Author: Francine Brokaw

‘A Prince in Paradise: A Royal Wedding’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


A not-so-funny thing happened to Olivia and Prince Alexander on their way to the altar. The third film in the popular franchise tests their love as they encounter a major obstacle the night before their wedding.

Rhiannon Fish and Mitchell Bourke return as Olivia and Alex. She is an American romance writer who, back in 2023, fell in love with a prince (A Prince in Paradise: Royal in Paradise). Prince Alexander was enchanted with her as well. Then, in 2024 he proposed (A Christmas Castle Proposal: A Royal in Paradise 2).  Now they are getting married. Or are they?

The night before their wedding a very bitter and evil lord interrupts their rehearsal dinner festivities with a surprise announcement. It just so happens that according to the Constitution a royal is not allowed to marry a commoner, if there is opposition. Well, there is opposition as this dastardly man has influenced the government to do just that.

Queen Patricia (Andrea Moor) and Prince Alexander try everything in their power to get the people on their side, but with no luck. Everyone is on edge as the lawyers delve into their options. Unfortunately, they cannot find anything that would not harm the monarchy.

While the lawyers as well as the queen and Alex are working on finding a solution which would not harm the monarchy and would allow the marriage, Olivia starts her own investigation. 

While searching through stacks of books in the illustrious castle library, she comes upon a hidden diary. As she begins reading the historical writing of a woman who fell in love with a man, she becomes engrossed in their story.  The more she reads, the more she is transcended back to their romance which, to her amazement, ended up being something significant for the country.

At the very last minute, Olivia manages to find a precedent that would allow the government to decide whether she would be allowed to marry her prince.

Olivia, a commoner, a romance writer, and an American, is smart, intuitive, and in love. She has spent a lot of time learning about the country she has adopted, and knows she will be a worthy princess and ultimately queen.

Alex is the heir apparent who knows his duty is to his country, however his love for Olivia might outweigh that as he is tested during this ordeal.

And Queen Patricia knows Olivia is good for the country and the love she and Alex share is genuine. But her hands are tied until the lord approaches her with a bribe. Patricia is a woman of substance and no bribe will have her give into her convictions about the law and her sense of duty.

In the end, as with the previous films in this series, love wins out. Olivia and Alex are two characters viewers have wanted to see united since they met three years ago. And united they shall be. 

Will there be a fourth film in this enchanting tale? We’ll see. Fingers crossed! 

A Prince in Paradise: A Royal Wedding premieres July 30, 2026 on Great American Pure Flix and on Great American Family and GFAM+ beginning August 1, 2026.

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 is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images supplied courtesy Great American Media

‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ gets a new update

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The dark water ride in Disneyland is one of the most popular attractions in New Orleans Square. It opened in 1967 and was the final attraction that was supervised by Walt Disney himself. Since then, there have been several updates, and now, June 2026, there is a new magical and visual aspect to this attraction.

The Audio-Animatronics captures the attention of guests as their boat sets sail then descends to the depths of the past via a couple water falls. Once down, the story of the pirates of the late 1700s comes into view.

In the first incarnation of the attraction with drunken men, an auction of women, and a humorous jail scene, the pirates demonstrated they were a dastardly bunch. 

The Pirates of the Caribbean movie was created with scenes from the Disneyland attraction. It was the first time a ride was the impetus for a film. This 2003 film hit the top of the charts, with Johnny Depp portraying Captain Jack Sparrow in an entertaining and over-the-top performance. Several sequels followed to make the Pirates franchise very lucrative for the studio. 

Updates to the attraction over the years

To bring some new aspects of the film to the Disneyland attraction, in 2006 characters from the movie were added to the ride. Jack Sparrow and Davy Jones joined the gang of pirates. And at one time, the real Johnny Depp surprised guests by actually being there in the attraction. That was a memory those folks will never forget.

The attraction then changed again in 2017 to reflect the politics of the time. There was no more auctioning of women and the men did not chase them around, as they had drunkenly done in the past. Instead, they chase the booze they carry.

Now, in June 2026, the attraction has been updated with more Disney magic. Guests now see the pirate that sits on a pile of cursed gold transform before their eyes, from a man into a skeleton. How did they do this? The creative team combined the Audio-Animatronics with real-time front projection to create this dramatic change to the character. It is just a small change to the experience itself, however it adds a new fun and fresh aspect and demonstrates the magic guests experience around the park when they step through the gates. 

Telling stories through the attractions is what Disneyland is all about. Instead of just being a park with rides and food, Disneyland is there to bring guests into their stories. 

Various incarnations of the attraction joined other Disney parks after the huge success in Disneyland: Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom (1973), Tokyo Disneyland (1983). Disneyland Paris (1992), and Shanghai Disneyland (2016).

Guests to Disneyland set sail for an adventurous trip to the West Indies in the late 1700s, via this popular attraction, and now with an additional bit of magic. And, when the tale is told, they return to modern time via another waterfall, only this time they ascend.

Argh, matey. 

Walt Disney talks about Pirates of the Caribbean

How the new magic happens

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 is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images from inside: Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort

‘Young Washington’ – a film for our time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

To celebrate and honor the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States of America, Wonder Project and Angel Studios have produced an enticing film about the “Father of a Nation.” George Washington is known for his heroics during the War of Independence and for being the first President of the United States of America. Before these events he was a young boy and then a young man. His life prior to 1776 is laid out in this film, Young Washington.

William Franklyn-Miller is George Washington. As a boy then a young man, he was heavily influenced by his half brother Lawrence Washington who, after the death of their father, took his young brother under his wing. Lawrence was a decorated soldier in His Majesty’s Army. Young George wanted to eventually follow in his footsteps.

George became an accomplished surveyor and as such volunteered his services to Lord Fairfax (Kelsey Grammer) to survey his Ohio Valley. This land had never been closely looked at. It was filled with Indians (aka Native Americans), and rough territory, which made the job dangerous. 

After he accomplished his job for Fairfax, George then volunteered his services to the crown. The French were declaring the territory for their own, and the British would not have it. George knew the land, having surveyed it for Fairfax.

He was sent to, in a sense, tell the French to leave. His “army” consisted of Virginia men who were unsure what they were doing confronting the French. They were not qualified soldiers, but nevertheless they went.

Lo and behold, a war broke out. The French and Indian War pitted Great Britain against France, each with their own group of Indian allies. This war tested Washington who, after a time, felt he was not a leader. He resigned his commission, but things were not that easy.

George had strong ideas and loyalties – to his men, Virginia, and His Majesty. Returning to the war, George Washington proved his mettle. His bravery and loyalty made him more than just a soldier and a man to be trusted. It made him a hero who ultimately led the colonists to independence. But that is another story.

Young Washington deals with the French and Indian War, where the frontier was up for grabs, at least according to the French and British. This film lays the foundation on which George Washington built military career, his life, and his history.

Mary-Louise Parker co-stars as Mary Washington, George’s mother, who was strict but kind. She knew her son’s strength and although did not want him to go to war, knew he had the ability to lead, no matter what he thought of himself. Ben Kingsley co-stars as Robert Dinwiddie, the governor of Virginia.

“George Washington’s early years is a story I’ve wanted to tell for a very long time,” said Jon Erwin, director of Young Washington and founder of Wonder Project. “The trials he faced shaped the man who would lead a nation, and so much of that journey remains largely untold. Bringing this powerful story to life with such an extraordinary cast is a dream come true.”

“When we launched pre-sale tickets a year before opening day, thousands were purchased immediately, and sales have continued steadily since,” said Brandon Purdie, Head of Theatrical Distribution and Brand Development at Angel Studios. “Opening in theaters during the Independence Day holiday and the 250th anniversary of America, the film will bring an untold chapter of our founding to audiences nationwide.”

Patriotism is thriving in the U.S.A.

Young Washington will premiere in theaters nationwide on July 3, 2026. That weekend marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

PG-13 for sequences of strong war violence and some bloody images.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Summer Fun with Snoopy and the gang

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The Peanuts kids returns for another summer of fun-filled adventures and discoveries on Apple TV. Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally, Snoopy, Franklin, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, and all the gang have been entertaining and delighting generations of people. Through the comic strip, movies, and television shows, their popularity has risen with each endeavor. 

