Author: Francine Brokaw

‘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.

New Studio Ghibli releases from GKids

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Studio Ghibli enchants viewers with magical and entertaining films. My Neighbor Totoro and Ponyo are only two of the delightful films that are now available on Blu-ray combo packs from GKids.

In a reimagining of The Little Mermaid, Ponyo is about a little goldfish princess who longs to be human. Ponyo leaves her home and family and encounters a human boy names Sosuke. They form a bond that takes them through trials and tribulations, while her father, a sorcerer, tries to lure her back to the sea. During her quest to remain a human girl, the forces of nature are set into disarray and a storm threatens the little seaport town where Ponyo now resides with Sosuke and his mother.

Noah Cyrus and Frankie Jonas voice Ponyo and Sosuke. This film was revoiced for American audiences, having been produced in Japan. Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Tina Fey, Cloris Leachman, Liam Neeson, Betty White, and Lily Tomlin also add their voice talents to this creative film. White says she enjoys voice over work because you “don’t have to memorize” the lines. Actors must convey a character only with their voices.

There are hours of bonus features including a full-length storyboard feature, featurettes on the creation of Ponyo, the locations, and interviews and press conferences with the filmmakers. Scoring the film is also looked at.

Young Noah and Frankie used Ponyo hand puppets as props while recording their parts. It’s cute to see these young actors recreating the story in the recording studio.

The story of Ponyo was changed during the production. Originally it was supposed to center on a nursery, but the filmmakers added more of the town to the film.

My Neighbor Totoro is a heartening story of two little girls whose mother is in the hospital. They soon discover a forest spirit that can only be seen by children. The trio has many exciting journeys together. While the heart of the story is a bit sad in that the mother is quite ill, the wondrous times the girls have with Totoro is enchanting.

There are many bonus features on this combo pack, including the storyboards, scoring, locations, and creation of the film. The best part is the feature about the voice talent that include Dakota and Elle Fanning who play the two sisters Satsuki and Mei. Other voice cast includes Tim Daly, Pat Carroll, and Lea Salonga. All of the adult praise the sisters and viewers see how much fun the girls had while working together for the first time.

Also, Daly describes the film as “beautiful” and Carroll says it has “heart.” That is true for the Studio Ghibli films under the supervision of legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. There is a booklet included in this box filled with pictures and information about the film.

The animated films from this Japanese production company are wondrous, entertaining, and magical.

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

Refresh yourself in Walt Disney World

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Let’s face it. It’s hot in Florida in the summer. Keeping hydrated is important and I have several spots inside Walt Disney World where I always stop to grab a refreshing drink while still enjoying the fun.

First of all, Joffrey’s has several kiosks throughout WDW. Yes, they have wonderful coffee and tea selections, and they also have specialty drinks. I’ll admit I am almost addicted to the frozen cappuccino. As a matter of fact, grabbing one of these before heading out of EPCOT has become a tradition. There are also refreshing smoothies, with or without alcohol!


When in Pandora (inside Animal Kingdom) my new “must have” is a thirst quenching Night Blossom at the Pongu Pongu kiosk, meaning Party party in Na’vi. It’s a nice blend of limeade, apple and pear flavors. They add passion fruit Boba balls on top, which is something I don’t get, but if you love Boba, then have them add it to your drink. There are many other options in this fast service little bar next to the Satu’li Canteen in Pandora.

When you’re in The Magic Kingdom, Gaston’s Tavern is popular for the LeFou’s Brew, their signature non-alcoholic beverage. It’s like a frozen apple cider and very refreshing on a hot day. The frozen beverage is topped with passion fruit-mango foam. Along with their food selection, Gaston’s Tavern is a nice place to rest and recuperate before heading out for more fun in the park.

The perfect tropical treat for Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort guests, the delicious Dole Whip soft serve and Dole Whip floats can be found at Pineapple Lanai outside the Great Ceremonial House. This walk-up window is the only dedicated spot for the Dole Whip outside of the Magic Kingdom. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is located at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)[/caption]
In Adventureland (and the Polynesian Resort, you must get a Dole Whip Float. They add your choice of either pineapple flavored or vanilla soft serve to pineapple juice and is downright tasty. You’ll probably have to order seconds!

Smoothies, frozen Cokes, and other refreshing libations are available throughout the entirety of Walt Disney World. These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to tasty drinks. Club Cool in EPCOT, is where guests can sample selections from around the world…for free.

Check out the specialty drinks in the different countries in EPCOT representing their respective countries. The Fife & Drum Tavern at the American Pavilion has a refreshing – and patriotic – The American Dream, which is a slushy with frozen strawberry, vanilla ice cream, and frozen blue raspberry.

