‘Inferno’ – Movie Review

Posted on October 26, 2016October 26, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Robert Langdon returns in Inferno, another movie from bestselling author Dan Brown. This time Langdon (Tom Hanks) is caught up in an apocalyptic scenario that could mean the end of civilization.

Hanks returns as the Harvard symbologist professor who finds himself hunting down clues to the location of a virus that could kill billions of people. A “madman” who sees overpopulation as the biggest evil in the world created this virus and feels the only way to help is to cut the population drastically in one swoop by unleashing this new virus that will effectively kill over half of the world’s population.

Langdon wakes up in a hospital in Florence, Italy. He has no idea why he is there. His memory is gone. With the help of a doctor (Felicity Jones) he escapes from the hospital when someone comes in trying to kill him. Sienna takes him to her apartment where they start to put the pieces together. Why is someone out to kill him? And why does he mysteriously have a vial that only opens with his thumbprint?

Once he opens the vial, he sees a map of Dante’s Inferno and discovers there are additional clues. He and Sienna follow those clues from one location to another with two teams hot on their trail. Who is after him and what is he looking for? When his memory clears it becomes even more important for him to find the location of the virus. The clues lead him from Florence to Venice to Istanbul.

This is the third film in the Robert Langdon franchise. The Da Vinci Code (2006) introduced audiences to the character that had garnered the attention of readers of the best selling novel. Then in 2009 Angels & Demons hit the screen. And now Inferno. In each of these stories Langdon is called on to use his encyclopedic knowledge of history, symbols, and landmarks to solve mysteries that could ultimately be catastrophic to humanity. Hans Zimmer scored all three films and has been nominated and won several awards for the first two movies. Ron Howard has directed all three films in the series.

To date there is one other Dan Brown Robert Langdon novel available, The Lost Symbol, however fans of this character and the writer are looking forward to 2017 when the newest novel in the series, Origin, hits store shelves. The movie of The Lost Symbol is on hold because of similarities to the hit 2004 movie National Treasure, which starred Nicolas Cage. In fact, Cage’s character of Benjamin Gates is very similar to Robert Langdon. They both have extraordinary knowledge of history, symbols, and locations. Viewers of Inferno might feel the two characters are interchangeable.

Inferno is an intense story however a bit disjointed in the way it is presented. The beginning is confusing however it does come together a little way into the film. Fans of the book will undoubtedly enjoy seeing the character on screen and in the actual locations. They filmed the movie in Italy, Turkey, and Hungary. If you haven’t read the book, you probably won’t enjoy this movie.

The Da Vinci Code started this franchise and is undoubtedly the best film in the series. It had something special that the others don’t have, yet all three films have one great element – Tom Hanks.

Inferno is rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, disturbing images, some language, thematic elements and brief sensuality.

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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PAW Patrol Yoga Mat

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Yoga Mat for kids either in pink or blue. From the hit Nickelodeon series PAW Patrol this mat features four poses, including “Downward Dog!” It’s paws-datively adorable.

Measures 60″ long and 24″ wide.

First Look: Gilmore Girls-A Year in the Life on Netflix

Posted on October 25, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

They’re coming back!

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is made up of four memorable chapters from the lives of Lorelai, Emily, Rory and countless Stars Hollow stalwarts. The story is told through four 90-minute chapters — each spanning one season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall — and brings back to life everything from the quaint corner diner to the dreamy Dragonfly Inn to a fast-talking, quick-witted mother-daughter love story unlike any other. Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life launches Friday, November 25, everywhere that Netflix is available.

Super Special Holiday Gifts for Kids from Nickelodeon and Disney

Posted on October 24, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

If you’re looking for something extra special this holiday for a girl or boy who is definitely on the “nice” list, here are some suggestions.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Remote Control Skateboarding Mikey is really cool. I had the chance to test him at the Nickelodeon Holiday Gift Showcase for Media. Remotely controlled, this fellow moves around and manages to right himself if he tips over. Adults were enjoying this toy right along with some of the youngsters who were there.

Also presented at the showcase was the Shimmer and Shine Magical Flying Carpet ($34.99). This was my pick of the day. Shimmer and Shine sit on their magic carpet which can “fly” on the floor and when picked up and flown through the air, the girls react to the ride, talk, and say things like “wee” when it zooms through the air. Fans of the Nickelodeon show and these colorful genies will love this product.

A new “Singing” Beauty and the Beast Tea Cart ($49.95) comes with Mrs. Potts, Chip, and 3 other cups and saucers, a creamer and sugar bowl, spoons, place cards, plus a light-up Lumiere. This year tea parties have been taken to a new level with this rolling cart and all the figures. This will entertain young girls during cold, snowy winter days.

The Arendelle Castle ($99.95) represents all the delight of Frozen. Open it up for the bedroom and cozy living room for hours of fun replaying scenes from the film. There is a sliding “floor” to make the characters “dance.” Included in this set are Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff, and Hans.

