Author: Francine Brokaw

The Love Club Moms movie series is delightful viewing

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The Love Club Moms is a series of four movies about a group of women who decide to help each other with their love lives. Each episode delves into the dating situation – or lack thereof – with a different woman. The movies each begin with basically the same scene, but from each woman’s perspective. This is when they become The Love Club.


The Love Club Moms: Tory

The first movie focuses on Tory, a publishing dynamo whose dating life just hit the skids when she adopted a baby girl. While interviewing for nannies to help while she is at work, Finn (Ryan Bruce) enters the picture.
Finn is a writer who wants his manuscript in the hands of a good publisher. He decides to go to Tory’s house and personally hand it to her but gets sidelined when he is thought to be interviewing for the position of nanny – or manny. This could be the “in” he needs to get his book published.

While Tory is dating another editor, the other Love Club Moms – Jo (Rebecca Dalton), Harper (Genelle Williams), and Nila (Nannten Contractor) – see how great she and Finn relate to each other. And Finn is delighted with the baby who adores him.

Through some crafty planning, they manage to derail Tory’s relationship with her coworker and set her and Finn on the path to true love.

The Love Club Moms: Jo

Jo just became the principal at the elementary school. With this comes great responsibility and maybe a problem in her personal life. She and Bernie, the French teacher, begin dating but her feelings are not what they should be when it comes to this relationship, especially when her high school sweetheart reenters her life.

Ryan and his son Simon just moved back to his hometown. Simon is having trouble adjusting to his new school and gets sent to the principal’s office over and over so Jo calls in his father for a consultation. When she realizes his father is her old boyfriend Ryan (Corey Sevier) and learns about their move back to town, she eases up on the boy.

When Jo goes to get the marriage license after Bernie proposes, she discovers she and Ryan are still married. They had impulsively wed in their young years and the marriage is still viable.

The Love Club Moms can tell there is still a spark between Ryan and Jo. True to form, they do whatever they can to get the two together. After all, they are still married and the love that Jo professes to have died years ago is still very much alive.

The Love Club Moms: Harper

Harper is a tough woman who prides herself on getting things done. When Colin (M. Mark Taylor), a single dad, recruits her to help with his campaign for the local city council, she is eager to join the campaign. She has a lot of ideas which Colin could implement should he be elected. But when Colin publicly takes credit for something Harper did, she decides to run against him.
The two candidates join forced to save a local park, yet they are still rivals in the election. And Harper gets what she sets out to get.

During this election cycle The Love Club women see the attraction between the two candidates. And, yes, they set out to bring them together. Some of their tactics might be a little unorthodox, but they only have Harper’s best interests at heart.

The Love Club Moms: Nila

Nila is having a hard time getting back into the dating scene even though her husband has been dead for three years. Her daughter sets her up on a dating app, to Nila’s chagrin.

Uneasy about meeting a stranger, the Love Club takes her to a coffee shop which would be a good neutral setting. And one of the owners, Olly (Joseph Cannata) assures her he will be her wingman so if she is uncomfortable with the date he’ll get her out of it.

Olly is also dealing with a relationship issue. His former girlfriend keeps reentering his life. 

Nila and Olly come up with a plan to appease their friends families. They decide to pretend to be a couple which would get Nila’s teenage daughter off her back and Olly’s ex might be jealous enough to come back to him for good.
While they are pretending to date they discover they actually enjoy each other’s company. In comes The Love Club. They do their thing and eventually get Nila and Olly to declare their true feelings for each other.

The Love Club Moms is a cute series of movies. They are simple but enjoyable. And the women have great jobs, wardrobes and all the homes are beautiful. What else could you ask for on a weekend binging fest? The films are 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.

Images are courtesy UP Faith and Family and used with permission

‘Sisterhood, Inc.’ is about sibling bonding and embracing differences

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Now streaming on Hallmark Plus, Sisterhood, Inc. embraces the nuances of siblings with the emphasis on being oneself.

Rachael Leigh Cook stars as Megan, a no-holes-barred corporate guru who has just been fired from the company she founded. Daniella Monet is Izzy, Megan’s younger sister who is about to turn 30 yet is still under the watchful thumb of their mother Lois (Judy Kain).

While Megan is tough, business minded, and very smart, Izzy is a free-spirited joyful young woman with no sense of style or any idea of what she will do with the rest of her life.

