Author: Francine Brokaw

‘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.

 

 

‘Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story’ airs on Hallmark

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

What do you get when you combine football with Christmas? In this case it’s a cute holiday original movie from Hallmark. Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story premieres November 30, 2024 on Hallmark Channel.

“This holiday season, Hallmark is all about bringing joy to the world,” shared Darren Abbott, Chief Brand Officer, Hallmark. “Our new partnership with the NFL and Chiefs is uniquely designed to do just that — to find universal ways to spread cheer, tell heartwarming stories and build excitement for our treasured hometown brands during this very special time of year.”

“We are extremely grateful for the entire Hallmark team and the unique hometown partnership that’s been created around our two brands and this movie,” said Mark Donovan, President, Kansas City Chiefs. “With the excitement of the start of the football season, and the holiday season on the horizon, there is no better way to highlight this partnership and announce the premiere date than to leverage one of Kansas City’s biggest parties – Chiefs gameday!”

The story centers around a family whose existence as a family is due to the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s a long story but because of the Chiefs, Alana’s (Hunter King) grandparents met and from there the family began. Now three generations are avid Chiefs fans and are vying for the coveted “Fan of the Year” trophy.

Derrick (Tyler Hynes) is the new Fan Engagement officer at the Chiefs’ front office. His task at the moment is to determine who will be the “Fan of the Year.”

In an unexpected encounter, Derrick meets Alana and her family but he does not let them know he works for the Chiefs. While they all get acquainted, Derrick discovers the fun of his new city and the love people have for the Chiefs.

In typical Hallmark fashion, Derrick and Alana do fall in love but there are some bumps along the way.

Alana is superstitious, to put it mildly. She believes the reason the Chiefs win is someone in her family wears a special hat on Christmas Day. There is a long story about that hat and when Derrick learns about this tradition/superstition, he relays it to the front office. The story takes off and soon Alana and her family are famous in the Chiefs world among the players and their fans.

This is the first collaboration between the Chiefs and Hallmark, and there is probably more to come.

Football fans – and especially those who love the Kansas City Chiefs – as well as Hallmark fans will be delighted with this story that brings Christmas magic to the mix, besides the lucky hat!

Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story is a love story of the Chiefs fans with their team as much as it is the love story of Alana and Derrick. It premieres November 30, 2024 on Hallmark Channel.

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.

 

Image courtesy Hallmark Channel

‘Armor’ stars Sylvester Stallone and Jason Patrick

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Father and son James (Jason Patrick) and Casey (Josh Wiggins) have partnered up as armored truck drivers/deliverers.  James is a former cop and alcoholic. Casey is about to be a first-time father. This job gives them the opportunity to spend more time together.

Casey thinks the job is a bit boring and wants a little adventure. Be careful what you wish for. 

On a seemingly routine run, the duo comes up against some well-armored men intent on stealing the contents of the truck. There is more to this particular delivery than the usual boxes of cash. 

When the truck is ambushed on a bridge, with one van of crooks ahead of them and one van behind them, there is nothing left to do but stop. Once they do stop the fireworks begin. 

Being trapped in the armored truck is a bit more than Casey bargained for and as they come under attack there seems to be no way out.

Stallone is the leader of the violent gang. Spoiler alert: he is a bad guy. Viewers love to see Stallone going after bad guys, but in this case he’s on the other side. 

As one by one the attackers fall victim to the cleverness of the duo, it soon becomes apparent that this standoff is not going to end quickly.

Stallone’s character goes under the name “rook” and his gang is anxious for him to finish the job. But there is a soft side to him. He has no intention of killing John and Casey, but his cohorts have other ideas.

As they try to keep their cool inside the truck and keep Casey from dying due to a bullet wound, the father and son look back on the incident that killed Casey’s mother. They clear the air between them as the truck fills with tear gas. So, what’s going to happen to them in the end? 

This is a violent and gritty story filled with plenty of tense action. It is not for young viewers.

