‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ is an enchanting tail/tale

 

Young Darby Camp steals the show in Clifford the Big Red Dog. The movie is based on the Scholastic book character that has been beloved by millions.

The film starts out on a gut-wrenching note when a little red puppy is left alone. His mother and siblings have been taken to the pound, so this little fellow wanders the streets of New York City. Then he is found by Mr. Bridwell (John Cleese), a mysterious animal rescuer who takes in the little fellow.

Emily (Camp) is a lonely middle-schooler. She is bullied for being the new kid at school and also for being there on a scholarship. When her mother (Sienna Guillory) leaves her under the care of her bumbling uncle Casey (Jack Whitehall) for a few days while on a business trip, things kind of get out of hand. Let’s just say Casey gets in over his head. Okay, enough puns.

On their first day together, Emily and her uncle discover Bridwell’s tent filled with amazing animals. Emily is immediately drawn to the little red puppy. But since no pets are allowed in her building, and since Uncle Casey doesn’t want to get in trouble with his sister, she is not allowed to adopt the dog.

The puppy mysteriously makes his way into Emily’s backpack and she discovers him later that day. She desperately wants to keep him. They bond immediately and she names him Clifford, with his approval. That night she makes a wish that he is bigger and when she awakens the next morning, you guessed it – he’s big. Not just big. He’s gigantic. However he’s still the playful puppy she loved and still loves.

While Emily and Casey try to track down Bridwell to find out how to reduce his size, they are photographed around the city (after all it’s not every day one sees a ten foot tall red puppy) and soon become news stories. They capture the hearts of the city and the attention of one devious businessman (Tony Hale) whose company is trying to develop a way to enlarge food to feed the world. Of course it will also feed his bank account.

He sets out to capture Clifford for his experiments while Emily, Clifford, Casey, and Emily’s friend Owen (Izaac Wang) stay one step ahead. Can they keep Clifford safe?

This is a cute romp through the Big Apple with some adorable scenes, but there are also some sad ones. Rest assured, there is a happy ending.

This delightful little/big dog will be adored by viewers of all ages. It’s a sweet story about love and acceptance. Clifford the Big Red Dog is rated PG for impolite humor, thematic elements, and mild action. Audiences are in for quite a ride (pun intended) with Clifford!

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 ‘Younger – The Complete Series’

In 2015 the series Younger captured the hearts of viewers of all ages. Sutton Foster is adorable as the 40-something woman who is at a crossroads in her life. Now all of the seven seasons along with some bonus material are available in one 10-disc set.

Foster is Liza Miller, a newly single mother getting back into the job market. She has always loved books and publishing and dreamt of a job in that profession. Now it’s time for her to realize her dream. The problem is her age. No one wants to hire a 40-something year old woman. So she decides to pass herself off as a 20-something year old and ends up getting a job as an assistant in an established publishing house. With the help of her old friend Maggie (Debi Mazar) who is an artist and with whom she now lives, her appearance is relatable as a younger woman. And who does not want to look younger?

Liza’s boss Diana (Miriam Shor) is dubious of the younger generation. And soon Liza finds herself working with Kelsey (Hilary Duff) in a new division of the company geared toward millennials. Now not only does Liza have to keep up her appearance as a younger woman, but she also has to learn all the new technology, lingo, and basically this whole new world.

Charles Brooks (Peter Hermann) is the head of the company and is attracted to Liza however he knows he cannot pursue a relationship with a much younger woman. In the meantime Liza meets Josh (Nico Tortorella), a young tattoo artist and the two begin a delightful affair.

How long can she keep up this charade? Juggling her life from the suburbs with the life of a young and free millennial in New York City is a struggle, but Liza enjoys it. And she enjoys being in the business she loves. Publishing is in her heart and she is good at it. As she rises in the company her charade is in jeopardy. But will revealing the truth be the end of her career? And what will it do to her relationships?

This adorable and even addicting series is one to binge over a long weekend. The set comes along with a bookmark (after all, it does center on a publishing company). One side of the bookmark is #teamjosh and the other side is #teamcharles. Which one of these men will she end up with?

While Liza deals with her life and career, the other characters in this show each have their own personal dramas, yet they all intertwine. And Liza is at the center. Ups and downs for every character leave viewers wondering what they will do next and with whom.

