Author: Francine Brokaw

Make Valentine’s Day sweet with this collection of delicious treats

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Valentine’s Day celebrates love and joy. This year make it even sweeter with the Cinematic Love: Nostalgic Celebration of Treats from Sugar Plum Chocolates. It’s a fun – and delicious – way to spend the evening with your sweetie with these sweets (and savories).

The box in itself is fun. It looks like an old-time movie ticket. But when you slide out the inside, wow, you are in for a treat.

There is a bag of caramel corn drizzled with chocolate. Can you say, “delicious?” Yep. It’s a great snack to munch on while watching a favorite Valentine’s Day movie. 

Besides the caramel corn there are four graham cracker sandwiches filled with peanut butter and covered with milk chocolate. Another delectable treat.

There is also a little bag of milk chocolate pretzel balls. Pretzels and chocolate make a great combination!

For those who want a little sour, a bag of sour cherry balls and a bag of sour pucker lips fit the bill. And to top off the collection is a bag of little champagne bubble candies.

Okay, so here’s a great idea for this year’s February 14th evening. Select a memorable movie (it does not have to be a romantic one, but that helps), open this celebration of treats, and cuddle up for the evening. Who says you have to go out to enjoy the night?

Some favorite films that might be worth exploring are An Affair to Remember, When Harry Met Sally, and You’ve Got Mail. If you’re not in the mood for a romantic story, it is just as memorable to watch Star Wars. Whatever you select, the Nostalgic Celebration of Treats will definitely add to the enjoyment.

And why not get the box to have on hand when guests come over or for any time a bit of sweetness is called for? After all, even though it comes out for Valentine’s Day, it is just as delicious every other day. 

The box is available at the Sugar Plum website and will be available for Valentine’s Day at the Macys and Goldbelly websites.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry, products and travel for over 35 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites.

The Sugar Plum Chocolates Cinematic Love: Nostalgic Celebration of Treats was sent to me with no expectations.

‘Rental Family’ is now available for home viewing

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Brendan Fraser stars in this unusual story about a middle-age American actor living in Tokyo, trying to eke out a living. When he is offered a job by a “Rental Family” business, he is a bit apprehensive at first, but the money is good so he takes it. Rental Family takes viewers on an emotional journey not only for Phillip (Fraser), but also for those involved in his “acting” jobs.

So, what does this business known as “Rental Family” actually do? It employs actors to role play as various people to help make dreams come true and to help people with situations in their lives where an actual person is not available. Strange, but true.

For instance, his first gig is to “act” as the groom in a traditional Japanese wedding. The “bride” needs to show her family a traditional ceremony and Phillip fits the bill. After the ceremony she explains to her family that the couple will be moving to Canada to live. The bride simply wants to move away from the restrictions and traditions in her family and country and live her life freely, which can only be done if she is away. 

By giving her parents a memory to hold onto, even though it is fake but they think it is real, the agency provides them with satisfaction that their daughter is happily married.  And the client, aka the bride, gets a legitimate way to leave her family and country and live the life she desires.

That is just one of their services. Phillip is initially apprehensive about deceiving people, however when it is explained to him that he is providing a useful service and helping the clients, then he begins to ease into the job. As the “token white man” in the agency, his services become very useful in several situations.

When an aging actor feels useless and forgotten, Phillip takes on the role of a magazine writer assigned to write an article about the man. This gives the old man hope that his legacy will live on.

Perhaps the most emotional role Phillip undertakes is that of a father to a young (and adorable) girl whose mother hires him in order to portray a united family to impress the admissions board at a prestigious school. The little girl, Mia (Shannon Mahina Gorman), is introduced to her estranged father, aka Phillip, and as the two get to know each other, their bond becomes real. No longer does Phillip feel as though he is simply playing a role. He genuinely connects and loves Mia, and vice versa.

Therein lies the problem with this agency. Yes, the actors know they are simply playing a part in peoples’ lives, but for Phillip, and eventually some others, the aspect of keeping it professional and not getting personally involved with those they are working with, or acting with, is not easy. How can it not get personal? Especially for Phillip who is a sensitive guy and goes out of his way to fulfill the desires and wishes of those he is with.

