Author: Francine Brokaw

Disney Princesses join together for more fun

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Ever since Snow White lit up the big screen in 1937, audiences have been electrified by the Disney princesses. Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Belle, Ariel, Tiana, Merida, Elsa, Anna, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Rapunzel, Raya, Moana, Sofia, Elena, and Vanellope, have enchanted fans of all ages – all ages!

While we are used to seeing them individually, there have been several occasions where they have met in various combinations and situations. Sure, Elsa and Anna are usually together since they are sisters, however there have been times when princesses have joined with other princesses for added royal entertainment.

Vanellope and the other Disney Princesses

Perhaps the most notable time when the princesses were gathered together was in the 2018 movie Wreck It Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet. It was there when Vanellope joined the rest of the royal gals, making these scenes downright delightful.

While in “the Internet,” Vanellope popped into the lounge where the princesses were waiting. Anna, Elsa, Ariel, Moana, Cinderella, Aurora, Jasmine, Merida, Rapunzel, Belle, Snow White, Tiana, and Mulan met the newest little princess who introduced them to casual attire. Initially dressed in their royal gowns, they changed into tees and other less formal wear. For fans of the girls, this was a fun change of pace, showing the princesses in a new light, all thanks to the easy-going Vanellope.

Easter Eggs

Disney/Pixar fans know the animators cleverly add fun little bits inside the movies. Eagle eyed viewers will have noticed Rapunzel and Flynn Rider (aka Eugene) attending Elsa’s coronation in Frozen.

Hiding in the background of Oliver & Company is Princess Aurora. And Belle can be seen for an instant in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Although these Easter Eggs do not combine the princesses, it is notable that they add royal fun to the shows. 

Tangled was full of references and nods to other princesses. First, there is a little painting of Cinderella’s glass slipper on the banister. Aurora’s spinning wheel is also visible, as well as the poisoned apple from Snow White. 

Easter Eggs give viewers some additional fun – if they can spot them!

Sofia the First 

In the Disney Jr. TV series Sofia the First, new princess Sofia was given the Amulet of Avalor, a magical piece of jewelry that summoned other princesses when Sofia needed help and guidance.  The series ran from 2012 – 2018. Throughout the series Sofia met Cinderella, Belle, Ariel, Jasmine, Aurora, Mulan, Snow White, Tiana, Merida, and  Rapunzel. Besides making friends with other princesses, the magical necklace gave Sofia  the power to talk to animals too. 

And, the Amulet of Avalor also released imprisoned Elena, who had her own series, Elana of Avalor. The two princesses first met in the 2016 TV movie Elena and the Secret of Avalor. 

Instead of being born into royal life or marrying into royalty, Sofia was a common girl in a small village in the land of Enchancia. Her mother married King Roland II making her mother the Queen and Sofia  a princess with a new father (the King), and two siblings, Princess Amber and Prince James. 

It was a big change for little Sofia, and in the beginning she felt out of her league. But she was always an optimistic little girl, and she quickly became a good friend to other royals in the Royal Prep Academy, which, incidentally, is run by the fairies Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather from Sleeping Beauty fame.

The series introduced many other young royals who are now part of the Disney royal family, however it is doubtful they will ever be considered true Disney royalty. Princesses Vivian, Clio, Hildegard, Oona, Ivy, Isabel, Jun, Kari, Cora, Lani, Leena, Maya, Astrid, Cassandra, and Zooey all make appearances in the TV series through encounters with Sofia,  yet they are really not considered Disney princesses.

Sofia the First returns

Sofia  the First was a fun royal show for young viewers, and now a new series takes to the screen –  Sofia the First: Royal Magic. The show follows Sophia in her new school The Charmswell School for Royal Magic. And yes, other young students from across the realm will be in attendance.

Besides the students, the original characters from the first episode also return: Queen Miranda, King Roland II, Princess Amber, Prince James, Baileywick (the royal butler), Minimus (Sophia’s horse),  Cedric the Sorcerer, and of course Clover the bunny. Others from the initial series will return as well. 

