As someone who used to be fluent in a second and almost a third language, this story caught my eye. Love in Translation focuses on Julie (Michelle Argyris), a PhD. candidate who is fluent in 6, 8, or more languages, including some extinct ones. She has one problem. Well, actually two problems. She has a difficult time finding a date who can live up to her standards. The second one is that she needs to make enough money to pay for her final semester of grad school.
To earn her money she begins teaching languages. It doesn’t matter which language. She teaches Italian to a senior couple who are planning their trip to Italy, and she teaches French to their son who is having a problem with his girlfriend who lives in Paris. Dan (Corey Sevier) is a smart guy but doesn’t have a romantic bone in his body. Learning some French words and phrases just might help his relationship grow.
And speaking of bones, Dan just happens to work in the museum where Julie has always wanted to work. Her dream job is translating artifacts. But first she needs to pay her final tuition and get her Doctorate.
This is a typical rom/com but add in Julie’s sister Lu (Elise Bauman) and that brings the fun to the table. Literally. Lu owns a coffee shop and that’s where Julie teaches her clients.
When she realizes Dan is not getting much from the lessons, Julie decides to take a different direction. By immersing Dan in the real world instead of simply teaching across a table, he begins to pick up words and phrases. And, in typical rom/com fashion, he begins to fall in love with Julie and vice versa. There’s just one problem, and that would be his long-time French girlfriend.
This is a simple little film that will brighten up a dark day. It’s not a “must see” however there are some cute moments and it fills in all the checkmarks for a light streaming rom/com.
Love in Translation is streaming on UP Faith and Family. It’s rated TV-G.
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.
Wade (Jack Schumacher) is a structured man. He has his days and life perfectly set out, day by day, and often hour by hour. His plan for proposing to his girlfriend Kayla (Mia Pollini) is all set and things couldn’t be better. Then everything gets changed.Instead of both of their families spending the week together at the Waldorf, getting to know each other, they are going to be spending it at Maggie’s family’s farm in the country. Will Jack’s proposal still go off without a hitch? The Engagement Plan is still on, but a little different than originally planned.
Jack and his father Dash (Judd Nelson) and mother Margot (Eva LaRue) are city folks. Jack has been groomed to join the family business which brings structure to their clients. Will they fit into the farm life out in the country?
Kayla’s folks are religious and rely on God’s guidance for everything in their lives. Mama Marilyn (Faith Ford) is kind and understanding however her husband Ed (Ted McGinley) is a little wary of Jack. He knows his daughter and simply wants to make sure she is taking the right path in her life. While her old boyfriend Cam (Eric Lutz) is working on the farm alongside Ed, things could get a little complicated. Actually, that’s putting it mildly. But as they allude to in the show, God will lead them in the right direction.
Jack’s first day on the farm, trying to impress Ed, is a doozy. His first step is right into a pile of poo, to put it mildly. Then being electrocuted by a fence doesn’t make the day any better. The best part, however, is calving a cow. That he manages to do to perfection without any help from anyone. This one act impresses Ed. And the icing on the cake is when Ed overhears a private conversation between Jack and Kayla. It’s then when he knows Jack is the right match for his daughter.
But that isn’t the end of the story. Don’t forget about Cam who still loves Kayla and wants her back. His involvement with the couple could derail everything.
This is a fun comedy with charm as Jack faces many trials and tribulations on the way to proposing. The film is faith-based and the characters are endearing, fun, and always looking out for one another.
With Jack, Kayla’s family gets an education in structure, and with Kayla’s family Jack gets an education in life, nature, and just letting life happen naturally. Can he let go of his “plans” and give his life less rigidity? That’s the question.
This is a “feel good” movie for the entire family. The perfect diamond, the perfect plan at the Waldorf, the perfect setting (for both the diamond and the location) might get bungled, but if the couple are meant to be together, they will find a way.
