Author: Francine Brokaw

‘A Bestselling Kind of Love’ airs on UPtv

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 
Ashley Newbrough and Jason Diaz star in this romantic story of success and fears. A Bestselling Kind of Love delves into a condition many people have – stage fright.

Sophie (Newbrough) just found out her first novel is a bestseller. That feeling of accomplishment and knowing others enjoy her story puts her on cloud nine. That is until her agent informs her she will be going on a book tour where she is expected to talk with the media and fans.

This immediately bursts her bubble. Sophie has stage fright to the max. She cannot even talk on a radio show even when there is no audience. She is absolutely terrified of public speaking.

Her agent puts her in touch with another client, Daniel (Diaz) whose specialty is coaching people who have to do public speaking engagements. He has some interesting ways of conquering their fears, and although Sophie is initially resistant she relents to letting Daniel help her overcome her fear.

So Daniel immediately has her make a list of her fears, besides public speaking. One item on her list is fear of heights. For Daniel that is an easy one. He takes her to a tall building where she doesn’t actually conquer her fear but does face it.

Daniel has several other tricks up his sleeve to help Sophie overcome her fears and as he goes through her list, she gradually gains more confidence in herself. But is it enough to help her with her public speaking fear? That is the ultimate test.

In the meantime, Daniel and his friend are trying to get a new podcast off the ground. Their first script was turned down by the producers. They return to square one to try to find a different concept that would be approved.

Why not use Sophie’s condition? After all, IF she conquers her fear of public speaking that would make a great story. The biggie here is the “if.” Sophie turns out to be more of a dilemma than Daniel has ever faced. Her fear is overwhelming.

While the two are working on Sophie’s fear and Daniel is secretly working on his new pitch for his show, yes, they do fall for each other. The attraction was there from the start. 

So, does Sophie conquer her fear of public speaking or will Daniel fail in his attempt to help her? A Bestselling Kind of Love premieres May 25, 2025 on UPtv.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘The Art of Elio’ – Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The latest animated feature from Disney/Pixar is the heartfelt story of Elio. This is the story of one little boy who had a fantastic galactic adventure. The Art of Elio is a fun adjunct to the film as it delves into the story, the creation of the film, and the artwork.

In the forward Director Adrian Molina writes, “We hoped to create a version of outer space that says ‘There is room here for all types. There is beauty in many shapes. There is a place for you. You are not alone.’” That is the message many people want to hear and that is the message of Elio.

Adding, “We hope The Art of Elio ignites your imaginative mind and that you use your creativity to make the world a better place too.” The messages in the film are positive and audiences will not only take the little boy to heart, they will also be warmed by the messages in the film.

The story is about a little boy named Elio who is lonely and wants to find a place where he will belong. Well, Elio is abducted by aliens and thought to be the representative of humans and the planet Earth. Chief Creative Officer Pete Doctor writes in the preface of the book, “So, turn the page and let the abduction – I mean, inspiration – begin!” 

The pages are filled with plenty of sketches helping the animators get the right spirit of the characters. Even if you haven’t seen the movie yet, this book will help you understand the characters and see the wondrous adventure that awaits young Elio as he tries to get through the maze of aliens and get back home.

As many kids are trying to find their place in the world,  Elio is no exception. This poor little guy had a traumatic past and coping with the world as it is is not an easy task for him. So, why not try outer space? Even though he is abducted, Elio still has the opportunity to make new acquaintances and see new places.

Elio wears an eye patch to help strengthen his weaker eye. With or without this patch, little Elio is an adorable fellow, and the pictures in the book bear this out. 

As readers turn the pages they see and understand more about the story of Elio through descriptions and wonderful visuals. The thing about “The Art of” books is they are filled with great images from the story that sometimes made it into the final film or sometimes not. Nevertheless, they are images the studio used to help create this wondrous film.

How does an animator find the right alien? There are several species in the movie and there are plenty of images in the book showing all kinds of aliens. There are some evil creatures and some nice ones. (Just like on Earth.)

Elio’s new friend Gordon is depicted in the book and story artist Esteban Bravo writes, “I was trying to discover different ways they could interact and connect emotionally throughout the highs and lows of their journey.” He added, “Despite coming from different parts of the universe, these two characters felt like mirrors to one another, making it feel like they were always meant to be friends.” What a nice thought.

So combining the narratives of the characters and the story along with plenty of sketches and artwork, this book is an inside look at the story and the film.  Animation fans as well as Disney and Pixar fans will definitely want to add this to their collection. 

