Author: Francine Brokaw

Barney is coming back

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Barney is coming back to TV.  Barney’s World is set in a playground. Everyone’s favorite purple dinosaur is joined by fellow dinosaurs  Billy and Baby Bop and their three kid best friends David, Mel, and Vivie. Through action-packed, music-filled adventures together, Barney helps the kids and audiences explore big preschool emotions, showing them how to love themselves, others, and their communities.

Barney & Friends ran from 1988 t0 2010. Now the big fellow returns for more fun for today’s preschoolers.

This updated version, Barney’s World, premieres October 14, 2024 on Max followed by its premiere on Cartoon Network on October 18, 2024.

Check out the trailer below then mark you calendar for the return of the big purple dino.

‘Treasure Trackers’ coming to VOD – check out the trailer

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


A trio of misfit kids band together to search for mythic treasure, only to uncover a terrible curse. The trio must find and destroy the gold before a rival group of teens gets to it first and releases an evil spirit on Halloween night.

This Sci-Fi fantasy adventure for the entire family, just in time for Halloween! The film will be available ON Demand starting October 1st.

Treasure Trackers is rated TV-PG.

‘These Stones’ premieres on Up Faith and Family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The family drama series These Stones starts streaming on UP Faith and Family beginning September 5, 2024. “We are thrilled to have this award-winning family series premiering on UP Faith & Family,” said Hector Campos, senior vice president, content strategy and programming at UP Entertainment. “It’s a fresh and modern way to seamlessly infuse Scripture into storytelling that is equally entertaining and inspiring for our viewers.”

The show follows McKenna (Madeline Carroll), a young woman who gets involved in the supernatural and learns to help people in need through the advice and assistance of Biblical characters.

“I’m grateful to bring These Stones to the UP Faith & Family audience,” said These Stones Writer/Producer Cheryl McKay. “Viewers will relate to our heroine McKenna’s journey as she walks through some of the most difficult times in her life—alongside our notable cast of characters. Each one faces unique challenges, met with an undercover Bible character who speaks into their lives through trials they overcame in the past. The heart of every episode is to help every viewer know that no matter what they face in life, they are never alone.”

McKenna learns that her mother had been involved in this amazing adventure and now that her mother has passed, the wonders of it all now rests with McKenna. 

This young woman unwittingly walks through a door (actually, that is really how she gets to the other world) and has encounters with people from the Bible. She is given assignments and tasked with finding the Biblical person who can help with a particular issue. It’s then when she sees how these people can help her help others. 

Yes, this is a religious themed story. It is also an interesting way of discovering Biblical characters we might have forgotten about or might not know. 

These Stones has received 12 wins and 19 nominations at film festivals, including multiple Best TV Series awards and Best Actress awards for Madeline Carroll and Karen Abercrombie and three Best Actor nominations for Rusty Joiner. Also awarded Best Director for Susan Rohrer and Best Original Score for Daniel Butman. These Stones was also a finalist for Best Series and Best Evangelistic Production at the ICVM Crown Awards and just garnered 13 nominations at CONTENT Christian Media Conference 2024, including two episodes for Best TV Show, two for Best Scripts, and multiple actor nominations.

UP Faith and Family never fails to deliver interesting and entertaining shows that also speak to the hearts and souls of viewers.

These Stones is a good series for family viewing.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images courtesy UP entertainment

31 Nights of Halloween on Freeform – Stream for free – Schedule below

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Halloween is a favorite holiday for many families, and some of the shows that focus on this holiday are family favorites.

Monsters, witches, and ghosts, oh my!

Check out the schedule below for free streaming of the 31 Nights of Halloween on Freeform.

