Grab your party hats, dancing shoes, sunglasses and find that old disco ball, as it’s almost time to party for World Turtle Day™ 2024! American Tortoise Rescue (ATR), a nonprofit organization established in 1990 for the protection of all species turtles and of tortoises, is shellebrating its 24th annual international World Turtle Day on May 23. Join the fun as this year’s theme is “Let’s Party” with rescue favorites Bunkle, Spinner and Evil who are waking up from hibernation and ready to rock the globe.
“I founded World Turtle Day with my husband Marshall Thompson years ago to shellebrate and protect turtles and their disappearing habitats around the globe. Last year, people were taking “shellfies” and holding “shellebrations” in the U.S., Canada, Pakistan, Borneo, India, Australia, the UK, Greece and many other countries. In fact, 2023 was our biggest year yet reaching more than two billion people around the world through broadcast, print and online media alone,” Susan Tellem said.
There have been countless documentaries about Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis and now, on the 30th anniversary of her death, The CW is airing “I Am Jackie O.” Jackie lived an extraordinary life. This film documents her early life, her life with JFK, her life with Aristotle Onassis, and her life as a book editor, with thoughts from her sister, cousin, biographers, and friends.
Even though most people know about this iconic woman, there are still little tidbits woven throughout the film that help paint a broader picture of the woman who was, at the time, the most famous woman in the world. She was brought up to create her own image and persona, which she did with flair. She shaped the perception others had of her, yet even though she was perceived as a docile woman of her time, she was quite the opposite. She was tough, intelligent, and thoughtful.
Jackie was, in truth, the equal of JFK when it came to intelligence. With Jackie he was able to have brilliant conversations and gain intelligent insight and advice. They were a formidable duo yet she often disagreed with some of his decisions, like the way he handled the Bay of Pigs. They shared a deep love for each other, even though he was a womanizer. She knew about his dalliances, yet stayed with him, kept him on the right track emotionally, and loved him.
Her glamor, sophistication, and charm won over the entire world, and she knew the power she had. Jackie desired to leave her mark on the world in a positive way, and she certainly did that.
After Dallas, depression set in. This was more than just depression. Jackie suffered from PTSD and continually, or rather constantly, relived that horrible day. She suffered greatly and wanted to kill herself. The only thing that kept her alive was her role as mother to Caroline and John, Jr. They were the reason she survived, although she stated she hoped her years on earth would not be long.
Through her letters and interviews as well as newscasts, viewers hear her thoughts. She was meticulous about keeping letters, and to maintain her privacy, when she knew she was dying, she burned each one, one at a time.
The marriage between Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis was controversial in many ways. Many people think she only married him for his money and security. But there was a real affection between them, and he adored her children.
Jackie was the First Lady for only three and a half years. She was a book editor for nearly 20 years. During her time as First Lady she brought history and art to the forefront and to the White House, along with her special glamor. After returning to New York after the death of Onassis, Jackie helped save and restore many of the city’s monuments and buildings. She had a strong sense of history, along with her sense of style.
This enigmatic woman is more than a footnote in American history. Her contributions to the country are countless and they were selfless. She saw what had to be done and did everything she could to do it. Many quotes attributed to JFK were actually written by her. This was a woman who wanted to contribute but was content to stay on the sidelines and let others shine, although she did get a special Emmy for her White House tour TV show that was the most watched show of the time.
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis died on May 19, 1994. For someone who only lived 64 years, she left a remarkable legacy. I am Jackie O airs on The CW on March 3, 2024. It is part of the “I am” series of films.
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.
Camila Mendes stars as Ana in the Prime Video film Upgraded. Let’s face it, we all want to be upgraded when we travel. Sitting in the economy seats leaves a lot to be desired. But that is where Ana was supposed to sit on her flight to London from New York. Never mind that her boss and two underlings are in first class and on an earlier flight, leaving Ana several hours to fiddle her thumbs at the airport. But things are about to change.
