Manta Eye Cups – Product Review

If you have a Manta Sleep Mask, you know how comfortable it is. The eye cups are cushioned and protect your eyes. The mask itself does not touch your eyes making the adjustable cups that much more important. There are two additional packs of Eye Cups available that will bring more comfort whether you need some cooling or heat.

Sinus sufferers will feel more comfortable with the new cups. Some people prefer hot cloths on their eyes when they have a sinus headache and others prefer an ice pack. Take your pick with the Manta Sleep COOL Eye Cups or the Manta Sleep STEAM Eye Cups. This goes for migraine sufferers as well.

Manta Sleep COOL Eye cups come with a plastic bag in which to place the cups. Then put the bag in the freezer for one hour, remove them from the freezer and the bag and simply attach them to your Manta Sleep Mask. In seconds you’ll feel the cooling effect around your eyes. This is also great for tired eyes after a long day working on the computer.

The Manta Sleep STEAM Eye Cups are placed in the microwave for about 20 seconds, no more than 30 seconds, to heat them up. Then place the cups on your mask and adjust it on your head for a soothing effect that helps users unwind after work, play, or whatever. The warmth is a calming feeling.

Personally, I would recommend getting both packs as you never know when you can use some soothing eye care. 

The bottom line is I really do endorse these. I think they are great for anyone who suffers from eye pain, like myself.

If you don’t already have a Manta Sleep Mask, you can purchase one at their website. There is a variety of choices. And if the COOL and STEAM cups interest you, they do have a bundle pack with both of them along with the mask ($105).

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been covering products, travel, and all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 35 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.

 

Images: Francine Brokaw
Note: These packs were sent to me for an honest review with no expectations.

 

 

‘Journey to You’ is a heartfelt story

Erin Cahill and Erik Valdez star in Journey to You, a story of finding oneself in the turmoil of a busy world.

Monica (Cahill) is a hard working Nurse Practitioner in a busy ER in Boston, Massachusetts.  Unfortunately, she just got passed over for a big promotion. Devastated, her mother talks her into taking a vacation to Spain to walk the Camino de Santiago, a place where she will be able to clear her mind and focus on what she really wants for her life.

Monica’s parents met while they were both walking the Camino so she knows a lot about what the spirit encounters during this weeks-long journey. 

Monica agrees to go and joins her small group consisting of Luis, a psychologist, his teenage son Mateo (Solal Bellaiche), his father and their guide. While Monica is there to look deeper into herself, Luis is there to bond with his son and have a memorable family adventure.

The group are the newest “pilgrims” to walk the trail. This is a historic ancient pilgrimage route that culminates at the Cathedral of Santiago and along the way every one in her group makes their own self-discoveries and are able to delve deep within themselves to find the courage, dedication, and honesty that is missing in their lives.

Newly divorced Luis is trying to bond with his son who is originally not interested in the journey or any of the sights. But soon he sees that life is different than he thought and he finds the courage to tell his father things about himself he never was able to do before. Some of this newfound courage is from the journey and some is from the encouragement given to him by Monica.

It’s an interesting trek for this group as little by little they let go of their stresses and confines of their everyday lives and bond with God in a way that helps them understand what they need in their lives and what they need to let go of.

During the trek Monica and Luis find themselves getting closer and in true Hallmark fashion, they do fall in love, which originally causes some stress with Mateo who feels his father cares more about Monica than his own son. 

As they saunter on, their minds begin to clear out the cobwebs and they discover new things about themselves and in Monica’s case, about her parents who met in the exact place she is. This realization is heartening to her, especially because her father has passed away.

Many people have undertaken this religious journey and have found more clarity in their lives, and this group is no exception.

Journey to You premieres April 19, 2025 on Hallmark Channel and the following day is available to stream on Hallmark +.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image supplied courtesy Hallmark Media.

Fun Facts about Disneyland’s ‘it’s a small world’


it’s a small world is a favorite attraction at Disney parks and everyone who has ever ridden it knows that memorable song. There are several facts about this fan favorite that you might not know.