To add to the princess fun, Cinderella, Aurora, Elena, Jasmine, Moana, and Rapunzel are also scheduled to make appearances to assist the young princess in her new endeavors.

The new series will premier on Disney Jr. beginning May 25, 2026, and be available to stream on Disney+ the following day.

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 is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries’ on UPtv and UP Faith and Family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The quaint Amish community of Sugarcreek, Ohio is a laid-back place where people help each other, look out for each other, and blend Amish and English residents in a picturesque setting. Sugarcreek has been the setting for several previous films, and now it is the center of the new UPtv series Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries. 

In the last movie, Cheryl Cooper (Galadriel Stineman) left Chicago after a difficult breakup and moved to Sugarcreek to manage her aunt’s gift shop. It is a little difficult adjustment for her, but Cheryl manages beautifully, especially with the help and friendship of her new Amish friend Naomi (Denise Gossett). 

Both Cheryl and Naomi are attracted to mysteries, to the chagrin of Police Chief Twitchell (Lance E. Nichols). It’s the old story of residents getting involved in police matters, and usually getting to the bottom of mysteries before the officials. Thanks to their inside contacts and sharp instincts, this new duo manages to not only deepen their friendship, but also help the community when trouble comes to Sugarcreek. 

“We’re excited to return to Sugarcreek and bring viewers deeper into Cheryl’s world,” said Crissie Miller, vice president, content strategy at UP Entertainment. “The success of our 2025 world premiere movie, Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries: Blessings in Disguise, made it clear our audience connected with the warmth, mystery and sense of belonging at the heart of this story. With Easter as the backdrop for our series launch, the timing feels perfect to invite families back into this community for new adventures.”

The pilot episode focuses on a rash of seemingly insignificant items being stolen from the shops in the town. Cheryl feels there is a connection between the thefts and an unknown person taking shelter in Naomi’s barn. 

As Cheryl digs deeper, Naomi sets a trap to find out who is living in her barn. She does not feel there is any danger, but it is a mystery she wants to solve. 

While the two keep their investigations from Chief Twitchell, they seem to be getting closer and closer to the thief. But is it who they think it is? There are several twists throughout the story as this calm Amish community is the focus of the mystery.

Slowly, Cheryl becomes ensconced in this quiet community. It is a comfortable place and her friendships with the Amish people takes root. Perhaps she might even have a new love interest. We’ll have to wait to see. It looks like Levi (Kevin Joy) might just step into that role.

This new heartfelt series premieres April 23, 2016 on UPtv. There are eight one-hour episodes in this first season. Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries is an easy-going, laid-back show filled with interesting stories blending the quiet Amish lifestyle with English mysteries. Viewers can also stream the series 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.

Image courtesy UPtv

DJI Osmo Mobile 6 – Product Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

For those of us who have grown up with home movies – now called home videos – we know how far technology has come from the old hand-held eight millimeter cameras. The grainy and shaky home movies that captured our childhoods and family vacations are windows to our past. Today’s generation capture videos on the ubiquitous smart phones. The images are cleaner and sharper than in the past. But now enter the gimbal. The gimbal is a marvel in that it allows for smooth movement when filming objects. Even when they are traveling at high speeds. The latest version of DJI’s Osmo Mobile is great for families. 

With spring break, Easter gatherings, summer vacations, Thanksgiving family get togethers, and holiday parties as well as family reunions and birthday parties, capturing videos for future memories is easier than ever. The Osmo Mobile 6 is compact and very light weight. It comes with an easy-to-snap-on magnetic clip that attaches to the gimbal. It also comes with a tripod and extension rod. And to make things just a little easier, there is a travel pouch to keep it all safe when in a suitcase, car, or drawer. 

The first thing to do if you get the Osmo Mobile 6 is to charge it with the accompanying USB cord. Once that’s done, the rest is a snap – literally. The tripod screws onto the base, the arm twists up, and the phone (now clipped to the magnet) snaps on. Voila. The gimbal comes alive. It aligns itself automatically. 

