Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Hot Wheels Let’s Race’ comes to Netflix

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Generations of kids (and adults) have enjoyed the number one selling toy. Hot Wheels cars have amused and been enjoyed for decades. They inspired creativity, joint play, and have even brought families together. In my case my dad and I enjoyed our Hot Wheels sets together. These cars began production in 1968 and I can remember some of my favorites. Of course, I loved the oldies while my dad leaned toward the sporty racing cars. But I can remember we had some great moments as father/daughter when we raced our cars and designed our tracks.

According to Netflix,”Hot Wheels Let’s Race is a high-octane series that ignites and unlocks the challenger spirit within every racer! The series follows the newest generation of racers as they experience mind-blowing races, extreme stunt contests, and thrill-seeking challenges.”

The Hot Wheels Let’s Race theme song is performed by Patrick Stump, who composed, recorded, and produced the theme song in addition to leading the composition of the score, underscore, and music cues for all episodes.

“Hot Wheels is an iconic brand that I’ve loved since I was a kid, which is why I’m so excited to be working on Hot Wheels Let’s Race with Mattel Television Studios and Netflix,” said Stump. “Let’s Race is a high-energy thrill ride, and I’m so proud of the way the music brings the show to life. I can’t wait for the months ahead when the next generation of Hot Wheels fans around the world get to experience it for themselves.”

Just watching the trailer and looking at the images, it’s clear this will be a fun show for kids and families to enjoy together.

Hot Wheels Let’s Race comes to Netflix March 4, 2024. Rev up your engines and get ready for some thrill rides and a lot of fun.

Check out the website

 
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.

Lunar New Year celebrations return to Disney California Adventure for 2024 – The Year of the Dragon

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Another year has flown by. Lunar New Year celebrations are in full swing at Disney California Adventure, with plenty of Asian-inspired food, character meet and greets, music, the return of Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession, and the nighttime show “Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration” which precedes the colorful “World of Color – ONE” on the water. The festivities run from January 23 – February 18, 2024.

 

And yes, this is the Year of the Dragon, so it’s time to celebrate Mushu, Elliott, and Figment.

Also returning is the Sip and Savor Pass, which makes it easy for guests to sample a variety of different foods and beverages. The variety of food and drinks during the celebration is always unique and very Far-East inspired. This year there are no tabs to snap off. The pass is now digital. The back of the pass has a bar code which is scanned when placing your order. There is also a PIN that guests must key-in in order to complete the transaction. It’s easy and the receipt shows how many more items are available on the pass. For me, the snap-off tabs seem easier, but there must be a reason Disney is testing this new method. It does work though!

(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

 

Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession winds through the park several times a day. It is musical, colorful, and definitely uplifting as the cast members bring all the joy of the celebration and the love of Mulan to the streets of Disney California Adventure.

 

 

 

This year, for the first time, Meilin Lee and her mother Ming Lee from Turning Red are on hand to visit with guests. She’s the little 13-year-old girl that turns into a big Red Panda when she gets excited. Both Meilin and the Big Red Panda are beloved characters. Meilin is in the process of transforming into the panda, with her tail sticking out of her outfit. She’s definitely a happy character to meet this year.

 

 

The Wishing Wall is back. This is a place where guests can write their wishes on the back of a Mickey-shaped card and tie it to the wall. Kids especially get a kick out of sending their wishes out into the world. Also, in the area is a place to learn calligraphy.

The Lunar New Year celebration at Disney California Adventure brings Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean traditions to the park. With all the colorful ornaments and decor all around the park, not to mention the Asian-inspired food and beverages, plus Mulan’s procession (that is led by non other than Mushu himself – after all it’s the Year of the Dragon), the adorable nighttime pre-show, Asian-clad characters, and plenty to see and do, this annual celebration is an enjoyable tribute to Asian cultures and music – and of course, food.

Click on the link below for an intro to the celebration

Intro to Lunar New Year 2024

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry and travel 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.

Bring home ‘Wish’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Wish is now available for home viewing with plenty of additional features.

The story centers around Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose), a girl with high moral standards and a desire to do good. She lives in the Mediterranean island city of Rosas which is ruled by a seemingly nice king and an equally caring queen. The king takes everyone’s wishes and reviews them. His goal is to keep the peace, but the people of Rosas do not know that he has no intention of granting the wishes. He ends up being the newest Disney villain.

