Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Strange World’ is Disney’s newest adventure

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Disney’s newest epic adventure, Strange World, has several interesting aspects. The visuals are beautiful and the characters are endearing. When it comes down to it, the basis of this film is family.

Although the film is filled with woke characteristics, the story revolves around family, specifically the Clades. Their village of Avalonia is in trouble. Surrounded by mountains, Jaeger Clade decides to venture out to get to the other side of the mountain range to find a solution to their troubles. Adventure is in his blood and he takes his son Searcher on this expedition to save Avalonia. But along the way, before they can get to the other side of the mountains, Searcher discovers a solution. He finds a plant that is filled with energy, something Avalonia desperately needs.

Jaeger is a stubborn man and insists on his goal of getting to the other side of the mountains, something no one has ever achieved. So he travels on while Searcher and the remaining members of the expedition return to Avalonia with their miracle plant.

Fast forward many years and Avalonia is thriving – until it stops. Another expedition is mounted to find the reason the plant named Pando is dying. If they can return it to its glory, Avalonia will continue to thrive.

The film takes off with this new expedition where the adventurers encounter several strange beings, including one gelatinous blob which Ethan Clade, Searcher’s son, names Splat. Along for the adventure is their three-legged dog Legend.

There are some interesting vehicles designed for this film. The color palette lends itself to the storyline. The movie itself is colorful and the end result is interesting.

The film might remind viewers of the 1966 movie Fantastic Voyage. It shares many of the same aspects but is done in a flamboyant and animated way.

Strange World is now available on Digital and will be released on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD February 14. There are several bonus features, including how anatomy was carefully studied to create realistic aspects of the story, a look at the three generations of Clade men, and many Easter Eggs. There are some deleted scenes and a cute look into the recording boot at some of the flubs. While animators at the Disney studio usually go to locations to recreate them in their films, this group of animators went to scientists to help them recreate anatomy.

With the inclusion of a mixed race couple and a gay character, this movie has definitely added some aspects that have not previously appeared in Disney films. Jake Gyllenhaal voices Searcher, Dennis Quaid voices Jaeger, Jaboukie Young-White voices Ethan, Gabrielle Union supplies the voice of Searcher’s wife Meridian, and Lucy Liu is the voice of Callisto Mal, the president of Avalonia.

Strange World is rated PG by the MPAA for action/peril and some thematic elements.

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.

‘Living’ – movie review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Bill Nighy stars in this dark yet hopeful story. Living is set in London in the early 1950s and focuses on Mr. Williams (Nighy), a supervisor in a county office where everyone dresses the same, conducts their business the same, and continues to live in a bland world where they push papers around and get little accomplished.

When Williams learns he has only a few months left to live, he takes stock in his existence. What has he really done that is worthwhile? What has he contributed to society? What, if anything, has made him truly happy?

Being an administrator he has done what his fellow civil servant administrators do. He passes the buck to another department. This is the way things have been done and what he continues to do, until he decides he must do something worthwhile before he dies.

The film is a remake of the Japanese film Ikiru (translation – “To Live”) about life and death. It’s a melancholy tale that drips of sarcasm and as the characters move slowly through their dreary days, viewers will see the conflicts arise in them.

When Williams changes course and begins to actually get something accomplished, he is an uplifting source of inspiration to his staff. But will they continue to follow his lead after he is gone or will they return to their boring and mostly useless jobs?

It is rare to see Williams smile as he goes through his life. Every once in awhile viewers see that he is not a zombie-like creature, but a man with feelings. That is rare. His ultimate demise changes the way in which he looks at the world, his life, and his job. And he does provide inspiration to his co-workers. Most notably is Miss Harris (Aimee Lou Wood), a former coworker who left the office to work at a restaurant. In her he confides his story and together they are able to justify his life.

This is not a film that will have wide appeal to the masses. It is dark and slow, however the acting is wonderful and the sets take viewers back to the 1950s.

