Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Becoming Cousteau’ is an alert for viewers

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The acclaimed National Geographic documentary Becoming Cousteau is now streaming on Disney+. Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau was a pioneer in underwater exploration as well as one of the first people to sound the alarm about the state of the world’s oceans and how important they are to the entire ecosystem of the planet.

“Jacques Cousteau was an adventurer and inventor who became a passionate environmentalist later in life” said director Liz Garbus. “He was not born a protector of the seas — it was something he grew to appreciate as he witnessed the undersea world changing before his very own eyes. I hope Cousteau’s incredibly entertaining, epic life shows how much we can all evolve in life and in our attitude towards our place on the Earth. Cousteau is a true hero for our age, and his life story points the way to a better future.”

This documentary looks at the life of this extraordinary man who felt he needed to dedicate his life to saving the oceans and all of the living creatures that lives under the sea. The name “Cousteau” is synonymous with underwater exploration. His boat the Calypso is part of pop culture, having been the focus of one song by singer John Denver. This man not only wanted to explore the seas, but also wanted to make sure humanity strived together to save the underwater life. Unfortunately, as he said, it might be too late.

Jacques Cousteau felt his mission was not only to explore but also to bring his findings to the people of the planet. He was the only non-head of state to be pictured in the Earth Summit in 1992, that is how important his life and work was to the status of the earth, it’s survival, and especially the oceans.

Cousteau’s television shows brought life under the water to the viewing public. When he began to explain that the underwater ecosystem was vital and being destroyed, the powers that be cancelled him from television. He saw the dangers ahead and sounded the alarm. He persisted in his dedication to save the oceans.

Jacques Cousteau will always be remembered as an explorer, author, and defender of the oceans. For more information about Jacques Cousteau and The Cousteau Society, go to their website  where they also have a section for kids to learn about life under in the seas.

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.

Photo courtesy National Geographic and Disney+

‘The Queen Mother’s Blitz’ looks at this extraordinary woman

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Queen Elizabeth II is the last leader who served in World War II. Her family famously refused to give into any fear thrust upon the country by Hitler. Her mother, Queen Elizabeth aka the Queen Mother, stood valiantly by her husband the king during the war years and during the famous London Blitz she showed her inner strength and courage.

The documentary The Queen Mother’s Blitz looks at this woman and delves into her courage, which lifted up the country during that horrible time. She refused to leave Buckingham Palace even though the advisors suggested she go to Canada to wait out the war. She said steadfastly that her daughters (Elizabeth and Margaret) would not leave without her and she would not leave without the king, and the king was definitely not going to leave. This is similar to what Jacqueline Kennedy said during the Cuban Missile Crisis when she was advised to leave the East Coast in case of a nuclear attack. She said she would go out on the front lawn of the White House with her children if a launch were detected. In this way she also held up the morale of the country.

Hitler once said the Queen Mother was the most dangerous woman in the world. Her intelligence, cunning, wit, and dedication to freedom endeared her to the nation. She definitely showed her mettle during the blitz. She survived assassination attempts and the bombing of Buckingham Palace. She went out into the streets to be with the public. She showed that she, although privileged to be in her position, was just as much a target as the rest of the population.

The documentary is a look at how her words and actions lifted up the country and the morale of the people of not only the U.K. but also the world. With Hitler advancing through Europe, Britain stood firm. And the king was a source of consistency for the country. Standing right next to him was Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Consort, aka the Queen Mother.

The Queen Mother’s Blitz is available 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.

Binge on ‘Parents’ now streaming on Acorn TV

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

With an array of whacky characters, Parents is a cute British sitcom from 2012. With only one season, it’s easy to binge during one evening or over a weekend.

Jenny Pope (Sally Phillips) is a high-powered manager but she snaps and in a fit of rage attacks a fellow office mate. That leads to her being fired, losing her house, and having to take her family back to live with her parents in a village called Kettering. Her husband Nick (Darren Strange) is a self-titled entrepreneur. The thing is, he has an idea for a high-energy drink, but not any recipe or any backing. So, he is actually just a dud.