So, what does it do? Of course you can simply hold your phone in your hand and press the record button to capture videos, but the gimbal adds a lot more. Its main function is to stabilize the phone so it doesn’t shake when you move. It gives you smooth videos automatically. But this little gadget does much more. 

Perhaps one of my favorite things when it comes to this unit, is switching from portrait to landscape with just a double click of a button. Another useful easy-to-use side wheel lets you zoom in for a closer look. And the Osmo Mobile 6 has an “active tracking” feature so if you’re taking a video of little Johnny hitting the ball then running to first base, the device can stick with him during this feat of amazement. It tracks his movement and smoothly follows him around the bases. And when little Susie gives her presentation at the science fair, capturing it all is easy. Simply make sure the gimbal is facing her and start recording. You won’t have to watch it all through the phone. You can watch it through your eyes while the gimbal is recording it for posterity.

Click the link  to watch how the Osmo Mobile 6 changes quickly from Portrait to Landscape with just a push of a button. Osmo Mobile 6 view change

With the extension rod, it’s much easier to video over people’s heads. Those of us who are not six feet tall understand that little dilemma. 

There is a joystick that lets the user move the phone around while it’s on the unit. This is actually another of my favorite aspects of the Osmo Mobile 6. And, yet another button switches the camera from front to back so recording selfies is a breeze. Not only can you record yourself, but you can also move around at the same time and the video will still be smooth and clear. With just a click of a button users can start and stop the recording or take a still photo.

There is more to this little unit than all of this but these aspects are probably the most important for families who want a small, easy, reliable gimbal to save precious memories. The fact that it is light weight is a plus. And the tripod makes it easy to take group photos or group videos without having to miss out on the fun..

The one caveat is there is a slight learning curve to the Osmo Mobile 6. This little unit packs a lot into its uses with different modes and a variety of features. Getting the basics for family use is not too hard. I recommend adjusting to this unit then watching the beginners guides on YouTube, besides the one from DJI. Different YouTubers highlight different uses so it would behoove new users to learn from them and decide what features will be most useful for their own needs. 

Now when I watch my old family videos (which have been transferred onto DVDs), I see how far technology has come. The grainy and bouncy videos are precious to me and my family. These videos recorded our past. This new generation can record their family events in a completely different way – one without all the shakes and the blurry pictures. And in 20 years when it’s time to watch Johnny’s 10th birthday party, well, the video will be much better than those of the past. 

Gimbals are the updated devices for recording family memories. The Osmo Mobile 6 is small, lightweight, easy to handle, and has a variety of useful features besides the main use of stabilization. 

Note: DJI sent me the Osmo Mobile 6 for review. They wanted an honest opinion for family use.  And there you have it. 

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and 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, 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.

Alice in Wonderland is popular throughout the Disney parks

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Alice in Wonderland, the Disney animated version, premiered in 1951. Since then Disney has produced two live-action films with the same characters, however their original animated film is still a favorite among fans of the delightful little girl.

Alice and her story are so admired around the world, that Alice in Wonderland is represented in one way or another in every Disney theme park.

In Disneyland guests are treated to a whirling time at The Mad Tea Party where they spin in colorful teacups. This attraction as been a favorite since 1955, for guests of all ages. 

And just next to the tea cups is the popular dark ride Alice in Wonderland where, while riding in colorful caterpillars, guests are taken through the story of Alice, the White Rabbit, and everyone in the classic tale. 

The ride opened in 1958 and is still a go-to for guests as they travel through the croquet game and the un-birthday party. It is a fun recreation of the story. Personal note: this ride was the favorite ride my mom and I shared together every time we went to Disneyland. 

And Alice has been added to it’s a small world, so guests aboard the happiest cruise get to see her with other kids representing the children of the world.

Alice is also represented in Walt Disney World in Orlando. Guests to The Magic Kingdom experience the fun of the spinning tea cups.

And in Disneyland Paris, the Mad Hatter’s Tea Cups adds fun next to Alice’s Curious Labyrinth maze where characters from the story are represented. This is an outdoor experience for guests to explore the wonders of Wonderland.