Living is rated PG-13 for some suggestive material and smoking. It opens in theaters December 23, 2022.

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.

Royal fashions are examined in two documentaries

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

With the Platinum Jubilee and the death of Queen Elizabeth II last year, there is a renewed interest in all things Royal. Diana, Princess of Wales, captivated America in the 1980s and 1990s, and now Catherine, Princess of Wales, has captured the hearts of Americans in much the same way as her late mother-in-law. Chic & Classic Princess Diana and Chic & Classic Kate Middleton are two documentaries streaming on True Royalty TV (which I highly recommend) as well as Apple TV and can be downloaded on iTunes.

These two documentaries focus on the evolution of the styles of the two women. They came from a different world than those who were brought up in the Royal palaces, yet they both managed to make their marks in different ways.

Diana, although riddled with scandals later in her marriage, won the hearts of people all around the world. And her designer dresses were iconic. Whether she was dancing with John Travolta in the White House or presenting herself in a spectacular “revenge dress” after her husband admitted to adultery (although she had also been an adulterer in her marriage), her style was chic and sophisticated. Even when she was in everyday attire taking her children to school or watching a polo match, she was impeccably dressed.

The same is true for Catherine. Her style has also evolved into a smart, sophisticated look that turns heads and makes headlines. Like her late mother-in-law, Catherine looks flawless when she steps out of the palace for a film premier or just to take her kids out to the park. Whatever she wears is picture-perfect. Jeans, a t-shirt, and a blazer are just as eye-catching on this woman as a beautiful long gown.

While both women would like to be known for their work, they are also fashion icons. The “Kate effect” has expanded the British fashion industry and whatever she wears is sold out in minutes. Her wedding dress is among the most spectacular and memorable of all royal wedding dresses. Of course, it also helps that her figure is tall and slim.

When the coronation of King Charles takes place later this year, it is sure the Royal fashions will also be on display. Although the focus will be on the King, fashion experts and fans around the world will be watching what members of his family will wear to the occasion.

Chic & Classic Princess Diana and Chic & Classic Kate Middleton are available to stream on True Royalty TV, as well as Apple 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.

Enjoy a date night at Disneyland in February and March 2023

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Whether you’re a new couple or a long-married one, why not have a fun date night at the Disneyland? It’s something couples don’t always think of when planning a night together. With Disneyland After Dark you’re sure to have an evening to remember.

The obvious time for date night is Valentine’s Day, but you don’t have to celebrate the holiday on the actual day. Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite encompasses seven different nights designed for a unique experience. On the special nights guests will be treated to a special fireworks show. There will be special food and beverages for this event too.

 

Whether you want to stroll along the banks of the river or actually enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Mark Twain Riverboat, there are plenty of ways to experience a romantic night…in Disneyland. Mickey and Minnie, as well as other “Disney couples” will be on hand to join in the evening’s events. There will be photo opportunities highlighting romantic scenes from Disney classics, like Lady and the Tramp and The Little Mermaid.

The dates for the Sweethearts’ Nite are: January 31, February 2, 5, 7, 9, 14 (obviously), and 16. This special event begins at 6 p.m.

 

For the first time Disneyland presents Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite on March 7 and 9. With the Disney princesses on hand as well as specially prepared foods for royalty, this promises to be a night fit for a queen. With a musical concert that celebrates the heroines and special backdrops for those memorable photos, Princess Nite is a time to celebrate the princess – or queen – in your life.

Disneyland After Dark: Princess Nite is another great opportunity for a unique and memorable “date night.” Admission for Princess Nite is 6 p.m.

 

About the Author

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

‘Secret Headquarters’ now available on Blu-ray and Digital

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Owen Wilson stars in Secret Headquarters, a super-hero story for the entire family. What happens when a regular guy is turned into an international super hero? No, he’s not Superman, Batman, or any of the other superheroes we know. He is “The Guard.”

