Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Wicked’ on digital, 4K Ultra, and Blu-ray for home viewing

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The digital version of the hit movie Wicked is now available and the Blu-ray and 4K Ultra HD versions will be available for purchase on February 4, 2025. The film, which debuted in theaters November 22, 2024, has captured the hearts and minds of audiences of all ages.

The story of OZ before Dorothy visited that amazing place with Munchkinland and the Emerald City, is played out on a grand scale. It was a massive hit as a stage play but on screen everything is larger and more amazing than what could be accomplished on a stage.

Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba, who people know as The Wicked Witch of the West due to the iconic 1939 movie that brought Dorothy to OZ. Ariana Grande is Galinda – later changed to Glinda – who we all know as the Good Witch from the 1939 film.

In this story Galinda is a self-centered girl who wants desperately to enhance any magical powers she might have, but mainly she wants to be the most popular student at Shiz University. It’s here where she meets Elphaba who becomes a student at the school merely by chance.

Elphaba tells her personal history to Galinda when they become best friends. Elphaba is a very kind girl who thinks more about others than about herself, in direct contrast to her roommate Galinda. But when Galinda realizes how kind she is, her animosity changes and she embraces Elphaba. Because of this, Elphaba, who has been an outcast at the school, suddenly becomes popular too. 

There are many intricacies that happen in the school, and Elphaba becomes aware of the treatment of animals in the land. One by one they are disappearing and their usefulness is taken away. At one time animals were great teachers and helpful to all, but someone is changing this and Elphaba wants to go to the Emerald City to get the Wizard to help the animals.

Wicked is part one of the franchise. The story will be continued when Wicked 2 comes out in theaters this November. In the meantime, Wicked is available for those who have not seen it or those who have and want to see it again, and maybe many times before the continuation of the story of Elphaba and Glinda comes to audiences this fall.

There are additional features on the discs and digital versions. Ten deleted scenes as well as some little featurettes add to the background of the story and the film. “Welcome to Shiz” is an eight-minute featurette all about the school. 

A really cute featurette titled “The Wonderful Wizard” has Jeff Goldblum looking at his character of the Wizard. 

“A Wicked Legacy” has the cast discussing their experiences with the stage play and their memories of Kristin Chenoweth and Irina Menzel who originated the characters on Broadway. By the way, they make a brief cameo in this film.

A  45-minute “Making of” feature is entertaining and educational for those who want to deep-dive into the filmmaking process. It describes how a wide net was cast to find the perfect actors to bring the characters to the screen. They also talk about when the idea of making it a musical instead of a drama was floated, creators and producers were eager and anxious to bring Wicked to the stage. And the rest is history.

There is a “sing-along” version so those who absolutely love the songs will be able to join in the fun.

It is touted as the best movie of 2024. You be the judge and watch it in the comfort of your own home, or maybe have a wicked party, or Wicked party!

This is a highly produced and colorful film with amazing sets and song after song. Even though it is a fantasy there are a few elements that might be upsetting to young viewers – especially the aspects concerning the treatment of animals.

Wicked is rated PG for some scary action, thematic material, and brief suggestive material.

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.

The event calendar for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary year – 2025

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

If you’re a Disney fan you know this is the 70th anniversary of Disneyland. Yes, 70 years ago Walt Disney proclaimed “Disneyland is your land.”  Since then the resort has changed dramatically, especially with the addition of  Disney California Adventure, which, when Walt opened the park was actually a parking lot. Walt would be surprised if he were to come back today to check on his beloved Disneyland. It’s thriving and continuing to bring wonder and happiness to families – young and old.

Disneyland fans also know there are special events throughout the year and plan on attending them annually. There is no Princess Night this year but there are several other popular events that will please guests who plan their vacations accordingly.

Below is the complete event calendar for 2025.  Pick your favorite or favorites and make your reservations soon. The separately ticketed events sell out quickly!! Have fun!!

 

 

‘Love of the Irish’ brings the Luck of the Irish to Hallmark+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The latest original movie for the Hallmark+ streaming service combines a fun story with beautiful scenery. Love of the Irish was filmed in Ireland in the southern part of the country in County Cork, which is absolutely beautiful and provides a wonder backdrop for the two stories weaving through the film.

