Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Happy Holidays from Cherry Lane’ airs on Hallmark Channel

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Hallmark Channel’s Happy Holidays from Cherry Lane expands the Cherry Lane films with three new stories all taking place on Christmas Eve in three separate decades.

Three stories about three different families all living in the same house at different times come together in this film about making new Christmas memories.  With a variety of Hallmark actors, these stories are separate however viewers will be delighted to see how they are connected – but that is only divulged at the end!

1960 is the year when Penny (Erica Durance) and her husband Eli (Benjamin Ayres) are celebrating the holiday with Eli’s father Walter (Serge Houde), who has moved into their house temporarily while recovering from a broken hip. Walter is not the friendliest man and definitely gruff. While Eli and Penny try to break through to his more gentle side, they all work together to help little Alex (Noah Bromley) with his Christmas school project. Alex is tasked with making a family time capsule which they will bury in the back yard and dig up in 10 years. 

Fast forward to 1998 when Regina (Catherine Bell) is living in the house and awaiting the arrival of her family on Christmas. A widow, she is content being alone however when Nelson (James Denton) arrives to help with her broken water line, Regina is happy to have the company. Nelson happened to be in the neighborhood when a call went out about the broken water pipe. And, well, since his car died and he is waiting for the tow truck, he offered his services to this stranger. The two spend the day talking, watching TV, and waiting for the tow truck as the storm rages outside. Will Regina finally let the walls down around her and open up to another man?

And in 2015 Jessie (Julie Gonzalo) is a bit panicked when her sister’s wedding venue goes out of business the same day of the wedding. Jessie is talked into having the wedding in her back yard. The officiant, Pastor Tim (Ryan Rottman) happens to be the guy who broke her heart 20-years ago when they were in High School, although he sees things differently. While the two work together to get this last minute wedding off the ground, they rekindle old feelings and learn about each other in a way that adds clarity to their past. 

These three stories have two things in common: they all take place on Christmas Eve and they all take place in the same house. Cherry Lane is the place where all kinds of things happen, especially on Christmas Eve.

Happy Holidays from Cherry Lane premieres December 12, 2024 on Hallmark Channel.

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

‘The Art of Disney Moana 2’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Continuing with “The Art Of” books highlighting Disney animated films, “The Art of Moana 2” is a colorful and educational deep dive into the story, the animation, and everything it took to bring the story of Moana back to the screen.

Artwork, storyboards, designs of characters, scenery and wardrobe combine with commentary from those connected with the project. Even for those fans of the island princess who have yet to see the film, this book will not fail to disappoint as it gives plenty of backstory to the scenes and the various characters.

In the movie Moana is three years older than in the first film as are her parents. And now she has a three and a half year old sister, Simea, who will undoubtedly steal the show. She is adorable and a mini-Moana. The age difference between them coincides with the age difference between one of the filmmaker’s own children, and little Simea was modeled after the little girl. Her teeth are described as her iconic feature.

In this sequel, Moana goes from simply being “Moana of Motunui” to  Moana of the entire ocean as she sets out on a more involved adventure to look for other island civilizations. If she does not find any then Motunui will remain isolated, however if she does find other people this will be a blessing for everyone to band together and become a South Seas community.

The story, scenery, objects, and characters were designed after those in many of the Polynesian islands. Taking their cue from different islands in Polynesia, the filmmakers created a realistic look at life through the eyes of Moana and her friends and family.

Besides Moana taking this dangerous journey, there are several wayfinders who join her, and yes, little Pua finally gets to come along. Each of the characters are described in the book and their wardrobes were created to reflect various personalities and islands of the South Pacific. 

In the story the ocean does not divide the islands, it connects them. That is a theme of Moana 2.

In the “Preface” Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney Animation Studios and Executive Producer Jennifer Lee states, “Reigniting the magic of Moana has been a great privilege and joy for all of us at Disney Animation.”  

As the animators dedicated their work to design realistic canoes from the islands, they worked tirelessly to create a story that reflects not only the spirit of Moana but also the legacy of the islands.

In the film loved ones who have passed return as animals, and there are some pretty amazing animals in the story. Some of the history of various animals and island traits are described. Some of them never made it into the film but many did and the images in the book along with the descriptions take readers right into the story, the legends, and the history.

