Author: Francine Brokaw

Great American Media adds a faith-driven genre

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Great American Media has always been filled with inspirational stories. The company was created to bring wholesome, family friendly shows to the small screen. Their latest addition to their offerings is a new faith genre they call The Golden Thread.

Bill Abbott, President and CEO of Great American Media, said, “At Great American Media, we believe faith is not something that appears only in moments of crisis. The Golden Thread reflects the reality that faith is part of the entire journey of life. It’s present in the joyful moments, the difficult seasons, and the everyday experiences in between. These stories will entertain while demonstrating that faith is the very fabric of our lives, and is woven throughout life’s journey, guiding decisions, relationships, and purpose along the way.”

Unlike other shows where the character finds or rediscovers his or her faith, the stories in The Golden Thread have faith woven through the entire story. It lifts up the characters throughout their journeys.

The company describes this as a new kind of storytelling.

Why is this a good time to bring these faith-based and inspired films to the world? With all the turmoil around the globe and the stress building inside us, this is the perfect time to do this. Reminding viewers how faith is ever present and important in these times of upheaval is just what is needed, and that faith is woven through our lives in many ways.

Abbott,  the former CEO of Crown Media, wanted to bring more stories to the public that were grounded in old-fashioned morals and virtues. That was the impetus for co-founding Great American Media in 2021.

As Abbott told the Bold and Blunt podcast, “There’s a tremendous passion from the audience and they  just want to be entertained and they don’t want the social engineering and the indoctrination that has become such a part of the culture of entertainment.” He is insistent that Great American Media will always offer content families can enjoy together.

Blessings in Disguise is the first film under this new banner. It premieres on Great American Pure Flix beginning March 26, 2026, and Great American Family and GFAM+ beginning March 28, 2026. For our feature on this movie, click here.

 

About the Author

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

 

Bring home ‘Somewhere in Time’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In 1980, the movie Somewhere in Time stole the hearts of viewers. Christopher Reeve stepped out of his Superman suit to take on the romantic role of Richard Collier. The film showed a different side of the actor, and fans were enthralled with his character and the story. It is now available in a 4K UD/Blu-ray combo pack from Kino Lorber.

Collier, a playwright, was stuck. He decided to get away to refresh his mind, and ended up at the Grand Hotel where his life changed. He saw the photo of Elise McKenna (Jane Seymour), an actress who had starred in a play at the resort. Collier was immediately entranced by the photo and fell in love with McKenna, even though she lived a lifetime ago. 

Thus began his research about the actress, which led him to understand something that occurred eight years earlier when an old woman approached him, gave him a pocket watch, and said, “Come back to me.” That old woman was Elise McKenna, and Collier was intent on finding her. Then he discovered she was dead.

Death did not stop him from pursuing this woman with whom he knew was his destiny. Having learned about the possibility of time travel from someone who discovered hypnotizing the mind could send someone back in time, Collier set out to do just that. And voila, he was transported back to the early 1900s.

The romance between the two began, and their connection was powerful, even though McKenna’s manager Robinson (Christopher Plummer) did everything to keep the two apart. Destiny had other ideas. 

Time travel is a tricky topic to tackle. The pocket watch was given to Collier in his time, but then once he traveled back, McKenna took it. Then she gave it back to him in his time. So just how did he get the watch in the first place? But even though there are things that baffle the mind, viewers are tasked with going along with the story, which isn’t hard to do.

The soundtrack is wonderful. And the new combo pack includes an interesting bonus documentary that looks at the making of the film, and has some fun interviews with the cast and crew.

The movie was filmed on location on Mackinac Island, which is where the Grand Hotel is. The story was originally designed to be set in the Del Coronado Hotel in California, however there were too many modern elements that would take away from the feeling of being back in the early 1900s. 

Fun anecdotes from the cast add to the documentary. For instance, Reeve had his personal plane nearby, and he and Seymour would take it on outings. Another fun story is told by Seymour who describes one of her scenes on stage as the actress.

