Author: Francine Brokaw

Banana Phone – Product review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

If you’re looking for something unique, fun, and useful, look no further. The Banana Phone fits the bill. Plus, when you purchase one you will also be helping to conserver the gorilla population. I kid you not. This is an inventive little gadget that really works.

The folks at Banana Phone have come up with the perfect gift for the holidays, birthdays, or just because. So, what exactly is a Banana Phone? It’s simply an adjunct to your cell phone. Once charged, this device can link up via Bluetooth on you cell phone. Then it’s ready to use.

The plastic banana has a speaker, a microphone, a micro USB port for charging, a multifunction button, and a volume up and a volume down button. How simple is that?

To pair the Banana Phone to your smart phone, simply charge the banana and then open the Bluetooth menu on your smart phone. Click on Banana Phone option on your cell phone and instantly the banana is synched to your smart phone. When you want to make a call, double click the multifunction button and say, “call Fred” (or anyone else you want to call). The Banana Phone calls Fred (or anyone else you asked it to call). It’s simple. It’s useful. And it’s fun.

With the voice activation you can easily send and receive messages just like you would on your smart phone without the screen. The messages are vocalized in the same way. It’s simply an extension of your smart phone. And, if you want to check the weather in Miami, simply double click the Multifunction button and ask Siri (or your voice connection) about it. Anything your voice activation can do on your smart phone, the Banana Phone can do.

And, to answer a call, click the Multifunction button once and you’re connected. Also, if you don’t want to talk to the caller, all you have to do is hold down the Multifunction button and you won’t be disturbed.

This Banana Phone is a great conversation starter. Imagine having it in your bag (along with your smart phone) when you are at a party. Then pull it out and call a friend. You’ll have everyone staring at you, and smiling. This is a fun little phone that is useful as well as brings some happy to those who use it. And another fun aspect is the Multifunction button also plays music.

Now, the second reason to purchase this fun little item, besides the reasons mentioned above, is the conservation aspect. I adore monkeys and gorillas of all kinds. Just look at my plush animals collection!

The company has joined with Gearing up for Gorillas to help save the gorilla population. The company donates 1% of their sales to gorilla conservation.

The three founders of the company originally began with a crowdfunding campaign in 2017 and it immediately caught the attention of people around the world. And if this sounds familiar, yes, they did take the Banana Phone to Shark Tank.

The goal of the company is to inspire people to talk more, smile more, and save the gorillas.

The Banana Phone is rechargeable. Talk time is about 20 hours and idle time is approximately 120 hours.

I was sent this little unit to test for review. When I opened the box and pulled out the Banana Phone, I immediately thought it was a cool device. Then when I started using it, I was hooked. It’s fun and makes a great gift. And don’t we all need a little more fun in our lives?

Do I like the Banana Phone? Absolutely. Do I recommend it? Absolutely.

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.

‘See How They Run’ now available on demand

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


See How They Run is a blast from the past. It’s a mystery within a mystery – a murder within a murder. This is an old-fashioned who-done-it story starring Sam Rockwell and Saoirse Ronan in a tale that weaves mystery, sarcasm, and intrigue.

The film takes place in the 1950s in London’s West End theater district. An elegant theater is putting on the play The Mousetrap, which is being considered for a Hollywood movie. The Agatha Christie story has captured the attention of audiences with its twists and turns, which is exactly what this movie does as well. It is as though Christie wrote the story of See How They Run.

When a crewmember is murdered, Inspector Stoppard (Rockwell) is assigned the case. He is also assigned rookie officer Constable Stalker (Ronan) who is eager to solve the case. Her enthusiasm is over-the-top and she sees the culprit in everyone. Her eagerness is somewhat disheartening to the veteran inspector. The best part about the film is the relationship between these two very-different officers. “Stoppard is pretty broken when we meet him,” says Ronan. She describes her character as “very, very green, new to the job and eager, that’s really where the story begins.” Ronan adds, “They change each other unexpectedly, he helps her grow up a little bit, and she helps him find some of his vivacity and the energy he used to have.”

The play, The Mousetrap, ran for 68 years. The who-done-it weaves intricate stories in a way that involves viewers (and audiences) as everyone is invested in solving the murder.

Screenwriter Mark Chappell said, “What is so great about this type of mystery story is that you feel you know this world without having seen it all.  You can rely on an audience coming to the table with the knowledge to properly enjoy a murder mystery”.

