Author: Francine Brokaw

Bring home ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The third installment in this franchise brings together the Portokalis family for a reunion in Greece. Where else? The story was written by Mia Vardalos who also directed the film. The Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Code Collector’s Edition includes several bonus features for the enjoyment of the viewers. My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 is a journey for the cast and fans that brings everything – and everyone – together one last time.

Vardalos always wanted to make a third film in the series to wrap up the story of this large Greek family. She 

originally envisioned it as bringing the family patriarch Gus (Michael Constantine) back to his homeland for a reunion. Unfortunately, Constantine passed away before this story got underway, as did Vardalos’ own father. So she decided to write a tribute to them by way of this storyline.

 

In the film Gus has passed away and Toula (Vardalos) brings the whole family to Greece to fulfill his wish of passing along his diary to his old friends in Greece. But once they all arrive in Greece, the next step is finding the three friends who have all moved away from their tiny village. 

Throughout the story the family goes through one whacky adventure after another. And, besides this being a way to say “good bye” to Constantine, it is also a reunion for the cast. So, this is a reunion of the Portokalos family as well as the cast of the two previous films who welcome a few new members to the family while in Greece.

As John Corbett, who plays Ian Miller, says, he thought bringing  this whacky family to Greece was a great idea. And once everyone was aware of the project, they were all on board. And yes, everyone is as whacky as ever.

This is also an homage to the country as the show was filmed on location in Greece. The bonuses show the fun and all the laughing that took place while making this movie. There is a nice behind-the-scenes featurette as well as a look at how Vardalos took on the responsibility of directing her story. It was a tough task and she knew exactly how she wanted everything done. Deleted scenes and a gag reel make up more of the bonus features.

So, join Toula, Ian, Paris, Nick, Maria, Aunt Voula, Nikki, Angelo, Aunt Frieda and the rest of the family and their friends on this Greek adventure.

While it is not as funny as the original movie (few sequels live up to that), there are some cute and funny moments and cute banter among the cast.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 is rated PG-13 for suggestive material and some nudity.

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.

Bring home ‘Barbie’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

She’s all dolled up and ready to come home (no pun intended). The Barbie movie took the country by storm and is now available on Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K with plenty of extra features.

Pink is the color of the day, or should I say the color of the movie? The film stars Margot Robbie as one of the Barbies and Ryan Gosling as one of the Kens. There are several themes running through the film as well as some cute gags and laughs. But the main topic is about just being yourself and the best you you can be.

There is Barbieland and the real world. In Barbieland everyone is happy and gets along, day after day. Robbie is “Stereotypical Barbie” and Gosling is “Beach Ken.” One day Stereotypical Barbie (from now on referred to as simply Barbie) begins to have thoughts of death and sad things. Then her feet go flat. She starts to get cellulite. What in the world is happening? 

Barbie visits “Weird Barbie” (Kate McKinnon) who informs her that she must go to the real world and find the human who has been playing with her. This will set things straight and everything will be back to normal. So, with Ken tagging along, they set out for the real world where they discover things are not what they thought. The real world is filled with strange things and not everyone is happy. And, oh no, to their surprise, women are not in charge. Perhaps this is why the real world is out of whack.

Well, Ken learns about real world men while Barbie tries to figure out what to do. Ken returns to Barbieland and turns it upside down, changing the Barbies into Stepford wives. But is everyone happy?

It turns out Gloria (America Ferrea), an employee at Mattel,  has been sketching different ideas for Barbie. This caused a rift in the Barbieworld.

To make a long story short, Gloria and Barbie return to Barbieland to set things straight. And, as it happens, everyone realizes that they are who they are and can be who they want. That was why Barbie was created in the first place.

All these decades girls have been able to imagine being doctors, lawyers, and anything else by playing with their Barbie dolls. Through Barbie and Ken they have stretched their imaginations, expanded their worlds, and gained confidence in themselves. Those were the purposes of all the Barbie dolls. Yes, she is pretty and has some amazing clothes, but she is also a successful woman in her own right.

