Flynn Animator Doll

Posted on August 7, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

The newest animator doll from The Disney Store is Flynn Rider, aka Eugene Fitzherbert. This adorable little fellow is the young version of the man who stole Rapunzel’s heart in Tangled and is her best friend for always in the Tangled TV series. The 2010 film introduced Flynn to the world. He was a dashing and flirtatious man with great ambitions.

The Flynn Animator doll has so much character in his sweet expression. His big brown eyes and charming smile combine to make him one of the cutest little boy dolls in a long time. And his eyebrows show his rakish side with one raised in an expression of confidence while at the same time looking innocent and adorable.

Flynn holds a soft version of his beloved horse Maximus. Sporting brown boots, light brown pants, a tan shirt with a green vest and brown belt, little Flynn is completely loveable. And with his sculpted mop of brown hair, he is rugged too.

Flynn joins Kristoff and Aladdin in the Animator Collection line of dolls as the male option for kids and collectors. He is a great companion for little boys and a loveable little fellow for little girls. And collectors will want to have him to stand next to their Animators’ Collection Rapunzel doll.

The Flynn Animator Doll was created by Disney animator Byron Howard, who worked on several Disney animated films including Bolt, Zootopia, and yes, Tangled. As with all the other Animator dolls, there are several sketches on the box showing little Flynn in a variety of poses demonstrating the many sides of Flynn Rider, or Eugene Fitzherbert.

It’s impossible to look at this little guy and not smile. He will warm your heart. He’s sweet, charming, and he’s ready for his next adventure.

Flynn is made of plastic. With his molded hair he won’t ever have a bad hair day. And the detail on his face with his shiny eyes, endearing smile, and devil-may-care eyebrows will steal the hearts of boys and girls of all ages. Flynn is for ages 3+.

Flynn’s arms, legs, and head move so he can be posed in a variety of ways. If you want to put him on a stand, the Kaiser doll stand #2601 (available from Amazon) fits his 16 inch-high body.

The Flynn Animator Doll lists for $26.95 from The Disney Store.

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.

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Bring home ‘The Boss Baby’

Posted on August 7, 2017August 7, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

If you want a fun film for the whole family, check out The Boss Baby. It’s adorable and great entertainment for all ages.

Tim (voiced by Miles Bakshi) is a happy little seven-year-old boy. Actually, he insists he is seven and a half! He has all the attention of his loving mother and father (Lisa Kudrow and Jimmy Kimmel). So when they ask if he wants a brother or sister, he says no! He says he is enough and is happy with just the three of them. But that is about to change because his mother is pregnant.

Then something strange happens. A baby (Alec Baldwin) arrives via a taxi. This baby can walk and talk, but the only one who knows is little Tim. What is going on?

The baby explains that puppies are becoming more in demand than babies so he was sent to get the scoop on the new puppy that is being created by the company where Tim’s parents work.

Tim is not happy with all the attention the baby is getting from his parents. He feels neglected. Things are not the same as they had been. But when the baby tells him that once he gets the info on the new puppy he’ll go away, Tim is excited to help. At last he knows the baby is not going to stay. All they have to do is to get the scoop on the new puppy, then Tim will have his parents all to himself again and his life will go back to normal.

Tim and the baby have some wild adventures while on their quest. And to his surprise, Tim actually likes the baby. They make a great team. And add in some of the boss baby’s friends who are also infiltrating the adult world of puppy making, and you have a cute cast of characters.

This is a sweet story of love and family, and although it has a PG rating, it really doesn’t have anything controversial except some mild rude humor. Otherwise, it’s a wonderful and imaginative film for everyone.

Bonus features include a look at BabyCorp, where the babies come from. There are deleted scenes and a featurette on the boss baby’s accomplices. There is also a new adventure with Tim and the baby. These are great additions to the fun family film, however even if you don’t watch them, the movie is worth watching. It will definitely put a smile on your face.

The Boss Baby is now available on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K.

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.

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‘Rock-n-Roll Yearbook’ CD GIVEAWAY

Posted on August 2, 2017August 25, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

The Bazillions, known for their “pitch perfect twangy indie pop rock,” tight harmonies and tangentially educational songs and music videos, are a Parents’ Choice and NAPPA Award winning mom-and-pop indie band.