The bonus features include deleted scenes and some fun bloopers. It’s clear the actors truly enjoyed each other and had a ball working on the show.

Younger: The Complete Series is not rated however with mature subject matter, visuals, and language, it is definitely not suitable for young viewers. My suggestion is 18+.

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 DISNEY+ Day with The Simpsons

The Disney+ Day celebration is headed to Springfield in “The Simpsons in Plusaversary!” In the new short, “The Simpsons” host a Disney+ Day party and everyone is on the list… except Homer. With friends from across the service and music fit for a Disney princess, Plusaversary is Springfield’s event of the year. A Disney+ Day premiere, “The Simpsons in Plusaversary” will debut Friday, November 12 exclusively on the streaming service. The global celebration of Disney+ Day will come to life in 10 days with new content releases, fan experiences, exclusive offers and more across The Walt Disney Company on Friday, November 12.

 

“The Simpsons in Plusaversary” is the third in a series of Disney+ shorts from “The Simpsons” that highlight the service’s marquee brands and titles. The previously released Star Wars and Marvel-themed shorts “Maggie Simpson in ‘The Force Awakens from Its Nap’” and “The Good, The Bart, and The Loki” are currently available on Disney+. All of these and more can be found in “The Simpsons” collection on the streaming service: https://www.disneyplus.com/franchise/the-simpsons

‘Foodtastic’ is coming to Disney+ making food fun

Attention foodies, chefs, and aspiring chefs. Foodtastic is coming to Disney+ December 15, 2021. This is fun entertainment for the entire family.

Hosted by the multitalented, Emmy® award-winning actress Keke Palmer, Foodtastic is an immersive global competition series in which highly skilled artists create extravagant scene work and larger-than-life sculptures made entirely out of food. From vegetables and butter to fruit and cheese, these everyday items are transformed into works of art. Each episode is rooted in iconic Disney IP and the food-based builds are an extension of that world. FLOUR SHOP founder Amirah Kassem and NYC’s City Cakes founder chef Benny Rivera serve as food art experts on the series.

Episodes include the following:

Ant-Man and The Wasp: Introducing Micro-Girl

Food artists call on Ant-Man and The Wasp to help a lab tech save the day.

Star Wars: The Rebel Mechanic 

“Foodtastic” food artists help a Rebel mechanic defeat the Galactic Empire.

Toy Story: Toy Doctor to the Rescue

Food artists distract Andy before he learns his robot toy is broken.

Beauty and the Beast: Belle’s Best Friend

Food artists and beloved characters keep Belle’s best friend entertained.

The Avengers: Sorceress by Day

Food artists must conjure the Avengers to save the city from an attack.

Cars: Back on the Track

Food artists give a mechanic a car to enter the Piston Cup.

The Lion King: Queen of the Jungle

Food artists help a Pride Lands tour guide tell Simba’s story.

Up: An Explorer’s Adventure

Food artists give an explorer helpful suggestions on where she should go.

Wreck-It Ralph: Ralph’s New Game

Food artists work to make a brand-new video game for an amazing gamer.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Hunt for Barbossa

Food artists help a retired pirate free her matey, Captain Barbossa!

The Muppets: A Chicken Day Miracle

Food artists work to make Gonzo’s holiday, Chicken Day, the best day ever.

 

 

 

Jewish stories to share with your kids from Kalaniot Books

 

Kalaniot Books has several new releases for kids filled with Jewish culture. With interesting stories and great artwork, these books are good bedtime stories or anytime stories.

 

A Snake, a Flood, a Hidden Baby is a collection of Bible stories retold for youngsters. This book is geared for ages 6-11 and includes the stories of Joseph, Moses, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, the Tower of Babel, and Adam and Eve. They are fun and whimsical in tone. This is a good introduction to Bible stories for kids.

  • ISBN: 978-0-9988527-9-9
  • Hardcover $19.99
  • 48 pages

 

 

The Candy Man Mystery is a cute story of a young Jewish boy who waits for Shabbat service every week to hear tales from one older man at the Synagogue. This man also doles out candy to the kids. But one night he is missing. Where could he be? The ending is a sweet (no pun intended) lesson about sharing and friendship. This book is for ages 4-11.

