and Margo – now have a real family. Gru and Lucy are devoted parents and everything is great for the family.

Then Gru and Lucy lose their jobs at the Anti-Villain League, the Minions decide to leave, and Gru discovers he has a twin brother Dru. Everything changes for them when Dru invites the family to his estate to entice his brother into returning to his live of a villain. But Gru isn’t about to return to evil.

Then Gru has a great idea. He will use his brother to help him in a caper that will put him back in good graces with the Anti-Villain League and he and Lucy can get their jobs back.

While Gru and Dru are plotting their caper, Lucy is bonding with the girls. She desperately wants them to consider her their “mom.”

Like in the past films, the girls steal every scene in which they appear.

This is not a story of good and evil, although that is a big part of the film. It is a story of family. What bonds everyone together, even the Minions, is their love for each other. Whether it’s Lucy finally becoming a real mom to the girls, Agnes selling her stuffed unicorn when her parents lose their jobs, the Minions realizing they belong with the family, or Gru and Dru joining forces as brothers, family is at the core. The love of every family member is what drives each of their actions.
Steve Carell and Kristin Wiig reprise their roles as Gru and Lucy, and Julie Andrews returns as the voice of Gru’s mother who admits that when he was a baby she and her husband broke up and each took one of the twin boys.

There are plenty of bonus features including a Mini Movie about Kyle the “dog” who is smitten by the poodle next door. He has competition for her affection from a cunning German Shepard. More bonuses include deleted scenes, additional antics with the Minions, a look at the Anti-Villain League, a “making of” feature, and more fun with the characters and the voice actors. With the additional features, viewers have much more to explore and enjoy with all the characters in this fun and entertaining film in the family-friendly franchise.

Despicable Me 3 is available on a 4K combo pack, a Blu-ray combo pack, and a DVD. It’s rated PG for action and 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

‘You’re Gonna Make it After All” by Marc Shapiro – Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Mary Tyler Moore’s passing in January 2017 was a shock to her fans. As the spunky wife of Rob Petrie in The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966) and the spunkier associate producer in The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977), Moore has been an icon in TV history. “You’re Gonna Make it After All: The Life, Times and Influence of Mary Tyler Moore” is a book that encompasses the personal and professional lives of the actress from the start to the end.

Marc Shapiro has researched Moore’s life extensively and composed a fact-filled book for Moore’s fans. With quotes from interviews by the actress as well as information comprised in the countless articles and books written about Mary, this biography fills in the gaps and puts her life and career into perspective. While her personal life was not all roses and rainbows, we remember her as a wide-smiled woman with spirit.

Mary Tyler Moore was one of the first women to wear pants on TV. Prior to Laura Petrie, the television women/wives were dressed in, well, dresses. They wore aprons over their dresses when cleaning the house, along with their pearls. This was not a realistic view of the American homemaker, then called “housewife.” Readers might be surprised to know that initially the network gave Carl Reiner static about Mary’s wardrobe, initially allowing her to wear pants in one scene per episode. But slowly Reiner added more scenes with Laura Petrie dressed in slacks and this simple wardrobe change was a turning point in TV history.

Later, MTM would make more history as the first career woman who wasn’t attached to a man. Marlo Thomas is credited with being the first single career woman in her show That Girl (1966-1971), but as Ann Marie, she had a steady boyfriend. That was not the case for Mary Richards. Mary was happy with her life and didn’t need a man around to lean on.

In her personal life the actress felt pangs of guilt for being away from her son a lot. She felt she was not a good mother to her son Richard.

Moore suffered from Type 1 Diabetes and alcoholism. Both of these issues are covered in the pages of this book. As Shapiro weaves the life history of MTM from cover to cover, he adds plenty of quotes from Mary from her numerous interviews.

In 2011 the actress underwent brain surgery for a benign brain tumor and after that her health declined and caused many issues with her mental and physical wellbeing. She basically retired from acting except for a brief appearance on the sitcom of her former co-star Betty White, Hot in Cleveland (2010-1015). In that appearance, viewers got a final view of the woman who had adorned TV sets throughout the years with her vivaciousness, comedy, singing, dancing, and definitely spunk.

Fans of Mary Tyler Moore will get a well-rounded look at the life of this woman in the new book “You’re Gonna Make it After All: The Life, Times and Influence of Mary Tyler Moore” by Marc Shapiro.

Paperback: 194 pages
Publisher: Riverdale Avenue Books (October 11, 2017)
ISBN-10: 1626014116
ISBN-13: 978-1626014114

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

Disneyland Resort is the place for holiday magic

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


With holiday music and decorations in Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Resort transforms from “The Happiest Place on Earth” to “The Merriest Place on Earth.” With holiday music, decorations, and food, the spirit of the season is alive and well in Anaheim, California.


