Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Elemental’ is a sentimental and stunning movie

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

 


Disney’s Elemental is an animated film with heart. It’s sweet, sentimental, and visually stunning.

The story takes place in Element City where Fire, Water, Earth, and Air live together, and focuses on a fire girl named Ember. She has a hot temper (no pun intended) and can easily set off a blaze. Ember is preparing to take over her parents’ shop and only has to prove she is worthy and capable. When she does that her father will retire and Ember will be in charge. In the meantime she is a dutiful daughter trying her best.

© 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Next, enter Wade, a water guy who is fun-loving, a little whacky, but has a heart of gold. Wade falls in love with Ember and even though she won’t admit it, she falls in love with him. But can their relationship work? They originally joined forces to solve a big problem for Ember, but they discovered there was much more to their friendship.

© 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Now, we all know that water extinguishes fire. So how are these two going to maintain their relationship?

Ember’s mother is able to tell true love when she sees it. People come to her to get their love fortunes read. What she finds, to her chagrin, is that the love Ember and Wade share is true love. But how can that be? 

© 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Ember and Wade show that two people from different backgrounds, different lifestyles, and plain old differences in their makeup can actually make a relationship work. And they discover how to sustain that relationship built on love.

© 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

The visuals in the movie are absolutely beautiful. Putting the story aside, just watching the beauty of Element City is enough to rank this an A+. But the story does add to the enjoyment and entertainment as the two main characters capture the hearts of not only each other, but also the viewers. And keep a lookout for cute little Clod, an earth boy.

© 2023 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

There are some great background bonus features available that look at the origin of the story, Element City and the characters. Creating Element City was a stroke of genius, and the animators did themselves proud with this one. There are also several deleted scenes. Yes, even in animated films there are scenes that never make it all the way. 

A really delightful bonus is a short film titled Carl’s Date. This is a cute story of Carl Fredricksen from the delightful 2009 film Up. Dug (the talking dog) now lives with his poppa Carl, who finds himself in an upsetting situation when he is asked out on a date. This is his first date since Ellie died. What should he do? How should he dress? With the help and support of Dug, Carl manages to prepare for this next step in his life. 

Elemental is now available on Digital (check out MoviesAnywhere) and will soon be available on DVD, Blu-ray and 4K September 26, 2023. This is a movie that has to be seen several times to catch all that is going on. The little underlying tidbits are adorable (when Wade starts a wave at a sports game, for instance) and there is so much going on with the visuals. Once is not enough. 

Elemental is rated PG for some peril, thematic elements (no pun), and brief language. (It should be a G, in my opinion as young kids have truly embraced this film.) Also, check out The Art of Elemental companion book.

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 Beanie Bubble’ streams on Apple TV+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

If you had a Beanie Baby, raise your hand. Actually, my hand is down. I’m one of the few people who never had a Beanie Baby. But back in the day they were the talk of the town. The Beanie Bubble tells the story of Ty Warner and his toy empire – the rise and the fall!

The movie is about Ty (Zach Galifianakis) and his relationships (business and personal) with three women: Robbie (Elizabeth Banks), Sheila (Sarah Snook), and Maya (Geraldine Viswanathan). It paints Ty Warner as an egotistical, maniacal, scheming, cheating man who only wanted to make billions of dollars and be famous. That is something he achieved.  However, in truth, it was the three women who were the foundation of his company, in different ways and at different times. But did he acknowledge that? No. Did he cheat them out of their due? Yes. 

It is an interesting story of how a small toy company that produced floppy plush cats became a gigantic empire with countless stuffed animals that were money makers for not only Ty but also for the owners of the toys because the secondary market flourished.

This was the time when the Internet was an infant. It was Maya who took the company online and raised its profile. It was Robbie who managed the business deals. And it was Sheila who stood by Ty, along with her two daughters, until it was clear he was a good-for-nothing cheating liar. And that’s putting it mildly.

The movie is intriguing. It is a lesson in business,  capitalism, and greed. It is a blast to the past looking at the various Beanie Babies. Although I never had one myself, I saw them everywhere and they are still around. So, fess up – how many did you have?

The Beanie Bubble is streaming on Apple TV+. The movie is rated R for language (lots of F bombs). 

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.

‘Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie’ shines the spotlight on adorable little Marcie

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Marcie is often overlooked when it comes to the Peanuts gang. She’s the loyal friend of Peppermint Patty and always has some words of advice for all the gang. In this new special, Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie, Marcie finds herself in an uncomfortable situation. Will her own words of advice help her make it through?

To begin with, Peppermint Patty is relying on Marcie’s keen abilities to help win the school golf championship. Marcie doesn’t play golf but has an uncanny sense of how to swing and where to aim. She’s like a golf savant.

