Author: Francine Brokaw

‘The Art of Toy Story 5’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The newest Pixar Animation Studios film, Toy Story 5, once again delves into the personalities of the toys as they face yet another change. The Art of Toy Story 5 is a great adjunct to the film for not only Toy Story fans, but also animation buffs and aspiring artists.

This book provides background to the story and the illustrations are a fun insight into how the movie progressed from inception to the final production. Besides the wonderful art, the creative team behind the film add their own comments and experiences with the story.

A special inclusion inside the book is a life-size (or near life-size) paper Lilypad. Lilypad is the hand-held computer given to Bonnie. Lilypad is the basis for the story, as Bonnie turns to computer games in lieu of the toys that have been her friends for years. 

“Lilypad was a big, fat design challenge for every department,” says Production Designer Bob Pauley. The paper Lilypad in the book shows various incarnations of the device, and how the designers intricately created this fictional computer. It might be eye-opening for readers to see how precise the team was in creating Lilypad.

While Lilypad is the impetus for the storyline, the toys we have grown to love over the years are still very much part of Toy Story 5. Beside the familiar toys, plenty of new ones make their debut in the movie. And, true to their own characters, the toys continue their devotion to Bonnie.

Throughout the pages of the book, the images reinforce how intricately they designed every piece of the film and how the team diligently worked at creating another memorable story in the franchise. The character designs as well as the whole atmosphere was well thought out.

Through the art as well as the input by the filmmakers, the book provides a well-rounded look at the making of the movie. As with all of “The Art Of” books, this is a good resource for aspiring animated filmmakers and artists. It is also a nice addition to “The Art Of” library as well as fans of the movie franchise.

This is a behind-the-scenes look at the latest Toy Story film and for fans who have seen the movie it adds background and in-depth coverage of the way the movie developed.

And for those who have not yet seen the movie, this is a nice way to introduce the concept and the characters. By the way, look at page 108 where Buzz takes a ride on a robot vacuum. How cute and clever. To infinity and beyond…

  • The Art of Toy Story 5
  • Publisher  :  Chronicle Books
  • Publication date  :  May 26, 2026
  • ISBN-10  :  179723708X
  • ISBN-13  :  978-1797237084

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘A Stitch in Time is another comfy episode of ‘Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The next episode in the Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries series is another cozy mystery. A Stitch in Time revolves around a quilt that seems to be more than a simple yet attractive blanket.

When Cheryl and Naomi (Galadriel Stineman and Denise Gossett) go to an estate sale, Cheryl is drawn to a beautiful and unique quilt. After purchasing it, there is a lot of curiosity and interest in the item which causes the duo to wonder what is so special about this particular quilt. 

As Cheryl investigates the owners of the house where the sale was as well as the woman who made the quilt, things begin to fall into place. And when she is contacted by a young woman who also has ties to the quilt, she knows there is more to this than meets the eye.

As she uncovers (no pun intended) the history of the quilt, Cheryl is able to reunite a family that has been fractured for decades.

Besides this cozy and comfortable mystery, there are more revelations about personal relationships, mainly Naomi and Seth (Ryan O’Quinn), and Cheryl and Levi (Kevin Joy) continue their friendship that could ultimately lead to more in the future. 

A Stitch in Time, the next episode of A Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries,  premieres May 28, 2026 on UPtv and can be streamed 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 and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Bring Home ‘Harry and the Hendersons’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The fun 1987 film Harry and the Hendersons is now available on 4K UD. The story of the sweet and sensitive Bigfoot is a family classic.

The Hendersons are a close family. When George (John Lithgow), Nancy (Melinda Dillon), and their kids Sarah and Ernie (Margaret Langrick and Joshua Rudoy) are on a camping trip, George and Ernie hone their hunting skills. George prides himself of his animal killings and Ernie wants to follow in his father’s footsteps.

On their way back to Seattle they run into – literally – a Bigfoot. Not sure exactly what they hit, George inspects this big mass of fur. Then, realizing what they have, the whole family lift the “dead” body onto the roof of their car, take it back to their house, and hide it in the garage. All this time they think it is dead. But…it isn’t. 

