Author: Francine Brokaw

Bring home ‘The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The new 2-disc Blu-ray release of The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm is filled with music, fantasy, fun, and plenty of bonus features. This is the story of the brothers who brought us Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Tom Thumb, Sleeping Beauty, The Golden Goose, and plenty of other stories that have entertained many generations as well as supplied bedtime stories for youngsters.

Once upon a time there were two brothers. Jacob Grimm (Karl Bohm) was conscience. Wilhelm Grimm (Laurence Harvey) had his head in the clouds but his feet on the ground. He reveled in fairy tales and prodded Jacob to work with him to compile a book of various stories that would entertain children. But Jacob was not interested, until it was evident that that was what children really wanted.

This 1962 movie is now available in a beautiful 4K restoration and looks better than the movie when it originally hit theaters. With songs, dances, and fun stories, the movie boasts a long list of actors that include Claire Bloom, Walter Slezak, Barbara Eden, Russ Tamblyn, Jim Backus, Buddy Hackett, and Yvette Mimieux. While the film runs well over two hours, it is not slow or boring. It is, rather, a sheer delight for those who love the stories penned by the German brothers.

As Wilhelm either writes or orates his stories, they play out on the screen. While the stories that have been reimagined by Disney are not part of those represented in the film, there are some wonderful Brothers Grimm tales that will delight all ages: “The Dancing Princess,” “The Cobbler and the Elves,” and “The Singing Bone.” Besides these memorable tales, the film delves into the lives of the brothers.

This Warner Archive Deluxe 2-disc Special Edition includes two Blu-ray discs; one in the restored Cinerama letterbox format and one in the restored film in the SMILEBOX format that replicates the curved way the film was projected in Cinerama theaters. There is an overture, intermission music, an Entr’acte, and exit music.

Bonus features look at how intricate and hard it was to restore the film from the original negatives. This was a long process however fans of this classic movie had been asking for a restored version for a long time. They now can enjoy the movie with brighter colors and sharper images than when it was shown in 1962. There is also a slideshow looking behind the scenes of the production. And a little featurette about how the town of Rothenberg erected a plaque to commemorate the production, which was filmed partially in that village.

The movie won the Academy Award for “Best Costume Design” and was nominated for two other Oscars. The movie runs 140 minutes, so if you are showing it to youngsters, you might want to split it up, and with the different stories portrayed in the film, as well as the musical interludes, it is easy to do without missing anything in the process.

The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm is rated G and is available where Blu-rays are sold, as well as the Warner Archive website.

‘WeCrashed’ -When the era’s preeminent unicorn turns into another ‘winning at all costs’ corrupt swine

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Arrogance has run amok lately. True crime stories of infamous dead unicorns have been made into TV shows one after another; starting with the notorious bad boy Travis Kalanick in Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber (Showtime), then Palo Alto Marie Curie Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout (Hulu), and soon a new limited series from Apple TV+ will follow.

Based on the Wondery podcast WeCrashed: The Rise and Fall of WeWork, the eight-episode limited series WeCrashed chronicles the rise of the era’s preeminent unicorn Adam Neumann (Jared Leto) and the most spectacular flameout in recent corporate history. It takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride through the lens of WeWork cofounder/wife Rebekah Paltrow Neumann (Anne Hathaway) with the egomaniacal glamour and millennial mysticism of the ‘trophy couple.’

A college dropout with neither commercial real estate experience nor entrepreneurial success, Adam is the best used-car salesman in the parking lot. He easily fits the bill of a Silicon Valley disrupter; the millennial prophet or avatar of the new economy who envisions a “capitalist kibbutz” for freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners.

Spoiled and entitled Daddy’s girl Rebekah, however, has been aimlessly drifting through her ‘fortunate’ life with neither a calling nor a passion to save her life. No wonder the poor little rich girl hitches her wagon to a supernova. When Adam’s eccentricities and bombastic arrogance may prove to be his undoing, Rebekah swoops in to protect his fragile ego and props him up with woo-woo pep talk and pixie dust magic for her unicorn to soar.