  1. it’s a small world is never capitalized. It is always spelled with lower case letters. 
  2. The song by the Sherman Brothers is the only Disney song never to be copyrighted. Walt Disney wanted it to belong to the children of the world and as a tribute to UNICEF.
  3. The attraction was originally created for the 1964-1965 World’s Fair in New York.
  4. The attraction was moved to Disneyland in 1966.
  5. it’s a small world is in Disneyland, Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland.
  6. Everything about the attraction was inspired by the art of legendary artist Mary Blair who not only contributed her whimsical art but also her blend of colors.
  7. All the art and designs in the attraction represent a childlike atmosphere. 
  8. A final third verse to the iconic song was written by Richard Sherman to honor the 60th anniversary of Disneyland and will be added to the attraction in 2025 to coincide with Disneyland’s 70th anniversary.
  9. During the holiday season holiday songs and the essence of the holidays become part of the attraction.
  10. Every quarter hour the clock on the faćade rings out with a procession of children walking around the clock. Walt Disney said the clock “performs the time.”
  11. The exterior if the attraction is transformed at the holiday time. 
  12. The exterior is also used as a screen for projections at various times during the day and night for guests to enjoy more of the Disney magic.
  13.  In 2014 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the attraction Disney released several singing dolls from the ride. They sang the iconic song in their native language and also in English. The dolls won the FAMILY CHOICE AWARD in 2014. To hear her sing click here Small World doll singing .
  14. The ride depicts the children of the world, however in 2009 some Disney/Pixar characters joined in the fun. Look carefully as you sail through the world and you may spot: Peter Pan and Tinker Bell (Peter Pan) in Great Britain, Alice and the White Rabbit (Alice in Wonderland) in Great Britain, Cinderella, Gus, and Jaq (Cinderella) in France, Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket (Pinocchio) in Italy, Aladdin, Jasmine, Abu, and the Magic Carpet (Aladdin) in the Middle East, Mulan and Mushu (Mulan) in China, Simba, Pumbaa, and Timon (The Lion King) in Africa, Ariel, Flounder, Andrina, and Attina (The Little Mermaid), Lilo and Stitch (Lilo and Stitch) and Nemo and Dory (Finding Nemo) in the South Pacific Islands, Donald Duck, Panchito, and José (The Three Caballeros) in South America, and Woody, Bullseye, and Jesse (Toy Story) in the U.S.A. And joining them this year in Mexico are Miguel and Dante (Coco).

it’s a small world has touched the hearts of generations of guests to the parks, and the song has stayed with them long after they left! But hey, it’s a beautiful thought combined with  fun medley and an enjoyable boat ride. When you think about it, it’s a small world after all.

And, as they say, it’s the happiest cruise that ever sailed. 

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About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images and video: Francine Brokaw

Bring home ‘Captain America: Brave New World’


Captain America: Brave New World is now available on Digital and will be available on Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD beginning May 13, 2025. 

The story has Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) wielding the famous shield of Campaign America. Sam finds himself smack dab in the middle of an international incident and must discover the reason behind this global plot before it destroys the peace.  Harrison Ford is newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross and Danny Ramirez is Joaquin Torres, Captain America’s sidekick.

Bonus Features

Besides this well-received movie, there are plenty of bonus features.

In the featurette “Assuming the Mantle,” producer Kevin Feigh claims, “It’s the decisions you make early on in the process that’s going to inspire everything that comes after it.” He added that casting Mackie was one of those great decisions and the actor has added greatly to the franchise.

Sam Wilson was passed the shield by Steve Rogers (Chris Evens) in the previous film Avengers: Endgame in 2019. This featurette is a deep dive into both the character, his role in the whole story, the actor, and even his costume.  His wit, charm, and heart are his superpowers that bring him into the world of superheroes.

Another featurette, “Old Scores, New Scars” looks at how the writers put Sam through the paces. And, according the the filmmakers, “The biggest unanswered Easter egg in the Marvel comics goes back to the Incredible Hulk.” So, Sam isn’t super strong or has other great powers however he is super smart. Being Super Smart is a Superpower that is new but commendable to viewers.

Also included are some cute “oopsie” moments in the blooper reel, and four deleted scenes. Actually, watching these very short scenes they really could have been included in the final version however for some reason they were cut. 

This movie was nominated and came in 4th place in the category of “Most Anticipated Movie of 2025”. So for fans of the franchise who cannot wait another month, they are now able to purchase the digital version with the bonus features. On May 13 everyone can purchase physical copies of the film in various forms. 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images supplied courtesy Disney

Manta Sleep Mask SOUND – Product Review

 

The Manta Sleep Mask is a comfortable mask that doesn’t press on eyes. Now the Manta Sleep Mask SOUND adds more for those who want to add sounds to their experience. It’s still the same no-pressure eye mask that the regular mask has and still has the  comfortable removable/adjustable eye cups, but there is more.

By including razor thin Bluetooth headphones and easy to press buttons for on/off volume up/down, this is a great way to listen to your personal music or audio book while still enjoying the peace of blackout from light and without bothering anyone else.