With that, this movie is why people have taken it to heart. It is a story that everyone can appreciate. It is a story about being who you are and working to be your best at whatever you decide to do.

Helen Mirren supplies the voice of the Narrator in this imaginative and uplifting film. Rhea Pearlman is Ruth, the inventor of the Barbie doll. And Will Ferrell is the CEO of Mattel. 

It’s cute, colorful, and a story that has absolutely engaged viewers of all ages. And this Halloween there will be lots of Barbie and Ken’s trick-or-treating. 

Bonus features the Blu-ray and 4K discs include a look at all the costumes created for this film, Robbie becoming Barbie, a featurette on Weird Barbie, and a look at the story and sets. Six featurettes add to the story but most importantly are the memories viewers will have about their own playtime with their Barbie dolls. 

So, how many Barbies did you have? What car did you have? Did you have Barbie’s Beach House or Dream house? Did you cut your Barbie’s hair? All these memories will come rushing back as you watch this film.

This is definitely an unconventional movie but even though the premise is a little whacky, it has garnered a lot of praise from reviewers and especially audiences.

Barbie is rated PG-13 for suggestive references and brief language. 

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.

The Adventureland Treehouse opens for guests in Disneyland

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Inspired by the 1960 Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson movie, the treehouse in Disneyland has been a popular attraction for guests since it opened in 1962. The treehouse has gone through many renovations throughout the years. In March 1999 it closed then reopened later that year as Tarzan’s Treehouse, based on the Disney 1999 animated film. Then in September 2021 it closed all together. Now it has been reimagined for a new generation of guests.

This treehouse gives viewers a fresh storyline about a different family living in the house, not the Robinsons.  This new treehouse includes the mother’s music room,  a nature room for the young son and the teenage daughter, an aspiring astronomer, has a loft from which she can watch the stars. This treehouse is a tribute to the original attraction but with a new story about a different family living in this new abode.

On the bottom floor, for those who do not want to venture up the tree, there is a kitchen and dining room. Also on the main, or bottom floor, is an art studio with plenty of the father’s sketches and paintings.

Located at the base of the Jungle River, home of the Jungle Cruise, this treehouse is just one more way to experience nature and the wild, Disney style. The entrance is next to the giant waterwheel and a wood rope stairway lets guests visit the upstairs area where they can walk through the different areas.

The Adventureland Treehouse reopens for guests November 10, 2023.  Who’s up for a little adventure?

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.

Bring home ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Tom Cruise brings viewers another high-impact Mission: Impossible film with Dead Reckoning Part One. Yes, viewers will have to wait until next year for Part Two, but in the meantime this action film will fulfill the desire for an exciting and adventurous story. 

The story revolves around a special Russian submarine with an advanced AI that has turned into a sentient entity, hereby known as the “Entity.” On board the sub is a key but this Entity has managed to destroy the sub along with its secrets. Now Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is sent around the world to find one part of the two-part key. Whichever country or whomever has the entire key will have access to the greatest power in the world.

This is truly a high-impact film as Hunt is joined by Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), Luther Stickwell (Ving Rhames), and at first unwittingly Grace (Hayley Atwell), along with several others as they are all on their missions to locate the missing key. That’s the premise of the story, so once the two-part key is located the next phase of the story is locating the sub that holds the information of the Entity, and that will happen when part two comes out to audiences next year.

In the meantime, watching this high-impact film on 4K-Ultra HD (+ Digital Code) is the best way to experience all the drama and technical stunts involved in making this movie. Included in this pack is a Blu-ray disc filled with bonus features that show viewers how the locations were selected and how the super intriguing and dangerous scenes were filmed. Christopher McQuarrie (director and a writer on the film) discusses how they wanted to make this a global movie.

Abu Dhabi was selected in part because of the modern airport, which is described as the “biggest set” they have ever worked on. It is an amazing building and the cast and crew took up almost every inch of that place, along with hundreds of extras. They also shot in the sand dunes of the desert where they built a fake town for one of the scenes. The United States military cooperated in the making of the film and supplied special aircraft for the shoot.

