Author: Francine Brokaw

New collection from Armitron

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The Armitron Loves Johnny collection of watches contains some very colorful pieces of jewelry along with some pretty classic looks. The collection is a collaboration between Emmy Award-winning costume designer/stylist/creative director Johnny Wujek and the Armitron company.

According to Armitron, “Our partnership with Johnny takes it to the next level. The ‘king of pop-rock couture’ brings a bold and modern perspective to Armitron. The first drop of our collaboration is inspired by Johnny’s favorite mix of colors, materials and finishes. This curated collection of 12 reimagined watch styles reflects his dynamic personality and the quality craftsmanship of an Armitron timepiece.”

 

Johnny’s fresh approach to styling is a bit adventurous yet always has the classic touch. And these watches show those aspects in a fun yet functional way. Back in 2014 the Hollywood Reporter named Johnny Wujek one of the top 25 most powerful stylists. So joining with Armitron adds one more notch in his belt and one more option for stylish watches for consumers.


So, what can consumers expect from this collection? There are several options with watercolor faces, many selections have day buttons, and several styles and colors of bracelet/bands. 

Let’s get into it. I selected the Atlantis model with a yellow gold color band and a mint green face. Unfortunately this is a 40mm watch so it is just a tiny bit too large for my very skinny wrist, however for reviewing purposed I can state that this is a beautiful piece.
What I also like is the raised magnified date window, which makes reading the date much easier. I was told by someone in the know that green is the new popular color for watch faces, so that was one aspect in my selection of this style, plus the fact that is is included in both the women’s and men’s options, although these days women are wearing men’s watches all the time, providing their wrists can accommodate the size. The Atlantis is a pretty hefty weight, although not too heavy to wear comfortably. It’s definitely not flimsy.

The presentation is beautiful. The box looks like a watercolor and the Armitron Loves Johnny logo is front and center on both the external box and the internal box. The logo also appears on the clasp to distinguish this watch as one in the special collection.

Armitron is a respected watch company with affordable yet reliable and attractive timepieces, many are whimsical and many are classic. With Father’s Day quickly approaching, this might be just the right gift for a dad, hubby, grandpa, or someone else.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. 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. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Lilo & Stitch: The Official Cookbook’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Fans of Lilo and Stitch, and all of Stitch’s cousins will enjoy creating dished that the little Hawaiian and her beloved companion would probably eat. This 

Lilo & Stitch: The Official Cookbook is filled with recipes for savory and sweet delights. 

Many of the ingredients need to be ordered (and the recipes mention that) and there are many dishes that include the Hawaiian favorite Spam. I can see substituting this with other ingredients that individuals might enjoy better. And substituting tofu or vegetables for meat will easily make the food vegetarian.

The instructions are easy to follow and the book is filled with photos of the final dishes as well as pictures of Lilo and her family.  I am planning on making the “Guava Celebration Cake” soon. It looks and sounds delicious and easy to make. It will bring the fruity taste of Aloha to our home.

The Kaua’i Sugarloaf Pineapple Salsa will definitely be making an appearance at our next get together. Combine this with chips and you have a unique snack for munching on while watching TV or just hanging out. It is much different from the usual salsa we all know. Who would have thought about mixing these ingredients for a sweet and savory salsa? 

The one recipe I know I will use over and over again is the Kuma Puloki’s Hawaiian-Style Coleslaw.  I enjoyed the coleslaw when I visited the islands and if this is anything like what I ate there, this is definitely a winner.

Perhaps families might want to begin their Hawaiian cooking experience with the Stitched Popcorn. It takes popcorn to a new level with spices, soy sauce, and cheese puffs. The recipe calls for red-hot cheese puffs however looking through this I can see that regular cheese puffs will still work for those who do not want super spicy popcorn.

What this book does is bring the traditional flavors of the island to everyone. And I bet Lilo herself would love to come over to taste your creations. Unfortunately, she lives in Kaua’i so that won’t work, but I do highly recommend trying some of these recipes to spice up your usual meals. 

For a fun time, kids can bring their plush Lilo and Stitch to the kitchen to help prepare and to the table to take part in the meal. Imagination is important at all ages, and by using these kinds of books, kids get to expand theirs and pretend they are with Lilo and Stitch. How much fun is that?