“It’s a pretty zany plot with some poignant moments,” said Rockwell. And that statement encapsulates the feeling of the movie. “It’s a satirical and farcical look at the murder mystery genre. I hope audiences will love the play on the theatre world, that’s what Britain is known for,” stated co-star Ruth Wilson.

See How They Run is now available on demand. It’s a retro story about a retro story and a mystery within a mystery. And Ronan said, “The film is a celebration of London, too, and how rich a city it is and has always been, and how there’s so much grit but also grand beauty.”

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.

Holidays 2022 at Disneyland Resort

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

Keeping up with all the new items and events at Disneyland Resort is a big job. They are going full speed ahead to prepare for the 100th anniversary year – 2023.

It’s the time of year when Disneyland and Disney California Adventure (DCA) as well as Downtown Disney are decked out for the holiday season. From now until January 8, 2023 guests experience “The Merriest Place on Earth!”  With music, lights, decorations, merchandise, and food, this is definitely a happy and festive place.

(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

Mostly Kosher, The Mistletoes, Blue 13 Dance Company and the Mariachi Divas have returned for the occasion.  And don’t miss the festivities at DCA’s Viva Navidad Street Party.

(Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

In Disneyland, “A Christmas Fantasy” Parade and “Believe… in Holiday Magic” fireworks are back for the season.

And we cannot forget about the special food offerings this season. With the Disney Festival of Holidays Sip and Savor Pass you can sample a variety of holiday food and drinks. There are savory items as well as sweet things to tickle your taste buds. For $59.99 this pass lets guests sample 8 items, excluding alcoholic beverages. It’s worth the price, in my opinion!! Whether you want a peppermint donut, peppermint churro, loaded latkes, a mistletoe mule (cranberry juice and agave), the pass lets users snap off a tab in lieu of opening their wallets and getting out the money. Of course, money is also an option. There are nine kiosks sprinkled around DCA with all the great holiday food and drink selections. Plus the regular locations in the park also have some specialties for the season.

(David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort)

(David Nguyen/Disneyland Resort)

 

So take advantage of the holiday festivities this season at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. It will be difficult to leave that place without a smile on your face. It’s not only “The Happiest Place on Earth,” but now is also “The Merriest Place on Earth.”

About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 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. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘The Art of Strange World’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The latest animated feature from Disney is Strange World, a fun story about family. The story focuses on the Clade family of explorers who, along with their three-legged dog, a blob, and some other characters, navigate the world and see the impact on the environment.

“The Art of Strange World” is a wonderful book that adds to the background of the story and the characters. There is plenty of editorial information throughout the pages along with art.

Jennifer Lee, Executive Producer and Chief Creative Officer, writes in the preface, “One of the biggest gifts that a Walt Disney Animation Studios film can give us is transporting us to places we would never be able to go to on our own. Strange World does exactly that, …”

The book takes readers through the story with interesting contextual stories. Co-director and writer Qui Nguyen writes that after her initial meeting at Disney, “… I desperately wanted to write the film for my kids.” She said while it is a story about the environment there is another aspect that appealed to her. “It was also a super-cool father-and-son love story.”

For those who have seen the movie, this book is an adjunct that delves deeper into the heart of the tale and the characters. For those who have yet to see the film, it introduces the story and the characters and for those readers will whet their appetites to watch the beautifully animated story.

The book looks at the different members of the Clade family and where they live. It shows how they were created and designed for the movie. Their vehicles play a big part in the story and artist depictions of the various vehicles are shown in beautiful digital sketches.

Two non-human characters will undoubtedly capture the hearts and imaginations of viewers – Legend, the three-legged dog and Splat the blob with an attitude. These will become iconic Disney characters and this holiday season it is inevitable that kids will be requesting toys to go along with the Strange World story.

The artwork and the information imparted in the pages look at the world of Avalonia, the burning sea, the windy jungle, the amber desert, and more. These locations are beautifully designed and the digital renderings are colorful as well as impart the feelings of the locations.

There is a section that looks at the textiles and colors used to create the locations. Much like the animators did in Frozen, Encanto, etc, they used specific colors and designs to express the tone of the strange world.

