I know it’s still hot outside and the idea of Halloween probably hasn’t entered your mind, but the folks at the Disneyland Resort have already begun preparing for this festive season.
Halloween Time at the resort begins August 23, 2024 and runs through November 2. After that they switch over to the holiday season.
The Haunted Mansion has been closed but will reopen just in time for Halloween Time with the traditional “Haunted Mansion Holiday.” Inspired by Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, Haunted Mansion Holiday is an annual “must do” for fans of the attraction as well as the movie.
Mickey and Minnie debut their daily “Mickey’s Trick and Treat” in Disney California Adventure where there will be Halloween-themed décor, treats, and attractions with the characters decked out in new costumes especially for the holiday.
photo credit: Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort
Also in Disney California Adventure, Plaza de la Familia returns with special treats, photo opportunities, decorations, entertainment and the Tree of Life “Árbol de la Vida” for special photos. And the memory wall returns so guests can put their special messages up. Día de los Muertos is colorful and lively, as fans of the film Coco know.
Tickets are now available for the popular “Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party” which is a popular event for fans of both Disneyland and Halloween.
For more information about Halloween at the Disneyland Resort visit Disneyland.com.
In BETWEEN THE TEMPLES, Ben (Jason Schwartzman) is a forty-something cantor losing his voice and possibly his faith. Struggling to meet the expectations of his rabbi, congregation, and not one but two Jewish mothers (Caroline Aaron and Dolly de Leon), Ben finds his world turned upside down when his grade school music teacher re-enters his life as an adult bat mitzvah student. This warm and anxious comedy from prolific writer/director Nathan Silver explores the complexities of belief, connection, and what it means to be a real mensch (a person of integrity and a helpful person).
The movie premieres in theaters August 23, 2024. It is rated R.
The Idea of You is a 2024 original movie on Prime Video starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine and All that Heaven Allows is a 1955 movie streaming on Prime Video starring Rock Hudson and Jane Wyman. They are almost 70 years apart but both hold the same emotional tug for viewers as a younger man falls for an older woman, and vice versa.
Anne Hathaway is Solène, a divorced mother with a teenage girl who manages an art gallery in Silver Lake, California, a suburb of Los Angeles. Due to a scheduling conflict with her ex-husband, Solène is drafted into taking her daughter Izzy to Coachella for a concert and while there she accidentally meets Hayes Campbell (Galitzine) one of the singers of the popular boy bandAugust Moon, a favorite of her daughter. Note: This is a true “Meet Cute” moment.
Jane Wyman is Cary, a widow with two children in college. She’s basically an empty-nester except the kids often return home to check up on their mother, enjoy their friends and family time. Cary and her gardener, Ron Kirby (Hudson) begin chatting and enjoying spending time together. The age difference doesn’t bother her – yet – because all they are doing is having some good times together.
Solène and Hayes begin seeing each other and have fun times together. But she keeps him at arms length because of the 16-year age difference and in consideration of her daughter who, thankfully, will be going off to summer camp. It’s then when Hayes invites Solène to join him on his European tour. Sure, why not? They enjoy each other’s company so why not let loose and enjoy her life? Her ex had been a real jerk and left her years ago for a younger woman. It is time for Solène to have some fun – and love – in her life.
When things get serious between Cary and Ron, she wonders what she should do. Her heart is leading her towards him but her subconscious is telling her the small village in which she lives would really turn against them. Society, especially in the 1950s, frowned on May/December romances.
Solène happily joins the tour and for a long while everything is exciting and wonderful, and it’s not about just the fun of the tour. It’s about the relationship with Hayes that is making her happy. For the first time in a long time Solène is genuinely happy and thinking only about her own feelings and feeling true love.
Ron thinks he and Cary should get married and although it takes a while, she finally agrees. And now it’s time to introduce him to her kids. But things don’t go the way she had hoped. The kids are not happy about this union. The age difference is something they cannot get over. And the fact that their mother is going to sell the family home and move into his mountain cabin (it is big and beautiful) is something they will not stand for. It’s their family home. Why does she have to move?
Hayes moves into Solène’s house and when the news gets out (this is the time of paparazzi) it starts to get the better of Izzy. And all the bullying she has to put up with at school doesn’t help. Both of them are faced with constant comments in person and throughout the Internet.
Cary’s kids also face the same kind of abuse, although without the internet hounding them. They get it face to face and in side eyes and whisperings behind their backs. When Cary realizes what her love life is doing to her kids, she calls off the wedding only to be haunted by physical problems. According to her doctor she does not have anything physically wrong with her but her unhappiness manifests itself as headaches. She is told by her doctor to marry Hudson and forget about what other people say. Her personal happiness should be front and center.