The Art of Disney Moana 2 is a beautiful addition to the series of books dedicated to the filmmakers who have brought fans many hours of enjoyment. Flipping through the pages is mesmerizing, and reading why and how the filmmakers came up with the people, places, and things provides a deep insight into the world of Moana.

THE ART OF MOANA 2 

  • Chronicle Books
  • By Kalikolehua Hurley, Jennifer Lee (Preface), David Derrick Jr. (Foreword), Jason Hand (Foreword), Dana Ledoux Miller (Foreword)
    11 x 9 in, 160 pp • Hardcover, jacketed
  • ISBN: 978-1797232713 • $45.00 

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and all aspects of entertainment and has done so 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 Chronicle Books

Fun books for kids to celebrate Hanukkah

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Hanukkah (Chanukah) is late this year. The Jewish holiday follows the Hebrew calendar so it occurs at different times on our calendar each year. This year it begins the night of December 15, 2024 and runs through January 2, 2025.

The holiday celebrates the story of the miracle of the Maccabees, the ancient Jews who fought against the Greeks for their religious freedom. The oil in the Eternal Light was only supposed to last for one day but it miraculously lasted eight days, that is why the holiday is celebrated for eight days.

Each night a new candle is added to the Menorah, a prayer is said, and Jews around the world give thanks to God for the miracle and their freedom.

Here, courtesy PJ Publishing, are several books to celebrate the holiday with your children. They are available on PJ Library’s Amazon web store.(amazon.com/p.jlibrary)

From PJ Publishing:

BABY-AGE 2

You’re My Little Latke!

Written by Nicola Edwards, illustrated by Natalie Marshall, Printers Row Publishing Group

Hanukkah is full of tasty treats and fun traditions, but the best part of all is sharing it with your little ones. From the best-selling You’re My Little series comes You’re My Little Latke, a sweet, festive board book with cut-outs and raised elements on every page, featuring everything from yummy latkes to golden gelt to shining menorahs, all paired with sweet rhyming text. ($9.99srp)

 

Jewish Cats All Year Round

Written and illustrated by Varda Livney, PJ Publishing

 Jewish cats (and their mouse friends) celebrate Jewish holidays all year long . . . and so can Jewish babies! This cozy board book takes you through the Jewish calendar year with adorable art and simple text. Babies will love seeing their own faces smiling back from the mirror at the end! ($9.99srp, available on the PJ Library Amazon Web Store)

 

AGES 6-8

Hanukkah Upside Down

Written by Elissa Brent Weissman, illustrated by Omer Hoffman, Abrams

 In this award-winning, delightfully upside-down picture book holiday story, cousins from opposite sides of the globe debate who can celebrate the best Hanukkah. Eight chances to prove it—may the best cousin win! From their homes in New York and New Zealand, cousins Noah and Nora decide to have a competition. Winter versus summer: Who can have the world’s best Hanukkah? But as the eight nights go on, the contest proves tougher than they imagined. A warm, witty holiday story from acclaimed award-winning creators Elissa Brent Weissman and Omer Hoffmann, Hanukkah Upside Down shows that while there are countless ways to celebrate Hanukkah, family is what matters most. ($18.99srp)

 

Onions & Garlic

Written by Rebecca Sheir, Illuatrated by Sabina Hahn, PJ Publishing

In this graphic adaptation of an old Yiddish folktale, Haskell masters the art of cooking onions, survives a shipwreck, and finds himself successful beyond his wildest dreams. Retold by public radio veteran Rebecca Sheir, with comic-format artwork by Sabina Hahn, Onions & Garlic is inspired by the first live episode of the award-winning podcast Circle Round (WBUR). A humorous tale about the realities of supply and demand, Onions & Garlic will delight readers of all ages. ($8.99srp, available on the PJ Library Amazon Web Store)

 

AGES 9-12

Detour Ahead

Written by Pamela Ehrenberg, Tracy López

Every weekday morning, 12-year-old Gilah takes the same public bus to her school in Washington, DC, and this year, she’s finally allowed to ride alone. On the very first day, the bus swerves too close to a bicyclist, and Gilah finds the courage to alert the driver to stop the bus. Without a bike, 13-year-old Guillermo starts riding the H4 with Gilah. This National Jewish Book Award finalist is the story of a Salvadoran-American boy who is a poet, a neuro-diverse Jewish girl who loves breakdancing, and how they navigate the detours of their families, their friendship, and their lives. ($9.99srp, available on the PJ Library Amazon Web Store)

Other fun suggestions:

***

For a gift that keeps on giving well past the eight days of Hanukkah, sign up for a free PJ Library subscription to receive a new, age-specific book each month. PJ Library inspires joyful Jewish experiences by sending free storybooks and activities to families with children ages 0-12 and offering ways to connect with community. The program was founded in 2005 by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) and, with the support of generous donors and partners, now distributes books in seven languages to more than 650,000 children in over 40 countries every month. The PJ Library family experience is built around the monthly storybooks and also includes family-focused holiday guides and other free gifts. Anyone who visits PJ Library’s website can hear original storytelling podcasts and explore a vast collection of Jewish parenting resources. The program is designed to be welcoming for families across the diversity of Jewish life. Learn more or sign up for monthly children’s books at pjlibrary.org.

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 PJ Library

‘Moana 2’ – Movie Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Moana 2 is getting mixed reviews because it was originally designed to be a limited series on Disney+ but was truncated into a feature film. The story itself is basically in tact however there are some parts that would most likely have been explored more in a series, mainly the background of some of the characters.

This story  takes place three years after Moana met Maui and the whole adventure of the island princess began. Moana is a Wayfinder and loves exploring the ocean.

She now has a little sister (little sis) named Simea who (as I predicted when I first saw the trailers) steals the show. She is adorable and hopefully her character will be explored further in future projects, whether they are for TV or film.

Moana gets a call from her ancestors to travel the ocean to find other people. If she does not connect to other island people, Motunui will be doomed. She is told to follow a comet to her destination.

Moana sets out on this dangerous journey with her beloved pig Pua, her chicken Heihei, and three others she selected to help along the way. These three people from Motunui – Mono, Toto, and Kele – are chosen for their individual qualities, but more back story about them would have been helpful to understand why she selected them to be her crew. And it would be interesting to know why Loto has a Australian accent when no one else does.

Her task is to set foot on an island that has been cursed. It was cursed to divide the island peoples and the only way to break the curse and unite the people of the different islands is for a human to touch it. But getting there is the trick.

First they confront the Kakamora (their story is from the first film). Then Moana and her crew, along with Maui, have to escape from a giant clam and then they must traverse violent waves and storms. Maui must raise the island from the floor of the ocean where it was sent by the curse, and then Moana has to touch it, which proves to be quite a feat for both Maui and Moana.

There are some cute aspects of the film. Moana has her fan group of little girls on Motunui who dress like her and have their own pig, which they named Pua. Simea adores her big sis and wants to go with her on the journey, but being only three years old it is too dangerous for her. 

Both Pua and Heihei add cuteness to the film, as do the kids on Motunui and especially Simea.

Moana’s connection to the ocean is imperative and continues in this film. Also, the scenery is magnificent. It’s like a travel log to the South Pacific.

I saw the movie with someone who had not seen the original film. She enjoyed it but would have liked to have known more about the aspects of Moana and Maui (and the Kakamora) that were in the first film. Although it’s not necessary to have seen Moana, it does help audiences to understand the characters and situations.

Spoiler alert – Moana does die in the film but is brought back by her ancestors and is now a demigod. 

Moana 2 is not as good as the first film and there are no songs that stand out like there were in Moana. Knowing the background of how this became a film instead of a streaming series I was prepared to be very disappointed. It was better than I expected. With the exception of some deeper dives into the characters and the lack of great songs, it is a decent attempt at a sequel. Disney is noted for sequels. This is not one of their best but it is okay. And Moana is a beloved Disney Princess so her fans will most likely enjoy the continuation of her story.

Moana 2 is rated PG for action/peril.

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 Disney

‘The Search for Secret Santa’ brings mystery and love to viewers

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The Search for Secret Santa is a 2022 holiday romantic story combining mystery, dedication, and a bit of intrigue as a long-lost secret Santa gift leads to many clues for cub reporter Sofia. Now streaming on UP Faith and Family, this is a cute little film for a cozy afternoon this holiday season.

Sofia (Skye Coyne) just got demoted from her journalism job. She is now a freelancer for the paper and must come up with her own stories. Sofia is determined to find something spectacular to help her regain her status on the paper. 

At the same time, she moves into a new apartment in an old renovated house where Sofia discovers an unopened present in the basement when she is putting her storage boxes away. The wrapped box simply says “From B. to Claire.”

After a “meet cute” moment when she literally bumps into Jackson (Alex Trumble), Sophia decides to focus solely on the mysterious package. There has to be a good story behind it and this will undoubtedly turn into a great article for the paper.  When she opens the package she discovers an antique nutcracker so she takes it to an antique store where, lo and behold, it is owned by Jackson and his sister. 

While putting one clue together with another, Sophia and Jackson (who has inserted himself into the search for the owner of this beautiful and expensive nutcracker), the duo find themselves in a dangerous situation. There is a crook intent on stealing the expensive nutcracker however Sophia is cunning and manages to hide it where no one would look.

The mystery of the history of the nutcracker, who wrapped it up, and the intended recipient finally gets solved. Throughout the story shades of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite play in the background and the story of “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” also plays a role in this film.

The Search for Secret Santa is not the best holiday film however it does have some cute moments and is a fun way to spend a cozy night or afternoon.

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.

Disney Parks – castles around the world

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

courtesy Disney

The centerpiece of any Disney park is the iconic castle. Actually, it’s not only identified with the parks, it is the symbol of the company. Every movie begins with the castle. But in the films the castle and its surroundings varies depending on the theme of the show. And that is true for the castles in the parks as well.

Disneyland – Anaheim, California

photo: Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort

Disneyland was the first Disney theme park and Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is the focal point of the park. Located at the end of Main Street U.S.A., the iconic pink castle stands as a testament to Walt Disney’s imagination, his films, and all those who created the company. 

While many people might think of the Matterhorn is the symbol of Disneyland (this is the only park that has a Matterhorn), in fact it is the castle that most often comes to mind when people think about Disneyland.

Walt Disney personally oversaw the construction of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. When the park opened in 1955 the 77 feet high castle captured the hearts of all the guests. It was the epitome of fantasy, which is what the park is all about.

Guests can walk through the castle and on the other side is King Arthur’s Carousel surrounded by the attractions of Fantasyland. 

Walt Disney World – Orlando, Florida

photo: Francine Brokaw

Standing 189 feet high, Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is a giant compared to the castle at Disneyland. This castle has had many incarnations as through the years the façade has stayed the same but the design has changed to focus on whichever anniversary was being celebrated. The castle looked like a giant birthday cake for the 25th anniversary  and for the 50th anniversary it took on a more regal exterior.

Cinderella’s Castle was built in 1971 and inside there is a Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique for children, Cinderella’s Royal Table restaurant, and for lucky guests  there is a Cinderella Suite. To get a night in the enchanted Cinderella Suite, guests win it through a contest or be invited by the park. 

Photo: Francine Brokaw

Photo: Francine Brokaw

The suite was opened in 2006. It is four stories above the Magic Kingdom in the beautiful – and very big – castle. Once you enter the castle’s private reception area you’ll take the elevator to your suite and live like a king (or queen, princess or prince!) The suite has the feeling of a real castle from the past (say, the time of Cinderella) with all the modern amenities! Flat screen TVs, an incredible bath tub with a twinkling ceiling so you can feel like you’re bathing under the stars, a salon and bedchamber. 

Originally this space in the castle was thought to be intended as an apartment for the Disney family. Now this regal suite is a special place and for some lucky people a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Think about the stories you could tell when you get home, or the memories your children will have after such an experience. It’s what dreams are made of. 

Tokyo Disneyland – Tokyo, Japan

courtesy Disney

Tokyo Disneyland is the only Disney park not operated by Disney. Instead it is under the thumb of the Oriental Land Company. The landmark castle in Tokyo is basically the same exterior as the Cinderella Castle in Florida. It was built in 1983 and stands 168 feet high, a little shorter than the castle at Walt Disney World. 