Jack (Wilson) is just a regular fellow with a wife (Jessie Mueller) and their son Charlie (Walker Scobell). One night on a camping trip he discovers a UFO crashed. Air Force Captain Irons (Jesse Williams) leads him to the site where the two men are in awe. When the alien technology “choses” Jack to be the savior of humanity, the world changes.

Flash forward a number of years and “The Guard” is an international hero, saving thousands of people from harm. But in his new job Jack has neglected his family. Now divorced from Lily, he rarely sees Charlie due to his busy schedule. But Charlie has no idea that his father is the hero he idolizes. He thinks his dad is just some schlub that puts his work before his son.

One day, while Jack is away on a “job” Charlie and his friends Berger (Keith L. Williams), Lizzie (Abby James Witherspoon), and Maya (Momona Tamada) accidentally discover Jack’s secret via his underground headquarters. There they find all kinds of gadgets to make them strong, fly, disappear, etc. They are enthralled by this discovery and being the kids that they are, they decide to use the gadgets to help themselves, without realizing the consequences.

Unfortunately the “bad guys” discover their location and soon it’s up to the four kids, or as they prefer to be called, young adults, to save the power source that is alien technology and at the same time save themselves – and the world from utter destruction.

From Producer Jerry Bruckheimer who brought us National Treasure, Top Gun, and more, this movie is a lighthearted tale about a superhero that was never supposed to be one. Yet, Jack proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that the aliens chose the right man for the job.

The bonus features include a look at the kids who starred in the film, the making of the film, a gag reel, deleted scenes, and a look at The Guard from Owen Wilson. The movie streamed on Paramount+.

Secret Headquarters is rated PG for violence, action, language and some rude humor.

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.

Photos courtesy Paramount.

Even more fun with the Elf on the Shelf

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

For years families have enjoyed the Elf on the Shelf book and Elf himself. This little fellow always managed to move to a different location during the night. When kids woke up they had the task of locating where in the world – or in the house – the little Elf rested. Year after year families would be entertained by the Elf on the Shelf, making it a tradition to look forward to every December. Now there are new and more ways to enjoy the happy little guys from the North Pole.

First came the Scout Elf with his or her storybook. Now there is a cute and cuddly Plushee Pal, in a girl or a boy. The face on this little plush Elf is adorable. If it doesn’t put a smile on your face then nothing will. He/she is so sweet and like the original Scout Elf, the Plushee Pal Elf can sit on shelves, tables, chairs, and because they are so soft, they make great sleeping pals. The Plushee Pals are somewhat larger than the Scout Elves, and easier for tiny hands to hold.

Not only are the Plushee Pals a new way to enjoy the fellows from up North, but there are now new ways to enjoy the Scout Elves as well. Yes, not only do the Scout Elves sit on shelves and magically change locations during the night (thanks moms and dads), but also they can now be dressed in various outfits for decorating or just playing with in a new way. There are several outfits for these elves so whether you have a boy or a girl, there is some cute attire that will add to their enjoyment.

For instance, by attaching plastic legs and dressing the Elf in an apron and hat, and securing the tray to his/her body, the Scout Elf now becomes a chef who holds a tray of cocoa and treats. With no small children in your house, you can use this adorable item to decorate your kitchen. The Elf adds a touch of whimsy to any kitchen while at the same time bringing some festivity to the house

 

And to add to these new clothing options for the Elf, are some cute Insta-Moment Pop-Up backgrounds so creating special settings for your Elf is also an option. And yes, there is more. The Elves now have Elf Pets. A reindeer, a fox, a St. Bernard are other ways to add to the Elf fun.

It never ends, and just using the Elf at holiday time is now a thing of the past. These little guys are now all-year items that bring the quaintness and enjoyment of the holiday tradition to the family the entire year. Your Elf can now enjoy the sun and sand of a beach weekend. Or he/she can spend time at a salon or camping out in the mountains.

With the various outfits and scenarios available for the Elf, he will be a beloved addition to any child’s toy chest. Imaginations will run rampant with the fun of these little fellows.

