Author: Francine Brokaw

Fun with ‘Toy Story 5’ merchandise

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

What is a Toy Story movie without toys? It’s just a story. The toys are what make the franchise popular and they have all become part of our lexicon and pop culture.

The latest film in the franchise, Toy Story 5, unites the toys and adds new ones to the group.  

Young and old fans of the toys most likely have at least one product in their homes. Whether it is a book, a doll, an action figure, or figurines, these items bring the fun and emotions of the films to everyday lives. Let’s face it, toys are fun at any age.

Andy was the original owner of many of the toys that have become part of our world. Among his toys are:

  • Buzz Lightyear
  • Woody
  • Bullseye
  • Jessie
  • Rex
  • Mr. Potato Head
  • Mrs. Potato Head
  • Slinky Dog
  • Hamm
  • Three Aliens

As fans know, he always proudly wrote his name on the bottom of his beloved toys. 

When he went off to college, Andy gave his friends, aka toys, to Bonnie. They then joined her group of toys:

  • Dolly
  • Mr. Pricklepants
  • Trixie
  • Buttercup
  • Peas-in-a-pod
  • Totoro

And later Forky was added as well as Knifey, aka Karen. And now there are new toys in the group:

  • Lilypad
  • Atlas
  • Snappy
  • Smarty Pants

Whether you like Andy or Bonnie (personally I think she has the best imagination of the two!), there are plenty of items that let you relive the wonder and fun of the stories.

From Andy

Andy’s beloved cowgirl Jessie is front and center in the new movie. She’s a rootin’ tootin’ gal with spirit, spunk, and empathy for Andy, Bonnie, and all the toys.

The plush Jessie is adorable. She has her red hair braided in a ponytail and wears her trademark red cowboy hat. Her chaps protect her legs and her outfit is exactly what she wears in the films.

Jessie’s right foot has Andy’s name printed on the bottom of her boot. She’s the real deal.

If you’re looking for a big plush doll, this isn’t it. She is thin but nevertheless very cuddly. Jessie is 17 inches from head to toe. She does not stand on her own, but can sit and be posed.

Her face will bring a smile to everyone. Her giant smile is exactly what is needed on a dreary day or a time when things are not going well. All you have to do is look at Jessie to brighten up your day. 

 

From Bonnie

Bonnie’s Trixie is her beloved dinosaur. Trixie loves being Bonnie’s dinosaur. She was the focus of the short film Toy Story: Land that Time Forgot. Although those short films are not intended to be in the timeline of the film franchise, viewers came to know and love Trixie in this story.

Plush Trixie is soft with a scalelike design imprinted on her body. She stands five inches high and her body length is about 14 ½ inches long from the tip of her nose to the tip of her tail.

Trixie is a triceratops.  Her frill (the crown-like shield around her head) has felt details. Trixie is a sky blue color with purple accents. Her tusk and horns are soft ivory color.

This sweet little girl has a wide open mouth ready for a kiss. She’s absolutely adorable.

Toy Story 5

Toy Story 5 introduces several new toys. Lilypad is the impetus for the storyline. This frog-shaped electronic tablet brings a whole new world to Bonnie. 

Tech – low and high – are part of Toy Story 5, and Atlas, Snappy, and Smarty Pants are part of that. This “Tech Trio” are old-school tech, not high-tech like Lilypad.

Snappy is a digital camera.  Atlas is a talking GPS. He’s just a big hippo head. And Smarty Pants is an old-school potty training toy that looks like a roll of toilet paper with a cute face and buttons to press. 

The Figurine Set is comprised of seven little figurines that can be set up together or individually. There is Woody sporting his new poncho, Buzz ready to leap to eternity and beyond, Forky looking quizzical as always, Jessie posed as the polite cowgirl she is, Bullseye ready to ride, Lilypad eager to show off her abilities, and the Tech Trio. 

This new set comes in an open front box resembling a kid’s bedroom. It is the perfect gift for anyone who loves the franchise, and especially the newest film.  And collectors will appreciate the display in which they are placed.

Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and Forky are rubbery allowing them to be a little flexible.  

Due to the small sizes – the smallest is Forky at two inches high, this set is for ages 3 and up. 

Much more

There are plenty more plush characters at the Disney Store.  And there are talking toys and other items. They are sure to bring fun to any room. Bedtime stories are more magical and imaginative with the characters, whether reenacting scenes from the movie or creating new stories.

Disney always comes through when it comes to fun merch to keep the magic, enjoyment, entertainment, and love of the stories alive. Check out all the items at the Disney Store website.

About the Author

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

James Garner is in trouble in ‘A Man Could Get Killed’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The 1966 comedy farce, A Man Could Get Killed, stars James Garner in a story of mistaken identity. Garner is William Beddoes, an American businessman who arrives in Portugal to conduct a study. But he is mistakenly identified as a super agent, the likes of James Bond.

Upon his arrival in Lisbon the first thing he encounters is a bomb in the car. Lucky for him he was late getting to the automobile before it exploded.
Then he is taken to the funeral of a man where the attendees are all criminals. What is going on? All he was sent to do was conduct a study.
He soon learns of millions of dollars worth of diamonds which are supposed to be smuggled into Portugal, and he is smack dab in the middle of it. Initially he is apprehensive about the entire escapade, but soon gets involved when a glamorous woman (Melina Mercouri) insists he has the ability to uncover the diamonds.
Then a smuggler named Steve (Tony Franciosa) approaches him with the offer to help find the diamonds. And then, let’s add another person to this escapade, Sandra Dee play’s Steve’s girlfriend who also gets tangled in the mess.

To say this is a true farce is an understatement. But seeing Garner as the man mistaken to be a super spy is entertaining. His expressions are priceless.

In the beginning it seems like this would be a comedic take on the classic Hitchcock film North by Northwest, and in many ways it is. But it is more like The Pink Panther meets North by Northwest.

With a long list of criminals hot on his trail, Beddoes and his friends must outsmart them at every turn.

The hit song “Strangers in the Night” plays in the background throughout the movie. It was composed for the film and subsequently made famous by Frank Sinatra.

A Man Could Get Killed is now on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber. It is not rated.

About the Author

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

Join in on ‘Texas Two-Step’ on Hallmark

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Dust of your cowboy boots for a quick step around the floor when Texas Two-Step premieres on Hallmark Channel.

Olivia (Heather Hemmens) leaves her high-powered job to return to her hometown when she hears her aunt is unwell. Once home, she joins right into helping the family’s country music bar, Sweetwaters. This small Texas town is where she grew up, and the bar is where she learned to dance.

Once back home, Olivia comes face to face with her old boyfriend Luke (Brendan Penny). Their breakup did not leave her with a good feeling, and she is apprehensive about what their relationship will be going forward.

When she begins to dig into her aunt’s health status and that of the bar, Olivia realizes things are not going so well. Sweetwaters is a popular place. It’s definitely the hopping place in the town. But numerous repairs in the bar are necessary and the funds to attend to them are low.

While Olivia discovers the restful and enjoyable feelings she has when home, she also discovers her feelings for Luke are not completely gone. And he feels the same way. After all, this is a comfy little film from the comfy Hallmark channel.

There’s plenty of dancing woven through the story as Sweetwaters is at the heart of it all. And at the heart of Sweetwaters is the music which leads to the dancing.

Yee haw! Cowboy boots, country music, and a lot of fun combine in Texas Two-Step, which premieres June 13, 2026, and begins streaming on Hallmark+ June 14, 2026. The folks at Sweetwaters have a passion for dancing, and it might be contagious once viewers see how much fun it is.

About the Author

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

Season finale of ‘Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries: The Series’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The eighth episode of this comfy, cozy series is the season finale. At the center of it are Cheryl Cooper (Galadriel Stineman) and Levi Miller (Kevin Joy).

The episode is titled “Where There’s a Will” and that title is more than a simple phrase of determination. It literally deals with a Will.

When his uncle suddenly dies, Levi is bequeathed a plot of land, which he has been counting on to start his own farm. But something is amiss. The deed to that particular plot is missing. Actually, it has been expunged from all records.

And to make matters worse, a developer is intent on purchasing that plot to build a prison. Having that piece of land out of Amish hands is not a happy thought, but having a prison built on it is a tragedy.

They have only a few days to track down a physical copy of the deed to prove the parcel was legally owned by Levi’s uncle. That is the only way for Levi to inherit that land.

Cheryl realizes something is amiss when she starts tracking down the deed. How can a legal document disappear from digital files, not to mention paper copies? Things are not adding up, and Cheryl puts all her energy into helping Levi track down his uncle’s copy of the deed. 

Weaving through this episode is Cheryl’s realization that her feelings for Levi cannot be dismissed. She is definitely attracted to him, and viewers see his feeling for her are the same. But an English woman and an Amish man cannot date. And there is no way Cheryl will convert to being an Amish. 

 

Another cute thread in this episode is Cheryl’s car, which everyone thinks needs service. But Cheryl is in no hurry, which, as car owners know, can be a big mistake.

This is the final episode of the freshman season. But fans of this homey little series can take heart. The show has been renewed for a second season.

Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries: The Series is available to stream on UP Faith and Family.

About the Author

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

Sneak Peek -‘ PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Get ready for another PAW Patrol adventure. And meet Rhubarb!

After their ship gets caught in a mysterious storm, the PAW Patrol pups crash land on an uncharted tropical island filled with dinosaurs. They meet Rex, a pup who has been stranded on the island for years and has become an expert in all things dino-related. When the PAW Patrol’s archrival, Mayor Humdinger, begins recklessly mining in hopes of exploiting the island for its natural resources, he inadvertently causes a huge, dormant volcano to erupt. The PAW Patrol pups are thrown into a series of high-stakes, dino-sized rescues bigger than anything they’ve done before, as they must stop Humdinger before everything on the island goes extinct.

PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie premieres in theaters August 14, 2026.

Great American Media Nationwide Book Hunt and a fun romance film – ‘Meet Me in the Margins’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The new movie, Meet Me in the Margins, stars Merritt Patterson and Liam McIntyre in a literary fable inspired by bestselling author Melissa Ferguson’s romance novel. The story involves Savannah (Patterson) and Will Pennington (McIntyre), whose relationship turns from business to romantic in an unusual way.

Will is the head of a publishing company that publishes non-fiction books. Savannah is one of the editors there, however she holds a secret desire to write a romance novel. 

Actually, Savannah does have a manuscript she feels is ready to publish. But when the editor at that other publishing house tells her she likes the story but it needs more work, Savannah knows she has to dig deeper to attain her dream of being a published author.

One night she accidentally leaves her manuscript in a back rook at work. When she retrieves it she discovers notes in the margins. Initially perturbed that someone has taken to read and edit her words, she begins to wonder who that person is. It has to be someone in the office. But whom?

Every day she rewrites portions of the manuscript and leaves the revision in the same secret place, along with comments about the person who is editing her work. How dare he. But she has to admit the story is getting better with the help of this unknown editor.

Through the days that it takes to rewrite the manuscript, with the help of the secret editor, Savannah becomes entranced by this mysterious person.

Yep, you guessed it. It is Will. 

Through just the comments in the margins of the manuscript, these two have come to know each other and come to feel more deeply about each other. What else would you expect from a fun, romance film?

NATIONWIDE BOOK HUNT

Now Patterson and Ferguson have joined in a fun and exciting event taking part throughout the country. They have hidden specially wrapped copies of Ferguson’s novel tied with a signature red bow, inviting people to “become part of the story.” What a novel idea – NO pun intended. 

Check your local bookstore to see if you can find one of these hidden books.

Fans who discover one of the hidden books are encouraged to snap a photo of where they found it and tag @merritt_pattrsn, @greatamericanpureflix, @greatamericanfamily, and @ourfriendlyfarmhouse on social media to win a free month of Great American Pure Flix.

