Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Minions Makeover’ Sweepstakes! Win a Year of Free Movies or Game Rentals

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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How would you like to have a free year of movies or games from Redbox? Here’s how you can enter.

· Log-in or join Instagram at www.instagram.com and set your account to “public” (joining Instagram is free);
· Follow @redbox on Instagram;
· Post on Instagram a minions-themed photo, showing you, your family, or pets dressed in minion costumes; and
· Use the hashtag #RedboxMinionsContest in your post

No purchase necessary. Must be a legal U.S. resident, 13 or older. Void where prohibited. Visit www.redbox.com/minionsmakeovercontest for full promotion rules, eligibility, and other details and restrictions.

The deadline is January 11, 2016 so enter soon! Have fun and good luck.

‘Love Finds You in Charm’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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Love Finds You in Charm is a story of love and finding one’s place in the world. Danielle Chuchran stars as Emma Miller, a beautiful Amish girl who is conflicted about her place in the world.

Emma yearns to go out into the world. She is transfixed by the airplanes that fly over her small Indiana town and wonders what it would be like to leave the Amish community and the Amish lifestyle. So, when her cousin in nearby Charm, Ohio, asks the family for help, Emma is sent to spend the season on the farm and while away from her family perhaps she will gain a better perspective about her life and future.

Upon arriving in Charm, Emma meets Noah (Trevor Donovan), her cousin’s in-law. This young man is different from the Amish men Emma knows. He is well read and has been out in the world. He tells her after being away he realized this was where he belonged. But she has her own decisions to make.

When she goes into the town Emma meets an English woman who works in the library. Kelly (Tiffany Dupont) has also come to Charm to figure out her own future. The two women get along right from the start and their friendship is something Emma treasures. She has never had an English friend.

While enjoying her time in Charm with Noah and Kelly, Emma meets a charming writer who takes interest in her as a woman. Andy (Drew Fuller) is sophisticated and has traveled the globe, which entices the young Amish woman. Her eyes light up when he describes foreign places.

Emma is now on the cusp of her decision. Should she stay with the Amish or should she venture out into the world of the English? As she admits, once someone leaves, it is difficult to return to the sheltered life. But what is it that she wants out of life? Where does she belong?

Love Finds You in Charm is a sweet movie for a cozy evening by the fire or a fun Saturday afternoon escape for viewers who will undoubtedly root for Emma to make peace with her final decision. And yes, she does. It’s a great ending to a nice little story.

Love Finds You in Charm is not rated, however it is appropriate for about ages about twelve and above. There are no disturbing images or scenes that are controversial. It is simply an entertaining story of life and love.

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

‘Two for the Seesaw’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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Shirley MacLaine and Robert Mitchum star in this black & white 1962 drama based on the play by William Gibson. Two for the Seesaw is the story of two people who meet and affect each other’s life in ways they had never expected.

Jerry (Mitchum) has been wandering around the streets of NYC for days. He has recently moved there from Omaha where his life just fell apart. In the midst of a divorce and having left his cushy job in his wife’s father’s law firm, Jerry is lost and looking for meaning in his life.

Gittel (MacLaine) is an outgoing dancer who hasn’t had a job in ages. She has plenty of health problems though. She is friendly and eccentric. So, when the two meet briefly at a party, given by Jerry’s friend from Nebraska, there is a little spark. At least there is for Jerry. He decides to call her and they instantly start a back-and-forth relationship. He has the need to have a purpose in his life and he makes Gittel that purpose. He decides to help her and their affair takes off.

While their love and affection for each other grows, there is conflict within their relationship. Gittel is frightened that he will go back to his wife and also that she doesn’t fit into his world. She is not well bred or well read. In the meantime, Jerry has his own conflicts because he cannot cut the cord to his past life, and in order to make it with Gittel, that is what he must do.

This is the story of two people deep in conflicts within themselves. It is definitely a drama in the true sense of the word and both MacLaine and Mitchum are great in their roles. As they each try to get their lives on track, their relationship grows and changes. But what is the best thing for each of them? That is the question.