After Megan lectures Izzy telling her it’s time she moves out of their parents’ house and starts being an independent woman, Izzy decides to make the change. She asks Megan for help, which Megan does to the extreme.

Being the tough businesswoman she is, Megan puts together a “board of directors” to oversee all aspects of Izzy’s new life. Among the directors is Dominic (Leonidas Gulaptis), a psychology professor at the local college. 

Izzy welcomes the help of the board and Megan decides to take this concept to the next level and sell the idea to a technology guru. But while she is in negotiations and Izzy’s life is changing, things also change between the sisters. This is the first time in their lives the two have bonded and they both enjoy their sisterhood. 

Meanwhile, Dominic wonders if Megan is pushing her sister too hard and changing everything about her to the degree that although Izzy is becoming a successful and independent woman, she does not seem to be the happy woman he first met.

Izzy’s life is now structured, she had a good job, a nice wardrobe, and a successful yet domineering boyfriend. Her chaotic bohemian life of the past is gone. But she is not happy with her new life and Megan finally realizes that her sister just needs to be the person she is. What makes Megan happy is not necessarily what makes Izzy happy.

Izzy finally begins to turn her life around on her own terms and Megan finally begins to live her life without being completely structured. 

While the sisters have found their way back in each other’s lives Megan also finds her way into the arms of Dominic. After all, this is a Hallmark show, and with that you get happy endings all around.

Sisterhood, Inc. 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 Media

Peppa Pig is going to be a big sister again!

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Hot off the press……..

The Pig family will be announcing a new addition on March 31, 2025.  The birth date and gender is a surprise and these questions will play out through the episodes, which are on Nickelodeon.

So watch for this big announcement and see how Peppa and the family adjust to becoming a family of five.  IT’s an exciting time for them all

2025 Disneyland Food and Wine Festival

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The mouth-watering festival is back at Disneyland Resort. Disney California Adventure is filled with food, beverages, and wine of all kinds. This is one event many people plan their itineraries around as it offers a wide variety of options to try from the talented chefs at the resort.

Sip and Savor Pass

Returning is the Sip and Savor Pass which allows guests to sample various delicacies throughout the park. The kiosks are all different and if guests cannot find something they want to try via the pass, there are still many great offerings at the restaurants throughout the park.

The Sip and Savor pass comes in two options. For $63.00 guests get eight items and for $32.00 they get four items. With plenty of choices it’s fun to share the passes with friends to get more samples and savor more food and beverages. They are not specific to the kiosks. Several items from the pass are available at restaurants and food services throughout the park. 

Don’t forget to pick up a Festival Guide even if you don’t purchase a Sip and Savor Pass. It will explain where and what festival items are available throughout the park. Guests are able to purchase individual items even if they do not purchase a pass.

Activities 

Besides the food – and wine! – there are activities designed especially for the little ones. After all, they cannot take advantage of the many varieties of wines but they can definitely enjoy some special fun.

The Jammin’ Chefs, a favorite street show among youngsters, is back with plenty of fun and music. It’s here were kids can enjoy the antics of some of their favorite Disney characters as they assist the chefs in creating specialties. Songs and dancing bring out the joy of spending time with the chefs as they entertain the crowds with the assistance of Chip, Dale, Daisy, and other Disney pals.

Also returning is the Confection Perfection with the Super Kitties where kids can design their own cupcakes under the watchful eyes of the Super Kitties.  It’s always a treat – no pun intended – for the kiddies to be with the kitties – pun intended.  This activity is for ages 3-11. Signup is 45 minutes before each show so check the Disneyland app for dates and times.

And for a souvenir of this event, check out all the special merchandise created just for the Food and Wine festival. Yes, they do have a special set of ears just for this event.

 

 

 

 

So, you’re probably wondering what we tasted on our special day at the festival. Here is our list:

  • Corn Chip Chili Pie made with IMPOSSIBLE Beef (A)
  • Cherry Cobbler Pot de Crème (A+)
  • Birria Mac & Cheese (A)
  • Sirloin Gruyére Mac & Cheese (A)
  • Huckleberry-Citrus Cooler (A+)
  • Mickey-Shaped Macaron with Snickers pieces (A)
  • Coffee Bundt Cake (A+)
  • Mango- Guava Cocktail (A+)
  • Western BBQ Burger Bao (B)
  • Sloppy Joe Slider made with IMPOSSIBLE Beef (A++)

And that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the different items this year.