When the female employees are up in arms about Rebekah’s mission in life — women must help men “manifest their calling in life” — her solution is to buy a journalist’s silence rather than admitting that she has no light of her own. Instead, Rebekah is a lurking wife who ‘manifests’ things for Adam to enjoy and exploit. Her bravado seems so phony and overplayed; it must be a smokescreen for her gnawing unworthiness. Rebekah’s unicorn overhaul project stalls as soon as it becomes a case of the blind leading the blind — no one knows what they are babbling about: WeWork exists to “elevate world’s consciousness,” It is a movement, complete with its own catechisms, “My family is the moral compass of this company.” Huh?

Adam’s sugar daddy, SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son (Eui-sung Kim), further pours fuel on the fire by affirming that he is not crazy enough to win the game. Adam, of course, takes his words to heart and rebels against the ‘adults’ like a drunk and doped up teenage boy thanks to WeWork’s “entitled, frat-boy culture.” While Adam is an absolute holy terror with erratic behavior, Rebekah’s holier-than-thou attitude, blatant classism and the 1960’s housewife-like antiquated belief are off-putting to say the least. And if, God forbid, you should cross her, you’ll pay the price dearly!

Just like Travis Kalanick, Adam Neumann was ousted by the board, but walked away with an obscene amount of payout in exit package and consulting fee. It really makes my blood boil to think about the beleaguered “natives” who drank the Kool-Aid and worked like slaves hoping for the IPO payday down the road. The ‘trophy couple’ alternately bullied and charmed these post collegiate staff into blind and complete subservience with their empty promises — “we’re family and this is our company.” They deluded you and shamelessly exploited you. You’re all victims of a ‘folie à deux’ — the presence of the same or similar delusional ideas in two persons closely associated with one another.

By the way, is Anne Hathaway’s Rebekah the reincarnation of Elizabeth Holmes? It’s really creepy and disturbing. Just saying…

The first three episodes of WeCrashed premiere March 18 on Apple TV+, followed by a new episode debuting every Friday for the remainder of season.

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

Bring home ‘Blue Skies’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The 1946 Irving Berlin musical Blue Skies is now available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber Studio Classics.  The film stars Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Joan Caulfield.

The story is a bit reminiscent of Holiday Inn with both Crosby and Astaire infatuated with the same woman. And like Holiday Inn, the duo sing and dance a similar musical number with Astaire showing off his toe tapping skills and Crosby crooning in his usual style.

Jed (Astaire) is a Broadway star. His former vaudeville partner Johnny (Crosby) owns a nightclub where he entertains his guests with songs and fun. They are both taken with Mary (Caulfield) who is a singer in her own right. She is being seriously wooed by Jed but is in love with Johnny.

In the meantime, Johnny keeps selling his nightclubs to buy new ones. He cannot commit to his business or Mary who eventually becomes his wife, but for how long? He is definitely the epitome of wishy-washy. Jed continues to woo Mary but realizes she loves Johnny. This is a strange triangle.

Songs in the film include “Blue Skies,” “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “A Couple of Song and Dance Men” with Crosby being the song and Astaire being the dance, “A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody,” “How Deep is the Ocean,” and “White Christmas.” While this has been described as one of Berlin’s great musicals, it falls short of some of his others, namely Holiday Inn and Easter Parade. However, it is a fun story with a wonderful cast. You cannot beat Crosby’s vocals and Astaire’s twinkle toes. Blue Skies was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song (“You Keep Coming Back Like a Song”) and Best Music Score.

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.

‘Turning Red’ is adorable

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The newest animated film from Disney/Pixar is Turning Red, a fun story about family, friends, and growing up. It focuses on 13-year-old Mei Lee (voiced by Rosalie Chiang) and delves into her family life, school friendships, and her Chinese heritage.