The school cafeteria finally offers pizza to the kids. But when Marcie and others get through the line, there is no pizza left. After a few days of not getting pizza, Marcie comes up with the solution to help the whole school. 

And the school hallways are always a mess with kids cramming and scurrying to get to their classes. It’s like a mob scene, especially for the littlest kids. Leave it to Marcie to come up with the solution.

But this self-proclaimed introvert finds herself in a sticky situation. She is a shy girl who has a great mind but not a lot of self-confidence. Her shyness precludes her from doing things, yet she is happy being alone and reading a book. She loves being on the sideline and has no desire to be the center of attention. Unfortunately, due to her kindness and problem-solving abilities, that’s exactly where she winds up.

This is a sweet film focusing on little Marcie, one of the Peanuts gang that rarely gets a starring role. It also introduces a new group of younger kids. These little kids look up to Marcie and give her some much needed encouragement. 

Besides the new little kids, the usual group of Peanuts characters are included: Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Patty, Peppermint Patty, Violet, Shermy, PigPen, Franklin, Snoopy, Frieda, and the rest. It’s a veritable who’s who of Peanuts kids. But at the center of this sweet story is little Marcie, the girl with great ideas, is caring, has a kind heart, and is always willing to help others. She’s adorable and finally has a story dedicated to her. Way to go, Marcie.

Snoopy Presents: One-of-a-Kind Marcie premieres Friday, August 18, 2023 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 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.

Watch ‘Puppy Love’ on Freevee

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Puppy Love shows that opposites really do attract. Take Nicole (Lucy Hale), a wild laissez faire kind of girl whose apartment is a mess and who, although she has a good heart, is a personal mess. Now take Max (Grant Gustin), a paranoid, hypochondriac who has self isolated for two years because he is afraid of getting Covid again. He cannot even show up to work but is, thankfully, able to work from home in the IT business. To say they are mismatched is an understatement.

Max’s therapist (with whom he converses via the computer because he cannot bring himself to go out of this apartment) thinks he would benefit from the companion of a dog. So on a whim he adopts an adorable spaniel who he names Chloe. Lo and behold Max begins to come out of his shell.

Now there’s Nicole, who finds a stray dog living near the dumpsters by her apartment building. She takes him in and names him Channing Tatum. Nicole has been told she is closed off so perhaps Channing will help her open up a bit.

Well, yes, Channing and Chloe are the catalysts for their “parents” forging a relationship. The story is definitely predictable but the little pooches are what make it adorable. Viewers have seen this story over and over again, where the animals bring their human parents together. It’s always cute to see the four interact and this show is no different. But can Nicole reign in her wildness and can Max unwind a little for them to create a loving relationship for the foursome? What do you think?

The dogs are super cute, even if their parents are often not. Canine lovers will enjoy this sweet story that begins streaming on Freevee August 14, 2023. Woof, woof.

‘Love in Taipei’ is now streaming on Paramount+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Set in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei, Love in Taipei is the story of 18-year old Ever Wong (Ashley Liao). The film is based on the best-selling book Loveboat, Taipei, by Abigail Hing Wen.

Ever’s parents had moved from Taiwan to Ohio to raise their daughter. Now, before going to college, Ever is sent back to spend the summer in Taipei. Her parents enrolled her in a cultural immersion program where the students learn calligraphy, cooking, Mandarin, and everything Taiwanese. Little did she know that this experience would be life-changing.

A somewhat shy girl, Ever is immediately taken aback when she arrives in Taipei. It turns out the program is supplemented (without official approval) as a party program where everyone lets loose after class, sneaks out, and parties like there is no tomorrow. It takes a bit for Ever to join in, but once she does she finds life in Taipei a fun, invigorating, and joyous city. “Loveboat” is the word used to describe the program.

Ever is caught between two worlds. Her parents expect her to go to medical school, but her passion is dancing. Her American side is yearning to follow her heart but her Taiwanese side just wants to please her parents.

She is also caught between two men. Having been a “fan” of Rick Woo (Ross Butler), a wonder boy – or boy wonder, she is delighted he is part of the program. But Xavier Yeh (Nico Hiraga), another participant, also catches her eye.

Ever’s roommate Sophie Ha (Chelsea Zhang) is a fun loving gal and the impetus for Ever’s coming out of her shell. And while in Taipei, Ever catches up with her aunt Shu (Cindy Cheung), and artist who also encourages Ever to follow her heart.