This book is a must-have for fans of the film as well as Disney Animation fans. It is also a good way for parents to share the story with their children. Looking at the art and talking about the movie together is a nice way to end the day.

  • The Art of Disney Strange World
  • Hardcover
  • Chronicle Books (November 1, 2022)

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.

‘Mickey: The Story of a Mouse’ streams on Disney+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The new documentary streaming on Disney+, Mickey: The Story of a Mouse, traces the evolution of the famous character from his inception to where he is today. Walt Disney built his empire beginning with Mickey and he always reminded people “It all began with a mouse.”

Mickey is a beloved character that has grown and changed with the world, yet he always remained the beacon of joy and love and innocence he was when Walt first imagined him while on a train heading to California. His initial success of Oswald the rabbit had to be jettisoned by Walt due to the fact he was not the owner of the character, even though it was his. So, when Mickey came to light, Walt did things differently and made sure the mouse was truly owned by the Disney Company and no one else. As a matter of fact, the little fellow is trademarked so it is illegal to use his likeness unless allowed by the company.

Mickey’s first film, Steamboat Willie, was a major step forward for Disney. By combining audio with the animation, he began the empire we know today.

As the country changed, so did the Disney Company and Mickey Mouse. The depression affected everyone including the animated characters. But Mickey and his friends managed to bring joy and hope to kids who could only afford a ticket to the movies. Lifting spirits is what Mickey does so well. Just watch kids run to him in Disneyland. He is the symbol of youth, love, happiness, wonder, and innocence.

World War II was another time when Mickey and his pals had to change to boost the spirits of the country. They all supported the war bonds effort, rationing, and helping the armed forces. Mickey became a symbol of the United States and was ultimately banned from Germany and Japan, who were enemies of the U.S.A. during the war.

Through drawings by animators, a look at the ink and paint process, the various shapes Mickey has taken over the years, and the history of his character as well as his friends, this documentary provides a well-rounded look at how one little mouse has captured the hearts and imaginations all around the world.

The corporate symbol of the Walt Disney Company as well as the icon of happiness and joy, Mickey Mouse continues to be a beloved character. And rightly so. He is loveable, funny, sometimes a little clumsy, but always enjoyable.

Today the Walt Disney Company is huge. But as Walt himself said, “I only hope we never lose sight of one thing — that it was all started by a mouse.”

This documentary is rated TV-PG V

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

Bring home Elvis and the beauty of ‘Blue Hawaii’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

For the first time, the classic Elvis movie Blue Hawaii is available on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. Since the movie was made in 1961, there was a lot of restoration needed to make it as beautiful as it was originally experienced when it premiered in movie theaters. The opening sequence was completely rebuilt to bring it up to the standards we require today.

Blue Hawaii is a typical Elvis musical. It has a fun story with plenty of songs, not lease of which is his it song “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, the song which he usually ended his concerts. Elvis filmed three movies in Hawaii: Blue Hawaii(1961), Girls, Girls, Girls (1962), and Paradise Hawaiian Style (1966).

In this movie Elvis plays returning GI Chad Gates who has grown up on the island with his parents who run a successful pineapple plantation. Instead of going to work in the family business, Chad decides to become a tour guide for his girlfriend’s travel agency. After all, he knows the islands like the back of his hand.

 

The group Chad is responsible for is comprised of teenage girls and their chaperone. Anyone who knows anything about teenage girls knows their hormones are raging, and that is the case with one young girl in particular who ends up causing a lot of problems for Chad.

 

Chad’s parents (Angela Lansbury and Roland Winters) are not pleased with his choices in jobs or girlfriends. Maile (Joan Blackman) is not the kind of girl they would prefer their son to marry. But love wins out.

 

The film is peppered with fun and memorable songs: “Almost Always True” is when Chad sings to Maile about his life as a GI, “Slicin’ Sand” takes place when the group is frolicking on the beach, “Ito Eats” is a cute song Chad sings about his island buddy, “ Rock-a-Hula Baby,” “Moonlight Swim,” “ Hawaiian Sunset,” “Island of Love,” “Beach Boy Blues,” “Aloha oe,” “Hawaiian Wedding Song,” and the title song “Blue Hawaii” are included in this fun film that not only captures the joy of island life but also is a nostalgic look at the island in the early 1960s. Anyone who has visited the state in the past 40 years knows it has grown and changed dramatically from the sleepy paradise into a thriving tourist destination.

