Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road’ looks at this music genius

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The Beach Boys were the quintessential American group. They were America’s answer to the British Invasion. Led by Brian Wilson, who wrote many of their hits, the group had an amazing run up the charts and still sell-out concerts, although two of the original Beach Boys have died. Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road is an interesting look back at their history with Brian Wilson.

The format of the film is different than most documentaries. In this film Rolling Stone editor and friend of Wilson, Jason Fine, drives Brian around the areas of Southern California that played a role in the Beach Boys and in Brian’s life. While some of the details about his past (his childhood and his life with a disreputable man who said he was only helping Brian recover from his mental illness yet was doing the opposite) are skimmed over so only fans of the singer/songwriter know what the backstory is, the film does take a deep look into the history of Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys.

Peppered throughout the film, as Brian and Fine drive through SoCal, are comments and insights from various musicians and friends of Wilson. They include Elton John, Linda Perry, Beach Boy Al Jardine, and Bruce Springsteen among others.

This is an interesting look at how Wilson’s mind works and how he created some of the most iconic songs that have helped shape the songbook of America. Bits and pieces of some of the songs play in the car as they drive around the streets, and included in the film is a new song, “Right Where I Belong” which was recoded specifically for the film.

Director Brent Wilson (no relation) said, “My partners and I set out to tell Brian’s story in a way that had never been done before.  With so many books, documentaries and films already out; I knew this was an almost impossible goal.  I needed our film to feel personal and intimate, but not be a hagiography.  I needed music to be at the heart, but with so many hits, I also wanted something new for the ear.  Most importantly, Brian Wilson is an icon as famous for beingBrian Wilson as he is being Brian Wilson, and I needed to bridge that gap between myth and reality.”

As viewers will hear from other musicians, Brian Wilson “had an orchestra in his head.” While the Beatles had George Martin to make them who they were, The Beach Boys had Brian Wilson.

Wilson says about his brothers who were part of the original group and who have passed away, Dennis was hyper and a ladies man and Carl was the easy-going brother. With his brothers, cousin, and friend, The Beach Boys climbed the charts and their songs continue to play on radio stations in in our heads!

The film is available on Blu-ray and DVD, as well as digital, and adds a good understanding about the life and career of Brian Wilson for people who think they know everything about him. Yes, he did do drugs, he suffers from mental illness, he had tragedies in his life, and he created some of the best music in the past 50 years. Brian Wilson is a musical genius, as those interviewed in the film profess. And by watching the film viewers will undoubtedly agree.


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, from Sourced Media Books, 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 Art of Disney Encanto’ book review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Disney’s Encanto animated movie is the story of an amazing family who live in a bright and colorful house. Every member of the family has special powers. Well, all except one. Fifteen-year-old Mirabel has not been blessed with a magical power. But that does not stop her from being optimistic. This is a charming story of magic, family, and destiny. The story takes place in Colombia and the movie has captured the hearts and imaginations of viewers of all ages. The book, The Art of Disney Encanto, is filled with illustrations that represent the characters, scenery, and fun of the film.

The book not only takes readers into the story and the background of the illustrations, but it is also a good look at how animation is created. For budding artists and animators, this is a good introduction to the industry.

Besides the lessons about creating the design and look of the film, the pages are filled with the fun of the story and the characters. The house, or casita, is colorful as well as magical. The animals in the story add an entertaining element, and the clothes worn by the characters represent the culture as well as provide an additional colorful aspect. All in all, colors explode in the film.

The book has a preface by Disney Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee. She writes, “This book shares a selection of the incredible artwork created for the film by some of the best visual artists in the world, as well as gives a peek behind the curtain into the filmmakers’ creative process.”

The filmmakers traveled to Colombia to get the flavor of the country in order to bring realism to the movie. There are plenty of photos taken while they were there, however the majority of the book contains digital sketches that were used to put together the frames in the film. To go along with the images there is information about the background of the pictures that provide a deeper insight into the scenery and characters. The colors of each of the rooms in the house represent the individuals who reside in them. Providing a background to the specific locations of the house (even down to the furniture and plates in the kitchen) add greatly to viewers’ insight into the creation of the movie.