The Engagement Plan has it’s Original World Premiere on Great American Pure Flix August 29, 2024 and on Great American Family on September 7, 2024. The movie was filmed on location in South Carolina, in all its splendor with its beautiful natural settings. The film is appropriate for all ages.
Images courtesy Great American Media 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.
Who said Halloween is only for pumpkin pie, candy corn, and licorice ice cream? The chefs at the Disneyland Resort have come up with some goodies for the season that will tickle your tastebuds and delight foodies of every age.
Returning to Disney California Adventure is the Plaza de la Familia, with things to do, see, and eat. At the Paradise Garden Grill there is a variety of options: Al Pastor Tacos, Huarache with soy chorizo beans and seasoned steak tips (plant based), street-style watermelon, chile verde chicken flats, street-style tacos, and vanilla layer cake.
The Boardwalk Pizza and Pasta is offering a special Horchata cheesecake.
At the Alien Pizza Planet in Disneyland Park guests can select the Dark Matter Pizza, Alien Buzz Macaron, Blush Pasta, and Apple and Pecan Salad.
Over at the Blue Bayou Restaurant there is a Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake special for the season.
Cafe Daisy offers plenty of select holiday treats as does the Carnation Cafe.
The Galactic Grill has a “Ghost” of Anaheim Burger, Pumpkin Pie Chai Tea, Darth by Chocolate, and more. And at the Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor chocoholics can indulge in the Rest in Chocolate Sundae.
As always, there are plenty of different churros throughout the parks.
Jolly Holiday Bakery has several unique selections for the season as do many other locations throughout Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. Actually, there are too many new and returning treats for the season to get into here so for a full list as well as descriptions of each item, check out the Disney Parks Foodie Guide where you can read all about the new selections this season. If your mouth isn’t watering now, after reading the guide it will. The chefs at the Disneyland Resort never fail to impress foodies of all ages with their savory delights as well as the sweet selections that will delight every sweet tooth.
Images courtesy 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.
The Pro Stylus 2 from ZAGG is more than a simple stylus. And it comes in a variety of colors to fit your mood or for each person to have his/her own stylus when using the same tablet. It might not seem like a big deal, but the different colors add a little fun to your work or play.
What’s impressive about the Pro Stylus 2 is that its power can be turned on or off with just a click. Also, the USB-C charging cable comes attached to a little cradle to hold the stylus in place while wireless charging the device. Charging it is easy and an LED light will turn on on the cradle during charging. It will turn itself off automatically after approximately 15 minutes.
The Pro Stylus 2 also comes with an additional color coordinated replacement tip.
The units are also magnetic so they will attach easily to your tablet or other device, and yes, the magnet is strong enough to hold it in place while carrying your iPad (specifically the iPad Pro 11 and 12.9) around. Take note: this is not comparable with the iPad Pro M4.
It’s also nice to have a spare stylus for those times when, (confession) you might misplace your stylus or drop it in between the seats in a car. Yes, I really did that. Luckily I had a spare and also was able to retrieve my original.
The colors are fun and the yellow actually looks like a Number 2 pencil. As a matter of fact, it says No 2 on it to recreate look of the actual pencils we all used in school. The tip is black whereas the tips on all the other colors match the color of the stylus.
There’s not much to say about this stylus other than it serves two purposes: the rubber end and the tip end each do their jobs. These days it’s often necessary to sign a document. Sure, there’s docusign, but first you need to scribble your signature. With the tip it looks more like an actual signature than with the rubber side, however both do the job.
If you have a tablet that lets you draw, the stylus will recognize when it is tilted to create thicker or thinner lines. To turn it on simply press down on the rubber end and you’ll hear a click.
It might not seem like an important piece of equipment, but when you are without your stylus once you are used to using it, you instantly feel like you’re back in the stone age. Maybe not that far back, but remember when we had to use our finger to write or move pieces and letters around on our favorite game? Take it from me, this little gadget really makes a difference.