And, while the cast and crew stayed together, they became a family, each looking out for the other. It was a good experience for them all. 

Beside the documentary, there are new audio commentaries, and a featurette about the movie’s fan club.

With the entertaining and informative bonus feature, this new Blu-ray release is a must-have for fans of the film.  It was nominated for an Academy Award for best costume design, and won the Saturn Awards for Best Fantasy Film, Best Music, and Best Costumes.

The movie is a romantic fantasy time travel story that touches the hearts of both men and women, and has stood the test of time (no pun intended) through the 46 years since it premiered.

Somewhere in Time is rated PG.

About the Author

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

 

Watch ‘Send Help’ at home

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien star in the dark comedy Send Help, the story of two people who dislike each other both personally and professionally but must find a way to survive when they are the only two survivors of a plane crash. 

Linda Liddell (McAdams) is addicted to the TV show Survivors and has always wanted to be a contestant. She has the skills, but her personality just isn’t what would get her on the show. Linda is a hard worker at a big company and is due to be promoted to Vice President. 

Bradley Preston (O’Brien) is the new president of the company, and although he is told his late father promised the promotion to Linda, he gives the job to his old friend Donovan (Xavier Samuel), a man who has little experience at the company and who has undermined Linda at every turn. 

Bradley is a smug, spoiled, self-centered, womanizing brat who treats Linda with disdain. After all, she is not the most beautiful woman in the office, and her style leaves a lot to be desired. He holds all of that against her, even though she has saved the company many times through the years. This evokes shades of the 1980 movie Nine to Five. 

When Bradley, Donovan, Linda, and a couple other company men take a private jet to Thailand on business, the plane crashes in the ocean. Linda and Bradley are the only two survivors, and with her expertise, she knows she must use her talents to save their lives. But Bradley is not happy about relying on this woman.

As the days go by, the dynamic between the two shifts, several times. Linda is a hard worker not only in the office but also in the wild. She makes shelters, forages for food, and is the ultimate survivor, while Bradley initially sits by and watches. To be fair, in the beginning he is injured, however when he is mobile, his skills are put to the test and he is no match for the competent and confident Linda Liddle.

The relationship between the two is complicated, with Bradley still playing the role of boss, until this changes. He is, to be blunt, a jerk. But somehow Linda feels a tug in her heart when it comes to him.

Bradley changes as the days go by, as does Linda. They each take on different personality traits audiences originally attributed to them. 

There are some gruesome scenes in this dark somewhat horror comedy. McAdams puts a lot of energy and fun into her character, which has viewers rooting for her. And the insufferable Bradley looks like he could become a good guy, under her guidance. However things are not always what they seem.

There are plenty of bonuses with this film. A blooper reel is included, however it is mainly showing how much fun the actors had while filming. There is 1 hour 18 minutes worth of deleted and extended scenes as well as  storyboards, some of which add insight into the characters and the film. And there is one deleted scene that if it had been included in the final cut, wold have changed the ending. Plus, in the film there is a reference to Linda’s audition tape for the show Survivor. This audition tape is included in the bonus features.

Also included are five featurettes giving viewers some background into the production, how they filmed various scenes, and how they filmed on location. The production had an actual survivalist training the characters exactly what they would do in this situation and under these circumstances, and actually using what was available to them on that deserted island. McAdams was instructed in the proper techniques of survival, which added authenticity to her character and gave the movie credibility.

The movie is now available on digital, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, and Movies Anywhere. It will be available on DVD, and Blu-ray/4K beginning April 21, 2026.

Send Help is rated R for strong/bloody violence and language. It’s not for kids.

 

About the Author

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

 

Images supplied courtesy 20th Century Studios

‘Blessings in Disguise’ is filled with inspiration and love

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The inaugural film in the new faith-based films from Great American Media is a sweet story about faith, love, and following your heart. Blessings in Disguise stars Shae Robins as Katie, a woman from a small town who has been trying to make it as a fashion designer in the big city. Unfortunately, along the way, she lost what really matters.