Alice is represented in Tokyo Disneyland in it’s a small world. And, as in the other parks, Alice’s Tea Party provides spinning cups, which, as mentioned earlier, seems to be a favorite attraction among guests to all of the parks. Although the name of the attraction varies a little, the fun of the whirling cups is the same.

The Mad Hatter Tea Cups are also in Hong Kong Disneyland, however Shanghai Disneyland does not have a tea cups attraction. It is the only park that – so far – has not installed the rotating cups. They do, however, have a maze based on the Tim Burton live action movie.

Through topiaries at various times as well as special foods and merchandise, the characters from Alice in Wonderland are represented around the world. Besides sweet little Alice, there is the White Rabbit, The Queen, The Mad Hatter, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Cheshire Cat, and more. Since the 1951 movie premiered, all of these characters have made their way into pop culture and today’s lexicon.

And fans of Disney’s animated Alice in Wonderland will be delighted with the new 4K restoration on 4K UHD and Blu-ray coming May 5, 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.

Shelee’s Travel Center in Southern California is unique and convenient

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Just east of Palm Springs in Coachella is Shelee’s Travel Center. It is off the I-10, easily accessible from both east and west directions on the freeway.

What makes this stop better than others in the area?

1 – There are 59 pumps, which, in itself makes this a great stop. If you have waited in lines at gas stations to fill your tank, the fact that there are so many pumps makes a gas stop less time consuming and gets you back on the road quickly.

2 – Prices here are very competitive, often lower than other stations in the area.

3 – The dog park in this travel center is a plus when you’re traveling with your pet. 

4 – Besides the 59 gas pumps for cars, trucks, and SUVs, there is a dedicated area for RV refueling for RVs as well as “toys.”

5 – For those traveling in RVs, there is a propane area to replenish your gas.

6 – Also for RV travelers, there are three RV Dumps, making this an all-access stop for RV travelers.

7 – Inside the building is a little coffee shop which will brew your favorite caffeinated or decaffeinated beverage. And if you have a sweet tooth, they also offer pastry selections.

 

8 – The remainder of the inside is a large store filled with all kinds of clothings, accessories, and goodies, as well as a dedicated drink corner with a variety of beverages – from frozen drinks, coffees dispensers, shakes, juices, and more. 

9 – While on the road, it is important to find clean bathrooms, and Shelee’s has them. As a matter of fact, the women’s room has just added the BRILL Seat One, a sanitary toilet seat cover that replenishes itself for each visitor. Women know that it sometimes takes awhile to position the paper sanitary seat covers appropriately, and often, especially when needed most, there are no covers available. This is a game changer. 

The BRILL Seat One is a plastic cover that envelops the seat, instead of just laying on top. When a hand is waved over the activation button, the cover moves around the seat disposing of the old cover and depositing a fresh one in its place. 

And for women who often find a seat covered in drops from the previous user, this gadget gives users a clean seat free from any disturbing substances. We’ve all been there!

Click on the link below to  see how this works:
Shelees Brill One

There are several nice places to refuel in and around Palm Springs, and the addition of Shelee’s Travel Center has upped the ante when it comes to conveniences. So check it out when traveling though Southern California on the I-10.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment and travel industries for over 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.

Bring home ‘Beethoven’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The lovable, slobbering pooch Beethoven is absolutely adorable. The new Blu-ray edition of the 1992 movie Beethoven is stunning on a brand new HD master.

St. Bernards are fun-loving dogs and bring a lot of joy to their families. That is exactly what happens in the movie for the Newton family, with the exception of George (Charles Groden), the father. He is opposed to keeping the puppy that wondered into their home after escaping from dognappers. 

Alice (Bonnie Hunt) and their kids Ryce (Nicholle Tom), Ted (Christopher Castile), and Emily (Sarah Rose Karr) are instantly won over by the adorable pup and end up talking George into letting them keep him. They name him Beethoven.