An unwitting Asha applies to be his assistant and discovers what has happened to all the wishes. They are stowed away never to be granted. She is heartbroken and dearly wants to help the people of Rosas realize their wishes. But how can one young girl do this? Asha looks up at the stars and makes her own wish. Well, that starts everything going in a different direction. 

A memorable aspect of this film is when the credits are rolling at the end. As the credits roll a number of past Disney characters appear, which is a fun element. Plus, when all the credits are over, there is one last scene that will touch the hearts of Disney fans.

Bonus features add a lot to this film which is meant to be an homage to the 100 years of the Disney studio. In the bonus “Wish D-Classified” viewers see how the filmmakers honored many of the past Disney classics within this new movie. There are some hidden Mickeys as well as references to Snow White, Cinderella, and others. Asha’s seven friends is just one clue. 

Audio outtakes show some of what was not included as well as some deleted scenes in their early sketch versions. A deleted song, “A Wish Worth Making” is beautiful but didn’t make it into the actual film however it does play during the ending credits. 

There are several additional features with the filmmakers discussing various aspects of the movie including how they designed the newest Disney castle, how they researched to represent the Mediterranean region, the wardrobes, and more. They also discuss “the wish equation” and how responsibility is important when making a wish. They talk about the evolution of the Star character, the addition of a handicapped character, and how Disney takes viewers to different worlds around the globe and through time.

Viewers can see the film in a “sing along” version and also have the ability to select specific songs to watch those scenes. 

“Once Upon a Studio” is a short that is beloved by Disney fans. It brings together most of the Disney characters for a 100 year group photo. It’s adorable and will definitely delight fans as they see their favorite characters gather together in front of the Animation building at the studio – when all the humans have gone.

With plenty of additional features that will definitely add more background to the film and the short “Once Upon a Studio,” the digital version will be viewed over and over again. And the story of Asha will be added to the list of characters beloved by Disney fans. Also, let’s not forget her sidekick Valentino, her pet goat who is sweet, fun, and lovable.

Wish is rated PG for thematic elements and mild action.

Wish is now available at digital retailers, and will be available on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD March 12.

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.

‘Bluey’ returns to Disney+ for another season

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The adorable animated kids show Bluey is back. This cute show follows the six-year-old puppy Bluey and her sister Bingo, their parents and friends as they discover new things and have fun doing so. 

What makes this show so good for kids are the relationships between siblings, parents, and friends. For instance, in the episode “Cricket” all the kids and dads join together to play a game. Note: Bluey is an Australian show where Cricket is popular. The dads get frustrated when they cannot get little Rusty out. He is so good. After all, he has spent most of his spare time practicing. He finally decides to let his little sister win, even though he knows he could keep going for a long time. But seeing the joy on her face when she caught the ball was worth ending the game. The sibling bond comes through in this episode, as does the lesson of perseverance. Little Rusty has not given up his quest to be a good cricket player and his perseverance practicing pays off. He is not a quitter. But more important to him than winning is his sister.

In another episode this season, “Relax”, the whole family goes on vacation. Mom is anxious to get to the beach to unwind but Bluey and Bingo find too many fun things in their hotel room to entice them out to the beach. They love the big bathtub with lots of gadgets, and all the other cool things in the hotel room. It’s all new to them and their relaxation is playing with all the new things and discovering what they can do. So much for a peaceful day at the beach. Getting these two out of the room is not going to happen. It’s fun to see how much fun they have together while exploring a plain old hotel room.

And in yet another episode this season, “Cubby,” the siblings decide to build a fun house for their stuffed toy Kimjim. They take over their whole house constructing a stable and plenty of rooms using everyday objects. The family’s house turns into an extravagant locale for little Kimjim. This episode shows how much fun the siblings can have using their imaginations and playing together. 

Bluey emphasizes creativity, family love, sibling companionship, and just the love of life. It’s a good show for kids – and parents – to watch. Sisters Bluey and Bingo (Australian cattle dogs) and their parents Bandit and Chilli provide adorable vignettes (episodes). They’re short  enough to keep the attention of tiny viewers but long enough to enjoy and see the love they have for each other. Family bond is the name of the game, or I should say, the name of the show. Well, actually it’s Bluey, but you get the idea.

For more about Bluey and her family and friends, games, recipes, and crafts, check out the Bluey website. 