Check out the Disney Foodie Guide for more information.

The Food and Wine Festival is going strong now through April 21, 2025. 

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.

‘A Complete Unknown’ takes viewers back to the 1960s

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


A Complete Unknown delves into the life and times of Bob Dylan. The film is filled with music from the early 1960s, mainly focusing on folk music of the time.

Timothé Chalamet stars as Dylan and portrays him with the style and attitude of the songwriter/musician. His performance will have viewers believing he is Bob Dylan.

The movie begins with Dylan coming to New York City to meet his idol Woody Guthrie (Scoot McNairy) who is in the hospital suffering with Huntington’s disease. It’s there where he also meets Pete Seeger (Edward Norton) who is impressed with the young man and brings him into his home.

Seeger than acts as a mentor to Dylan, who is only 19-years old at the time. His talent impresses both Seeger and Guthrie. 

Dylan then meets Joan Baez (Monica Barbaro) who has a challenging relationship with him through the years. Even while Dylan is in a relationship with Sylvie Russo (Elle Fanning), he carries on with Baez.

Seeger and the “folk music” gang in Greenwich Village are a close group and support each other in every endeavor. And Seeger along with some others began the Newport Folk Festival where they all performed their songs for an increasing number of fans as the festival grew through the years.

When Dylan grew tired of playing his same songs he felt trapped and took a different direction. He added an electric guitar to his repertoire, which to some faithful folk fans was a no-no. But Dylan was a rebel and his last performance a Newport was legendary in the music business. The crowd was not happy with his new direction but slowly warmed to his new sound.

The meteoric rise of Bob Dylan and his relationship with other musicians of the time plays out against the backdrop of the music and feelings of the early 1960s.

Photo by Macall Polay, Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2024 Searchlight Pictures All Rights Reserved.

Dylan was not the only rebel in the group. Johnny Cash (Boyd Holbrook) encouraged him to sing with his heart and the true folk music that began his career soon morphed into a new sound.

Bonus features on the digital and Blu-ray/4K/DVDs include several aspects of making the film. They actually filmed it on location in New Jersey as that provided a more realistic representation of NYC in the 1960s. Another fun fact is that Dylan had an insert sewn into the legs of his Levis jeans to make room for his boots. As they say, he might have started the bell-bottom fad of the time. 

For fans of the moody, sullen Bob Dylan and the beginning of the folk era, this is a film to watch.

The movie is rated R for language. Plus there is a lot – and I do mean a lot – of smoking. But this is an accurate representation of the time.

A Complete Unknown is now available on Digital and will be available on discs April 7, 2025.

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 courtesy Searchlight Pictures

Original attractions at Disneyland that are still around today

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

It’s been 70 years since Disneyland opened. Walt Disney began his speech, “To all who come to this happy place: welcome. Disneyland is your land.”  

It has been dubbed “The Happiest Place on Earth” and for families that has been true for generations as young and old have happy memories of their time spent in the resort.

When it opened Disneyland was much different than the resort we know today. The parking lot is now known as Disney California Adventure! How’s that for a change?

While it has gone through countless changes there are still some original attractions that remain today. 

The attractions have been upgraded, spoofed up, and attended to through the years, but the bones are still the same as the day Walt Disney opened the park. 

Walt Disney was a train enthusiast and he insisted Disneyland included a railroad. The Disneyland Railroad still operates and loops around the park. Currently it stops at Main Street, U.S.A., New Orleans Square, Mickey’s Toontown, and Tomorrowland while also taking guests on a tour of the Grand Canyon and the Primeval World. 

Fantasyland

“Here is a world of imagination, hopes, and dreams. In this timeless land of enchantment, age of chivalric, magic, and make-believe are reborn, and fairy tales come true. Fantasyland is dedicated to the young and the young in heart, to those believe that when you wish upon a star, your dreams do come true.” Walt Disney

What would a theme park be without a carrousel? King Arthur Carrousel still excites guests young and old. It has been restored several times since 1955 yet remains as beautiful and enchanting as ever. The Carousel sits at the entrance to Fantasyland and is the first attraction guests encounter when they walk through Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. 

With Disney music accompanying the horses and animals as they ride around, this carousel reminds guests of the joy the park and the films have brought to young and old.

Peter Pan’s Flight is so popular there are always lines to enter. Guests fly through the air (slowly) in a pirate ship and encounter the story of Peter Pan, Wendy, and the whole gang with the streets of London at their feet. 

The pirate ships glide on a track giving riders the illusion of flying through the air like Peter and the others. This attraction is one of the most popular in the land.

Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride is another Fantasyland attraction that has stood the test of time. As guests travel through the story of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, they sit in an old-fashioned car just like the one Mr. Toad drives in the film 1949 animated film.

This is the quintessential ride through a story, which the original attractions were meant to be.

Snow White’s Scary Adventures takes guests through the story of the princess. This attraction is the only one in Fantasyland that is dedicated to a Disney princess, which is interesting as the princesses have become some of the most popular Disney characters. The ride has been re-themed with a more fantasy approach than a scary one, and it has been tamed down, items added, and renamed Snow White’s Enchanted Wish. 

The re-themed version is more in keeping with the joy and delight associated with the land and brings the love of the princess to the delight of fans. Fantasyland less fear and more fantasy, and that is just what guests get in the Snow White attraction.

Mad Tea Party is a spinning ride as guests twirl around in teacups. As many people have discovered, even though it is possible to keep the cups from spinning too fast this ride is not for everyone. If you can handle spinning, then this is a fun – and colorful – attraction. 

Guests have the ability to spin their cups fast or slow while they also twirl around on a table top. At night with the lights above this is a beautiful sight with the colorful teacups spinning under the twinkling lights.

The Storybook Land Canal Boats cruise is a leisurely boat ride on a canal that winds through miniature settings of some popular Disney films. The ride has been updated through the years as new films have come out bringing more opportunities for various recreations.

Since it first opened there have been so many new films and they have required their own space in Storybook Land. 

As mentioned above, Walt Disney enjoyed trains. Besides the Disneyland Railway, the Casey Jr. Circus Train is another train ride. This one takes passengers through more miniature representations of Disney films. Some of these can also be seen on the Storybook Land Canal Boats. This is actually a fun little train ride for the very young.

Tomorrowland

“A vista into a world of wondrous ideas, signifying man’s achievement, a step into the future with predictions of constructive things to come. Tomorrow offers new frontiers in science, adventure, and ideals — the atomic age, the challenge of outer space, and the hope for a peaceful and unified world.” Walt Disney

Autopia has had many car upgrades throughout the decades but remains a tribute to Walt Disney’s idea of giving youngsters the thrill of driving their own car. This is one car ride where traffic jams are not a problem. And drivers won’t get a speeding ticket, although the cars can only go a maximum of 6 miles per hour. Whew! 

Adventureland

“Here is adventure. Here is romance. Here is mystery.” Walt Disney

Adventureland is the home of the Jungle Cruise. While the boat ride remains the same as it was on opening day, what is happening on the shore has been tweaked over the years. The original ride was a bit more adventurous than the often-comic one we know today. Everyone remembers when they see “the back side of water.”

Frontierland 

“It is here that we experience the story of our country’s past — the color, romance, and drama of frontier America as it developed from wilderness trails to roads, riverboats and civilization; a tribute to the faith, courage, and ingenuity of our hearty pioneers who blazed the trails and made this progress possible.” Walt Disney


In Frontierland the Mark Twain Riverboat on the Rivers of America remains a nice way to unwind, relax, and enjoy a peaceful cruise. It’s tame and peaceful away from the hustle and bustle of the park. This is a delightful 14-minute ride aboard an old-time paddlewheel boat.

Disneyland is 70! What a legacy!

While these attractions have been upgraded and altered throughout the years, they are still the foundation of the park. They were opened by Walt Disney in July 1955 with the hope of entertaining and delighting all ages.

Disneyland has had many changes in the past 70 years and is still undergoing advancements. As Disney famously said, “Disneyland will never be completed, as long as there is imagination left in the world”. And oh boy, is there ever still imagination in the world. Stay tuned for some big changes but in the meantime these original attractions remain a throwback and tribute to Mr. Walt Disney.

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.

Photo use is approved by Disney

The Old Spaghetti Factory in Riverside, CA

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Unlike several Old Spaghetti Factory restaurants, the one in Riverside, California is open for lunch as well as dinner. It is located near the historic Mission Inn, a fun destination spot for special occasions. The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa is a unique place to stay when visiting the Riverside area.