Enjoy these unusual delicacies. Aloha.

  • Publisher  :  Insight Editions (May 23, 2023)
  • Hardcover  :  128 pages
  • ISBN-10  :  164722957X
  • ISBN-13  :  978-1647229573

    • About the Reviewer

    Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. 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. Follow her on Twitter.

Enter ACME Looniversity this fall

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

This fall check into ACME Looniversity

Since 1933, “ACME Loo” has been the premier higher-education choice for those yearning to learn from the biggest toon stars in the looniverse!

Our esteemed faculty are legends in their fields. Learn how to survive Wabbit Season with Professor Bugs Bunny in the Center for Visual Gags. Show Coach Foghorn Leghorn that you’re fast and furry-ous in our Tooneyball games. Eat at our state-of-the-art facility run by Michigan J. Frog Star-winning Chef Lola Bunny or enjoy a coffee between classes at the Loo Bru, delivered mostly intact by Dizzy Devil. Whether it’s a masterclass in Mockery with Signage or basic Gravity Defiance, we’re here to make your toon dreams come true!

Tiny Toons Looniversity premieres this fall on Cartoon Network and Max. The half-hour animated comedy series reboots Warner Bros. Animation and Amblin Television’s Emmy Award-winning Tiny Toon Adventures for a new generation, following Babs, Buster, and the rest of the crew to Acme Looniversity. At the esteemed institution of higher hijinx learning, they form long-lasting friendships and perfect their cartoony craft while studying under the greatest cartoon characters in history, the Looney Tunes.

Tiny Toons Looniversity premieres this fall on Cartoon Network and Max.

ZAGG adds more solutions for tech users

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

ZAGG keeps adding more and more companies to its stable and therefore more and more products for a variety of assistance in the world of technology. So now, for any tech-related assistance with computers and phones, all any user needs to do is to go to ZAGG for reliable solutions to a vast variety technological accessories.

The first thing anyone needs once they purchase a smart phone or tablet is screen protection. The Invisible Shield glass elite visionguard+ is an advancement in screen protection, adding a Blue Light Filter to its anti-microbial-treated protector. This filter eases strain on eyes, and anyone who uses a computer can attest to feeling eye strain. 

Next, tablet users can add a keyboard that includes a case to safely carry the tablet. ZAGG offers two varieties of keyboards: the Pro Keys is wireless and the tablet is easily detachable from the case. The Pro Keys with Trackpad adds that additional element for users who prefer to use a trackpad instead of touching the screen or hitting keys. It’s all a matter of choice. Both keyboard cases have a compartment to store the Pro Stylus. The stylus makes making notes, sketching, and editing easy with its pen-like tip. The box contains a second tip as a backup. The other side is the usual stylus with a rounded rubber cap making scrolling and selecting items on screen easy on the hands.

For those who prefer a sturdy folio case for their tablet without the keyboard, the Havana tablet folio case is treated with an antimicrobial component. It also has a stand to easily set the tablet upright on a table or a lap. This case is added protection against damage to a tablet.

Europe has mandated that all electronics be USB capable so all new products sold must have USB ports. The old iPhones and iPads are equipped with lightning ports, and Apple is one of the last companies to change over to USB-C. However, by the end of the year their iPhones will have USB-C ports and their new iPads now are coming with USB-C ports. So, upgrading to a new phone or tables includes changing all your current cables. Of course, the products come with their own cords, but if you have additional extensions for your car or house, these need to be updated to support USB-C. Don’t worry. ZAGG has all the cables necessary to do this. 

Now, with safety and cleanliness a top priority, especially after the pandemic, the mophie UV sanitizer with wireless charging is just what users need to keep their phones germ-free. This compact and portable unit sanitizes phones in five minutes, killing 99.99 percent of most bacteria. And the unit can be used as a wireless charging station for the phone. This item does double duty.

And if someone forgets to charge their phone before going out for the day, or to add additional energy for a phone while away from home or office, the mophie powerstation gives users hours of charge and it’s small enough to fit in a pocket or purse. It’s not too heavy either. 