Once he wakes up from the trauma, the Bigfoot makes his way into the house where he begins to cause havoc. He isn’t harmful, in any way, but he is confused. How did he end up in the city? What are all these things in the house? And, the biggie, what are the animal heads doing on the walls?

After a time, they realize Harry, the name they gave him, is not going to hurt them. On the contrary, he is a sweet fellow. But when he leaves the Henderson’s, he wanders around the city trying to return to his home in the forest. This causes plenty of “Bigfoot Sightings” and makes the newspapers and TV news. 

George is intent on finding Harry before he is harmed, knowing there are hunters around who want to kill Harry. After all, they think he is dangerous, but the Hendersons know he is definitely not a danger to anyone.

Once he is located and safely brought back to their house, Harry is treated like a member of the family. 

With the help of a Bigfoot specialist (Don Ameche), they devise a plan to return Harry to his real home. But there is a Bigfoot hunter hot on their tail, intent on baggigr the ultimate prize.

The ending leaves viewers with a good feeling. Harry, after all, is a lovable guy people have taken to their hearts since he first appeared on the big screen.

There are some bonus features included on this double disc (BD and 4KUHD). “Finding the Missing Link” is a tongue-in-cheek look at Bigfoot and sightings. “The Making of Harry and the Hendersons” takes viewers behind the scenes in a fun way and the cast discuss Harry. “Newswrap” is a combination of the making of and the magic of Harry.

Several deleted scenes, along with commentaries, round out the additional features on this 4K UHD release.

Harry and the Hendersons is rated PG. Although there are scenes of dead animals, on the whole it is a fun family film. The release date of this 4K UHD is May 26, 2026.

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 and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Pro Dock – Product Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The Pro Dock from ZAGG turns any area into a comfortable workspace – even a kitchen table! Working on a laptops or tablets is much easier and expandable.

The Pro Dock comes with a sturdy stand. It doesn’t weigh too much but it is definitely not light as a feather. The stand includes an integrated USB-C cord to easily attach to an iPad or other device. It also has a power box to plug into an electrical outlet to keep your device charged.

The stand itself can be positioned in two ways. In the original position the laptop or tablet is angled. A magnetic adjustment positions the device in an upright position. Having the two angles and heights allows the user to position the screen in just the right location.

There are several ports on the base of the stand to plug in headphones, SD Cards, USB devices. A Satellite Hub adds additional ports. When the hub is plugged into the stand, the stand and hub together add 10 ports, making it a true work station for gaming, streaming, or working. All together they include 3 USB-C ports, 2 HDMI ports, 1 Audio Jack, 2 USB-A ports, 1 Ethernet port, and an SD Card Reader. Practically a port for every need.

The Satellite Hub is equipped with sticking strips to be able to secure it to a wall, under a desk, or wherever. Personally, I prefer not to attach it any specific place to be able to make the station truly portable. But for people who work mainly in one area, this is a handy feature as it helps keep the area as clutter free as possible when attached under a desk. This way all the cords are below the desktop.

All the plugs to connect the stand, satellite hub, the power box, and the laptop or tablet are included. The only thing missing is the actual laptop or tablet and the external devices. 

This Pro Dock makes a great graduation gift and a nice gift for students going off to college. It is sturdy, expands the abilities of laptops and tablets, and easy to use. There is absolutely no learning curve with this work station. Just plug in the cords and it’s ready to use. 

Do I love mine? You bet I do.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and all aspects of entertainment. In her career spanning over 30 years she has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.

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

 

Shark Robot Vacuum Cleaner – Product Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The Shark Matrix Clean Robot Vacuum has literally been a game changer for me. Vacuuming is not the hardest task when it comes to cleaning the house, however it does take time. The Shark Matrix Clean Robot Vacuum has freed up my days and my floors are dust and dirt free.

This self-emptying robot is easy to use. Just press the button and the first time out it maps the house. It does take a little while for it to learn the layout, but once it does that, it really becomes part of the family, not literally of course.

Press the “clean” button and a little tune announces it is ready to take off and get the job done. When it has filled its capacity it takes itself back to its dock, empties the load, and sets off again to continue vacuuming the house. If you want it to stop, simply press the “dock” button on the top and it takes itself back “home.”