At the heart of the film is the story, yet it takes the images to create the atmosphere and bring the characters to life. This book shows how that process progressed and resulted in the beloved film that has become an instant classic. Mirabel as well as her casita are now well known. The book delves into the story, the creativity, and the imagery of Disney Encanto.

The Art of Disney Encanto is a treasure for fans of the film. It showcases the beauty and enjoyment viewers experience when they watch the movie.

 

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chronicle Books (November 23, 2021)
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1797200860
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1797200866

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, from Sourced Media Books, 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.

‘Anything is Possible’ is a heartening story

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Up Faith & Family has so many great movies and the 2013 film Anything is Possible is one of them. It is emotional on so many levels, and if it doesn’t pull at your heartstrings, nothing will.

The film highlights Ethan Bortnick who plays Nathan, a ten-year-old boy whose Army mother Margaret (Lacy Chabert) goes missing while she is on assignment in Japan to help with tsunami rescues. Nathan learns that his father (Jonathan Bennett) is not his biological father and once Margaret is MIA, child services steps in to take the boy while custody is being straightened out. This upsets him and he ends up running away. The rest of the story is heartbreaking, heartwarming, and heartening. Let’s just say the film has heart!

Many issues combine to make up this emotional tale: military family life, PTSD, homelessness, adoption, child disease, orphans, community bonding, and more. At every turn there is a new punch to the gut. But it does have a great ending. After all, it is on UP Faith and Family.

What is intriguing about the film, besides the emotional journey, is that Bortnick is himself a child prodigy. He co-wrote the music in the movie, and his amazing piano playing ability is highlighted throughout the film.

Ethan Bortnick began playing the piano when he was four years old. He was born in 2000 and has had a remarkable life to date. At age five he was composing music and when he was almost ten he headlined a show at the Wentz Concert Hall in Illinois. This little guy is an amazing talent and it comes into play in the movie.

Nathan uses his talent to help save the local orphanage. He also uses it as a way to connect with his mother, whom he misses greatly. He is befriended by another ten-year-old named Jessie who helps him when he is hiding from the Child Services, and a homeless vet who looks after the young boy.

Nathan’s journey is touching and definitely emotional for not only him but also the viewers. This is a show that brings out many poignant feelings and subjects and is worth checking out. Anything is Possible is available to stream on UP Faith & Family.

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 Eternals’ on Disney+, digital and discs

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Marvel’s Eternals is now available on digital, streaming on Disney+, and will be available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD beginning February 15, 2022.

Besides the theatrical film, there is some additional content that includes a behind the scenes documentary looking at these superheroes from the Marvel Comic Universe, a feature about the large group of superheroes that make up the Eternals, deleted scenes, and a gag reel (yes, even superheroes make mistakes). The cast includes Gemma Chan as Sersi, Richard Madden as Ikaris, Kumail Nanjiani as Kingo, Lia McHugh as Sprite, Brian Tyree Henry as Phastos, Lauren Ridloff as Makkari, Barry Keoghan as Druig, Don Lee as Dane Whitman, Salma Hayak as Ajak, and Angelina Jolie as Thena. It is definitely a large cast of superheroes.

The story of the Eternals is that a group of heroes came to Earth at the time of the dawn of man. They came to protect the humans from monster creatures called Deviants. The film begins with this introduction to the story, and then it shifts to modern day where the Eternals have been living among the humans for thousands of years. Thinking that the Deviants were all destroyed thousands of years ago, they are surprised when the creatures return. It again falls on the Eternals to save the world and humanity once again.

