From somewhere in Wonderland, Johnny Depp brought a little surprise madness to some unsuspecting fans at Disneyland. Johnny Depp returns as the Mad Hatter in Disney’s ALICE THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS opening in U.S. theaters on May 27th.
Author: Francine Brokaw
Norbert Unveils His Norbert Plush
Norbert is a 3-pound therapy dog that has been making news around the country. Along with his mom, Julie Freyermuth, Norbert visits hospitals, nursing homes, and other places to put smiles on people’s faces, and he definitely does that everywhere he goes. Norbert also “wrote” three books and has his own Facebook and Twitter accounts. His newest endeavor is a plush life-size version himself. After all, who doesn’t want their own Norbert?
Being the philanthropist he is, Norbert – and Julie – isn’t just producing a cuddly version of himself for all his fans. There is an added bonus to his plush doppelganger. For every Norbert Plush purchased, one will also be donated to a child in need via Toys for Tots!
“Norberthood for Good” is the philanthropy division of his business. “By partnering with Toys for Tots, we extend Norbert’s ‘buy one, donate one’ campaign to bring happiness to children in need who do not have the opportunity to own their own puppy or who could use a toy to hug and hold,” says Julie.
“We are very pleased to welcome Noberthood for Good as a national corporate donor of the 2016 Marine Toys for Tots Campaign,” said retired Marine Colonel Ted Silvester, vice president of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “Their community service goals certainly align with those the Marine Corps has promoted for over 68 years through our Toys for Tots Program.” Silvester concluded, “With their generous support we will be able to fulfill the Christmas holiday dreams of many less fortunate children, who otherwise might be forgotten.”
Besides visiting hospitals, etc., Norbert supports various organizations and charities, including Pet Partners®, Intermountain Therapy Animals, Just for Kids Sake Foundation, Lil BUB’s BIG FUND for the ASPCA, the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation and Boot Campaign, a military nonprofit. His books have won several awards.
To find out more about this adorable little fellow, visit his website and follow him on Facebook, on Instagram, on Twitter, and on Youtube.
Simply put, this little guy is adorable and his face can’t help but cheer you up when you’re down. He’s cuddly and sweet, and definitely a dog that is easy to love. Everyone should have a Norbert, but since he is one of a kind, the plush version is almost the next best thing. If they ever find a way to clone this furry fellow, I am putting my order in for my own Norbert.
To purchase the Norbert Plush, visit his website.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 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
‘Suspicion’ Stars Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine
The first collaboration between Alfred Hitchcock and Cary Grant was the 1941 black and white film Suspicion. Grant stars as Johnnie, a charming man with no money who sets his sights on Lina, an introverted heiress thinking she will remain a spinster. Lina lives with her mother and father, and is shy, without much experience with men. They inadvertently meet on a train and soon they meet again, setting their futures in motion.
After they marry, Lina discovers her husband has no money at all and intends on living off of hers. But she doesn’t have much of an income so she insists he get a job. Unfortunately, Johnnie is a major gambler and cannot give up his vice. This leads to complications in their marriage; however the love she has for him overrules her head.
Then Lina begins to suspect her husband of notorious schemes, like killing his best friend. But Johnnie always has an alibi for anything she comes up with. Maybe she is just imagining that her husband is scheming and plotting notorious acts. But he definitely needs money, so killing his business partner/best friend would get him the funds he needs.
When Johnnie becomes interested in poisons that cannot be traced in a dead body, Lina’s suspicions are again raised. Their good friend happens to be a murder writer and as such gives them plenty of information about plotting murders, which doesn’t ease Lina’s mind in the least.
The movie was based on a book with a different ending, or so we think. The ending of the film is not exactly clear-cut, however viewers are free to derive their own ideas of what happens to this couple in the future.
The bonus feature on the new Blu-ray provides many insights into the film, the characters, the actors, and Hitchcock. As far as Grant/Hitchcock films rate, this is at the bottom of the list. Their future endeavors are much better films with more depth and entertainment: Notorious, To Catch a Thief, and North by Northwest.
The bottom line is Suspicion is not the best Grant/Hitchcock movie, however Joan Fontaine took home the Academy Award that year for her performance of Lina.
Suspicion is part of the Warner Archive Collection and this Blu-ray is available MOD from their website.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 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
Sam Elliott and Debra Winger Talk ‘The Ranch’
Veteran actors Sam Elliott and Debra Winger co-star in the Netflix family sitcom The Ranch. Elliott is no stranger to playing a rough cowboy. As a matter of fact, that is how he is basically typecast, although he does take alternate characters from time to time, like in the recent film Grandma.