Ana’s boss Claire (Marisa Tomei) and her two smug underlings, aka assistants, are akin to those in The Devil Wears Prada. Or maybe they’re worse. But Ana desperately needs to keep her internship with this art agency because so she can fulfill her dream of opening her own art gallery. She is proficient in art of all ages.
When a kind ticket agent sees the torment Claire’s assistants pile on Ana, she takes pity on her and upgrades her to first class. This includes the first class lounge which also includes, besides the champagne and food, a spa. A spa?! Well, Ana takes advantage of this wonderful surprise and in the lounge meets Well (Archie Renaux) on whom she accidentally spills her Bloody Mary.
On the flight it turns out Will is sitting next to her, and to keep up her first-class image, she divulges she is the head of a prestigious art agency. Her lies begin to pile up when Will is met at the airport by his famous mother Catherine (Lena Olin) who takes an immediate liking to Ana.
As Ana’s time in London goes on and she happily undertakes the tedious tasks she is given, her spare time is spent with Catherine, Will, and their VIP friends. What could be the problem with living it up – albeit under a lie – for a few days? No one will know and she will have the time of her life. But once again, things change. Oh what a tangles web we weave when first we practice to deceive.
And yes, romance blossoms between Will and Ana. But will it survive the truth?
Writer Christine Lenig said, “”I wrote Upgraded because I like stories that explore how life can turn on a dime. We all want to believe we are just one random event away from upgrading our otherwise dull lives. Like winning the lottery, meeting our soul mate, or, in Ana’s case, getting upgraded to first class. For Ana’s character, it’s not just a better seat; it’s a chance at a better life.”
About Renaux, director Carlson Young stated, “Archie to me felt like the nod that we wanted to the classic heroes from 90s and 2000s rom coms. I love him as a human being so much and in this character he’s fantastic. He brings this airy lightness to the world that’s really needed in our story. Will may come from privilege and a U.K. famous mother, but he’s grounded and I think Archie grounds our story in a really lovely way.”
According to Young, ”The relationship between Ana and Will is a sort of meet-cute that we’ve seen before, but I think our writers did an incredible job of infusing a lot of contemporary elements to their banter and their chemistry,” she says. “I think it really comes across as something fun and playful, it was lovely to find that relationship between them.”
Upgraded is a bit of The Devil Wears Prada combined with Maid to Order. It’s a cute rom-com for today’s viewers.
Upgraded is rated R for language and some nude art 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. 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.
From DreamWorks Animation, Megamind vs The Doom Syndicate has a big switch from the 2010 original film. Now Megamind decides it is better to be a superhero than a supervillain. He begins saving Metro City while trying to learn how to be a hero instead of a villain. It’s a tough job and a big change for this former bad guy, but he is intent on doing it and keeping on the good side. Superheroes get accolades and fans, and this intrigues him.
Things are going well for the new superhero. He even gets the key to the city, but his former group of villains, The Doom Syndicate, see this as a sign and break out of prison. What they expect is that Megamind is just pretending to be a hero until the rest of the gang joins him and they will return to being the scourge of Metro City as a team.
Megamind has honestly changed but in order to keep the city safe, he must pretend to be pretending to be good. Follow that? He must convince his former villains that he is still the supervillain he was, while trying to undermine their plans.
Keith Ferguson is the voice of Megamind. This challenge for the new superhero is intense as he maneuvers his way through both the hero and villain worlds. His only chance of proving to the city that he is truly a hero is to eliminate the Doom Syndicate and yes, save Metro City as his former mates have designed a plan to launch the entire city to the moon.
Joining the cast is an adorable little girl, Keiko (Maya Aoki Tuttle), who proclaims herself the President of the Megamind fan club and wants to be a crime fighter just like her new hero. She’s hard-nosed and loves the new direction Megamind has chosen for himself. And Laura Post voices Roxanne Ritchie, taking over from Tina Fey who voiced the character in the original film. She is a news reporter who joins the new hero team, along with Megamind’s sidekick Ol’ Chum (Josh Brewer). Each one of these characters is tough and together they make a formidable new crime solving team.
The original 2010 film introduced the intelligent alien who was eager to fight any and all heroes. Megamind (originally voiced by Will Ferrell) was a true Supervillain in that film. Now he has seen the light and as a Superhero he has much to do to fight against new villains.
Megamind vs The Doom Syndicatestreams on Peacock and Megamind and his new team keep going in the companion series Megamind Rules!.
So, what do we learn from this new version of Megamind? That good is much better than evil. We didn’t need this alien to teach us that, however kids now have a fun and intelligent superhero to admire.
Megamind vs The Doom Syndicate is 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.
In a cute story about how being a genius might be a detriment to popularity in high school, it can also be what makes a person special. Erwin (Sophia Reid-Gantzert) is just that. She’s a bonafide genius and at 12-years-old has skipped four grades, and is the youngest student in her high school class at Magnolia High, which, by the way, is the same class as her older sister Ari (Chloe East). Their mother died years ago and now their father relies on his sister Tammy (Cheryl Hines) to help raise the girls, who are as different as night and day. Ari sits with the popular girls and is obsessed with boys, and Erwin sits alone and is obsessed with science.
Erwin, who was named after the famed physicist Erwin Schrödinger, lives for science. Her isolation in the family and in school really doesn’t bother her as she has her science to keep her company. Being the smartest student in her class makes her happy, but then a new genius joins the class.Winston (Lincoln Lambert) is 13-years-old and a chemistry genius. His arrival sets off an immediate competition between the two young classmates.
When the science fair is announced, both kids want to win the prestigious summer scholarship dedicated to tech and science scholars. They each set out to create the most impressive experiment. Along the way they decide to join forces and present an amazing formula which they diligently worked on together.
Their formula makes people popular. By creating a concoction that affects pheromones in the human body, then dosing gum with it, the user becomes popular and at times irresistible to others. To test their project they select two nerds who have no friends but are eager to be among the popular students. Casey (Kat Conner Sterling) is the true definition of a geek. And Alan (Varak Baronian) is another unpopular guy who just doesn’t fit in with the others.
Lo and behold, once they chew the gum they become what they have always wanted – to be popular. But with popularity comes responsibility, which they eventually learn.
In the meantime, Erwin and Winston’s friendship grows and they find that they have a true fellowship. There is no more competition. After all, the school has enough room for two geniuses. They each have their own quirks – Winston is a germaphobe/hypochondriac, and Erwin is happy talking to her poster of Schrödinger. Together they discover a bond that no one else can understand, except perhaps other geniuses.
This is like looking into the childhoods of Leonard, Sheldon, and Howard of The Big Bang Theory (and Young Sheldon, which does exactly that). Intelligence no longer has to mean nerd. People have come to embrace these characters and hopefully the real kids who have higher IQs than their fellow classmates. Raise your hand if you were one of them.
Popular Theory is rated PG for thematic elements. Its main audience will be the 10-18 age group, however it is a cute show for the entire family. Catch Popular Theory in a theater near you.
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.
Emma’s Big Adventure is a much anticipated film with a $12M budget. Reimagined by acclaimed executive producer Robert Chandler (THE AMAZING MAURICE, CANTERVILLE GHOST) Amidst this amazing adventure, a biologist named Edward meets Emma-a tiny human girl raised by animals. Emma dreams of unlocking the mystery of her human origins, kickstarting an extraordinary journey. Along the way, Emma befriends Newton, a smart turtle inventor. Together, they search for a hidden island inhabited by tiny humans. Will Emma’s dream come true? Can these three pals bravely explore, leaving their familiar world, to help Emma unravel her past secrets? This tale is not just Emma’s, it’s a marvel we all share.
