Author: Francine Brokaw

‘National Parks Adventure’ at IMAX

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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Robert Redford narrates the new IMAX film National Parks Adventure. This film takes audiences on an amazing tour of several parks in the system from coast to coast. It is an inside look at different parts of our country and also shows what exciting activities await the non-faint of heart.

The film follows a family (a father, stepson, and a friend) through several parks as they not only enjoy the spectacular scenery but also take part in some dangerous and exhilarating adventures. Imagine ice climbing or mountain biking in some of the world’s most amazing locations.

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From award-winning director Greg MacGillivray, National Parks Adventure pays homage to John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt who contrived the idea of the National Parks system. It is “America’s best idea.” Yet the parks, although saved for all time, are still in danger. MacGillivray told the first audience for the film that conservation was “the reason the film was made.”

While every park has a special appeal, this film only focuses on 40 of them. “There’s a beauty and magnificence in every national park, but we looked for places that would be the most amazing on the IMAX screen.” MacGillivray added, “For me the most important idea is that these parks belong to everyone, to all the people.”

John Muir once said, “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike.” Our National Parks provide all of that.
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From the shore of Maine to the volcanoes of Hawaii, from watching bears feeding on salmon in Katmai, Alaska to Mountain biking in Moab, from the giant redwoods in California to the beauty of Monument Valley, the film serves as an inspiration for all to visit these incredible locations that only exist in this country.

As Greg MacGillivray noted about Roosevelt and Muir, “They realized that [as] much as Europeans protect their cathedrals and castles, Americans must protect the wildernesses that serve as our Notre Dames.”

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The three people in the film might inspire audiences to take on some of these great adventures for themselves, and Rachel shows that it isn’t only for males as she joins her friend and his stepfather. However for people who don’t or can’t hike, climb, ride the rapids, or do anything physical, just the sheer beauty of these parks will, to paraphrase John Denver, “Fill up their senses.”

The soundtrack to the film runs the gamut of genres that come together to commemorate the locations. Composer Steve Wood said, “This film is a celebration and the music throughout brings that celebratory feel.” He added, “It’s designed to give families a joyful experience of what it’s like to get out there and explore.” He explained the music “really fits in with Greg’s philosophy that if you let people fall in love with wild places, they will naturally protect them.”

One interesting side note about the people in the film: Conrad Anker’s mountain-climbing partner was killed on a climb. Conrad looked after his friend’s family and ultimately fell in love with his wife and they married. Max is his friend’s son and now his stepson, however they are as close as blood. And Max’s friend Rachel is just as adventurous as the men. So this trio is appealing to watch as they attempt one venture after another.

National Parks Adventure opens February 12, 2016 at several IMAX locations including the California Science Center in Los Angeles.

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’s Animators’ Collection Adds Lilo and Stitch

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The Animators’ Collection from Disney has been a popular line of dolls and interactive plush characters. The dolls depict some favorite characters as they were as children, and in Lilo’s case, a little younger child. The line first began with the Disney Princesses, and then expanded to Tinker Bell. Then joining Anna and Elsa was Kristoff and then Aladdin became the second male in the series. Besides the dolls, the line added several interactive plush toys. The latest and greatest to join the Animators’ line are Lilo and Interactive Stitch.

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Lilo is truly irresistible. Just looking at her will put a grin on anyone’s face. She comes dressed in her traditional red dress. Her carryall bag is slung across her body and she holds a small satin Scrump. She has a cute expression of whimsy and innocence, with a touch of mischief. The little Hawaiian girl stands 16 inches high with movable arms and legs. While her legs move so she can sit on a shelf or bed.

Byron Howard designed this doll for the collection. Howard has worked on character design and animation for several Disney films, including the 2002 movie Lilo and Stitch. He also worked on Mulan and Brother Bear, among others.

Lilo is a doll for playing with or for displaying. She’s great for little kids to hug as well as collectors to exhibit. The Animators’ Collection Lilo is for ages 3 and up. She sells for $24.95.