Of the three Hawaiian movies Elvis filmed in the state, many consider this first one the best of the three. It is a little more intricate than Paradise, Hawaiian Style, however they both reveal the beauty of the islands with plenty of memorable Elvis tunes.

Blue Hawaii is now available in stunning 4K Ultra HD, which is like watching a travel show about the island, with a cute story and plenty of music thrown in.

The bonus features include commentary and a filming scrapbook. Blue Hawaii is rated PG for mild sensuality.

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.

Complete list of Children’s and Family Emmy nominations

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Here is the complete list of nominations for the first Children’s and Family Emmys

OUTSTANDING PRESCHOOL SERIES

Helpsters        Apple TV+

The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo: Game Edition       HBO Max

Sesame Street   HBO Max

Tab Time  YouTube Originals

Waffles + Mochi      Netflix

OUTSTANDING CHILDREN’S OR FAMILY VIEWING SERIES

The Astronauts  –   Nickelodeon
The Baby-Sitters Club  –  Netflix

Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock  – Apple TV+

Raising Dion   – Netflix

Secrets of Sulphur Springs  -Disney Channel

 

OUTSTANDING YOUNG TEEN SERIES

Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.  –   Disney+

First Day   –  Hulu

Heartstopper –  Netflix

High School Musical: The Musical – The Series -Disney Channel

The Mysterious Benedict Society   – Disney+

 

OUTSTANDING FICTION SPECIAL

Better Nate Than Ever  –  Disney+

Muppets Haunted Mansion -Disney+

 

See Us Coming Together: A Sesame Street Special  – HBO Max

Sneakerella  – Disney+

Spin  – Disney Channel

Waffles + Mochi’s Holiday Feast  -Netflix

 

OUTSTANDING NON-FICTION PROGRAM

Hi I’m Sevy  – Magnolia Network

Kids Baking Championship –  Food Network

Nick News   – Nickelodeon

Sesame Street in Communities: Talking About Race  – YouTube

Who Are You, Charlie Brown? –  Apple TV+

OUTSTANDING PRESCHOOL ANIMATED SERIES

Ada Twist, Scientist  –  Netflix

Molly of Denali  -PBS

Octonauts: Above & Beyond  – Netflix

Santiago of the Seas  –  Nickelodeon

Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum  – PBS

 

OUTSTANDING ANIMATED SERIES

City of Ghosts  – Netflix

The Cuphead Show!  –  Netflix

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder  – Disney+

Star Trek: Prodigy  –  Paramount+

A Tale Dark & Grimm –  Netflix

OUTSTANDING SPECIAL CLASS ANIMATED PROGRAM

El Deafo  –  Apple TV+

Hilda and the Mountain King -Netflix

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania -Amazon Prime Video

Maya and the Three – Netflix

Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans  -Netflix

OUTSTANDING SHORT FORM PROGRAM

Ciao Alberto –  Disney+

Little Bird – Vimeo

Rhymes through Times –  Noggin

Sesame Street in Communities – Explaining Race | #ComingTogether   – YouTube

We the People  – Netflix

OUTSTANDING INTERACTIVE MEDIA

Cat Burglar   –  Netflix

In Space with Markiplier  – YouTube Originals

Madrid Noir  – Oculus TV

Namoo  –  Baobab Studios

Paper Birds  –  Oculus TV

OUTSTANDING PROMOTIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT

CHOOSE KINDNESS Campaign  -ABC

Dragons: The Nine Realms   – Hulu and Peacock

Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous  -Netflix

Maya and the Three –  Netflix

My Squishy Little Dumplings  -Nickelodeon

PBS KIDS: “You Taught Me” Brand Campaign – PBS

OUTSTANDING LEAD PERFORMANCE IN A PRESCHOOL, CHILDREN’S OR YOUNG TEEN PROGRAM

Kit Connor as Nick Nelson Heartstopper – Netflix

Loretta Devine as M’Dear Family Reunion  – Netflix

Mark Feuerstein as Watson Brewer The Baby-Sitters Club – Netflix

Joe Locke as Charlie Spring Heartstopper – Netflix

Alicia Silverstone as Elizabeth Thomas-Brewer The Baby-Sitters Club – Netflix

Rueby Wood as Nate Better Nate Than Ever- Disney+

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE IN A PRESCHOOL, CHILDREN’S OR YOUNG TEEN PROGRAM

Adeel Akhtar as Aditya Singh Sweet Tooth –   Netflix

Nonso Anozie as Tommy Jepperd Sweet Tooth -Netflix

Yasmin Finney as Elle Argent Heartstopper – Netflix

William Gao as Tao Xu Heartstopper  -Netflix

Lisa Kudrow as Aunt Heidi Better Nate Than Ever – Disney+

 