After her first fashion show proved to be uninspired, Katie returns to her home town to figure out her next move. Her mother is happy to have her home, but this woman is still dealing with the loss of her own mother and husband. Neither of these woman have a focus for their lives.

Luke (Casey Elliott), Katie’s ex-boyfriend, is still in town, and the two reunite – as friends. And when Katie decides to re-open her grandmother’s little dress shop, it is Luke she asks for help.

Katie is determined to redeem her reputation in the fashion world, and immediately sets out to design a new line of clothing. What will make her clothes stand out from all the others in the world? It is in her grandmother’s shop where she finds inspiration and her true calling in life.

Sewing in quotes and lines from the Bible to inspire and lift up the wearers of the clothes is what her grandmother always did. Her faith led her in her business. And now Katie learns just how much that faith and the inspirational lines in the Bible mean to not only her, but to the community and the world. These little blessings are unique. Sewn into the garments they add a touch of love, extra care, motivation, and encouragement to whomever wears them. These are the blessings in disguise.

While Katie is struggling to meet her deadline for a new fashion line, Luke is right by her side. And his steadfast belief that things will turn out all right if she just follows her beliefs, is the additional thread that binds her new path in her career to her life with meaning and love.

Blessings in Disguise begins streaming on Great American Pure Flix beginning March 26, 2026, and premieres on Great American Family and GFAM+ beginning March 28, 2026. 

This new faith-based genre titled The Golden Thread from Great American Media, is meant to inspire, entertain, and bring hope and love to viewers.  More movies will be rolling out under this new banner.

About the Author

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

Image courtesy Great American Media

‘Leo: A Ghost Story’ by Mac Barnett

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Leo: A Ghost Story is a fun and whimsical book for ages preschool to kindergarten.  It’s the story of a little ghost who only wants to be wanted.

Leo does not realize ghosts can scare people. When new residents move into the house he has been occupying, they think it is haunted. To save them any more distress, little Leo leaves his house and roams around the city.

Things were different than he remembered. And it was bigger and noisier.

No one can see this little guy. After all, he is a ghost. People walk right through him. Nevertheless, Leo longs for someone to talk with and play with.

Then he encounters a little girl named Jane. Jane is able to see and converse with Leo, to his delight. But Jane thinks he is only one of her imaginary friends.

Leo moves into Jane’s house and one night catches a thief trying to rob it. When Jane asks him how can an imaginary friend catch a thief, he admits that he is not imaginary. He is a ghost.

Jane is undaunted by this fact and Leo and Jane become fast friends.

The story is adorable for little kids to read to themselves or for parents to read to their children. It makes a great bedtime story. 

Filled with fun as well as a cute little ghost, the book provides plenty of entertainment. Mac Barnett’s prose is easy to understand, even for the smallest kids. And every page is filled with illustrations by Christian Robinson who captures the whimsy of the story in his pictures on every page all in shades of blues with a hint of green. Blue represents quiet and calm, making this the perfect book to take to bed.

Leo: A Ghost Story might become a favorite go-to book for kids. Whether they are looking at the drawings or reading or listening to the story, Leo will be a fun story with a delightful little ghost and his new best friend Jane. The hard cover is available now and the paperback can be pre-ordered and will be released on July 7, 2026.

  • Publisher  :  Chronicle Books
  • ISBN-10  :  1797239236
  • ISBN-13  :  978-1797239231

About the Author

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

‘Wonder Pets: In the City’ returns for more fun adventures

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Finally the adorable critters are back for a second season. Izzy the guinea pig, Zuri the bunny, and Tate the snake are the Wonder Pets: In the City. This little trio are fun, funny, and filled with excitement as they are always eager to help other animals who are in trouble.

The three are classroom pets in a New York City kindergarten, and when the kids leave for the day, the trio get into their roles as heroes to help other animals in need. Each of the 13 episodes contains two different adventures for the three.