Solène decides she must break off her relationship with Hayes. After all, she does have a young daughter to think about. Reluctantly he agrees but insists they will pick up their love in 5 years once Izzy is off to college.
Cary realizes she must follow her heart after her kids come home and announce they are moving and getting married. The kids and their attachment to the family home was one reason she called off her marriage and now they are leaving to start their own lives. So once again, she has to take stock of her life. This time she will be a real empty nester, and without the man she loves. It looks like it is finally time to give into her heart and follow it all the way to Ron’s cabin.
After the proposed five years, Solène and Hayes decide to renew their love and continue where they left off.
Both films have somewhat the same underlying story. But in the end, no matter what others say and without any children to consider, both couples are drawn back together again. Age makes no difference when love is involved.
Both movies are streaming on Prime Video.
The Idea of You is rated R for some language and sexual content.
All that Heaven Allows is not rated as it is from 1955, however there is smoking and unseen sexual content.
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.
Women around the world know the name Diane von Furstenberg, or DVF. With one little dress she changed the industry and the world, basically. Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge explores the life and career of this woman with interviews with Diane herself as well as others in the industry and in pop culture.
At age 22 DVF invented the wrap dress and it is still in style today. This iconic fashion transformed the closets of millions of women as well as Diane’s life trajectory. Her life has been interesting, to say the least. At 76 she says she embraces age. “I’ve had a full life,” she states.
Her mother was a survivor of Auschwitz and when she was freed she weighed a whopping 44 pounds. After regaining her weight and her health, she went on to have a baby and raised Diane to be independent and unafraid. Diane believes everyone should “take responsibility for yourself,” and “be true to yourself.” These ideas still rule her life.
At 18 she met Egon von Furstenberg, a German prince. At 22 she married him and instantly became a princess. They moved to New York City where they were the “it” couple of the day. They later divorced and to Diane it was freedom. She was now completely in charge of her destiny and her life.
The wrap dress was inspired by the wrap tops ballerinas wear over their leotards. Initially Diane designed wrap tops and skirts, but after seeing Julie Nixon on TV wearing her wrap top and matching skirt, Diane had the ingenious idea to meld them into a single dress, which for the women of the day was a “uniform for freedom.” They were able to be feminine while still being respected. No longer were women relegated to wearing male-style suits to gain respect. This little wrap dress was all they needed.
At one time DVF was making 25000 dresses a week. This dress was iconic and is still in style and in closets around the world.
At a time when women were models, not designers, DVF changed the industry.
Today she is very close to her children and is still an advocate for women. She says she is not afraid of death. “Life is a journey and death is a destination.” Diane enjoys her life and is grateful her mother went against the doctors advice and got pregnant giving life to little Diane.
From the time of her birth to now, Diane von Furstenberg has and is making a statement with her life. This documentary is a deep dive into her history, her family, her career, and her philosophies.
Diane Von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge begins streaming on HULU beginning June 25, 2024.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
The new album from Jenn Cleary is filled with relaxing songs to unwind after a day of sun and play. Dreamland: Relax & Imagine is a good way for kids – and adults – to slow down, breathe, and just unwind.
“In a world full of disturbing news, growing up today can be extra hard for our children,” says Jenn Cleary. “Between media overload, COVID-19, divided politics, climate change, and wars, many children are challenged with feelings of anxiety. So, I decided to try to address this issue by creating songs that bring a degree of peace and relaxation. As I’ve done with many of my previous kids’ tunes, I’ve infused them with positive messaging and a bit of education, and I’ve also focused on making the songs enjoyable for grownups. I hope families will take a centering breath and listen together to these calming songs. Let’s not forget the simple joys and beauty that surround us all.”
There are 10 tracks on the album, each one is smooth and calming. The album’s final track, “Guided Relaxation with Jenn Cleary,” features her gently leading listeners through a peaceful relaxation exercise that’s set to soothing background music. Designed to help children unwind and find inner calm, this guided session creates a serene atmosphere that encourages a sense of well-being. It is a nice way to end a day, even if the day has been filled with fun and play or a full day at school. It helps calm the senses and bring peace to the end of the day.
With soft vocals and music, all the tracks are easy-listening and take listeners to a calming place in their minds. Youngsters often get overwhelmed with the outside world. They can also be hyped up from all the day’s activities. Listening to these tracks while getting ready to sleep might be just what they need to have a peaceful night’s rest.
Adults can also benefit from listening to this album at the end of the day – or even in the middle of the day if you are stressed with everything around you and need a peaceful break.
The tracks are:
1 Celtic Dream
2 Sail Away
3 Rocking Chair to the Stars
4 Smile
5 Relax on an Island
6 Clouds
7 Slow Blues Wind Down
8 Dreamland
9 Soothing Rain
10 Guided Relaxation with Jenn Cleary
Even the song titles are relaxing!
Dreamland: Relax & Imagine will be available on all major streaming services. CDs will also be available at Jenn Cleary’s live shows and through her website.
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.
If you’re looking for some new and fun programming designed especially for kids and families, Netflix has a summer 2024 schedule that fits the bill.
Some highlights include Trolls Band Together (July 15) with Poppy and Branch in their latest adventure on a journey to reunite Branch’s boy band brothers and Poppy’s long-lost sister Viva.
Cobra Kai returns on July 18 for season 6.
On August 2 the film Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie premieres. Sandy Cheeks and SpongeBob SquarePants travel to Texas to save Bikini Bottom.
August 5th sees the return of Gabby’s Dollhouse for its 10th season.
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.
The 2022 movie Baked with a Kiss is available to stream on UP Faith and Family. Ansley Gordon and Jonathan Stoddard star in this made for TV film about what could be magic. Or not.
Peyton (Gordon) owns a small bakery and delights her customers with the delectable treats she conjurs up. They are baked with care from her grandmother’s recipes however she is getting ready to create her own recipe. She just needs a little more confidence.
Archer Brooks (Stoddard) runs an event planning company and is aware of Peyton’s bakery because of all the weddings he has planned through the years. Brides love the various cakes Peyton creates.
The thing about all the baked items is they each have a special name. The customers think there is magic in them, depending on which pie, cake, cookie, or cupcake they select. “Best Day Ever,” “Bun in the Oven,” “Sweet Success,” and “True Love Pie” are just some of the items she offers.
When her assistant Riley (Milly Figuereo) surprises her by entering her as a possible baker for the annual Starlight Ball, Peyton is not as happy as Riley thought she would be. The last time she attended the annual ball was with her grandmother, who has passed away.
With Archer being in charge of the event and on the committee to select which bakery will supply the treats for this year’s ball, Peyton knows she has to be at the top of her game. Archer is known for being very selective.
When Archer stops by the bakery to talk Peyton gives him a True Love Pie to take home, thinking it was a Sweet Success cake. The boxes got switched and her customer who ordered the True Love Pie got the Sweet Success, and lo and behold, instead of getting the proposal she was hoping for, she got a promotion at work. And Archer, who got the True Love Pie, has a change of heart and starts pursuing Peyton. But is it because of the magic in the pie or just because he finds her attractive and very interesting?
Peyton believes it is the magic in her grandmother’s recipe, but Archer knows his feelings have nothing to do with magic. Their attraction is magic of a sort, but nothing from any ingredients in the pie.
The movie was filmed in Florida, where it is set. Gordon and Stoddard have a nice chemistry on screen. Yes, it’s predictable but also enjoyable.
Grab a cup of tea or coffee, and perhaps bake your own little treat so you can enjoy the film while also a special treat. Go ahead, name it something like “movie fun,” or whatever. The magic is in yourself, not the pie.
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.
When we last saw Riley (Inside Out, 2015) she was settling in nicely to her new environment, thanks to not only her parents, but also five little guys (aka emotions) that help her navigate her life: Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear.Now, in 2024, Riley just turned 13 making her an official teenager, and we all know what that means – puberty!
As Riley’s puberty button is activated, the emotions that have guided her thus far are now joined by four new emotions: Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui. These new emotions, led by Anxiety, take over controlling Riley’s life and thoughts.
They banish Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, and Fear from the control room and start doing their best to remake Riley into a new girl. The film focuses on the initial five emotions doing everything they can to get back to the control room before Anxiety changes the sweet and caring girl into a devious girl only interested in impressing others and making new friends in High School. They succeed, in part, by alienating Riley’s besties Grace and Bree, while she tries to get into the cool group when they are all at summer hockey camp.
Hockey is Riley’s passion and she hopes to get onto the high school team. The team’s captain Valentina befriends her on her first day at camp. Riley, eager to be well-liked in high school, ditches her old friends in favor of some new ones. But this isn’t the Riley we all know and love. Puberty is changing her. Actually, the new emotions led by Anxiety are changing her. Can Joy and the gang get back to the control room before Riley is a completely new girl and can they save the nice person she has always been?
What comes through in 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.
Amy Poehler returns to voice Joy, Tony Hale is Fear, Lewis Black is Anger, Liza Lapira is Disgust, Phyllis Smith is Sadness, Maya Hawke is Anxiety, Ayo Edebiri is Envy, Adèle Exarchopoulos is Ennui, and Paul Walter Hauser is Embarrassment. Kensington Tallman is the voice of Riley, the girl trying to manage her conflicting pubescent emotions.
Inside Out 2 is just as enjoyable and entertaining as the original film, and even though the new emotions come into play, adult viewers will realize that they all stick with us throughout our lives and we do with them what we will. Kids will see how inner conflict and effect their lives. But in the end, this is a fun film about one little girl and nine emotions growing and learning from each other.
Inside Out 2 is rated PG for some thematic elements. It opens in theaters June 14, 2024.
And for an inside look at how the film was created, there’s an “Art Of” book that is filled with images and information.
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.
When you’re driving down the coast in the Crystal Cove area of Newport Beach, California, you might notice a little shack and a lot of cars. This is the famed Crystal Cove Shake Shack where locals and tourists love to come for the food, shakes, and view of the Pacific Ocean. And no, this is not part of the Shake Shack franchise of restaurants. It is its own burger/shake stand, and one ofa kind.
So what makes this place so popular? It could be the food, the shakes, the view, or all of these. The burgers (they also offer an Impossible plant based burger) come with a decent amount of french fries. There is a variety of burger selections as well as several sandwiches. They have hot dogs, fish and chips, fish tacos, other seafood, and chili and clam chowder.
The Crystal Cove Shake Shack is also open for breakfast until 11 am. Pancakes, oatmeal, eggs, breakfast sandwiches, and more are available for the early birds.
Several coffee options as well as beer and wine are on the menu and yes, they do have a kids menu featuring a kids breakfast combo, a kids burger, peanut butter and jelly, and grilled cheese.
Now, let’s get to the heart of the menu – the Shakes. Orangesicle, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Banana, Strawberry Banana, Banana, Oreo, Blackcherry, Chocolate Turtle, Salted Caramel, Banana Cream, Wintermint, and a few other flavors are on the menu and you can mix and match your favorite flavors. If this doesn’t get your mouth watering I don’t know what will.
Aside from the food, the view of the ocean is the next best part to this little place. There is no inside seating. Everyone sits outside on wooden benches and some chairs with the sound of the surf adding to the ambiance. The shack is on the bluff up from the ocean and usually gets a good breeze.
This is a little treasure for the Newport Coast. It has had several incarnations since it opened in the 1940s. Today it’s part of the Crystal Cove State Park. The only downside to this place is the parking. There are very few parking spaces and at several times during the day cars are lined up back onto PCH waiting for someone to finish their meal and exit the lot. People spend a long time sitting in their cars waiting for a spot to open up. Is it worth it? For many folks the answer is yes.Personally, I wouldn’t wait longer than 20 minutes, but many people do.
So, if you’re traveling down PCH on the Newport Coast and you see a small shack with a lot of folks outside, or a long line of cars on the highway waiting for their chance to park and eat, check out the Crystal Cove Shake Shack. Can you say “Yummmmm?”
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about places, people, products and all aspects of entertainment for over 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.
It’s time to celebrate with the Gabby’s Dollhouse “Party with Marty the Party Cat” tour! Get ready to meow your way into a new experience full of fun, free activities. Gabby invites your family to meet the ultimate cool cat, Marty the Party Cat, inside her dollhouse for a sneak peek into various character-themed rooms, including the new cat-tastic party room! With party supplies, a dance party with DJ Catnip and a special photo with Gabby – party guests will turn stars of their own celebration! Join us – it’s your party after all!
Cue the confetti, here’s what awaits you:
Sneak peek into character-themed rooms: Explore the Craft Room, Music Room, and the brand new Party Room!
Introducing Marty the Party Cat: The newest kitty friend, Marty the Party Cat, celebrating with all his new friends!
Dance party with DJ Catnip: Get funky in the Music Room and show off your moves!
Play with the latest Gabby’s Dollhouse toys: Let your imagination run wild!
Strike a pose with Gabby: Capture a purrfect moment! RSVP at the link at the bottom.
Tour Dates:
San Diego
July 3rd-4th: Walmart, 3382 Murphy Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
July 6th-7th: Parkway Plaza, 415 Fletcher Pkwy, El Cajon, CA 92020
Oakland
July 10th-11th: Walmart Connection Center, 30600 Dyer St, Union City, CA 94587
July 13th-14th: Bay Street Emeryville, 5616 Bay St, Emeryville, CA 94608
Salt Lake City
July 17th-18th: Walmart Supercenter, 7671 S 3800 W, West Jordan, UT
July 20th-21st: Station Park, 140 N W Union Ave, Farmington, UT
Chicago
July 27th-28th: Yorktown Mall Dr, Lombard, IL 60148
Detroit
August 1st: Walmart Supercenter, 7555 Telegraph Rd, Taylor, MI 48180
August 3rd: Twelve Oaks Mall, 27500 Novi Rd, Novi, MI 48377
Boston
August 8th: Walmart Supercenter, 550 Providence Hwy, Walpole, MA 02081
August 10th-11th: S Market St, Boston, MA 02109
Washington D.C.
August 14th-15th: Walmart, 7910 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306
August 17th-18th: Springfield Town Center, 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA 22150