This is a fun way to delve further into the story that is Elio.

The book is available now. The film premieres June 20, 2025.

The Art of Elio

  • Publisher  :  Chronicle Books
  • ISBN-10  :  1797218964
  • ISBN-13  :  978-1797218960    

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been covering products, travel, and all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 35 years. 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

The Disneyland 70th anniversary celebration begins!

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

It’s official. The 70th anniversary celebration is in full swing at the Disneyland Resort. With a new Celebrate Happy Cavalcade, night shows, food, and merchandise, this is a happy celebration. The logo is Celebrate Happy and that is what guests will feel when they come to the resort.

Here is a brief look at what is in store for guests when they visit the resort during this anniversary celebration.

Celebrate Happy Cavalcade

The new Celebrate Happy Cavalcade is adorable. It’s a mini parade led by Duffy and Shellie May. These two are fun to watch as they come down the street looking all cuddly and sweet. If you haven’t fallen in love with these two yet, you will once you see them in this cavalcade.

The song is upbeat and will have guests humming it as they continue their fun in the resort. This is a peppy tune, and only one among the many new music created for this special event.

Paint the Night

The Paint the Night parade is bright and cheery. This is the closest to the Main Street Electrical Parade that has been a favorite among Disneyland fans for years. This new parade is filled with plenty of lights (!) and characters from several films, including Cars, Frozen, and Monsters Inc. This Monsters Inc. float is awe-inspiring as the screens onboard change to different doors that open to reveal characters inside. How ingenious. And the big truck from Cars is another highlight. This truck is huge.

Wondrous Journeys

(Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)

Wondrous Journey is a nighttime spectacular brings together the history of Disney with plenty of characters to delight viewers. There are amazing projections on the castle and the buildings on Main Street, U.S.A. accompanied by fireworks over Sleeping Beauty’s castle. The castle, by the way, is decorated for the 70th anniversary so by day or night it represents seven decades of the park.

World of Color Happiness

(Sean Teegarden/Disneyland Resort)

(Sean Teegarden/Disneyland Resort)

In Disney California Adventure the World of Color – Happiness water show is introduced by the Muppets. The emotions from Inside Out take center stage as guests are encouraged to vote (via the Disneyland app) during the day for one of four emotions. The emotion that receives the most votes that day will be highlights in the evening’s show. Will you vote for Sadness, Disgust, Anger, or Envy?

The Food

Food specialties during this celebration are both savory and sweet. The Mickey Hat cookie is not only a great throwback to the past, it is also delicious. 

And the Mickey popcorn bucket is probably going to be very popular during the celebration. Mickey’s eyes blink and he says three different things. This little guy is going to be enjoyed for years once he’s home and filled with your own popcorn or even empty. 

The Merch!

Let’s not forget about the merchandise. Here are just a couple of the new items. 

The Castle Collection is for those who love castles (what else?) and more vintage items. 

 

The pièce de resistance is the Key to Disneyland. This rather large plastic key is interactive. Take it to each of the lands and insert it into a special keyhole. The key registers that land and adds it to the body of the key.

Once all the lands have been collected insert the key into the main keyhole at the front of the part. Lights will sparkle, bubbles will be emitted, and a little hidden compartment opens revealing a “D” pin with a special design.  There are several pins to collect. It’s a blind item so no one knows in advance which pin they will get. But don’t forget about pin trading. This item is unique, interactive with the park, and an experience that is memorable for guests of all ages. 

(Disneyland Resort)

There is plenty more. This has hardly cracked the surface of all the fun, new, and exciting things happening at the Disneyland Resort right now as they celebrate the 70th anniversary.

It has been seven decades since Walt Disney opened this park. Through the years it has changed, grown, and brought in new experiences for guests of ALL ages. As the park grows, so do the attractions. There are still several original attractions that have survived the decades. New rides, food, merchandise, parades, night time spectaculars, and fun experiences have added to the original park that is touted as “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Now it is time to  “Celebrate Happy” throughout the resort. 

Happy 70th anniversary, Disneyland! 

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Bring Home ‘Panda Bear in Africa’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The adorable animated movie Panda Bear in Africa is now available on DVD and Digital. It’s a story of friendship, family, and finding ones inner strength.

In China little Panda Pang and his best friend dragon Jielong enjoy their time playing together. Jielong is always upset that her dad still treats her like a child because she has not yet been able to fly and her other dragon powers have yet to appear.

Pang, on the other hand, is happy with his youthful spirit. 