The Old Spaghetti Factory is one of the popular locations for family celebrations. As most OSF restaurants are decorated somewhat the same, this one is no different. There is an old trolly in the center of the dining room with tables and booths around this trolly which is another place for seating, which especially delights kids.

The menu is consistent with the others in the chain, with their famous 3-course meal: Bread with soup or salad, entrée, spumoni or vanilla ice cream.

One of their side dishes is a healthy portion of broccoli covered with their special Mizithra cheese. This is a unique flavor, making the broccoli tasty even the pickiest kids will most likely enjoy eating their vegetables with the Mizithra.

The Meat Lovers Treat includes meatballs, sausage, and spaghetti in a rich meat sauce. This is one way of getting protein with your pasta!

Their spinach & cheese ravioli is covered in a savory marinara sauce. The pillows of pasta are filled with a spinach and cheese mixture for a delicious combination to delight taste buds.

There’s not much else to say about this restaurant because if you have been to one OSF you pretty much know what to expect. This is a fun location located in the heart of Riverside, California.

They offer a gluten-friendly menu, senior size entrées, a kid’s menu, and Murder Mystery Dinners (check with the restaurant for details).

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about travel, restaurants, products, and all aspects of entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.

‘Mufasa: The Lion King” is now available on digital and also 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

This “live action” prequel to the hit 2019 animated film The Lion King is filled with heart, spirit, and above all – family. Family is at the heart of this story. Mufasa: The Lion King tells the story of how Mufasa became the king of  Milele and how his family continues the Circle of Life.

Alert – sensitive viewers will most likely need to keep some tissues handy as there are many sentimental scenes and scenes of terror. Although this movie is filled with those scenes, it is an entertaining addition to the franchise.

The story begins with Simba’s daughter Kiara being looked after by Rafiki while Simba and Nala are away as she gives birth to a new cub. Left alone and wanting her parents, Rafiki distracts her with the story of her grandfather and how he came to Milele.

When Mufasa was a cub he was swept away by a great flood and washed far from his parents and home. He was rescued by cub from another tribe. Taka always wanted a brother but his father the king refused to acknowledge Mufasa as his son. So the queen cared for the little lost cub and brought him up to be strong and worthy. She also gave him courage to go out and look for his real family and follow the words of his mother.

Then a pride of outsiders, white lions who were outcasts from their own prides, attacked and the son of the king was killed. Soon Mufasa and Taka were sent away to start a new bloodline in Milele, with Taka being king. His father instructed him to fulfill his destiny and instructed Mufasa to take care of his son.

Along the way they meet Sarabi, a young lioness who, along with her protector Zazu, are wandering around after being separated from their pride. Mufasa takes them with him and Taka as they travel toward Milele. Joining them is a young Rafiki who is intent on finding Milele as well, as he is looking for his family too.

The story unfolds while Rafiki is telling this epic adventure to Kiera, Timon, and Pumba as they await the birth of Simba and Nala’s cub and their reunion with Kiera.

The visuals are beautiful in this “live action” story filled with heart, hope, and destiny. As Rafiki says, “The eye never forgets what the heart has seen.” 

Taka sees Mufasa as his brother. When he falls for Sarabi, he asks his brother for advice, which he gives him. Mufasa is supposed to look after Taka and does what he can for his “brother.” But when Sarabi shows more interest in Mufasa than Taka, Taka’s jealousy gets the better of him and he becomes a danger to them all.

As mentioned earlier, there are many scenes of terror and death. This is scary at times and emotional at other times. The ending is satisfying though.

Spoiler alert: They do make it to Milele, Sarabi and Mufasa get together, Taka’s betrayal is addressed and his name is changed to Scar due to the scar he received when he saw the error of his ways and saved Mufasa, and after the storytelling by Rafiki comes to an end, Kiera is reunited with her parents and introduced to her new baby brother.

The movie is filled with life-saving scenes, scenes of treachery, scenes of danger, and also scenes of love. Family is number one and the whole reason for making this movie.

Additional features include song selections, outtakes, a “making of” feature, and some fun Easter eggs which are called Ostrich eggs in this case.

Another brief bonus touches on the Lion Recovery Fund that helps protect lions in Africa.

There are several deleted scenes that were not completed and not included in the film however after watching them there are two that – in my opinion – should have been kept in: “What do you feel in there” includes Rafiki telling Mufasa “No matter how far you walk destiny will follow.” Another incomplete scene is about a dream Taka has about his father. 