From the first hand-clappy track “Back to School,” the energy remains high on this new album. “New Pair of Shoes” expresses the joys of getting new gym shoes and being able to run faster than ever, and “That’s My Style” celebrates individuality. Learning opportunities arise with “Take Turns” to “Who What Where When Why” and “The Wide Open World of Adjectives.” Some songs are aspirational, like “You Could Be the One” and “Queen Ellen of Spelling Bee.” “More To Be Done” embraces the future and how children have an important voice in making the world a better place. Flights of fancy make a boring day better on “Just Another Monday.” And “Keep Your Identity Safe” is a poignant ballad about a superhero-style pact between friends as one of them moves away. The album ends with the exuberant “Summer’s Here.”

Appealing to adults, ‘Rock-n-Roll Yearbook’ is chock-full of musical references, from The Fab Four to The Who, The Monkees and Elvis Costello to bossa nova master Antônio Carlos Jobim‎. Songwriter Adam Marshall grew up steeped in the bright harmonies and hooks of 60s bands like The Hollies and The Mamas and the Papas.

We have some CDs to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of Rock-n-Roll Yearbook, email us at [email protected] with “Bazillions 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 August 20, 2017.

‘Diana: In Her Own Words’ on Nat Geo

Posted on August 1, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana. There are a number of films and documentaries filling the screens as the world remembers the woman who changed the monarchy. “Diana: In Her Own Words” tells Diana’s story in her own words in her own voice.

These tape recordings were done for author Andrew Morton whose book detailed the princess’ troubled life. Listening to her describe her inner turmoil is heart wrenching. She suffered emotional and physical pain. And, according to her, she never received any support from her husband, sisters, or the royal family.

Diana details her bulimia and her husband’s relationship with Camilla, his present wife. She also discusses her psychological problems dealing with the onslaught of the press, which ultimately led to her untimely death.

We have all heard about these incidents yet listening to Diana talk candidly about them is chilling and gives viewers a more up-close-and-personal account of her life. Because Diana herself tells the incidents, when the film is over viewers will have the feeling of having had a personal encounter with the late princess. She openly describes what she felt were her duties, her feelings, her expectations, and her problems.

Speaking openly about her bulimia, she acknowledges that that was the symptom of her troubled marriage not, as she says the queen thought, the reason for the trouble in her marriage. She also talks about her attempts at suicide and injuring herself. All the while, Diana knows she had been suffering greatly yet needed comfort that never came.

She felt more comfortable in her own skin after her divorce, although she was still the subject of the paparazzi, to her dismay.

When she was asked if she wanted to change the dynamics of the monarchy for her son William who will inherit the throne, she states that she has been doing that already. The impact she had on the royal family will be lasting. She also admits that she changed Charles’ view of the monarchy as well. Her upbringing of her children was different than any other royal household, and this is part of her legacy.

“Diana: In Her Own Words” is a fascinating film to experience. It will have an emotional effect on viewers. It is a window into her life, her ups and downs, her thoughts, and most importantly, her soul. The documentary premiers Monday, August 14, 2017 on National Geographic Channel.

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‘Fun Mom Dinner’ – Movie Review

Posted on August 1, 2017August 1, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Toni Collette, Katie Aselton, Bridget Everett, and Molly Shannon star in Fun Mom Dinner about four mothers who take a break from being “mom” and for the evening they are simply themselves. After all, we all need a break from the frustrations and demands of our lives, don’t we? These women are fabulous moms, but one night out with the girls is just what they need.

Bridget Everett is Melanie, a former military woman who now runs her household like a boot camp. She is a no-nonsense gal who loves her family and is a loyal friend.

Toni Collette is Kate, a frazzled mom who, although she loves her family, she cannot be herself with them. She is wound up tight and stays to herself, to the chagrin of the other moms at the school.

Molly Shannon is Jamie, a divorced mother who is ready to start dating again.

Katie Aselton is Emily, Kate’s old school chum who moves to town with her family. She is eager to make new friends because her marriage leaves her lonely.

When these four get together for a night of dinner, drinking, karaoke, and all kinds of antics, they are in for a fun mom-free time. As the night progresses they learn more about each other and they cement their bond of friendship.

And who is taking care of the kids while the women are out on the town for a well-deserved break? Yep, Kate and Emily’s husbands are in charge of the kids. They learn parenting techniques from each other as well as how to help their wives.

The movie is exactly what you would expect, although more debauchery as the women really let loose.