 

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. 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. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Boom! Boom! The World vs. Boris Becker’ streams on Apple TV+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Stan Smith, Andy Roddick, Rod Laver,  Pancho Gonzales, Andy Murray, Illie Nastase, Arthur Ashe, Bjorn Borg, Jimmy Conners, Ivan Lendl, Andre Agassi, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Roger Federer, and Boris Becker are among the best men tennis players in recent history. They dazzled us on the court and often their antics entertained fans but maybe not so much with the umpires. Boris Becker was only 17 when he burst onto the international tennis scene winning Wimbledon. His tennis was top notch but his personal life wasn’t always as great. The two-part Apple TV+ documentary, Boom! Boom! The World vs. Boris Becker, examines his rise and fall, with interviews from notable tennis players, family, friends, and Becker himself.

There are plenty of lessons to be learned from Boris Becker. First is that fame at a very young age needs to be handled with care. Those surrounding the celebrity, whether he/she is in sports or entertainment, have a duty to keep that person grounded. While Becker did have people around him, he was missing someone who could look out for his personal life and not be consumed by his performance on the court.

Another lesson from Becker and this documentary is that even though it is important to trust people, it is also important to keep an eye out for your own finances and know and understand where the money is going. It is also important for the new-found celeb to understand how to reign in finances. Once the money stops coming in, there is danger in spending the same way as when there was almost unlimited amounts of cash. Taxes, debts, etc. all take a toll when the money runs out.

And yet another, and perhaps the best lesson to learn from Boris Becker, is taking responsibility for one’s own actions. This is what Becker did and I applaud him for it. He owned up to his mistakes, went to jail, did his time, and is now out. Watching him and listening to him talk about his mistakes and owning up to them is heartening. By doing this, I believe Boris Becker’s reputation is not as tarnished as it could have been. Becker messed up his personal life as well as his finances. Yes,  he made mistakes, and plenty of them. Yes, he was a great tennis player. And yes, he has paid the price on and off the court.

Appearing in this documentary are tennis greats John McEnroe, Novak Djokovic, Bjorn Borg, Mats Wilander, and others who have known Becker over the years.

Boom! Boom! The World vs. the Boris Becker streams on Apple TV+ beginning April 7, 2023. It is an interesting look at the rise and fall of one of tennis’ greats.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 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.

COURTESY PHOTO from APPLE TV+

Hayley Mills stars in ‘The Truth about Spring’ now on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Hayley Mills stars alongside her father John in this 1965 rom-com. Also starring James MacArthur, The Truth about Spring is the story of a treasure hunter con-artist and his tomboy daughter.

Tommy Tyler (John Mills) and his daughter Spring (Hayley) live their life sailing around the Caribbean in their little boat. Spring is the quintessential tomboy and Tommy is the quintessential con artist who is always looking for treasure or to con people out of food and supplies, which he does brilliantly and with a flair. 

Tommy invites a young lawyer (MacArthur) to sail with them for a few weeks while he is on vacation before starting his new job in Philadelphia. William Ashton is not just a lawyer, he is rich and very handsome. Tommy sees a potential love that could brew between Bill and Spring, to her chagrin. But slowly, as the days wear on, they do form a friendship and yes, they fall in love.

While their romance is blooming, Tommy is continually bothered by two other men who are interested in the treasure map he possesses which leads to a sunken treasure. Even when his life is threatened, he keeps his cool and always, and I do mean always, manages to come out on top. This is one clever man. 

So, with the romance unfolding and Spring’s awareness of her femininity, everything on the boat points to a great future for them all. And no matter what is thrown at Tommy, he takes life with a grain of salt – sea salt. This crusty sailer has a keen sense of everything around him, and Spring has inherited that ability, although it takes some time before she realizes her true feelings for Bill.

This is a cute film with some great stars. John Mills won the Academy Award in 1971 for his role in Ryan’s Daughter. Hayley starred in many popular films as a child and into her adulthood, most notably Pollyanna (1960), The Parent Trap (1961), Summer Magic (1963), The Chalk Garden (1964), The Moon-Spinners (1964), and That Darn Cat! (1965) before co-starring with her father in this film. And James MacArthur is probably best known for his role in Hawaii Five-0 from 1968-1979). He also appeared in Swiss Family Robinson (1960) and many other films.

This new Blu-ray release of The Truth about Spring features a new commentary by film historian Gary Gerani. It is not rated.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 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.