Armor is rated R for violence and language – and there is plenty of both. It opens in theaters (and on demand) November 22, 2024.

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.

Adding to The Elf on the Shelf Family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The Elf on the Shelf is a family tradition. It began in 2005 with a sweet story and a Scout Elf to accompany the book. The Scout Elf is available as a boy with blue or brown eyes and a girl with blue or brown eyes. These little guys have been watching over households for years and reporting back to Santa, filling him in on who has been naughty or nice.

Now the family of Elves is growing. The Frost Pips are adorable. They’re baby elves and are available as a boy with blue eyes (in a green flower), dark skin boy with brown eyes (in a blue flower), girl with blue eyes (in a purple flower), and a dark skin girl with brown eyes (in a light blue flower). They can sit in their flower, be held by a scout elf, or just sit alone. These babies are whimsical and add some new cuteness to the elf family. ($7.95 each)

And speaking of new cuteness, Elf Pets bring more love to the family. Each plush pet comes with its own book telling the story of how they interact with Santa and the elves. There is a reindeer, a Saint Bernard, and an Arctic Fox. They each have their own story filled with inspiration and love.

 

Now, you definitely want to make sure your scout elf is dressed for whatever you have in mind so check out all the outfits. Football lovers will want to dress their elf in the Touchdown Tidings Set, and kids who want to sleep with their elf should dress it in the Snowflake Snuggles PJ. There are outfits for fancy occasions or just playing around. The Doodles and Dreams Sleeping Bag is just the ticket for an elf who needs his or her own bed. It comes with markers to color in the design and personalize the sleeping bag. 

There is no doubt the popularity of The Elf on the Shelf is growing and the family of elves as well as all their accessories are growing along with the fun of the elves.

These little guys are not only for Christmas time. With all their outfits, furry friends, and accessories, they are year round enjoyment. Who would have thought in 2005 when the book was published that it would lead to a whole new world of fun? This is a phenomenon that has no end as the family keeps growing, adding babies, more clothing, additional accessories, furry pets, and even plush elves. 

Just looking at the faces of the elves will put a smile on your face. They are filled with sweetness, caring, and love. 

While The Elf on the Shelf was created for the holiday season, and indeed they do add some additional fun and whimsy to the holiday, they have become family additions for the entire year. From one little story with a little elf, a whole new world has emerged, and that world keeps growing every year.  And there are DVDs with stories about the elves and their pets. 

No one can have too many elves. They make great gifts for young and old. If you have not brought an elf into your home yet, why not? This is a great time to get your elf, baby, pet, outfit, accessories, and more. 

 

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.

Harry’s Famous Sauce – product review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Harry Hamlin is well known for his acting and his AMC cooking series In the Kitchen with Harry Hamlin. At this stage in his life he is focusing more on his cooking than his acting and has partnered with his niece Renee Guibault in their company called The Open Food Company. 

“Uncle Harry’s sauce has been a decades-long centerpiece for his dearest friends and family,” says Guilbault. “We’re not keeping anything a secret – it’s long past time for the first open-source food company, so we are building it in real-time. Customers will be able to scan a QR code to learn about the recipe and cooking method. 

“We believe that access to nutritious and delicious food is a human right, that people should know exactly what’s in their food. Harry and I agree that food should be made with simple ingredients found in your own kitchen, and never synthetic flavoring, preservatives, stabilizers, or chemicals.”

 

The company sent me some samples of Harry’s Famous Sauce – Rosemary Red Wine Sauce. It smells delicious.

We tried the sauce on rigatoni. It retained its thickness while heating, which is something not all sauces do. It did not get watery at all.

So, how did it taste? Actually, I really did like it. It has a rich, somewhat sweet taste. I tried it with and without parmesan cheese. The verdict? It is something I would make again, which is how I judge products. I am considering adding mushrooms to it next time for a little change, but it is good on its own.