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The newest Interactive Plush from the Animators’ Collection is Stitch. He is definitely a mischievous little fellow who will have everyone chuckling as he talks and moves. Just press the button on his foot and he says several words and phrases. Stitch explains the meaning of “Ohana” and tells you that you are his Ohana. He also talks about his badness level and how loud he can be. Stitch responds to your voice when you talk to him and he has an on/off switch for times you want to, well, shut him up. And when he hasn’t been talked to in awhile, he will shut himself off. Stitch reacts to your voice, and responds specifically to five words and phrases (Hello, Punch Buggy, What does Ohana mean? Naughty Stitch. I’m not touching you.) He’s a fun little fellow for young and old and will put a smile on everyone’s face.

Stitch shrugs and makes small movements while talking, which adds to his cuteness level! He is huggable for ages 2 and up. He sits 11 inches high and includes 3 AAA batteries. Stitch sells for $34.95.

Each of these toys comes in a box worthy of displaying, with character sketches covering the sides. Stitch can sit on his own. If you want to put Lilo on a stand, the Kaiser Doll Stand #2601 fits her perfectly.

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Bring Aloha into your home with the new Animators’ Collection Lilo and Interactive Stitch. They are sold separately but make a great pair.

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

Oscar 2016 Gift Bags – Oh My Gosh

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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We all know gift bags (aka swag) are part of the entertainment business. This year’s Oscar Gift Bags are out of this world. The only thing missing is an actual trip to space!

Many people wonder why entertainers get all these fabulous things for free when they already get special treatment (in restaurants, hotels, shops, etc.) For some of the items, having a celeb associated with them (holding something in their hand or being photographed in a location) is free publicity. With all the paparazzi around the world and the celeb TV shows and magazines, there’s a good chance of this with most of these products. Hey, if they gave me these things I wouldn’t mind being photographed with – or at – them, but who would be interested besides my family? That’s the point. We are living in a celebrity-conscious world. And to be honest, this article is free publicity, isn’t it?

So just what are the non-winning Academy Award nominees (Best Actor/Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress, and Best Director) this year? Hold onto your seat when you read this! This is the consolation prize worth well over $200,000.00.

The folks at Distinctive Assets have truly put together an amazing gift bag this year. “To be part of the film industry’s biggest night on any level is thrilling,” says Distinctive Assets’ founder Lash Fary. “We always look forward to introducing standout entertainers to an array of companies with fabulous gifts to share . . . but as this is considered the ultimate consolation prize for non-winning nominees, it’s particularly fun to be able to do so when you know it will truly brighten someone’s day.”

After reading this list (several times), my only question is where do I sign up for acting lessons? Alright, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up. Let’s face it, that’s the only way I’ll be able to be part of an amazing gift bag like this. Oh wait. Then I’ll need to be nominated for an Oscar. Yikes.

Congratulations to all the nominees this year.

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

Modernized Seven Dwarfs

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The talented folks at Disney got together some current artists to design modern versions of the Seven Dwarfs. Here is what they came up with.

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BASHFUL by Benson Shum (Animator, Zootopia, Moana)
“I always wanted to be an animator and started to pursue that after high school! The Little Mermaid was one of the first movies that inspired me to become an animator. For Bashful, I looked at the original model sheets of the dwarfs to get inspired to see how they were drawn and created. I picked the background color to match Bashful’s personality.”

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DOC by Andy Harkness (Art Director of Environments, Moana)
“When I was a freshman in college, Disney visited our school and showed us early clips of The Lion King and Pocahontas. I was hooked immediately. There was something about seeing the work in progress that sparked something in me. I created “Happy” using polymer clay. Then I photographed the sculpt and painted him in Photoshop. I found an image of him with a little guitar and thought that would make a charming prop for the design.”

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DOPEY by Trent Correy (Character Animator, Zootopia, Moana)
“I was 17 years old and trying to find something to do after high school. I loved making live action films and also liked to draw, so animation seemed like a good fit! I just tried to have fun with Dopey and keep the drawing as wacky and energetic as his character.”

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GRUMPY by Eric Goldberg (Supervising Animator, Moana)
“I loved creating flip books at age 6 and made Super 8 films at age 13, I’ve always had an interest in animation and filmmaking for as long as I can remember. Since he’s Grumpy, I wanted to tap into his “grumpiest” side, with strong underlighting and stylized color. This is, of course, before Snow white transformed him!”

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HAPPY by Nara Youn (Animator, Zootopia, Moana)
“I always loved animation and was glued to the TV in admiration. There is one movie that made everything click for me and that movie was Monsters Inc. The animators gave so much character and story to such simple looking characters and I just fell in love with the craft. It was the movie that drew the bridge for me and made me think, ‘Wow, I really want to do this.’ For Happy, I used to draw on a Post-it note everyday for three years straight. Since then I have found it very comforting to work that way and have created more than a thousand tiny art pieces because of Post-its. It’s medium has become a signature of mine :)”

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SLEEPY by Hyun-Min Lee (Animator, Zootopia, Moana)
“I think it was when I was about 4 and watched Robin Hood, which was the first Disney animated film I ever watched, that I first became aware of Disney Animation and its amazing legacy. I watched a lot of Disney features and shorts from then on, and even if I didn’t know what being an “animator” even was, I knew I wanted to do something related to the making of those films. I kept drawing and watching lots of animation, until finally I was able to realize my dream and became a Disney animator! I think picking “Sleepy” was a natural and fortunate choice for me, since I’m always the sleepy one around work! I think I identify with how hard Sleepy works on fulfilling his role no matter how tired he is. During important moments especially, he may be “sleepy,” but not “sleeping,” which I think is an important distinction!”

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SNEEZY by Valentin Amador Animator, Zootopia, Moana)
“According to my parents, when I was 4 they took me to see Fantasia and I was mesmerized by it. As early as I can remember I’ve always wanted to be a Disney animator. For Sneezy, I wanted to create a little piece of animation, but leaving it rough, no clean up lines or color, to show a bit of the process to the audience. I even left the in-betweening charts to show how a finished rough animation looks. Also, to bridge the old and the new, I animated it on a digital medium, but I used one of the original sneezes from the character in the film.”

Here are the original versions of the iconic Seven Dwarfs we all know and love:

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The new Legacy Edition of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is now available.
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‘Great Voices Sing John Denver’ Documentary

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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John Denver was one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th Century. His songs and melodies impart emotion and heart. It’s clear he put his heart into every song he wrote and/or sang. His folk/pop style is tied to his songs forever, yet this new project will change people’s perception of the songs. Great Voices Sing John Denver is an award-winning documentary about the making of a new CD of Denver songs reimagined by 15 renowned singers from a completely different genre – opera.

While the CD is entertaining to hear for fans of Denver and all the singers on the tracks, the film explains how Denver’s songs affected the singers and translated into their styles. Viewers get some background about Denver, the songs, and the singers and then are treated to seeing the recording sessions of the songs.

It’s interesting for fans of Denver to watch his songs being transformed into the classic style, however it’s also interesting to shut your eyes as the songs play and listen intently to them. Listening to his melodies and words in a new light is, well, enlightening. John Denver was an amazing songwriter and hearing his songs performed this way adds to the appreciation of this man’s work.

Placido Domingo, Danielle de Niese, Patricia Racette, Matthew Polemzani, Dolora Zajick, Placido Domingo, Jr, Rod Gilfry, Denyce Graves, Nathan Gunn, Thomas Hampson, Daniel Montenegro, Barbara Padilla, Rene Pape, Shenyang, and Stuart Skelton lend their amazing voices to this project. These opera singers from around the world are some of the best on earth and for some of them, this project was the first time they had sung a pop song.

This film will enlighten viewers and fans of Denver will see him in a new light. They might even want to hear more from some of the singers. But the bottom line is that the homage paid to him is unique.

Plácido Domingo says, “I think John Denver was a phenomenal human being. He was somebody with morals who loved people. I believe his character is reflected in his music and without any doubt John is one of the great pop artists of our generation.” Domingo recorded the duet “Perhaps Love” with John Denver in 1981. For this new recording, Domingo sings it with his son.

“Annie’s Song” is the final song on this film and is sung by the entire group. It’s a beautiful rendition of the iconic John Denver song. The classically-trained singers take the song to a new height, yet the song will never be thought of as anything other than a John Denver song.

Denver died in 1997 at the age of 53. It’s hard to imagine all the songs that we would have had today had he not perished in a plane crash.