And, of course, you can always find a kiosk for bottled water, which is something we all need to drink.

About the Author

Roy Brokaw writes about interesting things to do and places to see. He is also an accomplished travel photographer.

‘Peanuts Holiday Collection Deluxe Edition’ on 4K

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Join Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang for some fun holiday classics. This one collection includes stories perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with the timeless stories featuring the loveable Peanuts kids. Peanuts Holiday Collection Deluxe Edition in available now on 4K Ultra HD with a Blu-ray disc and Digital copy.

First, we all know about The Great Pumpkin. Don’t we? Well, Linus is convinced The Great Pumpkin will come on Halloween night. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a fun Halloween story that has been entertaining families since 1966. It was nominated for 3 Prime Time Emmys and has been an annual TV viewing tradition in homes around the country. With everyone out Trick or Treating, little Linus is waiting in the pumpkin patch for the arrival of The Great Pumpkin. This little guy is so enthusiastic he’ll melt your heart. This is a disc that will keep everyone entertained throughout October.

Next comes Thanksgiving. November is filled with preparations for the holiday and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is one way to get ready for the holiday. In 1973 this adorable show was first broadcast on TV and ended up winning an Emmy. Thanksgiving with the Peanuts gang is happier than ever when Peppermint Patty joins the group for a festive celebration.

December brings Christmas and A Charlie Brown Christmas, which was produced in 1965 and has stood the test of time. Now, when people see a scraggly little tree, they often refer to it as a “Charlie Brown tree.” That’s because Good Ol’ Charlie Brown picked out the mangiest little tree to give it a good home. He doesn’t want to be taken in by the materialism of the holidays. And in the end he proves that the Christmas spirit and the season isn’t dependent on the big commercialism that has taken over the world.

Besides these three main holiday shows, the collection includes plenty more fun with Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, Violet, Schroeder, Patty, Frieda, Pig Pen, Woodstock, Franklin, and the rest of the gang.

It’s Magic, Charlie Brown (1981) centers on Snoopy as he dedicated himself to his magic tricks. But will he go too far?

Charlie Brown’s All-Stars (1966) has the little fellow in a difficult situation. He loves his baseball team, but to get new uniforms he must tell Snoopy, Lucy, Patty, Violet and Frieda they are off the team, which is something he doesn’t want to do. When the team hears that good ol’ Charlie Brown turned down the uniforms, they are incensed. Then Linus tells them that Charlie Brown was only thinking about them. He didn’t want to split up his team. The whole gang gets together to show Charlie Brown they understand and do care about him, and make him his own uniform…out of Linus’ blanket!

The Mayflower Voyagers (1988) is has the gang reliving the past as they set sail on the Mayflower for a new adventure in the New World, and a very difficult winter.

Play It Again, Charlie Brown (1971) has a love-struck Lucy getting a gig for Schroeder at the PTA concert. The piano-playing lad is excited to play his Beethoven melodies, but only rock music is allowed at the concert. How will Schroeder react to this news?

It’s Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown (1992) is filled with more holiday fun for the gang as they prepare for the annual Christmas pageant.

It’s Flashbeagle, Charlie Brown includes the fun dancing steps of the 80s. This show was first broadcast in 1984 and reflects the time.

Besides these nine timeless shows, there are a few featurettes included in the collection. While all of these shows were produced a long time ago, they are still as relevant and entertaining today. And now that they are on 4K, the graphics are brighter and better.

The Peanuts gang has many hours of fun in store for the whole family in this collection. And even though they are having fun watching the shows, kids won’t realize are learning lessons about life. Grab the popcorn, make some hot chocolate, and pop in these shows for some fun family viewing.

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

Bookroo Book Club for Kids

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



We all know that reading, singing, and talking to babies and kids is important. Books are an important element in everyone’s life, even in this time of computers and tablets. There’s nothing like holding a book and turning the pages. Bookroo is a great company that delivers books directly to your house. And because they’re yours to own, there’s no returning them to a library. How cool is that?


All you have to do is to select whether you want the Board Book Box for ages 0-2, or Picture Book Box for ages 2-6. If you select the Board Book Box, you’ll receive 3 books in each shipment. The Picture Book Box contains 2 books in each shipment. And each book comes beautifully wrapped. It’s like getting a fun present in the mail. Subscriptions are for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months. You decide what is right for you. And you can cancel the subscription any time.


The books have been reviewed by a panel of 12 families. They rate the books and the selections are then included in the list of books for the subscribers.

Working with the company is easy. For instance, if you have kids in both age ranges and you do not want two subscriptions, let them know and they will alternate between the two boxes each time.