Their teenage kids Becky and Sam (Jadie Rose Hobson and Christian Lees) are not happy about their newfound circumstances. They don’t enjoy being broke and living with their grandparents. And they miss London.

Jenny’s parents Len (Tom Conti) and Alma (Susie Blake) are happy to have their family together in the same house. But Len insists on his personal space and keeping his daily routine. And Jenny’s snobby sister Chrissy (Daisy Haggard) often drops over with her twins to show them how destitute people look, pointing out her sister and family.

Okay, so there are the grandparents, the parents, and two kids all trying to live their lives while not driving each other crazy. Will Jenny ever get a job so they can move out of this cabbage-smelling house? Will Nick ever get a recipe for his power drink?

While Jenny works on finding a job and trying to keep her temper this time around, the kids encourage her to take anything she can get. All they want is to get out of the house. But what everyone discovers is that there is no substitute for family.

This is a sitcom the entire family can view together. While it might not be suitable for very, very young kids, it’s basically harmless fun for everyone.

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.

Newest additions to Disney Animator Dolls

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The Disney Animators’ Collection has been loved by kids as well as collectors The newest addition to this beloved line of products includes a plush gift set as well as this year’s mini gift set.

Plush Doll Set

Five treasured Disney Princesses join together in the Plush Doll Set. These sweet little girls are approximately 12-13 inches high and are dressed in their typical clothing. Ariel, Belle, Tiana, Elsa, and Anna are adorable together or separately.

The dolls are soft and the attention to detail in their facial expressions as well as their dresses is what would be expected in higher priced plush dolls. Yet, as usual, Disney has taken care with their precious princesses and each plush is representative of her story and characteristics.

This collection makes a great holiday gift for anyone – young or old – who adores the Disney Princesses as well as the Disney Animators’ line. They sit perfectly on a bookshelf and add a little whimsy to anywhere they are placed. Mix and match them any way you want. They not only add fun to a shelf, chair, or bed, they also add color. To put it in other words, they are a great addition to any collection for any age

Because there are no attachments to pull off and swallow, the dolls are appropriate for all ages 0+.

 

 

Disney Animators’ Mini Doll Set

 

In this year’s collection, the highlighted princess is Snow White. As collectors of the Disney Animators’ Mini Doll Sets know, each year there is a new collection of five inch animator dolls (miniature versions of the larger ones), and this year Snow White is accompanied by a deer, a bunny, a squirrel, a bird, and has a little bench on which to sit or place the pie that looks almost good enough to eat. There is also a brush to untangle her beautiful black hair.

Besides Snow White, this year’s collection includes Tinker Bell, Tiana, Belle, Pocahontas, Jasmine, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Aurora, Anna, Elsa, and Moana. Each doll is dressed in her traditional attire. There are no boys in this year’s collection, but the girls are always eager to play together.

Imagine the original Animators’ dolls shrunken down to five inches. That is exactly what these are. The attention to detail is not overlooked just because the scale is smaller. These dolls look exactly like the larger ones in the collection.

And the box containing the dolls is beautiful. Each doll has her own cubby decorated with designs from her story and in in colors that represent her life. Snow White, who takes center stage this year, has a picture of the cottage in which she lived with the seven dwarfs. The presentation of this collection is something collectors always look forward to, and imagine the wide eyes on the face of a child who unwraps this as a gift for the holidays. It is quite simply the ultimate collection, and one fans look forward to every year.

This collection is for ages 3+

These two latest additions to the Disney Animators’ Collection are worthy of any fans of the princesses or the collection. They are quick to sell out so check the website often.

 

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. 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.