Fans of Hamlin will enjoy getting this as a gift this holiday season. And if you are going to a party, this makes a great host/hostess gift, as my mother always told me never to go empty handed.

“We want to become the proof point for transparency in food and demonstrate that you can absolutely operate a ‘for-profit’ business while also meaningfully giving back to your communities by selling totally delicious and unique food products,” Guilbault says about their company.

As part of their mission to make real food more transparent and accessible for all, they support charity partner-organizations committed to hunger-relief efforts and have already donated $10K to 4 different charities.

Hamlin is not giving up acting even though he is concentrating on cooking. Among some of his credits are Mayfair Witches, 80 for Brady, Shooter, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Veronica Mars, Movie Stars, L.A. Law, and many more movies and TV shows. 

Harry’s Famous Sauce is now available for everyone.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, 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.

The holidays are back at Disneyland Resort with plenty of fun, food, and merch

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Celebrate the 2024 holidays at Disneyland Resort. Both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure have plenty of fun things to see, do, buy, and eat. 

And yes, they have plenty of Chanukah merchandise as well as Christmas items.

Disney California Adventure

There is a Sip and Savor Pass available in either 4 or 8 item options. They are digital so there are no more tags to click off. Simply present the pass when ordering at one of the several areas around the park at the Festival of Holidays.

The pass is then scanned and the remaining number of items are printed on the receipt so you can keep track of how many more goodies you can order. And believe me, there are plenty of items available on the Sip and Savor Pass.

Take advantage of the many sweet and savory items at the marketplace. They are only available during the Festival of Holidays so this is the time to try something new.

Just a quick recommendation: I was pleased the Kugel Mac and Cheese was back again this year. And yes, I had to get it again. It’s delicious.

Viva Navidad

Also in the park is a new street party outside the Paradise Gardens Arch. “Mirabel’s Gifts of the Season” is a colorful and musical show featuring the characters from Encanto. It’s an upbeat and happy show for the whole family.

photo: Joshua Sudock / Disneyland Resort)

In the evenings catch “A Musical Christmas with Mariachi Alegria de Disneyland and Miguel.” Yes, little Miguel from Coco joins the fun with his guitar as everyone delights in the music of a Mariachi Christmas. Unlike Miguel’s appearances in the park in the past he is real and not a puppet. That is a fun aspect for fans of the film and of little Miguel.

Disneyland Park

At Disneyland there are also several delicious items created especially for the holiday season. Plus there are things to purchase as well. The Holiday Wreath Cake looks especially enticing this year.

Guests can take home a holidays 2024 Disneyland spirit jersey or special holiday ears. And check out the novelties for your home decorating too.

The Country Bears Barbecue Jamboree is a delicious place to tempt your taste buds. Stop by to check out all their savory items.

 

 

Downtown Disney and The Disneyland Hotels

Yes, it’s unique to see snow in Southern California outside of Disneyland Park, but this year guests at Downtown Disney will be able to catch a snow moment by Splitsville.

There is a cute Chip and Dale ornament game that guests can join. Find the clues and collect a special gift.

The Disneyland Hotel has a Broken Spell Lounge and a Holiday Pop Up Bar. This is a festive locale for visitors to the resort.

The Grand California once again has a giant tree and a mouth-watering gingerbread display. And in there is a holiday party in the Storyteller’s Cafe. Guests can also purchase special novelties and the Mickey Gingerbread Cookies that are offered in the park. If you have a craving for a Mickey Gingerbread Cookie, you do not have to go back into the park. They’re now available in the hotel. How great is that?

Pixar Place Hotel is a destination everyone will want to go to. There are over 20 specialty trees, each decorated to represent a different Pixar film. Now that’s creative and a must-see for all Pixar fans.

The Disneyland Resort is a fun way to spend the holidays and make memories for your whole family. Whether you go for a day or more, there’s a lot to see, do, eat, and buy. Happy holidays!

 

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.

Mickey and Minnie photo: Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort