Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Book Club: The Next Chapter’ – Movie Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen, Jane Fonda, and Mary Steenburgen return for the next chapter of their amazing friendship that has spanned 50 years. Book Club was produced in 2018 when the four women took on the challenge of reading 50 Shades of Grey.  Besides their emotions about the book, their personal lives played out as the film progressed. Now Book Club: The Next Chapter takes the foursome on a new adventure – to Italy.

The story begins with their lives during the lockdown when they had to communicate via the Internet. Now that the lockdown is over they get the chance to finally meet again in person. And when they do, they are in for a surprise. 

Vivian (Fonda) announces she is finally getting married to her beau Arthur (Don Johnson). To celebrate, the foursome decide to go to Italy for a “bridal celebration.” Carol (Steenburgen) is a little apprehensive about leaving her husband Bruce (Craig T. Nelson) who recently suffered a heart attack. Sharon (Bergen) is concerned about leaving her dog. And Diane (Keaton) worries about leaving her boyfriend Mitchell (Andy Garcia). But after being convinced, they all agree to head to Italy and finally take the trip they had planned decades before. 

What a trip they have! They find themselves in one precarious situation after another, but their loyalty and fun spirit prevails. It doesn’t matter that their luggage was stolen or that they spend a night in jail. What matters is their love and devotion to each other. After 50 years, this is a friendship that has stood the test of time and trauma, and continues to do so. This is something that many of us would love to have – an enduring friendship with very close pals with which we can share all the aspects of our lives without judgement, just tough love.

This girls’ trip is also a time when the growth in their personal lives proves to add to the fun of the story. Carol meets an old friend (Vincent Riotta) with whom she shares an entertaining evening. Sharon meets an interesting intellectual (Hugh Quarshie) with whom she shares a little more than just entertainment. The Police Chief (Giancarlo Giannini) seems to pop up wherever the foursome is, and in some very fun situations. But when it is revealed that Vivian has been set up by Arthur to have their nuptials in Italy, her emotions unwind. This is a woman late in life who has never been married. Although she loves Arthur, does she really want to be a “wife”?

Perhaps the most lovable of all the men in the show is Mitchell. Garcia plays him with a tender heart and a sense of love and gratitude to have Diane in his life. 

The first film in this franchise was cute however, even though I am not a big fan of sequels overtaking the original film, I have to say this second film is much better. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments woven into the story of friendship and love. 

As of this writing there is no confirmation they will reunite for Book Club 3. Fingers crossed they do as these women and their stories are like fine wine – they get better and better.

Book Club: The Next Chapter streams exclusively on Peacock. It is rated PG-13 for some strong language and suggestive material. (A dog dies off screen, there are kissing scenes, and implied sexual activities.)

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 Place Hotel at Disneyland Resort has some new cool updates

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The Paradise Pier hotel at the Disneyland Resort has been undergoing a complete renovation. It has updated everything, including the pool areas, to reflect the Pixar movies and characters. This is a colorful place in which to enjoy the water and the fun of Pixar. Here are some images of the new water play areas including Crush’s Surfin’ Slide at the Pixar Pool, and some fun at Nemo’s Cave. These areas are now open the guests however the entire hotel will be completed sometime this fall, 2023.

Splish splash with Nemo and his friends at the Pixar Place Hotel. (images are courtesy Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort).

‘The Slumber Party’ streams on Disney+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Based on the novel The Sleepover by Jen Malone, The Slumber Party brings drama, comedy, and mayhem to a group of girls in the space of one day. It’s a cute story especially for young teens. It’s touted as “a long weird story,” and that just about says it all. But add in a lot of hijinks and some cute characters.

Anna Maria (Valentina Herrera) is turning 14. To celebrate her birthday and the fact that she and her group of besties are now high schoolers, she throws a slumber party. Invited are her friends Megan (Darby Camp) and Paige (Emmy Liu-Wang), and her soon-to-be step sister Veronica (Alex Cooper Cohen). Veronica is a no-nonsense gal who is up for anything, but Megan is a bit skittish. She hates trying new things but learns that sometimes it’s good to step out of your comfort zone.

The hypnotist hired to entertain the girls, Mesmer (Titus Burgess), performs his magic and the next day the girls wake up without any knowledge of what happened the night before. The house is a mess, things are not right, and to top it off, Anna Maria is missing. What exactly happened after they were all hypnotized?

They have to get to the bottom of the mystery, but first they need to locate Anna Maria. This proves to be more difficult than anticipated. They end up in several strange situations, and some of the things they put themselves through are crazy. But it’s all done to find their friend.

So, take a little Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, High School Musical, American Pie, The Breakfast Club, and a dash of Vacation (where everything goes wrong), and mash them all together. This is the story of friendship that lasts forever. These girls have shared so much in their lives and now with the addition of Veronica, they have an even greater experience shared during these 24 hours.

This is a fun show for young teens and makes a great family viewing experience. At the heart of it is friendship. 

The Slumber Party premiered on Disney Channel and can be streamed on Disney+. Grab some popcorn, snuggle with your cozy blanket, and enjoy this whacky slumber party with the gang. And by the way, in the end they do get their memories back and learn all that they did the night before. That’s a story in itself. 

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 Little Mermaid’ 2023 now on digital and coming to Home Entertainment

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In 1989 when Disney released the animated classic The Little Mermaid, audiences around the world were enchanted by the young mermaid who desperately wanted to be human. Little Ariel captured the hearts of viewers. As the youngest daughter of King Triton, her life had been spent under the sea, but her inquisitiveness and curiosity kept her searching for something more. She was enthralled by the people living on the land, and when she rescued Prince Eric from a shipwreck, she immediately fell in love. Now the story has been reimagined in live-action, well, as much live action as can be created when half of the movie takes place under water or with sea critters.

The vision of filmmaker Rob Marshall, this version of The Little Mermaid is a bit different, with additional songs and some adjustment in the characters. Lin Manuel Miranda added the extra songs and lyrics, and Scuttle, who in the animated film was a seagull, is now a different kind of bird that looks similar to the animated bird however this Scuttle is able to dive under water. That was intentional so he could be introduced to the viewers under the sea.

Yes, the main songs are still alive and well in this version, however there are some subtle differences in the scenes. The underwater scenery is magnificent and the filmmakers did a wonderful job bringing the underwater world to the viewers.

As a nod to the original movie, Jodi Benson who voiced the animated Ariel, appears in a brief cameo. This time around Halle Bailey is the brave mermaid who risks everything to be with the man she loves. 

Being a little dark, smaller kids might be more intimidated by the scary scenes than with the animated movie. The downfall of this film is the length. At 2 hours 15 minutes, it poses a problem for kids who might get a little fidgety sitting for that long time. That is the benefit of the Digital version (available now) when parents can pause the show for a break or even split it into two nights of viewing. And the 4K, Blu-ray, and DVD editions will be available September 19, 2023.

Ariel is a princess of the sea, and with Eric she is a princess of the land as well. Their union brings harmony to the two worlds that have been at odds for a very long time. But now, all is well.

Note: I am not a personal fan of remaking classics and especially remaking animated classics into live-action. That said, this was not on my priority of films to watch. It is, however, an OK movie that is filled with the same emotions and family feelings that exist in the animated version. I still prefer the animated movie because, well, I don’t like messing with a classic.

The 1989 animated version is rated G. This live action version of The Little Mermaid is rated PG for action/peril and some scary images.

The Little Mermaid is now available on Digital and on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD September 19.

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.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles hit the big screen

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Mark your calendars if you’re a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem is coming to theaters August 2, 2023.

After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.

San Fransokyo Square will add a new area to Disney California Adventure

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

When San Fransokyo Square opens August 31, 2023, a new dimension to the wharf area of Disney California Adventure will bring plenty of joy to guests. As it is being reimagined from Pacific Wharf to San Fransokyo Square, guests in the park are privy to the update. Unlike past changes and additions, there is no barricade to hide the construction. As Michael Dobrzycki, art director at Walt Disney Imagineering, said, the square is “Coming to life in front of everybody at Pacific Wharf.”

Once the area is opened to the public, they will see “the Pacific Wharf with a twist,” explained Dobrzycki. It will be like stepping into the film Big Hero 6, which delighted audiences when it was produced in 2014, and later made into a series for Disney Plus. The Port of San Fransokyo will contain the Coy fish turbines that powered the city in the film and in the evening the wharf will light up the night.

There will be a meet and greet with Baymax, the delightful blowup robot, a store for merchandise, and background music from J-pop, the Japanese pop band. As Dobrzycki said, the square “recreates movie moments.”

The Makers Market store will sell T-shirts for adults, children, and dogs. Yes, dogs. There will be four different medallions honoring the film and characters, phone accessories, an adorable Baymax sipper, pins, a cuddly Baymax, and more.

Chef Jeremiah Balogh said they had to “stretch their knowledge” to create food that combined cultures to bring the flavor of Asia to the guests.

So what kind of new delicacies will be offered in San Fransokyo Square? First of all, to quench your thirst and refresh your spirit, the Honey Lemon-Ade: Minute Maid Lemonade Zero Sugar and yuzu purée with passion fruit and strawberry popping spheres is Non-alcoholic and very tasty. (It was so good I had 2 during the media sampling event.)  To eat try the Soba Noodle Salad with tofu, cabbage, edamame, carrots, roasted corn, scallions, and cilantro topped with crispy shallots and sesame ginger dressing. It’s plant-based, tangy, sweet, tart, and yummy. (Psst….don’t tell anyone but I had two of these as well.) And this being Disneyland Resort, they had to create a special macaron and for the first time a macaron will be available all the time and not just during a festival. This Baymax macaron has a chocolate-hazelnut spread and buttercream center. It’s decadent and delicious. The Japanese-style fluffy cheesecake is different than what Americans are used to when it comes to this dessert. It is actually more akin to a sponge cake with tart cherry topping. Yummy.

Forget the old-fashioned thinking that burgers, fries, and pizza were all you could get at a theme park. Not when it comes to Disney. To get yourself inspired for all the new tasty treats in San Fransokyo Square, here is a list of what the talented chefs at Disney have created:

  • Karaage-inspired Crispy Chicken Sandwich with slaw, and Togarashi mayonnaise on a potato bun served with garlic chips (New)
  • Beef Birria Ramen with consomé, served with house-made birria, soft boiled egg, Monterey Jack, cilantro, roasted corn, onions, and radish (New)
  • Yaki Udon with mushrooms, sugar snap peas, roasted red peppers, bok choy, and dark soy and hoisin sauces (New) (Plant-based)
  • Yaki Udon with Karaage-inspired Chicken with mushrooms, sugar snap peas, roasted red peppers, bok choy, and dark soy and hoisin sauces (New)
  • Baymax Macaron filled with chocolate-hazelnut spread and buttercream (New)
  • Pork Wonton Nachos: Hoisin-glazed pork, cheese sauce, spicy aïoli, pickled cabbage, jalapeños, and toasted sesame seeds
  • Teriyaki Chicken with sautéed vegetables and steamed rice
  • Beef Bulgogi Burrito with seasoned rice, cabbage slaw, and garlic chips
  • Pot Stickers: Crispy vegetable and chicken pot stickers
  • San Fransokyo-style Street Corn with Togarashi mayonnaise, queso fresco, furikake, and bonito flakes served with wheat chicharrones (New)
  • QuesaBirria Street-style Tacos: Braised beef and cheese tacos with tomatillo salsa and consomé
  • Carne Asada Street-style Tacos: Citrus-marinated grilled steak tacos with crushed avocados and fuego salsa
  • Al Pastor Street-style Tacos: Pineapple-achiote marinated pork tacos with crushed avocados and jalapeño-garlic salsa
  • Pollo Asado Street-style Tacos: Achiote-marinated grilled chicken tacos with crushed avocados and fuego salsa
  • Tacos Dorados de Papa: Crispy potato tacos topped with cabbage slaw, crema, and tomatillo salsa (Plant-based)
  • Frijoles Charros: Chorizo and bacon stewed pinto beans
  • Lime-Cilantro Rice
  • Curry Beef: Beef, carrots, potatoes, and onions cooked in classic curry topped with rice, pickled ginger, and green onions served in a Boudin sourdough bread bowl (New)
  • San Fransokyo Clam Chowder: Creamy clam chowder with bacon, potatoes, and a hint of white miso served in a Boudin sourdough bread bowl (New)
  • Mac & Cheese
  • Soba Noodle Salad with tofu, cabbage, edamame, carrots, roasted corn, scallions, and cilantro topped with crispy shallots and sesame ginger dressing (New) (Plant-based)
  • Chilled Shrimp Soba Noodle Salad with tofu, cabbage, edamame, carrots, roasted corn, scallions, and cilantro topped with crispy shallots and sesame ginger dressing
  • Japanese-style Fluffy Cheesecake (New)
  • Shrimp Katsu Sandwich: Panko-breaded shrimp patty on a potato bun with cabbage slaw, spicy mayo, and katsu sauce served with garlic chips (New)
  • Turkey Pesto Club: Roasted turkey breast, pesto aїoli, havarti, bacon, arugula and tomato on herb focaccia served with potato chips
  • Steamed Rice (New)
  • Boudin Sourdough Loaf, Round or Baguette (Plant-based)
  • Garlic Pinwheel Chips Mix (New)
  • Specialty Beverages
  • Lychee Tea: Gold Peak Unsweetened Black Tea and premium lychee syrup with lychee coconut jelly (Non-alcoholic) (New)
  • Thai Tea with sea salt cream and brown sugar boba (Non-alcoholic)
  • Hot Green Tea (Non-alcoholic)
  • Bottle Logic Hanamachi: Japanese Rice Lager
  • Strawberry Lychee Cocktail: Vodka, lychee liqueur, premium strawberry syrup, and fresh lemon juice with sliced strawberry garnish (New)
  • Horchata Agua Fresca: House-made rice and cinnamon beverage (Non-alcoholic)
  • Melon Cocktail: Tequila, melon liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and orgeat topped with a cherry (New)
  • Lime Margarita
  • Bootlegger’s Cocina Cuca-Mango: Mango-flavored Hazy IPA
  • Modelo Especial
  • Citrus Michelada with Bootlegger’s IPA
  • Citrus Michelada with Modelo Especial
  • Turbine Twirler with choice of frozen wild cherry, frozen lemon-lime, frozen strawberry, or frozen blue raspberry slushy topped with peach gummy ring (Non-alcoholic) (New)
  • Rita’s Lemon-Lime Margarita with strawberry cream-covered cocoa biscuit stick (New)
  • Rita’s Grand Lemon-Lime Margarita with a splash of liqueur and strawberry cream-covered cocoa biscuit stick (New)
  • Rita’s Strawberry Margarita with strawberry cream-covered cocoa biscuit stick (New)
  • Rita’s Grand Strawberry Margarita with a splash of liqueur and strawberry cream-covered cocoa biscuit stick (New)
  • Honey Lemon-Ade: Minute Maid Lemonade Zero Sugar and yuzu purée with passion fruit and strawberry popping spheres (Non-alcoholic) (New)
  • Specialty Caramel Cream Cold Brew: Joffrey’s Coffee Caramel Mudslide Cold Brew topped with house-made sea salt caramel whipped cream (Non-alcoholic) (New)
  • Peach Soju Citrus Cocktail: Citrus beverage with peach-flavored soju (New)
  • Firestone Walker Brewing Company, 805
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company Endless Summer Hard Seltzer: Mandarin Orange & Dragon Fruit (New)
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company Moment of Zen: Japanese Rice Lager (New)
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company Follow the Sun Blonde Ale
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company Windansea Wheat Ale
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company Red Trolley Ale
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company Boat Shoes Hazy IPA
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company Aurora Hoppyalis IPA

  • Kids Meals
  • Teriyaki Chicken with sautéed vegetables and steamed rice
  • Chicken and Rice with vegetables and steamed rice (Disney Check Meal)
  • Yaki Udon with mushrooms, sugar snap peas, bok choy, dark soy sauce, and hoisin sauce (New) (Plant-based)
  • Carne Asada Taco
  • Pollo Asado Taco
  • Turkey Sandwich (Disney Check Meal)
  • Mac & Cheese

The locations in which these items will be available are the new Aunt Cass Cafe, Port of San Fransokyo Cerveceria, Lucky Fortune Cookery, Cocina Cucamonga Mexican Grill, and Rita’s Turbine Blenders.  As you can see from the list above, most of the new items have a Japanese or Asian flair.

Beginning August 31, 2023 the entirety of San Fransokyo Square will open to the public. It will be  like stepping through the screen right into the Big Hero 6 movie, much like Cars Land is like stepping right into Radiator Springs. With the 54 foot Gateway Bridge welcoming guests, the new square is a fun addition to Disney California 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.

‘Rogers: The Musical’ comes to Disney California Adventure for a limited time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

This summer (2023) guests to Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort can enjoy the new live-action show Rogers: The Musical. Through August 31 the Hyperion Theater will be the location where this musical Broadway-style  is performed. 

(Sean Teegarden/Disneyland Resort)

This is the story of Steve Rogers, aka Captain America. Super hero fans will finally get treated to a musical play about heroism, self-discovery, and a little romance as the story plays out on the stage complete with musical numbers and fun choreography.

It’s an upbeat show with peppy songs. The story introduces Steve Rogers and show how he became Captain America. It starts at the beginning of World War II and Rogers attempt to join the army. Unfortunately, he is too small and has asthma along with other problems. But soon his desire to save his country comes to fruition due to a special life-altering device. As he travels through time, he ends up in today’s world filled with plenty of woe. It’s here he meets up with the rest of the Avengers and they become a crime-fighting group ready to jump into action at the slightest sign of trouble.

(Richard Harbaugh/Disneyland Resort)

The Hyperion is a comfortable theater and quite frankly there are no really bad seats for viewing this show. It also provides a cool respite from the heat of the sun. 

For guests who are not into superheroes, don’t worry. This story will fill you in on the background of the Avengers. While many of us (yes, I said “us”) might prefer watching Disney Princess shows, this is still a fun show and the quality of the actors/singers is up there with the best of them. As mentioned earlier, this is a Broadway-quality show, and to think guests can experience it in a theme park. Wow.

Each day guests can sign in for the complimentary virtual queue, which begins at 10:30 a.m. PT for the first two show times of the day and 2 p.m. PT for the remaining show times of the day. Check with disneyland.com for details. 

Besides the fun musical play, there are plenty of limited patriotic and hero-themed food and beverage items. To get the full line-up of the limited treats, check out @DisneyEats where you can find out the locations where the items are sold. The limited popcorn bucket features the logo from the musical and is filled with red, white, and blue popcorn. For those with a sweet tooth (and you know who you are) there is a cherry, vanilla, and blue raspberry shake. Patriotic and delicious. For savory meals try the sausage and pepperoni wrap or the pastrami pretzel dog.  And if you are just thirsty, try the Patriotic Punch, a non-alcoholic concoction of sprite with white cranberry juice, blue raspberry and cherry syrup, topped with whipped cream.

This is Disney, so you know what is coming next. Yep, merchandise. There are some hero-themed items to coincide with this play. Collectible merch includes T-shirts, ornaments, and magnets. 

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.

‘Pil’s Adventures’ is fun for the whole family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Streaming on HULU is a cute animated movie called Pil’s Adventures. Produced in 2021, this is the story of a cute and cunning little orphan girl who has made a pretty nice life for herself on top of a turret, along with some furry friends. They work together to procure food from the village all the while trying to evade Graubart, a wannabe knight who feels it is duty to keep the village safe.

Pil is befriended by a court jester named Giggler who is a bumbling fellow with a sock puppet for his friend, and for his act. He’s actually a great ventriloquist but people don’t appreciate his talent.