And because they have been so successful, the company is now trying out their Junior Box for ages 7-10, so if you want to test that out, just let them know.


To review this company, I was sent two picture books. They were each beautifully wrapped in gift paper and came with a little note explaining the books. And after checking the titles online, I discovered the retail value of the books together was greater than the price of the subscription! They also included a URL to continue the discussion of the books online and the webpage included activities as well.

By having their own books, kids feel empowered. They can touch them, take them in the car, and start their own library of books that they can pass down to their children in the future. And parents get the opportunity to see their child’s face light up with each new shipment.
Bedtime might become their favorite time of the day once they begin receiving new books. Reading to them at the end of the day is a pleasant way to put kids to bed. The stories and the illustrations are top notch.

According to First Five California, “There are three simple and free interactions that, when done daily, help boost your baby’s brainpower right from the start. Talk. Read. Sing. It changes everything®.” Babies and kids will benefit from these simple activities. And with their own books, as they grow older, they will continue to enjoy the stories over the years.

Not only do these subscriptions make a great addition to your own home, but they are also wonderful gifts. Check them out at their website. You’ll be able to check off several names from your holiday gift list.

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

‘Brigadoon’ on Blu-ray from Warner Archive Collection

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



For the first time in HD Blu-ray, viewers can experience the splendor of this 1954 musical tale. Gene Kelly, Van Johnson, and Cyd Charisse star Brigadoon, an enchanting tale of a little Scottish town that has had a curse put on it. The town and everyone in it are put to sleep for 100 years at a time. They only awaken once every century yet for them it has only been one day. So, the town is mired in the past. The caveat of the curse is that if any townsfolk leave the town during the one day they are out in the open, the village is doomed. But if an outsider truly loves someone in the village, he/she is welcomed and becomes part of the fabled village.

New Yorkers Tommy (Kelly) and Jeff (Johnson) get lost while hunting in the Scottish Highlands. All of a sudden they see a small village that isn’t on any of their maps. While exploring this place, and looking to find a way home, they enter the mysterious village and learn of the curse put on it and everyone who dwells there.

Tommy meets Fiona (Charisse) and they are instantly attracted to each other. Fiona is preparing for her sister’s wedding. The entire town is excited about the event. Today’s the day.

Tommy and Jeff also get caught up in the excitement and are embraced by the folks there. With many wonderful dance numbers and memorable songs, the story unfolds over the period of this one glorious day.

At the end of the day the town – and everyone in it – disappears into the mist and is lost for another hundred years. Or are they? True love has a way of winning out.

Under the direction of famed musical director Vincent Minnelli, Brigadoon was nominated for several awards. This is not the only time Kelly and Charisse were teamed together. Charisse appeared in several films in which Kelly also acted and they had some wonderful dance duos including The Band Wagon and It’s Always Fair Weather.

Brigadoon was a hit Broadway play before becoming a celebrated movie musical. The Lerner and Lowe songs are lyrical and memorable: “Waitin’ for My Dearie,” “I’ll Go Home with Bonnie Jean,” “Heather on the Hill,” and “Almost Like Being in Love” will have viewers singing and humming for days.

And speaking of singing, there is a ‘Song Selection’ bonus on the Blu-ray in which viewers may select a song and watch just that scene. Also included on the disc are four deleted scenes/songs. They are not as tuneful as the ones left in the final cut, however the audio of Kelly singing “There But for you Go I” is a wonderful song.

You can purchase Brigadoon on Blu-ray at the Warner Archive website or where DVDs and Blu-rays are sold. Brigadoon is rated G for everyone.

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

‘Mickey Mouse: Merry & Scary Holiday Collection’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



If you’re looking for a way to spice up the holiday season or start a new family tradition, Mickey Mouse: Merry & Scary Holiday Collection will do just that. The DVD is fun for the entire family.

“The Scariest Story Ever: A Mickey Mouse Halloween Spooktacular!”

This story has Mickey, Donald, and Goofy doing their best to tell a scary story for Donald’s nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie and Mickey’s nephews Morty and Ferdie Fieldmouse. The stories aren’t scary enough for the five little boys. That is until Mickey comes up with a super scary tale of five little boys getting baked into pies by the old witch. That does it. Everyone, even Donald and Goofy are scared by the story. The show includes some music and a lot of mayhem by the five little fellows. Vampires, witches, and ghouls, oh my!

