Author: Francine Brokaw

SPY on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

SPY_BD_OCard_Front_01_proxy_md
The comedy everyone has been talking about is now available on Blu-ray or DVD with plenty of bonus features. SPY stars Melissa McCarthy as Susan Cooper, a CIA agent who goes into the field for the first time, with comical results.

As a CIA analyst, Cooper is deskbound. Her partner is super agent Bradley Fine (Jude Law) and together they make a topnotch team. She works from the basement of the Langley headquarters and he works in the field. But when something happens to Fine who is tracking a stolen nuclear bomb, Cooper volunteers to locate the bomb. This means going out in the field as an undercover agent.

The film ties in aspects of the Bond stories, with nods to the Bond opening title sequences, the spiffy gadgets, and the off-the-cuff one-liners. This is definitely meant to be a comedic version of a James Bond movie and it delivers, with plenty of action and laughs.

Miranda Hart costars as Cooper’s friend and ally in the CIA and Jason Statham plays a whacky CIA spy who thinks he can do anything but is quite dense and zany. With Allison Janney, Jude Law, Miranda Hart, and Jason Statham it would seem to be a great ensemble film, however it is really a Melissa McCarthy movie. She is definitely the glue that holds the film together. Pay close attention to the American tourist in one scene. It is played by Ben Falcone, McCarthy’s real-life husband.

The Blu-ray + Digital HD disc includes both the theatrical “R” rated version as well as an unrated version. If you love more zany antics and dialogue, you might enjoy the unrated version however it is very long and at times drags on. I recommend the theatrical version as it is more entertaining and is two hours, however they are two fun hours. The longer unrated version is really drawn out and in my opinion not as fun to watch and runs a little longer.

Other bonus features on the Blu-ray include several gag reels and bloopers. As viewers will see, there are plenty of times the actors couldn’t get their lines right. The director,
Paul Feig, was happy to take suggestions from the cast and they all admit it was a collaborative effort. Locations, characters, and wardrobes are also examined in bonus features and viewers go behind the scenes to see how the film was made and how zany the cast and crew were during the entire process.

The film is fun and funny and the cast makes this a great ride all the way. First time viewers should stick with the theatrical version to get the best flavor of the story without a lot of extra screwball, unnecessary dialogue that weighs it down. The movie is funny and enjoyable, but not for kids.

The SPY theatrical version is rated R for for language throughout, violence and some sexual content including brief graphic nudity.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Norm of the North poster

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

A polar bear of many words, Norm’s greatest gripe is simple: there is no room for tourists in the Arctic. But when a maniacal developer threatens to build luxury condos in his own backyard, Norm does what all normal polar bears would do…he heads to New York City to stop it. With a cast of ragtag lemmings at his side, Norm takes on the big apple, big business and a big identity crisis to save the day.

Coming to theaters January 15, 2016

J1027_NrmoftheNrth_TsrPstr_RGB_56Ÿ 2

Zootopia Coming to Theaters March 2016

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

EE7612AE-6237-4BB2-AB96-E36A078C243D
The modern mammal metropolis of Zootopia is a city like no other. Comprised of habitat neighborhoods like ritzy Sahara Square and frigid Tundratown, it’s a melting pot where animals from every environment live together—a place where no matter what you are, from the biggest elephant to the smallest shrew, you can be anything. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isn’t so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking, scam-artist fox, Nick Wilde (voice of Jason Bateman), to solve the mystery. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia,” a comedy-adventure directed by Byron Howard (“Tangled,” “Bolt”) and Rich Moore (“Wreck-It Ralph,” “The Simpsons”) and co-directed by Jared Bush (“Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero”), opens in theaters on March 4, 2016.

He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown DVD GIVEAWAY

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Hes a Bully Charlie Brown_2D-2

Important life lessons are learned by the Peanuts gang on He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown. This heartwarming collection brings together He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown and two newly remastered content: It’s a Short Summer, Charlie Brown and an episode of The Charlie Brown & Snoopy Show. In this must-own compilation, Charlie Brown is called upon to stand up for one of his pals, who is taken advantage of by a bully at summer camp. This title will be released in time for National Bullying Prevention Month, which takes place in October.

With school out for summer, Charlie Brown and his pals set out for camp. Rerun van Pelt, Lucy’s youngest brother, is determined to become a marble master just like his grandpa but first, he must find someone who will teach him how to play the game.

At camp, Rerun meets Joe Agate, who cons him out of all his grandpa Felix’s marbles. A devastated Rerun confides in Charlie Brown, who is so disgusted by Joe’s behavior that he decides to stand up to him, with the help of Snoopy as Joe Cool, of course.