Fun in the Sun – Camp Snoopy season 2

The gang returns to camp for another delightful summer. Camp Snoopy brings the Peanuts gang back to Camp Spring Lake for new adventures and fun in the sun.

Snoopy and the Beagle Scouts, along with  Charlie Brown and all his friends at camp, enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors.

Fishing, canoeing, swimming, arts and crafts, and building sandcastles all add up to another summer of memories for the whole gang.

Charlie Brown is overwhelmed when he becomes the camp’s mail deliverer. Can Snoopy help ease the pressure?

Shirley is a new kid at camp this year. This cutie doesn’t know anyone and is sad and alone. But leave it to Snoopy and the kids to help her enjoy the summer. Shirley only appears a couple times, but she’s a cute new character.

What do they do at camp when it rains? Charlie Brown suggest telling stories like they do around a campfire, but this time it is in their tent. The story of the Big Fish is a little different when told by each kid.

The Beagle Scout Handbook comes into play throughout the season.  

Shirley and Naomi are only seen at camp, but who knows? In the future they might visit the Peanuts kids in their town.

Camp Snoopy season 2 begins June 26, 2026. The 13 episodes in this season are filled with the usual entertaining Peanuts fun.

Patriotism – This is America, Charlie Brown

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of The United States of America, the mini-series This is America, Charlie Brown celebrates the history  and culture of the country. Hailed as one of the Peanuts classics, the gang learns about places, people, and events that have shaped the country, and indeed the world.

This is America, Charlie Brown is a great way for families to celebrate the country together. It is available to stream beginning July 3, 2026.

Classic Peanuts charm – The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show


The 18 episode series, The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show, ran from 1983-1986. It is finally available to stream on Apple TV. This series celebrates the antics, anxieties, and anticipations of the gang, primarily Charlie Brown and his beloved beagle Snoopy.

Fans of classic Peanuts storylines can now access this beloved series on Apple TV.

Home and Family – Snoopy Presents: There’s No Place Like Home, Snoopy 

Uh oh! Snoopy is traumatized when is doghouse is accidentally sold at a yard sale. How can Snoopy survive without his beloved house? After all, he does everything there – mostly on top of it.

It is where he writes his novels. It is where his World War I Flying Ace takes on The Red Barron. It is where he plays with Woodstock. It is where he has his keepsakes. It is where he sleeps.

Emotions run amok in this heartwarming new special that begins streaming July 31, 2026.

Check out Apple TV for plenty more with Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang.

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 is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images courtesy Apple TV

‘A Castle of Our Own’ is another endearing Hallmark movie

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Take one high-powered, over stressed, Type-A business woman and add a low-key, sensitive, and charming man, and you have this new Hallmark original movie. A Castle of Our Own stars two veteran Hallmark actors – Brennan Elliot and Erica Cerra.

Marley (Cerra) is an architect in the city. She is overwhelmed with work and always trying to find quality time to be with her daughter Lily (Sarah Sheehan). Her desire to cut back on her work load is offset by her earnings as she is saving money to take that long-awaited and long-promised trip to Paris with Lily, but something always gets in the way.

When her ex-husband bails on a father/daughter trip to the beach, Marley steps in. She wants this to be a week without work, without phones, and without stress. It is also going to be a week of mother/daughter bonding.
Just how she is going to succeed at that is another matter.

Marley meets Adam (Elliott) in a “meet-cute” moment. He is renovating the house next to the one Marley rented for the week. His somewhat laissez-faire attitude impresses her. How can he ignore all the text messages popping up on his phone? He simply doesn’t need to answer them right away. He lives for the moment.

That’s not to say he isn’t a responsible man. On the contrary. He is very responsible and a great uncle to his niece Paige (Sophie Thom).

The foursome ultimately enter the local sandcastle contest, which is something Marley hopes will help her daughter unwind and have fun, while giving them quality mother/daughter time.

Building sandcastle involves planning, dedication, artistry, and patience. And in this case, it also brings out the best in each of the characters.

The quiet beach town of Cannon Cove gives them all a sense of renewal and they manage to end the week with new perspectives and positive outlooks on their lives.

Brennan’s fans have been anxiously awaiting his return to Hallmark. And this movie demonstrates why he is one of the most loved “Hallmark Hunks!”