 

So now, it’s time to decide which Elf is right for your family: Plushee boy, Plushee girl, Scout boy, Scout girl, what color skin, what outfit(s) and Pop-Ups, which animal friend, etc. Choices, choices, choices. Why not choose several? This is truly a fun product (and something I personally highly recommend).

 

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, from Sourced Media Books, 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.

‘Strong Fathers Strong Daughters’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Inspired by the best-selling book by Dr. Meg Meeker, Strong Fathers Strong Daughters is the story of a family on the brink of major changes. While there is a strong Christian aspect to the film, if non-Christians ignore that element, the story is still quite enriching.

Real life couple Bart Johnson and Robyn Lively play Steve and Connie, affluent parents with three daughters. The oldest, Abby (Carrie Alexander), just returned home with her MBA and announced she is getting married to a missionary and moving to Kenya. Her intended is Oz (Brandon Prado), whose parents in the film are also played by a real life couple David Barrera and Maria Canals-Barrera. When Oz and his parents come to meet Abby’s family in Los Angeles, things begin to unravel for them all.

Zoey (Kayla DiVenere) is the middle daughter and a sixteen-year-old nightmare. And Bridget, the youngest, just wants to be loved.

Steve has a successful business with the idea of making Abby a partner. After all, that had always been her dream. But after meeting Oz her dream changed. Now all she wants is to marry Oz and work together as missionaries in Africa. That’s a long way from the affluence she has grown up with and something difficult for Steve to comprehend. Why would she give up on her big dream?

Another big dream Abby has had since childhood was a big white wedding. But Oz feels differently. So another dream goes by the wayside.

Steve finds it very difficult to start cutting the strings and letting go of his daughter. In that way this is similar to the 1991 film Father of the Bride.

Now we have Zoey, the troubled teen who wants to grow up too fast and does not realize the consequences of her actions. With Steve’s intervention, he manages to rescue her from a potentially damaging situation while at the same time humiliating her in front of her peers. But, as he explains, sometimes it is important for a parent to go the extra mile to steer his kids away from harm’s way.

Later in the film Steve understands that while building his successful business and making tons of money to give his family all the best that he can, he has not devoted enough personal time to his youngest daughter. So he begins to rectify that with Bridget. After all, father/daughter alone time is very important.

In the end what it comes down to is a simple lesson in parenting. Parents need to guide their children while at the same time allowing their freedom, as long as it is not leading them into a disastrous situation. Parenting is difficult but loving your children is not. That is the ultimate lesson from the story.

Strong Fathers Strong Daughters is now available on DVD and Digital.

 

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 Greatest Beer Run Ever’ streams on Apple TV+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Zac Efron stars in The Greatest Beer Run Ever, a whacky tale based on a true story. The film takes place in 1967 at the height of the Vietnam War when Americans began turning on their government and protesting to end the war. With body bags being shown nightly on TV, LBJ began losing the support of the country. But there were still those who believed wholeheartedly in what the country was doing and in stopping communism in the region.

If you want a strange story, this is it. John “Chickie” Donohue (Efron) and his pals in New Your City were gung-ho Americans and supported the troops. Chickie was on a break from the Merchant Marines and spend his days drinking beer and sleeping. Then when he began hearing about his friends from the neighborhood being sent to fight, he came up with a brilliant idea. He would travel to Vietnam and hand-deliver beers to them along with encouragement from the neighborhood.

Chickie had no idea what he was in for. He was completely naïve and simply thought he would take a job on a merchant marine ship, get off in Vietnam, and hunt down his friends to have a friendly chat over a can of beer. Believe it or not, his stupidity and naivety actually helped him in this endeavor.

When Chickie met up with his childhood friends, they were in the heat of battle and thought he was out of his mind. While dodging bullets and MPs, Chickie managed to deliver his Pabst Blue Ribbons (plenty of product placement in this film) to several of his buddies.