Elsa’s Musical Ice Castle Play Set ($59.95) includes not only the beautiful ice castle but also Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Sven, Kristoff, and his sleigh. Plus, it lights up to show the beauty of the ice palace. And the piece de resistance for this set is it plays the song “Let it Go.”

The Moana Projection Boat Playset ($34.95) includes everything young explorers need to set sail on the high seas. Moana, Maui, hawk, crab, 2 kakamora, Heihei, and more are ready to catch a ride on the outrigger which can be placed on a special base that plays “We Know the Way” from the movie. There are three star projector slides that light up and project stars to navigate through the vast ocean. This is something boys and girls can both enjoy.

The Princess Light Up Castle Play Set ($89.95) will enchant every Disney Princess fan. Not only does this castle have a magical light up spiral staircase, but it also comes with Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Belle, Ariel, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Rapunzel, and Tiana. There are plenty of places for the entire group who are dressed in their representative clothing.

The newest Animators’ Collection Mini Doll Gift Set ($119.95) is similar to last year’s set with 15 mini animator dolls. This year’s collection includes Pocahontas, Tinker Bell, Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, Aladddin, Alice, Lilo, Rapunzel, Ariel, Kristoff, Anna, Elsa, and Tiana. As it did last year, this gift set comes in a beautiful box that when closed includes sketches of the characters. It’s just as pretty closed as opened. This is something adults as well as kids will appreciate.

Disney Classic Doll Collection Gift Set ($119.95) comes with 11 12-inch princesses: Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, and Merida. This set represents the grown-up princesses whereas the Animators’ set represents the child version of the characters. Plus this set does not include a special display box.

PAW Patrol Chase on the Case Cruiser by Vtech ($24.99) has sounds and Chase’s voice as kids help him rescue animals. Insert one of the 20 blocks to learn about shapes, numbers, and other things. This is really a cute little learning toy and who can’t resist this adorable little fellow? It’s an entertaining way to learn about numbers, animals, and caring while having fun the whole time.

Shimmer and Shine Wish & Spin Dolls ($44.99 each) can talk, spin, and generally entertain youngsters. They react to clapping hands and each comes with a genie bottle and hairbrush. They are filled with magic and plenty of enjoyment for girls.

“Dress” your Christmas tree with Disney Magic

Posted on October 23, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

If the shoe fits…

Last year the big collector’s holiday ornaments were the Disney Princess shoes. These adorable ornaments brought plenty of whimsy and magic to the holiday for Disney fans.

Add some dressing…

This year they have some fun costume ornaments to add to your collection and dress your tree with fun, no pun intended.

Hats off to Disney…

To top off your tree (again, no pun intended) you can get some character-inspired hat ornaments.

With the dresses, shoes, and hats, your tree will be the best dressed in the neighborhood. Once again, no pun intended. Or maybe it is. In any case, there are plenty of ways to make a magical and enchanting holiday tree.

Who’s on first…

And, of course, there are always the character ornaments.

And, if you don’t have a Christmas tree, any of these ornaments are great ways to add some fun to you office or bring some joy to a friend.

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‘Star Trek Beyond’ on Combo Pack

Posted on October 22, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

The new crew of the Starship Enterprise first hit the big screen in 2009. Chris Pine (Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock), Karl Urban (Bones), Zoe Saldana (Uhura), Simon Pegg (Scotty), John Cho (Sulu), and Anton Yelchin (Chekov) brought the iconic characters back to moviegoers. They reunited in 2013 for Star Trek Into Darkness. Now in Star Trek Beyond they again bring the crew of the Enterprise to life in a new story that is filled with plenty of fun and a lot of special effects.

This movie epitomizes the core of the Star Trek universe: that all kinds of beings can live in harmony. The Enterprise visits a man-made base in space, which is described in the bonus features as a “proxy earth.” This base, Yorktown, is a Utopian location where all kinds of aliens coexist in peace.

Then the crew is sent on a rescue mission to an unexplored planet, Altamid, where they encounter the possible destruction of humanity, as well as one of the original spaceships, the Franklin. It’s on this planet they also encounter Krall (Idis Elba), a man of secrets and hatred. They also meet Jaylah (Sofia Boutella), an alien that befriends the crew and aids them in defeating, or trying to defeat Krall from using the ultimate weapon against the Yorktown.

The bonus features examine the characters as well as the history of the franchise. Director Justin Lin grew up with the franchise and brings his own love of the characters to the screen. The movie was co-written by Simon Pegg, who also costars in the film.

Bonus features explore the heart of the movie, including the relationship between Bones and Spock, who are opposites in character but ultimately make a great team. The sets are also examined in detail. Instead of simply turning the camera, a revolving set of the Enterprise was built so as the ship was spinning out of control, the actors had to actually maneuver themselves to stay upright.

