Author: Francine Brokaw

Bring home ‘Lightyear’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

“To infinity and beyond.” Buzz Lightyear’s iconic phrase has been part of our lexicon for decades. We all know about Buzz, Woody, and all the toys from Toy Story, but there is more. In 1995 a little boy named Andy got a Buzz Lightyear action doll. This doll was from his favorite movie of the year. And Lightyear is that very movie. Lightyear is the movie Andy fell in love with and from which the action doll was created. So, in actuality, the animated character in this movie is not the Buzz we have known for decades. It is the character on which the doll was modeled.

Tim Allen who voiced the Buzz doll all these years is not the voice of the animated movie character in the film. Chris Evans voices this character.

So what is this movie that captured the heart and imagination of little Andy? It’s a sci-fi adventure starring space ranger Lightyear. Buzz and his friend and fellow space ranger Hawthorne are on a dangerous mission and soon they and the rest of their crew on their spaceship are marooned on an unforgiving planet. If Buzz can only find a way to get off the planet they can all return home.

The planet is run by ruthless robots and deadly plants. But Buzz’ fuel source is something he needs to concoct, and something the robots also need. But why would they need that? (No spoiler here.)

The thing is, whenever Buzz tries out a new fuel concoction and attempts to achieve hyperspeed – which is necessary for them to return home – he takes off from the planet and is away for four minutes. But those four minutes are in his time. In actuality he is gone for years so whenever he returns he has not aged but everyone else has.

So, this is the story of the Buzz Lightyear that Andy enjoyed watching on the big screen. It’s a fun sci-fi story that will appeal to youngsters as they learn about being a Space Ranger and especially learn an important lesson about needing help from others. While Buzz was always eager and indeed insistent to do things himself, he finally learned that working with others can be the answer to solving problems.

The robot cat named SOX is a character that will entertain viewers and undoubtedly become a toy asked for by kids this season.

Lightyear is rated PG for action/peril.  It is now available on Digital and Movies Anywhere.  When it hits the shelves on September 13, 2022, there will be plenty of bonus features on the Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K Ultra HD including 7 deleted scenes and three featurettes looking at the Johnson Space Center, the actors, and the toys and models created for the film.

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.

’50 Years a Prince’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The title of “The Prince of Wales” first began in 1301 and ever since then the male heirs to the throne held that title, signifying their importance in the line of succession. Charles’ investiture in 1969 took place at Caernarvon Castle, a beautiful setting for this prestigious event. In the ceremony Charles claimed to his mother the Queen, “I, Charles, Prince of Wales, do become your liege man of life and limb and of earthly worship, and faith and truth I will bear unto thee, to live and die against all manner of folks.”

Well, all the pomp and ceremonies aside, Charles could have simply held the title and gone on with his life. But he chose to delve deeper into the history, language, culture, and people of Wales. He has truly dedicated his life to Wales and even has a residency in the country, where he and Camilla can stay when in Wales.

This residency provided him seclusion and a place to reflect after the funeral of his father. He has come to see the home as a wonderful retreat from the stresses of daily life, while at the same time getting more in touch with the people of the country. He especially enjoys learning about their work and families, and has decorated his home with textiles from the region. While he gets closer to the people, they get closer to him. Their symbiotic relationship is healthy for the relationship between the country and the crown.

Prior to his investiture Charles took in-depth studies of the language and history of Wales. During that time he became completely engaged with the country and his love of Wales and the Welsh people is evident.

This documentary, currently available to stream on True Royalty TV, is a look at how Prince Charles has taken his duty of “Prince of Wales” to heart. While there are many in the country that do not want a British prince, or even to be part of the United Kingdom, Charles has shown his love and devotion to the country.

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.

Bring home ‘The Gilded Age’ season one with plenty of bonus features

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The hit period drama The Gilded Age captured the hearts and attention of HBO viewers. The entire first season is now available on a 3-disc DVD set. The bonus features take fans into the story and the history, making this set even more interesting and enjoyable.

There are featurettes going inside each of the nine episodes, which is a great way to learn about the storylines as they progress. For a synopsis of the entire season, these featurettes round out the whole of the stories, but don’t stop there. First watch the episodes and then the bonus features summing them up.