When he met up with a group of foreign correspondents (Russell Crowe is one), Chickie could not believe they were not reporting on the bravery of the soldiers but instead dwelling on the horrors of the war. His sole mission, besides doling out the beer, was to raise the spirits of the soldiers and he firmly thought that was what the journalists should be doing too.

This was a rather far-fetched idea but Chickie actually managed to pull it off, and in the meantime learn a thing or two about the realities of war while maintaining some of his naivety.

The Greatest Beer Run Ever is an interesting film and worth checking out. It is streaming on Apple TV+. The movie is rated R for language and some war violence.

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 photos.

‘Christmas with the Campbells’ is an off-color romantic comedy

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Brittany Snow stars as Jesse in the new holiday film Christmas with the Campbells.  This is a nice holiday story wrapped up with some raunchy language and inferences. At the heart of the tale is, of course, the love of Christmas and family.

When Jesse’s long-time boyfriend Shawn (Alex Moffat), a narcissistic sex-crazed creep, breaks up with her right before her favorite holiday of Christmas, she is devastated. She had been planning on spending the holiday with his family the Campbells in Ketchum, Idaho. She loves it there and has spent many holidays with the Campbells. So, when Mrs. Campbell (Julia Duffy) insists she comes anyway, she takes her up on the offer. After all, Shawn is not scheduled to be there this year, so why not enjoy the holiday with those she loves, even though they are not her own family?

Jesse meets Shawn’s cousin David (Justin Long) who is the opposite of Shawn. They are like night and day. While Shawn is only into himself and his own wants and needs, David is a kind, caring, and helpful man.

This being a holiday story, there is obviously a happy ending. Getting from point A to point B is the crux of the tale. As mentioned earlier, this is a raunchy movie from the mind of Vince Vaughn. So, off the bat you know it’s going to be a little off-color and not for young viewers.

Christmas with the Campbells has a cute cast. George Wendt and JoAnna Garcia Swisher costar in this story that is a bit American Pie combined with Bad Santa wrapped up in a rom com. The saving grace of the film is the delightful Brittany Snow. It opens in theaters and begins streaming on AMC+ December 2, 2022.

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 Earthshot Prize 2022 is coming to PBS

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Inspired by President Kennedy’s “Moonshot” challenge, Prince William founded the “Earthshot Prize” encourages people around the globe to share their ideas for environmental concerns. Every year for a decade The Prince of Wales will honor five recipients with a financial award in recognition of their dedication to save the planet. Every year, The Earthshot Prize will find and reward solutions to five “Earthshot” goals – Protect and Restore Nature; Clean Our Air; Revive Our Oceans; Build A Waste-Free World and Fix Our Climate. These winning solutions will have the greatest impact on the biggest environmental challenges facing our planet and winners and finalists will have access to a global support network to scale their work.

The presenters and hosts for the 2022 program include natural historian and Member of The Earthshot Prize Council Sir David Attenborough; award-winning broadcaster, podcaster and television presenter Clara Amfo; actor, producer and director Daniel Dae Kim; Academy Award-Winning actor Rami Malek; actor, screenwriter and comedian Catherine O’Hara; and actor and advocate Shailene Woodley.

Daniel Dae Kim said: “I’m honored to be co-hosting this year’s Earthshot Prize. The groundbreaking, innovative work of the 2022 Finalists leaves me inspired and hopeful that we can solve the significant challenges facing us today. Whether it’s taking care of our planet or healing our communities, each of us can and must step up to do our part. Thank you to this year’s Finalists for leading the way.”

Catherine O’Hara said: “Repairing our planet is one of the most important things we can do in our lifetimes. The passion and ambition of this year’s Earthshot Finalists is much needed in a world of such turmoil, and I am truly honored to play a role in helping them share their work with the world.”

The ceremony will begin streaming at 2:00pm EST on Monday, December 5 on PBS.org and the PBS App and at 8:00pm EST on the PBS YouTube channel. PBS will also broadcast the event on Wednesday, December 14 at 8:00pm EST (check local listings).