For the Yorktown the filmmakers went to Dubai where a futuristic city was pretty much already set up. The green screen sets were also used and they created Krall’s command center in the middle of a rock quarry. Watching the bonus features adds a lot to the background of the film and demonstrates the dedication of the filmmakers to the franchise.

This being the 50^th anniversary of the franchise called for something special. So what did they do? They created 50 unique alien races for the film. How’s that for dedication and commitment to the love of the franchise? A gag reel and deleted scenes are also included.

There is one more bonus that will touch the hearts of viewers. It is a tribute to Leonard Nimoy (the original and iconic Spock) who passed away during the writing of the screenplay, and Anton Yeltsin (Chekov) who passed away after the film was completed.

Star Trek has been a beloved franchise with several spinoff series’ as well as this new crew stepping into the shoes of the original cast. Sci-fi is at its peak with this series. Through the years it has reflected man’s hopes and desires that a peaceful existence is in our future. While it often is difficult to think that way, given the horrors happening on this planet, Star Trek offers the hope of a bright future. Live long and prosper.

The combo pack includes a Blu-ray, a DVD, and Digital HD. The film is also available on other formats. It is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence.

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Mr. Peabody and Sherman Season 3 clips from Netflix

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

The Mr. Peabody and Sherman Show is back and crazier than ever! After last season’s cliffhanger, Season 3 opens with Peabody and Sherman teaming up with alter-ego versions of themselves to defeat an evil cyborg version of Mrs. Hughes and fix the course of history! The zaniness continues when the Penthouse is invaded by neighbors, a slippery mouse, a radioactive meteor, a massive storm flood and a full-blown forest with woodland creatures. They also switch bodies, turn into hideous monsters, and discover a rival late-night talk show.

Christmas Edition DVDs for Kids

Posted on October 20, 2016October 30, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

If you’re looking for some great stocking stuffers or perhaps party gifts or even little gifts for some neighborhood kids on your list this Christmas, there are plenty of fun holiday DVDs that are sure to delight young viewers. Many of them are starting to hit the shelves now so this is a good time to stock up on some extra gifts “just in case” you find yourself in a situation where a gift would be appropriate.

Holiday Double Feature – Santa’s Apprentice and The Magic Snowflake
Santa’s Apprentice and The Magic Snowflake combine to make a fun double feature. In Santa’s Apprentice, Santa is being forced to retire so he looks for someone to replace him. The candidate must ben an orphan with a good heart and be named Nicholas. When he finds the perfect little boy, he must convince him to be his apprentice and ultimately take over the big job. But little Nicholas has a fear of heights, something that doesn’t help his job in the flying sleigh. He also lacks self-confidence. But leave it to Santa for a happy ending.

The Magic Snowflake is the sequel with 7-year-old Nicholas. The boy is perfect for the job until he decides he wants to grow up faster after contacting Grown-up-allosis. That doesn’t bode well for him and the Council of Retired Santas decides to replace him with one of their own to save the holiday. Nicholas wants his job back and has to regain his carefree, whimsy attitude in order to take control once again.

Care Bears & Cousins Take Heart Volume 1 includes six episodes featuring those adorable Care Bears and their Cousins. We all know the Care Bears, but for those who are not familiar with the “Cousins,” they are just as adorable as the bears but they are different animals. There is Brave Heart Lion, Lotsa Heart Elephant, Bright Heart Raccoon, and Cozy Heart Penguin, among others. They bring even more love and caring to the land of Care-a Lot. Let’s just say this DVD is filled with “heart-warming” stories for kids. They are designed for ages 3-9 but how can anyone of any age resist these adorable little guys? They’re colorful and caring, and yes, inspire viewers.

The DVD box is packaged ready to give as a gift with a bright red bow printed on the box. The disc includes a DVD and Digital so kids can watch these fun little characters on other devices.

Power Rangers Dino Charge: Hero Christmas Edition is also packaged with a red bow printed on the box. This show is for a little older age group.

The DVD includes four episodes from the TV series as well as a bonus holiday episode “Race to Rescue Christmas.” When Santa’s computer is stolen the Rangers must retrieve it in order to save Christmas. This episode was highly rated when it aired. Combining Christmas with the Rangers adds a different dimension to the characters and viewers will get in the spirit of the holiday as the Rangers go on a mission from Santa to get back his computer. And that’s not all that’s happening in this episode. Chase might not make it home for Christmas, which is the only thing his sister Chloe wants this year. Will he make it back in time? Spoiler alert: yes! There is a DVD and Digital in this box.

Shaun the Sheep: We Wish Ewe a Merry Christmas is designed for ages 5+. Shaun the Sheep Movie was a hit feature film in 2015 and nominated for an Academy Award. Seven episodes on this disc will brighten up the holidays the gang prepares for the holiday with snowball fights, decorations, and more. Decorating the barn with ribbons, streamers and lights gets everyone into the Christmas spirit.