Romance in Hawaii is the perfect mid-winter movie. It takes viewers to the lush greenery of Oahu. One could almost smell the plumerias and feel the warm tropical breeze.
Leah (Kelley Jakle) is a successful L.A. businesswoman up for a promotion. She is a shoo-in for partner in her company until a glitch happens to put a damper on her plans. The company acquires property all around the world and repurposes them for vacationeers. With a special property in Hawaii about to be taken over due to lack of payment, Leah and her co-worker Michael (Peter Porte) are both sent to the island to bid on the property in question. The thing is, they are competing against each other, for the property and for the promotion. Michael is a true jerk, in every way, and Leah is a sentimentalist. These two could never have a romance, so don’t think the title leads you to that conclusion.
Up until now Leah has been a hard-working somewhat loner but when she gets to Hawaii she opens up and starts to feel alive. There’s something about the art of hula that speaks to her heart. When she asks the guest relations worker at the hotel, Ikaika (Cedric Jonathan), to teach her hula, Leah’s heart really opens up to the dance that tells the story of the islands. It also opens up to the feeling of Aloha and yes, eventually to Ikaika.
Things get a little mixed up and soon both her job and relationship with Ikaika are in jeopardy. But she still feels the connection to Hawaii, hula, and the spirit of Aloha.
The funny thing is, while watching this show, it brought me back to my very first visit to the islands. There’s something about Hawaii that infuses some people with a new sense of life. And it didn’t hurt that my best friend told me to “go have an island romance.” (I was single at the time!) I didn’t end up with one however Leah does. Lucky girl!
During these cold winter months, this is the perfect escape. Plus, you’ll learn about Hawaiian culture, music, customs, and you’ll also learn a few Hawaiian words.
Romance in Hawaii airs on UP Faith and Family February 18, 2024.
Aloha and hoʻomaikaʻi (enjoy)
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.
What a fun animated film for families. It’s a cute twist on the classic Oscar Wilde story and filled with adorable characters. The DVD is rated PG for thematic elements, perils, and some violence.
We have some DVDs to giveaway.
To be eligible to win a copy of The Canterville Ghost, email us at [email protected] with “Canterville Ghost Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, address, phone number and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner).
The deadline for this giveaway is February 17, 2024. Good luck!
If you are not a Disney maniac, you might not be aware of some of the little things in the Disneyland Resort. While most people know about Disney Genie+ (where guests pay additional fees to avoid long lines), there are some other ways to help your visit to “The Happiest Place on Earth.”
Specialty Buttons
First of all, (and speaking of “firsts”), did you know guests can get special buttons that are free? Something free from Disney is pretty rare. But yes, these buttons are free. There are a variety of buttons for various occasions. For instance there is a “1st Visit” button” for newbies. They can be personalized with the guest’s name. Other buttons are “I’m Celebrating”, “Happy Anniversary”, “Just Married”, “Honorary Citizen of Disneyland”, and “Just Graduated.” Besides having a button personalized by a cast member when you pick it up, often a character in the park will autograph it for you. How cool is that?
These specialty buttons are available at Guest Relations, most merchandise stores, and the front desk at the Disneyland Hotels.
Mobile Ordering
If you don’t already know, Disney highly recommends mobile ordering for your food. It saves time and guests simply go to the pick-up area instead of waiting in line. Ordering on your smartphone is easy providing you have the Disneyland app. They require a credit card when signing up for mobile ordering. Using mobile ordering is a great way for families to save time on their busy day at the park.
Meet and Greets
While professional photographers are on site to take your picture with your favorite characters, cast members who are there will happily take your photo using your own camera. This will keep down expenditures when visiting the park although guests can always opt for the Photo Pass and get professional pictures (some with enchanted extras) for a fee.
Drawing lesson
Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure has an Animation Academy where guests can get a complimentary lesson in drawing a special Disney character. And yes, your artwork is all yours to take home as a memento of your visit.