Shenae Grimes-Beech is Fiona, an aspiring ballet dancer who never gets a break. Her auditions prove she is a good dancer but her luck never holds when it comes to the final casting. She has moved back in with her parents while she figures out what her next move will be and while she is waiting for her big break. She insists she has bad luck and is absolutely tired of it!

Moira Kelly is Helen, Fiona’s mother who is keeping a secret. She was adopted, which is not the secret. She is hiding the fact that her birth mother has contacted her and Helen is apprehensive about responding.

After a disastrous audition, Fiona discovers her mom’s secret an urges her to get in touch with her birth mom, who happens to live in Ireland. Fiona surprises her mom with a mother/daughter trip to Ireland to search out the woman. It’s the perfect time for this trip as Fiona is unemployed, her father is out of town on business, and Helen’s antique shop is closed for a couple weeks for repairs. 

Fiona and Helen book a quaint little cottage in an even quainter little village. It’s here where they hope to find MJ, Helen’s biological mother. 

They meet Liam (Stephen Hagan) who own the local pub. Fiona and Liam get off to a rocky start but soon they forge a nice friendship. Fiona says she needs to find the Luck of the Irish because she has nothing but bad luck. 

Liam leads her on a quest to find the luck, taking her to various locations and doing various tasks that local people do to improve their luck and cast out their dreams into the universe with hopefully good outcomes.

Fiona is a bit of a klutz. It’s cute to see her try to do some of the tasks with varying degrees of competence, or incompetence. 

Meanwhile, they locate MJ who is a tour guide at an historical manor. It takes some time and courage but soon Helen makes herself known to MJ and their relationship begins with an emotional hug.

While Helen and MJ are bonding, so are Fiona and Liam. It seems Fiona’s bad luck has changed. She now has the luck of the Irish, and with Liam, she has the love of the Irish as well.

Fiona finally realizes what it is she wants from her life. It’s not dancing in Giselle or The Nutcracker. She found another outlet for her love of dance. She found her true professional calling in Ireland, and as a bonus, her personal future with Liam. 

Love of the Irish is a nice little film with beautiful – and green – scenery. It’s 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.

Image courtesy Hallmark

Franco’s Famous Mexican Kitchen and Cocktails in Southern California

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The southwest if filled with great Mexican restaurants. So what makes Franco’s Famous stand out among some of the other delicious restaurants serving up Mexican delights? 

Let’s start with their chips and salsa. They have some of the most delicious chips and salsa. The chips themselves are addicting. Then add some special salsa and wow. It’s really easy to get filled up on these before your entree arrives, so pace yourself!

One of the most requested entree is their fajitas. There are plenty of options, however you can’t go wrong with just the simple veggie fajitas. Of course, you can add chicken, steak, shrimp, or any combination. And you get your choice of corn or flour tortillas. The sizzling dish comes alongside a plate of tortillas, cheese, rice, beans, lettuce, and guacamole. 

They also offer several burritos, enchiladas, Chile Rellenos, and tacos among many other entrees.

Taco Tuesdays is always a popular day to visit Franco’s Famous. 

They have a full bar with margaritas being their specialty, and there are several varieties of this yummy libation, including the Franco’s Famous Margarita. If you want something different, perhaps the Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita would be of interest. Or just a plain blended fruit margarita is always a safe option. With a full bar they have several specialty crafted cocktails, so if you love to try new things, read through their specialty options: High Hopes, Shipwrecked, Lavender Dreams, FF Sangria, Yours Truly, etc.

Franco’s Famous has a happy hour for cocktails and food specialties, and they also have several vegan dishes. 

Southern California has plenty of Mexican restaurants. If you are in the area of San Clemente or Laguna Hills you and you enjoy fresh, delicious Mexican food, by all means, check out Franco’s Famous. It is a local favorite.

One tip: If you are ordering the fajitas or another large entree, consider splitting it with someone because the chips and salsa are too good to skip and you will most likely fill up a little bit on those before your entree is delivered. 

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about travel, products, books, and all aspects of entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, and is a contributor on Good Day Orange County.

‘Blind Date Book Club’ is about finding your place in life

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

This is a new year and people are making their resolutions. Many resolutions are to read more or to join a book club. There’s something comforting about actually holding a book and flipping the pages as opposed to looking at a screen and reading a digital book. Book clubs are also great places to exchange ideas and meet new people. 