There are plenty of fun moments for family viewing. These characters are full of wackiness and cuteness.

The DVD includes a “Sheep-Shearing Game” in which kids get to shear the wool off their sheep.

Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Hi-Tech Fashion combines Strawberry and her friends and fashion – two things many young (and old) girls love. Three fun-filled berry adventures will entertain girls over and over again. And included in the box are stickers that will add some extra pizazz to any outfit.

The friends are always good for some cute adventures and helpful guidance. While this is not a “Christmas Edition” it is a great stocking stuffer. This includes a DVD and Digital HD.

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Moana Toddler Doll

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

From the time she was a toddler, Moana had a friendship with the ocean. The movie introduces the newest Disney Princess. The Moana Toddler Doll captures the adventurous spirit of this little girl with fun and flair.

Seeing her in the box doesn’t do this doll justice. She needs to be taken out and examined to appreciate the detail of this adorable little toddler.

Toddler Moana loves the sea and sand, and this doll represents that with so much detail that exemplifies the little girl viewers will see on the screen. She wears her shell necklace and holds a little turtle. There is a flower clip for he hair, which is soft and wavy. This wide-eyed girl wears a little crop top and her little shorts. Underneath the shorts her underpants are painted on her body.

The most adorable features of this doll are her wide eyes, sweet smile, and her feet. What could make her feet so unique? Well, the tops are shiny to reflect the water she just walked in, and her toes and the bottoms of the feet have sand stuck to them. It looks just as though she was playing at the beach and enjoyed every minute of it.

Her warm brown Polynesian complexion combined with her dark hair and her outfit makes her the perfect play pal for kids 3 and up. She is cute and cuddly. And don’t worry about the sand coming off. It’s definitely stuck on. And her arms and legs are poseable so she can reach out for a hug or sit on a chair.

Disney’s Moana Toddler is going to be a fun friend to take to the beach or play with in the car, and she makes a good sleeping buddy. As a toddler, Moana steals the hearts of moviegoers and doll lovers. She is not delicate. She is meant to be played with and hugged. And there’s no way not to smile when you see her delightful grinning face. She looks as though she wants to say, “Let’s go back to the beach!”

Moana Toddler is not part of the Disney Animator Collection, however she does go well with the others if you want to display her along with your Animator dolls. This doll is a bit chubbier than the animator dolls and represents a more carefree style than the other princesses. Perhaps that is because she is a toddler and not a young girl.

Disney’s Moana Toddler Doll is going to be on plenty of holiday wish lists this year.

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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“Love Kernels” will blow you away – ‘Crazy Ex-Girlfriend’

Posted on October 18, 2016 by Francine Brokaw

Who doesn’t want a do-over with The One That Got Away? That’s exactly what Rebecca (Rachel Bloom), a Woody Allen-esque corporate lawyer, attempted in this quirky musical comedy Crazy Ex-Girlfriend last year. After 18 episodes, 49 original songs, and countless cringeworthy schemes and convoluted excuses all in the name of love, I was still with Rebecca. Although she was in total denial of her obsession, I wanted to see Rebecca getting back with her summer camp crush Josh (Vincent Rodriguez III). Why not? It never worked in my life….

I was ecstatic to see Rebecca finally having a Happily-Ever-After-moment with Josh at the end of Season 1. That’s what we were waiting for! Well, not so fast. The only reason The One That Got Away is so alluring is because he has moved into the realm of fantasy over the years. Greg (Santino Fontana), a sarcastic bartender, got too real for Rebecca. Series co-creator Aline Brosh McKenna talks about her choice. “When the real world gets complicated, and she realizes that Greg is kind of flawed and broken, she’s offered a fantasy right away. That’s a very easy, natural place for her to retreat to.” That means she just jumped out of the frying pan into the fire. Oh, dear!

Executive Producer/Writer/Songwriter/Star/and many more Bloom spells out their plan for Season 2. “We always imagined the show in four sections: the first one was denial, the second one is certainty.” So Rebecca is absolutely certain they are destined to be together? The new theme song “I’m Just a Girl in Love” sums it up in a very adorable and cheerful tune. When love makes you ‘crazy’, anything you do for love is justifiable. Is it? You’ll find out.

The premiere episode opens with the most insightful song “Love Kernels” from the brilliant songwriting team of Adam Schlesinger, Jack Dolgen, and Bloom. They made ‘desperation’ palatable. Been there, done that!!! As a matter of fact, “Love Kernels” is a tuneful visualization of my relationship bible He’s Just Not That Into You. The recovering rescuer in me wants to shake Rebecca up, but the kid in me wants this great wish fulfillment show to go on for a long time.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend returns to The CW on Friday, October 21.

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.