Sesame Street Mecha Builders reimagines Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Abby Cadabby as robot heroes-in-training who use their STEM superpowers to solve wacky larger-than-life problems. Animated in a dynamic 3D style, the series helps preschoolers practice foundational critical thinking skills while laughing along with their Sesame Street friends. The series introduces children to STEM concepts like simple machines, force, and properties of matter, illustrated with help from the Mechas and their unique powers. Across 26 episodes – each containing two complete 11-minute stories – the friends get into all kinds of silly situations, whether they’re using a wedge to split a giant banana for an ice cream statue or learning how to measure cables for a zipline through the trees. Lively animation — provided by Toronto-based firm Guru Studios – opens up imaginative possibilities like Mecha Cookie’s “Hammer Hand,” Mecha Abby’s stretchy arms, and the Mechas’ ability to go “Mecha Big” and “Mecha Tiny” to solve problems on every scale.
Mecha Builders will begin Monday, May 9 on Cartoonito on Cartoon Network at 8:00 a.m. ET/PT and Tuesday, May 10 on Cartoonito on HBO Max.
Now kids can see their favorite Sesame Street characters in a whole new light.
Flower Drum Song is a beloved musical from Rogers and Hammerstein, who also brought us Carousel, South Pacific, Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, The King and I, Cinderella (for TV), and more. From C.Y. Lee’s novel “The Flower Drum Song,” the story was initially adapted for Broadway then for film. It was reprised recently for an updated version.
The film is set in San Francisco’s Chinatown and revolves around a wealthy family struggling with the traditions of old China and modern America in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. When his picture bride Mei Li and her father (Miyoshi Umeki and Kam Tong) arrive illegally from China, Sammy Fong (Jack Soo) is in a bind. He is in love with Linda Low (Nancy Kwan) and must find a solution for the dilemma.
Sammy turns to the wealthy traditional Chinese family headed by Wang Chi-Yang (Benson Fong) who wants his oldest son Wang Ta (James Shigeta) to marry a woman from the old country. The father takes the advice of his sister-in-law Madame Liang (Juanita Hall) to let the two fall in love naturally, so Mei Li and her father move into their house hoping that love will conquer all.
As the characters struggle with American life butting against Chinese culture, there are some funny scenes as well as memorable songs by legendary composers Rogers and Hammerstein: “Don’t Marry Me,” “Chop Suey,” “Grant Avenue,” “I Enjoy Being a Girl,” “Love Look Away,” “You Are Beautiful, “A Hundred Million Miracles,” and more.
The new Blu-ray from Kino Lorber includes some excellent bonus features. The first looks at how C.Y. Lee’s novel came to be and how it was adapted for the stage then ultimately for the screen. Interviews with Lee, Hammerstein, and others bring this evolution to the viewers. There is another feature looking at the cast of both the Broadway play and then the theatrical film. Many people might not realize Jack Soo was born Jack Suzuki and was offered a part in the Broadway play provided he change his name to reflect the Chinese character, which he immediately agreed to do. A feature looking at the songs and how they evolved throughout the previews of the play and then the film is informative and interesting. Rogers and Hammerstein were nothing short of brilliant when it came to writing songs.
A bonus looks at the sets and costumes as well as the brief location shoots in San Francisco. And another feature focuses on the evolution of Hollywood’s inclusion of Asian actors. Flower Drum Song was the first all-Asian cast. And the final bonus feature looks at the legacy of Rogers and Hammerstein. The bonus features on the Blu-ray are as entertaining and wonderful to watch as the film itself.
East meets West in this enchanting musical. Flower Drum Song is a classic among not only musicals but also films in total. It was nominated for five Academy Awards (cinematography, set decoration, costumes, sound, musical score). The film is not rated however it is suitable for all ages.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years and 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.
For a limited time Star Wars fans have even more to be excited about in Disneyland. There are special events celebrating all things Star Wars!
Space Mountain has been turned into Hyperspace Mountain through July 4. And to celebrate its 35th anniversary, Star Tours: The Adventures Continues as guests experience the Star Wars galaxy. And in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, there is a battle brewing between the Resistance and the First Order on the Millennium Falcon.
Guests always enjoy encounters with the characters, and for this special event R2-D2, Kylo Ren and Rey, Chewy, Ewoks, and more are on hand to greet guests and take photos. Plus special Magic Shots (with the assistance of Disney photographers) are offered featuring Grogu (the adorable child from The Mandelorian), Stormtroopers, and K-2SO.
During this celebration Disney has not forgotten the best part (in my opinion), which is the food! Ha. Disney Chefs are incredible and have come up with some imaginative and interesting offerings. Some of the offerings include: New Bubo Wamba Family Farms Cup (Milk Stand at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), Blue Milk: Mon Cala Swirl (Milk Stand at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), Parfait of Mustafar (Galactic Grill in Tomorrowland), Ishi Tib-style Pasta with Braised Beef Banthak (Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge), and Sullust Garlic Chips (Jat Kaa’s Coolers at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge). And keep your eyes out for a Wookie cookie!
Over in Tomorrowland Stormtroopers are on the march. They will surprise even the most vigilant guest.
New merchandise will be on sale throughout the event and the Grand California Resort and Spa has decorated its lobby with a Star Wars theme.
This tribute to the movie and TV franchise does not stop in Anaheim. Even Alaska Airlines has changed one of its planes to celebrate Star Wars. Talk about out of this world. Well, I guess it’s not really out of this world, but it is off the ground.
The force is strong at the Disneyland Resort. And guests are really getting into the spirit. With special performances along the Rivers of America by The Cantina Band, a group of Stormtroopers marching through Tomorrowland, transformations of attractions, food and merchandise, this is what Star Wars fans have been waiting for. True fans are on top of the world with this event.
Click below to see a preview video of this event:
If you are a fan of Star Wars, this is a must-do for you. And on May 27, 2022 catch the Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite. This is a very special event:
Early Admission
Enjoy Disneyland Park admission beginning at 6:00 PM, no theme park reservation required.
Star WarsFireworks Spectacular
Fan of the dark side or the light side? Watch an amazing pyrotechnical spectacle illuminate the skies!
Character Experiences
Enjoy sightings of belovedStar Wars Characters throughout the evening.
Galactic Dance Party
Bust a move at an epic event sure to makeStar Wars history!
Strike a Pose
Let Disney PhotoPass photographers capture shots—and incredible memories—against event-themed backdrops.
After-Hours Access to Attractions
Ride some of the park’s most unforgettableStar Wars-themed attractions—including Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (subject to availability, which may vary and is not guaranteed) throughout the event, usually with shorter wait times.
Themed Eats
Gobble goodies that are out of this galaxy—purchase unique dining experiences with sweet and savory menu options at select Disneyland Park locations.
Themed Merchandise
Attendees will have the opportunity to purchaseStar Wars-themed items, while supplies last.
Commemorative Keepsakes
Receive a souvenir credential and event guide as well as unlimited downloads of Disney PhotoPass digital photos taken during the party*. (Credentials and guides are limited to one per ticketed person.)
Inspired Attire
Dust off those lightsabers! Dress up as your favoriteStar Wars (See Costume Guidelines on the website.)
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. Follow her on Twitter.
To Mom (and Dad) With Love is the newest Peanuts show and it is filled with all the fun of the Peanuts gang along with some very emotional scenes. As the kids try to figure out what to do for their moms for Mother’s Day, Peppermint Patty and Woodstock are left out.
Schroeder has his gift all figured out. He is writing a Sonata for his mom. Linus decides to write his mom a sweet letter while his sister Lucy wants to create a craft project. Pig Pen decides on a box of chocolate and Patty has a crisp five- dollar bill to give her mom. It’s the thought that counts.
Charlie and Sally decide to do something jointly for their mom while Marci has baked cupcakes. Okay, so now all the gang has a pretty good idea what they will do for Mother’s Day. Well, all except a couple.
Little Woodstock misses his mother. All he has to remember her by is a photo. So Snoopy decides to take his pal on a trek to find Woodstock’s mom. Will they be able to locate the tree with the nest where Woodstock and his siblings were born?