Season three along with the previous seasons are available on Disney+. This show has heart, family love, and plenty of humor.

About the Author

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

 

images courtesy Disney+

Bring home ‘The Marvels’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

For those anxiously awaiting the digital version of The Marvels, the wait is over. This movie is now available on digital and will be available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD beginning February 13, 2024. With plenty of additional content, the film is one that has been widely enjoyed and now super hero fans can view it in the comfort of their own homes.

The story is about Captain Marvel, aka Carol Danvers, who reclaims her identity from the evil Kree. She is sent to a wormhole that somehow intertwines her super powers with Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel and astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau. Now, not alone, she is part of a threesome and the trio must find a way to work together to – wait for it – save the universe. Well, what else is a super hero to do but save the universe? 

The trio is interesting to watch. Bree Larson is the amazing Captain Marvel. Man Vellani is Kamala Khan, and Teyonah Harris is Monica Rambeau.  Larson won praise in her performance in the limited edition TV series Lessons in Chemistry. She has played Captain Marvel several times: In the TV mini series Ms. Marvel, in the short film Avengers: Quantum Encounter, in the film Shang- Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, and in the 2019 in the film Captain Marvel which began her entrance into the superhero universe. As Carol Danvers, Larson shows what a woman can do. And boy, does she do it well.

Bonus features include several deleted scenes and a gag reel. Yes, even super heroes make mistakes. There are two featurettes: Entangled that takes viewers behind the scenes of the production, and The Production Diaries that has the cast and crew discussing some interesting moments and anecdotes from the production.

The Marvels is rated PG-13 for action/violence and brief language, with epic fight scenes.

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.

‘Next Goal Wins’ is inspirational – and funny

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Now available on digital (and coming February 27, 2024 on Blu-ray and DVD) Next Goal Wins is the cute story based on real events. Taken from a documentary of the same name, this is the story of the American Samoa soccer team that has never won a game. Not one in 17 years. They had lost all 30 of their matches. 

Enter Thomas Rogen (Michael Fassbender), an unconventional coach who has no other career options than to undertake the Samoan team and hopefully turn them into winners. This story is not a new one. Think about the Kevin Costner film McFarland, U.S.A in which an unconventional coach turned a group of young migrant workers into a winning cross-country team. Like that story, Next Goal Wins also adds the cultural elements of the players, in this case of American Samoa and Polynesia.

With the Samoan infrastructure difficult to get around, the production had to film the movie in Hawaii, but that really wasn’t an issue. They worked tirelessly to present the life and culture of the Samoans and bring their lifestyles and dress to the film. 

There is plenty of humor in the film. There are cultural differences between Rogen and the Samoans that are laugh-out-loud moments. And when he is in a car being driven on the island, the snail’s pace frustrates him nevertheless he is told the speed limit on the whole island is 20 mph. Yikes. For someone from the mainland U.S. this is not easy to get used to.

The American Samoa team was famous for their 31-0 loss in 2001. These players have not scored a goal, yet they continue to try as they bring their own philosophies to their play.  Throughout it all they never push aside their cultural traditions like praying, etc. when it is time to do so.

The Academy Award winning director, Taika Waititi, made sure the Polynesian culture was represented in every scene. He took the lifestyle, look, and philosophy of Polynesia and sunk them into this story, and rightly so. The combination of characters represent the actual team, as the story meant to be as factual and actual as possible.

There is a deleted scene included in the digital release but what viewers will most likely find very interesting as well as entertaining is the 26-minute bonus feature “The Pitch of Life.” This might be a good feature to watch before viewing the film. It adds a lot of background to the production and quite frankly whets the appetite to view the entire movie. It is cute and descriptive and brings viewers right into the production itself. 

Watching the characters rejoice when they actually score a goal is heartening. It is a joyous event.

If you want a fun, uplifting story that is based on reality, check out Next Goal Wins.

 

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.

‘Which Brings Me to You’ is about attractions and relationships

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Based on the novel Which Brings Me to You: A Novel of Confessions by Steve Almond and Julianna Baggot, this movie is about two very flawed people who bond over their past issues with relationships. Lucy Hale and Nat Wolf star as Jane and Will.

The film takes place in one day. Well, kind of. The timeline of the story is basically over one 24-hour period however through storytelling both characters reenact their past relationships as viewers see them through the years. Jane and Will meet at a wedding and from there their rather unusual friendship takes off. 