How well does it work? That’s the main thing people want to know. For me it works wonderfully. It easily rolls across the wood floor, the tile floors in the bathrooms, and even onto the little rugs.

The vacuum can be voice activated and controlled by a smart phone. And, if there are areas of the house you do not want it to access, you can set it to leave those areas out of its routine. For instance, we have a walk-in shower that we do not want it to access. So, this little guy simply passes it by.

The suction is great.  This unit will easily suck up hair, crumbs, or other pieces of dirt. On the average, the base does not need to be emptied for 50-60 days, depending on how much dirt is there. I tend to use the vacuum two to three times a week, so sometimes it needs to be emptied sooner.

Cleaning the vacuum is also easy. Hair sometimes gets tangled in the roller. In that case, simply open the back and remove the roller. Pull out the hair or thread, or whatever is tangled in there, and replace the roller. Cleaning the rest of the unit is also just a matter of opening the bottom and cleaning the areas to keep the vacuum in top shape. And, if you happen to forget to clean it, don’t worry. It will remind you. Yes, this vacuum talks to you. 

There are some vacuums that also include mops, however I chose the vacuum only. 

Do I recommend this vacuum? Absolutely. It is well worth the price. And, look around. You can often find discounts on this model and other Shark robot vacuums. 

 
About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been reviewing products and writing about travel and entertainment for 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.

‘Sofia the First: Royal Magic’ is a new chapter for Sofia the First

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

She’s back for a brand new chapter in her life. Sofia, the girl from the village who became a princess overnight tackles new adventures in her new animated series Sofia the First: Royal Magic. The popular series Sofia the First (2012-2018) inspired several additional films, and now a brand new series on Disney Jr. and streaming on Disney+.

It’s her time to shine in this new series which focuses on Sofia at a new school. Miss Nettles opened The Charmswell School for Royal Magic. Little Sofia is anxious to begin her training in potions, charms, and sorcery. While her brother James and sister Amber stay at Royal Prep, Sofia embarks on new challenges.

The pilot not only introduces Sofia to her new school, but also new classmates and friends. The school is divided into three castles with four students in each, and the castles represent the founders of Royal Prep: Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather, the fairies from Sleeping Beauty. Sofia is assigned to the Merryweather castle, along with her new classmates Layla, Zane, and Camila.

Sofia and her castle-mates vie for the selection of castle pets as they learn to work together to win the race for the first pick. Racing against the two other teams, Sofia and her friends must work out three different situations using their intelligence and their magic, as well as teamwork. While they go from one puzzle to another, their friendship grows and they learn to not only work together, but also trust each other.

And, yes, for all those who enjoyed the first series when Sofia met other Disney princesses, there is an appearance by one of them (no spoiler as to whom), who gives her more insight into the power of the Amulet of Avalor. The Amulet has magic that has served the little princess well in the past, and now Sofia is entrusted with the task of learning more about the powers is gives her and how to use them. She is told she must master the magic of the amulet.

The series promises more appearances by various Disney princesses. It is a fun show with plenty of new situations for Sofia and her new friends.

And watch for little Pepper, an adorable little puppercorn (puppy-unicorn)  who is always up for fun.

The original series still holds the record for the Top 3 cable TV telecasts for Girls 2-5 of all time and remains one of the most successful global preschool franchises for The Walt Disney Company. Sofia the First won the Annie Award in 2014 for Best General Audience Animated TV/Broadcast Production for Preschool Children.

For additional fun with Sofia, Sofia the First: Magical Friends is a new short-form series introducing viewers to Sofia’s new school and friends. It is available on Disney Jr., Disney+, and the Disney Jr. YouTube channel.

Sofia the First: Royal Magic premieres May 25, 2026 on Disney Jr. and streams the following day on Disney+. Abracadabra, this is definitely a cute show for fans of Sofia (reruns of the previous series and movies are available on various platforms) and also introduces new fans to the little princess and the wonders of Enchancia and magic and a lot of fun with this endearing young princess.  Move over Hogwarts. The Charmswell School is more fun, more colorful, and more entertaining!

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 and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Two items to simplify your life in this tech world

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In today’s world of tech and stress, sometimes little things help make life just a bit easier. Here are two of those items from the folks at ZAGG.