There are beautiful Christmas trees in both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, special parades, and holiday-inspired night shows. “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” in Disneyland features favorite characters decked out for the season and spreading holiday cheer, and topped off with a visit from Santa himself. “World of Color Season of Light” is a spectacular extravaganza on Paradise Bay with plenty of music and visual effects. And of course, no one does fireworks like the folks at Disney, so make sure you stick around for the “Believe…in Holiday Magic” fireworks show. Seriously, once you experience Disneyland fireworks spectaculars, every other one is a disappointment! After watching this spectacular I doubt anyone won’t be feeling happy and excited, not to mention amazed.


The “It’s Tough to be a Bug” show in Bugs Land is on hiatus. In its place is a special preview of the new animated film “Coco.” Take a break and rest your feet while you sit down in the theater and watch as Miguel and the preview of the film in colorful 3D.


During this magical time of the year take advantage of the special holiday treats throughout both theme parks. With the “Festival of Holidays” there are special delicious delicacies for visitors to Disney California Adventure. I recommend the Macaroni & Cheese with Cornbread Crumbles and the Milk Chocolate-Candy Cane Pot de Crème. If you love peppermint mocha, you have to try this. And there are other great seasonal-inspired foods to taste and enjoy for Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Navidad. Vegetarian, gluten and kid friendly food are included so everyone can enjoy these tasty treats.

Just remember to bring plenty of patience. This is a busy time and with the new security measures, it might take a little longer in the lines to get to the parks. Just take a deep breath, relax, and put aside your frustration. You’ll soon be experiencing the “Merriest Place on Earth” with your family. The holidays are alive and ready to enjoy from now until January 7, 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

Disney Dollhouses are awesome

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


When I was little I thought my dollhouse was really great. It had two levels and several rooms. But it was a simple house. There was nothing special about it. Little kids have some great dollhouse options this year from the folks at shopDisney.com.


The Frozen Arendelle Palace Dollhouse is nothing short of amazing. This three-level palace is filled with the amenities any doll would love. There are beds for Anna and Elsa, a dining room, a fireplace, chandelier, fabric curtains, and a grand staircase. The five rooms inspire plenty of creativity in the spirit of Frozen. With the furniture and the architecture of the land, this dollhouse is a piece of Arendelle. It measures 54 ¼” high, 3 ¾” wide, and 15 ¾” deep. The dolls are not included but the 12” Anna and Elsa dolls will be comfortable in this Palace. (Ages 3+ $149.99)


The Frozen Ice Crystal Palace Dollhouse is spectacular. For a change from their Arendelle Palace Dollhouse, Anna and Elsa (dolls not included) will enjoy this stunning palace decked out in blues, greens, and purples. With two staircases, three levels, and four rooms, and furniture, the detail in this palace is a remarkable homage to the palace in the movie. This dollhouse measures 53 ¾” high, 37” wide, and 16 ½” deep. (Ages 3+ $259.95)


Ariel’s Land to Sea Castle Dollhouse includes the best of both worlds. First, the lower level is her home “under the sea.” With her father’s throne room and Ariel’s grotto, life in the sea is represented to its full extent. There’s even a place for all her “thingamajigs.” The two upper floors represent Eric’s castle. Furniture, a balcony, a staircase, and the details on the walls inside and out bring the magic of Ariel’s life right into your own home. This dollhouse measures 58 ¾” high, 37” wide, and 12 ½” deep. The 12” Ariel doll is not included. (Ages 3+ $169.99)


Belle’s Enchanted Dollhouse brings the magic of the Beast’s castle to your home. Three levels, a staircase, balconies, furniture, and many of the enchanted characters from the film spur young imaginations. With the artwork on the walls and the included furniture and accessories, everyone who loves Belle and the Beast will cherish this dollhouse. It measures 46 ½” high, 30 ¾” wide, and 20” deep. (Ages 3+ $149.99)

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

The “Battle of the Nutcrackers” returns to Ovation TV

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



The 11th annual “Battle of the Nutcrackers” begins December 11 on Ovation TV. Five productions of the holiday classic ballet with the wonderful and memorable Tchaikovsky music include ballet companies from around the world.

The five versions of “The Nutcracker” are performed at The Australian Ballet, The Dutch National Ballet, the Semperoper Ballet, the Berlin State Opera, and the Royal Opera House. The five productions will air from December 11 to December 15, with voting open to all viewers. The viewer favorite will be revealed on December 18 and re-aired that day.

Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker – The Australian Ballet
An Ovation TV Premiere airing Monday, December 11 at 7:00am ET
Created for Birmingham Royal Ballet and now performed by The Australian Ballet, Peter Wright’s production of The Nutcracker is considered the world’s most beautiful.