As he grows, Beethoven causes a lot of havoc in the house, staining the carpets, scratching the walls, chewing George’s shoes, and eating everything. But he is definitely and firmly ensconced into the family. He has an uncanny sense of knowing when one of the kids needs help, and that is not only endearing, but also life-saving for Emily. 

While the Newtons deal with their own situations, there is a sinister gang dognapping pets throughout the town. Led by veterinarian Dr. Varnick (Dean Jones), they use the dogs for experimentation. This evil man has no conscience when it comes to mistreating the animals, even though he is a vet. His two henchmen (Stanley Tucci and Oliver Platt) do the dognapping while Varnick does the experimentation, which includes his new job of trying new ammunition on the animals. 

That is the situation in this little town. 

While Beethoven saves Emily, helps Ted fend off bullies, plays match-maker for Ryce with her school crush, and even saves George from losing his company, his antics and expressions win the hearts of viewers of all ages. St. Bernards are cute and expressive, and Beethoven is the ultimate example of this. Viewers will undoubtedly want to add one to their own family, however people need to understand the requirements of adopting a St. Bernard.

This is a cute show but there are scenes of potential peril, so keep that in mind when showing this to sensitive kids. Beethoven is rated PG for this reason. The ending is a happy one, with George turning into  Beethoven’s biggest fan.

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.

Check out the trailer for the upcoming Special ‘The Old Stories: Moses’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


From Wonder Project comes a three part special to stream on Prime Video this spring. The Old Stories: Moses.

“Moses is one of the most iconic figures in history, and his story still resonates with us today,” said filmmaker Jon Erwin. “We set out to tell The Old Stories: Moses with a cinematic awe and scale that feels both epic and personal. I am especially proud of the cast performances, and I can’t wait for people to see it on Wonder Project.”

From the world of House of David, The Old Stories: Moses is a three-part companion special that opens a window into the narratives that shaped Israel long before David took the throne. As the past unfolds with epic force, a young shepherd sees his own future reflected in the courage, failure, and obedience of those who came before him.

Check out the trailer below:

Photo: Ben Kingsley as “Moses” in THE OLD STORIES: MOSES, produced by Wonder Project and Amazon MGM Studios. Photo credit: Stefania Rosini.

Francine Brokaw

‘Little Amélie – or the Character of Rain’ now on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Little Amélie or the Character of Rain is a sweet and sensitive story of life through the eyes of one little girl. The animation is pretty and colorful, adding to the enjoyment of this film.

The story begins when Amélie is born. Her parents are Belgian and since her father is a diplomat, they are stationed in Japan. Amélie is their third child.

When she comes home, her brother and sister welcome her, but through her first two years she just doesn’t do anything. After all, what is there to do when you’re one? When she turns two, things change. She grows up and evolves, as do all children.

Amélie struggles. She cries a lot and is a nuisance to the family who are at their wits end. However, this little girl really comes to life and into her own when her grandmother gives her some Belgian chocolate. Chocolate makes everything better. 

The family employs a nanny, Nishio-san, who helps with the housekeeping as well as takes care of the children, mostly Amélie. These two become almost inseparable. As little Amélie and Nishio-san forge a strong bond, their love for each other grows.

Over the next year, Amélie’s view of the world changes as she learns more about life, people, and places. On her third birthday she gets a rude awakening. This is a sad birthday for her, and sad for viewers.

But there is a change that comes and, SPOILER ALERT, things work out for the family and especially for little Amélie.

The movie is a thoughtful representation of life through the eyes and perspective of a little girl. It is beautifully designed and will, in my opinion, be a treasured film families will enjoy over and over again.

The bonus features on this new Blu-ray release give viewers background to the story. The directors talk about how they created all the angles from the low height of Amélie, to give a true representation of what she sees and experiences. There is a little featurette about the characters, and a look at the animation from storyboard to the final cut.

The movie was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film as well as 46 other awards.

PARENTS NEED TO KNOW:

Little Amélie is rated PG for thematic content, peril and brief scary images. While there are some sad situations (the death of her grandmother and two times when she almost dies), the film is a sweet, touching story filled with love, and one little girl who will steal everyone’s heart.