‘Undercover Princes’ and ‘Undercover Princesses’ look for love as commoners

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

We all know Megan Markle couldn’t make it as a royal and opted to leave the security and privilege of the palace. She was looking for her prince and found him. In the series’ Undercover Princes and Undercover Princesses, real life princes and princess head to the U.K. to see if they can find someone who will love them for themselves and not for their royal titles.

 

Undercover Princes

In Brighton, Indian Crown Prince Manvendra, Prince Remigius of Sri Lanka and Prince Africa Zulu leave their royal titles and privileges behind and live life as average men. They are given ordinary jobs and begin their hunt for a mate to bring back to their countries and hopefully join their royal families.

Learning how to dress as a non-royal is a challenge. Then they must learn how to do their assigned jobs: cleaning hotels, waiting tables, and bartending. Their objective is to find a mate, so they begin by going to bars. Can they make a meaningful connection with a woman who sees them only as a regular man trying to learn the British culture?

Things go a little askew when Crown Prince Manvendra comes out as gay. So his quest turns to finding a man, while the others continue their quest for a good woman who will be able to join their royal life.

Sharing a house also brings up some frustrations, as the men must figure out how to maintain their surroundings. The other two princes are a bit hesitant about Manvendra, but they learn to live together. When their three weeks are over they must reveal their true identities to their newfound friends and take them back to their kingdoms.

 

Undercover Princesses

This time there are three princesses who travel to Essex in the U.K. to find someone who will love him or her for himself or herself. First is outgoing Princess Xenia Prinzessin von Sachen from Germany. She decides to take on the name Gabby and is easy-going and ultimately is not challenged by meeting men. Her full name is Xenia Gabriela Florence Sophie Iris. No wonder she shortened it to Gabby for these three weeks.

The second princess is Sheillah Cinderella Nvannungi of Buganda, Uganda. She decides to use the name Cinderella for her quest in the U.K. Cinderella enjoys being free from the confines of her royal life but finds it hard to find a man with whom she feels any connection.

The third princess to join the group is Princess Aaliya Sultana Babi of Balasinor, India. She keeps her name and is the most uncomfortable of the trio. She has been raised in a country where she does not instigate conversations with me and has a hard time coming out of her shell.

As it turns out, Gabby finds three men she likes but must select only one to take back to Germany. Aaliya cannot break free of her upbringing and is definitely out of her comfort zone when it comes to men. And Cinderella and her man fall in love. But when the women reveal their true identities to their new friends, will that be off-putting or exciting?

These are not new shows however with the spotlight these days being on Prince Harry and his wife leaving their royal lives, it is interesting to see how royal princesses and princes adjust to living as commoners without all their household helpers. And watching them relate to the general public is interesting as well.

How much of these shows are scripted? Well…

It’s a good idea to take to watch these shows as entertainment. It is fun, however, to see the various cultures interacting.

Both shows are 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.

The Workrobe is a useful and comfortable robe for work or rest

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

With many of us now working from home or visiting friends and relatives via ZOOM, FaceTime, or other formats, we try to look our best. The Workrobe is a useful item that will come in handy for all those video chats and video work conferences.


Usually for video conferences and chats we are seen from the waist up. There are a few instances when people have been caught accidentally revealing their underwear, whether it’s because they adjust their posture or a mirror is in the picture.

After our online visits, whether they are social or business, we go back to our regular routines. Many times these are simply lounging around or doing chores. This is where the Workrobe comes in handy.

There are three different designs and several color options. The robe is comfortable and stylish, and provides wearers with a camera-ready upper body that goes lower than a sweater or shirt. And when the camera is turned off, it is a soft robe to wear around the house. It’s even appropriate to wear when going out for the mail.

The Workrobe is available in three styles. The Blouse Robe comes in black or white. It hits approximately mid thigh in the front with a lower back, and includes pockets, a sash as well as rolled sleeves.

The Button Down Robe is just that. The top has buttons to look more business-like. A belt is included and the collar is useful if you want to put a cardigan over the robe to make it look more like an oxford shirt while on camera. The robe hits approximately at the knee and is available in black or white.