Rome was the location for a spectacular chase scene, which is described as “challenging” to shoot due to the cobblestone streets that wind around. Nevertheless, viewers get a sense of the Eternal City.

Next they went to Venice and the night scene was brightly lit with colorful lights and images, creating a magical canvas.

Norway was the location where Cruise (and filmmakers) undertook the spectacular motorcycle jump off a cliff. This jump turned into a base jump for Hunt and this dangerous stunt was well prepared. The U.K. served as the location for another dangerous stunt. This was for the “speed flying” scene where Cruise (and filmmakers) were wafting through the air, around trees, etc. 

Finally, because they had to completely destroy a beautiful train, they had to build it themselves. After all, who would want a movie to destroy a glamorous train and have it fall off a cliff? So, yes, they built a working train for this film and ultimately destroyed it. 

As viewers watch the bonuses they will see how intricate every scene was to complete and how much effort went into this movie. Stay tuned. Part two is just around the corner.

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One is available October 31, 2023 on 4K- Ultra HD + Digital Code, Blu-ray, and DVD. It is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some language and suggestive material.

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.

‘The Caine Mutiny Court-Marshal’ – same story, new cast

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In 1954 The Caine Mutiny captured the imagination of viewers as Humphrey Bogart starred as the commander of the USS Caine who was, to be simplistic about it, a little off balance. The story of the Court-Marshall was redone on film in 1958 and 1988, and now this latest version stars Kiefer Sutherland as Commander Queeg with Jason Clarke as Greenwald, the defender of the Caine’s Executive Officer Maryk, played by Jake Lacy. The entire show takes place in the courtroom as Maryk and Greenwald attempt to show how unstable Queeg’s actions have been over a period of time and how Maryk felt it was imperative for the safety of the ship and the crew to relieve Queeg of his command during a violent storm.

The stakes are high. If Queeg is victorious in proving he is stable and his actions were just, his record will still indicate this incident and if Maryk is proven unjustified in his actions then he will spend time in jail. No one is happy about what happened however what is more important – the reputation of a veteran Naval Commander or the safety of a Navy ship and its crew?

While one after another take the witness stand, the stories come out. Professionals in the medical field do not believe Queeg is unstable, however Maryk’s crewmates relay story after story about some inconsistencies in the Commander’s behavior over the time they spent on board the Caine.

It is evident Maryk was hesitant to take the action he did, yet he is also adamant that he did the correct thing by relieving Queeg of his command. The prosecutor, played by Monica Raymund, tries to rip apart any gains made by Maryk’s team. She is defending the actions of a decorated naval commander.

This story has been played out many times on film and stage, yet it is always interesting to watch – especially the comments about “the strawberries” made famous by Bogart, as well as his playing with the steel balls in his hand. These are classic scenes that are never dull as time and time again viewers are treated to the unraveling of Queeg who earnestly believes his words and deeds are of importance.

The Caine Mutiny Court-Marshall is available on digital October 24, 2023.

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.

Celebrate ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ on 4K Ultra HD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The first ever animated full-length feature movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, started a whole new genre of movies. While it was being produced it was dubbed “Disney’s Folly” because people thought it would be a dud. But they were surprised. The film was loved by young and old and won the hearts of moviegoers around the world. It is now a top classic film among both general and animated movies. To celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary there is an “Ultimate Collector’s Edition” consisting of two discs: a 4K Ultra HD disc and a Blu-ray disc along with a Digital Code.

4K Ultra HD makes everything sharper than a regular HD version. The colors are brighter and the movie looks like it was just created. Everything is crisp and colorful, and to add to that is the enchanting tale of the little princess who stole the hearts of viewers and that of the prince.

The whole story  (spoiler alert for anyone who has not seen this movie)

Snow White was a sweet young girl filled with kindness and beauty. Her looks made the queen jealous and finally this evil woman ordered the huntsman to take the princess out into the woods and kill her. He couldn’t do that to the sweet princess so he told her to run and hide and never return or the queen would kill her.

