Author: Francine Brokaw

Bring Home ‘Ella McCay

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Ella McCay stars Emma Mackey in the title role. Ella is the Lieutenant Governor of an Eastern state (much of the movie was filmed in Rhode Island). When the Governor (Albert Brooks) is tapped for the Secretary of the Interior, Ella’s role is then uplifted to Governor, which she is excited about. 

Ella is an idealistic young woman. Having grown up with her aunt Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis) after her mother died and her philandering father (Woody Harrelson) left. Ella has been a determined woman whose life has always been about helping others.

Her husband Ryan (Jack Lowden), on the other hand, is a narcissistic man whose only objective is elevating his own status. He has no compunction about throwing his wife or anyone under the bus to elevate his own stature. In short, he is an evil and self-centered man.

Estelle (Julie Kavner), Ella’s assistant/secretary, is quite the opposite. She would do anything the help Ella succeed.

This comedy is filled with some cute scenes, including those with Ella’s brother Casey (Spike Fearn) and especially with Helen, who has some of the best lines in the film.

While Ella is busy trying to help the people of her state, she hits many walls. After all, it’s politics. Juggling her personal and professional lives turns out to be much harder than she anticipated.

Two bonus featurettes look at the making of the film and the cast. Plus they take a look at writer/director James L. Brooks who has brought so many memorable films to the screen.

A blooper reel as well as several deleted scenes round out the bonuses.

Ella McCay is now available on digital and Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home, then streams exclusively on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S., and on Disney+ internationally starting February 5, 2026. The film will also be available on Blu-ray March 3, 2026.

Ella McCay is rated PG-13 for strong language, some sexual material, and drug content, including discussions of infidelity, implied sexual situations, marijuana use (accidental), and moderate profanity with some sexual and crude terms, along with brief physical conflict and a concussion.

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.

Images supplied courtesy Fox/Disney
*Bonus features vary by product and retailer.

Bring Home ‘Zootopia 2’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The celebrated sequel to the 2016 hit  animated film Zootopia, Zootopia 2 (2025), is now available on digital platforms, complete with an abundance of bonus features.  The original cast (both animated and voice) return for another fun-filled adventure, featuring everyone’s favorite police team Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde.

Now Judy and Nick once again team up to save the day, although it is touch and go throughout the film. 

Zootopia is a utopian world with animals of all kinds inhabiting the lands, with a weather wall dividing the various climates making each location comfortable for the different animals. The wall was thought to be the invention of the Lynxley family, but as Judy surmises, there is something amiss with the whole history.

When she meets Gary, a snake on a mission, all her previous ideas about reptiles are proven wrong. Reptiles were said to be dangerous to mammals, so they were exiled a long time ago. And the Lynxley family intends on keeping them away. But Gary knows a secret. His great grandmother was the original inventor of the weather walls, however the devious Lynxleys outsmarted her to take the honor.  Now Gary intends on proving that snakes and reptiles are not the evil ones. The evil culprits are the Lynxleys.

Once Judy figures out what is going on, she is hot on the trail, along with Gary, and Nick is close behind. They are out to obtain the proof of the original weather walls patent, which belonged to Gary’s family. Gary is a cute character, even for those viewers who are afraid of snakes, but let’s face it, animated snakes are not scary, at least Gary is not. He is loyal to those who are on his side, and will do anything to get the evidence and secure his family and all reptiles’ reputations.

Disney does sequels almost better than anyone and this is a prime example. Zootopia 2 is just as entertaining and delightful as the original.

Besides the fun story, the film has plenty of nods to other movies, as well as a scene where the Matterhorn from Disneyland is seen. As for the Easter Eggs, look for nods to The Little Mermaid, Star Wars, Ratatouille, Frozen, and more. The movie is rife with Easter Eggs.

Zootopia 2 is a pure delight from start to finish.

Bonus Features – on digital and Blu-ray/4kUHD/DVD

“The Zookeepers” is a feature the with Writer/Director Jared Bush and Director Byron Howard as they take viewers behind the scenes at Disney Animation. From the story room where the stories are fleshed out, to storyboarding the scenes, to the animation team, this was a long process. 

The ideas for the stories get bounced around then sent to the artists, then to the editing team for review. Viewers get an inside look at this process.

They explain it takes Disney Animation 3-5 years to make a feature film. And most times it is well worth the time and talent. This feature the is a cute and fun peek inside the animation building.