The Cowl Neck Robe is stylish with a belt, and hits around the knee. There is a button to keep the cowl neck from popping open. This is available in gray or black.

All of these robes are also great for a spa or salon. They are stylish while at the same time very comfortable. Plus they serve two purposes. They provide appropriate upper body styling for any video conferences and they are stylish everyday robes to lounge in at home.

Let’s face it, once in awhile we will be surprised by a FaceTime call from a friend or family member. This usually happens when we least expect it and might even be cozy in our pajamas – especially on cold winter afternoons and evenings. In this case, just grab your robe and in two seconds you look presentable and stylish. The only thing this doesn’t do is put on your makeup. But it can’t do everything!

Looking good on camera is what we all strive for. And now there is no need to worry about how you look for your next ZOOM call. Dress the robe up with some jewelry and you’re dressed for the office – from the thighs/knees up. No one needs to know you are wearing slippers and no slacks!

The robes come in two sizes: S/M and L/XL.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. 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.

‘The Great’ returns to explore how an idealistic dreamer survives a deadly environment, let alone thrive

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

What would you do if you’re trapped in a bad marriage and do not see a way out? Tony McNamara of The Favourite fame thinks this is a contemporary conundrum that needs to be studied in a young woman’s journey to power in the 18th century Russia.

Adapted from his own 2008 stage play, Hulu’s The Great* – *an occasionally true story  takes a farcical and contemporary approach to the life of the famed Russian Empress, Catherine The Great. McNamara’s signature biting and absurdist vision of history is apparent in this young, ambitious woman’s dreadful and continuing conundrum of leading Russia into a greater future while surviving the ‘kill or be killed’ deadly environment. It’s not a run-of-the-mill restrained period piece for sure. McNamara always strives to create an exciting show about a great character with a contemporary twist so that his 21-year-old daughter would watch.

The Great‘s initial season chronicles the coming-of-age adventures of the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed German princess in the 18th century Russia. The young and ‘fierce’ (interpretation: educated and sharp, hence threatening and annoying to men) Catherine (Elle Fanning) arrives with hopes and dreams for a fairy-tale romance and a happily-ever-after ending. Peter III (Nicholas Hoult), however, turns out to be a narcissistic, undisciplined, cruel, and mercurially violent Emperor. A chauvinistic pig? That’s a given, right? Once Catherine realizes she’s trapped in the gilded cage to be a voiceless, invisible, and subservient baby machine, the suffocating reality informs her to switch her focus on overthrowing this greatest menace to Russia. The first season ended with Peter discovering Catherine’s plot to have him killed, but he spares the pregnant Empress in the name of their unborn child, Paul.

Season 2 picks up moments after Catherine’s coup and explores the aftermath of her coming into power while pregnant with his child. Idealistic and disciplined to a fault, the expectant mother is gung ho about bringing the backward country with horrific and bizarre customs (to her, mind you) into an enlightened one. Underestimated and dismissed by almost everyone around her — court, her strategic and military advisors, Peter’s loyalists, nobles, and the peanut gallery — Catherine desperately wants to be taken seriously and gain some RESPECT. She just wants to become a mother to Russia as well as to Paul.

Can her self-appointed title, Catherine The Great, and her pie-in-the-sky ideas born out of bright-eyed optimism put her feminist and enlightened stamp on a country that refuses to step out of the dark ages? It’s easier said than done, especially when the unhinged and hungry Peter is placed under house arrest and his loyalists are doing everything they can to sabotage Catherine’s disciplined efforts for a greater Russia. But first she needs to survive the imminent ‘kill or be killed’ danger coming from every which way you can imagine.

Season 2 digs deeper into the whys and wherefores of the royal couples’ dysfunction. Catherine’s unwavering needs to be perfect is tested when her mother, Joanna (Gillian Anderson), shows up with an agenda and treats her like a delusional and clueless idiot. Catherine realizes that she, too, was raised by a toxic mother who has gained power by manipulating men.