The story is unusual, however viewers might be surprised to learn it is based on some realities in Japan. Besides several deleted scenes, there is a bonus “making of” featurette delving into the origin of the story and the characters and actors who brought it to the screen.

Director Hikari brought a sensitive story to light, and the Japanese cast, along with Fraser, discuss the story and the emotions involved.

As viewers watch the scenarios of the old man and the little girl unfold, they will definitely feel the tug of emotion that Phillip feels as he carries out his job as an actor while at the same time bringing his humanity to the situations. 

This is definitely a different story that will pull at the heartstrings of viewers while also immersing them in Japanese ways. The story is about human connections, emotions, belonging, and life itself. It is now available on digital and Blu-ray.

Rental Family is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some strong language, and suggestive material.

About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Bonus features may vary by product and retailer.
Images supplied courtesy Searchlight Pictures.  Photos by James Lisle/Searchlight Pictures. © 2025 Searchlight Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

‘Wicked for Good’ is now available on digital for home viewing

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The finale to the Wicked story is now available to watch in the comfort of your own home. Wicked for Good is the continuation of the 2024 hit film starring Arianda Grande and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively.

In the final film, Elphaba is in exile and branded “The Wicked Witch of the West.” Glinda is living in the palace in Emerald City, and Oz is not the idyllic place we have all come to know.

The story has many deep and dark elements. The treatment of animals is horrendous. The magic of Oz is not there. 

The story delves into many of the iconic aspects of the beloved 1939 movie, bringing much of the original content by L. Frank Baum back to the public. But just as his original set of stories about Oz were woven with dark aspects combined with a magical world, so is this movie.

The bottom line above all is friendship. Elphaba and Glinda have been living separate lives, but their friendship is still strong, and in the end it is Glinda who faces the people and declares she wants to be Glinda for Good. 

This colorful, magical, musical, and emotional  story is quickly becoming a favorite, especially for fans of the original Wicked. It is visually stunning yet tinged with dark aspects.

Along with the film there are plenty of bonus features, available on the digital.

The movie is two hours seventeen minutes in length. There are six deleted scenes that add just a little to the story. 

A 51 minute “Making of” featurette delves deep into the background of the film, the process of making the movie, and the characters. Viewers might not be aware that the two movies were made at the same time. Some days they would be filming scenes for Wicked and other days they would be filming scenes for Wicked for Good. By filming them together, the actors had to get themselves into the right headspace each day to match the time frame of the scenes.

As Director Jon M. Chu says in this featurette, “There was always a master plan for the story.” Taking five years to produce the two films, the tale of Glinda and Elphaba came together with elements from The Wizard of Oz blending into the movies.

Hard work, love, and heart went into creating these two films, with a large scope from which to build and film. Viewers go behind the scenes to see the filming of many of the scenes. The technical process combined with emotional elements worked together in the creation of the movies.

There are also four featurettes that bring additional knowledge to viewers. The Wizard of Oz is “an American fairytale” and the filmmakers kept that in mind during the process. This was a weighty project for them. 

The iconography from L. Frank Baum was always front and center. 

There is a  look at Glinda’s new song “The Girl in the Bubble.” Ariana Grande says the song and scene were “a pivotal moment” for Glinda. It is when she decides, “I can make a difference.”

Other featurettes look at Elphaba’s hideaway, the wizard, and more.

With all the bonus features, the digital release of Wicked for Good is sure to entrance fans of Wicked and the stories of Oz.

The movie will be coming out on 4K UHD, Blu-ray & DVD January 20, 2026.

Wicked for Good is rated PG for action/violence, some suggestive material, and thematic material.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘Lost in Paradise’ stars Lacey Chabert in a cute rom-com

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Hallmark’s princess, Lacey Chabert, brings charm and cuteness to her newest Hallmark Channel film. Lost in Paradise is somewhat predictable but also a nice little story to warm the cold winter days and nights as it brings  the beauty of Polynesia to the screen.

Chabert stars alongside Ian Harding as two professionals who find themselves stranded on a “deserted” island. Sophia (Chabert) owns a high-end fashion brand and Max (Harding) is a chef in a fancy restaurant. They are both struggling with their situations.

To save her company, Sophia hires a private plane to take her and her latest collection to Fiji where she intends on impressing a board member. And Max happens to be on the same plane on his way to Fiji to talk with a potential investor for his new restaurant. But what neither of them count on is a plane crash.

A violent storm appear and soon the plane is plummeting into the ocean with Sophia, Max, the pilot Julian (James Trevena), and co-pilot Lance (Sean Miguel Perez). Luckily they crashed near an island, so with the raft on board they manage to get safely to shore.

Julian and Lance decide to take the raft and try to find a nearby island where they can get help, leaving Sophia and Max to fend for themselves. They actually do a great job of surviving. Thanks to each of their skills, they concoct a pretty nice situation for themselves – she weaves hats and helps build a little shelter and he spears fish and cooks the most delicious meals using only the items found around them. What a team!

As the days go by, yes, they do fall in love. This is a Hallmark film so viewers know what they are getting. What will happen to them once they are “rescued?”

With the starlit skies gone, and five-star resorts replacing their cozy little shelter, can and will they manage to maintain the feelings that blossomed when they were just a couple of stranded people on a “deserted” island?

Lost in Paradise was actually filmed on location in Fiji. 

Chabert and Harding make a good pair and play off each other beautifully. This is a charming little story that is now available to stream on Hallmark Plus

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. 

Image supplied courtesy Hallmark Media

‘Wicked for Good’ digital code GIVEAWAY

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Wicked For Good takes viewers back into the fantasy realm of Oz with Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West), and Glinda. The Emerald City is still bright and beautiful with Glinda looking out for the people, but when her old friend Elphaba is in danger, she must help her and in the process make Oz the ultimate place for good.

We have one digital code to giveaway. The code is for MOVIES ANYWHERE and the movie includes the bonus features included on the physical discs.

To be eligible to win a digital code of Wicked For Good, email us at [email protected] with “Wicked Giveaway” in the title. Please supply your name, phone number, and email address (so we can let you know if you are a winner and send your code).

The deadline for this giveaway is January 12, 2026. Good luck!

 

 

‘Predator: Badlands’ is now available to watch at home

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Predator: Badlands is now available on digital to stream and will be coming on Blu-ray, DVD, and in a SteelBook format in the near future. There are plenty of bonus features that will entertain and entrance fans of the film, taking viewers behind the scenes and adding to the background of the film’s creation.

The story is about Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a young Predator who is an outcast from his clan. He soon meets Thia (Elle Fanning) and the two become unlikely allies in this dark and dangerous world.

The story is set in the future on the deadly planet of Genna. The duo face a dangerous trek in their search for the ultimate adversary.

Bonus features 

There are several additional features that add to the understanding of the characters and how the film was created.

“Embodying the Predator” looks at the physical challenges facing the actors. As Director and co-writer Dan Trachtenberg explains, he was completely amazed at Dimitrius’ abilities to embody the character in every way. Dimitrius is described as “a unicorn.” The filmmakers needed to use a New Zealand actor and they were thrilled to find Dimitrius.

“Authentic Synthetics” looks at how Elle Fanning fit in perfectly to the role. She was the only actor Trachtenberg wanted to play Thia. And Fanning says the script and story were “so wild” and was excited to take it on. Trachtenberg explains, she was perfect for this “movie about a monster and a robot.” Combining the two characters was a unique experience for the filmmakers and they pulled it off beautifully.

In “Building the Badlands,” viewers get to see Genna, the home planet of the Predators, for the first time. This is “the most deadliest planet” where, as Fanning says, “every plant and creature is trying to kill you.” The landscapes of New Zealand were the perfect settings for the planet. The filmmakers say they had to only slightly enhance the scenery to make it Genna. The digital augmentation was added to the natural environment of the country and the amazing scenery, creating a stunning setting for the story.

The final feature, “Dek of the Yautja,” delves deeper into the world of the planet of the Predator. This is a unique place never before seen. 

Additionally, there are 27 minutes of deleted scenes to add to viewers’ enjoyment of the film and story. 

Predator: Badlands is now available on digital platforms. The 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Code, Blu-ray + Digital Code, DVD, and SteelBooks with 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital Code will be available to purchase February 17, 2026. 

The movie is rated PG-13 for sequences of strong sci-fi violence. This is the ninth film in the Predator franchise. And it is a wild ride!