 

  • ISBN: 978-1-7350875-2-8
  • Hardcover $19.99
  • 32 pages

 

The Rabbi and the Painter combines the cultures of sixteenth century Venice with a modern twist. This was a time when Jews lived in a ghetto yet one little boy was always interested in life and people outside of his little area. One day he meets an older man and the two become friends. This man is painting The Last Supper and is surprised when the boy tells him it is the story of Passover. Their friendship lasts a lifetime and the story is intriguing. It is for ages 6-11.

  • ISBN: 978-0-9988527-8-2
  • Hardcover $19.99
  • 32 pages

 

 

My Israel and Me celebrates the people that make up the country of Israel. This is a unique book combining both rhyming verse with a text that explains about the people and life of the land. It is informative for everyone. Even adults will enjoy this as it educates readers about what is happening in all areas of the country. For ages 4-11, this is another good bedtime book.

  • ISBN: 978-1-7350875-3-5
  • Hardcover $19.99
  • 32 pages

 

If you are looking for Chanukah gifts, keep these books in mind. They are also great for other holiday gifts as well as simply everyday books. The illustrations with the stories provide readers with intelligent stories told in a way youngsters can understand without dumbing down the words. They are informative, educational, enjoyable, and have good lessons to impart.

 

For more information, more books, or to order, go to their website.

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.

CMY Cubes – Product Review

Are they toys? Are they art? They are both. The CMY Cubes are beautiful cubes coated with bright colors that provide a relaxing change of pace while working at your desk or just pondering a situation.

These cubes are coated with cyan, magenta, and yellow colors and when the cubes are turned around, more colors appear. They are like holding a rainbow in your hand. And they are mesmerizing.

Art students will definitely be entranced by the cubes, as well as business executives who can place them on their desks for a colorful addition to the business world. There is something soothing about looking at the colors and handling the cubes. Mixing the colors by turning the cubes in different direction is a break from work.

Do you remember the old magnetic pendulum balls that would clink together when moved and we were transfixed by the pairing options? That is old school. The CMY Cubes are much more entertaining and definitely more colorful.

There are different sizes and even different shapes. They all have a relaxing element. Don’t try to figure out how they change colors, just enjoy the beauty of the cubes. 

They can be purchased individually or in packs. And a clear stand is available as a separate purchase.

The CMY Cubes make great stocking stuffers or office gifts. Or treat yourself to one. With the stress of today’s world and more people working from their homes, it is necessary to escape the pressures, deadlines, and workloads. And parents can explore the different colors with their kids for an interesting learning experience about the world of colors.

Besides the CMY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) combination cubes there are also options for clear cubes and individual color cubes. They all have a variety of colors built in so even if you get the magenta cube, there will be a variety of pink colors within the cube.

Check out their website for the variety of CMY Cubes, prices, and packages.

Click on the image below to see how the cubes change colors.

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 Shrink Next Door’ alerts us to the dangers of ‘good care’ by a certifiable doctor

Inspired by true events, The Shrink Next Door, based on Joe Nocera’s 2019 podcast, follows Martin “Marty” Markowitz (Will Ferrell) as he transforms from a gullible, eccentric man-child to an independent textile company boss with the help of a psychiatrist. Nothing wrong with that, right?

Marty, the golden child of the Markowitzs, is so sensitive and fragile that the parents sheltered him from all the ills of our society. Now that they’re both gone, Marty is caught off-guard by the emotional turmoil of not knowing who he is, what he wants, and whom to trust. That makes him a perfect target for a fast-talking confidence trickster masquerading as a prominent Manhattan psychiatrist-to-the-stars named Dr. Isaac “Ike” Herschkopf (Paul Rudd). With some quick fixes right out of the gate, Marty jumps head-first into the brave new world of boundary crossings, ethical violations, exploitations, and power grabs.

Dr. Ike shamelessly slithers into Marty’s dull and lonely single life by blatantly violating the code of ethics left and right. Every time somebody attempts to get close to Marty, Ike gets testy and isolates the vulnerable patient from the loved ones, including Phyllis Shapiro (Kathryn Hahn), a well-meaning, but overbearingly protective younger sister. A budding romance with Hannah (Christina Vidal Mitchell) is prematurely lopped off because she gets an inkling of the despicable doctor’s ulterior motive. That’s what abusers do in order to dominate their preys; they have to be in their heads telling them what to do 24/7.

Just like a cult leader, Dr. Ike alternately bullies and charms Marty into blind and complete subservience. He takes over Marty’s life, complete with his home in the Hamptons and family business over the course of 27 years and at a whopping $3.2 million! After all he only does what would benefit him while persistently maintaining he has Marty’s best interests at heart — ‘Everyone is out to get you.’ ‘I’m going to protect you.’ ‘Without trust, we have nothing.’

I’ve had my share of therapy sessions in this country, but my issues with them are unlike Marty’s. I should be grateful that they were 100% ethical and professional, but still found myself increasingly disillusioned and frustrated at my being stuck in the past. No therapists ever gave me a ‘lightbulb, bing bing bing’ moment; just knowing smile, nods, and attagirl! praises for all the work I’ve done. I realized I was wasting my money on therapy when I was getting the “Gee, I’ve never thought of it that way before” moments from self-help books and Oprah. You could say that I’ve never had a Dr. Orna (Showtime’s Couples Therapy) in my therapy days.

The Shrink Next Door presents both a cautionary tale and a case study for how a narcissistic sociopath in the form of an authority figure can take over your life lock, stock and barrel. Marty faced a nasty double whammy of an inherent power differential in counseling — up-power doctor to down-power patient — and undue influence of a narcissistic sociopath. Don’t let anybody bully/charm you into doing something you feel utterly uncomfortable with; be mindful of how they make you feel. Although a little bit of discomfort goes a long way in personal development, ethical therapists create a safe space, empower their clients, protect their spirit, and see a wider perspective.

The Shrink Next Door debuts Friday, November 12 on Apple TV+ with the first three episodes, followed by a new episode every Friday.

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.

Courtesy photo

For Keeps dolls promote positivity

With all the stress in the world these days, kids need positive messages. The new For Keeps dolls are designed to do just that while at the same time sparking imaginations and adding some fun and fashion enjoyment.

Each of the seven dolls come with a special message plus several additional items besides the cute little dolls. They are about five inches tall and each one has a cute – and in most cases colorful – hairstyle and they all have smiles that are pretty much addicting. Just looking at them brings out a spark of joy.

The dolls are dressed in colorful outfits and there is a special surprise t-shirt included in the package. There are accessories (some dolls come with their own pets) as well as plastic stands on which to display the girls. Included in the package is a little cupcake that opens and can hold a small keepsake or a message of love and inspiration. Inspirational stickers and headbands also come in the packages. So, not only is there a doll that will become a child’s good friend, there are also many additions that can be interchanged with the others in the collection.

The founder of the company The Loyal Subjects, Jonathan Cathey said, “For Keeps is truly the first positive affirmation- and message-driven Fashion Doll – still filled with a ton of fashion play, but better!” The idea is to promote self-awareness and inspire kids with the idea of keeping them away from those pesky screens that have devoured hours of time. Playing with the dolls lets imaginations soar.

Each doll has a powerful message – “You Are Brave,” “You Are Love,” “You Can Do It,” “You Are Beautiful,” and “You Are Awesome.”

Each girl is unique. Mia is a Veterinarian, Ella is a Music Producer, Emma is a Filmmaker, Bella is a Journalist, Sophia is a Choreographer, and London and Paris are creative twins. Combine them for hours of playtime bringing out imagination and inspiration in kids.

These dolls are easy to transport so keeping them in a handbag is not a problem. Think about purchasing a few different dolls and hanging onto them for a time when your child needs a little extra bit of encouragement. They also make great stocking stuffers for the holiday season.

The For Keeps line of dolls is a new way to not only inspire youngsters but also promote positivity. After all, they have a lifetime ahead of them for all the stress and negativity that comes with life in this modern world. Childhood is the time for fun, love, and joy.

The For Keeps dolls are available at Target and Amazon.

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.

‘Jungle Cruise’ taps into Disneyland’s classic attraction


Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt star in the Disney film Jungle Cruise. Like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise takes its cue from the popular attraction in Disneyland. This was one of the first attractions to open in the park. Originally the park created many rides (aka attractions) based on Disney films, however they are branching out creating films based on the attractions. Perhaps there is a Matterhorn film in the future.