Tuesday, Oct. 1

1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”

3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)

5:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”

6:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”

8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

 

Wednesday, Oct. 2

1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Arachnophobia” – Freeform Premiere

3:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”

5:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”

 

Thursday, Oct. 3

11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”

1:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

4:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

6:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters, Inc.” (Disney-Pixar)

8:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters University” (Disney-Pixar)

 

Friday, Oct. 4

10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”

12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge”

2:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” (Disney Animated) – Freeform Premiere

4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”

6:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Cruella”

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)

 

Saturday, Oct. 5

7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Spooky Buddies”

9:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Toy Story of TERROR!” (Disney-Pixar)

9:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”

11:35 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”

2:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The House with a Clock in Its Walls”

4:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

6:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”

8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Haunted Mansion” (2023) – World Television Premiere

11:30 p.m EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

 

Sunday, Oct. 6

7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Mrs. Doubtfire”

10:05 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The House with a Clock in Its Walls”

12:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)

2:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”

4:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

6:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus 2” – World Television Premiere

11:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil”

 

Monday, Oct. 7

1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Mrs. Doubtfire”

4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”

6:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

8:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”

 

Tuesday, Oct. 8

12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” (2010)

2:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”

4:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

6:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”

8:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

 

Wednesday, Oct. 9

1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Mansion”

3:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Frankenweenie” (2012)

5:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” (Disney Animated)

7:10 p.m. EDT / PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”

8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Encanto” (Disney Animated)

 

Thursday, Oct. 10

10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”

12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge”

2:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The House with a Clock in Its Walls”

5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)

7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus” – Pop N’ Knowledge

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice” – Pop N’ Knowledge

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Twitches”

 

Friday, Oct. 11

10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The House with a Clock in Its Walls”

1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Spooky Buddies”

3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Toy Story of TERROR!” (Disney-Pixar)

3:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

5:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”

8:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Twitches Too”

 

Saturday, Oct. 12

7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Toy Story of TERROR!” (Disney-Pixar)

7:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996) (Disney Animated)

9:35 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)

11:40 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

2:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”

5:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters, Inc.” (Disney-Pixar)

7:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters University” (Disney-Pixar)

9:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

11:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Something Wicked This Way Comes” – Freeform Premiere

 

Sunday, Oct. 13

8:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Black Cauldron” (Disney Animated)

10:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Dumbo” (2019) (Live Action) – Tim Burton Marathon

12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Frankenweenie” (2012)

2:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Dark Shadows” (2012)

5:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”

6:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”

8:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”

11:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Arachnophobia”

 

Monday, Oct. 14

11:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Dark Shadows” (2012)

2:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”

4:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Beetlejuice”

6:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

8:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

 

Tuesday, Oct. 15

11:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Twitches”

1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Frankenweenie” (2012)

3:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

5:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Incredibles” (Disney-Pixar)

8:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Incredibles 2” (Disney-Pixar)

 

Wednesday, Oct. 16

1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Spooky Buddies”

3:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”

5:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” – Pop N’ Knowledge

6:50 p.m. EDT / PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)

8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

 

Thursday, Oct. 17

11:00 am. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”

1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”

3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge”

5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Despicable Me”

7:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Despicable Me 2”

9:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Despicable Me 3”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Muppets From Space” – Freeform Premiere

 

Friday, Oct. 18

12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Despicable Me”

2:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters, Inc.” (Disney-Pixar)

4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters University” (Disney-Pixar)

6:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

8:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus 2”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)

 

Saturday, Oct. 19

7:30 a.m. EDT / PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”

10:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”

1:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”

4:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”

8:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”

11:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Dark Shadows” (2012)

 

Sunday, Oct. 20

7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Mrs. Doubtfire”

9:40 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

11:50 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Arachnophobia”

2:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Dark Shadows” (2012)

5:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Haunted Mansion” (2023)

7:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Cruella”

11:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”

 

Monday, Oct. 21

11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Alice in Wonderland” (2010) (Live Action)

1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Alice Through The Looking Glass”

4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”

6:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”

8:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

 

Tuesday, Oct. 22

10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”

12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Arachnophobia”

3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

5:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Spider-Man: Far From Home”

7:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Spider-Man: No Way Home”

 

Wednesday, Oct. 23

12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Spider-Man: Far From Home”

3:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Spider-Man: No Way Home”

6:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)

8:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Dark Shadows” (2012)

 

Thursday, Oct. 24

1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Edward Scissorhands”

3:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Dark Shadows” (2012)

5:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Aladdin” (2019) (Live Action)

8:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus” – Pop N’ Knowledge

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”

 

Friday, Oct. 25

1:30-11:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps” (2023) – Season One Marathon

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge”

 

Saturday, Oct. 26

8:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown”

10:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge”

12:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”

2:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

5:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

7:15 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus 2”

9:45 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Haunted Mansion” (2023)