The series takes place in the early 1880s in New York, just after the Civil War. Two groups of people are “slugging it out,” as creator Julian Fellows explains. At the heart of the show is the fight between old money and new money. The old established families in NYC must now deal with the newcomers who have made their fortunes following the war. As America rebuilt there were plenty of businesses that shot up and these new millionaires were eager to join the ranks of the upper echelon in NYC.

Cynthia Nixon explains about her “spinster” character Ada that she is eager for change whereas her sister Agnes is afraid of it. Christine Baranski who plays Agnes says her character cannot stand the new ostentatious people. Agnes is a strong woman who comes off as hard, yet deep down she has good intentions. Taissa Farmiga plays Gladys who according to the actor, “has a rebellious nature” and craves independence yet is mired in the society of the time.

Morgan Spector plays George and describes him as a fist in a velvet glove.” Blake Ritson (Oscar) jokes that the most challenging part for him was keeping his mustache the same for the entire season. His character has a hunger for the high life. And Thomas Cocquerel (Tom) says his character comes from no money and must find a way to fit into this high society.

The scenes are like paintings. The attention to detail is amazing. There is a set tour of the Russell mansion by Carrie Coon (Bertha) who shows and explains just how grand the era was. The great mansions in Newport, Rhode Island inspired the houses. Most of the furniture and designs on the sets are reupholstered antiques and historical reproductions. A lot of research went into the details of the sets and it shows.

Another interesting feature looks at the black elite of the time. This is an eye-opening look at the history around the time just after the war.

As with all historical dramas, the costumes play a big part in the series, and the actors were just as awed by them as the viewers. As they say, the “costumes are a character”. They are exquisite. Another interesting feature looks at how they created the sets and built a street in NYC. By combining pieces of actual New York with a back lot and plenty of CG, it all comes together seamlessly in this ornate and lavish period drama.

The show is all about the confluence of old money and new money and Baranski says it is “an education into a certain period of American history.”

Fans of this well-loved series can now own the entire first season along with all these amazing and enlightening bonus features. Season two is on the horizon.

The Gilded Age is rated TV-MA, for mature audiences for strong language and uncomfortable topics.

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.

‘Jerry and Marge Go Large’ is a remarkable true story

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Available now on Paramount+, Jerry and Marge Go Large is the amazing story of a couple who made their golden years truly golden. Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening head the cast that includes Rainn Wilson, Michael Keaton, and Larry Wilmore.

Jerry Selbee spent his life working for Kellogg’s but now he is retiring, not completely of his own desires. What will he do with his time now? Marge hopes they will find activities they can do together and grow more as a couple now that Jerry does not have to go to work. Will they go fishing? What else can they do together?

Jerry’s mind is a steel trap when it comes to numbers. That was his job at the Kellogg’s cereal factory. He feels useless just sitting around. Then one day he overhears a conversation about a lottery game and he immediately starts running the numbers and calculations. Lo and behold, Jerry Selbee has discovered a flaw in this particular game. He tests his theory and is victorious.

After playing the game several times Jerry and Marge decide to share their knowledge to help the struggling town of Evart, Michigan in which they live and their friends and neighbors are currently stressed over the economic downfall of their town. By pulling their resources they start rebuilding this fledgling little town.

Unfortunately, a snobby Harvard student also discovers the flaw and he sets up his own group, playing against Jerry’s group. But while Jerry is only in it to help his town and neighbors, Tyler (Uly Schlesinger) is in it for himself. He figures if he can make enough money he can quit Harvard and never have to work a day in his life.

Well, things come to a head between the two groups, but that doesn’t matter. Good does prevail over evil and this incredible story made the magnanimous gesture of Jerry and Marge front-page headlines around the country.

This incredible story began in 2003 when Jerry was 64 years old. Discovering the flaw in the Winfall game was a coup. He formed a company with his friends and within two years their company had about 25 members. When Michigan cancelled the game, they simply drove the approximately ten hours to Massachusetts to continue it there. (With today’s price of gas that would have taken a big chunk out of their profits but this was a different time.)

The couple was not about selfishness, nor were they about cheating the government. They saved every ticket in case the IRS audited them. Their entire motivation for taking on this project was to do something together, to make some money for themselves, and to help their friends and the town. They were not selfish about it. Spread the wealth.

Jason Fagone who wrote the article about the Selbees in 2018 first publicized this incredible tale of humility and compassion.

