Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Meet the Mayhems’ coming to Disney Channel and Disney+ in 2022

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Disney Branded Television has begun production in Los Angeles on Meet the Mayhems, an original live-action comedy series about a family of raucous supervillains who recently ran afoul of the League of Villains and now must somehow beat a path to normalcy in a small Texas town. The series is scheduled to premiere in summer 2022 on Disney Channel and Disney+ platforms around the world.

At the center of the story is teenage Havoc, who stands up against the leader of all villains, forcing her entire family to change their identities and relocate to a Texas suburb where she now goes by the name Amy. With the help of her effervescent new neighbor Hartley, she must somehow hide her superpowers and quell her villainous nature in favor of something she’s fought against all her life — being normal.

 

Animated ‘Big Nate’ coming to Paramount+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The all-new animated series Big Nate from Nickelodeon Animation Studio is based on the best-selling children’s books and comic strip written and drawn by acclaimed author and cartoonist Lincoln Peirce. Set to debut early next year on Paramount+. The 26-episode series follows Nate, a precocious 11-year-old boy, and his best friends as they navigate sixth grade with humor and style.

Paramount+’s BIG NATE animated series will feature brand-new original storylines centered on Nate, a sixth-grade kid who has a never-ending need to prove his awesomeness to the world. Whether he’s dealing with disasters at home or detention at school, Nate Wright is no stranger to a challenge. Luckily, he’s able to express himself through the world of cartoons that he creates. Charming, mischievous and a magnet for misadventure – trouble is always fun when Nate is around.

The beloved characters of BIG NATE include:

  • Nate Wright – Sixth-grader Nate Wright believes he is AWESOME. He’s funny, entertaining and even a little insecure, but he’s not about to let the rest of the world know that.
  • Ellen Wright – Ellen is Nate’s older sister and the object of much angst for Nate. If Ellen has flaws, Nate’s never seen them, but he’s determined to find them anyway.
  • Martin Wright – Martin is a great single dad to Nate and Ellen, but life has not gone exactly as he planned. Parenting two kids is tough, and he’s doing it alone. But Martin doesn’t complain. Well, he does complain, but who doesn’t?
  • Dee Dee Holloway – Dee Dee is smart, excitable and able to pull off whatever the boys are incapable (or unwilling) to do, which makes her an invaluable member of the group.
  • Francis Pope – Francis tries to keep Nate’s wild ideas in check, or at least keep Nate out of unnecessary trouble. They’ve been inseparable since they met in kindergarten, and Francis is the friend Nate counts on the most.
  • Teddy Ortiz – Teddy is Nate’s main co-conspirator, a partner in chaos always willing to go along with Nate’s crazy schemes. But if there’s a chance they’ll get caught, Teddy has an amazing way of disappearing.
  • Chad Applewhite – Chad is a sweet, harmless kid, and one of Nate’s good friends. Like Teddy, Chad is willing to help Nate with all his schemes, he’s just not quite bright enough to run away when things go sideways.
  • Principal Nichols – Principal Nichols is a good guy who struggles with being an authority figure. He tries to act like a friend to his students, but he always comes off as an adult who’s trying way too hard to be “cool.”
  • Mrs. Godfrey – Affectionately called the “Creature Teacher” by Nate, Mrs. Godfrey more than lives up to the name. The woman is perpetually on edge and always waiting for someone – usually Nate – to step out of line.

 

‘The French Dispatch’ movie review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The French Dispatch is an eclectic collection of stories with a phenomenal cast. From director Wes Anderson, the movie delivers some cute scenes however there are plenty of disconnected attributes.

Fans of Anderson know his quirkiness, and this movie lives up to that reputation. It is an ode to journalism, but most viewers probably won’t find the stories included in the film very interesting. The cast, however, does deliver great acting.

The story delves into an American newspaper in a fictional French town. Bill Murray is Arthur Howitzer, Jr., the editor of the newspaper. Henry Winkler, Owen Wilson, Timothee Chalamet, Bob Balaban, Frances McDormand, Adrien Brody, Benicio Del Toro, and others join him onscreen. That’s an impressive cast, however even these great talents don’t bring much interest for viewers. The story is measured with only slight levels of levity.

Anderson’s other films like Moonrise Kingdom and The Grand Budapest Hotel are more interesting, however fans of the director will undoubtedly enjoy this new film. If you are not into his kind of filmmaking, this is not for you. It is imaginative and has glimmers of enjoyment for viewers. The movie has garnered positive reviews yet for me it didn’t quite hit the mark. I would not recommend this show for the general public. It is an artsy film done in the Anderson flair.

The idea of the film is definitely engaging. It is a celebration of journalism and journalists.

The French Dispatch is rated R. It is not a show for kids.

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.

 

 

A look ahead at Disneyland Resort for 2022

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is not taking a back seat to the festivities of the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World in Orlando in 2022. There will be even more fun, fantasy, food, and definitely magic happening in Southern California.