12:25 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” (Disney Animated)

 

Sunday, Oct. 27

7:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”

9:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Spooky Buddies”

11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Frankenweenie” (2012)

3:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

5:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”

7:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters, Inc.” (Disney-Pixar)

9:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Monsters University” (Disney-Pixar)

11:55 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)

 

Monday, Oct. 28

11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Frankenweenie” (2012)

1:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Haunted Mansion” (2003)

3:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “The Incredibles” (Disney-Pixar)

5:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Incredibles 2” (Disney-Pixar)

8:05 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”

 

Tuesday, Oct. 29

11:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad” (Disney Animated)

12:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”

2:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”

5:35 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Cruella”

8:50 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

 

Wednesday, Oct. 30

11:30 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween”

1:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Arachnophobia”

4:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

6:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

8:25 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Haunted Mansion” (2023)

 

Thursday, Oct. 31 – HALLOWEEN

12:00 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

2:10 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Casper” (1995)

4:40 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”

6:20 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus”

8:30 p.m. EDT/PDT – “Hocus Pocus 2”

12:00 a.m. EDT/PDT – “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)

All programming is subject to change.

Image supplied courtesy – COPYRIGHT ©2024 Freeform.

New home entertainment digital releases

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


For viewers who enjoy watching their movies without commercials, digital codes are the way to go. There are three new digital code releases for home viewing.

Kinds of Kindness

This show follows a man who tries to take control of his own life, a policeman whose wife returned after being missing at sea but is not the same as she was before, and a woman who wants to find a specific person with special abilities to be a spiritual leader.

This release comes with several bonus features including deleted scenes. The film is rated R.

The Sixth Sense (4K)

“I see dead people.” Fans of this 1999 thriller starring Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment know this phrase like the back of their hand. Willis is a child psychologist who is helping a young boy who says he has interactions with dead people. I won’t spoil the ending for those who have not seen this film. I’ll just say when the movie came out in 1999, audiences were shocked.

The film  was nominated for six Academy Awards. It is rated PG-13.

Signs (4K)

In 2002 Mel Gibson starred in this story of a farmer who finds mysterious crop circles in the fields. Who made them? What do they mean? Check out the film for all the answers. It was nominated for several different awards in Science Fiction and Fantasy. 

The movie is rated PG-13.

 

The Sixth Sense and Signs, are available for the first time ever in stunning 4K UHD digital now, and 4K UHD Blu-ray disc on October 22.

 

All images courtesy supplied.

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.

 

 

Ring Snap 360 from ZAGG

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Move over Popsockets. The Ring Snap 360 from ZAGG is easier to use, can click on and off with just a little tug, and can twist around to any direction is most efficient and comfortable for the user. It comes in three colors: black, nickel, and rose gold. And the bottom line is – it’s sturdy!

Holding onto your phone while filming or taking photos can be a bit daunting. With the Ring Snap 360 you can loop a finger through the ring and easily maneuver your phone while knowing it is secure and highly unlikely to fall out of your hands, if your finger is positioned correctly. 

Whether you are more comfortable moving the phone itself or the Ring Snap, you will be able to get the perfect angle for your photos or videos. And this little device is also handy as a kickstand so you can set your phone on a surface without worrying it will fall over. The ring has a rubbery end so even if you set your phone on a delicate surface, it won’t scratch that surface.  With the kickstand users can set up chats, do other things while still using the phone, or use it to show slideshows without having to hold the phone.

Simply put, this little gadget is a useful tool and the magnet is extremely strong so you can feel confident it won’t accidentally pop off your phone. 

On a personal note, I really like using this when I take any videos. It is easier than holding my phone with both hands while maneuvering around a room

Also, the holidays are just around the corner. These make great stocking stuffers!

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.

‘The Painter’ streams on Paramount+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Charlie Weber stars as Peter, a former CIA  super spy/assassin who left the company after his wife left him. She (Rryla McIntosh) also worked for the company but due to her pregnancy she was not supposed to be in the field. Unfortunately, one night she was and that is the night both Peter and Elena wound up in the same place at the same time. Things didn’t go well, Elena eventually left Peter and he retired to a quiet life in rural Oregon. There he worked on his paintings and went by the name Mark. All’s well that ends well, right? Not in this case.