Jerry and Marge Go Large is rated PG-13 for some language and suggestive references

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

‘Lucy’s School’ opens on August 12

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Lucy, Linus, Charlie Brown, Peppermint Patty, Sally, Pig Pen, Franklin, Violet, Patty, Schroeder, Marci, and even Snoopy have an all-new special on Apple TV+. This is a great way to get kids ready for the upcoming school year.

The Peanuts gang are anxious about starting at a new school in the Fall, inspiring Lucy to start her own school instead, but teaching isn’t as easy as it sounds. Lucy’s School is a love letter to teachers, and an appreciation of the impact a teacher can have on a child. It explores the fear of change, and shows how Lucy, supported by her friends, faces and overcomes her own fears.

Sneak peek at Season 7 of ‘TrollsTopia’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


In TrollsTopia anything is possible with a little teamwork, glitter and a lot of FUN! When Val’s vacation doesn’t go to plan and R&B’s pancake breakfast falls flat, Poppy and the Trolls get creative. And when Cloud Guy is accepted to Cloud College he embarks on a hunt to find a replacement to annoy Branch in his absence. But does one even exist?

Now that Poppy knows there are other musical trolls scattered throughout the forest, she bottles up her endless positivity and invites delegates from every troll tribe in the forest to live together in harmony in a grand experiment she calls TrollsTopia!

All new adventures begin with new episodes of DreamWorks TrollsTopia arriving on Hulu and Peacock August 11, 2022.

Episodes: 7 episodes
Voice Actors:
● Skylar Astin as “Branch”
● Amanda Leighton as “Poppy”
● David Fynn as “Biggie”
● Ron Funches as “Cooper”
● Kenan Thompson as “Tiny Diamond”
● Megan Hilty as “Holly Darlin’”
● Jeanine Mason as “Minuet”
● Kevin Michael Richardson as “Smidge”
● Sam Haft as “Chaz”
● Glozell Green as “Grandma Rosiepuff”

‘Work it Out Wombats!’ is coming to PBS Kids

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Work it out Wombats! is a new animated series for kids ages 3-6  coming to PBS Kids February 6, 2023. The show focuses on Malik, Zadie, and Zeke, three marsupial siblings who live in a treehouse with their grandmother, Super, who happens to be the unofficial mayor.

The series teaches kids concepts that will help them solve problems in their lives.

“The Wombats are all about exploring the world around them and, much like preschoolers, their curiosity and love of adventure know no bounds,” said Sara DeWitt, Senior Vice President and General Manager, PBS KIDS. “Computational thinking is a way of approaching problems in strategic ways, helping young children respond and adapt to the world around them. We’re excited for viewers to explore these foundational skills and mindsets while having fun with their new marsupial friends.”

The setting for the show is Treeborhood, a huge treehouse with plenty of fun amenitities like gondolas, rope swings and even secret passageways. Along with the trio and their grandmother, moose, kangaroos, iguanas, snakes, fish, and eagles combine to bring to light several ways of thinking and solving problems.

“Malik, Zadie and Zeke are passionate about their goals, but they don’t always know the best way to go about meeting them,” said Marcy Gunther and Marisa Wolsky, executive producers, GBH Kids. “But in every story, we see the Wombats using computational thinking, a powerful toolkit, to work it out.”

The three siblings are full of curiosity and energy. They each have a different personality, as do all siblings. Malik is thoughtful and considerate. Zadie is like a whirling dervish spewing one idea after another. And the youngest, Zeke, loves to explore and to get cuddles.

“Work It Out Wombats! strikes a perfect balance of telling stories for preschoolers that are educational, fun and engaging. Bringing an exciting world filled with diverse characters to life has been incredibly empowering for our artists and technical talent,” said Luis Lopez, executive producer, Pipeline Studios.

Each episode includes two 11-minute stories, accompanied by a 90-second music video, featuring the Wombats as they demonstrate their computational thinking skills, learning as they go.

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.

‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ cements Sonic’s new family

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (streaming on Paramount+ and available on Blu-ray and DVD August 9) cements Sonic’s relationship with his new parents, Tom and Maddie. This little fellow not only realizes Earth and living in Green Hills with his new family is where he belongs, but he eventually feels comfortable bringing his new friends into the fold.