“A City of Stars” is a fun look at the way the voice talent “act” while supplying the voices of the characters. They are video recorded to help the animators bring their emotions to the screen.

“Everybody Can Draw” describes how one animating supervisor follows his or her character through the process to make the sure the character is seamless throughout the movie. And there is a little lesson on how to draw Nibbles.

“Zoo-prising Secrets” delves into the many Easter Eggs that pop up throughout the film. And there are a lot of them!

“Wilde Times in the Booth” is another cute look at the voice actors as they animate themselves and their moves are then animated and combined into their characters.

“The Treat Trolly” is really not about the movie. It is about how the people at Disney Animation are cared for with plenty of treats, thanks to Walt Disney.

A music video by Shakira and nine deleted scenes round out the bonus features. Actually, some of the deleted scenes would have worked in the film, but the powers that be thought otherwise. You be the judge.

Zootopia 2 is rated PG for some thematic elements, rude humor, and action.

It is now available on digital and will be available  on 4K Ultra HD™ Blu-ray™ and DVD beginning March 3, 2026.

There is no doubt Judy Hopps is an inspirational and lovable character. And add Nick Wilde and you get a cute team that are bound to return for a third adventure. Stay tuned.

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.

*Bonus features vary by product and retailer.

Images supplied courtesy Disney

 

‘Survivor’ animated film is a must-see true holocaust story

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

To honor International Holocaust Remembrance Day, this new animated film Survivor is a must-see, especially for the younger generations. It is a touching story of one little boy who survived the horrific holocaust. Survivor is based on a true story.

The film will be available for free for only 24 hours on January 27, 2026 on YouTube. After that, it will only be available for ChaiFlicks members beginning January 28, 2026.

ChaiFlicks is a streaming channel focusing on quality stories about Jewish life and culture. 

Survivor is a moving story that will tug at everyone’s hearts. It is dedicated to the 6 million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust – and to those like Ivor, who survived. He was a miracle, unlike millions of others.

The story of 12-year-old Ivor and his friend Alec is beautifully brought to the screen through simple animation that is more emotional than any real-life film could be. It is a must-see, especially during these times of hate.

Never again should anyone have to experience what Ivor went through. Never Again.

In his later years, Ivor Perl, whose story this is, said, “The Holocaust happened in broad daylight, in plain sight – with the world watching.”

Award-winning animator Zoom Rockman explained, “When I read Ivor’s story, I immediately began to visualize it as a film—one I could bring to life through my paper puppet animation to create something both powerful and accessible, especially for audiences who might not otherwise engage with this vital subject matter. I deliberately chose to tell Ivor’s story in a Gen Z–inspired style to ensure what happened remains present in the memory of rising generations.”

With this simple animation and the beautiful music by composer Erran Baron Cohen, the impact of the story is much more dramatic. And definitely memorable.

Make sure to mark your calendar for January 27, 2026 to experience the touching story of little Ivor, an innocent little boy who faced the most horrific time in modern human history. 

On January 27, 2026, go to this link for your free 24-hour access to Survivor.

For more about this film and others, go to the ChaiFlicks website.

Neil Friedman, CEO of ChaiFlicks states, “This is a profoundly moving and important film that we are honored to share with the world on such a meaningful day. Stories like Survivor must be seen, remembered, and passed on to as many people as possible. We are deeply honored to provide a platform for this uniquely crafted account of a child’s Holocaust survival, making it accessible to audiences everywhere on YouTube and our platform at no cost on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.”

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.

Images courtesy ChaiFlicks

Lunar New Year 2026 Celebrations at Disneyland Resort

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

It’s the YEAR OF THE HORSE!

The Lunar New Year celebrations have kicked off at the Disneyland Resort with new outfits, 35 new food and beverage options, and Far East celebrations. Guests can also meet and greet Red Panda Mei from Turning Red. The Sip and Savor Pass is once again an option for sampling a variety of food.

Guests can ring in the Year of the Horse with Clarabelle Cow and Goofy in their all-new outfits inspired by traditional Vietnamese attire during Lunar New Year in Disney California Adventure park in Anaheim, Calif., from Jan. 23 through Feb. 22, 2026. This joyous festival honors Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions with spectacular experiences, limited-time cuisine, themed décor and fun-filled activities. (Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort)

 

New Netflix series ‘Finding Her Edge’ is a teen drama with skating artistry

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The new teen drama series Finding Her Edge combines plenty of young adult drama with the beauty of ice skating. While it revolves around the skating competitions and sports challenges, there is plenty to dissect in the characters.