Now, over in Africa the lion prince is celebrating his birthday and his guardian uncle has sent his underlings to Asia to capture a dragon for the prince. He has ulterior motives however, as the hyenas are returning to the forest and the lion wants them gone. He wants the captured dragon to freeze them with her breath to keep them out of the lions territory. If they are allowed to return to the forest some secrets from the past will come out and his future will be in jeopardy.

In Asia when Jielong is captured Pang is at a quandary. Should he go for help or go after his best friend? He decides to follow the boat that is taking Jielong to Africa. 

Once he gets to Africa his adventure leads him through all kinds of situations that put him in jeopardy. First he meets a little monkey named Jojo who befriends him but has ulterior motives. Soon Pang is imprisoned along with Jojo. 

This clever little Panda manages to escape and brings Jojo with him on his quest to find the lion rock and free Jielong. Together they face even more challenges on their way but manage to forge on.

Jielong is now the “pet” of the little lion prince. She is uncertain of what her future will be but hopeful she will be able to get out of this horrific situation and return to her dad.

Eventually Pang, Jojo, and Jielong are united and after digging down they all realize their potentials and bravery and yes, (spoiler alert), they all are freed and able to return to Asia. It is a happy ending although throughout the ordeal they each face dreadful situations with consequences that could end their lives.

There are shades of The Lion King as well as a possible nod to The Wizard of Oz as along the way to saving Jielong Pang brings Jojo as they head toward the pride land.

The film won the 2025 National Parenting Product Award and Common Sense Media, “It delivers exactly what it promises: an adventurous, feel-good tale for kids.”

The bonus features include a featurette with screenwriter Rob Sprackling discussing how the story began and what the characters offer to each other and to the viewers. It is a look at the evolution of the story and the characters as they are able to find their inner strengths and forge on through tough times.

Panda Bear in Africa is a cute story filled with all kinds of characters. And the ending is definitely a happy one for all. 

Panda Bear in Africa is not rated. The film is available on Digital and DVD. 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images supplied courtesy Shout! Studios

‘A Tooth Fairy Tale’ is delightful

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

This animated fantasy adventure is a fun look at a new take on the whole Tooth Fairy story.  A Tooth Fairy Tale brings together a variety of characters who each have their own task in life however everyone is interdependent.

Van is a teenage tooth fairy who was born with a slight defect – a whole in his wing. He is a bit rebellious and very curious. The tooth fairies gather children’s teeth and in exchange give them a gold coin. They use the teeth to make more fairy dust.

The goblins are a different group and the two communities do not combine. But when Van sees a goblin named Gemma he follows her into Goblin Mountain. There he is amazed at all that they have created inside the mountain. It is quite different from the Fairy Village.

Gemma is a scientist who has dreams of her own. Goblins cannot live in the sunlight therefore they go out at night. Van helps Gemma create a special formula so she can experience the world during the day. And Gemma helps fill the whole in Van’s wing. 

In the meantime, Van encounters an adorable little troll named Rupee. Trolls are the third community in this little world. No one interacts with anyone in the other group until Van and Gemma bring them all together. They all have one common enemy. The spiders are intent on capturing them all for food and to gain control of all the gold and fairy dust.

The adventure is filled with excitement and interesting animation. As these little creatures learn to work together it is a whole new world.

Gemma and Van become good friends and even though they are different, they find they have a lot in common and share affection for each other.

The cute little trolls steal the show. Just don’t touch their hair. They are very sensitive about anyone touching their hair.

In the end, all the kingdoms are united and all is well with the world. They prove teamwork is not reserved for just those in their own communities. 

A Tooth Fairy Tale is a nice little story filled with fun and cute characters and a catchy soundtrack. 

The movie is available on various digital platforms beginning May 20, 2025. It is rated PG for some mild rude humor (and some dangerous scenes).

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Courtesy Image Supplied

‘The Last Rodeo’ is inspirational

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

From Angel Studios, The Last Rodeo runs the gamut of emotions. At the heart is a story of family and love.

Neal McDonough is Joe Wainwright, a retired champion bull rider. He has had a difficult life. His wife died of a brain tumor and then later he broke his back while competing. Nursing him back from the terrible accident was his daughter Sally (Sarah Jones). All of this is uncovered through discussions between father and daughter during the show. 

Joe and his grandson Cody (Graham Harvey) are close and Cody wants to follow in his grandfather’s boots riding bulls, but his mother is against it. After all, it nearly killed her father and she does not want that to happen to Cody.