Peppermint Patty is outraged by the holiday. She hates Mother’s Day. While the viewers learn why this little girl is the way she is and how she was brought up, don’t be surprised if a tear wells up in your eyes. Peppermint Patty has never had a mother, so her buddy Marci decides to help her maneuver through the emotions of the celebration Peppermint Patty has always dreaded.
In the end they all share the joy of this special day that celebrates not only moms but also dads. After all, love is love.
To Mom (and Dad) With Love is a sweet, sentimental, and sensitive story with the kids (and dog and bird) we all know and love. It premieres on Apple TV+ May 6, 2022.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. 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.
Turning Red is the fun story of Mei. Mei lives in Toronto with her mother Ming and father. She is an overachiever, excited about life, and if her mother has anything to say about it, Mei will be a future UN Secretary General.
Then something strange happens to Mei. One night she turns into a giant red panda. Upon learning that the women in her family turn into pandas when they reach adolescence, Mei is horrified. But there is a solution. When the next red moon rises, the family will perform a ritual to vanquish the panda from her life so she can return to her old self. In the meantime, however, Mei is stuck morphing into the panda when she gets too excited, which is quite often.
While Mei tries to keep her panda in check, she and her friends figure out that using the red panda will help them earn enough money to attend the upcoming concert of the boy band 4 Town. They are at the age when their bodies are not only changing (Mei more than the others) but also their emotions. They are, simply put, boy crazy, and this concert is a “must see” for them
But Mei is torn between the concert and her ritual. She is also becoming attached emotionally to her inner panda. What is a girl to do? Well, that is the question Mei must figure out for herself. After all, she is growing up and even though she loves her family, she knows she has to start taking charge of her own life.
The bonus features are interesting. There is a featurette about creating the scene where Mei first transitions into the panda. Viewers learn how making one scene in an animated film is intense and challenging.
Another bonus looks at several deleted scenes. Personally, I wish they had retained the scene in which Mei and her mom go to the photography studio to have their picture taken. Alas, the filmmakers decided it was not necessary to the plot. There are several other deleted scenes, which never made it to the final cut. After watching them (some were finished and some just sketched out) it is obvious that they were not necessary for the story. Another bonus looks at creating the music in the film.
The filmmakers decided to blend a little anime in with the usual Disney/Pixar animation. This style added a little punch to the show.
Mei – both the human and the fluffy panda – has been taken to heart by fans. There are plenty of toys to go along with the show. Whether fans want a plush human Mei or a soft and fluffy panda Mei, they are available along with plenty of other items.
Turning Red is available on Blu-ray, DVD, 4K Ultra, 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. Follow her on Twitter.
Can you imagine being on the receiving end of fury of a disgruntled has-been prima donna? I was not privy to how she was roped into the role — way above my pay grade —, but she was promised the world and then unceremoniously dropped like a hot potato.
While the betrayed and abandoned dragon diva was biting my head off and spewing venom at every turn, her so-called agent was simply too busy providing a good bit of handholding for an up-and-coming ingénue the film director was crazy about. And she was also working on getting herself a role in front of a camera.
Geez, who died and made you agent? Your negligence in handling your irate diva is certifiable. I’ve had enough of dangerously self-absorbed and despicable people like you! Now there’s a new show about a talent agency…Nuh-uh, no way!! I’m not even going to go there.
The Sundance Now original series Ten Percent, however, turns out to be a workplace dramedy with a lot of heart. The eight-episode remake of hit French series Call My Agent! centers around a small boutique stalwart agency Nightingale Hart in bustling world of London’s entertainment industry.
Jonathan Nightingale (Jack Davenport), the Prince Charles at Nightingale Hart, has been waiting for his life to begin even as he approaches middle age. Richard (Jim Broadbent) asked his only son to join the agency he had co-founded with Stella Hart (Maggie Steed), but did not groom him to take over the business one day. After his unexpected departure, the agency scrambles to retain Richard’s clients — as a team, not a fire sale — and keep the lights on.