Confronting your toxic parents (whether mummified, imaginary or alive & kicking) is not for the faint of heart, but it must be done in order to grow up and feel comfortable in your own skin. Peter seems to have come around; he claims he’s ready to give up his God-given throne and all he wants is to be a good father to Paul. Has he really changed? Can he be trusted? This is the guy who killed your lover, Catherine!

When Catherine’s arrogance is chipped away and people see the chinks in her armor, she will realize that she’s not perfect after all. She has to learn the power play strategies for women; taking risk, making mistakes, and asking for help. Then, and only then, she will appreciate my favorite Rumi quote: “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” But wait! Who am I kidding? Even though The Great is a character study of a fictionalized Catherine, the real Catherine The Great learned her lessons, changed, and became the longest-ruling Empress of Russian history.

All ten episodes of The Great Season 2 are streaming on Hulu.

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.

‘The Madame Blanc Mysteries’ is a fun and intriguing series on AcornTV

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The new original series for the streaming channel AcornTV, The Madame Blanc Mysteries, is an inventive and intriguing show. Sally Lindsay stars as Jean White, a courageous woman who finds herself in the middle of a mystery – or two or more. She is a brilliant antiques dealer who can assess the authenticity of any item and can also put together clues with her intelligent mind and zest for the truth.

When her husband dies in a car crash, Jean leaves England to go to Sainte Victoire, France, a hub for antiques and apparently an area filled with riddles. She meets Dom, a taxi driver who winds up being her right hand man when it comes to her endeavors. In the beginning, Jean sets out to prove her husband was murdered and, while adding up the clues, she manages to get involved in other mysteries. But she is up to the challenges.

This woman turns into a detective to solve one mystery after another, all the while trying to figure out what happened to her husband. She uncovers plenty of strange facts about his past as well as the others in the town.

Lindsay developed the series and said, “Jean’s not a flamboyant, Sherlock-type character, but she’s a down to earth woman who is just as clever! She is exceedingly confident in her knowledge of antiques and she sees things other people don’t see.”

The first episodes of this witty and absorbing series are now streaming on AcornTV with more coming in the next two weeks. There are six episodes in the season and they are delightful with hopefully another season coming down the line. Check out The Madame Blanc Mysteries on AcornTV.

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 Piece of Cake’ now available for viewing

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

A Piece of Cake is a sweet (pun intended) animated story of family, acceptance, and love. Elfkins, little gnome-like individuals have been living underground away from the human world for over 200 years. They believe the humans are bad and must stay away from them. But Elfy, a bumbling, klutzy little Elfkin thinks otherwise. She decides to leave the security of the Elfkin world and venture up to the human world so she can learn a trade. After all, Elfkins must excel at something and so far Elfy has yet to find what her talent is.Elfy’s friends Butz and Kipp end up accompanying her into the human world where they are amazed at everything the humans have built. They meet Chef Theo, a grouchy baker whose bakery is going bankrupt. His brother Bruno owns the competing bakery. If Theo doesn’t get enough money by the end of the week, Bruno will take the little bakery for himself. He has ulterior motives.

Elfy and her two companions are fun loving and always upbeat. They coax the story out of Theo about the family feud that separated the two brothers. So the little trio decides to help Theo bake enough pastries to sell to earn the money he owes his brother. A long time ago, more than 200 years ago, Elfkins helped humans. Now Elfy decides it’s time to help the humans once again.

The pastries will undoubtedly have viewers yearning for a cupcake or two while watching this story. The movie was produced in 2019 and might be the catalyst for future films with the little Elfkins. They’re kind of like Snap, Crackle, and Pop as well as the Keebler Elves. They are handy, when it comes down to it. And even though she has had a tough time finding her place in the world, Elfy is an adorable character.

A Piece of Cake is rated PG for some rude humor. It is available on demand.

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.