Mei lives in Toronto with her mother Ming (Sandra Oh) and father. She is on the cusp of adolescence and under the strict thumb of her mother. Mei is dutiful daughter and happy with her life. 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.

It takes something soothing to bring her back to being human, and she discovers that friendship is a comforting part of life. After all, who would we be without our besties? Think about your own school days and the friends that shared the ups and downs with you.

When Mei and her three best friends learn their favorite boy band 4*Town is coming to Toronto, they devise a plan to earn the money for the tickets and sneak into the concert, even though their parents disapprove. But just how they go about earning the money is a little unorthodox.

Adolescence is a difficult time, especially for girls. They have physical changes and their emotions get the best of them. Their first crushes are all-important in their lives. And for Mei and her friends, they have strong crushes on the five members of 4*Town.

The film includes songs with some original songs performed by the fictional boy band. “Nobody Like U” will most likely be a song sung over and over again by the kids in your house. “1 True Love” and “U Know What’s Up” are other songs included in the film and on the soundtrack.

Turning Red is a winner. The story of Mei’s self-discovery is something many girls experience, albeit without the giant red panda. This is a film that will undoubtedly be embraced by young girls everywhere, and even boys will enjoy the story. Do not think twice about taking your kids to see it. Adults will be able to reflect on this difficult time in their own lives when the world was big, the future was scary, and it seemed like everything was fresh and new.

Director Domee Shi said about Mei, “I just love her dorky confidence. I love her spunk and her spirit.” This little girl is not only adorable, she is also engaging. “I really wanted to explore the conflicts of a young teen girl,” Shi said, “how she’s torn between being a good daughter and embracing her true messy self.” Mei is “spunky, confident, nerdy, passionate, weird and a li􏰁le bit snooty.” And she is a character audiences will take to their hearts.

The movie is rated PG for thematic material, suggestive content and language. It opens March 11, 2022 and will be available on Disney+.

Heads up – Parents might have to discuss menstruation with their kids.

Photos courtesy Disney/Pixar. All rights reserved.

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.

Void of the whys, ‘The Dropout’ treats the the queen of millennial scammer with kid gloves

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

When I first saw Elizabeth Holmes in Alex Gibney’s 2019 documentary The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley, my first thought was, “Is this a new AI?” Then, everything about her — from her unflinching stare without blinking to a strenuously forced baritone without a hint of emotional intelligence — made my blood run cold. And when she purported to disrupt the health care industry with a desktop blood-testing device that quickly performs hundreds of scans on a micro-dose of blood, I blurted out, “Yeah, right!.” It sure sounded like an empty promise from an empty vessel.

Adapted from ABC News’ investigative true crime podcast of the same name, Hulu’s The Dropout tracks Elizabeth Holmes (Amanda Seyfried) from high school through her meteoric rise as the golden child Theranos CEO to the spectacular fall from grace. The eight-episode miniseries chronologically investigates the hows behind her 15-year audacious systemic fraud sprinkled with ‘disruptive pixie dust,’ but fails to disclose the whys of her white-collar crime sagas.

The Dropout is peppered with anecdotal insights into how she becomes an evangelical revolutionary: her parents put her on a pedestal and expected her to ‘perform’ at the highest level; the advisors/followers drank the Kool-Aid, but eventually discarded like trash; the venture capitalists showed her how the game is played in Silicon Valley; her secret boyfriend/COO Sunny Balwani (Naveen Andrews) ran Theranos with an iron fist; her adversaries, naysayers, and whistleblowers wanted to expose her for a fraud and chicanery and were bullied/harassed/abused. It implies that her reflexive and knee-jerk reactions to the so-called ‘adult supervision’ are responsible for her drastic transformation from an intensely driven, socially awkward tech nerd into a ruthless visionary-turned-fraudster.