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.

Watch ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ at home

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The third feature film in the Avatar franchise, Avatar: Fire and Ash, is now available on Digital at Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Movies Anywhere, and Fandango at Home. There are three hours of bonus features that add background to the characters, the production, and the visuals.

The world of Pandora has captivated fans since the first film debuted in 2009, which introduced the Na’vi civilization and culture to the public. It so entranced audiences, Disney created an entire world of Pandora in Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World. 

This newest film delves into many new cultures and characters. There are new clans introduced as well as spectacular visuals for the new characters, lands, and transportation, ie the gondolas used by the newest clan.

The warlike Ash People bring more drama, after having been almost wiped out due to a volcanic eruption. They are, to put it mildly, not happy with others and other worlds.

For those who saw the film when it was in theaters or those who have waited to view it at home, watching it in the comfort of home is a gift, as the film runs approximately three and a half hours. Being able to pause the movie is a plus. And being able to rewatch various scenes makes the digital (and later the discs) beneficial for viewers.

The bonus features delve into many aspects of the film, including how the production combined virtuality with live actors. The designs of the costumes and scenery is another great addition for fans who are curious about how and why various aspects were created. The scenery is spectacular.

While Avatar: Fire and Ash is currently available on Digital, it will be released on DVD (without all the bonus features), Blu-ray + Digital, 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital, and a 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Steelbook. There will also be an Avatar 3-Movie Collection with the three feature films (Avatar (2009), Avatar: The Way of Water (2022), and Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) on 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Blu-ray Bonus features + Digital, Blu-ray + Digital, and DVD. To say Avatar fans will have a variety of options for their home entertainment libraries is an understatement. Watching all three movies consecutively is my recommendation.

Bonus Features vary by product and retailer

  • Family Audio Track: All objectionable language removed.
  • Igniting the Flame: The Making of Avatar: Fire and Ash — A series of featurettes that explores the filmmakers’ journey making Avatar: Fire and Ash with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and insights about the process from the creative talents who shaped the film.
    • Writing the Sequels: In 2013, James Cameron gathered a team of top screenwriters to craft a vision for the Avatar sequels. Together they created an ambitious saga that weaves new stories, clans, biomes, creatures and, most importantly, a family for Jake and Neytiri.
    • Pandoran Design: Production Designer Dylan Cole and his team tackle their biggest design challenge: creating a vivid world and culture for the new clans, the Wind Traders and the Ash People, and the creatures that share their world.
    • RDA Design: Production Designer Ben Procter and his team of concept artists and art directors showcase the sets of Bridgehead and the RDA. From concept art to over 70 sets, Procter’s designs set the stage for many of the film’s action scenes.
    • The Women of Pandora: Dive deeper into James Cameron’s fiercest Na’vi warriors with the powerhouse actors that define these epic roles.
    • Varang and the Mangkwan: Like every aspect of the Avatar films, Varang and the Mangkwan are a melding of talents, from character and scenic design to costumes and body art, but most distinctive is the performance by Oona Chaplin. Discover how she approached her role.
    • Capturing Performance: Cameron and his cast take the “freedom to imagine” on Avatar‘s capture stage. The characters come to life instinctively as actors rely on their connection to each other, rather than the physical trappings of lighting, costumes, and sets.  
    • Stunts: Second unit director Garrett Warren takes us inside the action of Fire and Ash. If you see it in the film, his stunt team did it for real: climbing, falling, fighting, shooting, swimming, and even dogfighting on ikrans.
    • Editing and Virtual Camera: On the Avatar films, Editorial is the quiet hero of production. Discover the editors’ complex process of transforming filmed “scenes” from the capture stage into performance edits, camera loads, shots, templates and finally, a finished film.
    • WĒTĀ FX: Wētā FX tackles the monumental task of rendering every shot in photoreal detail. Fire and Ash is bigger and more complex than any film before it, with giant set pieces, virtual characters, dynamic creatures and vivid effects.
    • ILM: ILM undertakes a pair of key scenes: Jake’s imprisonment in a thanator cage, and his thrilling escape on the gritty tarmac of Bridgehead.
    • Score: Composer Simon Franglen takes us behind the scenes of his thrilling score for FIRE AND ASH, capturing the majestic beauty of the Wind Traders and the unsettling world of the Mangkwan. Also hear from Miley Cyrus on her hit single, “Dream As One.”
    • The Art and Impact of 3D: James Cameron takes us inside 3D, a critical component of the Avatar films. Audiences feel the immense scope of Pandora, not just through the breadth of the movie screen, but in the endless depth enabled by stereoscopic filming.  
    • Home in New Zealand: Though Fire and Ash’s live action filming was centralized in one cozy corner of Wellington, vendors from all parts of New Zealand banded together to build the sets, costumes, props, and even working maritime vessels.
  • Jon Landau Tribute: If James Cameron is the guiding vision for the Avatar sequels, producer Jon Landau was their nurturing heart. In this warm tribute, the filmmakers celebrate a beloved friend and colleague with remembrances from cast and crew.    
  • RDA Orientation: Do you have what it takes to survive the wild frontier of Pandora? In these tutorial videos, the RDA provides essential training in Na’vi language and an intelligence briefing on the clans of Pandora and the biomes they inhabit.
    • Na’vi 101: The RDA’s Official Language Orientation: Before you set foot on Pandora, the RDA requires personnel to complete Na’vi language training. This video covers the basics of Na’vi – greetings, key phrases, proper pronunciation, and cultural mores. Trust us: say it right or pay the price.
    • Pandora Intelligence Brief: Prepare for deployment with this essential RDA orientation video designed to give new recruits a tactical edge when navigating the uncharted territories of Pandora. This isn’t just a new world. It’s a new frontier.
  • Marketing Materials & Music Video – Marketing materials used to build audience awareness of the film.