We have all heard about stage mothers whose lives revolve around pushing their children in front of the camera at every turn. Well, this show has a father whose whole life is about making his daughters ice skating champs, whether they want it or not.

Will Russo (Harmon Walsh) was an Olympic champion with his late wife back in the day. Now he runs a skating rink/academy where he intends on having his daughters train to become as famous and brilliant at the sport as he and his wife were. Everything looks polished and shiny on the outside, but Will is having problems keeping the rink afloat financially. However, the financial side is only half of his problems.

Elise Russo (Alexandra Beaton) is the oldest of the three sisters. She is favored to be a world champion, but Elise is not entirely sure that is what she really wants for her life. Yes, she is a beautiful skater, but is her heart in it?

Adriana Russo (Madelyn Keys), the middle child, faces plenty of emotional issues. She left the sport after her mother died and has been helping her dad with the business side, but deep down she wants to get back on the ice.

And Maria Russo (Alice Malakov), the youngest daughter, is a bit of a rebel. She says she has always been thought of as the “little ice baby,” but what does she want for herself?

While the three girls are facing personal internal conflict, they are being trotted out to perform, aka skate. They are expected to uphold and carry on the Russo dynasty. Will Will keep pushing them or will he ultimately see their true desires? And, the sibling rivalry and conflicts also add to the plot.

Now add in Freddie (Olly Atkins), Adriana’s former skating partner, who is back with a new partner who happens to be Adriana’s good friend. Adriana and Freddie were a couple on and off the ice, but now they are simply skaters following new paths. Their old feelings for each other, however, bubble to the surface. They are now competitors in the ice dancing competitions, but they harbor deep personal feelings for each other.

And Brayden (Cale Ambrozic) is an ego-centric skater who knows he is talented, good-looking, and destined for greatness. When things look bleak for the Russo family, Adriana decides to team up with him and she finally gets back on the ice to fulfill her passion. 

Finding the amazing feeling of a great skating performance is in Adriana’s soul. Her sisters also feel the rush of a good performance but there is more magic in it for Adriana.

Add to the mix some other skaters training with Team Russo and you have the lineup of characters in this series. The drama aside, there are plenty of great ice skating scenes.

The business side of ice skating is always in the background. They need sponsorships, good publicity, and plenty of coverage in the media. Will Russo is a tough man, with his daughters as well as the business. And it is a business.

Sometimes it is as if Will does not care about his daughters’ lives. He simply wants to make them champions to carry on his legacy. But will he change and see what is really important to them? Is skating and being a champion as important to them as it is to him? Stay tuned. The final episode sparks a change of direction for several of the characters, leading to an unexpected tease for the next season.

The series follows these characters while exploring the cutthroat business of competition. It delves into sibling rivalries and relationships with the Russo sisters, and romantic relationships with the  various characters.

With the Olympics coming in Milan, Italy next month (February 2026), this is perfect timing to take a peek at what goes into training, the emotional and physical challenges, and the business itself.

The eight episodes of season one of Finding Her Edge are available on Netflix. The series is rated TV-PG.

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 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.

Images are supplied courtesy NETFLIX 2026

‘Solo Mio’ is an emotionally charged story

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The newest feature film from Angel Studios, Solo Mio, takes viewers on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Kevin James stars as Matt Taylor, a man who finds himself in an unexpected situation but manages to forge on.

Matt is at the altar, dressed in his suit, waiting for his fiancée Heather (Julie Ann Emery) to walk down the aisle. But that doesn’t happen. He has literally been left at the altar, in Rome, far from family and friends, and stuck with an extravagant honeymoon package for two. What’s a person to do?

Matt is numbed by the situation, however he decides to experience Rome and Italy the way he and Heather were supposed to do, but now he is on his own. Two other American couples have also signed up for the honeymoon package and when they see Matt is alone, they take him into their little circle.

Julian (Kim Coates) and Meghan (Alyson Hannigan) are an odd couple. They have been married and divorced from each other several times. And Neil (Jonathan Roumie) and Donna (Julee Cerda) are also a bit odd. Nevertheless, the four soon become five, as Matt goes along with the planned itinerary. 