The Lion King was a worldwide hit when it was produced in 2019 and there have been several films in this franchise. Mufasa: The Lion King brings everything together and full circle, filling in pieces of the whole story,  just like The Circle of LIfe. The movie is rated PG.

The movie is available on digital, DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K.

Fans of Mufasa, Simba, and the whole gang can also get the three-movie set that includes the original animated feature, the “live action” version and this new prequel.

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.

All images © 2024 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

‘Return to Office’ streams on Hallmark Plus

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

With shades of You’ve Got Mail, Return to Office focuses on communication in today’s world.

Janel Parrish and Scott Michael Foster star in this story of office workers who have been working remotely from their homes but are now required to work in their brick and mortar office. The problem is, there is not enough space in the office so everyone shares their workspaces with scattered work dates.

Liv (Parish) is assigned Mondays and Wednesdays and Tom (Foster) is assigned Tuesdays and Thursdays. They get to work from home on Fridays. Liv is a neat-freak but Tom is more easy-going. Even though the staff has seen each other via Internet meetings throughout their time working remotely, no one knows who their desk partner is. So when Liv puts her plant on the desk and writes a note for her workspace partner asking if it is ok for her to leave it there, she has no idea what is to come.

Tom comes in the following day and decides to decorate a little for himself. He leaves a note for Ms. Monday as he calls her, acknowledging that he has left some of his items too. Liv is incensed with what is left on her desk and takes away everything, noting that her workspace partner went too far.

Well, they get things settled and are off to a great start in their “relationship” that consists of leaving each other cute notes each day. 

On her time off, Liv volunteers at a retirement community which happens to be where Tom’s mother resides. She wants to set Liv up with her son but Liv won’t allow it. Then one day she learns that Tom is the man who is her workspace partner and the man with whom she was to be set up.

Liv knows that Tom is the man with whom she is having the note relationship and when they all get together for business parties and to share ideas, Tom is unaware Liv is Ms. Monday. This could be awkward but the two are good together and get along very well. 

Tom is captivated by Ms. Monday and wants to meet her, unaware he already knows her.  Liv is a bit apprehensive about uncovering her true identity to him since they continue to have projects to work on in person. Could revealing herself change their relationship?

But, as in You’ve Got Mail, things unravel and identities are uncovered. And yes, they both are happy about finally having a real relationship in person rather than simply  note to note.

Although this is basically a redo of other stories, this is still a cute movie and a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Back to Office just started streaming 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.

 

‘A Honeymoon to Remember’ streams on UP Faith and Family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The 2021 romcom A Honeymoon to Remember is a new addition to UP Faith and Family. Rebecca Dalton stars in this story of love, loss, and renewal.

Ava (Dalton) is a type-A personality to put it mildly. She organizes everything, and I do mean everything. She planned her proposal to the minute. So when Brett (Edward Ruttle) popped the question, she had a videographer at the ready.

Ava never took Brett’s ideas into consideration and planned their perfect honeymoon at a beautiful resort. He thought they were going to go see the fall foliage, but her plans took over.

While trying on her wedding dress (which she ordered ages ago even before she was proposed to), Brett barges in and calls off the wedding. She is too much for him.

What’s a person to do when she has two nonrefundable tickets to a beautiful resort? Her sister Bonnie (Jocelyn Gauthier) talks her into going on her honeymoon sans fiancé. Instead, Bonnie will be her companion.

Bonnie has not been on a date since her husband died a few years ago. She has basically sequestered herself so this is a big deal – for both of them.

While Ava is stewing over her loss of Brett, Bonnie meets a man who is sympathetic to her and enjoys her company. John (Brendan Taylor) is a nice guy and even comforts Ava when she continually talks about her breakup.

Then Kyle (Spencer Lord), who works at the resort, befriends Ava and even though she bends his ear about Brett, he thinks she is worth pursuing. Thus, the two sisters have male companions with whom to enjoy the fun at the resort.

Everything is going along fine until Brett shows up. He intends on winning Ava back and tells Kyle he is in for a challenge. 

So, while Bonnie and John are enjoying their relationship, Ava is conflicted. Should she continue seeing Kyle or is her past with Brett too much to ignore? 

A Honeymoon to Remember now streams on UP Faith and Family.

Personal note: Neither Brett nor Kyle are great catches. But there is something to be said for persistence.

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.