With a secret operation taking over the CIA, the proverbial poop met the fan and soon Peter, aka Mark, was the target of a wet team sent by this operation to eliminate him. But why? He has no idea. 

He is also surprised when a young girl named Sophie (Madison Bailey) appears at his door claiming to be the daughter he thought was dead. She insists Elena was her mother and he is her father. What’s real and what’s not? 

Peter is in a state of unbelievability when he asks his father Byrne (Jon Voight) what is happening and why is he being targeted? Byrne is the head of the CIA and is responsible for making Peter into the super spy he is. 

Peter is a kind of Jack Reacher character. He is quick, smart, and can take out a handful of assassins at once. He also possesses super hearing, due to a terrorist explosion when he was a young boy. 

So, as Peter tries to figure out why he is the target of trained assassins, he also tries to keep Sophia safe, when he comes to the conclusion that she is definitely the daughter that he and Elena thought was dead. 

There is so much going on in this story that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the film as the brilliance of Peter’s abilities never fails to disappoint. He is a one man killing machine but he only uses his skills for good. And he considers saving his own life good.

As mentioned earlier, Peter is like Jack Reacher: smart, quick, able to fight multiple assassins, and knows the difference between right and wrong.

The ending leave it open for a sequel, although nothing has yet to be confirmed. This could end up being a franchise similar to Jack Reacher. The characters are similar in so many ways, yet each possesses differences that make him unique. And Charlie Weber is a desirable actor in this part.

The Painter is rated R for violence throughout (duh), language, and brief sexuality. It’s definitely a thriller for adults only. The movie is now streaming on Paramount+.

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.

 

COURTESY PHOTO: Paramount

It’s Halloween time 2024 at Disneyland Resort

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

(Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)

Yes, it is early but people absolutely love all the Halloween activities and experiences at the Disneyland Resort. The usual Halloween festivities and decorations again greet guests of all ages at the resort. And, let’s not forget about all the delicious food concocted by the fabulous chefs at the resort.

(Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)

Families will especially enjoy the Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure. There are things to do and see, and little guests have plenty of fun with the activities, especially with Miguel from Coco.

The spirit of the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebrates our family members who are no longer with us. This is a sentimental yet inspirational tradition.

(Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)

Guests get a photo opportunity with Miguel, experience live Mexican entertainment as well as storytelling. With colorful costumes, décor, music, dining options, and crafts, this area of Disney California Adventure is alive with the spirit of the holiday.  And don’t forget to pick up a special souvenir of the event.

“The Storytellers of Plaza de la Familia Celebrate The Musical World of Coco!” perform songs  from the show including “Remember Me” and “The World Es Mi Familia,” as well as the classic Mexican folk song, “La Llorona.” 

(Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)

The traveling group of storytellers bring the bonds of family to guests through music and dance. This is indeed a family activity that will be remembered long after leaving the resort.

(Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)

Crafts for the entire family provide a nice way for kids and parents to celebrate the season, and there are plenty of photo-opportunities, not lease of which is the Árbol de la Vida (Tree of Life) with its artistic branches.  And, like years past, the Memory Wall lets guest pass notes to their loved ones who have passed on.

Guests also get the opportunity to design their own paper mask of Pepita or Dante.  And when they are ready to explore other areas of the resort, guests can stop by the “Remember Me” mural for a photo with little Miguel. 

Cars Land is also decorated for the season as are the streets and buildings over in Disneyland itself.

Click below for a brief glimpse at the festivities that greet guests at the Disneyland Resort. 

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.

Crown Royal Black Cherry Whisky Sour – review FOR ADULTS ONLY

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Note: This is a product for adults only

The Crown Royal Black Cherry Whisky Sour ready-to-serve cocktail is the latest offering from Diageo’s “The Cocktail Collection”.

According to the company, the libation is crafted with blended Canadian whisky, lemon juice, and natural black cherry flavors. So, what does it taste like? Well, for someone who has never had a whisky sour, I did not know what to expect. So, after being offered a complimentary bottle, I decided to check it out.


I definitely taste the black cherry (which I like), and the alcoholic taste is minimal. I thought it might be strong, but it isn’t. It is not too overpowering so I can see this being a nice addition to a party perhaps along with some of the other ready-to-pour cocktails.
The bottles are to be chilled then poured over ice. Everything is already mixed in the bottle so there’s no need to purchase any other ingredients. 