Peter Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker and the Mouse King – The Dutch National Ballet
Airing Tuesday, December 12 at 7:00am ET
Unlike the original story, the production by Toer van Schayk and Wayne Eagling (who also designed the delightful sets and costumes) does not take place on Christmas Eve in a German town, but during St. Nicholas celebrations in Amsterdam, around 1810.

The Nutcracker – Semperoper
Airing Wednesday, December 13 at 7:00am ET
Based on the celebrated original ballet libretto by Marius Petipa, choreographers Aaron S. Watkin and Jason Beechey have joined forces to create a production from the Semperoper highlighting the work’s fairy-tale aspects and visual opulence.

The Nutcracker – Berlin State Opera
Airing Thursday, December 14 at 7:00am ET
The Nutcracker is a magical fairytale full of vivacity and life and its musical brilliance is brought to its peak through the interpretation of the renowned conductor Daniel Barenboim and star Vladimir Malakhov.

Royal Opera House – The Nutcracker
An Ovation TV Premiere Airing Friday, December 15 at 7:00am ET
This all-time ballet favorite, in which young girl Clara is taken on a fantasy adventure when one of her Christmas presents comes to life, is gloriously put on stage in Peter Wright’s 2016 production, with choreography by Lev Ivanov.

To vote for your favorite production, go to the Ovation Facebook Page.

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

New toys from Jakks Pacific inspire creativity

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

This season there are plenty of great new products from Jakks Pacific. These toys inspire creativity and build confidence as kids expand their horizons.

Real Workin’ Buddies Mr. Dusty

Do you have a child that won’t clean up his/her mess? It’s Mr. Dusty to the rescue. This adorable truck is a combination collection and dump truck. And he has a personality too. His eyes wiggle while he moves and he lights up when he talks Dusty has over 50 phrases and sounds. He is more than a talking truck. This guy is a big helper.

When kids grab his sturdy handle and move him around on the floor, Dusty opens his motorized mouth. His mustached- covered mouth opens wide and he scoops – or eats – whatever is on the ground. Of course he won’t eat huge items, but he is good at scooping up blocks, Legos, small figures, and other toys. Then when he is full, simply tip him over to open his rear and he dumps out whatever he has collected into one little pile. Voila. He’s ready now to go for another pass and sweep up more mess.

Dusty has a great personality, which comes through in his phrases. “Vroom, vroom. Let’s clean your room.” Cleaning time is his lunchtime and he loves helping kids clean their room. With Dusty, kids learn it’s fun to clean. Actually, Dusty does the cleaning but it takes kid power to push him around.

Dusty is a do-it-all truck. He eats, sweeps and dumps, but he is also a good playmate. This combination garbage truck, street sweeper, and dump truck is recommended for ages 3 and up. He works on hard floors and carpets too. Real Workin’ Buddies Mr. Dusty lists for $39.99.

BIG-FIGS

Whether your child loves Star Wars or the characters from
Justice League, there’s a giant BIG-FIG ready for fun and action. Imagination is the key with these overgrown heroes.

The latest film in the Star Wars franchise, The Last Jedi, is coming to theaters this holiday season. The characters will undoubtedly ignite the interest of kids of all ages. With a BIG-FIG they will be able to recreate scenes from the film or make up new ones. The characters are between 16 and 18 inches tall. They are articulated to pose and play.

Besides the Star Wars BIG-FIGS there are Justice League figures as well. Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg come alive in a child’s hands. Costumed in their traditional garb, these big fellows are great for taking to the playground, in the car, or anyplace.

For ages 3 and up, these BIG-FIGS list for $19.99 each.

Paw Patrol Electronic Music Mat

Do you remember in the 1988 movie Big when Tom Hanks and Robert Loggia hopped around to perform a duet on a giant piano? Well, the Paw Patrol Electronic Music Mat isn’t exactly that but it comes close.

For ages 3 and up this mat teaches music skills and appreciation with the help of the Paw Patrol. The mat has three options. When the Piano button is pressed, the eight soft “keys” represent the notes on a piano. Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do. Kids can play their own piano with their hands or feet.

To listen to pre-programmed tunes, simply press the soft Music button. Kids can dance along to the songs from their Paw Patrol characters.

The Memory button is the most fun as kids are challenged to repeat the notes played for them. The notes don’t light up so they really learn piano notes. It might be a bit daunting for some kids in the beginning, but they’ll soon get the hang of it. As they say in the game, “Practice makes Paw-fect.”

The mat measures 36 inches wide. Small feet or hands can easily reach the different keys. Batteries are required.

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