In other words, The Dropout portrays Elizabeth as the unfortunate product of the ‘fake-it-till-you-make-it’ or ‘winning at all costs’ culture, and at the same time it justifies her dress-for-success makeover to mimic her idol Steve Jobs to combat misogyny in tech industry.

If you’re interested in the whys behind the recently convicted fraudster, I’d recommend listening to the podcast. Holmes’ testimony offers more valuable tidbits in figuring out who she is and connecting the dots. The queen of millennial scammer tried her best to charm the jury into her distorted version of reality where her wins are hers and her sins and losses are everybody else’s. No apologies. No remorse. No guilt. No shame. No nothing. So much for a Palo Alto Marie Curie! Humble much?

The first three episodes of The Dropout are streaming on Hulu. One additional episode will drop every Thursdays for the remainder of season.

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. 

Spring into Love with The Hallmark Channel

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


It’s springtime. It’s daylight savings time. And it’s time for new romance on Hallmark Channel. The season is filled with new movies to put a spring in your step (no pun intended) and a smile on your face.

 

A Second Chance at Love premieres March 26, 2022. Gloria Reuben, Alvina August, Jarod Joseph, and Eriq La Salle star in this new movie about, you guessed it, second chances.

 

The following week it’s about Just One Kiss. No, this is not about a princess and a frog. It’s about what happens when two meddling mothers take their children’s love lives into their own hands. This romantic film stars Krysta Rodriguez, Santino Fontana, Illeana Douglas, and Aida Turturro.

 

Next watch A Royal Runaway Romance on April 9. The title kind of sounds like something going on with the current British Royal family at the moment. But this story  is different. It’s about Princess Amelia of Bundbury (sounds like a candy bar, doesn’t it?) who falls in love with her bodyguard. Philippa Northeast and Brant Daugherty star.

 

Then on April 16 set your TV for Love, Classified. Melora Hardin, Arienne Mandi, Katherine McNamara, and Max Lloyd-Jones star in this story about a romance writer who tries to help the romantic lives of her adult children.

 

And rounding out the season on April 23 watch for A Tail of Love, starring Brittany Bristow and Chris McNally. We all want to help animals and rescue those who need a loving home. When an animal rescue shelter’s future is in jeopardy, well, let’s just say that the animals aren’t the only ones getting love.

That rounds out the Spring into Love selection on Hallmark Channel for 2022. Enjoy the season of sunshine, flowers, and definitely romance.

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.

Fun activities for kids at Disney California Adventure’s Food and Wine Festival 2022

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

If you think the annual Food and Wine Festival at Disney California Adventure is just for adults, you are wrong. There are many activities geared for kids during the festival that runs from March 4 – April 26, 2022. And in keeping with the theme of the festival, they are focused on food.

 

Jammin’ Chefs

Jammin’ Chefs is a fun and upbeat show featuring Daisy, Clarabelle, Chip, and Dale, plus a lively MC as well as some hoppin’ chefs. The characters dance and the chefs drum (on the pots and pans) and everyone has a great time. It’s an energetic show that will put a hop in your step. And if you are a bit tired from your visit to DCA, why not stop for a brief time and enjoy the music and the characters as they put on a fun show. It’s short but sweet (no pun intended). And the MC is filled with puns that adults will enjoy while the kids are busy dancing along with the four characters.

This show is presented several times a day in the Hollywood Backlot.

 

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Unbirthday Party

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery is a new show on Disney Junior, Disney+ and Disney Channel. For the Food and Wine Festival Alice and Princess Rosa help Minnie and the MC of this show as they instruct a select group of little guests how to decorate their very own cupcake. Yep, these little girls and boys get their own cupcake and decorating kit, which includes a vanilla cupcake, icing, and sprinkles. Why don’t they let adults take part in this activity? Just watching the kids and smelling the frosting is enough to make everyone yearn for a sweet, delicious treat.

The stage is in the Hollywood Backlot. There are festive tables in the front of the area where the new little pastry chefs get to work on their cupcakes while their parents and other guests to the park look on. Minnie gets in the spirit of the show while on screen Alice and Princess Rosa lend their support. This is definitely a cute idea and a great experience for the little kids.