Meet Me in the Margins begins streaming on Great American Pure Flix beginning June 11, 2026, and premieres on Great American Family and GFAM+ June 13, 2026.

About the Author

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

‘The Art of Toy Story 5’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The newest Pixar Animation Studios film, Toy Story 5, once again delves into the personalities of the toys as they face yet another change. The Art of Toy Story 5 is a great adjunct to the film for not only Toy Story fans, but also animation buffs and aspiring artists.

This book provides background to the story and the illustrations are a fun insight into how the movie progressed from inception to the final production. Besides the wonderful art, the creative team behind the film add their own comments and experiences with the story.

A special inclusion inside the book is a life-size (or near life-size) paper Lilypad. Lilypad is the hand-held computer given to Bonnie. Lilypad is the basis for the story, as Bonnie turns to computer games in lieu of the toys that have been her friends for years. 

“Lilypad was a big, fat design challenge for every department,” says Production Designer Bob Pauley. The paper Lilypad in the book shows various incarnations of the device, and how the designers intricately created this fictional computer. It might be eye-opening for readers to see how precise the team was in creating Lilypad.

While Lilypad is the impetus for the storyline, the toys we have grown to love over the years are still very much part of Toy Story 5. Beside the familiar toys, plenty of new ones make their debut in the movie. And, true to their own characters, the toys continue their devotion to Bonnie.

Throughout the pages of the book, the images reinforce how intricately they designed every piece of the film and how the team diligently worked at creating another memorable story in the franchise. The character designs as well as the whole atmosphere was well thought out.

Through the art as well as the input by the filmmakers, the book provides a well-rounded look at the making of the movie. As with all of “The Art Of” books, this is a good resource for aspiring animated filmmakers and artists. It is also a nice addition to “The Art Of” library as well as fans of the movie franchise.

This is a behind-the-scenes look at the latest Toy Story film and for fans who have seen the movie it adds background and in-depth coverage of the way the movie developed.

And for those who have not yet seen the movie, this is a nice way to introduce the concept and the characters. By the way, look at page 108 where Buzz takes a ride on a robot vacuum. How cute and clever. To infinity and beyond…

  • The Art of Toy Story 5
  • Publisher  :  Chronicle Books
  • Publication date  :  May 26, 2026
  • ISBN-10  :  179723708X
  • ISBN-13  :  978-1797237084

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

‘A Stitch in Time is another comfy episode of ‘Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The next episode in the Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries series is another cozy mystery. A Stitch in Time revolves around a quilt that seems to be more than a simple yet attractive blanket.

When Cheryl and Naomi (Galadriel Stineman and Denise Gossett) go to an estate sale, Cheryl is drawn to a beautiful and unique quilt. After purchasing it, there is a lot of curiosity and interest in the item which causes the duo to wonder what is so special about this particular quilt. 

As Cheryl investigates the owners of the house where the sale was as well as the woman who made the quilt, things begin to fall into place. And when she is contacted by a young woman who also has ties to the quilt, she knows there is more to this than meets the eye.

As she uncovers (no pun intended) the history of the quilt, Cheryl is able to reunite a family that has been fractured for decades.

Besides this cozy and comfortable mystery, there are more revelations about personal relationships, mainly Naomi and Seth (Ryan O’Quinn), and Cheryl and Levi (Kevin Joy) continue their friendship that could ultimately lead to more in the future. 

A Stitch in Time, the next episode of A Sugarcreek Amish Mysteries,  premieres May 28, 2026 on UPtv and can be streamed on UP Faith and Family.

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 and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Bring Home ‘Harry and the Hendersons’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The fun 1987 film Harry and the Hendersons is now available on 4K UD. The story of the sweet and sensitive Bigfoot is a family classic.

The Hendersons are a close family. When George (John Lithgow), Nancy (Melinda Dillon), and their kids Sarah and Ernie (Margaret Langrick and Joshua Rudoy) are on a camping trip, George and Ernie hone their hunting skills. George prides himself of his animal killings and Ernie wants to follow in his father’s footsteps.