This movie came on the heels of MacLaine’s acclaimed film The Children’s Hour. She had already won praise for her performances in The Apartment (1960), Can-Can (1960), Ask Any Girl (1959), Around the World in Eighty Days (1956), and The Trouble with Harry (1955). Her accolades would grow in the coming years with roles in Irma la Douce, Sweet Charity, Two Mules for Sister Sarah, The Turning Point, Being There, and many more in her long career. She is still starring in films.

Mitchum had plenty of well-received films prior to this one: The Longest Day (1962), Cape Fear (1961), The Grass is Greener (1960), The Sundowners (1960), Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison (1956), Foreign Intrigue (1955), River of No Return (1954), and many more and his film career continued into the 1990s until his death in 1997.

Two for the Seesaw is not rated however it is for mature audiences as there is smoking, mild violence, and adult themes. This is not a warm and fuzzy story. It is, however, a well-acted drama about two very different people.

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

‘The X Files’ 6-Episode Event on Fox

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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They’re back! Thirteen years after they left the airwaves Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) are back on the trail of aliens. Also returning are Walter Skinner (Mitch Pileggi) and the Smoking Man (William B. Davis) in this 6-episode event that reunites the cast in an investigation to uncover strange events.

The original series debuted in September 1993 and ran for nine successful seasons. The mini-series, aka event, debuts with a two-night premier Sunday January 24, 2016 then moves to Monday on January 25 where it will remain for the rest of the episodes.

The first episode brings the agents back together after a long separation. Scully is a surgeon and Mulder is, well, Mulder is basically living a solitary existence.

With the same theme music and opening, this is a fun experience for fans of the series, and newbies will not be left out in the dark. Don’t worry if you didn’t see the original series. Just know that Mulder and Scully were tasked with tracking down strange activities. Were they alien activities?

The truth is out there…

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

Owl Singalong CD GIVEAWAY

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

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Owl Singalong songs for children is the follow-up to Raffi’s acclaimed 2014 release Love Bug, which was his first set of children’s songs in 12 years. The new album picks up where its predecessor left off, embodying all of the musical and personal qualities that have long established Raffi as a beloved and trusted icon for young listeners.

The 16-song Owl Singalong continues Raffi’s commitment to entertain his young audiences in ways that are educational, uplifting, and—most important—fun. 
Raffi’s abiding dedication to his fans is reflected in such exuberant, infectious tunes as “The More We Sing Together,” “See the Moon,” “Dog on the Bus” and the swinging title track. Elsewhere on the album, Raffi sings in Spanish on “Somos El Barco” and in French on “Dans La Forêt Lointaine.” He also pays tribute to the late folk-music icon Pete Seeger with a heartfelt reading of the folk standard “Garden Song,” a David Mallett composition popularized by Seeger, and a rollicking spoken-word rendition of “Abiyoyo,” a beloved African folk tale which Seeger helped to introduce to English-speaking audiences.

We have some CDs to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of Owl Singalong, email us at [email protected] with “Owl 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 January 12, 2016.

‘Million Dollar American Princesses’ on Smithsonian Channel

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

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Many little girls dream of being princesses. That dream came true for the women in this four-part series. Elizabeth McGovern returns to host season two of Million Dollar American Princesses on Smithsonian Channel. These women might not have all become actual princesses however they did marry into royalty or aristocracy and impacted others along the way and even after their deaths.

Film stars Gloria Swanson, Rita Hayworth, and Grace Kelly each married into royalty. Kelly’s was the only marriage that lasted to her death. The others ended in divorce. The lives and marriages unfold on January 3, 2016.

The following week the series highlights “Queens of Culture” focusing on Winnaretta Singer (of the Singer sewing machines), Sarah Murphy, and Peggy Guggenheim, all of who had influences on the society of their times. The third week shines a spotlight on three tragic lives: Clara Ward, Kathleen ‘Kick’ Kennedy, and Barbara Hutton. And the final week focuses on Nancy Astor, Nancy Lancaster, and Pauline Potter (de Rothschild).

Some of these women might not be readily known by many viewers, yet their stories are all interesting and eye-opening, and most of them are very tragic. Between the dozen women highlighted in this four-part series, there were dozens of marriages. I actually lost count as I watched the series

Perhaps one of the most tragic stories is that of screen queen Rita Hayworth. Her incestuous beginnings were just the start of the many heartbreaking aspects of her life. And Barbara Hutton also had a traumatic beginning to her life, having, at four years old, discovered the body of her mother who committed suicide.