For those who like fruity cocktails, this fits the bill.

The other ready-to-pour cocktails they offer are: Ketel One Espresso Martini, Ketel One Cosmopolitan (perfect for those who enjoyed Sex and the City), Astral Margarita (great for taco nights), Tanqueray Negroni, Bulleit Old Fashioned, and a Bulleit Manhattan.

Not having sampled the other flavors, I cannot comment on their taste, however they seem to be representative of the cocktails mixed by professional bartenders.

If you want to be sneaky, hide the bottles and then offer a variety of options to your guests. They will be impressed when you come out of the kitchen with glasses of their desired cocktails. Or, you can simply have them ready to serve on a table with glasses so your guests can pour their own drink.

The bottles are available in 350 mL (SRP: $13.99) and 750 mL (SRP: $25.99) sizes, each bottle serves four or eight cocktails, respectively, with an average ABV of 20%. The product is on shelves now at liquor stores and on ReserveBar.

About the Reviewer

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

Bring home ‘Inside Out 2’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Inside Out 2 is the highest grossing animated film of all time and the movie event of the year. It is now available on digital and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD beginning September 10. The sequel to the 2015 animated hit and introduced viewers to Riley and five of her emotions: Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear. It also brought Bing Bong to the attention of viewers who brought laughs and tears to this sentimental story. This sequel focuses on Riley who is now becoming a teenager, and that means plenty of new emotions.

Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui add new emotions inside Riley’s brain as Joy attempts to bring back the old Riley who was fun loving and a delight. But puberty has changed her and Anxiety has taken over the controls of the little girl’s brain. 

The original emotions are banished and the story focuses on how they attempt to get back in control of Riley. The question is can they all get along and combine to make Riley a nice, well-intended girl who has to now deal with new emotions that might be with her the rest of her life? That’s something viewers deal with as well.

© 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

The bottom line of this film, for kids as well as adults, is that emotions all work together to make us who we are and we cannot let one emotion rule our lives. The nine emotions finally see that Riley is made up of both good and bad memories and thoughts and keeping her on the straight and narrow is up to her, with a little help from the nine.

© 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

One emotion that makes a brief appearance is Nostalgia. She could come into play later on in the franchise. 

NOSTALGIA © 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

BONUS FEATURES

There are plenty of additional bonus features on the home entertainment versions.

New Emotions 

This featurette looks at the characters and the situations facing Riley as she begins puberty. Cast, filmmakers, and consultants weigh in on these aspects of young life and how the film portrays how young teens feel and navigate their new situation of growing up. As they say, the film is “an emotional experience of a teenager.”

Originally there were nine new emotions, however that was a bit much to take on in one film, so they narrowed it down to the four that appear in the final film. The emotions are discussed, and filmmakers describe the film as both Riley’s and Joy’s stories.

Anxiety wants to help Riley but does it in a different kind of way than Joy. Envy is described as “almost birdlike,” The different designs for Embarrassment and Envy are shown so viewers see how the characters evolved from the initial concepts.  And Ennui is based on the French aristocrats that look bored in all their paintings, with nothing to do.

Unlocking the Vault

This little featurette explores the filmmakers’ reasons for putting the original emotions in a jar. It also describes how the character of Bloofy is portrayed and introduced preschool characters Riley had seen in her past.

Deleted Scenes

There are 23 minutes worth of deleted scenes that either didn’t work or didn’t move the story along in a way the filmmakers wanted.

Cold Open looks at the talent show in which Riley took part, with all the stress that comes with it. Broken Joy explores Joy’s issues. Pool Party shows the awkwardness of teenage, Puberty Park is a teenage based amusement park with “mood swings” and the like. And Shame Spiral explores the feeling that a person is not good enough when Riley plays the game “never have I ever” with a group of older kids.

Riley (voice of Kensington Tallman)© 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved

This is another emotional story filled with colorful and enjoyable animation. It is perfect for family night viewing. And don’t forget about all the merchandise available to go along with the story: plush emotions, books, and more.

MEET ANXIETY © 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

It’s time to bring all the emotions into your home for more fun, and with the plush, kids can add an additional element to the pleasure of viewing this major hit of the year.

Digital version is now available on Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango.


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.