Stream ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

There is no doubt Avatar: The Way of Water is magical. James Cameron once again brings a spectacular experience to audiences around the world. Another trip to Pandora is well worth the three plus hours. And, let’s not forget about the bonus features that delve behind the scenes and show the making of this beautiful film. Watching the actors “perform” under water then seeing the actual CGI versions is amazing.

So, what’s the story with this beautiful sequel? Jake Sully, Neytiri, and their kids are enjoying a peaceful life in the forest. But when the “sky people” return with the mission to kill Jake, things go from idyllic to dangerous.  To keep his family safe Jake takes them to the reef people where they are welcomed (after a brief period of getting used to the people and their ways) and once again they begin to enjoy their lives together. Living in and around the water with all the sea creatures is a new experience for them but it is welcomed since they are safe…for the time being.

They are soon discovered by the evil humans and must once again fight for their survival. These scenes are not for the faint of heart. And yes, there are some deaths among the “good” people, so keep that in mind when showing this to young viewers who might be upset by this aspect of the story. 

The CGI scenes are magnificent, however, and the bioluminescence is nothing less than magical. As a matter of fact, this film has awoken a desire for me and my family to return to Walt Disney World in Florida to walk through Pandora. It might be a small recreation but it is a memorable experience.

As for the film, it does live up to all the hype. As far as sequels go, this is one of the best that has been produced in a long time.

The small Na’vis are adorable, especially when they are babies. And Jake and Neytiri’s youngest daughter Tuk is so cute to watch. 

This is an enjoyable, albeit long, movie. The two main deaths make it heartbreaking, however. Avatar: The Way of Water is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence and intense action, partial nudity, and some strong language.

Fans can now add the film to their digital movie collection in spectacular 4K Ultra HD™ quality and immersive Dolby Atmos audio. Plus, they can enjoy over three hours of never-before-seen bonus content featuring the filmmakers, cast and crew. ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ is available exclusively to purchase on Digital now.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 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.

COURTESY PHOTO

Delve into the history of Diana’s friend Dodi Fayed in a new documentary

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Diana and Dodi: The Princess and the Playboy is a new documentary streaming on True Royalty TV. It looks at the life and personality of Dodi Fayed, the escort of Diana, Princess of Wales, who died in the car accident with the princess in that fateful Paris tunnel. With interviews from Diana’s friends as well as Dodi’s friends and associates, this is a unique look at the man who garnered attention by “dating” Diana during the last months of her life.

The documentary includes contesting views about the romance between the two famous people. Many of Dodi’s friends say he was going to propose to Diana the night they died. However, Diana’s friends say she told them she was not going to marry Dodi and was not interested in getting married at that time anyway.

It also comes out in the film that Dodi happened to be dating two other women at the same time he was seeing Diana. We all know of the omodel who filed a lawsuit against him. Kelly Fisher claimed he had proposed to her and showed the press the engagement ring. Another woman finally broke her silence and admitted to being Dodi’s girlfriend and breaking up with him just prior to his famous courtship with Diana. She couldn’t take all the lies he was telling her.

So, as it looks, Dodi Fayed was definitely a playboy who loved the limelight, drugs, women, and fame. Was he marriage material for Diana? It doesn’t look that way. What might have transpired in the future we will never know. At this point, it is interesting to see how this man was “set up” with Diana, needed to please his father, and conducted his life prior to his final famous summer.

Diana and Dodi: The Princess and the Playboy streams on True Royalty TV.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 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 Company You Keep – A full circle moment for Milo Ventimiglia with his return to another lustworthy “good bad boy”

Posted on by Francine Brokaw
It’s probably sacrilegious to say it’s about time Milo Ventimiglia shed the picture-perfect This is Us patriarch Jack Pearson, but my dream is about to come true! Ventimiglia returns to ABC as a grown-up version of Gilmore Girls “good bad boy” Jess Mariano (remember Rory’s short-lived best boyfriend?).

Based on a Korean drama My Fellow Citizens!, The Company You Keep explores an intricate dance of intimacy and trust between a con man and an undercover CIA agent. Lust at first sight? Sure, we all crave intimacy and connection, but their ‘love at first lie’ could turn into a deadly game of cat and mouse sooner or later.

