Bring home ‘Turning Red’

 


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.

‘Ten Percent’ illuminates a kinder, gentler talent agency built on a gentlemen’s agreement

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.

COURTESY PHOTO

‘A Life Among Whales’ is a fascinating story and important lesson

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.

‘World of Color’ is back at Disney California Adventure

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.

Honor your father and mother with a royal title

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.

‘Disneyland Forever’ fireworks spectacular returns

 

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.

The Main Street Electrical Parade is back!

It’s hard to believe it has been 50 years since Disneyland introduced The Main Street Electrical Parade. Over these last five decades the parade has come and gone various times. But every time it returns, it returns to cheers and love. For many of us, this is the ultimate Disney parade. Sure, there are others that are entertaining and as enjoyable, however the iconic Main Street Electrical Parade stands above all the others in its magic. It is the epitome of what we refer to as “Disney Magic.”

To celebrate the return of this beloved parade, there are many updates. The electronic music is still there, so take my word for it, days after you leave the park you will still have that upbeat tune dancing in your head. The electronic musical score based on “Baroque Hoedown” by Jean-Jacques Perrey and Gershon Kingsley is nothing short of mesmerizing. And that pairs perfectly with the colorful parade.

The iconic drum that leads off the parade has been updated to reflect the 50thAnniversary. And righty so. This parade is an attraction that, in days of old, would be referred to as an “E Ticket.” It is a must-see for park guests.

Maybe it is because the parade has been absent for awhile, but the lights and colors seem much brighter this time. The sights and sounds of all the floats, along with the human characters that also sport lights on their costumes, bring together an experience that is not only magical, but also memorable. It is, to put it bluntly, an electric experience.

So, what can guests expect when they watch this iconic spectacle? Plenty. As a matter of fact, the finale float is different on each side so to see it all you must view the parade from both sides of the street. And that is easy to do because the parade is scheduled to run twice a night. Check the times when you enter the park because schedules do vary.

The spinning bugs seem to get the most cheers. They are colorful and musical, and definitely have their own personalities. Elliott the dragon also has a large contingent of fans. The parade depicts scenes from Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Pinocchio.

CLICK THE LINK TO VIEW THE CLIP
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The large finale float has dolls done in the Mary Blair design. This is the woman who brought us the memorable dolls in “It’s a Small World” for the 1964 Fair.  The float is led by The Blue Fairy and depicted on this wonderful two-sided float are characters from Encanto (Mirabel and Antonio), The Jungle Book (Mowgli), Raya and the Last Dragon (Raya), Aladdin (Aladdin and Jasmin), Coco (Miguel), Mulan (Mulan), Brave (Merida), The Princess and the Frog (Tiana), Frozen (Anna and Elsa), Moana (Moana), Hercules (Baby Hercules), and Pocahontas(Pocahontas). Then following this amazing float is a colorful depiction of the castle. Mary Blair had such an influence on the Disney organization and her spirit is alive in this parade.

While the finale float passes by the folks at Disney have an added visual element. Let’s face it; they always pay attention to details. So projections on the buildings on Main Street add a little extra magic to this grand finale.

The Main Street Electrical Parade is a must-see for guests to Disneyland. In my opinion, it should be a staple in the park, but they don’t listen to me. At this time I cannot tell you how long the parade will remain.

 

There are also additional treats offered to celebrate the parade, including the parade macaron at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café, two special churro flavors, celebratory popcorn mixes and more. And at several locations throughout the park, while supplies last, guests can snack in electrifying style with the all-new light-up Elliott dragon premium bucket and light- up turtle premium sipper. (Limit two per item per guest and availability may vary throughout the summer season.)

Clothing, adorable wishables, a special Loungefly backpack, commemorative ears headband, a beautiful mug, and more are available to purchase (remember it is Disney and they are tops at merching) to remember this wonderful event.

All I can say is, “hallelujah.” I am excited for the return of this magical, musical spectacular. And if the folks at Disney are reading this, I urge them to keep the parade. It is the embodiment of what Walt Disney had in mind when he created Disneyland. It is a spectacular for all ages and filled with everything that made Disneyland The Happiest Place on Earth.

 

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, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

“Sketchbook’ on Disney+ is all about the pictures and the people

 

The newest documentary series on Disney+ is an interesting education about the creators who have drawn some of the most memorable characters in Disney films: Kuzco, Olaf, The Genie, Captain Hook, Mirabel, and Simba.

This series of shorts looks at how to draw the six characters as viewers get instructions about the art of animation. Besides learning about how to draw them, viewers also learn a little about the characters but they also get background on the animators themselves.  Every animator has a different story about how they got to where they are.