Cerra is another Hallmark “go-to” actors, having starred in several films. The pairing of Cerra and Elliott is truly a delight.



A Castle of Our Own premieres June 27, 2026 on Hallmark Channel and begins streaming June 28, 2026 on Hallmark+.


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 is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image supplied

Bring Home ‘You Light Up My Life’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

This 1977 film introduced audiences to the award-winning title song. “You Light Up My Life” was the centerpiece of the movie and turned out to be the song that skyrocketed Debbie Boone to stardom. 

In the film the song is sung by Kasey Cisyk and lip-synched by Didi Conn who stars as Laurie Ribinson. Laurie’s father (Joe Silver) is an over-bearing stage father who pushed his daughter to be a comedian since the time she could talk. He never bothered to find out if that was what she wanted to do.

And it wasn’t. What Laurie wants is to be a songwriter/singer/actress, and she is good at it, but her father keeps pushing her and she can’t say no. But Laurie also continues with her passion of singing/songwriting, and acting.

One night she has a random encounter with a director. Chris Nolan (Michael Zaslow) is charming and entices her back to his house. 

A short time later, Laurie and Chris meet again when she goes in for an audition. Armed with her own song – and the entire orchestrations – Chris sets her up with a full orchestra and Laurie finally gets to sing her song the way it was meant to be. The ballad is a hit with everyone, including Chris.

They have a short-lived affair which ends when Laurie discovers the dark side of Hollywood. The business of show, aka show business, is ruthless and uncaring.

The finale is joyful as Laurie is finally able to stand up for herself and sets out to fulfill her own dreams. 

The song won the Academy Award that year. It also won a Golden Globe, an ASCAP Award, and was nominated for a Grammy.

The movie takes viewers on a journey as Laurie learns the ups and downs of show business, and finds her own true self. With the song as the backdrop, the Blu-ray is an entertaining show.

This new release is packaged to look like a retro VHS. It fits perfectly with the movie, which is a representation of the late 1970s in style and wardrobe. 

You Light Up My Life is rated PG.

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 is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Bonnie and Jessie star in ‘Toy Story 5’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The long-awaited fifth film in the Toy Story franchise is now showing in theaters. The hype for this film has been enormous. So, does Toy Story 5 live up to the expectations? Pretty much.

The story revolves around Bonnie and Jessie. Bonnie is now eight years old and still loves playing with her toys. Her imagination is endless. She is a fun-loving little girl but also very shy. She does not have any friends except her beloved toys.

Seeing the sadness in their daughter’s eyes, her parents buy her a Lily Pad tablet. Wow. A fun new game and a chance to connect with others. And Bonnie does just that. She joins a group chat and immediately feels like one of the gang.

But Jessie and the other toys see something wrong with this new setup. Bonnie has abandoned her toys in favor of the Lily Pad and the connections she made through it.

Jessie has been trying to help Bonnie make new friends, but this is not what she had in mind.

Through some mishaps, Jessie and Bullseye end up at the farm where Jessie started her life. This dilemma sets up several scenarios getting them back to Bonnie.

While Jessie is trying to understand what happened to her through the years, she realizes she is at the house where she and Emily, her first child, had so much fun. When she grew up Emily donated Jessie who then ended up with Andy, and subsequently with Bonnie.

Jessie does not want to experience that abandonment another time. What has her life added up to? 

Besides the toys we all know and love, another side story is happening. A cargo of Buzz Lightyears fell off the ship and the Buzz’s ended up on an island. They immediately set about getting back to civilization.

Bonnie eventually understands that her new “friends” from the group chat are not really her friends. They have bullied this poor little girl. Bonnie is basically adrift until she meets Blaze, who lives in Emily’s old house and through circumstances now has possession of Jessie and Bullseye.

By combining low-tech (some of Blaze’s old toys) with high-tech, Jessie and the group figure out how to help little Bonnie.

There are many touching scenes in the film. And keep an eye out for plenty of Easter Eggs.

Jessie is now running the show as Sheriff, with Buzz as her deputy and Woody returns to help his old friends.

This film takes on a new look when Bonnie plays with her toys.  Her imagination is shown as watercolor-style  drawings, which give the scenarios a more inventive style, much like her inventive mind. She is undoubtedly very creative and loves putting her toys in various situations. 