The rechargeable battery lasts approximately 20 hours so you can experience your audio for quite a while before having to recharge it with the USB/USBC cord that comes with the package. Also included in the package is a convenient strap and a mesh carrying case. 

The eye cups are easy to position so you get the best comfort without irritating your eyes. And the speakers are easily adjustable too. Simply slide the blue tabs to where your ears can pick up the sound. With a three inch area in which to slide/adjust the speakers, this will fit almost every head. 

Pairing the mask with your smartphone or tablet is easy however the mask must be within 3 feet of the device to successfully pair it. And the user is not limited to one device. Pairing to a different device is just as easy.  Instructions in the package explain everything so don’t worry that this is a difficult device to use.

This is a great product for anyone who loves to go to sleep while listening to music and who doesn’t want to disturb anyone else. It is also a good little unit to wear in the car – AS A PASSANGER – to listen to an audio book or music while traveling.

While Manta offers a white noise machine to drown out noise while you are trying to sleep or rest, this Sound Mask is different. It allows the user to personally listen to any sound files on their devices. The only thing it cannot do is to pair it with a smart TV to be able to listen to a show while the mask is on. 

With comfort, adjustability, and convenience, this Manta Sleep Mask SOUND is a nice little device that also makes a great mother’s or father’s day gift, or a graduation gift. Actually, it is a great gift for anyone including yourself.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been covering products, travel, and all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 35 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.

All photos: Francine Brokaw
Note: This unit was sent to me for an honest review with no expectations.

‘Cloudy with a Chance of Love’ streams on UP Faith and Family


Cloudy with a Chance of Love is a cute 2015 movie now streaming on UP Faith and Family. Katie Leclerc and Michael Rady star in this story of two people whose dreams are completely different but find they have something in common – love.

Deb (Leclerc) is working on her doctorate in meteorology. He life is dedicated to weather and she can’t wait to finish her dissertation and begin a fellowship at the university. The problem is, she is not guaranteed the fellowship and is up against another candidate who will stop at almost nothing to get it.

Deb spends her life at her desk at the university working on her job and PhD dissertation. She also does a brief university radio segment daily giving the weather forecast. Deb is high-spirited and devoted to all things having to do with weather.

Quentin (Rady) is the new news director at a San Diego TV station. Due to some differences at the NYC station he was sent to San Diego to get that station’s viewership up. When their meteorologist suddenly quits Quentin calls on Deb whom he heard on the radio earlier that day. She reluctantly comes to his rescue delivering her great and upbeat weather information and the forecast, via the phone.

Her enthusiasm is loved by the viewers and soon Deb is offered a temporary position – on camera – at the station, to the delight of the news anchor Grant Marshall (Gregory Harrison). The fun banter between Grant and Deb delights not only the viewers but everyone at the station. 

As her time as the local TV meteorologist winds on, she becomes famous in the city and begins to get noticed at the university, which will help in her application for the fellowship. But her appearance leaves a lot to be desired by the make-up and wardrobe people. So, again reluctantly, Deb agrees to be made over. Wow, what a difference outwardly but she is still the effervescent meteorologist that won everyone’s hearts, including Quentin’s.

Quentin’s brilliant idea to bring Deb onto the newscast is noticed by the network and could be his ticket back to the Big Apple, which is something he desperately wants. But will his big dreams clash with those of Deb’s?

Leclerc, Rady, and Harrison are fun to watch as they go about their jobs and relationships. This is a cute story and even though the movie is ten years old, it is still something today’s viewers can enjoy.

Cloudy with a Chance of Love is rated TV-G and is now exclusively available to stream on UP Faith and Family.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image provided courtesy UP Faith and Family

Family Central has free Easter movies to stream

Whether you’re looking for some fun comedy, animated shows, or just nice viewing shows for this Easter season, VA Media’s Family Central YouTube Channel has what you’ll want….and it’s all free.

Family Central is the number one channel for full-length & free HD family movies and TV shows. Content for all members of the family, including adventure, comedy, faith, animated movies, romantic comedies, and holiday movies, is available all year round. Tune in every week for newly added content.

Check it out. They have a large variety of free movies and shows for the entire family.

 

IMAGES courtesy VA Media

 

Francine Brokaw

Disneyland guests can let their voices be heard

World of Color: Happiness lives up to the word “spectacular.”

This nighttime spectacular in Disney California Adventure celebrates many iconic Disney characters during the lighting and water show.

Guests will soon have the opportunity to vote on which emotion from Inside Out 2 they would like to see highlighted during the show: Sadness, Anger, Disgust, or Envy.  Eligible guests can vote for one of these four emotions on the Disneyland app prior to the first performance of the night.  The show runs twice each night.