This series is a brief look at how hopes and dreams have become reality for six people who bring fun and fantasy to life. While watching the characters evolve, viewers learn about all kinds of things related to them and their stories. It’s a sneak peek into the background of the characters and the artists.

With a little patience and some trial and errors, viewers might just get comfortable drawing their own characters. Hey, it’s worth a try. And these animators make the drawing process look easy. (Of course it’s not.)

Gabby Capili – Draws Kuzco – Emperor’s New Groove
Hyun-Min Lee – Draws Olaf – Frozen
Eric Goldberg – Draws Genie – Aladdin
Jin Kim – Draws Captain Hook – Peter Pan
Samantha Vilfort – Draws Mirabel – Encanto
Mark Henn – Draws Young Simba – The Lion King

So pick up a pencil and get some paper. Check out Sketchbook and see what you can learn about these characters.

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, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

 

Courtesy photo from Disney+

‘The Duke’ arrives in theaters


From Sony Pictures Classics comes The Duke, a film not about John Wayne or Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, but about the Duke of Wellington. Actually, it’s not about the Duke of Wellington per se but rather it’s about his portrait. The movie is dramatic but also very funny with a talented cast and a story plucked from the headlines of 1961.

Kempton Bunton (Jim Broadbent) is a bumbling, talkative cabdriver married to a straight-laced woman (Helen Mirren). Their son takes after the father, to the dismay of Mrs. Bunton. Kempton is a self-proclaimed crusader for the common man, and his latest campaign is to get free television licenses for the public.

When the government purchases a Goya painting of the Duke of Wellington to display at the National Gallery, Bumpton is infuriated. For the price of the painting thousands of Brits could get free television.

Then the painting is stolen and lo-and-behold it is unwrapped in the Bunton house. Spinning a web of lies to keep the secret of the stolen painting, Kempton manages to evade the police while trying to keep his marriage on stable ground. Then he comes up with a brilliant plan to offer the painting back in return for television licenses for the public.

More deception and deceit along with some funny gaffs lead Bunton down a path of hysterical lies as he sets out determined to help the common man. Then he decides to return the painting to the gallery and is charged with the theft of the Duke. The trial is a comedy of errors, as Kempton is basically a stand-up comic in the courtroom, all the while keeping his demeanor with a dry expression on his face.

 

This true British crime and trial is the stuff of comedy dreams. And Broadbent shines as the sweet, well-meaning but sometimes dense man who feels he has to do something good for others.

 

With an A-list cast and a story ripped from the headlines, The Duke is sure to raise the attention of history fans that have not heard about this historic heist. It is the only successful heist at the National Gallery. The movie will leave audiences feeling good.

 

The film opens in theaters April 22, 2022. The Duke is rated R for language and brief sexuality.

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, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

Discover more about Queen Victoria in a new 3-part series

 

True Royalty TV, a leading streaming service for history and royalty, has released a series about Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria: In Her Own Words sheds light on the thoughts and feelings of this monarch.

Through her journals, in which she wrote practically every day, viewers get up close and personal with Victoria. She writes about her inner feelings upon first meeting Albert, then how her heart raced when she met him for the second time. In the beginning he was a bit of a wuss, as one historian describes. But he outgrew that and upon his return to Britain he was more of a man. And this man stole Victoria’s heart.

She comes across as being extremely sensual and sexual and her writing is, at times, blunt about her desires. Let’s face it, she had nine children so she definitely enjoyed the pleasures of her husband.

Viewers learn about her life as a young child and how she grew up in what was called “The Kensington System,” in which she was shielded from people and harm and only allowed to sleep with her mother. Her mother knew one day Victoria would be queen so there was no way she was going to subject her daughter to any potential harm in any way. The poor little child was forced to hold the hand of someone when she descended the stairs. Her life was not her own.

Then one night she became the Queen of England, and this young woman began to take control of her own life. Although her first years as sovereign were turbulent, it was when she married Albert that her reign truly took off.

The couple shared a passion and joy for life and upon his death her state of mind was truly bereft. She retreated from the public’s eye and wore black until her death. Victoria was devastated by the loss of Albert but went on later in her life to have two additional relationships. These are also documented in the film.

Victoria and Albert were responsible for creating a dynasty that spread over Europe. Her children were married off to royals in other countries where they hoped by joining the countries through marriage, peace would take hold. But that was not to be, as we know.

This is a fascinating biography because not only does it entail the insights and facts from historians, but it also shows Victoria’s own thoughts and words from her personal journals. As an actor reads the words, Victoria’s life comes back to life and we get a better sense of the young girl who grew into a formidable woman.

Queen Victoria: In Her Own Words is available now to stream on True Royalty TV.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.