Free Water
Yes, you read correctly. If you really need a glass of water, instead of purchasing a bottle of H2O, the quick service restaurants will provide one free of charge. Whew. And they’ll happily refill your own water bottles when they run dry.
While supplies last
Autopia (the cars you drive yourself, although if you drive on the California freeways you probably don’t want to waste your time here unless you have a little one with you) offers a complimentary driver’s license. Jungle Cruise often has a Jungle Cruise map, so ask the cast member on site if they have any that day.
First Aid
If you get a booboo, you cut yourself, bump your head, get overheated, or something like that, head to the First Aid station. There is one near the entrance of Disneyland and one near the entrance of Disney California Adventure. They will attend to your problem, providing it is not anything major. For those they call the paramedics. Otherwise, bandaids, over-the-counter pain relief, ice packs, etc. are available from the very nice people in these stations. As someone who has recently utilized a First Aid station there I can attest to the fact that those working there are helpful and very friendly.
Lockers
Take advantage of the lockers in the resort. For a small fee you can rent one to hold your jackets or souvenirs. It’s nicer to spend the day without lugging around a jacket for evening or all the goodies you purchase.
And just for fun
Can you find the 419 Hidden Mickeys in Disneyland Resort? Bet you can’t! But it’s fun to try.
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.
Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway star in the stylish and classic 1968 film The Thomas Crown Affair. Costarring Jack Weston and Paul Burke, the story of Thomas Crown (McQueen), a debonair genius who plots and carries out a magnificent bank heist was remade in 1999 with Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo. Both are interesting and entertaining films, however the original still stands as one of the classiest depictions of drama.
Crown, a millionaire and businessman, is intelligent, suave, and stylish. He enjoys thrills and what could be more thrilling than plotting and carrying out a bank heist? Oh, and getting away with it? Meanwhile, Vicki Anderson (Dunaway), is hot on his case as an insurance investigator bent on getting her man. As she gets closer to him, in more ways than one, and he is up against a wall, he plots another heist and fills her in to see if she is on his side or not.
One of the bonus features in this Blu-ray release from Kino Lorber, is an interesting interview with director Norman Jewison who gives plenty of behind the scenes tidbits. He was drawn to the film by the story of Crown’s intricate way of stealing. Jewison was “impressed with the idea.” He just couldn’t see McQueen in the role because the actor never wore a suit and tie in his films, and Crown needed to be stylish and well-dressed. But McQueen loved the story and wanted to be in it. Steve McQueen “went crazy over the character,” Jewison says.
This was one of the first feature films to be shot in Boston. McQueen performed his own stunts. The robbery itself was intricate, involving several men who did not know Crown but each had his own job to do. The plot came together beautifully. Think Ocean’s Eleven, however in that film everyone knew each other.
Jewison discusses the famous chess scene where both characters played not only chess but also with each other’s emotions. He said he “wanted the longest kiss in screen history” to follow the game and described how they ended up filming that memorable scene. The director gives props to Legrand who scored the scene remarkably, according to Jewison.
The cinematography by Haskell Wexler combined with the coolness and suaveness of McQueen and the style of Dunaway combine to make this an entertaining film and one that although dated with the visuals, still holds the interest of viewers today.
The Thomas Crown Affair won two Academy Awards: one for Best Music Score by Michel Legrand and one for Best Original Song, “The Windmills of Your Mind” by Legrand and Alan and Marilyn Bergman. The song is one that long after the show ends, viewers will be humming it for days.
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.
“I founded World Turtle Day with my husband Marshall Thompson years ago to shellebrate and protect turtles and their disappearing habitats around the globe. Last year, people were taking “shellfies” and holding “shellebrations” in the U.S., Canada, Pakistan, Borneo, India, Australia, the UK, Greece and many other countries. In fact, 2023 was our biggest year yet reaching more than two billion people around the world through broadcast, print and online media alone,” Susan Tellem said.