There is no doubt all of these women were looking for love and for happiness. Some of them found it, but just for a short time. All of them were royalty in some way or another and had influential attitudes and positions. Grace Kelly transformed the principality of Monaco, and Nancy Astor won a seat in the British parliament.

Their search for love is ingratiating. Kathleen Kennedy defied her parents twice, choosing love over her family’s Catholic faith. Gloria Swanson lost the love of her life because of her affair with Joseph Kennedy.

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Whether influencing politics or fashion, these women had an impact on society. This is an interesting series that will shed light on the lives of these famous American women.

McGovern explains these women helped shape her character on Downton Abbey in which her character is an American who married into British aristocracy.

Million Dollar American Princesses runs Sundays from January 3 – 24, 2016 on Smithsonian Channel.

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

‘A Common Struggle’ by Patrick Kennedy and Stephen Fried – Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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In his memoir, A Common Struggle, Patrick Kennedy describes his life with penetrating details. As a member of the Kennedy family, he was brought up to not tell family secrets to anyone. The entire family was cloaked in secrecy for generations. But with this book Patrick details his personal struggles with bipolar disorder and addiction and his work to get “parity” for those suffering with these diseases. Another of Patrick’s goals is to de-stigmatize these diseases. He says they are no different than heart disease or cancer. They are brain diseases, mental illness.

The book is an eye-opener with every chapter. This man has been suffering from multiple diseases since childhood, yet the only one the family was willing to acknowledge publically was his asthma. After all, that was a known physical disease. But his addiction and bipolar depression was swept under the rug with the admonishment of “Snap out of it.”

The alcoholism and drug addictions in his well-known family have prevailed for generations. Patrick had the misfortune of having inherited the tendency from both his mother and his father. He describes his mother’s acknowledgement and fight against the disease and his father’s lack of acknowledgement of his own problems.

Patrick Kennedy was in and out of rehab and treatment facilities and describes these experiences as well as his emotional confrontations with himself. Anyone who has followed his family and/or his political life has undoubtedly, at one time or another, thought he was a real obnoxious fellow. Truth be told, I certainly did over the years. But after reading this book, I have come to understand his emotional bursts and attitudes that came out in the public. Patrick even acknowledges he was obnoxious at times during his life before he got his diseases under control.

Christopher Lawford, Patrick’s cousin, has dedicated much of his life to addiction and recovery advocacy, having gone through the horrors and processes. He told his cousin, “I have never seen a case worse than you, Patrick.” While reading chapter after chapter, all the struggles and self-doubt unfold in an interesting, educational, and even entertaining way. I say entertaining because at times it is unbelievable what happened in his life and how he got through it alive.

The book is honest. He even goes so far as to list all the medications he was taking and describe the different meds that are on the market and their effects. He also writes about different approaches to dealing with addiction and mental illness and his own experiences with the many tactics he underwent, as well as the various treatment facilities he checked himself into…and out of.

Something that is brought over and over again is the work “parity.” Patrick is working to get brain diseases equal to other diseases when it comes to insurance, doctor’s treatments, and stigma. No one should feel differently saying they have a brain disorder than saying they have MS. A disease is a disease and this concept is what he is working for.

Kennedy is also working to get better diagnoses, understanding, and treatment for brain diseases, which includes depression and bipolar depression. Regular medical exams should include a “check up from the neck up,” as he says.

This is an amazing book that, at times, might be a bit mired in details involving legislation, but is, nevertheless, eye opening and informative. It is a comprehensive look at the man, his experiences, his political life, his addiction, his bipolar depression, his anxiety, his family struggles, and his new post Congressional life as a husband, father, and advocate for advancement in the study and treatment of mental illnesses and addiction. This is definitely a page-turner and is written in a way that brings readers right into the depths of his life and struggles.

A Common Struggle by Patrick J. Kennedy and Stephen Fried
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Blue Rider Press; First Edition edition (October 5, 2015)
ISBN-10: 0399173323
ISBN-13: 978-0399173325

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

Downton Abbey – The Final Season

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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The final season of Downton Abbey begins Sunday, January 3, 2016, with the series finale airing on March 6. This final season has storylines for every main character, both upstairs and downstairs.

Believe it or not, the wedding of Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes is finally here. They were engaged last season. Viewers see how this couple copes with being newlyweds, with some very amusing consequences.

Tom Branson, who left last season for Boston, returns and is now fully ensconced in the Crawley family. Mary becomes even bitchier, if that’s possible. She has a personal conflict to resolve, as does Edith who has the most interesting storyline this season. She is dealing with her secret daughter Marigold and her love life. But she also shows what a good businesswoman she is when it comes to handling the magazine she inherited.

The service staff also finds themselves in changing situations. Anna and Mr. Bates have an especially trying personal situation but their love sees them through. And Mrs. Patmore is confronted with a moral dilemma that blindsides her and puts a damper on her future plans.

The entire household is confronted with the changing world. The service staff dwindles, other estates in the area are being sold, the modern post-WW I world is changing attitudes. Women are taking more control, households are thinning down, and attitudes are changing at a quick pace, which is something that would have appealed to Sybil.

While fans have enjoyed the situations both upstairs and downstairs and in the town, this seems like the best time to bring the series to an end. Yes, viewers have been devoted to the characters through the years, but with the change in the world (1925), the changes in their personal lives just are not as conducive to this program.

The stock market crash is just around the corner, and as Executive Producer Gareth Neame explained, “I don’t know if I could bear to see Robert Grantham go through (another) financial (disaster).”

This season leaves the characters in a way that will not be disappointing to the loyal fans of the series. And there still might be a Downton Abbey movie in the future. The powers that be have not ruled that out.

What – or who – will you miss when Downton Abbey ends? Penolope Wilton (Isobel Crawley) admitted, “I never thought I’d say this, but I got to enjoy wearing those wonderful hats.” Joanne Froggatt (Anna Bates) and Michelle Dockery (Lady Mary) both admit they will miss all the people, both in front of the camera and behind the camera. And Elizabeth McGovern (Cora Crawley) had the best answer. “I’ll miss being in a hit TV show.”

The final season of Downton Abbey runs on PBS January 3, 2016 – March 6. Enjoy the ups and downs of this popular show for the last time.

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

Spot Interactive Plush

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Disney/Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur is all about the relationship between Arlo, a young dinosaur, and a fun-loving cave boy named Spot. While Arlo is the headliner in the film, fans have gravitated to the little boy. Spot is adorable and with the new “Spot Interactive Plush,” kids can talk to the little guy and he will talk – or grunt – back.

After pushing a small button on his hand, Spot grunts to let you know he is active. Then ask him “Did you hear that?” and he’ll get excited and respond. When you howl “aaooo” he will howl back.

When you ask, “What’s so funny?” the little fellow laughs a hearty laugh. Tell him, “Spot, I sure am tired” and he lets out a sleepy yawn.

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But this little fellow isn’t all talk. He actually moves. Say, “Spot, help me get home” and he starts grunting and walking on all fours just like he does in the movie.

While kids will undoubtedly enjoy the antics of this little guy, parents might get a tiny bit annoyed with all the grunting and howling, but hey, he’s so darn cute to look at that who can get upset with all the fun he has in store for your little ones. And let’s face it, Spot is so much fun. It’s hard not to smile and even chuckle when he laughs.

His green eyes and wide smile, not to mention all his freckles, are embroidered on the soft plush head, making him a cute little stuffed character to enjoy even without all the grunting and walking. When his hand is not pressed he is a simple little plush toy, and when his hand is pressed, he becomes interactive. To stop his responses, simply press the button again to turn him off. He also turns off automatically after a short time.

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One of the aspects of this toy that will also appeal to youngsters is his soft yet wild hair, which is rooted so it’s not too easy to pull out. He wears a felt loincloth and an adorable expression.

Spot Interactive Plush is not squishy like a normal plush toy would be. Since he is interactive he has a mechanical body (his head is all plush), however he is still easy to hug and hold, especially for little hands.

Spot Interactive Plush is a fun addition to any home, especially those who have taken the little boy to their heart. The Good Dinosaur is beloved by all ages.
Check out a clip from this fun movie.

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