When Cody is diagnosed with a brain tumor (it must run in the family) Joe and Sally take him to a neurologist who  specialized in this kind of surgery. They will do whatever it takes to make Cody well. But their insurance will only cover 40% of the surgery and they would be liable for over $100 thousand dollars, which neither of them has.

Joe puts his own life and fears aside and enters the Legends of Rodeo competition. If he wins, the money would go for Cody’s surgery, and Joe is determined to win. He would do anything for his family and that includes putting his life on the line if there was any chance he could win the money necessary to save Cody’s life.

Joe enlists the help of his old friend Charlie (Mykelti Williamson) with whom he has been estranged for many years. After his injury Joe cut off ties with all of his old friends, and that includes his old bestie Charlie who saw him through all his competitions and injuries.

Joe becomes the oldest bull rider in competition history and the odds are stacked against him. But that does not enter his mind. He is focused only on winning the prize money to save his grandson’s life.

It’s not going to be easy. Joe’s body isn’t as nimble as it was in his prime. That doesn’t stop him from his goal. He’s headstrong and insists on entering the competition, pleading with the man in charge, Jimmy Mack (Christopher McDonald) who at first thinks it is a joke. But he sees the steel determination in his old friend’s eyes and ultimately allows the old timer his last chance.

This will be a bumpy ride, no pun intended, for Joe. But even through the aches and pains, bruises and broken ribs, he continues to ride during the three nights of the competition.

In the meantime, Sally is back at the hospital with Cody who needs a second operation. That propels Joe on with steely determination. His family is more important to him than any pain he incurs during the rides. 

Love of family is at the heart of the story. And through it all he is awakened to God and faith.

The movie was co-written by Neal McDonough who appears at the end of the film to speak directly to the audience. He implores them to pass on love and faith. He also asks viewers to tell their loved ones they love them, apologize for things if they need to, and find goodness in life. After all, no one knows how long they have on this earth. 

McDonough also explains the film is about family and love, and fathers and daughters. 

Faith, family, and goodness are the takeaways from the film. 

Filmed with the collaboration of the Professional Bull Riding Association, The Last Rodeo will leave audiences with a profound sense of love of family, faith, and appreciation of life.

The Last Rodeo will hit theaters May 23, 2025. It’s a movie that will go directly to the hearts of viewers. It is rated PG for thematic elements, language, and violence.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Candace Cameron Bure returns for the second installment of The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries. From the novels by Candace Havens, these stories are playful, fun, and even though there are murders, there are many light-hearted moments throughout the film.

In The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker, Ainsley (Cameron Bure) is at a loss to figure out who killed a famous yarn mogul who had been secluded in a room awaiting Ainsley’s introduction to speak at her event in her store Bless Your Arts, a place for artisans to sell their crafts.

Ainsley, a former Chicago criminologist has returned to her home town of Sweet River, Texas for a more sedate life. She teaches criminology at the local college and helps the local police when called upon. Her brother Ryan (Robin Donne) is the Sheriff and her boyfriend Jake (Aaron Ashmore) is the Fire Chief. This is a fun threesome.

Ainsley chairs a book club that doubles as an investigation team. They have more fun helping her solve crimes than reading about them.

During this latest investigation Ainsley and her team get to work figuring out who would want this woman dead, and once the coroner reveals the cause of death, the mystery gets even more interesting. 

With her boyfriend Jake (although they really haven’t yet declared their relationship to each other) getting jealous about one of the suspects getting close to her, Ainsley assures him this guy is not her type. This leads to Jake getting closer to declaring his intentions to Ainsley, but that will have to wait, for the time being. The investigation is taking all her concentration.

Ryan doesn’t get off easy. With his sister adding more insight into the case, he is appreciative but worried about her. This case could put her life in danger if she gets too close to the truth. And Ainsley does get too close. She loves to snoop, but that might not be the right thing to do when the list of suspects is beginning to get narrowed down.

Viewers will not only be interested in the case as Ainsley weaves (pun intended) the clues together, but they will also enjoy the fun personality of Cameron Bure who always adds a special touch to all the characters she plays. And Ainsley’s wardrobe is fresh, fun, flirty, and definitely not what this actress has worn in the past. For a criminologist, Ainsley has an incredibly fun wardrobe.

Ainsley’s dog George, a Goldendoodle, is adorable and always looks out for his friend. He’s right there to spot trouble, and Ainsley does manage to get into a bit of trouble. George is very intelligent and fun to watch and adds to the enjoyment of the story.

Although it involves a murder or two, between Ainsley, Ryan, Jake, and George, they manage to solve the mystery just in the nick of time. It’s a light-hearted movie that is fun to watch and viewers will be trying to solve the crime along with Ainsley and her gang.

The Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Yarn Maker premieres May 22, 2025 on Pure Flix. 

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Great America Media

Useful products from Hollywood Fashion Secrets

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Hollywood Fashion Secrets offers plenty of products that really are useful for a variety of situations. 

Secret No. 1 is their Fashion Tape. This is a quick and easy way to secure your clothes so there are no peek-a-boo sections. Sometimes the spaced between blouse buttons are just a little too far away and the gaps allow others to peek inside. With this Fashion Tape it is easy to tape the gaps together giving your blouse a smooth connection without giving others a peep show. There are other uses for the tape as well. 

The tapes comes in strips in a handy little metal box making it easy to pack in your briefcase, luggage, or purse. 

Secret No. 12 – Deodorant Removing Sponge. What you may ask is a deodorant removing sponge. No, it doesn’t remove deodorant from your body but it does remove the  residue that sometimes clings to your garments.

This is a reusable sponge that does not require any water. Just rub it gently on your blouse or dress where there might be some residue. It safely removes the “yuck” from your garments.

Secret No. 16 – Sweater Saver.  If you’re tired of having fuzz on your sweaters, hats, or knit this is for you. The Sweater Saver is a somewhat rough brick that safely removes the piling on your garments. Use it gently to make your sweaters look like new without causing any cuts on the fabric.

Secret No. 17 – Shoe Comfort Kit. Whether you wear high heels or flats, this kit helps your shoes feel more comfortable. The kit includes 2 gel heel liners that reduce the rubbing of your heels/ankles on your shoes. There are also two gel cushions for the balls of your feet in the shoes. This is especially useful if your shoes are just a little too loose. Also in the kit are two gel pressure spot cushions. These small little cushions help relieve the soreness of blisters and help protect your feet from rubbing, like on the top of your toes. They easily fit into shoes and are comfortable. The adhesive keeps them all in place.

If you know you’re going to be standing for a long time, it helps to add a little gel comfort to your shoes. 

Secret No. 33 – Microfiber Makeup Removers.  These are my favorite! The soft cloths can be reused 200 times. Simply add water and gently rub your face to get all that makeup off without roughing up your skin. I absolutely hate the makeup removers I have used in the past. First of all, they all have a scent that makes my eyes burn. This has no scent. All it is is this soft sponge that does the job! The package includes two sponges. And they are machine washable (I suggest on a gentle cycle) or hand washable. 

Secret No. 38 – Hat Shields. If you wear hats, especially baseball caps, you know the area around your forehead always gets dirty with sweat or makeup. This package includes 10 hat shields that easily apply to your hats with a gentle adhesive. The shields also are moisture-wicking to keep the sweat away. With all our outdoor activities, hats are essential for sun safety. With these shields you know your hats will be less prone to getting dirty and sweaty  and will not get discolored due to sweaty foreheads!

Although they are designed primarily for baseball-style hats, I have tried them on my sunhat and they work great.  The company suggests pretesting them on delicate fabrics.  

Hollywood Fashion Secrets have plenty more useful items. Check them out on their website.

<strong>About the Reviewer</strong>

Francine Brokaw has been covering products, travel, and all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 35 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. 

 

‘Bad Shabbos’ – movie review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

First of all, what is “Shabbos?” There are two pronunciations of this word. Shabbos is generally used by more religious people and older people. Shabbat is the modern Hebrew version of the word. Shabbos is the Sabbath, the day of rest. For Christians it is Sunday. For Jewish people it is from sunset Friday night to sunset Saturday night. The greeting when you meet someone on Friday or Saturday is “Good Shabbos” or “Shabbat Shalom.” The movie Bad Shabbos is a convoluted story about one family whose Shabbos goes terribly wrong.

On Shabbos (or Shabbat) families gather for a grand dinner and the weekly prayers. There is a prayer when lighting the candles which welcomes in the Sabbath, a prayer for the bread (Challah), and a prayer for the wine. Once these prayers are done the dinner begins.

Unfortunately, for one family their Shabbos doesn’t go as planned. Ellen and her husband Richard (Kyra Sedgwick and David Paymer) are expecting a full house this Shabbas. Their son Adam (Theo Taplitz) who lives with them, their daughter Abby and her boyfriend (Milani Vayntrub and Ashley Zukerman), their son David and his fiancé Meg (Jon Bass and Meghan Leathers), and for the first time Meg’s parents John and Beth (John Bedford Lloyd and Catherine Curtin). John and Beth are Catholic and eager to learn about the religion to which their daughter is converting.

