‘The Wedding Plan’ on DVD

Posted on August 27, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

The Wedding Plan is the story of one woman who desperately wants to get married. She is tired of being alone and wants to share her life with a husband and children.

The film takes place in Israel and is in Hebrew with English subtitles. Marriage brokers are common in Israel, bringing together religious singles who are looking for a match, although it’s quite different than what we saw in Fiddler on the Roof.

Michel (Noa Koler) is lonely. She is also desperate and tired of dating. She wants a husband and a family. The matchmaker succeeds in finding her a man and they do get engaged. But a month before the wedding he tells her that he doesn’t love her and calls off the wedding. Devastated, she forges on and commits herself to keeping her wedding date, the hall in which the wedding was/is to take place, her fittings for her wedding dress, and the invitations. She puts her trust in God that she will be married as planned. The task now is to find the groom.

As Michel meets eligible men, her despair rises and she even takes a trip to pray at the tomb of Hasidic Rabbi Nachman in Ukraine where she hopes to get closer to God and appeal for a husband. Her trust in God is strengthened as her determination to keep her wedding date is cemented in her mind and her life. All things lead to that one date – the eighth night of Chanukah. Surely by then, less than a month away, she will find Mr. Right, or in her case, Mr. Let’s-Do-This-We Can-Work-It-Out-And-Be-Happy.

There was the potential of making this an extremely humorous film, but that went by the wayside. Michel’s despair is too overwhelming. This is an intense, although at times a little witty, story of one woman who is miserable in her personal life. Even those around her are basically sad people. But with her confidence that God will find her a good husband, and by her specific date, she forges on.

The movie was well received by critics, however if you are looking for a laugh-out-loud comedy, this isn’t it. It is a little too dark for that. Yet, spoiler alert, it does have a happy ending.

The Wedding Plan is rated PG for thematic elements.

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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‘Peanuts by Schulz: School Days’ on DVD

Posted on August 18, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

The newest compilation of classic Peanuts antics includes plenty of Peanutty fun with the entire gang. There are dozens of little vignettes showing off the adorable little tykes in all their glory.

“This new collection of Peanuts short cartoons revolves around the classic school theme and will appeal to viewers of all ages,” said Mary Ellen Tomas, Vice President Family & Animation Marketing. “This beautiful new series is a celebration of Charles Schulz’s beloved original comic strip. It’s comprised of animated vignettes derived directly from his newspaper strips.”

The two disc set is packed full of situations that show off the wit, wisdom, and sheer entertainment of the whole Peanuts gang.

Linus is smitten with his teacher and when she retires he is devastated. Frieda is introduced to Charlie Brown and the rest of the kids and proceeds to annoy them with her constant chatter and her pride in her “naturally curly hair.” She also pesters them to hold her cat when she goes to the store or the library. That lazy cat doesn’t like to get his feet dirty! And then she tries to get Snoopy to hunt rabbits.

Lucy is fed up with Linus’ blanket and locks it in the closet for two weeks. Can the little fellow go that long without his security blanket without cracking up?

And when their baby brother Rerun is born, Linus and Lucy find his constant crying a nuisance. This poor little kid is happiest when he’s with Snoopy. When his mother takes him on her bike, Rerun is less than thrilled with the dangers that face them while riding around. And when it’s time to go to kindergarten, Rerun decides he doesn’t want to go, however Lucy insists he get on the bus and go to school. She is always a bossy – but caring – big sister.

Those are just a few of the many situations from this delightful gang of kids. They are always good for a laugh.

Parents don’t have to worry about their kids when these discs are being played. They are filled with plenty of wholesome and delightful antics and adults will enjoy watching them as well. After all, we have all grown up with Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang. Watching these vignettes from the strips brings back memories.

The DVDs contain 19 episodes, each with several vignettes peppered with short activities with Snoopy and Woodstock. So, who’s your favorite member of the gang? I’ve always been partial to Sally. Although I do enjoy Linus. And Schroeder is always good for some fun. I cannot forget Pig Pen. And Charlie Brown is so sweet. Lucy, Peppermint Patty, and everyone else have entertained me for decades. It’s hard to choose a favorite. They’re all adorable.

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‘Class Mom’ by Laurie Gelman – Book Review

Posted on August 11, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Laurie Gelman’s debut novel, Class Mom, is a quick read and filled with plenty of fun for anyone who has ever been involved with their children’s school class. The dialogue is witty and sophisticated.

Jen Dixon is an unusual mom, to say the least. With two grown children, she is now the kindergarten class mom for her young son’s class. From the beginning Jen captures the attention of all the other parents with her snarky emails. She’s not afraid to let her feelings out, while at the same time looking to help the kids while using whatever means she must to get their parents involved.

This woman keeps track of response times to her emails. Who responded the first? Who was the slowest? And who will bring the “special brownies” to the school event? Let’s face it, Jen’s way of dealing with her job and her life is not the norm. But who is to say what is the norm these days? All she wants is to get everyone involved, and her emails are witty and filled with sarcasm.