Fans of Marvel know about the Eternals, however if you are not familiar with them do not worry. This film explains them and their story. It is filled with amazing visuals to go along with the heroes. As producer Nate Moore said, “We want audiences to discover a corner of the Marvel universe they’ve never seen before.  We want them to discover a mythology that is a challenging sci-fi movie but also has a human heart. And we want them to meet ten heroes who they hopefully can relate to.”

The Eternals comic books were first published in 1976. This movie might be an introduction to the characters for many viewers. The studio is banking on the public embracing the characters and has a second film coming out in the future.

The Eternals is rated PG-13 for fantasy violence and action, some language and brief sexuality.

About the Author

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

‘Supernatural Academy’ is actually an addicting show

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

From the books by Jaymin Eve, Supernatural Academy is a fun animated series for all ages. It’s really quite addicting. As a reviewer I had the chance to binge on the entire season over one weekend, and I have to admit I was hooked.

The story is part Disneyland combined with Hogwarts and a lot of other magical elements. It focuses on twins who were separated at birth and have no idea the other exists. Mischa went to live in the human world with her mother and Jessa stayed with her father in Stratford, an enclave where supernatural beings live safe from the humans. They consist of all kinds of entities: mermaids, fairies, vampires, shape shifters, trolls, etc.

When Mischa and her mother are discovered in New York, they return to Stratford where the girls are united and their story comes to light. They were separated to keep them safe. Having been born with a Dragon Mark, they would surely have been hunted and captured, but by separating them they have lived in safety for over fourteen years.

The legend is that those born with the Dragon Mark must be contained or they will raise the Dragon King who will rule unjustly. But the kids that have been contained are not evil.

When Mischa and Jessa join together, their sisterly bond grows and soon Mischa is welcomed into the “pack” of Jessa and her friends. Braxton (aka Brax) and his brother Maximus (aka Max) are part of the group and play an important role in the series, as do Jae, Terra, and others. The school is run by Headmaster Kristov, who has ulterior motives for letting Mischa into the school. The academy is for supernaturals and Mischa has no powers, at least she does not in the beginning. It takes time for her powers to develop.

Then the twins discover they are pawns in an evil plot to take over the world. They must learn to work together to save the worlds – both the supernatural realms as well as the human world.

To get to different locations, the supernaturals use special doors. This is a fun aspect, kind of reminiscent of the doors in Monsters, Inc. There are many fun elements involved in the series as well as several scenes of peril. And yes, not everyone gets through the season alive. But good triumphs over evil.

There are 16 episodes in this season, and if the final scene has a clue, it is that there will be another season coming later. The characters are interesting and although they are different from each other in many ways, they all have qualities that are worthy of the story. And even though this is an animated series and meant for young adults, there are plenty of parents who will enjoy watching the show with their children.

Supernatural Academy will begin streaming January 20, 2022 on Peacock. It is a fun and intriguing series that brings together magic along with familial relationships.

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.

Celebrate the Lunar New Year in style with Disney

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park returns Jan. 21 through Feb. 13, 2022. This celebration commemorates traditions of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures. The festival is filled with multicultural performances, special activities, culinary delights, beautiful decor, celebratory merchandise, and more. (Disneyland Resort)

Once again Disney California Adventure is decked out for Lunar New Year. This year’s festivities run from January 21- February 13, 2022 and the event is jammed packed with fun and food!

The “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession” parade has a new float with Mulan and Mushu. Take in this event in the evening as the lanterns glow and provide an ethereal mood. The procession is colorful and musical, and gives guests the spirit of Asia, right in the heart of Anaheim.

Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park returns Jan. 21 through Feb. 13, 2022. This celebration commemorates traditions of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures. The festival is filled with multicultural performances, special activities, culinary delights, beautiful decor, celebratory merchandise, and more. (Joshua Sudock/Disneyland Resort)

This event is multicultural and in Downtown Disney a new mural commemorates the holiday from traditional “minwha,” or “painting of the people,” which portray the customs and spirit of everyday life in Korea.