The adventures begin when the “walkie-phone” beeps and buzzes. That tells the trio that an animal somewhere is in trouble and in need of their assistance. 

From there, they set off to a different location to help or lend a hand. Sometimes they put together their “Jetcar” to take them to far off locations. 

There are plenty of lessons kids can take from this show. First, and most importantly, is that working together is the best way to solve a problem. Even working as a team is how they assemble the Jetcar properly. As they say (or rather sing), “working together there’s nothing we can’t do.” After all, they’re “the biggest little team.” They sing they are “full of heart, super smart, and stronger than we seem.”  (note: try to get that little ditty out of your head after watching the show!)

What makes this animated series stand out from other children’s shows, besides the fun trio, is that each episode is like a mini children’s opera. The stories are filled with songs. They are catchy little toons that add to the background and enjoyment of the show.

While other heroes have super powers, the super powers of Izzy, Zuri, and Tate is their intelligence and common sense. Whether they are called on the assist another animal or simply give support and confidence to them, these little fellows are always able to complete the task at hand.

In this season they are after my heart as they help the pizza cat next door to the kindergarten. Together they create a delicious pizza with, my favorite pizza topping – pineapple. That might be my favorite episode this season. Delicious!

Whether they are assisting other critters or, in this season some origami animals, Tate, Izzy, and Zuri are always upbeat, eager, and helpful. Their compassion is unmatched as they set out to solve whatever problem is at hand.

Wonder Pets: In the City is one of the best preschool shows that has come out in years. The threesome, songs, cute stories, and delightful animation combine to make this a pure delight – even for parents. And, they eat their vegetables!

This is an updated version of the original Wonder Pets that came had different characters and lasted three season from 2006-2016. Now a new generation of young viewers are enjoying this talented little trio. Wonder Pets: In the City is, in my opinion, more fun and enjoyable than the original series. These three characters are cute, engaging, and have personality, and together they make this a great preschool series that everyone can enjoy.

Fans of the show have eagerly awaited another season.   The second season of Wonder Pets: In the City premieres March 20, 2026 on Apple TV+.

About the Author

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

Bluey comes to Disneyland

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Bluey, the beloved blue heeler dog, and her little sister, Bingo, are joining Disney Experiences as part of Disney’s global relationship with BBC Studios. The animated series Bluey has been entertaining kids since its debut in 2018, and fans are looking forward to next year when The Bluey Movie is released.

Bluey and Bingo are featured everywhere – in book stores, craft stores, toy stores – you name it, they’re there. They are adorable and have captured the hearts of youngsters around the world.

Beginning March 22, 2026 Bluey and Bingo will also be at Disneyland.  With fun and food for the whole family, Bluey and her sister add an additional element to the theme park which kids are going to enjoy.

“Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” invites guests to an immersive celebration of the heart and humor of the critically acclaimed Disney+ animated series Bluey, inside the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland park in Anaheim, Calif., beginning March 22, 2026. Bluey and her sister Bingo appear live on stage, joining a troupe of comedic actors and musicians as they bring to life the popular music and imaginative games that are emblematic of the beloved episodes, inspiring young families and guests of all ages to participate. (Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)

Join in the fun with them at Fantasyland Theater for their stage show “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” Joining Bluey and Bingo are Chattermax, Unicorse, and a troupe of Grannies. Fantasyland is the destination for all things Bluey when visiting the park.

Guests can enter the life-sized Gnome Village and Fairy Garden for fun adventures, as well as partake in some of Bluey’s favorite games.

Besides the characters appearing at the park, as well as the fun stage event, the chefs at Disneyland Resort have concocted some special treats for guests.

The Troubadour Tavern has a big selection of Bluey inspired food. There are Magic “Asparagus” Pretzels, Pizza Girls Baked Potato, Troubadour Baked Potato, a Mini All-beef hot dog kids meal, Poffertjes! Poffertjes! (mini Dutch pancakes), Watermelon Ice Block, Pavlova Parfait (this sounds and looks delicious – meringue bites, vanilla yogurt mousse, berry compote, vanilla cake, fresh berries, and candied kiwi), Lime Ice Block Drink (can you say “refreshing?”), and Mud Cake Cold Brew. 

