This June, revenge is a bitter deal in the period Western, TRADED, from Cinedigm and Status Media, starring country music star Trace Adkins, Michael Paré, and Country Music Hall of Famer, Golden Globe®-winner and American icon Kris Kristofferson. On June 10, the gritty drama will open theatrically in select cities.
Walt Disney Animation Studios’ (WDAS) comedy-adventure, “Zootopia” has broken records worldwide earning more than $900 million at the global box office to date. The best reviewed movie of 2016, critics and audiences around the world have fallen in love with the wonderfully innovative animal metropolis of “Zootopia” and the comedic chemistry of rookie rabbit officer Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and scam-artist fox Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman). It’s been called one of the best buddy cop comedies in years! Viewers will not only be able to enjoy the vibrant world of Zootopia and reunite with their favorite characters, but also discover more about the evolution of this extraordinary tale through in-depth bonus offerings. The runaway hit arrives home on June 7 via Digital HD, Blu-ray™ and Disney Movies Anywhere.
Jennifer Lawrence narrates this amazing look at Earth from space. This isn’t an ordinary look at our planet. A Beautiful Planet focuses on the impact man and nature have on the earth.
The ISS (International Space Station) is orbiting 249 miles above the planet. From that vantage point there are some amazing views of earth in the day and night, and they are beautifully captured in 3D, giving audiences a vantage point that they will not soon forget.
Besides looking at the planet, life aboard the ISS is shown and discussed with several astronauts who have called it their temporary home. The camera takes audiences right inside the station in a way no one has before. It’s not only fun to see how these people live and work, it’s also eye opening.
From the vantage point of the ISS, the beauty of lightning storms shows the intensity of nature. While the lightning is stunning to see from above, those watching know full well the harshness and destruction it can be causing below. That is also the same when viewing the eye of a hurricane. It is an amazing sight to see from high above the earth, but those on the ground know that devastation is coming their way.
What are perhaps the most phenomenal sights were taken at night. It is then when those flying high above the planet actually see the impact humanity has had on the earth. Lights are visible at this altitude, and as the ISS flies over the continents, the filmmakers spotlight various cities, giving audiences specific frames of reference. Of course, it is easy to recognize Italy, with its boot shape. The rest of the world often blurs to the uneducated mind. Pointing out these specific regions and cities adds a lot of interest to those watching the film. Actually, we know how far apart cities are from each other, but when you see them from above they look like they are right next door. The planet is indeed quite small, and that fact is brought home by much of this film.
What is also astonishing is seeing the Korean peninsula from above at night. It’s only then when the real impact of politics becomes clear. South Korea is brightly lit while North Korea is almost completely in the dark. That will definitely make viewers think about what life is like there.
And another man-made aspect that is brought to light, literally, is the fence between India and Pakistan. This is one of the only borders that is visible from space.
Besides looking at the earth at night, daytime also provides eye-opening scenes with the emphasis of the narration focusing on conservation and keeping the planet from further harm. It’s evident that California is in a drought. The focus on water and rising temperatures is impactful and the scenes are educational for all of us here on earth. While there are many amazing and beautiful scenes, the fact that we have this one planet that has been impacted by the growing population is something the filmmakers want to impress on viewers.
Toward the end of the film there is a look at “The Goldilocks Zone” which is a far away system that might be similar to ours. The Kepler-186 system is somewhat similar to our Milky Way and Kepler-186f is the planet most like Earth, situated the right distance from its star (or sun). This might spur some future scientists to explore it further. Yes, we are planning on going to Mars, but what about further away? What information might the Kepler-186 system provide about our own planet, its past, and possibly our future?
A Beautiful Planet is 46 minutes of amazing scenes of Earth and beyond. It also provides a glimpse into life on the ISS, how they exercise, eat, work, and even grow vegetables. Grow vegetables? Yes. We have come far from the first days of space travel.
A Beautiful Planet opens in select IMAX theaters April 29, 2016. It’s rated G for everyone and is a nice way to spend a family afternoon or evening together.
To find an IMAX theater near you showing A Beautiful Planet, go to this 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
While volunteering at a horse rescue, Emma forms an unlikely bond with an abused horse that won’t let anyone else ride him. Gaining new skills and confidence, Emma hatches a plan to redeem herself and ultimately save the ranch she’s grown to love.
Emma’s Chance will be available on DVD and Digital July 5.