On their way back to Seattle they run into – literally – a Bigfoot. Not sure exactly what they hit, George inspects this big mass of fur. Then, realizing what they have, the whole family lift the “dead” body onto the roof of their car, take it back to their house, and hide it in the garage. All this time they think it is dead. But…it isn’t. 

Once he wakes up from the trauma, the Bigfoot makes his way into the house where he begins to cause havoc. He isn’t harmful, in any way, but he is confused. How did he end up in the city? What are all these things in the house? And, the biggie, what are the animal heads doing on the walls?

After a time, they realize Harry, the name they gave him, is not going to hurt them. On the contrary, he is a sweet fellow. But when he leaves the Henderson’s, he wanders around the city trying to return to his home in the forest. This causes plenty of “Bigfoot Sightings” and makes the newspapers and TV news. 

George is intent on finding Harry before he is harmed, knowing there are hunters around who want to kill Harry. After all, they think he is dangerous, but the Hendersons know he is definitely not a danger to anyone.

Once he is located and safely brought back to their house, Harry is treated like a member of the family. 

With the help of a Bigfoot specialist (Don Ameche), they devise a plan to return Harry to his real home. But there is a Bigfoot hunter hot on their tail, intent on baggigr the ultimate prize.

The ending leaves viewers with a good feeling. Harry, after all, is a lovable guy people have taken to their hearts since he first appeared on the big screen.

There are some bonus features included on this double disc (BD and 4KUHD). “Finding the Missing Link” is a tongue-in-cheek look at Bigfoot and sightings. “The Making of Harry and the Hendersons” takes viewers behind the scenes in a fun way and the cast discuss Harry. “Newswrap” is a combination of the making of and the magic of Harry.

Several deleted scenes, along with commentaries, round out the additional features on this 4K UHD release.

Harry and the Hendersons is rated PG. Although there are scenes of dead animals, on the whole it is a fun family film. The release date of this 4K UHD is May 26, 2026.

About the Author

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

Pro Dock – Product Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The Pro Dock from ZAGG turns any area into a comfortable workspace – even a kitchen table! Working on a laptops or tablets is much easier and expandable.

The Pro Dock comes with a sturdy stand. It doesn’t weigh too much but it is definitely not light as a feather. The stand includes an integrated USB-C cord to easily attach to an iPad or other device. It also has a power box to plug into an electrical outlet to keep your device charged.

The stand itself can be positioned in two ways. In the original position the laptop or tablet is angled. A magnetic adjustment positions the device in an upright position. Having the two angles and heights allows the user to position the screen in just the right location.

There are several ports on the base of the stand to plug in headphones, SD Cards, USB devices. A Satellite Hub adds additional ports. When the hub is plugged into the stand, the stand and hub together add 10 ports, making it a true work station for gaming, streaming, or working. All together they include 3 USB-C ports, 2 HDMI ports, 1 Audio Jack, 2 USB-A ports, 1 Ethernet port, and an SD Card Reader. Practically a port for every need.

The Satellite Hub is equipped with sticking strips to be able to secure it to a wall, under a desk, or wherever. Personally, I prefer not to attach it any specific place to be able to make the station truly portable. But for people who work mainly in one area, this is a handy feature as it helps keep the area as clutter free as possible when attached under a desk. This way all the cords are below the desktop.

All the plugs to connect the stand, satellite hub, the power box, and the laptop or tablet are included. The only thing missing is the actual laptop or tablet and the external devices. 

This Pro Dock makes a great graduation gift and a nice gift for students going off to college. It is sturdy, expands the abilities of laptops and tablets, and easy to use. There is absolutely no learning curve with this work station. Just plug in the cords and it’s ready to use. 

Do I love mine? You bet I do.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and all aspects of entertainment. In her career spanning over 30 years she has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.

Note: This unit was sent to me for an honest review with no expectations.