And for guests with a sweet tooth, Plaza Inn will offer a Stumpfest Cake (this looks amazing) which is described as chocolate roulade with white chocolate mousse and ganache. Wow!

Bluey Sipper at Troubadour Tavern in Disneyland Park, Anaheim, Calif. (David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort)

Bluey Sippers will also be available while supplies last, with a limit of 2 per person. These are “must haves” for young (and old) fans of the little pups. And Bluey popcorn buckets will also be available at select carts, with a limit of 10 per person.

With the fun of the stage event, the games, interactions with the characters, photo ops, as well as the delicious looking food and beverages, Bluey and Bingo are a welcome addition to Disneyland Resort.   

For more information about the Bluey activities, go to the Disney Parks Blog, and for more detailed information about the new Bluey food and beverages, click here.

About the Author

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

Note: Unfortunatley, I was not able to test any of the food or beverages or see the stage show prior to this writing.

Images supplied courtesy Disneyland 

‘The Madison’ is a touching family drama

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The latest series from writer/producer Taylor Sheridan is a touching family drama that will definitely pull at the heartstrings of viewers. Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell star as Preston and Stacy Clyburn, an affluent couple living in Manhattan. 

Preston and his brother Paul (Matthew Fox) built a ranch together in the Madison River Valley of Montana, right next to the river. Paul lives there full-time and whenever he can, Preston escapes to his idyllic world in Montana. His passion is fly-fishing which is something he can do right outside his front porch. Stacy is a high-fashion Manhattanite and has no interest in Montana, and neither do her two spoiled and bratty daughters Abigail (Beau Garrett) and Paige (Elle Chapman).

When a tragedy hits the family, they all travel to Montana, including Paige’s husband Russell (Patrick J. Adams). The women are confronted with the beauty of the land, however they cannot embrace some of the lifestyle, namely an outhouse and a freezer filled with freshly killed local meat. And, there are no lattes or cappuccinos in the area. How are they to survive?

Stacy decides to embrace this way of life. After all, it is the place Preston loves more than anywhere. And little by little she sees the ranch through his eyes. 

The story is filled with tragic elements as everyone faces a family drama that came out of the blue and hit them in the gut, so to speak. While in Montana, they fight, make up, and even bond. But the daughters are too spoiled to give this lifestyle a chance.  Abigail’s young daughters Bridgett and Macy (Amiah Miller and Alaina Pollack), however, are a bit more open to the outdoors and Montana life. Their snooty woke schooling tends to get in the way, but they soon learn the lesson of being kind to others, even when you don’t agree with them.

This is a story filled with emotions and viewers will feel every one of them. 

The show is filled with the “f” word, as well as plenty of alcohol consumption, so keep that in mind when deciding to watch this with others. Even though it is a show about a family, it is not for family viewing.

The first season of The Madison debuts March 14, 2026 on Paramount +.  There are six often gut-wrenching episodes in this season. Even though it is overflowing with many sad elements, it is a series that is worth watching. The acting is top notch (could there be an Emmy in store for Pfeiffer?), and every once in a while there is a spattering of humor. The bottom line is it is a heartfelt and heartening family drama.

Title Credit Paramount+

Individual Photos Credit: Emerson Miller/Paramount+

‘The Testament of Ann Lee’ now on digital

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Amanda Seyfried stars in The Testament of Ann Lee, a story based on the legend of the Shaker founder. With intense scenes as well as songs and dancing, this is an interesting movie about one woman whose devotion led her to question the religious teachings of the day, the moral standards of her time, relationships between men and women, and to strive to form a utopian society.

The filmmakers did extensive research about Ann Lee and her experiences in order to create this film. 

Ann Lee’s story is not widely known. She grew up in the 1700s in England, and moved to America with the intent of creating an equal society where people could live their lives in a harmonious place, aka utopia.