Any device that supports the Apple Pencil will support the Pro Stylus 2. (Not the M4)
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw writes about 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.
This 2019 Hallmark original movie might put some weight on viewers, cause cavities, and chocolate cravings. It definitely hits your sweet tooth. Love, Romance, and Chocolate is a cute story about Emma, a New York food photographer and baker who is dumped by her boyfriend right before they were supposed to go on a romantic trip to Belgium for Valentine’s Day. Why waste a good trip and some delicious chocolates? Emma goes on her own to Bruges where she not only wants to sample all the delicious Belgium chocolates but also intends to see the spots where her grandparents fell in love and spent their time. Armed with photos of her grandparent and letters sent between them, she heads off to Bruges.
Emma (Lacey Chabert) is wide-eyed and excited about being in the country and the city where her grandparents met. On a tour of a chocolate shop she meets chocolatier Luc (Kill Kemp) who owns the shop. When she discovers he is in a bind and needs additional assistance while his assistant is off on maternity leave so Emma immediately volunteers.
Luc and all the other chocolatiers are competing to be the official Belgium Royal Chocolatier and create the official Valentine’s chocolate. Combining their two talents, Lucy and Emma begin trying out new recipes.
While tasting the competition’s chocolates, Emma meets Max (Guillaume Dolmans) who is not only a friendly foe of Luc’s but also trying to entice him to join his own company. Luc, however, will not sell his shop. It has been in his family for generations and he loves it and loves creating special chocolates. And with Emma by his side, he is learning some new ways and ingredients that just might help him win the competition.
This being a Hallmark Channel film, viewers already know where this will lead, but along the way they are treated to some amazing images of chocolates and how the delicacies are created. Many of the scenes are absolutely mouth-watering.
Chabert and Kemp have good chemistry on screen and as the story unfolds their relationship not only grows, but viewers’ also see the beauty of Bruges and gain a respect for the chocolate industry.
Love, Romance, and Chocolate is currently streaming on Hallmark Movies Now, which will become Hallmark+ later this fall.
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.
Three of Hallmark Channel’s most popular actresses joined together to create a franchise that has been beloved by viewers young and old. The Wedding Veil movies currently consists of six films. There have been rumors that a third trilogy might be down the road as viewers have taken the three main characters to their hearts.
Lacey Chabert, Alison Sweeney, and Autumn Reeser play best friends since college – Avery, Tracy, and Emma. Avery lives in Boston, Tracy in New York, and Emma in Chicago. They meet for their annual antique shopping trips in various locations, the first being San Francisco, which kicks off the franchise with The Wedding Veil (2022).
While shopping the trio comes upon an old wedding veil with a legend. Whoever has the veil will find true love. Even if that is not true, the three decide to go in together to purchase the beautiful lace veil. Well, lo and behold, Avery, who is taking the veil back to Boston, immediately has an encounter with Peter (Kevin McGarry). They hit it off and guess what? He also lives in Boston. What a coincidence. But due to a misunderstanding, what Avery believes is the start of a beautiful relationship hits the rails. Eventually they clear up the misunderstanding and yes, they do find true love with Avery wearing the lace veil at her wedding.
Emma is next to take possession of the veil when she transports it to Italy where she is teaching an art class for the summer. TheWedding Veil Unveiled (2022) delves into the history of the veil as Emma learns more about it when she discovers the lace shop that produced it generations earlier. By sheer happenstance, Emma has already met Paolo (Paolo Bernardini), the son of the shop’s owner. Their family has been making lace for generations, and the veil was one of their creations. There is lot of history to this one item, and the legend of true love continues with Emma and Paolo who fall in love and get married. Yes, she wears the veil at her wedding, and Paolo moves to Chicago to open a lace shop.