 

The Main Street Electrical Parade (my favorite, I might add) is returning in the spring. This parade is a nighttime spectacular with Disney characters all decked out in colorful lights with memorable music to accompany the floats. And look for Elliot the Dragon (he’s impossible to miss) spewing his smoke, which is always a delight. Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy kick off the parade so when you’re at the park, make sure to get up close to see all the spectacular lights making their way down Main Street.

Fantasmic! also returns. Definitely look for this spectacular along the Rivers of America in Disneyland. With scenes from Fantasia, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid and more, this is a must-see for families.

 

And World of Color returns to Disney California Adventure. This colorful show brings back memories of some of the iconic moments from many Disney films. It is truly an amazing experience to watch as the effects are shown on the water and the music fills the air.

 

Also returning in the spring is the Disneyland Forever fireworks spectacular. This is a show to experience several times from different locations in the park as the special effects are shown on several buildings throughout the park while the fireworks light up the sky.

 

The Lunar New Year celebrations run from January 21-February 13, 2022, and the Food & Wine Festival returns from March 4-April 26, 2022. Make sure to get your Sip & Savor pass!

 

It is also hard to believe but this year marks the 10th anniversary of Cars Land in Disney California Adventure. I was there for the grand opening and it seems like just last year.

 

Even more fun awaits guests at the Disneyland Resort in 2022, with some special surprises ahead in 2023. Yep, it never ends. Disneyland is always advancing with more and more excitement for families and guests of all ages.

Returning January 10 for a limited time, “Mickey’s Mix Magic,” will be presented nightly in Disneyland park. State-of-the-art projections, show lighting and lasers transform Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle and the façade of “it’s a small world” into a dazzling, high-energy, family fun dance party celebrating Mickey Mouse, with fireworks added on select nights. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort).

To ring in the New Year with many jubilant celebrations coming in 2022, the Disneyland Resort is introducing a special weekday ticket offer just for Southern California residents. On sale now for visits beginning Jan. 3, 2022, eligible guests may experience the magic of Disneyland Park or Disney California Adventure Park for as little as $67 per day with the purchase of a three-day, one-park per day weekday ticket, subject to park reservations, at Disneyland.com/SoCal. 

 

Check Disneyland.com for all the information about times, admission, and everything you need to know before you go.

 

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.

 

Photos: Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort

‘Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers’ airs on Discovery+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

What started out as a celebration of the life of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh for his 100th birthday turned into a tribute memorial for HRH Prince Philip when he passed away in April 2021, just short of his 100th birthday. Members of the royal family as well as his close assistant discuss his life, their shared experiences, and viewers are taken into his private office and library.

Philip was born a Prince of Greece, but a military coup forced him and his family to flee. He ended up in Germany with one of his sisters where he began his education. Then the rise of Hitler was the impetus for his move to Scotland where he attended Gordonstoun School (later famously also attended by later generations of his family.) World War II then changed his life yet again when at the age of 18 he attended Dartmouth for his military training. His love of sailing stayed with him the rest of his life, as did his enjoyment of flying.

Falling in love with the future Queen of England was not on his radar, but nevertheless Philip and Princess Elizabeth did marry and his life ultimately changed course when she ascended to the throne. Undaunted by this new course, he carved out his own role in the monarchy, managing the estates, representing the Queen, and being her greatest advisor.

His greatest accomplishment will most likely be his steadfast support of his wife. Philip was the longest consort in British history. But he was more than that. His love of animals and the environment was also part of the role he carved out for himself, helping found the World Wildlife Fund.

While many viewers probably know a lot about this man who made an enormous impact of the monarchy and the Commonwealth, hearing personal stories from his children and grandchildren make this a more intimate documentary. They share how he taught them to drive at very young ages, how to fish, sail, and how he was always at the helm when it came to bar-be-quing. While what the world saw was a staunch British consort who had a quick wit, what viewers see is the father and grandfather he was. After all, he was more than a figurehead. He was part of a family, and listening to their stories it is evident he made a big impact on them.

Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers streams December 16 on Discovery+.

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.

Bring home ‘The Mitchells VS the Machines’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The animated movie The Mitchells VS the Machines is now available on Blu-ray combo pack as well as a DVD. This is a very imaginative story with several aspects that will hit home for adult viewers, however it is also a fun adventure film for younger viewers.

The Mitchell family is, well, definitely weird and don’t have the close connection many families do. Katie Mitchell is creative and dreams of being a filmmaker. She spends all her time making movies (somewhat like Adam Goldberg on the TV series The Goldbergs). Her big dream is to leave her weird family and go to film school where she will be among others with her same goals and creativeness.

Her little brother Aaron is a dinosaur enthusiast and also a little strange. Linda is their mother and always sees the positive side of things, while Rick is the dad who has no common interests with either of his children. He doesn’t even know how to work a computer or anything about technology. What he does know is how to use a screwdriver! Their dog Monchi fits right in with the rest of the family. He is weird with eyes that don’t focus. To say they are the epitome of the unconventional family is an understatement, (SPOILER ALERT) but by the end of the movie that all changes.

The family takes off on a road trip to take Katie to film school. What happens between the time they leave their house and the time they arrive at the school is the entirety of the story.