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Candace Cameron Bure returns as Ainsley McGregor for the third time

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

In the third movie with Candace Cameron Bure starring as Ainsley McGregor, the stakes are high for Ainsley and her friends and family. Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker has Ainsley involved in a timeless tale, pun intended.

Her book club has decided to investigate cold cases, however in this case it is a luke warm case. One of the members’ husband was found dead a while ago, but the club thinks there is more to it than a simple accident. Initially, it looked like he was killed for his expensive antique watch, however his one-of-a-kind watch was eventually returned to his widow, leaving the club to wonder exactly why he was killed. There is much more to this death than meets the eye.

With Ainsley on the case, things are heating up and she soon finds herself a target. It seems digging into this case has ruffled some feathers. On the advice of her brother, Police Chief Ryan McGregor (Robin Dunne), Ainsley’s boyfriend Fire Chief Jake Trenton (Aaron Ashmore) sticks close to her – day and night.

What no one suspects is that this murder goes deeper than anyone could imagine. And with a three million dollar watch connected to the murder, things get real uncomfortable for the folks in Sweet River, Texas.

For those not familiar with the characters, criminologist Ainsley McGregor moved back to her hometown of Sweet River from Chicago after an incident there. Could the attack on her be related to Chicago or is it part of her current investigation? 

This is the third film in this franchise based on the characters by New York Times bestselling author Candace Havens. And with Bure stepping into the shoes of Ainsley McGregor, these films are fan favorites. Bure and Ashmore make a cute couple. Candace Cameron Bure has been acting most of her life and her fans follow her wherever she lands, and now she in the stable of reliable and fun actors on Great American Family. 

Victoria, British Colombia doubles for Sweet River, Texas in this timely tale of intrigue, corruption, and family history.

Ainsley McGregor Mysteries: A Case for the Watchmaker streams on Great American Pure Flix beginning January 1, 2026. The movie premieres on Great American Family and GFAM+ Beginning January 10, 2026. It is an enjoyable way to start the year. Ainsley McGregor is an interesting character and Candace Cameron Bure Is delightful,  as always.

The previous two movies in the franchise are available to stream, so if you haven’t seen them, this is a good time to binge the Ainsley McGregor Mysteries over a New Year weekend.

 

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

Images supplied courtesy Great American Media

“The Art of ‘Zootopia 2’ by Kalikolehua Hurley – book review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The latest book in the “Art of” series is The Art of Zootopia 2, which brings readers into the making of the Disney instant classic animated film. This movie has captured the hearts of viewers young and old, and the book is a great way to relive the story as well as discover what went into making this new film.

“Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 64th feature film, Zootopia 2, transports audiences back to Zootopia, a utopian city built by animals for animals, where anyone can be anything,” Hurley writes in the book. And teaming an adorable and headstrong rabbit with a street-wise fox is just one example.

Judy Hopps is a favorite characters for kids. She is dedicated, brave, and definitely cute. Her partner Nick is sometimes just along for the ride, but in this story they work together again to help all the animals and bring justice to Zootopia.

The book looks at how the storytellers researched animals of all kinds, and in this film they added reptiles, which provided a new aspect to Zootopia as well as an additional task for the filmmakers who managed to create some interesting and likable reptiles.

With all the steps involved in bringing this film to the screen, the book is jammed packed with digital images and information about the characters and their environments.

Fans of Nick and Judy will enjoy looking at a lot of images of this crime-fighting duo. Along with the pictures there is editorial content delving into the story, the characters, and the process of making the movie.

With commentary from animators throughout the pages, readers get an insight into the way the animators thought about the characters to bring them to light for the viewers.  Referring to Judy and Nick, Kira Lehtomaki, Head of Animation says, “In animation, we emphasize their differences on screen through their actions, postures, and mannerisms.”

The pages are filled with insight into each of the characters as well as countless images that show how they evolved through the animation process to the final characters we see on screen.

Insight into the scenes brings readers into the mindset of the animators. For instance, Griselda Sastrawinata-Lemay, Associate Production Designer, says about the Zootopia Gala,  “It’s vibe is John Wick, Mission Impossible, and The Godfather meets The Met Gala but on ice.” That’s something to think about the next time watching the film, which will be out on Blu-ray and Digital in the near future.

There are cute comments by the animators which add to the enjoyment of the book, however the images are what many people want in an “Art of” book, and this one delivers on that. For those who have seen the movie, these pages bring back the fun of the film with so much more. 