Gia (Nicole Grimaudo) owns the little coffee shop by the hotel and sees that Matt is alone and a bit out of place. They form a friendship that allows Matt not to feel so alone, even though he is single on a honeymoon vacation. 

As the days roll on and Matt tries to contact Heather, slowly he relaxes and sinks into a more calm state of mind. He can do this. He was alone before Heather so he can be alone now. But this time things are different. He had his life planned out, with Heather by his side. Now he has no one by his side – except Julian and Neil who take it upon themselves to help him get back into the game.

Even though Matt experiences the depths of emotions, falling into a deep funk after being left at the altar, there is a bright side. People are not all cruel and unfeeling, as he soon finds out. And Gia is the emotional support he has needed all this time. But is he ready to enter another relationship? It has only been a few days since Heather left him alone and in despair.

Going through the motions of the activities in the honeymoon package helps ease the harsh reality of what happened. And Gia is a sweet, kind, and understanding woman who is there to support him.

The sights of Rome and Tuscany add to the story as Matt experiences the beauty and history of Italy. And the music adds an additional element to this touching tale.

Finding oneself and one’s place in life is the theme in this film, as well as second chances at love.  And for Matt Taylor, it took a broken engagement to find his true love. Viewers take this emotional ride with Matt as Kevin James portrays him with depth and heart.

Solo Mio is a heartfelt and heartening story from the studio that brought David, The Last Rodeo, and others to the big screen. It opens in theaters February 6, 2026, and is rated PG.

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.

Images supplied courtesy ANGEL

It’s piggy time with a ‘Babe’ double feature

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

There is a new Blu-ray double feature release of Babe and Babe: Pig in the City. Both Babe and Babe: Pig in the City have been released by Kino Lorber separately on 4K UHD, however the new double feature is only on Blu-ray.  The double feature has plenty of fun entertainment for hours of family viewing with the adorable little pig known as “Babe.”

When Babe came out in 1995, kids enjoyed the adventure of the little piglet who was won and adopted by farmer named Arthur Hoggett (James Cromwell). The mild-mannered farmer keeps the pig, who was destined for Christmas dinner, and not as a guest. Farmer Hoggett captured the hearts of viewers for saving the little fellow.

Babe became friends with the other animals on the farm, however there were some who do not care for the newcomer. Nevertheless, this sweet little pig captured the love of viewers of all ages.

And with the love the little pig received by young and old, the studio made a sequel three years later. This time Babe is taken to the city with the intent of winning a big prize to save the farm. Unfortunately, the little pig gets separated from Esme Hoggett.

In the city, Babe is now trying to survive and find a way back to Esme, the farmer’s wife, who is in the city with him to hopefully win the big prize money. Their objective is to save the farm from bankruptcy, but now Babe needs to save himself, and along the way joins with other animals who are also trying to survive.

On cold winter nights, this double feature provides plenty of fun pig adventures with the little pig who is beloved by all ages and who has been a favorite for over 30 years!

Babe: Pig in the City is  little darker story than the original Babe. They are both rated G and are fun entertainment for kids and the whole family. They are filled with adventure, friendships, heart, and the cuteness of one little pig named Babe.

There is a “making of” bonus feature on Babe about how the filmmakers made a realistic “talking” pig.

The new Babe and Babe: Pig in the City Double Feature from Kino Lorber is a nice addition to a family video library. And being in Blu-ray, it is much clearer with enhanced video and audio.


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.

‘Dante’s Peak’ is now available on 4K Ultra HD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Kino Lorber just released a 4K UHD/Blu-ray edition of the 1997 thriller Dante’s Peak, starring Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton. 

The story focuses on a dormant volcano that comes alive and threatens a small town, of which Hamilton is the mayor. Brosnan takes on the role of a volcanologist whose theory about the upcoming eruption and ultimate destruction is initially rebuffed by the other scientists, but soon becomes apparent as the volcano bursts to life.

As the people race to safety, Rachel (Hamilton) and Harry (Brosnan) join forces to locate her two kids who have gone up the mountain to help their grandmother. As the imminent danger encroaches on the town and the mountain, the power of this eruption unleashes lava and ash, and deadly gas.