In It was a Short Summer, Charlie Brown, which is also featured on this release, it’s a hilarious battle of boys against girls, with Snoopy having to get in the middle of it all. At summer camp, the Peanuts gang put up with poor food and the girls winning all the sports competitions. To get even, the boys challenge them to an arm-wrestling contest between Lucy and “The Masked Marvel” – aka Snoopy in disguise. Will the boys triumph or stay defeated?

He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown also features an episode of The Charlie Brown & Snoopy Show, which includes four delightful segments, including Shoveling, Rerun, Lost Blanket and The Manager.

We have some DVDs to giveaway.

To be eligible to win a copy of He’s a Bully, Charlie Brown, email us at [email protected] with “Bully 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 October 6, 2015.

John Stamos Stars in Grandfathered

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

grandfathered_shobb_0John Stamos returns to sitcom television with, yes, once again, a pair of twins. He stars in the new Fox series Grandfathered in which he plays Jimmy, a cool, hip, restaurateur who in one day discovers he is not only a father, but also a grandfather. This single guy has no idea how is life is about to change.

Stamos admitted to the media, “This is the show I’ve been waiting for, for ten years. I mean, I couldn’t be more grateful for this particular type of show.” He explained that Daniel Chun approached him with the idea of the series. Chun told him, “I have an idea where it’s sort of an unconventional family show where you play kind of swinging dude. A George Clooney before he turned against everything he believed in and got married.”

Stamos thought it was a great idea. “But I did that with Jack Klugman, a show called You Again, where I was the son. He said, ‘Well, I have one little twist.’ And he was sort of reticent to say it. He said, ‘What if you’re a grandfather?’ And I said, ‘Yes, that’s it.’ So that’s sort of how it came about. And I’m happy to be a part of it.”

His character has a great life. He is free to date, play, make his restaurant the “in” place in town, and just be free. But everything is about to change.

I asked the actor if he had any paternal feelings for the little kids he works with now and in the past. By the way, they are using twins for this show like they did in Full House. “Do you see a pattern in my work?” he asked me. “You know, if I can’t have them, we’ll cast them. Yes, I do. I mean, you know, clearly, I mean, that’s something that’s missing in Jimmy’s life. And again, you know, it’s a little autobiographical, but it’s something that I would still hope to achieve some day, is to be a father, because I really love it. I feel like I’m a baby whisperer now.”

Stamos is a busy man these days, making Grandfathered for Fox and Fuller Houseefor Netflix. “We’re doing 13 episodes for Netflix. And, you know, I don’t want to talk too much about that show, but I’m so excited to bring it back, and doing Netflix.”

Grandfathered is close to his heart as well as his previous sitcom. “What I would like to say too, it’s a very relatable high concept show, but again, an unconventional family show. But family [comes] first on this [show]. And I love the way that the new scripts are turning out.” Family shows are important to this actor, and he admitted he was close to his own grandfather.

“I did grow up with my grandfather. He was Greek. He was originally Stamotopolos. He cut it off at Ellis Island. And he was a great man. He was a tomato farmer. But I lost my dad at a semi early age. He was in his early 60s. And I love the energy of being around grandfather types. The Garry Marshalls, you know, Don Rickles, [and] Jack Klugman, I was very, very close with. So I like that energy. And now I guess I’m that guy.”

Stamos first burst into the public’s attention playing Blackie in the soap opera General Hospital in 1983. He then soared as Jesse in the series Full House (1987-1995). He has appeared in several TV movies and series, including as Dr. Tony Gates on the drama series ER from 2005-2009. The popular actor is hoping for another long run with this new sitcom.

Even though he is still an “eligible bachelor” and considered “a great catch” John Stamos has become a middle-aged man. As much as he still looks young and is energetic, he cannot avoid aging like the rest of us. Yes, he just turned 52, but ladies, let me tell you, he still looks great and has a personality to match as well as self-deprecating humor and a lot of heart.

Grandfathered premiers September 29, 2015 on Fox.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter

Dyson Pure Cool Purifier Fan

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The new Dyson Pure Cool is both a fan and an air purifier. This powerful unit delivers purified air with the Dyson technology. The Dyson Pure Cool removes 99.955% of ultrafine particles. For those of us with allergies and sensitivities, this is a must have. If you have one or know about the Dyson fans then you know how amazing they are. They use a technology that channels air through an aperture then pushes or blows it out. Unlike conventional fans that use blades to circulate the air, the Dyson fans do not have any blades, thereby eliminating any potential danger to little fingers. And they look really neat. The designs of the Dyson fans is modern yet fits into any décor.

With the new addition of the purifier, the Dyson Pure Cool adds an additional aspect to the fan. It eliminates particles, fumes and odors, making it a perfect unit in households with animals. And think about the cooking odors you don’t want hanging around long after the dinner has been digested. This purifier takes the odors out of the air.

The Dyson Pure Cool has several settings. Select whether you want it to blow in one direction or oscillate. The small remote control is easy to use and lets you change settings from across the room. And, there is a sleep timer so the unit will turn itself off automatically in up to 9 hours. Blue_Remote_Control.ashx

The second duty of this handy machine is the cooling aspect. Remember, it is a fan as well as a purifier. The Dyson Pure Cool is especially important when the weather is hot and you need to cool down a room. For those without air conditioning, fans are important. And for those with AC using a fan in a single room instead of running the AC in the entire house will save energy costs.

Personally I can see three main rooms in which I will be using my unit. The kitchen is definitely a place for odors. The Dyson Pure Cool keeps the room cool and odor free when cooking. The family room is where the family gathers to watch TV and where guests gravitate. This is a perfect location for the unit, keeping the air clean and refreshing.

Allergy sufferers will most likely want to sleep with the unit in their bedrooms. And nurseries will benefit from cleaner air.

The bottom line is the Dyson Pure Cool is an all-year round fan. At lower settings it acts primarily as an air purifier and at higher settings it doubles as a purifier and a cooling fan. And when it’s cranked up it definitely delivers on the cooling aspect.

The specially designed glass HEPA filter lasts for six months or approximately 4382 hours of continuous use. To keep your air clean, simply replace the filter twice a year to eliminate almost 100% of the bacteria, pollen, allergens, pollutants, and odors in your house.

I have always liked the Dyson fans and the Dyson Pure Cool is a giant leap forward. Purifying the air is beneficial to our health and everyone can breathe a little easier. Combining the technology of a Dyson fan with a purifier is pure genius. I have been using the Dyson Pure Cool in my bedroom and I awake in the morning without any breathing difficulties or allergies and no congestion. I am sold on this product.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about product reviews, technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites.

Opalescence Go for Quick Teeth Whitening

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

If you have 20 minutes you have time to brighten and whiten your teeth. I have been using the Opalescence tooth whitening system at home for years with great results. My routine would be to spread the gel into my personalized tray then sleep with it overnight. It wasn’t the most comfortable night’s sleep but I did this three days (nights) in a row and repeated twice a year. That was sufficient to keep my smile white and bright.

I just discovered their newest system. Opalescence Go is easier and after using it I am pleased with the results.

Instead of having a professional tray made by a dentist, this on-the-go pack includes one-time trays which are already loaded with the whitening gel. There is a two-step process to attach the trays to teeth, then simply leave the tray in place for about 20 minutes before removing the film and brushing your teeth. It’s that simple and it does work for me.

How often you use it depends on you and what you expect from the product. Granted, it won’t make yellow teeth bright white, but it will whiten and brighten them.

As a test I tried this on three different people, myself included. One person started with yellow teeth and only used the product on her lower teeth. When the 20 minutes was up and she brushed her teeth, they were a paler shade of yellow. There was a difference between her upper and lower teeth after just one use.

The second person used it on his whole mouth and although he didn’t have much discoloration to begin with, his teeth were definitely a little lighter after the 20 minutes. Unfortunately, this person ended up with tooth sensitivity for several days after using the product.

I also noticed my teeth were a shade lighter when I used this product. Everyone’s was definitely shinier and brighter after use.

This product is available at dental offices and since many people do experience additional tooth sensitivity when using it or other whitening products, it is important to discuss this with your dentist before deciding if this is the product for you.

If you are watching TV and looking at all the bright white teeth shining back at you, remember that actors often have veneers on all of their teeth to keep them white. They also have plenty of help with their appearance. So don’t expect a Hollywood smile unless you are prepared to pay a Hollywood price.

For those of us with realistic expectations and want to whiten our teeth a few shades in a quick and easy manner, not to mention the fact it won’t put us in the poorhouse, Opalescence is something to consider. And with the new Opalescence Go single use trays, you won’t be out the expense of having a professional tray made.

For more information, discuss this with your dental professional. Ask if Opalescence Go is right for you.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment business for 20 years. She also writes about technology and has been a travel writer for the past 12 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.

Follow her on Twitter