The movie was filmed on location in Taipei with the beautiful city adding plenty of flavor to the story. It is a cute story about connecting to family culture and finding the courage to be oneself. The cast is entirely Asian with the one exception of Ever’s Ohio girlfriend who is only seen via FaceTime.
Besides the students being immersed in the culture, viewers also get plenty of the vibrant culture and appreciation. The one part that might be concerning is the fact that Ever often walks through the city alone at night, giving the impression that Taipei is completely safe, and indeed it has been touted as a fairly safe city, although still not 100 per cent safe. From the viewer’s standpoint, it looks to be a fun, exciting, and colorful city. And yes, there is an actual summer immersion program in Taipei known as “Loveboat.”

Love in Taipei is now streaming on Paramount+. It is rated PG-14.

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.

‘Calming a Panic’ album for stressful times

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


There’s no doubt that we are living in stressful times. Kids can be affected by the stress of their parents and just everyday life. The new album (CD or digital files) by Nicole Porter helps to alleviate panic and stress with upbeat and fun music as well as inspirational messages. Calming a Panic is meant for kids, but it is also a great stress reliever for adults.

With upbeat music combining pop, rock, classical and jazz, with a bit of show tunes mixed in, the songs are all fun and helpful in tough situations. Sometime little things feel unmanageable and frightening for kids (and adults). While parents try to reassure their kids and help them feel happy in whatever situation is troubling them, having an additional tool is helpful. These songs are just the tools for bringing some light into a dark situation or help uplift a worried child.

All of the songs are filled with enthusiasm and messages of confidence. It’s a great way to bring some sunshine into a dreary or sad day. The songs are fun and even the titles are cute:

  • Shake Shake
  • Rhythm
  • Earth Candy
  • Abacabama
  • Let Your Soul Shine
  • Find My Way
  • Do the Vowel Howl
  • Tiger in a Hammock
  • Stay Wild Moon Child

Music has a special effect on people. I personally enjoy listening to upbeat music when cleaning the house or when I feel a bit down. Conversely, I often put on slow, calming music when I want to unwind. It’s common for people to use music as a mood elevator, and this collection of songs is just that. The songs bring positive messages and as the title of the collection says, they help calm a panic. 

Nicole Porter is a clinical director, artist, and art therapist specializing in early childhood acute assessment, trauma treatment, and family advocacy.

Calming a Panic will be available beginning September 15, 2023  and available now for pre-sale at Spotify and Amazon.

The songs will be available on all streaming services and the CD can also be purchased at Nicole Porter’s 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. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Warrior King’ is coming to theaters

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


This Chinese animated epic fantasy is based on the true story of King Gesar. born to a divine lineage and destined to become a great hero and ruler. As a young man, the future king grew up exiled in a realm overrun by menacing demons and monsters. When evil forces threaten his home, he embarks on a heroic journey to save his people and fulfill his destiny as a legendary leader.

The story of Gesar is considered one of Central Asia’s literary classics and was passed down in oral tradition for some 1,000 years, as well as literary, poetic and stage play versions. Its Tibetan iteration may now be the most prominent, It is certainly one of the longest, running to over 100 volumes and a million verses, according to some calculations.

The movie will be released in theaters August 25, 2023.

More fun with ‘Eva the Owlet’ on Apple TV+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Based on the New York Times bestselling Scholastic book series Owl Diaries by award-winning author Rebecca Elliott, Eva the Owlet has returned with four adorable shorts.

“Diary, Cheer Me Up, Up, Up!” follows little Eva who is upset about breaking a pinecone. To cheer herself up she goes on a fly with Baxter.

“All About Baby Mo,” has Eva telling her diary all about Baby Mo, who has scribbled all over the pages. This is infuriating to her but then, she does know there are some wonderful things about the little guy she dearly loves. 

“Diary Doodles” follows Eva has little Eva doodling during a rainy day. It’s a nice activity to do inside when the weather is wet and dreary outside.

“Diary, Cheer Lucy Up, Up, Up!”  has Eva helping her best friend Lucy write her own Cheer-Up List. Lucy is sad and upset because her stuffed animal got a hole in it. (note: I remember being very young and feeling the same way as Lucy when one of my animals got a hole. A needle and thread from my mom was the trick for me.)

Eva and her friends live in Treetopington. She is a fun, adventurous, and compassionate little owl. And to remember everything, she keeps track of her feelings and adventures in her diary.   

Since first being published, Owl Diaries now has eight foreign language translations and 11 million copies in print. 

Eva the Owlet is streaming now 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 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.

Look what’s coming to Cartoon Network this fall

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

“Cartoon Network presents the best in animation for all generations with iconic, creator-driven shows,” said Michael Ouweleen, president of Cartoon Network and Boomerang. “This fall is no exception as we premiere new seasons and series from the talented crews at Cartoon Network Studios, Warner Bros. Animation and Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe.”

 

New and returning animated shows to entertain kids will be flooding the airwaves this fall however viewers do not have to wait for the newest episodes of Bugs Bunny Builders. Featuring Bugs, Lola, Daffy, Tweety, and Porky Pig, Bugs Bunny Builders has just begun airing their newest episodes.

Fall premieres include new episodes of We Baby Bears, which will begin a new season on August 26, 2023. The storyline follows baby bear brothers (Grizz, Panda, and Ice Bear), lovable characters for all ages.

On September 11, 2023 preschoolers will be embarking on new adventures with Batman, Batgirl, and Robin on the animated series Batwheels. This high-octane adventure show is a fan favorite for youngsters and adults will enjoy the episode on September 15 that features the voice of Adam West, the Batman of the past.

Teen Titans Go! returns on September 23, 2023. Robin, Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy, and Cyborg are back for their eighth season and commemorate the Warner Bros. 100th Anniversary with a special episode. Fun for the whole family, the gang takes a visit to the Warner Bros. studio lot and encounter surprise guests.

And on November 11, 2023 the U.S. debut of The Heroic Quest of the Valiant Prince Ivanhoe will join the lineup of animated shows for kids. This is the story of a confident guy and his sidekick Bert as they experience magical and fun quests through kingdoms. Get ready for royal antics, fairy tale creatures, swashbuckling, and magic. This is another show that parents will enjoy watching with their youngsters.

Besides airing on Cartoon Network, the shows will be available on Max as well. This lineup of animated series’ are a great addition to viewing for young kids and preschoolers. They provide fun, adventure, and some laughs with characters that will be embraced by everyone.

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 newest release of the classic ‘Roman Holiday’ on 4K

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the classic film Roman Holiday, Paramount has released a new 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital Code 2-disc set. This film stars Gregory Peck and introduces Audrey Hepburn in her first starring role.

Hepburn is Princess Ann who is on a royal tour of European cities. She is getting bored and tired of her position and longs to escape from the constraints and responsibilities with which she lives. Lo and behold, she does. Princess Ann sneaks out one evening in Rome and for the next 24 hours she finally gets the chance to discover what it is to live like a non-royal, free of the rigid life and able to do what she wants. 

Joe Bradley (Peck) discovers this young woman sleeping on a bench and tries to wake her up, but having been sedated while at the embassy, all she wants to do is sleep. Being the good man he is, he cannot let her stay alone on the bench so he takes her back to his apartment, where she spends the night – all above board. No hanky panky. 

The following day journalist Bradley learns that Princess Ann has been taken ill and cannot attend her functions. After seeing a photo of the young princess, Bradley realizes the woman who is sleeping in his apartment is Princess Ann. So, what is a journalist to do? He wants to get an exclusive on the princess so he enlists the help of his photographer friend Irving Radovich (Eddie Albert) and they devise a plan to unobtrusively take pictures of Ann (who is calling herself Anya) as the three embark on a fun-filled day in Rome. Ann, aka Anya, has no idea the two men are journalists.  

The first thing she does before anything else is cut her hair. This releases her psychologically from her royal life.

The trio manages to get themselves into quite some interesting situations, while Ann is enjoying everything and does not want to return to royal life. The three have some fun antics in the eternal city, including a far-fetched ride on a Vespa.

What Bradley doesn’t plan on are the feelings he and Ann begin to feel as their friendship blossoms. 

The ending is perhaps not what romantic viewers would have liked to see. It is fun to think of the next chapter in the lives of Princess Ann and Joe Bradley if there would have been a sequel. But viewers can make up their own minds about whether they will end up together somehow in the future or not. Either way, this makes for a classic story that stands the test of time. 

There are plenty of bonus features on the Blu-ray. Filmmaker and historian Leonard Maltin discusses the film, which was made entirely in Rome. There is another feature about the costumes and an interesting look at the history of Rome in the locations which were part of the movie. This was the first time Audrey Hepburn had a starring role and her career at Paramount is the subject of yet another bonus. After finishing Roman Holiday she went on to star in another classic film, Sabrina, with Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. Next came War and Peace followed by Funny Face. She is also known for Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Charade, My Fair Lady, and many other classic movies. 

Another bonus feature delves into the story of the screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, who had many trials and tribulations as he was one of the “Hollywood Ten” who were blacklisted by the House Un-American Activities Committee.

The 4K Ultra HD disc is the clearest version of the film. This black and white movie is a delight however it would have been wonderful if it had been filmed in color. Yet, it holds up well in black and white on 4K.

Many scenes in Roman Holiday have been reenacted and referred to in other films, like the scene where they encounter the mouth of truth, and the fun Vespa drive. This is a movie that is a go-to when anyone is in the mood for a fun, sweet, and enjoyable story.

Roman Holiday is not rated. There are scenes of smoking and a cute non-brutal fight scene.

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.

photos courtesy Paramount Home Entertainment