The story is tense as the scientists and townsfolk try to evacuate to safety while Harry and Rachel are making their own way but things are not easy for them. With all the chaos of the ash and gas, their escape is not cut and dried.

Brosnan is perfect for this role. He is a stabilizing force for Rachel and her family as they maneuver down the mountain to safety. As dramatic thrillers go, this is pretty good, and definitely entertaining. It has all the aspects of a dramatic thriller combined with a family story – of survival.

The bonuses on this new 4K UHD + Blu-ray edition include a “making of” featurette.

Dante’s Peak is rated PG-13 for disaster related peril and gore. Parents need to keep this in mind before viewing it with kids. Fans of the show will enjoy the new 4K UHD version which is crystal clear with a new HDT Dolby Vision Master. It brings the drama to the screen like never before.

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.

‘Sabrina’ (1995) Special Edition Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Kino Lorber has a new Special Edition Blu-ray of the remake of Sabrina.

This 1995 version of the awkward girl who grew up to be a beautiful woman is a remake of the 1954 original classic. This time Harrison Ford takes on the role of Linus Larrabee, originated by Humphrey Bogart in the first film. Greg Kinnear is his younger playboy brother David (originated by William Holden) and Julia Ormond steps into the shoes of Sabrina Fairchild, first brought to the screen by Audrey Hepburn.

Instead of being a chef, this Sabrina is a photographer, but the storyline is basically the same as the 1954 film.  Sabrina has always been in love with David, but her class is beneath him, as he is a wealthy man of society and she is the daughter of their chauffeur.

Once she returns from Paris, David falls in love with this woman who has turned from a plain Jane – or actually, a plain Sabrina – into a beautiful and sophisticated woman. The family is set against this relationship, so Linus takes it upon himself to woo her to take her attention away from David who is betrothed to a woman (Lauren Holly) whose family, when merged with theirs, would make a great business venture.

The all-business Linus actually falls for Sabrina, and as in the original film, their love is destined to be, to the chagrin of the family. But love wins out. 

The ending differs a bit from the Bogart version as the times have changed. Instead of following her onto a ship, he takes the now-defunct Concord to arrive in Paris before she gets there to profess his feelings. And hopefully, they will live happily ever after.

John Williams was nominated for two Academy Awards for his music in this film.

This new Special Edition Blu-ray includes a new audio commentary by film historian Julie Kirgo and filmmaker Peter Hankoff.  As remakes go, this is a good one. Nothing can beat the original classic, but this updated version is very enjoyable. It is fun to watch the two movies and see the differences. Some viewers, especially younger ones, will most likely enjoy the 1995 movie, which is in color. They are both entertaining.

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.

 

Disneyland adds Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and more to Galaxy’s Edge

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Disneyland has been in a bit of a quandary when it comes to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The story in the land is a different timeline than the original movies with Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Darth Vader, yet these are beloved characters from the franchise. So, to honor the legacy of these characters and add to the enjoyment of the land for true die-hard Star Wars fans, the legendary characters will be coming to the park beginning April 29, 2026.

Now, this is a bit of a tricky situation, considering the stories playing out in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are not from the time of Luke, Leia, Han, etc. So to keep guests immersed in the different timelines of the franchise, the new characters, aka the ones from the original films that launched the Star Wars phenomenon, will be relegated to specific locations so as not to confuse guests. 

Younger guests are probably more aware of the newer characters, specifically Grogu and the Mandelorian. But older guests – you know who you are – who were brought up with the original saga and characters, might not be as well versed in the later stories. So adding the original characters to the land is a great idea for those guests. 

And the music by John Williams from the original films transport guests into the legend and history of the franchise.

Disneyland is not removing the fan favorites: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Fire of the Rising Moons, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.  They are simply adding the characters and flavor of the original six films.

The characters of Grogu, the Mandelorian, Chewbacca, R2-D2, and others have been greeting guests in Batuu all along. Now, in other areas of the land, guests will come across Leia, Luke, Darth Vader, and Han Solo.

Simply put, the original trilogy that has become part of Hollywood history will now be added to Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land. This means guests will be able to immerse themselves in multiple timelines, which should boost the enjoyment of fans of the original Star Wars as well as the later stories. 

So, welcome Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Darth Vader. Disneyland is now your land too (to add to Walt’s opening day remarks). And, may the force be with you.

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.

Image: Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort