Author: Francine Brokaw

‘Hotel Transylvania: Transformania’ coming to Prime Video January 2022

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

They are so popular the gang from Hotel Transylvania are returning for another movie. Hotel Transylvania: Transformania will be available beginning January 14, 2022 on Prime Video. This movie is touted as the final chapter in the movie franchise.

Drac and the Pack are back, like you’ve never seen them before in Hotel Transylvania: Transformania. Reunite with your favorite monsters for an all-new adventure that presents Drac (Brian Hull) with his most terrifying task yet. When Van Helsing’s (Jim Gaffigan) mysterious invention, the ‘Monsterification Ray,’ goes haywire, Drac and his monster pals are all transformed into humans, and Johnny (Andy Samberg) becomes a monster! In their new mismatched bodies, Drac, stripped of his powers, and an exuberant Johnny, loving life as a monster, must team up and race across the globe to find a cure before it’s too late, and before they drive each other crazy. With help from Mavis (Selena Gomez) and the hilariously human Drac Pack, the heat is on to find a way to switch themselves back before their transformations become permanent.

Catch up with ‘Downton Abbey’ and start the New Year with the Crawleys

Posted on by Francine Brokaw
MASTERPIECE on PBS has announced that it will broadcast the first Downton Abbey movie on Christmas Day, and again on January 2 following the premiere of Around the World in 80 Days starring David Tennant.
“We are so happy to offer our viewers the chance to spend the holidays with the Crawleys,” said MASTERPIECE EP Susanne Simpson. “For Downton Abbey fans, this movie is the perfect treat everyone can enjoy.”

“We are so happy to offer our viewers the chance to spend the holidays with the Crawleys,” said MASTERPIECE EP Susanne Simpson. “For Downton Abbey fans, this movie is the perfect treat everyone can enjoy.” MASTERPIECE is presented on PBS by GBH Boston.

“PBS is proud to have been the home of Downton Abbey on MASTERPIECE for six incredible award-winning seasons,” said Maria Bruno Ruiz, Vice President of Program Scheduling at PBS. “Since its debut in 2011, Downton Abbey has been a runaway hit with fans, and we are thrilled to welcome the Crawley family back to PBS.”

‘Off the Rails’ is a sentimental movie in many ways

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The film Off the Rails was the final film role for Kelly Preston who passed away last year. The story is kind of a blend of The First Wives Club mixed with The Big Chill.

Cassie (Preston), Liz (Sally Phillips), Kate (Jenny Seagrove), and Anna (Andrea Corr) were best friends in college. Their graduation trip to Europe to see the light shine in a cathedral in Palma Spain was derailed. The light shines through the stained glass only two days a year. So when, after many years, Cassie, Liz, and Kate get together again for Anna’s funeral, they are in for a surprise. Anna’s final wish was for the three friends to take her 18-year-old daughter Maddie (Elizabeth Dormer-Phillips), retrace their post-collegiate trip and finally see the light through the stained glass, which was something they never got to do.

The story takes on many emotional journeys as the three friends – along with Maddie – trek to Paris then to Italy and Spain to fulfill Anna’s last wish. But will they make it in time? There are plenty of derailments (literally and figuratively) in their journey. Each woman is experiencing personal struggles and mid-life regrets. But Maddie is determined to see her mother’s final wish granted.

The film takes on an added emotional aspect being it was the final film role for Preston, who died of cancer. In the film, Anna’s death was due to her bought with cancer. Viewers will undoubtedly see through the façade Preston puts on screen, as she was most likely aware of her impending demise.

The women face one debacle after another as they travel through Europe. But is their friendship strong enough to survive the personal struggles and interpersonal skirmishes?

In the end, viewers will have a sense of how strong the friendship between these women is and how life, although short, is meant for friends, love, and adventure.

Off the Rails is rated R for some language. It opens in theaters and on demand December 10, 2021.

For more information about the Cathedral and the amazing light show through the rose window, visit this site.

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.

‘Asia’s Monarchies: Japan’ is now available on True Royalty TV

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

One of the many interesting documentaries on the True Royalty TV streaming channel that does not focus on the British Monarchy is the show about the Japanese Imperial Family. This is the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world. Having begun in the 600s with Emperor Jimmu, the line of succession has been passed to the male members of the family and even today it does not look like that will change.

The Emperor Hirohito, who was in power during World War II and to this day still blamed and shamed for Japan’s involvement in that war, was the last true ruling emperor, having overseen the invasion of China and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, not to mention the peace treaty at the end of the war and the occupation of Japan. Hirohito was allowed to remain as Emperor as long as the country changed to a constitutional monarchy, like that of Great Britain. This took away much of his power, yet he did not lose his title – or his head.

Upon his death, his eldest son, Akihito, who was actually his fifth child, succeeded Hirohito. Remember, only male members of the family can hold the title of Emperor. When Akihito abdicated, his successor was Naruhito. A crisis came over the country when Naruhito and his wife had only one child, a daughter named Aiko, Princess Toshi. With Japan being a male-dominated country and a male-dominated hierarchy (primogeniture), this became a problem for not only the country but also caused stress for Naruhito’s wife. Things calmed down when his brother produced a male heir. When will Japan join the modern age and allow women their rightful place in society and the monarchy?

Watching this film is interesting because there is a divide within the country. There are those who still pay tribute to the war dead at a special shrine, but there are those who blame Hirohito for all the strife the country endured during and after the war, and because of this turmoil the royal family has stopped their visits to the shrine. As they must feel, it is time to move on.

This educational and interesting documentary is available to stream on True Royalty TV, along with other documentaries about other royals around the world.

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.

 

Jack Lemmon stars in ‘Mass Appeal’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Jack Lemmon was a great comic actor as well as an excellent dramatic actor. He combines a little bit of his comedy ability with his award-winning dramatic talent in the 1984 film Mass Appeal.

Lemmon is Father Tim Farley, a beloved Parish Priest. He combines humor with his sermons and enjoys the attention of his parishioners. He also loves it when they give him bottles of wine. He’s an easy-going fellow who has earned the love and affection of his congregation.

Monsignor Thomas Burke (Charles Durning) is a no-nonsense, by-the-book man who does not want any change in the church. Although he oversees the seminary where young men are being groomed for the priesthood, he is always suspicious about those who are a little off-book.

Now enter Mark Dolson (Zeljko Ivanek), a young man who desperately wants to be a priest. After graduating the first part of the seminary his next step is to be a Deacon. But the monsignor does not feel he is ready for that. The lad is a rebel and although the church is modernizing, the Monsignor doesn’t want it to modernize as much as Dolson does.

On a whim the Monsignor agrees to give Dolson a shot at being a Deacon. The caveat is that Farley must be his mentor and he only has one month in which to straighten out the younger man or else he will be expelled from the seminary for good.

Deacon Dolson is unaware of the time limits on his trial, and Farley does everything in his power to help him learn how to connect with the congregation. Unfortunately, Dolson manages to alienate the congregation causing trouble for Farley. How can Farley get through to Dolson when the younger man refuses to budge?

Dolson sees Farley’s sermons as a show whereas he wants his sermons to be more condemnation of people and their actions in order to bring them closer to the church. This does not go over well with the people. But when Dolson’s career is in jeopardy, it is up to Farley to decide which is more important: saving his own career or standing up for a man he believes will make a good priest?

As ever, Lemmon turns in an amazing performance. This man can do it all, and his facial expressions are priceless.

Mass Appeal is now available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber. It 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.

Bring home ‘The Four Seasons’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In 1981 a star-studded cast joined together for a fun comedy. The Four Seasons is funny, sensitive, and endearing. The story of three couples that spend their vacations together is interspersed with the music from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to enhance the opening of each season as the six people trek to different parts of the world.

Alan Alda is Jack and Carol Burnett is his wife Kate. Jack Weston is Danny and Rita Moreno is his wife Claudia. Len Cariou is Nick and Sandy Dennis is his wife Anne. Bess Armstrong enters the scene after the first season in the story.

The couples are unique. Jack and Kate are professionals with a sense of purpose and an equal sense of family. Danny is a hypochondriac and Claudia always says what she thinks without any filter. Nick is having a mid-life crisis and is frustrated with his wife who is always indecisive.

In spring the couples travel to upstate New York. The thing about these vacations is the food they always prepare. They pair their outings with special dinners and the planning begins months prior to their vacations.

In the summer they go to the Virgin Islands for a cruise. This time Anne is not among them. Instead, Nick has brought his new girlfriend Ginny (Armstrong), a young, nubile woman who brings out the ire in the women and the virility in the men. While sailing is not their best endeavor, they manage the boat nevertheless, seasickness and all.

In the autumn they travel to New England to visit their daughters at college. Alda’s real-life daughters Beatrice and Elizabeth play the girls. Jack and Kate’s daughter is an outgoing young woman with a lot of pep. Nick and Anne’s daughter is the opposite. She is morose and never able to smile. While the adults try to deal with their own personal issues, the girls add additional strain to the vacation.

And finally in the winter the three couples go to a ski lodge in Vermont. It’s a cozy atmosphere but they all seem to explode in emotional outbursts. Broken and sprained bones, neuroses and more add to the fun of this season.

For these forty-something adults, their seasonal vacations together add up to some humorous times and some whacky endeavors. It’s definitely a cute movie with the seven different personalities meshing together most of the time. On many occasions they do get on each other’s nerves with plenty of underlying hostility and even outright vengeance. Viewers will undoubtedly enjoy at least one of the couples as they maneuver their way through a year of trials and tribulations.

Each of the couples has their own charm, however Burnett and Alda are especially delightful to watch. Their interplay is priceless.

The Four Seasons was written and directed by Alan Alda. It is rated PG and is now available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber

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.

‘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.