Stella, co-founder/senior partner/major shareholder, is a gentlewoman of the old school; gracious, mannerly, principled, and absolutely committed to her clients. She is determined to maintain the founding motto — mutual loyalty through thick and thin — built on a gentlemen’s agreement. Stella is joined by fellow agents — Rebecca (Lydia Leonard) and Dan (Prasanna Puwanarajah) — for voting against climbing into bed with Americans. However insecure and self-conscious Jonathan might feel with his precarious position, he alone has to make the most difficult decision of his privileged and entitled life.
Julia (Rebecca Humphries), Jonathan’s frenzied and fanatic assistant, watches over him with hawk-eyed scrutiny and anticipates and satisfies his every whim. Lately, Julia is up in a tizzy wondering why a new hire Misha (Hiftu Quasem) and Jonathan are on such familiar terms. Who is Misha? And why does Ollie (Harry Trevaldwyn), Dan’s assistant, like her so much?
Unlike the epicenter of the entertainment industry — a hotbed of cut-throat viciousness, backstabbing, egotism, blatant nepotism, and comedy/tragedy (depending on how you look at it) —, London remains to be kinder, gentler fringe Hollywood where loyalty, friendship, courtesy and respect are nurtured and maintained. With such a sense of ‘British sensibility’ incorporated, Ten Percent is undeniably warm, touching, charming and normal; ordinary, flawed people doing their best while their clients — even A-listers — are insecure, vulnerable and perfectly relatable human beings you want to root for.
It reminds me of that warm and fuzzy feeling I always get from watching The Great British Baking Show née The Great British Bake Off. Mix good character, mutually beneficial etiquette, best efforts, and grace in losing and bake for an hour — voila! — out comes the hearty ‘television comfort food’ fresh from the oven!
The first two episodes of Ten Percent premiere on Sundance Now and AMC+, AMC Networks’ streaming services, on Friday, April 29, 2022 followed by a new episode every Fridays. If you don’t subscribe to the streaming services, BBC America airs the first episode on Sunday, May 1 with one episode weekly thereafter.
About the Author
Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of thought-provoking and paradigm shifting human drama worth our precious time. She is a member of Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter.
Dr. Roger Payne is an activist and biologist who has dedicated his life to the survival of whales. This has not been an easy task because humans have yet to embrace the fact that other species are valuable to not only the planet but also to the human race. A Life Among Whales is the story of Dr. Payne and his dedication to educate the world about whales and their fragility in the ecosystem.
For many of us it seems natural that we would want to save the whales, yet there are those who have no hesitation or guilt to brutally kill the magnificent creatures. And the manner in which the animals are killed (or brutally assassinated) is shameful. To learn about this is quite frankly nauseating, yet it is important. We must all learn that there are those who do not take the sanctity of these animals’ lives to heart.
Whales are marvelous animals. They are smart and have been known to save humans. So how can people kill thousands of them and continue to do so? This is a question that needs to be addressed. And Dr. Payne has taken the steps to educate the world about the lives, history, and wonders of the whales.
Payne is responsible for discovering Whale songs. Whales do sing. And a bonus feature on the DVD has two tracks from his landmark album “Songs of the Humpback Whale.” This is fascinating and should awaken or stir the emotions of people. And once the majority of the population realizes the greatness of whales, perhaps we will join together in a worldwide effort to finally save them. That is Payne’s hope.
Time is running out. Although it might not seem like a dire emergency, it truly is. This documentary is something that should be shared to all generations even though there are some brutal scenes. It is important for everyone to learn about the whales and also about what mankind is doing to them. Imagine a world without whales.
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.
Another nighttime spectacular has returned to the Disneyland Resort. “World of Color” is nothing short of stunning.
For those of us old enough to remember the TV show Wonderful World of Color (1961-1969) hosted by Walt Disney and Tinker Bell, this is a throwback, in a way. It was originally conceived as a “living Fantasia” combining animation, color, light, water, and music. And the opening and closing music is the theme from the TV show. Wow, that definitely takes me back.