“Good fortune came my way again,” Elliott told the media. “It was an incredible year last year, and really began the year before with Justified. And I got an opportunity, after 47 years, all of a sudden I’m doing things that I’ve never done before.”
He explained, “The thought that all of a sudden I’m doing a four camera show and working with people that have proven themselves in this genre for so many years is a pretty astounding thing for me personally.”
Elliott continued, “I just think life is funny, you know. I mean, not that it’s ha ha funny, but it’s often funny, and I think that comes out of perspective. So, I’m always kind of looking for the – maybe as you say, I’m not sure about searching it, but … it’s a real joy to go to work and make people laugh, I must say. And this is the first time I’ve really had an opportunity to do that. I mean, I find that a real gift.” With his tough demeanor as a weathered rancher who barely cracks a grin, the character of Beau Bennett is tailor made for this tall, lanky actor with the bushy mustache and deep gritty voice.
“The thing that most attracted me to this show was the people that I was going to have the opportunity to work with and, as I’ve said before, a new world, this four camera format, and working for Netflix, quite frankly.”
Winger agreed. “It was never about schedule,” she said about taking on projects. “My life is not about schedules. Raising my kids was somewhat important, but it’s always about the people I’m working with, … So it was the happy accident.”
The actress admitted, “The first 10 episodes were like school, you know. I was taking notes. They were laughing at me. I was writing down all of these terms. It was like they were speaking a foreign language.” But when viewers watch the show, they will not notice how out-of-her element she felt.
“But, also, it’s been incredible because you can learn something at my age,” Winger confessed. “It’s fun to learn something new. And I really have no point of reference on it except, when the live audience comes in, I get that and I get it from doing theater. … I really love how collaborative these guys are during the week. You are really a part of it. We are really all involved.”
The 10-episode first season of The Ranch is available on Netflix. While it is a show about a family, it is not recommended for youngsters. The Ranch includes sex, nudity, profanity, alcohol, drugs, smoking, and some intense scenes.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 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
‘Mack & Moxy’ DVD Giveaway
Mack & Moxy is a delightful new kids series which combines animation, live-action and music in order to introduce younger children to important issues like literacy, emergency preparedness and more in relatable 14-minute episodes. The show has been airing on PBS stations.
With charming animation by Bardel Entertainment (Puss in Boots), each segment was developed with a charity partner (Save the Children, American Red Cross, etc.) to create an authentic (but fun!) learning experience that will inspire children to get involved with causes that touch their hearts.
Mack & Moxy: The Great Helpee Heroes includes 4 episodes from the show.
Episodes on the DVD:
“A Ty-Grrrr’s Tale” – Eva LaRue sends Mack and Moxy to befriend a little tiger named “Grrrr,” who loses all his friends when his once-lush jungle habitat is slowly destroyed by careless builders. This episode is presented in partnership with the American Wildlife Federation.
“Feeding Rainbow” – Eva, Mack and Moxy team up to introduce Rainbow, a hungry Pegasus, to a food pantry where he and his family can stock up on nutritious groceries. This episode is presented in partnership with Hunger Awareness.
“A Friend Who Reads is a Friend Indeed” – Josh Duhamel, Mack and Moxy cheer up a lonely puffball called Noli by giving him his first book so he can explore the world, even when he is on his own. This episode is presented in partnership with Save the Children.
“Always Be Prepared” – Kal Penn joins Mack and Moxy as they meet Kendling, a clever cornstalk boy who is planning an escape route for his family in case of an emergency. This episode is presented in partnership with the American Red Cross.
Check out the trailer.
We have some DVDs to giveaway.
To be eligible to win a copy of Mack & Moxy, email us at [email protected] with “Mack & Moxy 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 May 20, 2016.
Bonus clip from ‘A Royal Night Out’ on DVD
Celebrate Mother’s Day with A Royal Night Out and VE Day, which falls on the same day this Sunday May 8th!
For a review of the film, click here.
LEGO® SCOOBY-DOO!: HAUNTED HOLLYWOOD Sneak peek
In LEGO® Scooby-Doo!: Haunted Hollywood, the gang heads to the entertainment capital of the world, Hollywood, where they take a tour of the legendary Brickton Studios, a historic Hollywood movie studio. While visiting the lot, the gang is surprised to find the once powerful film studio has fallen onto hard times. Neglected and in disrepair, Brickton, which has lost its luster, now faces threats of closure and an impending sale to greedy developers who want to tear it down.