Even if you do not have a child taking part in this activity, take a seat on the benches and watch as the little ones work intently on decorating their cupcakes. And you’ll probably see at least a few of them eating the icing right out of the tube. Hey, it’s something I would do!

The expressions on their faces is a combination of joy and intensity as they go about their business of making their cupcakes as pretty as possible. But some of the cupcakes might not make it until the end of the show. Let’s face it, kids love to eat them (and adults too), so once in awhile you’ll catch a glimpse of a child taking a bite. I wish they would let adults do this. Sigh. Anyway, it is a great addition to the Food and Wine Festival this year and something memorable for all the little pastry chefs.

 

Alice’s Wonderland Bakery Unbirthday Party runs a few times a day. Bon Appetite.

 


About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the travel and entertainment industries for over 30 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

A new ‘Highway to Heaven’ brings back angels, hope, and love

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

From 1984-1989 Michael Landon starred as angel Jonathan Smith in the popular TV series Highway to Heaven. Last Christmastime Lifetime aired a new movie with the same title starring Jill Scott as angel Angela, with Barry Watson as Bruce who support to Angela, only after he gets over the shock that she is an actual angel. The movie is now available on DVD and Digital so viewers can watch this inspiring and heartwarming show at any time.

The original series was a family-viewing event every week in millions of homes. Watson admitted, “ It just seemed like the world needs a Highway to Heaven right now.  Everybody needs something that I think can maybe kind of like lift them up and maybe help them move beyond kind of where they’re stuck in the past maybe.”  Indeed, with what we have all been through regarding the pandemic as well as the current state of world affairs, this is a good time for some uplifting stories. While the show will not be a weekly event, Lifetime has said they will produce a series of movies.

The show does not go into specific religions, however faith is a big part of the storylines. As Scott acknowledged, “My grandmother introduced prayer to me.  And that has been a portion of my life since as long as I can remember.”

Many of us have had experiences we simply cannot explain. We have been guided in a specific direction and maybe in those cases it was an angel leading the way. Who knows for sure? But it is definitely nice to think that angels are looking out for us.

When asked about this, Watson answered, “I do believe in angels.  I believe that there are souls out there that watch over us.  I actually do.  That’s my belief.  I think that’s probably what’s got me through some of my toughest times of my life is having this universe of angels kind of looking over me and hopefully guiding me in ways I don’t know.  Even when I think I’m never gonna get out of something.  I feel like if you believe, you eventually kind of will get through it.”

Scott agrees and admitted she also believe in angels. “What I know is that people in my life, personally, have showed up and strangers that do kind things that have directed me in a different way than where I was headed.  I’ve missed gunshots.  I’ve missed fights.  I’ve missed being robbed by seconds, minutes, moments.  And I really believe that my grandmother has been a portion of that, that she’s — and all of my ancestors — just guiding me.  If that means angels to some people, then so be it.  For me, yeah.  Angels and ancestors. … So, yes, I believe in angels.”

This first movie focuses on a young student who is having a difficult time since his mother passed away the previous year. Angela steps in and with the help of her “boss” aka God, steers him in the right direction and gets him back on a good path.

With the state of the world, it is perhaps the best time to bring back a show, although it is a reboot, that is uplifting, inspiring, touches the heart, gives hope, and ends up being a feel-good experience for the entire family. Amen.

Highway to Heaven is now available on DVD (no bonus features) 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. 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.

How do you keep the poster child of unicorns from falling right off the cliff?

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

A new anthology series titled Super Pumped is slated to premier Sunday, February 27 on Showtime. The first installment Super Pumped: The Battle For Uber is based on the nonfiction book by the New York Times reporter Mike Issac and follows Travis Kalanick, a hard-charging and messianic Uber co-founder and former CEO, in his quest to build Uber into one of the world’s most valuable private companies.