Poor little Snow White was scared, alone, and confused. Then all the animals of the forest took pity on her and befriended her. Leading her to the cottage of the seven dwarfs, it was there the princess too refuge and although they originally gave her a hard time, all seven of the dwarfs – Grumpy included – grew to love this girl.

When the evil queen disguised herself as an old woman and gave the princess a poison apple, everyone thought Snow White was dead. But loving her so much the dwarfs could not bring themselves to bury her so they fashioned a glass coffin for a resting place for this young princess. 

The queen died but the antidote for the poison spell did not. Having met the prince once before when she was living in her castle, they fell instantly in love but. So when he rediscovered her lying in the glass coffin, he was in grief yet kissed her sweet lips. That broke the spell (love’s first kiss) and Snow White awoke. She left with the prince and as they say, they lived happily ever after. 

Bonus Features

This new edition is filled with plenty of additional features.There is a fun look at the company during the creation of the film. From everything that is shown, it looks like it was the greatest place to work. Everyone had fun and it did not matter if someone worked in his/her office, on the grass, or wherever. Just having a good time while getting the job done was what was important. 

Another feature looks at the story itself. And yet another bonus gives viewers seven facts about the story. By, the way, can you name the seven dwarfs? hint: Doc, Happy, Sneezy, Bashful, Grumpy, Sleepy, and Dopey. (That often came up during The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson – for those of us old enough to remember those good old days).

A storyboard sequence where the prince and princess meet and a wonderful feature about creating the very first Disney Princess are also included. Yes, Snow White was the first of a long and continuing line of Disney Princesses who have taken the world by storm with their many adventures.

Ultimate Collector’s Edition

This animated feature is a true classic that can be viewed over and over again. It is filled with memorable songs including, “I’m Wishing,” “Some Day my Prince Will Come,” “Whistle While You Work,” “Heigh Ho,” “The Silly Song,” “With a Smile and a Song,” and more. 

Wonderful songs, a charming tale, spectacular restoration in 4K Ultra HD, and more make this a must-have.  

Note: for viewers who wish to watch the movie on Apple TV using MoviesAnywhere via the Digital Code that comes in the set, there have been a few issues, however to resolve them simply alter the Apple TV Video Format setting from 4K SDR to 4K Dolby Vision (HD). That should solve any issues.

So, once upon a time there was a sweet, lovable, and beautiful princess who happened to meet a sweet prince. They fell in love at first sight. Then after some harrowing experiences plus some love from a lot of animals and seven delightful dwarfs, the prince once again saw his true love and the two of them lived happily ever after. 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is rated G.

 


(This trailer is not from the new 4K Ultra HD restoration)

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.

‘The Canterville Ghost’ – an animated fun film for all

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

When Oscar Wilde penned his now-classic story of “The Canterville Ghost” he probably never imagined it would be produced as an adorable animated feature for the entire family. This newest version is absolutely adorable with fun characters playing out the classic storyline.

It is truly a delightful animated movie based on the classic tale. 

Sir Simon de Canterville has been haunting his family home for 300 years, making everyone who moved in go absolutely mad with fear. But he never counted on the American Otis family moving in. They don’t scare easily. As a matter of fact, they don’t scare at all. Simon is no match for the parents, along with their teenage daughter Virginia and their two young sons who happen to cause chaos wherever they go. 

There are plenty of fun antics throughout the story as the two boys do their best to make things crazy around the house. And Virginia falls in love with the Duke of Cheshire, to her social-climbing mother’s delight. England never knew a family quite like this before.

The country home of Canterville Chase is being updated by Hiram Otis to include electricity. Yes, electricity will change everything in this dark house. After all, it is the beginning of the 20th century so as far as Hiram is concerned, this old mansion deserves some sprucing up, ghost or no ghost.

But exactly why is Sir Simon de Canterville still lingering on the property? Why has he not ascended, or gone to wherever people go when they leave their mortal bodies? That question is answered in the story and with the help of Virginia, Sir Simon finally learns how to love once again and not “haunt” the mortals. He is (Spoiler Alert) finally reunited with his long-departed wife and the evil that has haunted the house and its gardens is finally vanquished. And all it took was a brave young American girl.

This is a fun family film with cute animated characters. It is filled with some entertaining antics and is the classic tale turned into a fun animated adventure for the whole family.

The original story by Oscar Wilde was published in 1887. According to Directors Kim Burdon and Robert Chandler,
“The Canterville Ghost is a comedy of manners, a clash of cultures, a tale of redemption and love, but most of all it is a witty romp filled with humor and laughter …. with a perfect happy ending. One of our great writers of children’s fiction has created a magical story about a family invading the space and life of a grand old house … a house whose occupant just happens to be a ghost. With this fairytale, we are making the leap into animation, benefitting from all the visual and storytelling possibilities that only animation can bring to such a story.” 

With twists and turns throughout, this film is a fun new addition to Halloween viewing.

Voicing the characters are Stephen Fry (Sir Simon de Canterville), Hugh Laurie (Grim Reaper aka the Gardener), Freddie Highmore (The Duke Henry Cheshire), Emily Carey (Virginia Otis), David Harewood (Hiram Otis), and Meera Syal (Lucretia Otis).

The Canterville Ghost opens in theaters October 20, 2023. It is rated PG by the MPA for thematic elements, peril, and some violence.

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.

‘Lessons in Chemistry’ takes you on an unflinching journey of an accidental feminist

Posted on by Francine Brokaw
Based on Bonnie Garmus’ best-selling novel, Apple TV+ limited series Lessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson) whose education and career are derailed in an era that imposed women to dim their light to make others comfortable and follow the wife-and-mother path. The pervasively unfair system — gross gender inequities including sexual predation — places Elizabeth “making excellent coffee for mediocre chemists” as a lab technician (slightly above secretaries) at Hastings Research Institute teemed with sexists, misogynists, bullies, and dopes.

Despite a rough start and their polar opposite temperament and quirks, Dr. Calvin Evans (Lewis Pullman), a world-renown scientist on whose coattails Hastings Institute rides, finds Elizabeth quite captivating. Once Calvin figures out what ticks Elizabeth and vice versa, the two ‘peculiar’ peas in a pod become not only lab/research partners but also life partners; they find a home they’ve never had in each other.

By a series of unfortunate circumstances, however, Elizabeth is left having to come to terms with unfinished research project as well as being unceremoniously fired from the lab due to an out-of-wedlock pregnancy. She is forced to make a sharp course correction — unimaginable to her tunnel-visioned quest for the goal, mind you — in order to survive her single motherhood.

After much trial and error, she stumbles upon such uncharted territory for any scientists who don’t watch TV. She morphs into a host of Supper at Six, a live TV cooking show with a twist. After all, the art of cooking itself is chemistry. Elizabeth uses her newfound celebrity status to challenge America’s homemakers bored silly by never-ending and mind-numbing duties and obligations imposed by the 1950s societal norms; You don’t have to choose between professional realization and personal fulfillment. Who knows what women can be when you are finally free to become yourselves? In other words, the chemist wannabe, so far ahead of the curve, models the idea of a modern, fiercely independent woman thriving against all odds.

I’m no brilliant scientist, but definitely a brain drain from Japan, the eternal Mad Men land, in search of greater independence, agency, and opportunities. My mother’s unhappy marriage informed me of the significance of being independent and self-reliant if I want to live my passion untethered. Although several decades and worlds apart, Elizabeth’s and my experiences of being treated as second-class citizens motivated us to fight back; it’s a matter of personal ambition and also a question of necessity, of persistence of a dream.

That’s why I’m a little miffed by the fanciful ending utterly out of left field. The natural genius à la Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory) — superior even to the world-renown scientist Dr. Calvin Evans — would not let go of her dream so easily, would she? Or did Elizabeth realize that her lack of political savvy and social skills doubtless ruffle a few feathers no matter where she works? Maybe her unwed motherhood and chosen family softened her stereotypical autistic traits; inflexibility, hyper-focused and detail-oriented personality. Whatever the reason might be, what Elizabeth fought for should not be in vain. Let it be a powerful but infuriating reminder of what our foremothers had to endure while America is sliding backward as far as preserving and protecting the fundamental rights of marginalized groups.

The first two episodes of Lessons in Chemistry premiere on Apple TV+ on Wednesday, October 13, 2023 followed by a new episode every Wednesdays until November 24, 2023.

About the Author

Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of thought-provoking and paradigm shifting human drama worth our precious time. She is a member of Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter.

image curtesy Apple TV+

Disneyland offers special kids prices for a limited time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

If you thought it would never happen, boy were you wrong. Disneyland Resort has discounted tickets for kids ages 3-9. For as low as $50 per child per day, this special kids’ ticket offer will definitely help parents during this run-up to the holidays when it’s time to keep expenses low to save for special holiday gifts. But this offer is limited for use between January 8 to March 10, 2024 and there are NO blockout dates. The tickets are subject to park reservations, however.

There will be 1, 2, or 3 Day Park tickets available.

Guests are able to purchase these special child discounted tickets beginning October 24, 2023, and they make a great holiday gift (leaving a little spare change in your wallet for all the goodies to purchase while in the parks.)

This is the time to plan your Disneyland Resort visit.

Now it’s a little less expensive for families to head to The Happiest Place on Earth.

 
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.

Bring Home ‘Haunted Mansion’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


When Disneyland opened the attractions were based on their films. Now we have films based on popular attractions – The Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion. The latter is the newest version of the story and this one is closer to the actual attraction than the 2003 film. In Disney’s Haunted Mansion (2023) recognizable ghosts, furniture, wall paper, paintings, and more bring viewers into the actual attraction they know and love in the parks.

This is the story of Gabby and her son Travis (Rosario Dawson and Chase Dillon) who move into a dilapidated mansion not far from New Orleans. They quickly discover it is haunted. Yes, the ghosts we know from Disneyland are living in the mansion, albeit not so friendly. 

First Gabby enlists the help of Father Kent (Owen Wilson) to exorcise the spirits. That doesn’t work so they get Ben Matthias (LaKeith Stanfield), a former physicist to help. They put together a “dream team” including historian Bruce Davis (Danny DeVito) and medium Harriet (Tiffany Haddish) to work together to find out why the ghosts are there and how to get them out. The house originally belonged to William Gracey (J.R. Adduci) whose spirit leads them to Madame Leota (Jamie Lee Curtis). 

So, what ghosts are living there? There is the bride, the hatchet ghost, the mariner ghost, and others we see when riding through the mansion in Disneyland. These ghosts are not the happy ones we know and love. No, on the contrary they are evil. Some evil spirit has taken over  and the entire mansion is possessed by wickedness. The task at hand is to find out who is the culprit and how to dispose of him once and for all.  

With non-stop action between the ghosts and the humans, there are plenty of scenes reminiscent of the theme park attraction. What viewers want, as well as those living in the mansion, is for the fun of what we all experience to return to this haunted house. And, Spoiler Alert, at the end we are treated to the fun and merriment of the dancing ghosts we all know and see in the mansion attraction. 

Haunted Mansion is now streaming on Disney+ and is available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD beginning October 17, 2023.

A number of bonus features add to the story including a “making of” featurette where viewers see how the spirits were created. There is a featurette about the 999 Happy Haunts inside the Disney Parks attraction, where there is always room for one more. Check out the Easter eggs (don’t forget the wallpaper) that appear in both the attraction and this film. Plenty of deleted scenes and a cute gag reel make up the remainder of the bonus features.

The film itself has not garnered a lot of positive reviews by reviewers, however fans of the actual attraction have enjoyed seeing the story and the house play out on screen. Happy Halloween!

Disney’s Haunted Mansion is rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and scary 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. Follow her on Twitter.