Hallmark Channel’s popular stars Erin Krakow and Robert Buckley combine in a story about finding what it is that brings you joy and happiness. Blind Date Book Club is a fun story that is perfect for a wintry day.

Set in picturesque Nantucket, Meg (Krakow) has taken over her mother’s book store, Mimi’s Book Corner, after her mom passed away. She left her own real estate career to care for her mother’s dream. 

When her aunt wants to sell her own share of the store in which she is a silent partner, Meg is at a crossroads. Should she sell the whole store and go back to her old life or is she happier in Nantucket running the book store? 

Meg has created something fun and unique in the store. The “Blind Date with a Book Club” connects prospective couples while at the same time introducing them and the club to new books. Another interesting thing she comes up with is covering books and writing only a small blurb about the story so readers must discover the whole story for themselves and return to the club to discuss it. It’s a double-blind, so to speak – a blind book and a blind date. 

When bestselling author Graham Sterling (Buckley) hears about the store and the club, he decides to investigate. He has written a successful series of Young Adult novels but is anxious to spread his wings and write a historical romance. Unfortunately his publisher disagrees with that decisions and tries to point him back on the YA path where he has a loyal following.

Not deterred by his publisher, Graham self-publishes his new novel under a pseudonym and decides to have Meg and her book club review the book. This is risky and as soon as Meg discovers who the author is she wonders if they should go ahead with the reviews. 

While this is taking place, Meg and Graham form a close relationship. And yes, they do fall in love. But could Graham’s plot to have his new novel out in the public be the end of his new career. And also, if people find out Meg is promoting her boyfriend’s book could it be the end of the popular club?

The story comes to a climax when both Meg and Graham must decide in which direction they want their lives and careers to go. Should she sell the store or has her heart settled there with her books and clients? And Graham has an awakening about which direction his writing should go. 

Although this movie was released last spring, it is a nice way to start the new year. And it might even inspire viewers to search out a book club where they can meet new people and enjoy new books.

Blind Date Book Club streams 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 and YouTube. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Christmas episodes of 2 favorite BritBox series launch their new seasons

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Two of BritBox’s beloved mysteries return in 2025 however they both have holiday episodes this month to whet your appetite for the upcoming season of Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise. 

Beyond Paradise

On December 25th BritBox will begin streaming the Beyond Paradise Christmas Special 2024. All of the cast has returned for this third season: Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman, Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd, Zahra Ahmadi as DE Esther Williams, Dylan Llewellyn as PC Kelby Hartford, Barbara Flynn as Anne Lloyd, and Felicity Montagu as Margo Martins.

The Christmas special has two main storylines running through the show. First, Humphrey and Martha are fostering a teenager. Fostering a child is not as easy as they originally hoped, and a teenager adds even more difficulties. As they try to forge a connection with Jaiden, Humphrey has another problems.

The Shipton Abbott police force has their hands full with a missing Virgin Mary mannequin that has been stolen from the church. Kelby is assigned “Virgin Mary” detail and goes off in search of the mannequin.

Meanwhile, Humphrey and Ester are mystified by a man who keeps seeing his dead wife. And not only that, there are traces of the woman around the house. Could it be a spirit? Most likely not, as Humphrey uses his intelligence to add up clues to discover what is happening to that poor old man and who is tormenting him.

Both mysteries are solved by the end of the episode, as is the relationship between Martha and Jaiden.

Beyond Paradise returns for season 3 next spring.

Death in Paradise

Photo credit: Lou Denim

The Death in Paradise Christmas Special 2024 premieres December 27, 2024 and it’s like a homecoming for fans of the show who have been anxiously awaiting the return of this colorful cast. The show takes place on the tropical island of Saint Marie with all the beauty of that island front and center. Even the wardrobes are colorful and tropical.

As fans of the series know, the show premiered in 2011 and has had a steady fanbase through the years even though the main Detective Inspector has changed several times. At the end of last season DI Neville Parker left the island so the police department in Honore is now down to DS Naomi Thomas (Shantou Jackson), Officer Darlene Curtis (Ginny Holder), Officer Dwayne Myers (Danny John-Jules), and Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington). 

They are desperately in need of a Detective Inspector when multiple Santas are murdered seemingly by the same gun at the same time. How could this be?

Enter DI Melvin Wilson (Don Gilet), who is on the island on his vacation from his job in London. He is a city boy and cannot adjust to the slower island life. He’s anxious to return to his beloved London but is asked by his supervisor to remain on Saint Marie to help them solve this strange case. Wilson is the only character not donning tropical attire as he refuses to get any more involved there than necessary. 

Needless to say, DI Wilson ruffles a few feathers and definitely gets on everyone’s nerves. He does not want to associate with his fellow officers or the people in the town. He just wants to solve the crime and get back to London.

It’s not like fans of the show aren’t used to a new DI coming in and being rather strange or unusual. There have been four DIs that have come to Honore, and each one has had his own quirks. (Humphrey Goodman is the only one to have a spinoff – Beyond Paradise.)

With the town on edge, it’s not a festive holiday season on the island until the mystery is finally solved. 

With Wilson entering the scene, viewers start the season with a new character who really doesn’t fit into the island at all, but it looks like it just might be where he belongs. And Dwayne is considering leaving the department. He’s a colorful character inside and out.

Also returning are Elizabeth Bourgnine as Catherine Borday, Mayor of Honore and owner of the local pub/restaurant, and of course Harry, the adorable lizard who lives at the beach shack given to the current DI.

Season 14 of Death in Paradise returns with new episodes in February 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 BritBox

‘A Royal Christmas Ballet’ premieres on GAF

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

This is the season when kids and adults look forward to attending The Nutcracker Ballet in cities and towns across the country. For many families it is a holiday tradition. So having a Christmas movie focused on ballet is a treat. A Royal Ballet is filled with plenty of ballet sequences, Nutcracker and holiday music, and a fairytale storyline.

Brittany Underwood and Jonathan Stoddard star in this story of royalty, romance, and revelations. Underwood is Carrie, a retired ballerina who is now the creative director of a local dance company. Stoddard is Prince William who is asked by his mother the Queen, or rather requested by her, to accompany Medea (Daniela Couso), a ballerina from their country to America. She is going to perform in Carrie’s production as part of an arts exchange program between the two countries.

Medea is talented but she is also a snob and has her heart set on being Prince William’s girlfriend, although he is not interested in her that way. Medea jealousy of Carrie has her conniving and she tries various tricks to keep William’s attention while they are in America, however once William meets Carrie his attention is diverted and she is the object of his concentration, and affection.

There is an instant connection between Carrie and Prince William.

The prince’s aid, Colin (Allen Guy Wilcox), sees the attraction but stays out of the way of all three characters. His duty is to the prince.

While Carrie and William get to know each other, their attraction grows. She takes him to a tree farm where he has the unique job of chopping down a Christmas tree for the school. This is something new to him.  Also among the experiences Carrie introduces William to is the joy of riding on a carousel, something he has never been able to do. Of course he has, as he admits, cut ribbons and visited them, however William has never actually ridden on a carousel.

While Carrie entices everyone with all the baked goodies from her mother, she indulges in some sweets herself. And when she is disappointed when William has to break a dinner date – thanks to Medea’s interference – Carrie orders all the desserts in the restaurant. Who among us has had that idea at some time or another? Why order an entree when you can eat all the desserts? 

As with all the sweet (no pun intended) and heartfelt stories this time of year, A Royal Christmas Ballet does not disappoint. It ends exactly as we expect and want. 

A Royal Christmas Ballet premieres December 22, 2024 on Great American Family.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and all aspects of entertainment for over 30 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, 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.

 

Photos courtesy Great American Media

‘Panda Bear in Africa’ dropping January 2025

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

A new animated adventure is coming to digital and DVD.

Ride on an exciting adventure with a courageous young panda as he journeys across the world in the new animated feature, PANDA BEAR IN AFRICA. Thrilling wildlife such as lions, hippos, gorillas, and meerkats meets laughter and fun in this charming furry feature. On January 28, 2025.

An exciting and fun-filled family movie adventure that offers a colorful storyline, endearingly chaotic animal characters and a delightful blend of humor and hijinks…

…this rescue tale celebrates the values of friendship and bravery as Pang sets on a quest across the globe to save his best friend Jielong from kidnapping lions. The hero adventure offers uplifting messages emphasizing the importance of kindness, understanding, and acceptance of others, making it a great choice for family viewing.

The DVD version will be available in the spring.

Check out the trailer below.