Ultimately, this is another sensitive and endearing story with Bonnie, Jessie, and the entire family of toys.

NOTE – The filmmakers expect audiences to forget about the short Toy Story films. They are not supposed to be in the timeline of the feature film franchise. However fans of the Toy Story stories might find that difficult.

In Toy Story That Time Forgot (2014), Bonnie had a friend – Mason. She and Mason played video games together. So this kind of changes the scenario that Bonnie has no friends and has not played with any tech toys. 

Audiences definitely need to put that storyline aside in order to enjoy this new film. 

Toy Story 5 is rated PG for some thematic elements and rude humor.

To learn how the film was created, check out The Art Of Toy Story 5 book. And for more fun with the toys, there is plenty of great merchandise.

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 is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘The Greek Aisle’ on Hallmark+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Pack your bags and head off to the picturesque island of Corfu in Greece. That is what Georgia (Nikki DeLoach) does in this entertaining new original film from Hallmark.

Georgia had spent time on Corfu with her aunt and uncle years ago. Now she must return to settle her inheritance. When she gets there she discovers it is not as easy as she thought it would be.

Georgia was planning on selling the house she inherited from her aunt. She needs the money for her start-up company. But upon arriving on the island. she learns half of the house now belongs to Alex Marini (Apostolis Totsikas), a handsome police officer she knew when she was on the island 20 years earlier. They had a connection, but that only lasted while she was there.

Now, in order to sell her half of the house to Alex to help save her fledgling company, they discover according to Greek law, they must be married to set things in order for the transfer of the house. So Georgia talks Alex into a temporary marriage which would solve both their problems. She would be able to sell him her half of the house to help her business, and in a month he would hopefully get the detective job he is applying for, which would afford him more money to purchase her half of the beautiful home.

Well, you know where this is going. They get married and through the month they are together, they discover the feelings then had 20 years earlier are still there.

Most of the movie was filmed on location in Corfu. This is definitely a beautiful locale for this enjoyable film. And, Georgia’s wardrobe is colorful and something to take note of, as I personally would love some of those clothes!

Anyway, back to the story.  As they pretend to be married and share not only the house but also excursions around the island, not to mention friendships with the locals, their passion is kept in check. But it is simmering just below the surface.

Georgia mingles- or meddles – in Alex’s business by helping him with his prospective boss in the detective agency, and Alex helps Georgia realize what is important in her life. Sure, her business is important, but her life in general is what matters most. And her life now includes Alex.

This is a cute story with characters viewers will enjoy watching as they navigate their “married” life through the month. It is now streaming on Hallmark+.  Opa! Enjoy!

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Image supplied courtesy Hallmark

‘Mickey’s Home Alone’ scheduled for this holiday season

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Mickey can’t wait to spend Christmas at home. His plans take a turn when Minnie surprises him and the gang with tickets to spend Christmas at a world-famous Ice Palace. In the morning rush to make it out the door, Mickey and Pluto are left behind and home alone. While Mickey and Pluto must protect their home from two feisty villains, a raccoon and a weasel who are after their Christmas dinner, Minnie and the gang desperately try to make their way back home to Mickey.

The special features original songs “Ho-Ho-Home for Christmas” and “Favorite Christmas Feeling” by songwriter Keith Harrison Dworkin, and a new arrangement of the holiday classic “Jingle Bells,” with a score by Tony Morales.

The special is set to debut in the 2026 holiday season on Disney Jr. and Disney+.

-Francine Brokaw

Images supplied courtesy Disney

He’ll be back!

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Eugene Levy is going to be back for a fourth season of his award-winning – and very funny – series The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy.

Levy has always said he is not a good traveler. But since he signed up for this show, he has learned to embrace travel.

“After three seasons on the show I have just about accepted, albeit begrudgingly, that saying ‘yes’ to new experiences is not necessarily a bad thing for me. So, I’ve committed to saying ‘yes’ a little more often this season. It’s a strategy I’m approaching with considerable caution,” said Levy.

No specific release date has been set, but fans of the actor and the show are eagerly awaiting this next season.

-Francine Brokaw