The veil is then handed off to Tracy who takes it with her to New York to have it fixed after the women discover a snag in the garment. At the tailor she meets Nick (Victor Webster). Their first impressions of each other are not good ones. That changes when his restaurant is selected to cater a party for the auction house where she works. Tracy never believed in the legend of the veil but she changes her mind when she falls in love with Nick. Wedding number three for the trio, The Wedding Veil Legacy (2022), rounds out the initial trilogy.
That trilogy was so beloved that a second trilogy was produced. The Wedding Veil Expectations(2023) has the veil back in Boston where Avery is putting it on a lace display at the gallery where she works. Of course, the central attraction is the veil and the painting depicting it, which was discovered in the basement of the gallery a few films ago. Avery has a lot on her plate, including renovating their house, dealing with a new opinionated director at the gallery, and being pregnant. So, you might wonder, where does the legend of the veil fit in? After all, all three women found their true loves. Stay tuned! Avery’s mother-in-law is holding the veil when she runs into an old flame. Clark (Barry Levy) and Grace (Karen Kruper) have a past and they reconnect, however Grace is reluctant to get too involved due to Peter’s discomfort with his mom dating another man even though his father has been dead for many years. Peter soon comes around, thanks to Avery. It’s time for wedding number four, and the legend of the veil continues.
Emma, who had loaned the veil to Avery for her lace exhibit, now has it back in the Chicago lace shop. While she teaches art classes, Paolo and his cousin Matteo (Carlo Marks) handle the shop, but when he is called back to Italy due to a family illness, she steps up and with the help of her teaching assistant Lily (Kacey Rohl), helps Matteo organize the lace shop and displays. You guessed it, Lily becomes the next object of the legend in The Wedding Veil Inspiration (2023) as she and Matteo succumb to the legend.
Rounding out the second trilogy is The Wedding Veil Journey (2023) when Tracy and Nick finally to take their honeymoon. They select Greece where they find a little inn on a secluded island. Tracy now has possession of the veil because the women have decided she will return it to the lace shop on their way back from Greece. Learning about the legend, one of the guests continually “takes” the veil to her son Nicholas’ room hoping he will finally find love. And yes, he does find love with the owner of the inn. True love match number six.
Throughout each of these films, the career women and their husbands have additional stories threading through the films with the legend of the veil being a side story. The three women are fun to watch and they are always on hand to help each other when something goes wrong. Flying from Boston to New York or Chicago to Boston, or any combination of their locales is not a problem for them. Their friendship is what counts, and may viewers, including this one, wishes she had true friends like these.
While a third trilogy is just a rumor, Hallmark Channel has seen how much their viewers have enjoyed the unfolding stories. Instead of making the third trilogy in 2024, they have chosen to make a trilogy about three men. The Groomsmen trilogy will be out this fall. Keep your eyes open for: The Groomsmen First Look, The Groomsmen Second Chance, and The Groomsmen Last Dance this fall (2024).
In the meantime, all six Wedding Veil films are available on DVD and streaming on Hallmark Movies Now and then on Hallmark+ where The Groomsmen movies will soon premiere. Hallmark Movies Now will become Hallmark+ with special content and and additional benefits for subscribers.
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.
Photo credit: 2021 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Allister Foster
Thelma is inspired by director Josh Margolin’s own story about his grandmother and how seniors are preyed upon but, as viewers see, some of them still have the spunk and wherewithal to lead independent lives, or somewhat independent lives. June Squibb stars as Thelma, a 93 year-old grandmother with plenty of drive, literally.
Thelma’s grandson Daniel (Fred Hechinger) is tasked by his parents (Parker Posey and Clark Gregg) to keep tabs on her. He teaches her about the Internet and they enjoy each other’s company. Then one day she receives a phone call from someone claiming to be Daniel saying he is in jail and she will get a call from his attorney. Needless to say the old woman is frantic.
When the call comes through a few minutes later, she is instructed to put $10,000 in cash in the mail and is given a specific address and PO box. Well, not wanting Danny to stay in jail longer than necessary, Thelma collects all her money, puts it in an envelop and deposits it at the local post office. Then she calls Danny’s parents.