‘Let it Snow’ on Great American Family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Candace Cameron Bure and Jesse Hutch star in this holiday film that celebrates Christmas to the “n”th degree.

Bure is Stephanie Beck whose father Ted (Alan Thicke) owns a big resort company. After he buys a charming little resort in Maine, he dispatches Stephanie up to the property to see how they can remake it into a resort that fits his company’s design. All of their properties cater to young couples without kids.

Stephanie is at first a stuck up executive but once ensconced in the atmosphere of Snow Valley and taken in by the current owners, she begins to feel the Christmas spirit and relive some of her few holiday memories. Having been somewhat distant from her father after her mother’s death when she was six, Stephanie does not have the closeness with him she desires. And Ted definitely does not have an ounce of Christmas spirit.

Tasked with turning the resort into the newest “hot spot” for young up-and-comers, she gets to work checking all the things that need to be changed. What she discovers is that the resort has 100 per cent occupancy for a great deal of the year, and that’s due to all the families that return year after year to celebrate the holiday with the Lewis family who go out of their way to keep the traditions alive that were established years ago. How can she change this when it’s proven to be a winning routine?

Brady (Hutch) is the Lewis’ son who, in the beginning, does not get along with Stephanie and who has no desire to remain at the resort once her father takes over. But little by little, as he warms to Stephanie and sees how she turns from a stuck-up executive from Phoenix into a caring, Christmas-loving woman this endears her to him as well as to his parents.

Stephanie’s dispute with her father about the direction in which the resort should go causes a further rift between them. Is there any way she can break the ice around his heart so they can be closer and share the holiday together? 

Brady and Stephanie devise a plan, but will it be enough to keep the resort the family-friendly place it is or will it fail and will Ted’s plan to tear it down and make it into a hot new destination win?

As the week goes on, Stephanie and Brady grow closer and realize they have more in common than they originally thought. Plus, yes, they do fall in love.

The story might bring a tear to viewers’ eyes at the end. After all, it’s a Christmas miracle.

Let it Snow premieres December 8, 2024 on Great American 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.

Photo courtesy Great American Media

Disneyland is going to be 70 next year – “Celebrate Happy!”

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

“Disneyland is your land.” Walt Disney spoke those words back in 1955. 70 years later Disneyland is thriving and growing. “Here age relives fond memories of the past – and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future.” 

in 2025 Disneyland will celebrate 70 years of making families happy and memories that last a lifetime. 

Beginning May 16, 2025 the celebrations begin and continue through summer 2026. What a party!

What’s in store for this big celebration? Plenty. Here are some of the new shows planned for the 70th anniversary.

During select nights in January through June 2025, Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., will host four themed soirées packed with unique entertainment, rare character encounters and distinctive menus of sweet treats and savory snacks. For additional information on festivals and limited-time events at Disneyland Resort, visit DisneyParksBlog.com. photo: Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort

    photo: Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland Resort

“Paint the Night” parade will return to Main Street, U.S.A. It’s a colorful and musical parade featuring floats and characters from Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Cars, Monsters, Inc., Beauty and the Beast, and more.

Another nighttime spectacular, “Wondrous Journeys” celebrates Walt Disney and the creations, characters, and stories from the studio. Projections on Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, “it’s a small world façade”, and the buildings along Main Street, U.S.A. add to the music and storytelling projected through the park. And fireworks will also add a special touch to this spectacular on select nights. Guests will relive parts of Hercules, The Princess and the Frog, Frozen, Peter Pan, Moana, Encanto, Big Hero 6 and more popular films families have taken to their hearts.

photo: Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort

“Mickey and Friends Celebrate Happy!” is a new parade winding through the streets of Disneyland. 

Disney California Adventure was a parking lot when Disneyland opened. It is now a separate park with attractions, restaurants, and shows. The all new “World of Color Happiness!” nighttime spectacular is inspired by the emotions from Inside Out and Inside Out 2. Plus there are nods to Turning Red, Tangled, The Lion King, and more. With music, lasers, flame effects, and colorful lights in Paradise Bay, this show is definitely going to impress guests of all ages.

“Celebrate Happy” is the new theme song for the anniversary event. After all, Disneyland is “The Happiest Place on Earth.” Walt himself would be proud by what is in store for guests of all ages to his park, or rather your park. It’s where dreams come true. 

It’s time to start planning your family vacation for Disneyland’s 70th year of magic and memories.

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.