So, which one will you be voting for?

Each guest is limited to one vote per night.

Disney is listening! It’s your vote. 

Images courtesy DISNEY

‘Mystery Island: Winner Takes All’ is now streaming

Mystery Island: Winner Takes All is the second installment in the Hallmark Mystery series which began in 2023. It is now available to stream on Hallmark Plus. 

The show stars Elizabeth Henstridge as Dr. Emilia Priestly, a London Police psychiatrist, and Charlie Weber as detective Jason Trent. The first show introduced the murder-mystery resort. In the pilot episode the founder of the Mystery Island is murdered which brings in Priestly and Trent to investigate.

In Mystery Island: Winner Takes All, there is not one but two murders. Priestly and Trent have worked with the owner to design a fictional murder mystery contest for the guests, but things don’t go according to plan. 

It’s not the greatest movie but it is interesting and learning who is behind the murders is intriguing. Mystery buffs might not be able to guess the outcome.

While the police are searching for the real murderer, or murderers, the guests decide to continue with their fictional murder-mystery so one of them will be able to win the prize. 

So, while there is the real murder mystery there is the fictional murder mystery being dissected in tandem.

This second show has not received the good reviews the first one did, however it is still interesting to watch and viewers can try to unravel both mysteries – the fictional one and the real one. 

And yes, there is a third movie on Hallmark Mystery, Mystery Island: Play for Keeps.

If Charlie Weber looks familiar to viewers it could be due to his starring role in the hit drama How to Get Away with Murder (2014-2020). And Elizabeth Henstridge was in the hit series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013-2020).

For now, Mystery Island: Winner Takes All is now streaming on Hallmark Plus.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image courtesy Hallmark/Crown Media

‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ is a family affair

The Sonic team is back for more fun, action, and moments to remember. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a traditional Sonic movie filled with all the cuteness of Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as well as many edge-of-your-seat exciting scenes.

This film introduces Shadow (voiced by Keanu Reeves), a colorful Hedgehog with a sad backstory. This fellow has been held in tight security for fifty years due to the danger he can cause. But his backstory that comes out through the film explains why he became the evil fellow everyone fears.

Also, enter The Professor, the grandfather of Rovotnik, who has devious plans using Shadow. He intends on using his super weapon, The Eclipse Canon,  to end life on Earth.

Team Sonic has it’s hands full with Shadow who is stronger and faster than they are and who provides a foe that might just be the demise of this cute little trio.

With the help of Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tina Sumpter) they plan to get the keys to the weapon and disable it, but things don’t turn out as easily as they planned.

All along the Sonic team must remember to make the right choices, as they were instructed to do by Tom and Maddie. And sometimes the right choice isn’t as easy as it sounds, especially when revenge comes into play.

This third film in the franchise follows the stories of the Sega characters as they fight evil for good. But besides the main story of Shadow and the Eclipse Canon, threading through the film is the idea of family. 

Tom, Maddie, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are a family. They’re a little unorthodox, but they are a family nonetheless. And that entails all the love family members give to each other.

Jim Carrey reprises his role of Ivo Robotic and also plays his grandfather Gerald Robotic. Ben Schwartz continues to supply the voice of Sonic, Idris Elba as knuckles, and Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails. Tom Butler returns as Commander Walters and Krysten Ritter as Director Rockwell.

As viewers learned earlier in the story, Shadow’s heart has turned dark due to the death of his human friend Maria who became his family. But as Sonic reminds him, ‘A light shines even though the star is gone.” This is a sad scene and one that might bring a tear to viewers.

There are plenty of bonus features on this release whether it is digital or Blu-ray/4K Ultra.

“Sonic Family Fun” looks at the family connection between the characters of this blended family. “Robotic Family Reunion” looks at the newly reunited Robotics.

There is a featurette about Jeff Fowler who has directed all three Sonic feature films, and a cute featurette looking at the human actors providing the voices for Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles. 

This film utilized a larger set than the others and a bonus explains the various sets designed for the film. Another bonus is a look at Team Sonic versus Shadow, their most difficult foe. 

In the past the human actors had to act alongside – or with – tennis balls however this time the filmmakers provided puppets to portray the animated characters, which was a treat for everyone.

“A Very Sonic Christmas” video is included as well as a gag reel and deleted scenes that round out the bonus features. 

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor, thematic elements, and mild language.

The digital is available now and the 4K Ultra Hd, Blu-ray, and DVD discs will be available on April 15, 2025, including a collectible SteelBooks version which includes both the 4K Ultra and HD in a collectible box.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is also screening on Paramount+.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.