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Great Voices Sing John Denver won the Spirit of Independents special jury award at the 2013 Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival as well as Best Producer of a Documentary and Best Music in Film at the Madrid International Film Festival. It was also a selection at the 2014 Newport Beach Film Festival, Beverly Hills Film Festival, Lucerne International Film Festival, and the 2016 Coronado Island Film Festival. It is available on Blu-ray and DVD.

Bonus features on the discs include foreign language versions of some of the songs. The CD is also available. You can purchase the film here.

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

Disneyland Resort Spring and Summer 2016

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

What’s in store at the Disneyland Resort as the weather warms up? Plenty. The Diamond Celebration continues at both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

In Disneyland, Super Hero HQ is the place to find out more about several Super Heroes and meet them in person.
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Chewbacca and other Star Wars characters visit the Star Wars Launch Bay, which has a Star Wars – themed cantina and replicas from the film. And speaking of Star Wars, Space Mountain has been transformed into Hyperspace Mountain with a new soundtrack, putting guests right into an X-Wing battle.

Even more Star Wars fun is waiting for guests at ‘Star Tours – The Adventures Continue” with a journey aboard a Starspeeder 1000. And a short film, “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi,” shows several iconic scenes from the films with a new perspective. A reimagining of the “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple” interactive show is hosted by Darth Vader.

The theme park is under construction for the new Star Wars land. While the Disneyland Railroad is currently closed (temporarily), there are other limited time experiences aboard the Columbia and Mark Twain Riverboat throughout the year, and the train stations host some interesting exhibits.

The “Paint the Night” parade is the updated “Main Street Electrical Parade” that was popular for so many years. This new – and bright – experience will continue through September 5, 2016, as will the amazing “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular. This is worth the ticket to the park. It’s the most remarkable, inventive, and immersive display ever, with surprising projections in several locations in the park as the music plays and the fireworks erupt.

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Disney California Adventure just celebrated its 15th anniversary. Yes, this park has been around for 15 years and has experienced some major changes throughout those years, including the addition of Cars Land, which is now the home of Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters. Guests will ride in 1950s style micro cars as they dance and move along to the music. Each car has its own special routine, so each experience is different.

A new musical based on the film Frozen, brings a live adaptation of the story to guests, with production numbers and all the fun of the movie. The production will premier in late Spring and play at the Hyperion Theater.

“World of Color – Celebrate! The Wonderful World of Walt Disney” continues to dazzle guests with spectacular lasers, colorful fountains, and the story and history of Walt Disney.
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Dining in the two parks as been ramped up with themed food and new offerings. Plus the Disney characters join guests for several meals including the “Minnie & Friends Breakfast in the Park” at Plaza Inn in Disneyland and the Disney Princesses dine at Ariel’s Grotto in Disney California Adventure.

Southern California Residents get a treat with special pricing through May 19, 2016. For details, visit https://Disneyland.com/flex.

Disneyland is always changing. It is limited only in imagination, and let’s face it, the imaginations of the folks at Disney never fail to come up with new and exciting experiences. Marilyn Monroe sang, “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” But girls aren’t the only ones who are enjoying this Diamond Celebration. And according to James Bond, “Diamonds are Forever.” But the Diamond Celebration is not. Enjoy 2016 at Disneyland Resort this spring and summer with all the fun and new experiences, and the limited run of the spectacular night shows.

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

New TV Spot for ‘The Jungle Book’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Directed by Jon Favreau, based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, The Jungle Book is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray). The movie opens in theaters April 15 2016.

‘Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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Fans of the movie Dirty Dancing are in for a treat with the stage version of this popular story. Currently at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood, California (February 2-21, 2016), Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, the story of Baby and Johnny, is wowing audiences with just a slight variance from the film.

Usually a film is based on a Broadway play, but this time it is the other way around. Taking the story from a classic movie is a challenge, since audiences are intimately familiar with the film and all the nuances. Plus for the performers, playing iconic characters is a daunting task. But this stage version is entertaining and extremely clever.