Johnson plays Frank Wolff. He’s the skipper of his boat and takes visitors on whacky tours of the Amazon. Blunt is Lily Houghton, who has come to the jungle to search for a mystical tree that could change the fate of humanity. There is a long legend about this tree. (See the film for all the backstory.) She hires Wolff to take her down the river to a specific location. Hesitantly, he agrees.

Needless to say, the movie is a hodgepodge of magical creatures and mystical elements. There are many colorful scenes with amazing creatures and a beautiful tree (spoiler alert – they do find the tree!)

The chemistry between Blunt and Johnson is similar to that of Katherine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart in The African Queen. Blunt is a feisty and eager woman. These two definitely get on each other’s nerves. He calls her “pants” because she wears trousers instead of a dress, which was a no-no for women of the time. And she calls him “skippy” instead of skipper, which annoys him to no end.

What adds to the fun of the film are the one-liners and quips that guests who have taken the Jungle Cruise ride in Disneyland are all too familiar. For instance, we all know when we board the boat that we will see “the back side of water.” While the story is more magical than the attraction, viewers do get a sense of the popular ride.

The bonus features include a “making of” featurette, which takes viewers behind the scenes with the actors. It’s fun way to get more inside information. The filmmakers were excited to get their first choice for each role. There is also a feature with several people who have been skippers on the park’s attraction. They have some fun stories to tell. A look at how the filmmakers created the Amazon and also filmed in Hawaii, as well as a cute feature with the two main actors also adds to the fun of the production. Deleted scenes and outtakes round out the bonus material.

Viewers may view the film in regular mode or “Expedition Mode” which shows Easter Eggs and some pop-up trivia and facts.

Jungle Cruise is available on DVD, Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Code, and 4K/Blu-ray/Digital Code. There are some frightening scenes so this film is rated PG-13 for sequences of adventure violence.

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.

New products from ZURU for holidays 2021

Last year the folks at ZURU had some really fun toys. This year they have even more for the holidays and the following are designed for ages 3+.

Rainbocorns Fairycorn Surprises are large plastic eggs, each filled with a unique plush character along with several additional surprises. There can be hair ornaments, jewelry, scented items, and more.

RainBocorns Talkin’ Jelly Shake Surprise is a colorful plastic “egg” that resembles an ice cream sundae. Now you’re talking my language! The plush animals are adorable plus they talk and sing.(Click that link to see and hear them sing.)  They are colorful, have fun faces, and when their hand is pressed they sing and talk. (Make sure they are turned on first. The switch is located in the Velcro pocket under the animal.) They are sure to brighten even the gloomiest winter days and put a smile on everyone’s faces. Besides the talking plush animals, each container is filled with plenty of additional fun pieces.

The RainBocorns Epic Golden Egg is the cream of the crop for girls. This golden egg glitters with plenty of golden sparkles and sequins. And inside there is a plush animal along with some fun hair accessories as well as several small plastic figures. With over 25 surprises inside this great golden egg, the fun keeps coming. Think of these as one big item with many additional items inside, along with the very large plush. How they get everything in these eggs is a mystery. And exactly what is inside is a mystery. Unfortunately, parents will most likely be pressured by their kids into buying several of these surprising products. Also, think about getting some now and putting them away for Easter. Click this link to watch and hear what this little fellow can do.

The ZURU Pets Alive series of moving fluffy animals now has an adorable little Pug – Poppy. Poppy will be a fun addition to your family. She has big, expressive eyes, a floppy tongue, soft fur, and – wait for it – she barks and moves. When her button is pressed (4 AA batteries are included), Poppy will swing her head, shake, and even manage to spin around in a circle. And her little tail and backside shake to show she is having a great time. What a great way to add a new pet to any household – especially one that gives so much fun but doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. All she needs is love.

Calling all Paw Patrol fans! The Bubble Wow Paw Patrol gloves make bath time more fun than ever. Simply put on one of the gloves (they have all the pups) and there will instantly be bubbles everywhere. If you have a child who hates washing up, this is your answer. Paw Patrol and bubbles together make bath time fun time.

For more information about all the fun new products this season, check out their website. While there, check out the online games and activities.

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.