If you already have a child in school, this is definitely a fun read. And for those who are about to enter the school system, check it out. You’ll get an idea of what’s ahead. And you might even volunteer to be the class mom.

This is definitely a quick read, with Jen’s emails peppered throughout the pages. Once you get used to her sarcastic humor, you’ll fall in love with the story as Jen maneuvers her way through life and through being the class mom.

CLASS MOM
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (August 1, 2017)
ISBN-10: 1250124697
ISBN-13: 978-1250124692

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about books, music, 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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‘Mickey and the Roadster Racers: Start Your Engines’ revs up for home viewing

Posted on August 9, 2017August 15, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Gear up for fun with Mickey and the Roadster Racers: Start Your Engines, which includes seven episodes from the Disney Junior television series. This preschool series introduces kids to problem solving and plenty of other skills while entertaining them at the same time with Mickey and the gang.

Included among the episodes on this DVD are a couple of “royal” stories. One has Goofy mistaken for his doppelganger who is a secret agent who has all the technological goodies in his car ala James Bond. When the queen is expected for a spectacular tea party with the gang in Mickey’s garage, an evil sleuth tries to steal the royal briefcase that has mistakenly been entrusted to Goofy who bears a remarkable resemblance to the secret agent. Well, things get turned topsy turvy but in the end they all enjoy a splendid afternoon with the queen, with Minnie and Daisy in their new fascinators just for the occasion.

Another royal episode focuses on the stolen royal jewels that Minnie mistakes for her anniversary gift from Mickey. But once that gets straightened out, the gang must make sure the jewels are returned safely.

Included in the DVD box is a flag kids can use to decorate their room. This black and white checkered flag is also colorful with images of Goofy and his Turbo Tubster, Minnie and her Pink Thunder, Mickey and The Hot Doggin’ Hot Rod, Donald and The Cabin Cruiser, and Daisy and her Snapdragon.

Mickey and the Roadster Racers debuted in January 2017 as the replacement for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, and Pluto, along with Minnie’s helper Cuckoo-Loca, enjoy plenty of adventures in their amazing vehicles. While they all focus on their fun vehicles, Minnie and Daisy also have their Happy Helpers business. They are pretty handy when it comes to fixing the vehicles too!

This preschool series has been popular with boys and girls. It’s filled with good life lessons as well as cooperation lessons and tools for everyday life. And with these classic characters, you know your kids will enjoy everything they have to offer.

As with their other DVD releases, Disney Junior has included a fun bonus inside the box – the flag. Parents can help kids hang the flag via the two holes on the top, or simply tape it to a wall. With images of the characters and their colorful vehicles, it’s a nice way to decorate a room.

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New books from Disney Learning Encourage Music Exploration

Posted on August 9, 2017September 3, 2017 by Francine Brokaw

Disney Learning had some new hardcover books featuring some of their beloved characters in entertaining stories. The “Explore Music” series of Disney Learning books not only includes stories about the characters, but the stories are infused with lessons about music and music creativity. The books are for ages 4+ and are wonderful stories and activities for rainy days.

Tangled – It’s Better When you Sing It: A Musical Exploration Storybook

The fun-loving princess with the flowing long blonde hair is a favorite among many youngsters. Rapunzel is a feisty and determined young girl.

Between the covers are not only a story featuring Rapunzel, but also singing and vocal activites for your youngster. For instance, kids are encouraged to create their own song using a song they already know but adding their own words. This exercise not only uses music skills, but also vocabulary skills.

Another activity for kids is to make up a duet with two of their toys. Imagination comes into play here.

Besides the story and the activities, there are wonderful and colorful illustrations with all of the characters, including Eugene, aka Flynn Rider. At the end of the book is a list of lessons from the book.

Mickey’s Found Sounds: A Musical Exploration Storybook

Mickey and the gang join together to teach kids about music and instruments. They don’t have to buy the instruments. The gang shows how to easily make them at home, with the help of mom or dad. For instance a cardboard tube (from a roll of paper towels or toilet paper), a hole punch, wax paper, and a rubber band can easily be put together to make a kazoo.

And by adding different amounts of water to glass jars, kids can create their own xylophone. By tapping the jars with pencils or wooden chopsticks, kids become instant musicians.

Moana – The Beat of your Heart: A Musical Exploration Activity Book

Join Moana and her friends find the island beat. Clap, tap, hum and sing.

Making island-inspired instruments is easy (with the help of an adult) and playing them is like traveling to Polynesia. There are also instructions for hand movements to create your own hula. Learning about the islands and music with Moana is a fun way to spend an afternoon.

The stories in the books are fun and kids learn about music in each of the books. Creativity is also something that kids take away from these books. And by going online there are more activities and lessons to encourage musical exploration.

With the picture books, the stories, and the activities, this book series makes boring afternoons more fun. They are also good for gift giving. And who knows, you might just be encouraging a future musician with these new books. Music is an important element in our lives and it’s never too early to start encouraging young minds.

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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.

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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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