OUTSTANDING YOUNGER PERFORMER IN A PRESCHOOL, CHILDREN’S OR YOUNG TEEN PROGRAM

Malia Baker as Mary Anne Spier The Baby-Sitters Club – Netflix

Quinn Copeland as Izzy Punky Brewster  – Peacock

Sammi Haney as Esperanza Raising Dion – Netflix

Momona Tamada as Claudia Kishi The Baby-Sitters Club – Netflix

Ja’Siah Young as Dion Warren Raising Dion  -Netflix

 

OUTSTANDING GUEST PERFORMANCE IN PRESCHOOL, CHILDREN’S OR YOUNG TEEN PROGRAM

Olivia Colman as Sarah Nelson Heartstopper  -Netflix

Chris Diamontopoulos as Owen Quinn Ghostwriter -Apple TV+

Sharon Lawrence as Susan Punky Brewster – Peacock

Randall Park as Dr. Choi Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.-Disney+

Gina Rodriguez as Grown-Up Elena Diary of a Future President  – Disney+

OUTSTANDING VOICE PERFORMANCE IN A PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM

David Errigo Jr. as Dudley Ridley Jones  – Netflix

Eden Espinosa as The Queen of Hearts Alice’s Wonderland Bakery  –  Disney Junior

Michael Luwoye as Wavey Jones Baby Shark’s Big Show! – Nickelodeon

Daniel Ross as Donald Duck –   Disney Junior

Mickey and Minnie Wish Upon a Christmas

Sherri Shepherd as Queen Fastine Blaze and the Monster Machines  – Nickelodeon

OUTSTANDING VOICE PERFORMANCE IN AN ANIMATED PROGRAM

Eric Bauza as Bugs Bunny, Marvin the Martian, Daffy Duck, Tweety  –                 HBO/HBO Max
Looney Tunes Cartoons

Grey Delisle as Lola, Lana, Lily, Meryl, Cheryl, Scoots, Mopes & Mrs. Bernardo  – Nickelodeon

The Loud House

Mark Hamill as Skeletor Masters of the Universe: Revelation  – Netflix

Tom Kenny as SpongeBob SquarePants SpongeBob SquarePants  –  Nickelodeon

Frank Welker as Himself, Fred and Scooby Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? –  Cartoon Network

 

OUTSTANDING YOUNGER VOICE PERFORMER IN AN ANIMATED OR PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM

Asher Bishop as Lincoln Loud The Loud House  – Nickelodeon

Tucker Chandler as Alex Madagascar: A Little Wild  –  Hulu and Peacock

Kyrie McAlpin as Emma Doug Unplugs   – Apple TV+

Amir O’Neil as Marty Madagascar: A Little Wild  – Hulu and Peacock

Andy Walken as Young Durpleton Centaurworld – Netflix

OUTSTANDING HOST

Tabitha Brown – YouTube Originals
Tab Time

Recker Eans, Dylan Gilmer, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Olivia Perez – Peacock

The Kids Tonight Show

Dame Helen Mirren  –  Cartoon Network I TBS

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses

Jack McBrayer-Apple TV+

Hello, Jack! The Kindness Show

Coyote Peterson  –  YouTube Originals

Coyote Peterson’s Wild Field Trip

 

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A LIVE ACTION PRESCHOOL OR CHILDREN’S PROGRAM

The Baby-Sitters Club – Netflix

See Us Coming Together: A Sesame Street Special   –  HBO Max

Sesame Street –   HBO Max

Waffles + Mochi  –   Netflix

Who Are You, Charlie Brown?  – Apple TV+

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A YOUNG TEEN PROGRAM

Better Nate Than Ever -Disney+

Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.  –  –  Disney+

Heartstopper   –   Netflix

The Mysterious Benedict Society  -Disney+

Sweet Tooth – Netflix

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM

Ada Twist, Scientist  –   Netflix

Alma’s Way   –   PBS

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood -PBS

Molly of Denali   –   PBS

Muppet Babies    –  Disney Junior

 

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR AN ANIMATED PROGRAM

 

Amphibia   –  Disney Channel

City of Ghosts  – Netflix

Dug Days  –  Disney+

Karma’s World  –   Netflix

Maya and the Three –    Netflix

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A SINGLE CAMERA PROGRAM

 

The Baby-Sitters Club – Netflix

The Mysterious Benedict Society   – Disney+

Sneakerella  – Disney+

Spin   – Disney Channel

Sweet Tooth –   Netflix

Who Are You, Charlie Brown?  –   Apple TV+

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A MULTIPLE CAMERA PROGRAM

 

Raven’s Home   –   Disney+

The Quest  –  Disney+

Sesame Street  – HBO Max

Top Chef Family Style   – Peacock

Zero Chill  –  Netflix

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR A PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM

 

Ada Twist, Scientist  –  Netflix

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood  -PBS

Go! Go! Cory Carson   – Netflix

Muppet Babies  – Disney Junior

Stillwater    –  Apple TV+

Storybots: Learn to Read  –     Netflix

 

OUTSTANDING DIRECTING FOR AN ANIMATED PROGRAM

 

Arlo the Alligator Boy   –  Netflix

Carmen Sandiego  – Netflix

Ciao Alberto  -Disney+

City of Ghosts –   Netflix

Dug Days   –  Disney+

Hilda and the Mountain King -Netflix

 

OUTSTANDING VOICE DIRECTING FOR AN ANIMATED SERIES

Amphibia -Disney Channel

Centaurworld  –  Netflix

Hilda and the Mountain King -Netflix

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder  -Disney+

Summer Camp Island  -HBO/HBO Max

OUTSTANDING MUSIC DIRECTION AND COMPOSITION FOR A LIVE ACTION PROGRAM

Better Nate Than Ever -Disney+

The J Team  –  Paramount+

The Mysterious Benedict Society  -Disney+

Ruby and the Well –   BYUtv

Sneakerella – Disney+

 

OUTSTANDING MUSIC DIRECTION AND COMPOSITION FOR AN ANIMATED PROGRAM

Cat Burglar   –  Netflix

Looney Tunes Cartoons  – HBO/HBO Max

Snoopy Presents: To Mom (and Dad), with Love  –  Apple TV+

The Tom & Jerry Show  –  Boomerang

The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse -Disney+

 

OUTSTANDING ORIGINAL SONG

 

“Friends with a Penguin”: Sesame Street – HBO Max

“If You Have a Dream”: Fancy Nancy –  Disney Junior

“In Your Shoes”:  Sneakerella   – Disney+

“It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown”:  It’s the Small Things, Charlie Brown  – Apple TV+

“Kicks”: Sneakerella  – Disney+

 

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN FOR A LIVE ACTION PROGRAM

Donkey Hodie  –  PBS

Endlings  –  Hulu

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses –  Cartoon Network I TBS

High School Musical: The Musical – The Series –  Disney Channel

Sesame Street  – HBO Max

OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR A LIVE ACTION SINGLE CAMERA PROGRAM

 

Better Nate Than Ever –   Disney+

Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock – Apple TV+

The Mysterious Benedict Society   – Disney+

Sneakerella  – Disney+

Waffles + Mochi   – Netflix

 

OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR A LIVE ACTION MULTIPLE CAMERA PROGRAM

Bunk’d   – Disney Channel

Family Reunion   – Netflix

Just Roll With It  –  Disney Channel

Punky Brewster  – Peacock

Raven’s Home   –   Disney+

OUTSTANDING EDITING FOR A SINGLE CAMERA PROGRAM

Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock  –    Apple TV+

Sneakerella  –  Disney+

Sweet Tooth  –  Netflix

The Mysterious Benedict Society  -Disney+

Who Are You, Charlie Brown? –  Apple TV+

OUTSTANDING EDITING FOR A MULTIPLE CAMERA PROGRAM

 

Making Fun   –  Netflix

The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo: Game Edition    – HBO Max

Sesame Street -HBO Max

The Quest    –  Disney+

Top Chef Family Style  –  Peacock

 

OUTSTANDING EDITING FOR A PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM

Beepers   –  Cartoon Network

Go! Go! Cory Carson  –    Netflix

Octonauts & the Ring of Fire  -Netflix

Stillwater   –   Apple TV+

Trash Truck –  Netflix

 

OUTSTANDING EDITING FOR AN ANIMATED PROGRAM

 

Ciao Alberto   –   Disney+

Dug Days  –   Disney+

Maya and the Three  –   Netflix

Monsters at Work  –    Disney+

Olaf Presents   –   Disney+

 

OUTSTANDING SOUND MIXING AND SOUND EDITING FOR A LIVE ACTION PROGRAM

 

The Astronauts –  Nickelodeon

Raising Dion  – Netflix

Scaredy Cats-  Netflix

Sweet Tooth-  Netflix

The Mysterious Benedict Society  – Disney+

OUTSTANDING SOUND MIXING AND SOUND EDITING FOR A PRESCHOOL ANIMATED PROGRAM

City of Ghosts –  Netflix

Go! Go! Cory Carson  – Netflix

Mecha Builders – HBO Max

Octonauts & the Ring of Fire  -Netflix

Octonauts: Above & Beyond  – Netflix

 

OUTSTANDING SOUND MIXING AND SOUND EDITING FOR AN ANIMATED PROGRAM

 

Ciao Alberto  –   Disney+

Hotel Transylvania: Transformania  –  Amazon Prime Video

Lego Star Wars Terrifying Tales                                                                               Disney+

Maya and the Three                                                                                                    Netflix

Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans   -Netflix

 

OUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS FOR A LIVE ACTION PROGRAM

 

Endlings   –  Hulu

The Mysterious Benedict Society -Disney+

Raising Dion –   Netflix

Sweet Tooth   –  Netflix

Waffles + Mochi –   Netflix

 

OUTSTANDING MAIN TITLE AND GRAPHICS

 

Big Nate   – Paramount+

The Ghost and Molly McGee  – Disney Channel

Green Eggs and Ham – Netflix

Hilda and the Mountain King  -Netflix

The Mysterious Benedict Society  -Disney+

OUTSTANDING CASTING FOR A LIVE ACTION PROGRAM

 

Better Nate Than Ever  -Disney+

Doogie Kamealoha, M.D.   -Disney+

Heartstopper   –  Netflix

Muppets Haunted Mansion   -Disney+

Sweet Tooth  –  Netflix

 

OUTSTANDING CASTING FOR AN ANIMATED PROGRAM

 

Big Nate  –   Paramount+

Centaurworld – Netflix

Go! Go! Cory Carson –  Netflix

Monsters at Work –  Disney+

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder   -Disney+

 

OUTSTANDING ART DIRECTION/SET DECORATION/SCENIC DESIGN

 

The Barbarian and the Troll  -Nickelodeon

Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock – Apple TV+

Muppets Haunted Mansion  – Disney+

The Mysterious Benedict Society   -Disney+

Sneakerella –  Disney+

 

OUTSTANDING COSTUME DESIGN/STYLING

 

High School Musical: The Musical – The Series                                           Disney Channel

The Mysterious Benedict Society                                                                               Disney+

Odd Squad                      PBS

Raven’s Home                                                                                                        Disney Channel

Sneakerella                                                                                                         Disney+

 

OUTSTANDING MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING

 

The Baby-Sitters Club  – Netflix

The Canterville Ghost   – BYUtv

The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder -Paramount+

Heartstopper –   Netflix

High School Musical: The Musical – The Series  –  Disney Channel

Sneakerella  – Disney+

Warped!   – Nickelodeon

 

OUTSTANDING SPECIAL EFFECTS COSTUMES, HAIR AND MAKEUP

 

Danger Force – Nickelodeon

Muppets Haunted Mansion – Disney+

Odd Squad –    PBS

The Quest  –  Disney+

Sweet Tooth  – Netflix

 

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY

Better Nate Than Ever   -Disney+

The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder -Paramount+

High School Musical: The Musical – The Series- Disney Channel

The J Team  – Paramount+

Siwas Dance Pop Revolution –    Peacock

Sneakerella  –  Disney+

 

OUTSTANDING STUNT COORDINATION

 

Danger Force   –  Nickelodeon

Endlings –   Hulu

The Fairly OddParents: Fairly Odder -Paramount+

Raising Dion  – Netflix

Side Hustle  – Nickelodeon

The Adventureland Treehouse will return to Disneyland in 2023

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Guests to Disneyland have noticed the absence of the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse. The attraction will reopen in 2023 with a new look and some new additions. The waterwheel will once again be the point of entry and the rope stairway is also remaining, although updated.