There are a few minor alterations in the story, which takes place in the summer of 1963. First, the Civil Rights movement is more prevalent in this show in storyline and songs. And there are some slight changes with Baby’s parents’ roles. But on the whole the story follows the film with the same classic lines and moves, and definitely the memorable songs. Everyone remembers Baby saying, “I carried a watermelon” and Johnny’s iconic line, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner.”

What is also fun about this show are the staging and sets. How, you might wonder, will they perform the classic scene where Baby is practicing the dance lifts in the water? That is something you have to see for yourself. It is definitely a fun way to show this iconic scene.

People who are not familiar with the classic film will not get all the enjoyment out of this production as those who have seen the movie and know the plot, music, dance moves, and dialogue. This is a production is based on the film, and rightly so. The 1987 movie has been part of our lives for decades and made the careers of Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. Taking on the iconic roles of these two actors would challenge any performer, yet this production honors the characters and the film actors. Sure, it’s difficult to see someone else in these roles, however the stage version does them justice. This is a fun production and when you leave the theater you’ll be smiling and happy, and probably be humming the songs all the way home.

Tickets for Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage at the Pantages Theater are available at www.HollywoodPantages.com or www.Ticketmaster.com. To check out if this production is coming to your city, visit http://us.dirtydancingontour.com/tickets/tour-tickets/.

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

‘Ready Jet Go!’ Premiers on PBS Kids

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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Ready Jet Go! is the newest series for 3-8 year-olds on PBS Kids. This animated show revolves around a group of neighborhood kids who have all kinds of adventures, thanks to the new kid on the block, Jet Propulsion. Jet is an alien from the planet Bortron 7, and he and his parents introduce the earth kids to some out-of-this-world exploits while the local kids teach their new neighbors about life on Earth. The Propulsion’s pet is a combination
cat/dog/raccoon/kangaroo/ rabbit named Sunspot who joins in the adventures.

Every episode includes some interesting question about space, like why isn’t Pluto still considered a planet? Each episode has two 11-minute animated stories as well as a live-action interstitial that educates viewers about various things like the Space Shuttle. Dr. Amy Mainzer, an astronomer with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, hosts these little interstitials.

Dr. Mainzer is excited about being part of this program and sparking kids’ interest in space and space exploration. Her own interest began when she was 6 and she has followed the stars ever since.

The show focuses on teamwork, and as Dr. Mainzer explained to the media, “Science is about teamwork. Science, there’s a kind of a misconception that it’s a lone scientist alone in a dark laboratory with a lab coat and big glasses and all that, and nothing could be further from the truth in my experience.”

RJGO_Launch_006Dr. Mainzer said, “Basically, you’re working with a big group of people that try to solve some really complicated problems, and you’re joking around and you’re laughing. And the sense of humor is what allows you to survive the tough times, right? So that’s, I think, one of the things we want to convey through the show, is that science is about teamwork, cooperation, working together, trying to solve hard things. And if you do that, you can actually find solutions to some really difficult problems.”

When she was a kid, Dr. Mainzer researched on her own and admitted, “This is the show that I would have wanted to have when I was a kid. This was the show I was looking for but couldn’t find. And it was really lucky that I had a very supportive mom. As I like to say, my mom knows probably more about liquid helium than a lot of physics graduate students do, because she was a great listener. And it just goes to show, you don’t have to have parents and family who are in the sciences, who are in engineering, to produce somebody who goes on to become a STEM professional science, technology, engineering, and math.”

Jet is a hero to earthlings Sean, who is really into science, and Sydney, who is into science fiction. And another earth girl is little Mindy, a 4-year-old who isn’t allowed to go farther than the neighbor’s backyard, so she has to stay on Earth when the others take off in the flying saucer. But she’s OK with that. However she might be in for some out-of-this-world adventures in the second season. (A little tidbit from the producer.)

And yes, while the kids work together they have fun too, and there are plenty of great songs in the show as well. Plus, each episode has a curriculum like the sun is at the center of our solar system, failure is not he opposite of success but is a stepping stone to success, there are different kinds of stars, etc.

Ready Jet Go! premiers Monday, February 15, 2016 on PBS. Blast off with this new series filled with fun characters and interesting facts. This is something parents will enjoy watching with their kids – and might learn something too!

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