Sonic has completely settled in and wants to prove to everyone he is a real hero. When the evil Robotnik returns along with a new partner, an alien echidna named Knuckles, Sonic realizes he is in for a tough ride. But the little blue fellow has a sidekick in Tails, an alien fox who comes to Earth to help Sonic. Robotnik and Knuckles are after the great emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations, which is what Robotnik wants to do.

While all their efforts go into stopping Robotnik, Tails and Sonic form a kind of sibling bond. And when Knuckles realizes he is on the wrong side and joins forces with the two, the threesome becomes a strong force and a new family. They are each alone but thanks to the love and caring of Tom and Maddie, they now have a family unit and a place where they can call home.

 

The story is about love, friendship, and family and is a fun way for adults to relive their days playing the game and for kids to discover the genuine goodness and comedy of Sonic.

In 1991 the world fell in love with the Sega Genesis arcade character Sonic the Hedgehog. He was as popular as Mario and Pac Man. Sonic is the first video game character to be a balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is a positive message in a time when video games portray violence and sex.

While The Angry Birds and Pokemon, two other video games geared for kids, have been reimagined and turned into feature films, these franchises do not portray the family bond that is now strongly attributed to Sonic.

 

The blended family Sonic has joined, along with the other two little space critters, is akin to the family little Stitch joined when he came to live with Lilo and Nani. While it took a little time for Stitch to settle in with them, they eventually became a strong family unit. With his experiment “cousins” as well as Jumba and Pleakley, they formed an endearing Ohana. And as we learned in that film, Ohana means family – and family means no one gets left behind or forgotten. By the way, this is the twentieth anniversary of Lilo and Stitch.

Sonic has found his Ohana. Along with Knuckles and Tails, this new family has a lot of adventures ahead. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is on the horizon. This will undoubtedly be another story enforcing the family bond.

There are plenty of bonus features including a fun new animated short with Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails. Deleted scenes and bloopers are also included, and you know with this fun cast they are definitely worth checking out.A few additional features make up the bonuses adding to the enjoyment of this disc. Quite frankly, this movie and all the bonuses are even better than the original! If you have access to 4K, opt for this version as the colors are vivid and Sonic’s blue is bright and beautiful.

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 Pictures and Sega of America.

Platinum Jubilee Pudding Competition – can you say ‘delicious?’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

To celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, a contest was launched to select the official Jubilee Pudding. For those in the U.S., when they say “Jubilee Pudding” they mean “Jubilee Dessert.” So with so many amazing sweet delicacy recipes submitted, it was difficult for the judges to whittle it down from over 5,000 recipe entries to the final five. These five would be brought to London from the far reaches of the United Kingdom and create their desserts under the eyes of the judges. That in itself was nerve-racking, but think about the winner. The winning dessert would go down in history and become the official Platinum Jubilee Pudding.

The contestants also had in the back of their minds that the Coronation Chicken created for the actual coronation is still a viable dish today. Everyone in Britain knows about this dish, as well as the famous Victoria sponge, a creation for Queen Victoria. So, the new Platinum Jubilee Pudding will become part of British history as well as desserts at Garden Parties, street parties, and in people’s homes. The stress was on the five finalists who came to London to create their original desserts.

The chairwoman of the judging panel was Mary Berry, a famous chef and baker and part of The Great British Bake Off show. It would take a very special recipe to impress this woman.

One of the things the judges took into consideration was the ease of the recipes. They wanted to make sure everyone was able to recreate this delicious dessert in their own homes.

So the contestants were off and running, in a well stocked and completely up-to-date kitchen. For Kathryn, Jemma, Sam, Shabnam, and Susan, they put their hearts and souls into their baking. When they were all done and had presented their dishes to the judges, they were in for a special treat. The Duchess of Cornwall arrived to announce the winner. How cool is that?

To watch this contest play out and see the five final desserts, check out the documentary on True Royalty TV. It is a fun show that brings these women and their talent to life, not to mention the mouth-watering dishes.

Warning- before watching this amazing competition on True Royalty TV, make sure you have already eaten. All the scrumptious desserts will definitely make you hungry. To avoid any spoiler for those who do not already know which recipe won, no recipes will be included here. You can search online to download the official recipes from the contest.

Enjoy watching and hopefully later creating your very own Jubilee Pudding.

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.