Guests can walk through this castle and look at art depicting Cinderella’s story and see her throne as well. 

Disneyland Paris – Paris, France

courtesy Disney

Formerly referred to as Euro Disney, this park changed its name to  Disneyland Paris in 1994. It’s no wonder the castle in this park is the 167 feet high Le Château de la Belle au Bois dormant. This translates to “Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.” You would think being in France they would have constructed the castle from Beauty and the Beast (which was produced in 1991), but sadly, no. Nevertheless, this is a magnificent and beautiful castle and the centerpiece of Disneyland Paris.

Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong Kong

courtesy Disney

Another Sleeping Beauty Castle resided at Hong Kong Disneyland. This was almost identical as the castle in Anaheim, standing 77 feet high.

To celebrate all the Disney princesses, the castle in Hong Kong Disneyland changed in 2020 to the Castle of Magical Dreams. This transformation is magnificent. It now stands 167 feet high and is colorful, imaginative, and magical. Looking at the façade guests can pick out parts from their favorite princess movie.

Inside the castle in a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and this is an area in which guests often find princesses for meet and greets.

Shanghai Disney – Shanghai

courtesy Disney

In 2016 the Enchanted Storybook Castle wowed guests with its impressive façade that looks like it came out of a storybook, hence the name! It stands 196 feet high and inside this massive castle is a boutique and a restaurant. It is definitely the focal point of the entire park and a location guests enjoy looking at and visiting. This is not like any other Disney park castle. It’s, well, to put it bluntly, it’s enchanting.

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.

‘Ronja, The Robber’s Daughter’ on Viaplay Streaming Service

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Ronja, The Robber’s Daughter is a tSwedish television series now available in the U.S.A. It was the number one series when it aired in Sweden. The six episodes of season one are now available.

The series was written by Hans Rosenfeldt and combines the fantasy and imagination of the worlds of Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. From the Swedish popular book by Astrid Lindgren (who brought us Pippi Longstocking) this is a coming-of-age story about a young girl in Medieval Scandinavia.

Ronja was brought up by a band of robbers in a secluded fortress surrounded by a mystical forest. She knows nothing of the outside world. She has been cared for and looked after by not only her parents but also the entire gang.

Slowly, Ronja is allowed to go out and explore the magical and mystical surrounding. She comes across many dangerous creatures but thanks to her caregivers always comes out all right.

Then one day Ronja meets a young boy named Birk. Birk is from a rival robber gang who have been chased away from their home. It’s a Romeo and Juliet type of story with the two gangs feuding and the two kids stuck in the middle. Ronja likes her friend but also has her loyalty toward her parents and those who raised her.

With gray dwarfs, fearsome creatures, and plenty of danger around every corner, Ronja takes it all in stride. She is tough and confident. 

Gerald Biart, Viaplay Group, VP Partnership, Growth & Marketing said, “We’re thrilled that US audiences have been embracing Nordic storytelling and signing up to stream the very best in Nordic and European series and films on the Viaplay US streaming service”

Season one is available on the Viaplay streaming service and viewers have the option of viewing it with English subtitles or dubbed into English. 

For younger viewers, there is a 2014 animated version from Studio Ghibli available on Prime Video. It is cute however the grittiness of the Viaplay version is probably more appealing for parents to watch with their children.

The Viaplay add-on streaming service features thousands of hours of premium Nordic and European series and films. Viaplay’s US content offering focuses on the Nordic region’s high-quality and psychologically penetrating titles: from atmospheric and suspenseful crime dramas and provocative and stylish young adult series to award-winning dramas and riveting documentaries.

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.

Holiday movies to watch for FREE for the whole family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw
VA Media has a special gift for families this year. They have handpicked holiday movies for the whole family and combined them into subjects so it’s easy to click on one of the links and then select which film you or your family want to stream at any given time. There are so many different films it will be hard to select which one you want to see first, but don’t worry. You have time to watch all of these featuring some of your favorite actors. What a treat. Thank you VA Media

‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ is coming!

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Get ready for the third installment of this popular franchise. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hits theaters December 20, 2024 – great for holiday viewing!

Sonic the Hedgehog returns to the big screen this holiday season in his most thrilling adventure yet. Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.