The Silicon Valley elite, particularly unicorns (privately held startup companies valued at over $1 billion), stops at nothing to attain and keep their positions and power, but Travis Kalanick (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) really takes the cake when it comes to his cult leader-like maneuvers to establish and expand his kingdom. Drunk with his unprecedented successes and hungry for the world domination, Travis alternately bullies and charms not only his followers (his entourage and employees who drank the Kool-Aid), but also his army (Uber drivers he exploited) into blind and complete subservience. Travis is hard-wired to deceive, manipulate, brainwash by sweet-talking, and obliterate whoever and whatever get in the way of his grandiose visions.

The only person who calls out on Travis’ unbecoming conduct as an eminent founder is Bill Gurley (Kyle Chandler), the venture capitalist who attempts to keep Uber afloat in the early days. Despite Bill’s sincere efforts to guide, counsel, and intervene, the Jeff Bezos fanboy becomes more enmeshed in a growing megalomania, sloppy corporate governance and atrocious stewardship. When John Zimmer (John Magaro), Lyft founder, points out that Bill is enabling him to believe the world owes him win after win with no strings attached, he realizes that this is no longer a classic Silicon Valley story  — a founder and funder at each other’s throats over whose ideas are better. Bill has a tough decision to make!

”There is a lot to learn from this story and I think people should be aware of what goes on behind the curtains,” said Chandler in the virtual press conference held on February 23. Right on! Now that I know how the sausage gets made, I’m proud to announce neither have I ever used Uber nor does my investment portfolio include unethical or predatory companies like Uber. Sadly, my blacklist of companies I shouldn’t do business with is getting longer every day while my world is getting smaller and smaller. I need to be conscious about who I give money to, though; the winning at all costs mentality is damaging to our humanity. Aren’t we sick and tired of those revolutionaries who turn into fascists once they get into power?

Super Pumped: The Battle For Uber premieres Sunday, February 27, 2022 on Showtime.

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.

Disneyland Resort brings back popular nighttime spectaculars

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Disneyland Resort today announced the homecoming of four beloved nighttime spectaculars and a new grand finale to the “Main Street Electrical Parade” for its 50th anniversary. Since Disneyland Resort reopened, guests have been able to rediscover the wonders and magic of returning entertainment, and new experiences have been introduced too—highlighting the incredible momentum at the Disneyland Resort as part of its phased reopening.

On April 22, 2022, the “Main Street Electrical Parade” and “Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular will ignite the night at Disneyland Park, and “World of Color” will return to Disney California Adventure Park. “Fantasmic!” is preparing for its return to Disneyland on May 28, 2022. 

“Main Street Electrical Parade” has been a guest favorite since its debut in 1972, and the enchantment continues for a new generation of dreamers. To honor the milestone 50th anniversary of “Main Street Electrical Parade,” Disney Live Entertainment will introduce a magnificent grand finale that celebrates the theme of togetherness in an all-new float. This universal theme is reflected in the creative concept of the grand finale sequence, drawing inspiration from the original design of classic “Main Street Electrical Parade” floats and Mary Blair’s iconic art style on “it’s a small world.” The seven-segment float stretches 118 feet in length and brings to life more than a dozen Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios films, making it one of the longest and grandest sequences in the parade’s history.

“World of Color” at Disney California Adventure brings animation to life with powerful fountains that create an immense screen of water. Combining music, fire, fog and laser effects with memorable animated sequences, “World of Color” floods the senses and immerses audiences in some favorite Disney and Pixar stories.

“Disneyland Forever” fireworks spectacular is a street-to-sky celebration filled with sparkling pyrotechnics and immersive projections that envelop guests in a breathtaking journey with surprising special effects. 

“Fantasmic!” is an emotional extravaganza of colorful Disney-animated film images, choreographed to an exciting musical score and highlighted by the 45-foot-tall, fire-breathing Maleficent dragon.