Avatar: Fire and Ash is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, bloody images, some strong language, thematic elements and 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 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.

Images courtesy Walt Disney Studios

‘A Royal Setting’ shines on Hallmark and Hallmark+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Jen Lillley and Dan Jeannotte star in the new Hallmark Channel movie A Royal Setting. This is another fun story of two people from different backgrounds who, despite their different lifestyles and histories, find they are meant to be together.

Ruby (Lilley) is a world-renowned gemologist living in New York City. She is hired to restore the Crown Jewels in a small European kingdom. Upon her arrival Ruby has a fun “meet cute” with Prince Luca (Jeannotte), who is about to be crowned king. Luca is set on modernizing the palace, to the consternation of his mother, the queen. She wants everything to remain the same. Tradition is her guiding light.

Ruby is a sparking, high spirited woman. She is wise, intuitive, and more than capable in her job. Named one of the top gemologists in the world, Ruby knows gems, and when she sees all the beautiful stones in the palace vault, she is overwhelmed. They are magnificent.

As the queen pushes her son toward a noble young woman, Jory (Ferelith Young), Luca resents her interference. But will he relent to her desires? After all, she is the queen as well as his mother. But Jory’s heart belongs to another man. And soon Luca discovers exactly who that man is.

It’s up to Luca to stand up to his mother and make her see she is stuck in the past. She needs to accept change, and when he becomes king, he most certainly has plenty of changes in mind.

As Ruby goes about restoring the Crown Jewels, she and Luca begin to expand their relationship. She is a breath of fresh air in the palace, and just what Luca has in mind as far as changing things up.

While viewers know who will be getting together – it is a Hallmark movie, after all – it is entertaining to see the characters interact. And the most entertaining character is Ruby, who forges a relationship with the guard. This man stands tall, with no expressions or conversation. His job is strictly to guard the gems. But Ruby, being the effervescent woman she is, manages to touch his heart in some cute ways.

A Royal Setting is fun fare. It premieres March 28, 2026 on Hallmark Channel and begins streaming March 29, 2026 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 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.