By all means purchase a Sip and Savor Pass so you can taste some of the various – and delicious – food from the different cultures. It’s an additional price but well worth it. Once you get your pass, you do not need to purchase the food. Simply break off a tab from the pass and exchange it for the food or beverage of your choice. There are six tabs on each pass.

Downtown Disney also has merchandise (it is Disney, after all) to help commemorate the holiday. Or simply head to shopDisney.com and purchase items there. They have jerseys for adults and special costumes for the nuiMOs (the small, posable, plush that are loved by kids and adults).

Mickey, Minnie, Tigger, Mulan, Mushu, and the Three Little Pigs can be spotted around the park decked out in their holiday costumes. And making her debut at the Disneyland Resort is Raya (Raya and the Last Dragon).

To enjoy the Lunar New Year celebration and for a limited time this spring, Southern California residents may visit the Disneyland Resort for as little as $67 per day with the purchase of a three-day, one-park per day weekday ticket – available for redemption now through May 26, 2022, subject to park reservation availability.

 

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.

Rebecca Gibney stars in three series on Acorn TV

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Rebecca Gibney is one of Australia’s favorite actors. Watching her onscreen she shows a kindness in her eyes that reflects in her roles. Fans of the actor can see her in three series streaming on Acorn TV.

Winter is an engaging 2015 mini-series about a homicide detective searching for the killer of a young woman. Gibney is Eve Winter, a woman who is completely dedicated to her job. She invests herself in tracking down the murderer, and when her former lover (Peter O’Brien) comes to her with information one of his cold cases might be linked to her current investigation, they join forces. But now the feds enter the scene and Eve finds herself juggling her murder investigation with the federal investigation. She also juggles her feelings between her former lover and the federal agent (Matt Nable).

During the investigation some of Eve’s personal history bubbles up to the surface. But that does not deter her. She is headstrong and determined to put all the pieces of the puzzle together.

This series was only 6 episodes. It is an appealing show that could have gone on with more stories, but it only lasted the six episodes.

Gibney also appears in Small Claims. These were a collection of TV movies in which Gibney plays Chrissy Hindmarsh, a former solicitor who gave up her promising career in law to stay home and raise her family. But her education comes in handy when she gets involved in several occurrences and must come to the legal aid of her friends.  Chrissy teams up with police officer Jo Collins (Claudia Karvan) to solve the crimes.

The Small Claims TV movies aired in Australia in 2004, 2005, and 2006.

Currently Gibney stars in the new series Under the Vines. The first season is now available and Acorn TV has picked up the series for another season.

Gibney (Daisy) and Charles Edwards (Louis) are two people from the city who jointly inherit a New Zealand vineyard. They do not know each other but are thrown together as co-owners. While Louis wants to sell the vineyard and split the money, Daisy decides she wants to keep it and try to make it into a profitable winery.

Daisy and Louis are completely different. She comes to this rural place with designer shoes and clothing. She is a society gal. And Louis is not used to working hard for his pay. The two make an unlikely pair, yet they manage to see things through. But can they turn this failing winery into a profitable business? This is a delightful show and worth checking out.

Watching these shows it is no wonder Rebecca Gibney is a popular actor in Australia. She is enjoyable to watch, whether she is solving crimes or working at the winery

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.

Up Faith & Family is worth checking out

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Up Faith & Family is a streaming network filled with family-friendly content. In December they were overflowing with Christmas movies that definitely put viewers in the holiday spirit with plenty of good cheer. They also have series and other shows.

 

“Heartland” is a popular series that streams on this network. “Bringing up Bates,” and “Jo Frost: Nanny on Tour” are also showing on Up Faith and Family.

As the name suggests, there are plenty of shows that focus on faith. The “Love Comes Softly” Saga is available to stream. These films are always enjoyable to watch no matter how many times you’ve seen them. After all, love, no matter in what form, is heart warming.

There are also several true stories that, as the network says, are “UPlifting.”