Fun Mom Dinner was written by Julie Rudd, who is a wife (actor Paul Rudd) and mother of two. She knows the restraints of being a mom and how it’s necessary to let loose from time to time. And that is exactly what the four women do during their one carefree night.

The movie is rated R for plenty of language and drug use. It’s definitely not for kids. Its target audience is women who can identify with the trials and tribulations of being a wife and mother. And while the film isn’t filled with laugh-out-loud moments, it does have some cute scenes as well as emphasizing the importance of friendship.

Fun Mom Dinner hits theaters August 4, 2017.

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Download activities from DreamWorks/Netflix ‘Puss in Boots’

Posted on July 31, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

DREAMWORKS THE ADVENTURES OF PUSS IN BOOTS is back with all new episodes! With the portal to the Netherworld wide open, Puss, Dulcinea and their fellow San Lorenzans must horde off a stream of monsters wreaking havoc in town. Together, along with the Junior Puss Squad, they swing into action as they battle these creatures and the mysterious force behind them, travel to the mystical Netherworld, and try to save San Lorenzo from destruction, only on Netflix. Here’s a new activities button to download free activities.

LINK:

Clips from Dreamworks The Adventures of Puss In Boots on Netflix

Posted on July 27, 2017July 27, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Get ready NOW for Halloween 2017 in Disneyland Resort

Posted on July 27, 2017July 27, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

It’s that time again. On select nights from September 20 to October 31 Halloween comes alive at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim, California. This year’s “howl-iday” events include trick-or-treat stations with candy and healthy goodies, a Frightfully Fun Parade led by the Headless Horseman, special fireworks, and a new Mickey Halloween party.

Ticket prices range from $95 (advance tickets) to $105 for day-of ticket purchase. The fun begins at 6 PM weekdays and 7 PM weekend nights.

If staying in a Disneyland Resort hotel, there are additional “Spooktacular Surprises.”

There are new guidelines for costumes. Check with the website for these as well as ticket info, dates and times, and all the latest for your special 2017 Halloween experience.

Happy Halloween is happier at the happiest place on earth!

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Check out a clip from ‘Minnie’s Happy Helpers’

Posted on July 24, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Always willing and ready to help anyone in need, Minnie and Daisy, along with Cuckoo-Loca, provide all kinds of assistance with their Happy Helper Van.

Check out a clip from their new DVD.

The Spa Dress

Posted on July 22, 2017July 22, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Don’t let the name fool you. This garment is not specifically to wear when you’re going to the spa. It is a comfortable dress – that can double as a skirt – for many different occasions.

First of all, The Spa Dress is easy to pack. It doesn’t wrinkle so just roll it up and put it in your bag or purse. Secondly, this is an item that is great for vacations as well as being at home.

So, what exactly is The Spa Dress? It’s a comfy dress with an elastic bodice with straps you can tie as a halter or simply tuck inside to make it strapless. It will still stay put even if you don’t tie it around your neck. The Spa Dress can also be worn as a long skirt.

If you’re lounging around the house and you don’t want to wear your PJs, The Spa Dress fits the bill, literally. It is an attractive piece of loungewear, and if someone happens to ring your doorbell you’re perfectly dressed to answer it without feeling self-conscience.

For times when you’re out by the pool, The Spa Dress acts as a swimsuit cover-up as well as a poolside outfit. Don’t be modest about wearing it to a pool party or an outdoor bar-be-que. It’s perfectly suitable for these occasions.

Most of us feel a little more comfortable walking around with a cover-up over our bottom half when we’re by a pool. Just pull The Spa Dress up and place the ribbed part over your waist and voila. You have an instant skirt to cover your suit from your waist down. And it looks good.

Okay, so let’s talk about the name. The Spa Dress is definitely something to take when you go to a spa. Instead of walking in with a bulky robe – you know the kind they give you in hotels – you can walk in looking stylish and ready for your spa experience.

And as a piece of loungewear, The Spa Dress is perfect when you come home after a long day and need to kick off your shoes and take off your clothes. Just slip on The Spa Dress and unwind from the day while feeling comfortable and fashionable. It’s so soft to the touch and your skin.

The Spa Dress currently comes in three colors: Confidence Boosting Black, Get Gorgeous Pink, and Starting Over White. There are more colors (blue, red, green, and yellow) coming out at a later date. With three sizes from which to choose, you are sure to find the right one for you.

I get plenty of products to test/review and I have definitely fallen in love with this one. I especially like the softness and the versatility.

The Spa Dress lists for $69.00.

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