Benjamin is not a great guy and Abby is preparing to dump him. He teases and taunts Adam continually. Adam has a little psychological problem and is unsure what to do with his life.

David is concerned Meg’s parents won’t enjoy the full Jewish traditional dinner, but they keep their hopes up. The doorman in the building, Jordan (Method Man) gives them encouragement when they arrive. He will play a bigger part in the family’s night than he ever dreamed of.

Prior to Meg’s parents arrival there is an accidental death in the apartment. This convoluted story of how Benjamin died has the whole family confused and wondering what to do. Whose fault is it? 

While trying to figure out what to do with the body David asks Jordan for help. Soon Jordan is mixed up in this far-fetched family’s dilemma. 

In the meantime, David is nervous about his future in-laws coming into this evening’s strange Shabbos. All he wanted was to have a pleasant family Shabbos and introduce his future in-laws to his family. But nothing goes as planned.

The family’s decision about what to do with the body also goes awry when John and Beth arrive before they can get the body out of the apartment. So, during the dinner everyone is on pins and needles and the usually fun-filled Shabbos is one disaster after another. Wine spills, bread is tossed around, people are on edge, and what should have been a nice evening is anything but.

This is a wild ride as the entire family tries to cover up a dead man, literally. A cute aspect is Jordan trying to come to their rescue. 

Spoiler alert: everything eventually turns out OK for the entire group. Well, except for Benjamin. He’s dead, after all.

Bad Shabbas is a far-fetched comedy that been winning film festivals. This is a Jewish family but also a universal story of family and has appeal to everyone. It is not rated but is not suitable for young viewers.

The movie hits theaters in NYC and LA on May 23, 2025 and goes national June 6, 2025. Good Shabbos! Shabbat Shalom! 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images are courtesy

‘The Lost Princess’ is captivating

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The Lost Princess is a somewhat haunting but very mesmerizing story that takes viewers through time. It has everything from time travel to war to love and wraps it all in an interesting tale that will have viewers engaged from the beginning.

The story begins with the Spanish invasion of Morocco and the killing of the Prince Amnaty who leaves behind a valuable legacy for his surviving son, as well as his palace which was built in 1840.

The main story starts with a Shaman (Eric Roberts) guiding a group of interested people who want to enlarge their lives. As he says, “Peace is the opposite of conflict” and that is just what billionaire Alec Touati (Cillian O’Sullivan) could use in his life.

Alec is a financial genius who has built his company into a multi-billion dollar industry. He is stressed to the limit and this little adventure opens his mind and his heart. When he returns to Beverly Hills he quits his job and goes in search of a castle somewhere in the desert of Morocco. 

Alec has been experiencing flashbacks to the 1800s and the deadly siege on the castle he has been envisioning. As he goes through the days he also sees a young boy but the boy is only in his mind. His mind is now connecting with the past and Alec is determined to put the pieces together of the horrendous images he is seeing in his mind and the people who are part of them.

What he finds in Morocco is a story and people with a connection to his visions and subconscious mind.

Alec meets Hana (Melodie Casta) whose father Nassim (Gary Dourdan) is the caretaker of the castle. Alec does finally find the castle and Nassim and Hana fill him in on the history of the castle as well as its inhabitants. 

Woven in the story of this amazing castle is a tale of a Saudi Prince and his Moroccan-born Princess wife. There is also a forbidden love story, a child born out of adultery, and more connected with the castle as well as a treasured sword that holds the key to the history and the people.

This is not your ordinary castle. It is haunted by spirits and Nassim is able to connect with them. The castle is more than just a building. It is a representation of the past and the people.

While Alec is wrapping his head around the history that took place in the castle, he is falling in love with Hana. (You didn’t see that coming, did you?) Their love story is what will ultimately save the castle and the fate of the lost Princedom of Amnaty.

While Alec doesn’t actually travel back in time, his mind does and he sees the past as clear as if he were there. He feels the terror and pain of what happened when the Spanish invaded and what they did to the people.

It’s now up to Alec, the rightful owner of the castle who, even though he does technically own it, must purchase it to make it all legal. With that done he is now able to carry on with his life in peace.

The movie was filmed in the area of Marrakech, Morocco. 

The Lost Princess is not rated however it does have smoking and drug use as well as language. It will be available on digital and VOD beginning May 13, 2025.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Gravitas