Once inside the treehouse, guests can explore the various rooms built by the family and inspired by the 1960 film Swiss Family Robinson, which starred John Mills, Dorothy McGuire, James MacArthur, Janet Munroe, Tommy Kirk, and Kevin Corcoran. The original treehouse in the park was built in 1962 and has been a favorite place for guests to explore over the years.

The upstairs of the treehouse includes the rooms inspired by the Robinson sons and daughter as well as the mother’s music den. The downstairs includes the dining room and kitchen, as well as the art studio used by Mr. Robinson.

 

Treehouses have been favorite excapes for kids for ages. They have been clubhouses for private clubs, escapes from family responsibilities, places to read and play, and just a special retreat from the main house. Keeping the treehouse part of the park was a necessity. It might even inspire kids and their families to build their own treehouse in their backyards.

The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse is located on the banks of the Jungle River.

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. Follow her on Twitter.

Images provided courtesy of Disneyland Resort

86 Emmy nominations for Disney’s Children’s and Family programming

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The Walt Disney Company received 86 nominations in the inaugural Children’s & Family Emmy® Awards across its content brands and studios: Disney Branded Television, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney Television Studios’ 20th Television, Lucasfilm Ltd., Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Studios. Disney’s streaming platforms Disney+ and Hulu earned 62 and seven nominations, respectively.

The first annual Children’s & Family Emmy® Awards will be presented on Saturday, December 10 (Creative Arts) and Sunday, December 11 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. The Children’s & Family awards are the first standalone expansion of the Emmy Award competition since 1979.

The Mysterious Benedict Society (Disney+/20th Television/Disney Branded Television) – 11 nominations

11 nominations

Sneakerella (Disney+/Disney Branded Television) – 11 nominations

Better Nate Than Ever (Disney+/Walt Disney Studios) – 8 nominations

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (Disney+/Disney Channel/Disney Branded Television) – 5 nominations

Ciao Alberto (Disney+/ Pixar Animation Studios) – 4 nominations

Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. (Disney+/20th Television/Disney Branded Television) – 4 nominations

Dug Days (Disney+/Pixar Animation Studios) – 3 nominations

Endlings (Hulu) – 3 nominations

Muppets Haunted Mansion (Disney+/Disney Branded Television) – 4 nominations

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Disney+ /Disney Branded Television)- 3 nominations

The Quest (Disney+/Disney Branded Television) – 3 nominations

Raven’s Home (Disney Channel/Disney Branded Television) – 3 nominations

Amphibia (Disney Channel/Disney Branded Television) – 2 nominations

Madagascar: A Little Wild (Hulu) – 2 nominations

Monsters at Work (Disney+/Disney Branded Television) – 2 nominations

Muppet Babies (Disney Junior/Disney Branded Television) – 2 nominations

Spin (Disney Channel/Disney Branded Television) – 2 nominations

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery (Disney Junior/Disney Branded Television) – 1 nomination

BUNK’D (Disney Channel/Disney Branded Television) – 1 nomination

CHOOSE KINDNESS Campaign (Disney Channel) – 1 nomination

Diary of a Future President (Disney+/Disney Branded Television) – 1 nomination

Dragons: The Nine Realms (Hulu) – 1 nomination

Fancy Nancy (Disney Junior/Disney Branded Television) – 1 nomination

First Day (Hulu) – 1 nomination

The Ghost and Molly McGee (Disney Channel/Disney Branded Television) – 1 nomination

Just Roll With It (Disney Channel/Disney Branded Television) – 1 nomination

Lego Star Wars Terrifying Tales (Disney+/Lucasfilm Ltd.) – 1 nomination

Mickey and Minnie Wish Upon a Christmas (Disney Junior/Disney Branded Television) – 1 nomination

Olaf Presents (Disney+/Walt Disney Animation Studios) – 1 nomination

Secrets of Sulphur Springs (Disney+/Disney Channel/Disney Branded Television) – 1 nomination

The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse (Disney+/Disney Branded Television) – 1 nomination