Desk Mat with Wireless Charging

The MagSafe compatible Desk Mat with wireless charging from ZAGG makes a desk neater, less cluttered, and convenient. The integrated USB-C cord transforms this from just a desk mat into a convenient apparatus.

At 27 ½ inches long and 12 inches wide, this mat fits keyboards, keypads, mice and other devices. The wireless charging declutters desks, negating the need for an additional wireless charging pad or stands. 

Because it is wireless charging, there’s no need to plug in  iPods to charge them. Simply place the wireless charging holder on the mat and continue with whatever you’re doing. No additional cords are necessary to recharge your devices.

The mat itself is non-slip and includes two grooves near the top to hold a pen, stylus, writing utensils, etc. The two grooves make it easy for both right and left handed users to have their tools handy. And when placed in the grooves, they won’t roll away. 

For those looking to declutter their desk while at the same time being able to charge their Qi-enabled devices, this might be just what is needed.

The mat comes rolled in a protective tube. The mat is soft to the touch with the maximum speed of 10W for wireless charging. It’s not super fast charging, but it is charging, nonetheless. Unfortunately, the only color it comes in at the moment is black.

Mophie Universal Belt Clip

The Mophie Universal Belt Clip keeps your phone secure and safely attached to a belt. The unit is adjustable with a spring loaded holder to fit almost any size phone.

Switching the phone from vertical to horizontal is just a matter of clicking the holder. This can be accomplished while the unit remains safely attached to a belt. Phones can be adjusted to several angles for the user’s preference.

While it is primarily used for belts (that’s in the name), it can be secured on purses, pant waists, pockets, and other areas where it can snugly clip on.  Personally, I don’t wear a belt when I go for a walk, so I just clip this onto the waistband of my pants and off I go. 

The soft area holding the phone won’t scratch or mar the device. And the clip itself is very strong and sturdy.

If you’re tired of holding your phone and want a safe and secure way to keep it with you, check out the mophie universal belt clip. 

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been writing about products, entertainment, and travel for over 35 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as various Internet websites.

‘Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery’ from Hallmark

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Alison Sweeney returns for another captivating mystery. The Hannah Swensen Mystery franchise has been enjoyed by fans for almost a decade. The latest, Best Served Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, once again brings the fun – and funny – cast together for another mouth-watering mystery.

Hannah is a celebrated baker. And in this movie her baking skills save the day. But, before she does that, she discovers a dead body. Yes, it is a habit for this young woman. She always seems to find dead bodies. 

Her mother Delores (Barbara Niven) puts her own skills to the test when her private investigation business uncovers a couple who are forging coins that they say are from the Civil War. But Delores manages to infiltrate their   office and get the goods, so to speak, to help the prosecutors.

In the meantime,  Hannah’s boyfriend Chad (Victor Webster), the District Attorney, is swamped not only with his own cases, but also with the caseload dumped on him by his friend who has now gone missing. 

With Delores on the fraud case, Hannah starts investigating the disappearance of the missing lawyer. She has her suspicions, but there are some things that just don’t add up.

What they ultimately discover, is that the two cases – the forgery and the missing attorney – might be related. After all, he was supposed to be the prosecutor in the trial of the forgers. So, true to form, Hannah and Delores get involved up to their necks in these two cases. 

The trial turns out to be the crowning achievement of not only Chad, but also Delores who is a witness due to her investigation, as well as Hannah. It turns out Chad and Hannah make a great team, not only in their personal lives but also professionally.

This is another cute film in this fun franchise. Grab a glass of milk and cookies (unfortunately the mouth-watering cookies baked by Hannah are on the screen only) and enjoy this new Hannah Swensen Mystery.

Best Server Cold: A Hannah Swensen Mystery premieres May 16, 2026 on Hallmark Channel and begins streaming on May 17 on Hallmark+.  

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image supplied courtesy Hallmark Media

‘Fight Club’ has been restored and now on 4K

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The 1999 cult classic film Fight Club has been restored and is available now on 4K Ultra HD as well as Blu-ray and digital. Although not a story for everyone, it has a large following and has been touted as a new direction in filmmaking.