Both Jane and Will are flawed characters. They have issues with relationships and Jane says she always falls for damaged men, however she is also damaged. Will has commitment issues. Their messy pasts come to light as they both share all of their former encounters. As they do, the stories are seen on screen and in an interesting way. As they are imparting their stories to each other, and audiences see them play out, often times Will or Jane appears in the past story as an onlooker and often to interject comments.

To say they have each had whacky connections is an understatement. And to say they are both  damaged is also putting it lightly. While they have been searching for meaning in their pasts, they have managed to create situations in which they simply cannot last. Will has had some interesting female acquaintances and Jane has been on a roller coaster when it comes to the men in her past.

The entire film is the two talking to each other in the present while thoroughly laying out their former situations. They are bold and honest with each other, and considering they only just met, that is strange. But as their pasts unfold, there is a bond that builds between them. 

Can unburdening themselves and completely opening up about their flawed pasts be a bridge that connects them to each other in the present? Think about discussing in all honesty your past relationships with someone you just met. It’s quirky to say the least. But it is also a little endearing. Being completely honest with someone new is not usual, but for these two it just might be what they need to find something that is not flawed. Perhaps this is the way to cast away the damaged past and start a fresh path toward the future. 

Which Brings Me to You is not rated however it is not for kids. If it were rated it would most likely get an “R” for sexuality. The film opens in theaters January 19, 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. Follow her on Twitter.

‘World of Color – One’ is back to light up the sky in Disney California Adventure (Plus a limited pre-show)

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Paradise Bay is once again dazzling night guests at Disney California Adventure with the stunning array of lights, lasers, fountains, and a heartfelt story of how one drop can turn into a wave and how we can all help each other to change the world. With memorable characters and inspirational music, this nighttime spectacular also includes fogs and flames to bring a magical, musical, and memorable show to the park. World of Color – One returns January 19, 2024.

To commemorate Lunar New Year, from January 23- February 18, 2024 the show will be preceded buy a special show Hurry Home – A Lunar New Year Celebration. This adorable and heartwarming show is the story of a little lantern trying to reunite with family for the celebration of good luck and fortune. This show is scored by Academy Award-winning composer Tan Dun. 

Lunar New Year celebrations at Disneyland Resort run from January 23- February 18, 2024. It’s a celebration of Chinese Korean, and Vietnamese cultures and is always a highlight at the park.

Click on the link to see a preview of World of Color – One

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. Follow her on Twitter.

Pixar Fest returns to Disneyland Resort in 2024

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

(Artist Concept/Disneyland Resort)

A rendering of the new sculpture coming to Disneyland Park for Pixar Fest, April 26-Aug. 4 shows plenty of Pixar pals.

Woody, Buzz, Turning Red Panda and Mei Lee, Dori, Wall-e, Russell, Dug, and more on this brightly colored sculpture will grace the beginning of Main Street, U.S.A for the Pixar Fest celebration from April 26-August 4, 2024.

The “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” at Disneyland Park will include Turning Red, among other Pixar favorites.

 

 

 

Over in Disney California Adventure, the brand new daytime parade “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!” will be a fun way for guests to see some of their favorite characters.  Plus, look out for meet and greets with Ember and Wade.

 

This rendering of the sculpture looks like it will be a great place for photo options and brighten up Main Street with its festive characters and plants. Of course, we’ll have to wait until April to see the real thing, but it’s definitely coming to this year’s Pixar Fest.

The 15-story Pixar Place Hotel (formerly Paradise Pier Hotel) officially opens January 30, 2024, making this another fun place to hang your hat – or your ears – while visiting Disneyland Resort. With a new dining room, Pixar-themed guest rooms, and fun areas for kids and families, this is just one more addition to the growing Pixar-themed locations throughout Disneyland.

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. Follow her on Twitter.

Garfield is coming to the BIG screen

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The Garfield Movie will hit theaters May 24, 2024.
Mark your calendars!

What a cute kitten. Just wait until he grows into a big cat!

Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt), the world-famous, Monday-hating, lasagna-loving indoor cat, is about to have a wild outdoor adventure! After an unexpected reunion with his long-lost father – scruffy street cat Vic (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) – Garfield and his canine friend Odie are forced from their perfectly pampered life into joining Vic in a hilarious, high-stakes heist.