To top it off, the Mystery Inc. gang discovers that the studio’s backlot is haunted by the ghost of Boris Karnak, a famous, oldtime movie actor who has been making ghostly appearances in the roles he once made famous – including the Headless Horseman, the Mummy and the Zombie. The ghostly sightings have frightened away the cast and crew of Brickton’s latest film production, which was the studio’s final effort in trying to save the company from going under. Now with production halted on the movie which was supposed to rescue Brickton from its demise, it looks as though the famous backlot is destined to fall into the hands of the developers after all. Will it be a wrap for Brickton or will Scooby and the gang find a way to help the studio achieve box-office success? It’s a “bricktacular” adventure no Scooby-Doo! fan will want to miss!
This combo pack (with a mini Scooby inside) will be available May 10, 2016.
Nighttime Awakens at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World
Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World now offers guests a new experience – night. The park magically transforms into a nighttime destination for guests visiting WDW. There’s no need to exit the park at dusk. With plenty of things to do and see after the sun goes down, Animal Kingdom is filled with even more thrills and excitement.
The Kilimanjaro Safari at night is a completely different experience than during the day. Watching the animals in their habitats in the dark brings guests right into their lives and with the knowledgeable guides pointing out where and what animals are in view, it’s almost like being in Africa on a quiet night. Just seeing the giraffes walking next to the open vehicle or the lion majestically lying on a rock is a thrilling experience in itself. And listening to them in the quiet of the darkness is an experience not quickly forgotten. This is definitely a different safari ride at night, and animal lovers will undoubtedly enjoy every minute of it.
Expedition Everest, the thrill ride that takes guests through the mountain with a close encounter with the Abominable Snowman, is now a nighttime “must do” for those who enjoy the ride in the daytime. There’s something to be said for the darkness of night adding a different element to this attraction. This is definitely a thrill ride, so the little ones, and those who aren’t comfortable with this kind of ride, should avoid this attraction.
The Kali River Rapids is a heart-pounding whitewater adventure that also takes on a different dimension after dark. Yes, expect to get wet on this ride.
The “Harambe Wildlife Parti” fills the marketplace with authentic African music, acrobatics, and fun for the whole family. When the sun goes down, the party starts!
The Tree of Life is the focal point of the park. This majestic tree is beautiful during the day, but when it awakens at night it is stunning. Colors light up the tree and the spirits of the animals come to life. Visions of hummingbirds, a fox, a doe, a bunny, apes, fish and others demonstrate the circle of life with extraordinary images on this amazing tree, all with the Disney magic touch. The Tree of Life at night is truly an amazing spectacular for everyone to watch. It’s something you have to witness before leaving Animal Kingdom.
And finally, the newest nighttime light show, “Rivers of Light,” will be premiering this summer. This is a visual extravaganza that combines light, lasers, and animal spirits in a show filled with beauty. Lotus flowers, water fountains, lanterns, and color fill the lake while at the same time telling the story of the animal spirits. Sitting in the amphitheater with fireflies flickering around as the story unfolds on the water with music and visual effects will not only amaze guests, but also engage their senses. They have outdone themselves with this nighttime experience on the Discovery River Lagoon, giving one more reason to make Disney’s Animal Kingdom a great way for families to experience the hours after dark at WDW.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park at Night has new evening experiences for everyone, from young to old. The rides at night are unlike experiencing them during the day, and the colors and magic of the “Rivers of Light” show and the awakening of the “Tree of Life” are completely awe-inspiring and the best way to end a day at WDW.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 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
Disney Plans Exciting New Travel Opportunities
Recently Karl Holz, President of Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Opportunities, and Ken Potrock, Senior VP and GM of Adventures by Disney and Disney Vacation Club told members of the media about several new projects ahead. Before a lavish lunch at Walt Disney World, the two men shared the views of the Disney Company and their respective divisions.
DISNEY CRUISE LINE
Holz began by proclaiming, “The Disney Cruise is the ultimate ocean-going vacation for families.” He explained the cruises take guests to “a fantasy world” onboard the ships, while also visiting ports of call and of course, Disney’s Castaway Cay, it’s own secluded island.
The cruises definitely have the Disney touch, and next year they will have 15 Star Wars themed days at sea with sailings from January to April 2017.
While offering families plenty of activities aboard the ships, Holz said they also have “Broadway quality shows” that entertain the entire family.
Two new Disney ships will be joining the fleet in 2021 and 2023, and currently there are updates concluding on the Disney Wonder. Each one of the ships (Disney Magic, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wonder) has unique offerings for all the guests, however they share one thing in common. That is the Disney touch with plenty of fantasy, magic, wonder, dreams, and fun. Hence the names of the ships!
New destinations that will be served by the Disney Cruise Line are new ports in Alaska, Europe, Norway, the British Isles, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and Amsterdam.
DISNEY VACATION CLUB
Ken Potrock described Disney’s Aulani Hawaiian resort as a “multi-generational” destination. The resort, which was opened five years ago, immerses guests in the “beauty and the spirit of the islands.”
Disney Vacation Club currently has 14 resorts, with the newest at the Wilderness Lodge in WDW as well as waterfront cabins. The other locations in this ownership program include 8 other resorts in Walt Disney World, one in Disneyland, one in Vero Beach, one in Hilton Head Island, and one at Aulani on Oahu. Members of the Disney Vacation Club not only get special treatment in the resorts, but also get special Magic Bands to wear in the theme parks which identify them to cast members as being special guests where they receive individual treatment in the parks.
ADVENTURES BY DISNEY
Adventures by Disney is a unique vacation experience for couples or families. Now in its tenth year, the program immerses travelers in activities and experiences around the world. The groups consist of about 30 people, making the tours small enough for a more individual experience. With 40 itineraries covering six continents in 2017, Adventures by Disney has the world covered.
New domestic destinations include Philadelphia where visitors see the birthplace of the nation, Montana, where guests experience a dude ranch, and Yellowstone National Park where guests experience “glamor camping,” as Potrock explained.
RIVER CRUISES BY DISNEY
Disney has joined with AMA Waterways, a high-end river cruise company in Europe, to bring two famous rivers to Disney vacationers: the Rhine and the Danube. The new AMA Kristina, debuting in 2017, will be a luxurious ship for families and is touted to be a milestone for Disney River Cruise ship.
There’s no doubt the folks at Disney are looking far ahead to bring the most fun to all their guests. As they explained, a Disney vacation is a special and memorable experience for the whole family.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 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
Walt Disney World Transforms Downtown Disney into Disney Springs
Goodbye Downtown Disney. Hello Disney Springs. Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs (formally Downtown Disney) is undergoing the largest expansion in its history. This is a fun area of WDW in which guests can eat, be entertained, drink, shop, have fun, and even take a ride in a hot air balloon – tethered, of course.
Disney Springs consists of four neighborhoods, each serving its own purpose and each with its own architecture, but revolving around a “natural” Florida Springs like towns of the past. Disney isn’t just slapping together buildings and calling it Disney Springs. Plenty of thought has gone into this newest region of Walt Disney World. It is meant to immerse guests in the history of old Florida while taking them through different eras as they walk around the property.
The Landing neighborhood is set in the 1900-1910 period with building facades that reflect that time. The Town Center neighborhood consists mostly of shops and looks like a town did around the 1920s, with Mediterranean-inspired architecture. Next, the Marketplace neighborhood reflects the 1930s. These new neighborhoods will open to the public on May 15, 2016.
The West Side is already open and is the place we think of when we hear “Downtown Disney.” This “neighborhood” is built in the character of the 1950s. Here is where you can ride the balloon, go bowling in Splitsville, dine in a variety of eateries, watch a show, and just have fun.
Disney Springs is “a special and magical place,” said Keith Bradford, Vice President of Disney Springs. Besides the activities, the Disney folks wanted to “focus on storytelling like the parks and the cruises.” Bradford exclaimed, “this is the largest growth we’ve ever experienced in the history of this property.” With the expansion, Disney Springs is going to be a major destination for visitors to WDW.
Cirque du Soleil has it’s own theater here and presents its spectacular show La Nouba. This is a show for all the senses and engrosses visitors in a magical experience. Aerial ballets above the stage mesmerize guests while plenty of amazing acrobatics are playing out on the stage. This is truly a fascinating experience. As they said, this show has been given “an extra push.”
While you’re walking around Disney Springs, why not test out a water car. These are authentic Amphicars that can drive on land and float on the water. This is the only place in the world guests can experience the Amphicars.
And for shopping for Disney items, the World of Disney here is the largest in the country with separate areas designed specifically for the different characters. How fun is that? Answer: really fun.
Plus, let’s not forget Disney Quest. This is where virtual reality makes its mark. Create your own excitement and experience a variety of virtual experiences. There are areas in this gigantic building designed just for preschoolers, so don’t think this is only for adults. It’s a great place for family fun.
A variety of dining experiences await you in Disney Springs. Morimoto Asia recently opened. This is the place created by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and offers a variety of Asian selections with a few kid-friendly options. After all, this is Walt Disney World.
Whether you want Italian food, steaks, seafood, fish and chips, American food, sandwiches, coffee, or all kinds of sweets, Disney Springs has it.
Disney Springs is a nice little change from the other theme parks. Whether you are driving yourself or accessing it from the Disney Bus Transportation System or the Disney Boat Transportation System on the waterways that serves Port Orleans, Old Key West, and Saratoga Springs resorts, Disney Springs is an area for all kinds of family fun.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 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