Charlie Nicoletti (Milo Ventimiglia) is dashing, self-confident and flirtatious. Emma Hill (Catherine Haena Kim) is attractive, smart and sassy. Recent victims of partner betrayal trauma, neither Charlie nor Emma is about to fall in love. With their self-esteem shaken to the core, they pussyfoot around and timidly embark on an intricate dance of intimacy and commitment.

Although they inadvertently blurt out the truth that he’s a criminal while she’s CIA early in their chance meeting, they brush it off as a sick joke in the flirtatious banter. But however undeniable their attraction to one another might be, they’re doomed to collide eventually because of what they do for living (or rather how they make money).

Charlie comes from a Baltimore family of grifters who level the playing field by swindling unwitting filthy rich out of their ill-gotten gains. The last high-stakes con job the Nicolettis tried to pull off went awry and his parents can’t afford to retire as planned.

Emma, on the other hand, is the black sheep of a political dynasty considered to be the ‘Asian American Kennedys’; her parents don’t even bother to find out what she’s passionate about. She is a hardheaded pragmatist firmly rooted in the reality hence all aspects of her life neatly compartmentalized and heavily guarded.

From the series title, it’s safe to infer that the two vastly different worlds Charlie and Emma come from define who they are. They grew up to be on opposite sides of the law, but mind you Charlie did not choose his profession; his family of origin groomed him to be a con artist. Romantic at heart and perhaps a little too naive, Charlie wants something different — maybe a normal life — after spending some time with Emma. Broken-hearted and disillusioned, Charlie might end up making life-altering decisions after all. We shall see.

The Company You Keep streams on Hulu.

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.

COURTESY PHOTO

‘Paint’ stars Owen Wilson

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The new movie Paint stars Owen Wilson as Carl Nargle, a celebrity painter in Vermont whose PBS show is highly rated. His personality, however, when it comes to women doesn’t rate as high. But his fans adore him and his personality is over inflated due to all the adoration.

Carl’s show instructs the viewers on how to paint landscapes – particularly Mt. Mansfield, one of Vermont’s famous landmarks and its highest peak. While the industry and indeed the world have moved forward, Carl is stuck in the past and in his heyday.

When the station brings in another painter who is younger, peppier, and a woman, Carl’s ego takes a hit.

The film’s director, Brit McAdams, said, “Carl Nargle’s been the biggest thing in Vermont Public Television since his van was cool. And while his jeans still fit, his world view does not. Owen had remarkable success at a young age and he’s aware firsthand of how that can affect people.”

Carl still drives his beat up van, wears his ‘70s style clothing, and is a child of the ‘70s in philosophy and manner. “The thought was that Carl Nargle is trapped in the past like Vermont is in some ways,” says McAdams. “Vermont has stayed very bucolic. We were coming from the perspective that if your jeans fit in 1982, why would you change them? If Carl is still comfortable, why would he change anything? We leaned into the feel of the ’70s, right down to the music.”

The score in this film is a blast from the past with many of the songs that made up the soundtrack of the time. According to McAdams, “I really fought for music that had two characteristics: I hadn’t heard it in other films and it told the story of this character. Like Carl, the music is trapped in the past. Owen and I gravitated towards Gordon Lightfoot in look and feel for Carl, so we included his classic ‘If You Could Read My Mind.’ It’s such a beautiful and haunting song, I couldn’t believe we were able to license it. Carl has some highs and lows along the way, and incredible songs like Heart’s ‘Barracuda’ and Dolly Parton’s ‘Coat of Many Colors’ help tell his tale. Hit songs from a few decades back by Black Oak Arkansas, Steve Forbert, Kris Kristofferson, Jerry Reid, Crow, and Don Williams (among others) set the whole film in a specific time and place.”

Carl might remind audiences of the painter Bob Ross due to his hair and his way of speaking. He speaks in soft tones and brings his viewers into his paintings, like Ross. Viewers might think this film was based on Ross but it really wasn’t. Carl and Bob Ross are two completely different people, however they do look and sound alike! Will audiences enjoy watching Carl as much as they have enjoyed watching Ross? We’ll see. It opens in theaters April 7, 2023.

Paint is rated PG-13 for sexual/suggestive material, drug use, and smoking.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 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.