Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’ Combo Pack

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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In 2010 Tim Burton created a magical world in Alice in Wonderland. Burton used parts of both Lewis Carroll’s books, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass for his film. In Alice Through the Looking Glass, Burton’s whimsical characters based on those created by Carroll, as well as new ones, combine in another fantasy filled with colorful people and animals, locations, and interesting stories. This movie fills in some of the blanks in the original story and viewers learn the origins of the characters and their relationships with each other.

Alice (Mia Wasikowska) had spent time roaming the world but now, back in London, she discovers a magical looking glass. It is through this looking glass where she returns to Underland and her old friends. Once there, she learns that the Hatter is in trouble. She sets out to help him before it’s too late.

The bonus features in this Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD combo pack are various and add a lot of background to the story, the film, and the filmmakers. Anne Hathaway, who returns to play the White Queen, says about this new movie, “Its essentially a family drama set against a cartoon background.”

This film adds another character – Time. Time is an odd fellow played by Sacha Baron Cohen. Johnny Depp, the Mad Hatter, and Cohen had several scenes when they adlibbed for a long time, with some pretty cute results. Besides the characters, the intricate and amazing sets add to the flavor of this film.

There is a bonus feature looking at the costumes with costume designer Colleen Atwood. She explains that she didn’t want Time to look like a clock. He has an interesting costume but what is more interesting about what Atwood described is the intricacies put into every one of the costumes. Details made all the difference, although many viewers won’t see all of them. They are there, yet easy to miss. Look carefully to see all the creative detailing in the wardrobes.

Another feature examines the characters. By this time we all have our favorites. Who is yours? Would it be Absolem (Alan Rickman), the caterpillar that is now a butterfly? Or the Cheshire Cat (Stephen Fry)? Or the mouse Mallymkun (Barbara Windsor)? Or maybe you like my favorite, Thackery (Paul Whitehouse).

Yet another bonus is an off-the-cuff interview with Time. In it he discusses several aspects of the writing of the story and the making of the film. Leave it to Sacha Baron Cohen for something like this. And perhaps the most interesting bonus is a side-by-side look at a scene – one the way it was originally filmed with blue screen, and the other the final version. It’s amazing to see the difference and also think about how the actors had to actually “act” when there wasn’t a real set or others to act with. Yet that’s exactly how this art form works.

Deleted scenes and a music video by Pink round out all the bonus features in this combo pack.

If you like Tim Burton, chances are you will like this movie. If not, then you won’t. Alice Through the Looking Glass is rated PG for fantasy action, peril, and some language.

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

Zagg Keyboard and Screen Protection for Your Tablet

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Zagg is a unique company created out of ingenuity and necessity. When the founder, Phillip Chipping, wanted to find a way to protect his new watch from scratches and chips, he discovered a film the military used to protect their helicopter blades. Well, if it was good enough for the military, it was good enough for him. He founded a company that produced lightweight shields to protect all our devices: iPhones, iPads, iPods. The company is now Zagg and this company produces an array of products to keep our devices safe as well as help users get the most convenience out of all our expensive devices.
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First of all, they have several Invisible Shields for various products, made out of a variety of elements. Their newest is called the “Sapphire Defense” and is applied easily to your iPhone to keep the screen safe. Why sapphire? Jewelry aficionados know that sapphires are second only to diamonds in hardness. This Invisible Shield is smudge resistant and easy to apply, leaving your screen with the clarity that all users demand. There is no distortion. Once applied, the screen is clear, resists smudges, and absorbs impacts that would damage it without the protection.

This Sapphire Defense Invisible Shield protects your screen from shattering 7 times more than without it. The sapphire infused crystals make all the difference in this product. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but in this case, girls and boys alike will agree sapphires are number one.

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The Sapphire Defense is not currently available for the iPad Pro 12.9 inch so you’ll have to wait just a little longer. In the meantime, if you purchase one of these new large iPad Pros, protect it with the Invisible Shield Glass. This is good protection for this device repelling skin oils and keeping the screen clear and safe.

If you do have an iPad Pro 12.9 inch, so far the largest on the market, you’ll discover this is like a laptop without all the ports and some of the convenience. However that is easily fixed with Zagg’s Slim Book. The Slim Book is a combination keyboard, case, and stand.
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Using the iPad Pro 12.9 inch without an additional keyboard is fine for some circumstances, but the keyboard on the screen takes up valuable screen real estate. And it’s not as easy to use for those of us who are used to typing on keys. This keyboard uses Bluetooth technology so there are no wires connecting it to your tablet. Just pair it with your device and you’re ready to start typing on real keys. The entire keyboard is convenient and comfortable for your palms to rest and your fingers to reach the keys.

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Another great aspect of this keyboard is the keys are backlit. So when you are in a dark ballroom listening to a lecture and want to type notes, just press a button and a soft colors light backlights the keys. I have found this aspect extremely handy, not only in ballrooms, but in other situations as well.

The Slim Book also serves as a case to keep your tablet safe. Line up your tablet and click it into the case. Now, if you have your Invisible Screen on and your tablet secured in the case, you can feel comfortable knowing you have a safe tablet to carry as is. However, there is more.

The case now can connect to your keyboard. To pair the keyboard to your device, simply make sure your Bluetooth is turned on, press the fn button on the keyboard and either 1, 2, or 3. Your device will automatically find the keyboard and a blue light will flash telling you you’re all set. Now, if you want to pair your iPhone or another device to the keyboard, repeat this process (using a different number.) How cool is that? You can have several devices paired to use the keyboard. The easy Quick Start guide will help you set everything up in just a minute or two, including instructing you how to use the backlight and other options.

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There is more to this Slim Book. With the hinges that connect the case to the keyboard, you have the ability to angle the screen to suit your needs. And, hold onto your hats, you can turn it around to “book mode” so you can read without the keyboard in your way. And the “video mode” lets you also view your screen without the keyboard in front of the screen. This is courtesy of the magnetic hinge that lets users flip the case.

If you get the idea that I am excited about this product, you are correct. I have been using it and it is amazing. It turns your iPad into a laptop, and it’s easily convertible to various modes. And when you just want to carry your screen without the keyboard, just pop it off. It’s that easy.

The Slim Book for iPad Pro 12.9 inch sells for $139.99. The Invisible Shield Glass for iPhone 6/6s Plus sells for $34.99. The Invisible Shield Sapphire Defense for iPhones sells for $49.99. The Invisible Shield Glass for iPad Pro 12.9 inch sells for $64.99.

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

Matt LeBlanc returns to network TV

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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Although he will always be associated to his breakout sitcom Friends (1994-2004), Matt LeBlanc is more than just Joey Tribbiani. He has had success with his Showtime series Episodes (2011-2017) and is embarking on yet another TV series. This time he plays a man who becomes more involved with his children’s lives when his wife returns to work. Man with a Plan costars Liza Snyder as his wife.

LeBlanc recently met with members of the media to discuss his latest project.

“What’s that old saying? ‘Never work with kids and animals’?” LeBlanc said with a grin. “But the kids [on this show] are great because, when you start a new show, there’s a lot of pressure on it.”

He explained, “The kids’ energy is they are just having fun. So, for me, it’s like a constant reminder all of this should be fun all the time. It should be fun. We should have fun with them. It should be fun on set. And when it’s that type of environment, it lends itself to funny, and there’s an innocence about them. Kids are so brutally honest,” said the actor who had not previously regularly worked on a show with children.

After coming off his success with Episodes, LeBlanc is happy to be back working on a multi-camera show with a regular schedule. “I like the sort of workweek on a multicam. You rehearse all week, and then you shoot in front of an audience, like a play. It’s like being part of an ensemble theater company.”

This 49-year-old actor admitted matter-of-factly, “I felt like I’m not getting any younger. I’m older now. And I am a parent, so I wanted to explore what that would be like as a character. And they wrote a great script, and I responded to it.”

Immediately after Friends LeBlanc continued on TV with his own sitcom Joey (2004-2006) which was not well received by either the fans or the media. “They can’t all be hits,” he stated. “Joey was what Joey was. But there was a lot of pressure on that, but this is a new thing. This is a new character for me. It’s a whole new side of me. And I’m looking forward to it.” This is a side of the actor that viewers have not seen before. He’s not the carefree Joey, or the swinging Matt on Episodes. This time he is a responsible father learning about his kids.

Now that he has been reunited on the same network as his fellow Friends costar Matthew Perry who stars in the sitcom The Odd Couple, LeBlanc was asked whether he thought there would be a crossover at some point. “I’ve been asked that quite a bit, [but] not to my knowledge.” Time will tell. It might behoove the network to bring the two former Friends stars together for an episode.

Man with a Plan premiers Monday, October 24 on CBS.

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

‘Coat of Many Colors’ Book GIVEAWAY

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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Using lyrics from her classic song “Coat of Many Colors,” and inspired by Parton’s rural upbringing in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, the picture book tells the story of a young girl in need of a warm winter coat. When her mother sews her a coat made of rags, the girl is mocked by classmates for being poor. But Parton’s trademark positivity carries through to the end as the girl realizes that her coat was made with love “in every stitch.”

This new picture book for young readers with all-new illustrations by Brooke Boynton Hughes features a downloadable exclusive original song by Dolly Parton, “Making Fun Ain’t Funny.”

We have some copies of this book to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of “Coat of Many Colors,” email us at [email protected] with “Dolly Parton Book 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 October 25, 2016.

The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Café by Mary Simses – Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

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Mary Simses’ novel The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Café is a captivating story of one woman’s discovery about her family and herself. The story is enchanting and the writing brings readers right into the tale of Ellen Branford, a Manhattan attorney engaged to Hayden, another attorney climbing the political ladder. They seem to have their future planned out until Ellen’s grandmother dies leaving her with a letter she wants delivered to someone in Maine.

Ellen takes off for the quaint little town of Beacon, Maine to fulfill her grandmother’s last wish. She attempts to locate the man to which the letter is addressed, but just cannot find him. What was supposed to be a day or two in Maine turns into many more days as Ellen slowly discovers things about her grandmother’s past.

Little did she know that her beloved grandmother was an accomplished artist. And little did she know that her grandmother left the love of her life in Beacon to attend art school and eventually meet and marry Ellen’s grandfather. The life of her grandmother before she got married was a complete mystery to the family. Slowly she uncovers pieces of her past.

But that’s not all that happens in this small town. Through a chance encounter – in which Ellen nearly drowns – she meets Roy, who rescues her from the undertow and eventually befriends her. The two of them discover their pasts are linked. At least her grandmother and his uncle were linked. Roy’s uncle Chet Cummings was the man the letter was addressed. He was the man Ellen’s grandmother had once loved and who loved her. They had planned on spending their lives together on the blueberry farm. But things happened to change their future.

As Ellen and Roy discover things about their family’s past, Ellen begins to learn the lesson that her grandmother had experienced. Sometimes things happen to change the path we are on. Sometimes our hearts are set on one path but we discover they belong on another one.

The novel was turned into a Hallmark Channel movie titled “The Irresistible Blueberry Farm” starring Alison Sweeny, Carolyn Jones, Mark Blucas, and Kavan Smith.

“As I read Mary Simses’ novel, The Irresistible Blueberry Bakeshop & Cafe, the storyteller in me was excited to bring the characters and their journeys to life,” said executive producer and star, Alison Sweeney. “The actress in me fell in love with the protagonist, Ellen Branford, and the producer in me couldn’t wait to transform the written word to television. Everyone worked so hard to bring this book to life and I’m really proud of how it has turned out. It’s a great ROMCOM that hopefully everyone will enjoy!”

The novel will draw you in from the beginning. It is a charming and beautifully written story of family, love, and destiny. Oh, and blueberries!

The movie can be seen in reruns on Hallmark Channel October 17 and 19.

About the Reviewer

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

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ Platinum Anniversary Edition Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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In 1946 Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life began a holiday tradition that has lasted 70 years. This beloved film has made us laugh and cry and entertained generations of viewers.

The Platinum Edition Blu-ray set contains both the original black and white version and a colorized version. Many die-hard classic movie lovers dislike colorized versions however many of us enjoy watching our favorite films in color. This edition allows for both ways to view the film.

The story is about George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), a loveable family man and a friend to all. Unfortunately, George finds himself in a difficult and unforeseen situation and gets disillusioned with life. His despair leads him to contemplate suicide. After all, as he is told, he is worth more money dead than alive.
An angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) appears and tries to help George. When George says everyone would have been better if he hadn’t been born, Clarence shows him what life would be like for his friends and family had there never been a George Bailey.

Most of us think at one time or another that our lives don’t amount to much and we have made no mark on the world. What George discovers is that he really did some good things in his life and helped others without his knowledge. The little things we do add up to big things in the end.

Mary Bailey (Donna Reed) is a loving wife and mother. Her character is a beloved woman in movie history. And the town of Bedford Falls has become synonymous with a quaint small town life. Like George, this film has had an effect on people through the years with its characters, location, and dialogue. “Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.”

The disc includes a “Making Of” feature hosted by Tom Bosley. He describes various aspects of the film and how Capra’s stories are always uplifting and pleasant for all. The story actually began as a little story on a Christmas card called “The Greatest Gift.” RKO bought this story for a mere 10 thousand dollars. A few years later Frank Capra bought it from the studio for the same amount. Originally the studio wanted the project for Cary Grant. But when Capra took control he cast his first choice, Stewart, in the lead.
Capra’s first choice for Mary was Jean Arthur but she had other commitments. He settled on Reed and with good consequences. She inhabited the role with delight and the spirit it needed.

wonderfullifeallBosley discloses a lot of behind the scenes information about making this timeless movie. For instance, the 1946 production code prohibited many words so the dialogue went through minor changes. Can you believe they weren’t allowed to use the word “jerk” in this film?

The movie was shot on a set in Encino, California in the middle of a heat wave. Think about that when you watch the cold, snowy scenes. There are plenty more interesting tidbits disclosed in this documentary. The edition also includes collectible art cards of images and ads from the film, making this a great gift for any classic movie fan.

It’s a Wonderful Life, whether in black and white or color, is a wonderful experience for families to share especially during the holiday season. It’s rated PG for thematic elements, smoking, and some violence.

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

IFROGZ Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds from ZAGG

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Are you tired of being tethered to your devices? When you’re out for a run, would you rather be free from a wire that connects you to your phone, iPod, or other device? And do you want clearer sound from your ear buds? If you do, IFROGS from Zagg has the best Bluetooth earpieces on the market.

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Zagg is a company dedicated to making technology work for you. With their four new Bluetooth headsets, sound is clear and no wires connect you to your device. You are free to turn your head or jump around. You won’t run the chance of disconnecting from your iPod or phone and you’ll still get top quality sound with these small headsets.

There are four new Bluetooth earbud sets for different occasions. If you are a runner or sports enthusiast and require a rugged unit, there is the SUMMIT Wireless earbuds. These earbuds have a little extra piece to keep the bud secure on your ear, which is what you need when you’re running or exercising.
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The lightweight wireless PLUGZ is Zagg’s simplest version. They still deliver top quality sound in a simple design. Women might prefer the CHARISMA version. These earbuds are a little more stylish and come in a variety of colors. They’re attractive, stylish, have specially designed fit for women, and are reliable. And for the best audio performance from your Bluetooth earbuds, try the IMPULSS style. This set has special chambers for “Reflective Acoustics” for audio enthusiasts. If you want the best audio from your device, this is the product for you.

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Synching any of these IFROGS earbuds to your phone, iPad, or iPod is easy, even if you have never done it before. There are simple instructions however all it takes is a click and in a few seconds your mobile device will be synched to the earbuds and you will then be able to enjoy your music completely untethered from your iPod, or whatever you connect to the wireless buds.

The company says these new Bluetooth earbuds are “Wireless Evolved.” That just about sums it up except I would add, “Wireless Elevated.”
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With their limited lifetime warranty, if your earbud tips get worn or damaged, the company will replace them. There are additional tips included and some come with three different sizes of tips for your personal comfort. They are all sweat resistant, and controlling the sound is no problem with the controls on a lightweight hub that clips securely to your shirt or strap. The magnetic hub stores the earbuds

The IMPULSE lists for $39.99. It’s available in white/rose and black/silver. The SUMMIT lists for $39.99 and is available in black or red and comes with three sizes of ear tips. Charisma lists for $29.99 and comes in black/white, white/rose, and gray with three sizes of tips. The PLUGZ set comes in silver or blue and lists for $29.99. It comes with three sizes of ear tips.

Having tried several kinds of headphones and earbuds, I can honestly say these are extremely comfortable. And the best part, or I should say the best parts about them is they all deliver high quality sound and are wireless. They free you from your device. Bluetooth is the way to go. And these IFROGZ are the best.

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

Jussie Smollett from ‘Empire’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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“What viewers see is a man trying to make it work. Empire (airing Wednesdays on FOX) doesn’t preach, but rather holds up a mirror, while entertaining them,” insists Jussie Smollett, who plays the Lyons’ middle son Jamal. Having come out as gay on the Ellen DeGeneres show in March 2015, he’s determined to play Jamal “as honest and fearless as I can.”

Learning from a less than stellar sophomore season two, that packing too many superficial characters and failed casting stunts in the storyline doesn’t work, co-creator Lee Daniels has returned to the series major draw – the Lyon family and Jamal plays a prominent role in that goal this season.

Smollett’s character finds himself struggling with PTSD after being shot last season and he finds himself falling hard for his counselor, Philip (Juan Antonio). “I’m happy where the storyline is going although I had to do some extra research,” the 33-year-old actor admitted.

Jamal has never been his father Lucious’s favorite among the three Lyon boys.  Smollet has a theory about that. He interjected, “It’s not about Jamal’s sexuality. They just have a problem because they are so much alike. We don’t all have to see the world the same. We don’t all have to agree.”

Attempting to channel his character’s psychological pain into something positive, Jamal also teams up with politician/businessman Angelo Dubois (guest star Taye Diggs) to discuss gun violence and host a summit for awareness.

Refreshing memories, in last May’s cliffhanger Cookie (Taraji P. Henson) and her ex-husband, Lucious (Terrence Howard) appeared to be on the verge of rekindling their romance, but instead he hastily married Anika (Grace Gealey) to prevent her from testifying against him in court. Cookie has finally had it with Lucious, so it’s no surprise that her new love interest is Angelo.  This stirs up the melodrama plot – Lucious is crazed with jealousy, while Angelo’s domineering mother Diana (Phylicia Rashad) sees her son’s political aspirations being compromised.

After hinting about a mysterious guest star for the past year, it turns out to be Mariah Carey, who joins Jamal onset in the recording studio. “Back in the 1990’s it was Whitney and Mariah. I flew into Los Angeles early to start preparing and I prayed to the Lord a lot because our duet has to be on point,” said Smollet, whose achieved his own degree of musical recognition for his song You’re So Beautiful that earned him a mantel’s worth of trophies at the 2016 NAACP Image Awards.

Actively involved in numerous charities, he was singled out as one of the “30 artists under 30” by the Black AIDS Instituted and was given the group’s prestigious Heroes in the Struggle Award. Smollett also sits on the Board of Artists for a New South Africa, the Trayvon Martin Foundation, and the RuJohn Foundation.

The Columbia recording artist, who calls LA home, will next be seen in Ridley Scott’s Alien: Convenant, and the biographical drama Marshall where he portrays renowned poet Langston Hughes. Smollett becomes unusually mum, however, when it comes to divulging any specifics about Alien.  My  contract was pretty much the size of a phonebook.  If I tell any of the secrets I have to give up my first born. I can say my character is a member of the convenant and it was such an awesome crew,” he begged off. For anything more, fans of the franchise will have to wait until the movie premieres on Aug. 4, 2017.

About the Author

Winnie Bonelli is a former entertainment editor for a daily metropolitan New York City area newspaper. She is passionate about movies and television and loves to take readers behind the scenes.