“Duck the Halls: A Mickey Mouse Christmas Special”

This second story on the disc is all about Christmas. It’s time for Donald, Daisy, and all the ducks to migrate south for the winter. After all, ducks don’t do well in the cold weather. But Donald decides to stay with his friends and celebrate Christmas, something he has never been able to do. He learns why ducks migrate south. Donald doesn’t handle the cold and snow like the thought he would. In the meantime, Daisy and the rest of the ducks are in a warm climate having fun in the sun and sea.

There are five bonus shorts included on the DVD. They are pretty much meant for Halloween time. The disc is a fun new way to bring holiday cheer to your house.

With about an hour of animated fun, this DVD is a good way to entertain kids when the weather is bad outside or just to get some Halloween and Christmas spirit in the house. It’s not just for kids. Adults will also enjoy the many clever quips and references.

Mickey Mouse: Merry & Scary is rated TV G for everyone.

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

‘Poldark’ returns for season 3 on PBS’ Masterpiece

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



Poldark, the saga of the Poldark clan in Cornwall in the 18th century, returns Sunday, October 1, 2017 on PBS’ MASTERPIECE. Season 3 centers around the three prominent couples; Ross & Demelza Poldark, George & Elizabeth Warleggan, and Dwight & Caroline Enys.

Now that George Warleggan (Jack Farthing) manipulated widowed Elizabeth (Heida Reed) into marrying him, he is a few steps closer to total wipe out of the Poldark realm. George would stop at nothing to move up the ladder to aristocracy once he bought his way into Trenwith, the Poldark family home, and the mines. He might be a so-called covetous sociopath since nothing can make up for New Money George’s inferiority complex. In Season 3, George’s self-loathing is manifested by his consuming political ambition. He might just get what he desperately desires – the ultimate revenge on Old Money Ross Poldark (Aidan Turner), his archenemy!

Ross is known for his numerous unconventional choices from the get-go. He busted out his farmhand from a jail with the help of his friend Dr. Enys (Luke Norris). He allowed his starving miners take food and cargo from a ship wrecked on his shore. He managed to pay off his debt by helping smugglers. He did follow his passion against maid-turned-wife Demelza’s (Eleanor Tomlinson) better judgment and desperate plea, including a midnight rendezvous with Elizabeth, the one that got away. Years of fighting social injustice as well as George’s relentless onslaughts take its toll on his marriage.

Ross Poldark is proud and pigheaded to a fault, but this man of principle seeks liberty, equality, and fraternity. Bravo! Despite his reckless behaviors, I’d say he is still my hero because I’m not married to him! When you marry a hero or a man on a noble mission with a moral compass intact, his family almost always comes last. Stop whining and scheming, Demelza! Get with the program or get out! Keep reminding yourself: How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?

Immature men versus practical women. Whether you live in the 18th century Cornwall or 21st century Los Angeles, the human experience doesn’t change that much, does it?

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.

50th Anniversary Edition: The Best of The Carol Burnett Show

Posted on by Francine Brokaw



From 1967 to 1978 The Carol Burnett Show entertained millions of viewers. This variety show was not expected to last more than half a season, but the wonderful ensemble made it a “must see” for viewers. This 50th Anniversary Edition from Time/Life includes 6 discs filled with memorable episodes from the award-winning show, as well as a look back at the show with members of the cast.

Besides the amazing comedic ability of Burnett, not to mention her singing talent, the ensemble included Vicki Lawrence (who was just out of high school when she was cast), Harvey Korman, Lyle Waggoner, and Time Conway. The show was noted for the comedy sketches that had the cast breaking out in laughter and chuckles while they were performing them.

The episodes include the first one and the last one, bookending a compilation of episodes that spanned the 11 years. They incorporated many returning characters, like Mama and Eunice, that was later a spin-off as Mama’s Family, Mrs. Wiggins and Mr. Tudball, The Oldest Man, The Charwoman, and recurring sketches with parodies of Shirley Temple, feature films, and soap operas.

Throughout the seasons Burnett performed duets with her costars and the rest of the cast also took part in musical numbers. The episodes always began with Burnett taking questions from the studio audience. This became a beloved part of the show and in later years Burnett took this on the road and answered questions from audiences around the country.



There’s no doubt The Carol Burnett Show was a memorable variety show filled with plenty of laughs and music. Besides this wonderful compilation of episodes, fans of Burnett should also check out her books: “This Time Together” in which she discusses her life and career and gives insights into the variety show, and “In Such Good Company” in which she focuses entirely on the show. For a more personal experience, check out the audio versions of the books. Listening to Burnett as she discusses her life and career makes the stories more interesting.

The Carol Burnett Show is consistently ranked as the top variety show in TV history. And it’s no wonder. The ensemble and writing were the cream of the crop. It’s good, old-fashioned, family entertainment.

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