Mysteries (“The Mystery Woman” “Jane Doe Mysteries”) and cute cop shows like “Hudson and Rex” are “go to” shows when you feel like a little pick-me-up. “Hudson and Rex” is a fun crime drama with Detective Hudson and his canine partner Rex, who always steals the show, as well as whatever snacks are lying around the police station.

Westerns, documentaries, comedies, kids shows, and music make up the list of great shows on UP Faith & Family.

I have to confess I recently discovered this streaming network and now it is my “go to” place for great entertainment. With all the stress in today’s world with the pandemic and political discord, it’s good and even necessary to escape. Escaping does not necessarily mean sticking your head in the sand. But we are mired in the depressing state of affairs the world is in at the present time. And UP Faith & Family takes us away without any of the untoward subjects and nudity that have overtaken the airwaves. With this streaming service, you can rest assured you won’t be taken aback by subject matters. This is wholesome entertainment. That is not derogatory. It is a compliment to the network. We need this, especially in these times.

Check out their website for more information and subscription options

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.

Jurassic Quest gets visitors up close and personal with dinosaurs

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Take Jurassic Park and add Land Before Time and you get Jurassic Quest. This is a step back in time to the world inhabited by dinosaurs.

There are animatronic dinosaurs to scale so visitors get an idea of how big they were. There are also fun things to do for kids. They can sit on a dinosaur or play in the dinosaur playground. Plus there are some slides and other activities to keep them busy.

While the kiddies are playing or coloring their favorite dinosaur – or picking something from the souvenir shop – there are fossils and castings of items from the dinosaur age. Check out those jaws from a jaws great white shark!

While inside the exhibit, the sounds of the dinos surround visitors. The only think I would have added would be some steam and a little more realistic floor. The exhibit is set up in a regular exhibition hall (I visited the one in the Anaheim Convention Center). But that aside, this is a nice little look at dinosaurs close up. And all the kids were anxious to get their picture taken beside their favorite dinosaurs.

 

Go to their website for upcoming events for 2022.

Also check out their website for downloadable activities and everything that guests can experience at the Jurassic Quest exhibition.

Click on the videos below to see some of the dinosaurs in action.

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.

‘Encanto’ is charming

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The newest animated musical feature from the talented folks at Disney is Encanto. This is a charming story of magic, family, and destiny.

The story takes place in Colombia and focuses on the Madrigal family who all live in a magical house in the mountains. They call their casita “Encanto.” When each member of the family reaches a certain age, he/she is blessed with a different magic power. However, little Mirabel is not given any power. This is unusual. This has not happened before.

Mirabel, now fifteen years old, does not let the fact that she is the only one in her family without a magical power get her down. She is a loving, happy little girl, but looked down upon by others in the family.

She is not an outsider but she is not fully embraced by the entire family. She is, however, an adorable, generous, and wonderful little girl. And when she discovers the magic is about to go away and the fate of Encanto is in jeopardy, Mirabel decides it is up to her to save the house and her family.

This unlikely heroine is voiced by Stephanie Beatriz, who does a wonderful job of brining the love and excitement of life to Mirabel. “There’s something that clicks inside her where she realizes the wheels are in motion for her to chase down her destiny,” said Beatriz. “I like these heroine songs so much. We go on this major journey with the character and suddenly we know her better from the inside.”

The movie is filled with upbeat songs from the legendary Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film is colorful with the joy of family, love, and life in the forefront. Audiences around the country have fallen in love with little Mirabel. She is definitely a Disney heroine in the same style as Moana. Mirabel deserves to be among the musical Disney heroines and is a character that the entire family will enjoy watching.

The movie opened in theaters November 24, 2021 and is now streaming on Disney+. It will be available on DVD, Blu-ray, 4K, and digital February 8, 2022 with plenty of bonus features, including a look at the making of the film, a sing-along version, a trip to Colombia, deleted scenes, and more. Plus there is a featurette about the house and a feature to jump to specific songs.

Encanto is rated PG.

 

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 Disney