When Pil overhears something about a hidden treasure in the kingdom, she is ready to do whatever it takes to get that for herself. She also finds herself, and her furry companions, smack dab in the middle of a plot to kill the prince who is going to have his coronation to be elevated from Prince to King. One thing leads to another and soon Pil makes a deal with the prince who has been turned into an animal – actually a chick-cat, half chicken and half cat – that she will help him get his body back if he gives her the treasure.

It’s not as easy as she thinks. She dresses as a princess and introduces herself as such, so Graubart thinks she is in fact a princess and not the “sprite” he has been hoping to catch to rid the village of this dirty little girl. Soon Pil, her little furry pals, Giggler, and Graubart are off to save the prince. 

Pil is a fun-loving, spunky girl with determination and wisdom. She has managed to keep herself alive for a long time without any help of others. When she joins with her new friends to help the prince, she finds that working alone is not always the answer. 

Pil is a fun character and viewers will be hoping for a happy ending for this little girl. Will she get it or will she return to her lonely life on top of a turret?

Pil’s Adventures is a cute film for the entire family. It is rated PG for violence, peril, and rude humor (typical of action/adventures).

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.

‘Chevalier’ is now available on digital

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The film Chevalier has been acclaimed by critics and audiences. It has also been touted as a little dull by others. It is a dramatized biographical film about Joseph Bologna, a contemporary of Mozart whose musical talent was praised by the world. There was a little hitch, however, when it came to his life. The fact that he was mixed race played a role in his upbringing and his adulthood, which plays out on the screen.

Bologne’s mother was a slave and his father her owner on the island of Guadeloupe. When he was small his father took him away from his mother and enrolled him in a boarding school in Paris. There he honed his musical skills, both playing the violin and composing music, and his fencing abilities were beyond compare. He excelled in almost everything he attempted. 

The film shows his cockiness and stubbornness as he rises to fame in France. Bologne (played beautifully by Kevin Harrison, Jr.) was taken under the wing of Queen Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton) who elevated him to the rank of Chevalier de Saint Georges. Thereafter he was known as either Chevalier, St. Georges, or simply Joseph by his friends.

This was the mid 1700s when there was plenty of political and social strife in the country. Being black brought him plenty of enemies who did not look kindly on blacks living in France. He also made enemies with his amorous lifestyle with white women.

His goal was to become the head of the Paris Opera and soon found himself in a contest. The winning composer who wrote the best opera would be proclaimed the new maestro of the Paris Opera.

Things were looking good for Joseph. He soon had his mother living with him in Paris and his life was pleasurable, both personally and professionally. But the political outrage encroached on both. This was, after all, the time just prior to the French Revolution.

The costumes in the film are beautiful and the atmosphere adds to the mood of the scenes. The music is outstanding and music lovers will undoubtedly enjoy the score. Unfortunately, when Napoleon Bonaparte came to power and reinstated slavery most of Joseph’s compositions were destroyed. The composer was a major player in aiding the revolution and speaking up for justice and “liberty.” He led an all-black regiment in the French Revolution.

There has been a renaissance of his life and work with new discoveries of his compositions. This film brings his life and work to audiences in an entertaining way that stresses the injustices of the time but also the talent of Bologne. Maybe not as talented as his contemporary Mozart, he definitely composed some beautiful music.

Chevalier is rated PG-13.

Click below to see a bonus about the film, “Chevalier: Note by Note”

About the Author

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

Halfway to the holidays at Disneyland Resort

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Can you believe it? We’re halfway through the year and that means halfway to the holiday season. As always, the holiday destination every year for fun and fantasy is the Disneyland Resort. Just to whet your appetite for what’s to come later this year, here are some images to peak your interest and get you in the Disneyland holiday mood.

The attraction transformation of “it’s a small world” Holiday will take place at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, Calif., in the 2023 holiday season. “it’s a small world” Holiday takes guests around the world as dolls and toys representing children enjoy the distinctive holiday traditions of their respective countries. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)