Writer/director Mona Fastvold said, “For me, being an artist is always about striving to create the impossible – that’s what drew me to Ann Lee. This film is offered as a tribute to her dream – and the silence that now surrounds it.” 

There is a bonus feature that delves into the cast and story. This is a visually dark film, which breaks into dance and movements as well as songs. This behind-the-scenes feature looks at the history of the time, the history of Ann Lee, and how the filmmakers decided to represent her story as truthfully as they could. 

Through research, the sets were designed to give viewers the feeling of the era, and to add to the captivating story of Ann Lee. She was a force to be reckoned with, and her steadfast idea and ideals, combined with her personal charisma,  led her to found the Shakers. According to Fastvold, Ann Lee was  a “wild feminist religious leader in late 1700s America.” 

The story is an interesting look at this time in history, and a woman who has been widely overlooked.

The movie – along with the bonus feature – is now available on digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango.

Beginning March 31, 2026, the movie will be available on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ (for bundle subscribers in the U.S.).

This is not a film for kids. It is rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity, violence and bloody images

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

‘The Art of Hoppers’ book review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The newest “Art of” book in the Disney/Pixar series is The Art of Hoppers, with coincides with the release of the latest animated film. The story focuses on one determined young woman who makes it her mission to save and protect animals and their habitats.

The book, like all the others in this series, includes editorial as well as countless images and drawings that went into creating the movie.

The foreword from Executive Producer Pete Doctor, is filled with his usual wit. With the main character “hopping” into the robotic body of a beaver, Doctor writes, “So as you gnaw through these pages, take a moment to chew over the artistry behind the adventure, This is where Hoppers began – not in the final polished frames, but in the raw, dam-bursting creativity that first brought these beavers to life.” 

Indeed, the story did not begin the way it ended up, and through the pages the various prospective scenes are shown, giving readers a better insight into the mindset of the creative team. Director Daniel Chong admits that his initial thoughts on the film could not come to fruition. But things eventually worked out. He writes, “As our own King George would say, we were all in this together.”

There is a picture of the blackboard which the scientists use to figure out how to “hop” from a human brain into a robotic animal. It is filled with equations and scientific terms. Is this really how to do it? It is in a Disney/Pixar film!

Mabel, the hero of the film, went through different visual incarnations until they came up with final look of this girl. Mabel Tanaka is a determined 19-year-old who is fearless when it comes to helping the animals. Granted, she may not be the cutest animated hero, but she does have something very likable about her looks and her expressions. And her love of animals adds to her likability.

The pages are a great adjunct to the movie. I highly recommend seeing the movie first then going through the book to get a detailed background to the characters, the story, and the visuals that are seen on the screen. 

The animators describe how they created the various animals – their shapes and colors. Plus the attitudes of the critters had to come through in the film, so that gave them more reason to delve into the construct of the faces and bodies.

My favorite page is 69, and it is a digital drawing of the main animals in the film. It brings back the humor, humanity, and fun of the story.

There are comments by the artists along with the digital art that helps readers learn about the background of the story and the scenes.

True, there are some intense and scary parts to the film, but the majority is colorful and sweet. Sensitivity, however, always resides in the background, and the book demonstrates that.

As story artist Vanessa Guvele says, “The fire scene symbolizes everything Mabel has fought for going up in flames. … Even after Mabel loses everything, her friends are there to pick her up when she needs them the most.” That is the theme of the film. We are all in this together and must help each other. 

The book is filled with artwork and background, and screenwriter Jesse Andrews admits it took three years to write the story. Reading the comments by the filmmakers, it is evident they all had a lot of fun creating this new movie.

  • The Art of Hoppers
  • Publisher  :  Chronicle Books
  • Publication date  :  February 10, 2026
  • ISBN-10  :  1797237071
  • ISBN-13  :  978-179723707

About the Reviewer

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

Read our movie review of Hoppers here.