The narrator of the film (Edward Norton) suffers from insomnia. When his doctor tells him that his suffering is minuscule compared to others, citing a testicular cancer help group, he decides to pay that group a visit. What he discovers is that by letting go, even if he really does not have that affliction, is helpful. So, he starts attending a lot of various support groups, even though he has no need. Just being there and being able to cry and let loose helps his insomnia. Who would have thought?

This guy lives a lonely life. He loves his possessions. But when his apartment goes up in flames, he spirals out of control. Having met Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) on a flight, he decides to give him a call.  What he is looking for is some connection. 

Tyler is an odd fellow. Nevertheless, he invites the Narrator to stay with him. 

The two start a “fight club” where men get together and – fight. Bare knuckled! At the end of the night they are bloodies and bruised, but they feel exhilarated. They are manly men. Unlike the Jets and the Sharks in West Side Story, these guys don’t depend on knives. They just use their fists. And boy, do they use their fists.

Unbeknownst to him, there are several of these fight clubs around the country. 

To say this is a weird story is an understatement. It does, however, have a following. And now, after 26 years, the film has been restored for true Fight Club fans.

The storytelling is unique and the visuals are gripping. 

The film – based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk – explores materialism and masculinity. 

There are no bonus features on the digital, however the discs do include many additional features. The Bonus features may vary by product and retailer.

4K ULTRA HD BONUS FEATURES

  • Commentary by Director David Fincher
  • Commentary by David Fincher, Brad Pitt, Edward Norton & Helena Bonham Carter
  • Writers’ Commentary by Chuck Palahniuk and Jim Uhls
  • Technical Commentary by Alex McDowell, Jeff Cronenweth, Michael Kaplan & Kevin Haug

BLU-RAY BONUS FEATURES

  • Commentary by Director David Fincher
  • Commentary by David Fincher, Brad Pitt, Edward Norton & Helena Bonham Carter
  • Writers’ Commentary by Chuck Palahniuk and Jim Uhls
  • Technical Commentary by Alex McDowell, Jeff Cronenweth, Michael Kaplan & Kevin Haug
  • A Hit in the Ear: Ren Klyce and the Sound Design of Fight Club
  • Flogging Fight Club Featurette
  • Insomniac Mode: I Am Jack’s Search Index
  • Work Behind-the-Scenes Vignettes with Multiple Angles and Commentary
  • Deleted and Alternate Scenes
  • Publicity Material Trailers, TV and Internet Spots
  • PSAs
  • Music Video
  • Promotional Galleries
  • Art Galleries
  • And More!

This movie is NOT for kids. It is rated R for disturbing and graphic depiction of violent anti-social behavior, sexuality, and language.

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 and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image supplied courtesy Disney

Enjoy “Paint the Night Parade” at Disneyland (or online) while it is still there

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Anyone who knows me knows The Main Street Electrical Parade is my all-time favorite night parade at Disneyland. I love the music, the colors, and those little bugs that dance in the street. But the Paint the Night Parade is giving that a challenge. 

I was privileged to experience this parade last year when the resort kicked off the 70th anniversary. Wow. What a jolt of colors and music. It is definitely a fun experience. 

Recently I have been watching the nightly event via various streaming channels. And sometimes I search online for archived videos of the parade. There is something magical about this display of lights, colors, characters, and especially music. That darn song stays with me for days. It’s addicting. I love it. 

Unfortunately, the Paint the Night Parade is scheduled to finish its run in August 2026. For those who are planning a visit to the Disneyland Resort this summer, make sure to watch this happy, joyous, entertaining parade. It will definitely dazzle you and is an experience to remember.

And for those who cannot get to Disneyland before the parade goes away, I urge you to catch some videos online. Watching the streaming channels live* is as close to being there as you can get, without actually being there. It isn’t quite the same as standing on the parade route, but it still is a fun way to enjoy the parade. And, as the song says, “I never want this to end.”

It would be nice if Disneyland kept this popular parade for a while longer, but they will probably come up with a new one that might be even better. Who knows? 

In the meantime, click on the link below to see a preview of the parade.

Paint the Night Parade720

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Video courtesy Disney

* As of this writing, Disney is considering banning or changing streaming rules in the parks. The ability to watch a stream from the park often helps those who are stuck home, sick in bed, or simply too far away to have a magical experience in person.  We’ll see what Disney decides.