HydroChic is a company that has answered the prayers of millions of women around the globe. Their clothing is appropriate for lounging, swimming, exercising, and everyday wear. So, what makes their products so appealing to women? It’s the fact that they can be worn over swimwear or as swimwear, without compromising modesty. Whether you have religious concerns about showing too much skin, are sensitive about your body image, or simply want something comfortable and can serve a variety of situations, HydroChic is the answer.
Actress Mayim Bialik (The Big Bang Theory) recently endorsed the company. She is religious and conservative in her attire and posted on her Facebook page, “I’ve written about ‘modest swimwear’ before but I just got the new spring catalog for HydroChic Sun Protective Swimwear & Activewear and I wanted to post it. I am not being paid to do this, I just want to share it because I think it’s important to get this resource out there…they have a ton of options and ‘plus’ sizes … for all levels of comfort, modesty-wise….my previous HydroChic suit lasted for YEARS.”
“HydroChic is designed to enhance a woman’s natural beauty and flatter her body, while offering a range of protection and modesty options that fit her lifestyle,” says HydroChic co-founder Sara Wolf of New Rochelle, NY. “Many women of all ages are seeking alternative swim solutions to the traditional bathing suit, because, let’s face it, we can’t all wear a bikini.”
Every piece of clothing can be worn in the water, but they also look great as cover-ups over traditional suits and can simply be worn around and as exercise clothing. The material is chlorine resistant and chlorine proof, and fast drying. Plus they have clothes that have UPF 50+ sun protection. Whether you are an XS or a 4X, they have a variety of mix-and-match tops and bottoms.
Personally, I am not comfortable in “Yoga Pants.” But I feel very comfortable in the Long Swimpants. They are called swimpants, but they are great to wear when exercising, running errands, or taking a walk. And if I happen to be near the beach – or a pool, I can wear them there too. This is a great pair of pants to wear when on vacation, say, in Hawaii. Now women don’t have to worry about getting their pants wet when taking a walk along the beach after dinner. And if you plan on having pool parties for your friends or your kids this summer, this is the best way to look stylish while at the same time being able to take a dip yourself. And post maternity moms who often feel like hiding their bodies get the coverage they want while still looking stylish.
The styles range from $29.50 – $90 and are available at select stores throughout the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Israel, and online at www.hydrochic.com. Besides pants, they have a variety of tops, capris, skorts, dresses, skirts, shorts, and jackets, which are all great for home or resort wear. And for women who are not modest, there are plenty of styles that won’t make them feel like they are wearing something out of their realm. For instance, there is an adorable swim short with hidden shorts and a cute colorblock swim n’ tennis dress. And the tops are perfect for all ages. Think about getting some for your girls – or yourself – to wear over swimsuits after getting out of the pool or at the beach. There are some pretty colors from which to choose too! The sea blue is beautiful.
Whether you want something to wear in or out of the water while maintaining some sense of dignity and style, HydroChic has something for you. And if you order one of their tops, you get a complimentary swim and sports bra.
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
Walt Disney World in Florida is big and growing all the time. They have a variety of resorts on the property and each one offers a different atmosphere and experience. The BoardWalk is on a Crescent Lake has waterways that connect to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme parks. Across the lake from the BoardWalk resort are the Beach Club and Yacht Club resorts, and also along the waterway are the Swan and Dolphin Resorts. This group of resorts makes up this little corner of Walt Disney World.
The BoardWalk hotel is like taking a step back to the 1900s. There are plenty of areas to sit on a rocking chair or an Adirondack chair and people watch or watch the peaceful waters of the lake. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and whether you get a view of the boardwalk and the water or the garden, you’ll find yourself looking at relaxing scenery. And that is important when you want to decompress after your time in a theme park.
Decorated with scenes from the early life of an American boardwalk, this resort has several ins and outs that are fun to find for yourself. A pool with a waterslide is great for the kids, and families enjoy the bike rentals and especially the Surrey Bike rentals along the boardwalk, which has shops and restaurants, and at night this place comes alive with carnival games and a fun nightlife.
The Flying Fish Café is the signature restaurant on the boardwalk, however we prefer Trattoria al Forno, also on the boardwalk. We headed there in the morning for a variety of breakfast options before starting our day. If you prefer quick dining, there are plenty of those areas on the boardwalk and across the lake at the Yacht and Beach Club resorts.
Now, about that lake, it’s just a few minute boat ride to the other resorts, and a few minutes longer to the two different theme parks. If you go one direction, you’ll end up at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which is the place to be if you’re a Star Wars fan. And if you go the other direction, you’ll disembark in Epcot’s World Showcase, which is a completely different experience. Of course, there are walkways connecting all of these areas and the walk is not long at all. Plus, there is the Disney Transportation system of busses, which are accessed from the front of the resort. The busses not only access the two parks closest to the resort, but also all of the other parks in WDW.
The actual turn-of-the-century boardwalk atmosphere and the close access to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are what make this resort different from the others in WDW. Disney’s BoardWalk Resort is considered a “deluxe” resort. Complimentary WiFi, complimentary self-parking, a business center, childcare services, and a health club combine to make this a great resort for adults while at the same time offering plenty for kids. And let’s not forget the real reason we go to WDW. The activities, rides, attractions, food, night shows, fireworks, shopping, and all the fun of Disney are almost at arm’s length.
By the way, don’t forget to stop in and get a delicious caramel apple on your way back to your room after a long day of fun. It’s the perfect way to cap off a day at Walt Disney World.
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
When Finding Nemo hit the screens in 2003, it was Dory who stole viewers’ hearts. Voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, Dory, a blue tang fish with memory problems, now has a movie of her own which is set to open June 17. Finding Dory is Disney’s big summer animated film, and along with the film there are plenty of corresponding merchandise items that are sure to be desired by fans of the film, and especially fans of Dory.
The Dory Talking Plush is a 14-inch cute and cuddly stuffed Dory that moves her fins and lips when her button is pressed. She speaks seven phrases from the film voiced by Ellen.
“Hello there. Do you know me? Oh no, I’m sorry. I suffer from short-term memory loss. You found me! How did you find me?”
“Hi, I’m Dory. Excuse me. Hi. So, I’m looking for my family. I guess we’ll hang out another time. Don’t be a stranger.”
“You know I speak whale…”
“Hello, hello. Can you help me? Hey guys, I’m looking for my family. Got it. What was the first part again?”
“I remembered something. I actually remembered something. Something important. We better get going. I’m sorry, did I forget again?”
“Hey man, don’t touch my tag. Wow. I’m so glad I found you.”
And she speaks a phrase in whale! Well, kind of in whale.
Dory is soft and cuddly and if you don’t want her talking all night in your child’s bed, simply turn off her switch which is located in her stomach and accessed through a Velcro-closing pocket.
This Dory cannot go into the bathtub, but there is one that does – the Dory Swimming Action Figure. Plus, there are plenty of other great items in the Finding Dory collection from the Disney Store.
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
Follow her on Twitter
Kevin Spacey and Michael Shannon don’t look anything like their alter egos, but 10-minutes into Elvis & Nixon hardly anyone will notice or care. For both actors are master craftsmen at getting directly to the very essence of their protagonists.
The stranger-than-fiction, political satire uses as its springboard the Dec. 21, 1970 White House photograph of the famous handshake between the world’s most powerful leader and the king of rock ‘n’ roll. Since there’s no audio recording of their fateful meeting screenwriters Joey Sagal, Hanala Sagal, and Cary Elwes were free to provide their own narrative, one that brilliantly strikes just the right balance between dead serious and a laugh-out loud riot.
The 87-minute movie begins with a scene of Presley shooting out a television screen. On a whim, he then decides to fly to Washington with his Memphis Mafia sidekick Jerry Schilling (Alex Pettyfer) to get deputized as a “Federal Agent-at-Large,” for the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. The “King” actually imagined himself going undercover to help curb the rising drug problem in America. A more accurate assessment later appeared in Priscilla Presley’s memoir that his real motivation was so he could “legally enter any country both wearing guns and carrying any drugs he wished.”
In preparing for the role, Spacey took to heart the advice his mentor Jack Lemmon once gave him – “Do it with total abandon.”
Ironically, this wasn’t the first stab Spacey got at playing the 37th President of the United States. In New york for a round of interviews, the 57 year-old actor explained, “Weirdly, I had a previous experience trying to play Richard Nixon when I screen tested for Frost/Nixon, a part I did not get. I guess you might say that this is my revenge movie.
“I thought I had lost the DVD, however, I located it when I knew I was going to come on to this film and I was able to watch what I did wrong on that. Some of the major reasons I didn’t get that film became very clear when I watched years later. This is obviously a figure that people know a lot about, the way he presented himself. There’s so much public stuff, but not that much private stuff.
“I found a recent documentary that used a lot of footage of behind the scenes of Nixon at the White House, Power Nixon was what that was called. I also found a number of photographs of Nixon looking remarkably uncomfortable in a chair which I found very useful. I came away thinking that he swore more than any other human being I’ve ever heard, and he was decidedly very grumpy. What you wouldn’t think is that these two people had anything in common, yet at this meeting there was a sort of appreciation for each other.”
New Jersey-born and California-reared, he continued, “Both of these figures merit attention and respect. There’s so much already in popular culture – the mocking of these two people. Why add to that, life is too short. It’s such an amazing opportunity, because on the one hand this is a real event, and on the other hand an imaginary event. You don’t get that opportunity very often.”
Boasting a productive career that stretches back to his first profession gig in New York’s 1981 Shakespeare Festival staging of Henry I, Spacey went on to garner a Best Supporting statue for The Usual Suspects and returned to podium to collect another Oscar for American Beauty. In a surprising turn of events, he moved to London in 2003 to become artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre. During his decade long stint Spacey oversaw 39 plays, starring in seven, managed a staff of 75, and became quite adept at raising money.
The role that television readers would more quickly identify the enigmatic actor with is Frank Underwood of Netflix’s hit series House of Cards, which recently embarked on its fourth season. The idea was first proposed to Spacey when producer/director David Fincher was busy shooting Social Network. The concept hinged on “a nasty politician, who could be devious, nefarious, cold blooded and cutthroat, but at the same time have television viewers rooting for him.”
No pilot episode, no audience testing, Netflix immediately jumped at the proposal and sealed the deal with a $100 million commitment for the first year. Spacey admits, “I’ve always been interested in politics. Some elections are more amusing than others. I’m all for the entertainment factor. I love a good laugh and I very much enjoy doing House of Cards. It’s an incredible job to have.
“I wouldn’t want to play any of the current people running for office. That would be poor casting.”
With his feet firmly planted again on the big screen, Spacey returns later this year with Billionaire Boys Club and Nine Lives.
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.
Freeform (formerly known as ABC Family) caters to those in the life stage spanning ages 14 to 34. The network’s efforts to appeal to the millennial viewers’ question of “Who am I becoming?” have been successful in some scripted and unscripted shows, but the most healing and uplifting one is Monica the Medium.
Yes, you heard me right. Medium. The series is about Monica Ten-Kate’s personal journey of being Monica as well as Monica the Medium. I was particularly fascinated by the inner workings of channeling the spirits of those who had passed on. In Season 1, Monica not only delivered remarkably detailed messages to the living but also revealed her method of communicating with spirits. She would often ask them to slow down or reluctantly yield to the loudest spirit with burning desire to communicate! Since the messages Monica receives are not in plain English, she must interpret images, sounds, feelings, and noises. That’s why the more readings she gives, the better she gets with her craft.
In Season 2, we will see her in action in San Diego. Quite a change from cold, dreary Pennsylvania, but even in warm, sunny, and laid-back San Diego she is busy trying to balance her professional, personal (dating), and academic aspects of her life.
I still hear a hint of hesitation when she introduces herself as a medium. Monica admits that she feels nervous about labeling herself as a medium, particularly when she has to name her occupation. “Like at a doctor’s office. You’ll never know how people will react…there are haters, skeptics, and meanies out there,” says Monica.
I see this delightful 22-year-old-lady as a healer. It has been only a few years since she “kind of came out of the medium closet,” but her readings are powerful enough to heal and comfort a lot of people. Monica the Medium brings a closure to excruciating experience of loss. When you lose someone significant in your life, you need a closure so that you can go on living.
Too bad Monica couldn’t read my ex’s mind who had left me without any explanations one fine day. It took me years to fabricate my own closure to that chapter of my life because I really don’t know what happened.
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.
Now is your chance to head to the to your local theater and rock out with the whole family to a new superhero adventure, BLING! Featuring the voice talents of Taylor Kitsch, Carla Gugino and James Woods, BLING follows the tale of theme park mechanic Sam whose plan to marry the girl of his dreams is thwarted by a super villain. Suddenly, its up to him and his team of superhero robots to save the city. Can this accident-prone amusement park mechanic get back his ring, stop the villain, and win the girl before it’s too late? This family-friendly, feature-length animated adventure will be available in Select Theaters starting May 6th.