The world’s biggest tech nerd and entrepreneur responsible for the technology driving the phones and Internet has come up with an even bigger technological advancement. He has created robots that do everything. But what he doesn’t plan is that they also band together and start taking over the world. Their goal is to eliminate all humans. So who can stop them? Yep, you guessed it. The weird Mitchell family bands together to save the planet and all humankind. They learn that working together and using each person’s abilities can ultimately be the saving grace for humanity.

Product placement is front and center in this story. Viewers might not look at their robot vacuum the same way again, or for that matter, their beloved Furby of days gone by. Technology has come a long way in recent years and big tech is taking over. Will they take over everything, as is depicted in this story?

The Blu-ray pack comes with many bonus features, as well as a little booklet about the story by the director.  There are two ways to view the movie. The first is the regular release and the second has extended scenes that are not finished or were taken out. Another bonus is the final chapter in Katie’s movie saga of “Dog Cop.”

There are plenty of other additional features including the original story pitch and a look inside the characters. What makes this film a little different than other animated films is that there are animations within the animations to add a little extra to the story and viewers get to see what the characters are thinking.

The Mitchells VS the Machines is rated PG for action and some language.

Parents – don’t be surprised if your kids ask for a Monchi plush after seeing this film!

 

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.
 

Holiday selections on OVATION TV 2021

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Below is the schedule of outstanding holiday selections on Ovation TV for 2021

Friday, December 3
5:00pm ET: Christmas Do Over (2006)

Saturday, December 4
6:00am ET: The Art Of: Holidays
6:30am ET: Deck the Halls (2005)
8:30am ET: Christmas Do Over (2006)

Sunday, December 5
1:00am ET: A Merry Murdoch Christmas (2015)
6:00am ET: An Accidental Christmas (2007)
8:00am ET: Chasing Christmas (2005)

Friday, December 10
5:00pm ET: Home by Christmas (2006)

Sunday, December 12
6:00am ET: A Merry Murdoch Christmas (2015)
8:00am ET: Getting to the Nutcracker
10:00am ET: Snow Queen (2020)
12:00pm ET: The Nutcracker by Kader Belarbi (2021)

Friday, December 17
5:00pm ET: My First Miracle (2017)

Saturday, December 18 
6:00am ET: The 12 Dogs of Christmas (2006)
8:30am ET: A Frosty Affair (2017)

Sunday, December 19 
6:00am ET: Eve’s Christmas (2004)
8:00am ET: My First Miracle (2017)

Saturday, December 25 
7:00am ET: The Art Of: Holidays
7:30am ET: An Accidental Christmas (2007)
9:30am ET: My First Miracle (2017)

Sunday, December 26 
6:00am ET: His and Her Christmas (2005)
8:00am ET: Home by Christmas (2006)
10:00am ET: Home for the Holidays (2005)

 

 

Bring home ‘Piney: the Lonesome Pine’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 


In 2000 Jane West published an inspirational book, “The Lonesome Pine”, about a little pine tree. Now that book is a movie and available on DVD.

The story of Georgie and her beloved tree is sentimental and sweet. When she was five her grandfather took her out and let her plant her own seed that would eventually become her very own Christmas tree. Georgie selected one very special seed and for the next four years she cared for that little tree. When it was time to take Piney home to be her very own Christmas tree, the little tree was accidentally taken away.

It took Georgie and her faithful dog Jackster, along with her grandfather, awhile to locate where Piney had been taken. Then there was another mishap. All the while the little pine tree was yearning to be dressed up with baubles and sparkles. He desperately wanted to be a Christmas tree.

With one mishap after another, would Piney ever get his dream of becoming Georgie’s Christmas tree or anyone’s Christmas tree? His adventures across the countryside gave rise to something even more amazing than being a sparkling Christmas tree. He ended up being, oops…spoiler alert!

There are bonus features looking at how the story came to be. Jane West decided to write a book after looking at a lot of leftover Christmas trees. They were perfectly good trees yet no one chose them. Her imagination kicked into high gear and soon she had the story of Piney. And now we have this delightful holiday story on DVD to enjoy every year at the holiday time. It is a fun, musical, and sweet story for the entire family.

At less than 45 minutes in length, it is a nice way to end the day for little kids. The film is not rated however it is suitable for all ages.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. 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.

 

‘Supernatural Academy’ comes to Peacock

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The series is the book adaptation of best-selling series The Supernatural Academy from Jaymin Eve, chronicling an otherworldly adventure of sisters marked at birth. One twin sister was raised in the Supernatural world, confident and popular. The other was raised in the human world, an offbeat outsider. Now they’re about to be reunited at the Supernatural Academy, and neither one of them is thrilled about it. These adversarial twins will have to learn to get over their differences and trust each other in order to save themselves – and save the world!

“It is so incredible to see my original story come to life in this high-quality animation project,” said Jaymin Eve, author of best-selling series The Supernatural Academy. “I am so grateful to both Peacock and 41 Entertainment for believing in me and I am sure that all of the fans of the books are anxiously marking January 20th on their diaries.”

Supernatural Academy premieres Thursday, January 20, 2022 on Peacock.