What they all find out is that the whole thing was a scam. Thelma is overjoyed to know nothing happened to Danny, but is infuriated that she was taken advantage of and her money is gone. The police tell her there is little chance of retrieving the cash.
That’s not good enough for this spunky grandma. She visits her friend Ben (Richard Roundtree) in his senior living residence and together they take off on an adventure on his three-wheeled, two-seat scooter. And what an adventure they have. It’s quite a site seeing two old people maneuvering through the streets of Los Angeles on the sidewalks. Their destination is the location where the money was sent. Thelma is intent on retrieving her money if it’s the last thing she does.
There are some sweet moments with Thelma and Daniel. There are also some bittersweet scenes with seniors who are not as capable as Thelma and Ben.
The film was selected to be shown at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, the Cleveland International Film Festival, the Miami Film Festival, SFFILM, and closed the Seattle International Film Festival.
It’s rare that an entire film is dedicated to aging. This is unusual in that it has plenty of action (on a three-wheel scooter), tender moments, and frustrating situations, not least of which is the scamming of seniors as well as seniors not able to be as productive as they once were.
Thelma considers herself a senior Tom Cruise on her own impossible mission. But it is not impossible after all.
“My grandma refuses to die,” stated director Margolin. “She just turned 103 and has survived the Great Depression, WWII, the death of her husband, a double mastectomy, colon cancer, a valve replacement and an ongoing but allegedly-benign brain tumor.” All of this is also Thelma’s life.
“I wrote Thelma from this place of reckoning. I wanted to explore her fight for what’s left of her autonomy just as I was beginning to consider mine.”
Thelma is now available to rent or buy on digital. It is rated PG. Viewers will feel both sadness and some joy. It is a tender, bittersweet story.
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.
Prescott, Arizona is the home of the world’s oldest rodeo, a cowboy town, and a quiet little town. It is perhaps the last place you would find a British-style restaurant. Visitors to the town have a big surprise in store for their tastebuds and dining pleasure. The Bear and Dragon is a unique locale in this place. While the town has a few famous and notable places in which to dine, the Bear and Dragon definitely deserves a visit when spending any time in Prescott.
Entering the restaurant is an experience. It is small, cozy, and decorated with bookshelves, photos, and paintings of British authors and historical figures. They offer outside dining however for the full ambiance, especially if you are a first-timer, opt for one of the two small inside rooms. It’s inside where you will be transported to a British pub/restaurant surrounded by the whole ambiance of another time and place. This is definitely not the typical cowboy atmosphere of many of the downtown restaurants. The back room is like a library in an old British country manor.
The Bear and Dragon offers breakfasts, lunches, and dinners however their times and dates vary so check with them or their website before heading over to the restaurant. The options are limited but there is something for almost every diner, and they are willing to alter their options if you prefer something different that is included in the meal. Even the pickiest eater can find something delicious here.
As for the food, everything we have tried has been delicious. I am personally partial to the French Omelette for breakfast, although there are several other options that are tasty too. The French Omelette is created using Boursin cheese in fluffy eggs with cherry tomato beurre blanc along side potato Gallettes with Crème Fraiche and Chives.Tolkien’s Breakfast is described as “Full English,” witheggs, bangers, bacon, mushrooms and other goodies. There is a Steinbeck’s Breakfast, a Bjorn’s Breakfast, a Queen Victoria Breakfast, anda few more. Their lunches include salads, mushroom bisque, and various sandwiches. For dinner they offer Chicken Pot Pie, Bangers and Mash, Steak Frites, Prime Rib, and a few other delicacies.They have some mouth-watering desserts and yes, they do have wines, beer, other liquors, a cocktail menu, and a coffee bar for lattes, cappuccino, and several other caffeinated beverages of your choice.
And after your delicious meal, the check arrives nestled in a book. What a fun idea. No, you are not permitted to keep the book, but it is a cute way of adding to the whole experience.
This is definitely not the typical restaurant in this cowboy town. The Bear and Dragon is not only a nice place in which to enjoy a meal, but it is also a restaurant that offers some great foodin an atmosphere of an old country manor. And my final word – the food is unique and delicious.
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry, travel, and products 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. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
The latest film in the Planet of the Apes franchise is now available to bring home. It’s available in several formats: DVD, Blu-ray, 4K Ultra HD, and a new special 4K UHD/BD+Digital+Steelbook for the ultimate fans of the show and the franchise.
Digital retailers for home streaming include Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home.
Film Synopsis
Director Wes Ball breathes new life into the global, epic franchise with this action-adventure spectacle from 20th Century Studios. Set several generations in the future following Caesar’s reign, apes are living harmoniously as the dominant species — and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows. As a new tyrannical ape leader builds his empire, one young ape undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.
Bonus Features
Inside the Forbidden Zone: Making Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes documentary – Director Wes Ball, cast and crew as they expand the Planet of the Apes legacy for a new generation. Travel to the outdoor production in Australia, train at Ape School, and discover the practical and motion capture techniques in building a breathtaking Kingdom.
Plus there are 14 deleted sceneswith optional audio commentary by director Wes Ball.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of Sci-Fi violence/action.
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.
55 years ago this month man first stepped on the moon. For those who were alive during those amazing days of Apollo 11, this event is part of their memories. I remember looking up at the moon when Neil Armstrong took his first steps on that dusty/rocky surface. But getting there was not easy, and this was a time when the Vietnam War was consuming the news and people’s minds. Fly Me to the Moon is a fun look at how NASA became America’s best bet for inspiration and American patriotism.
Scarlett Johansson stars as Kelly Jones, a NYC advertising/marketing guru who manages to get whatever she wants. She is a true con artist and a chameleon when it comes to marketing. That’s why the government hires her. Her assignment is to make NASA popular so all Americans, and everyone around the world, would be supportive of the missions to the moon.
Channing Tatum is launch director Cole Davis who is steadfast about keeping NASA on track. He cares deeply about the entire team. So when Kelly starts revamping everything at the Kennedy Space Center, he is not pleased. Why should astronauts advertise wearing Omega watches? And why would TANG be the official drink of the Apollo astronauts? All of this is crazy to him but once he sees that NASA is becoming popular among the people and the funding for the program could be sustained, well, that’s when he sees the benefit of Kelly’s maneuvering. But let’s not forget that there is a bit of a spark developing between these two hard-working people.
When Kelly is directed by undercover specialist Moe Berkus (Woody Harrelson) to secretly stage a fake landing in case the mission is unsuccessful, things start to unwind in her head. For the first time her conscious starts giving her doubts about this project. She thoroughly enjoyed making NASA popular and she really likes the people at the Kennedy Space Center, but her job and indeed her future (no spoiler alert) are on the line. She must create a fake landing in a vacant building on the space center site, and she must keep it a secret from everyone, including Cole.
The story is loosely based on what happened back in the 1960s. Yes, TANG, Omega, Rice Krispies, and other consumer products became associated with NASA. But about that fake moon landing production… unlikely.
There are so many humorous parts to this movie woven through the backdrop of the history-making mission. The characters are enjoyable to watch as are their interactions with each other and especially with Kelly.
America is about to return to the moon. But let’s not forget that in July 1969 America was on the moon. This movie is a tribute to all those who worked tirelessly on the Apollo missions and those who lost their lives in pursuit of John Kennedy’s goal of landing a man on the moon and bringing him safely back to earth before 1970. When America puts its mind to something, it happens.
Fly Me to the Moon is a fun look back at the late 1960s (with music, hairstyles, clothing) and a sense of pride and accomplishment for the country and the folks at NASA.
Fly Me to the Moon is rated PG-13 for some strong language and smoking. It opens in theaters July 12, 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.