The water in Paradise Bay features about 12000 fountains that are programmed to coordinate with the music. Height, angle, and color intensity are altered to various positions throughout the show. And a wall of water provides the screen for projections, which show scenes from different Disney shows. Besides the lights in the water the Incredicoaster and the Pixar Pal-A-Round Ferris Wheel also light up to harmonize with the show, immersing guests in all the magic.
WALL-E, Eve, Jack Sparrow, Dory, Marlin, Crush, Squirt, Ariel, Sebastian, Woody, Buzz, Aladdin, Jasmine, Belle, Beast, Simba, Mufasa, Scar, and more appear on the projections, accompanied by the memorable music we all know and love.
Music, water, and color are each uplifting elements in their own right, so combining them creates a spectacular worthy of the word. There is no way anyone can leave the show unhappy. It is pure delight.
Available for the first time is a dessert party package where guests can purchase a delicious dessert box (cheese, crackers, grapes, and several sweet delights) and also get a reserved location for the show. There is also a dining package complete with a 3-course meal at the Wine Country Trattoria or Carthay Circle Restaurant. Plus, the Storytellers Café at the Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offers an all-you-care-to-eat buffet with a reserved viewing voucher for the show. What a great combination. Food and a show beginning at $50 for adults and $25 for kids ages 3-9. Check the app or website for the various options and pricing.
Do I recommend “World of Color”? Definitely. It is a must-see for guests in Disney California Adventure. Check the Disneyland mobile app or Disneyland.com website for times and more information. Enjoy!
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.
With Mother’s Day fast approaching and Father’s Day not far behind, people might be wracking their brains trying to figure out what to get their spouse or parents. Why not a royal title? It’s easy and the new Lord or Lady will be able to boast about being a titled person.
Titles are distributed from Celtic Titles, a leading innovator in land preservation. By purchasing a souvenir plot of land on Slievekirk Wood Estate in Ardmore, Ireland, recipient gets the title of Lord of Ardmore or Lady of Ardmore.
Recipients receive a certificate of title, a letter depicting the precise location of the plot and the registration code, and a few other goodies. The best part is the bragging rights though. How exciting it feels to bestow on someone an Irish title. And your mom or dad (or spouse) will feel like a king or queen. Well, actually a Lord or Lady.
The plots range in size from one square foot to one thousand square feet. The smallest plot is a mere $60. That is less than a bouquet of flowers and it lasts forever.
In addition to this amazing and unique gift, buyers help the environment and the beautiful land of Ireland. The proceeds go to help fund the rescuing of woodlands, tree planting, maintenance, and acquisition of land as risk of development. So this is basically a win-win situation. You help the land and get a fun gift in the process. And those holding the title are welcome to visit their plot of land any time.
You don’t have to be Irish to have an Irish title. This is one of the most imaginative, fun, and unique ways to show your love and appreciation this Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. The only problem is coming up with a way to top this next year!
For more information go to their website to purchase the land/title, and other goodies.
About the Author
Lady 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, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.
Making a triumphant return to Disneyland is the “Disneyland Forever” Fireworks show. This is not only a fireworks display (something Disney does so well) but it is also a show that immerses guests in the wonders of many of the Disney films with projections on the buildings, music we all know and love, and some special guests flying above.
Sleeping Beauty’s castle glows with colors and projections as the show progresses and the fireworks explode above. The guests are brought into the story of the chimney sweeps from Mary Poppins, Peter Pan (with Tinker Bell flying above the castle), Rapunzel, Winnie the Pooh (Heffalumps and Woozles), The Lion King, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, Finding Nemo (with Nemo swimming above the castle), and Frozen.
If you are on Main Street U.S.A., the buildings will also show the projections and during the Frozen sequence snow falls on the crowd. This is one of the added Disney touches that help bring the magic to the show. But don’t worry if you decide to watch the show from the other side of the park. The “It’s a Small World” façade is also a place to see some of the great projections that go along with the music and the fireworks.
As Walt Disney said, “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.” And there is plenty of imagination left.
Step into the magic with the Disneyland Forever Fireworks spectacular.
Wind prohibits the fireworks display and there are other considerations. Check for times on the Disneyland app or website.
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, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.