What will strike readers as they flip through the pages are the colors. The colorful images almost jump off the page. These digital images show just what the animators were thinking when they created the costumes, scenery, characters, expressions, and all the objects – big and small.  

The theme of the story is that even though we might be different, we do not have to be against each other. “Just as Judy and Nick learn that seeing and accepting their differences makes them not only better partners but also closer friends, maybe in our own world, we can begin to see that our differences don’t have to divide us. Rather, if we let them, maybe they can even bring us together and make us stronger,” says Producer Yvette Merino. In today’s world of chaos, that is something important to keep in mind.

The Art of Zootopia 2 is a wonderful addition to “Art of” libraries, or even just for fans of Judy, Nick, and the gang in Zootopia. 

  • Publisher  :  Chronicle Books
  • ISBN-10  :  1797233629
  • ISBN-13  :  978-179723362

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.

‘She’s Making a List’ and not checking it twice

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Lacey Chabert and Andrew Walker star in the new Christmas movie from Hallmark, She’s Making a List. Have you ever wondered how Santa gets his Naughty or Nice list? Well, he outsources the job of ascertaining which kids are in each category. And the Naughty or Nice Group is the place where the inspectors work. They are tasked with the job of traveling the world checking on kids to place them on the Naughty or Nice list.

Isabel (Chabert) is a no-nonsense, tough inspector who does not believe in coloring outside of the lines, so to speak. She prides herself on the ability to instantly decide if a kid is naughty or nice. One little slip and they are definitely on the naughty list.

But Isabel does not take into consideration outstanding circumstances, and neither does anyone else at the Naughty or Nice Group. As a matte of fact, Rudolph (Steve Bacic), the man who started the company, is even tougher than she is. If a kid is naughty, there is no wiggle room. He or she is put on the Naughty list. The end of discussion.

Isabel is assigned  the task of evaluating an 11-year-old girl, Charlie (Cadence Compton), who is a little mischievous with a knack of doing the wrong thing, but has a kind heart. Isabel does not give any kid any leeway, and Charlie is no exception, even given the fact that she lost her mother and is being raised by her widowed father.That is until she meets her father Jason (Walker). Isabel and Jason have an instant connection but besides the fact that he is the father of the child she is investigating, there are other “rules” she must follow.

The rule book is clear. She cannot make contact with a subject or a family member. And by no means is she to enter the house of a child in question.  You guessed it, Isabel breaks plenty of rules, for the first time in her long and illustrious career as an investigator. And the worst is falling for the father of a kid in question.

Then Isabel starts wondering who decides what is naughty and what is nice? Who made the rules in the first place? Shouldn’t adults guide children instead of categorizing them?

Isabel ends up changing a lot of “rules” and even the Naughty and Nice lists, making Christmas happier for kids around the world.

Both Chabert and Walker are fan favorites and part of Hallmark’s stable of popular actors.

This cute little holiday film is now available to stream on Hallmark+.

<strong>About the Author</strong>

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for <em>Good Day Orange County</em>. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. 

 
Image supplied courtesy Hallmark

 

Download a new song for Chanukah

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Kids now have a new song for Chanukah, courtesy of The Laurie Berkner Band. It’s a fun song kids can sing along with.

“I wrote this song about Hanukkah (Chanukah) thinking of the warm feelings that come from having a celebration at home with family and friends,” says Laurie Berkner. “Where the focus on remembering the past and enjoying the present creates feelings of love and hope through simple rituals like singing, sharing a meal, playing games, and lighting 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 candles over the eight nights of this holiday.”

The song is soft, soulful, and memorable, and will be enjoyed by all ages not only this year but in years to come.

“I remember what it’s for, and the world lights up a little more,” Berkner remarked about the holiday.

While there are countless Christmas songs for kids, there are not too many great Chanukah songs and this new single is just what is needed in these times. Kids can celebrate the holiday, light the menorah, and sing along and enjoy everything Chanukah means and brings for all eight nights.

The new song is geared for ages 1 – 8, but adults will also enjoy singing along.

For more information about Laurie and to get this new Chanukah song, go to her website.

You can download or stream Laurie Berkner’s “Lighting the Menorah” from major music platforms like Amazon, Apple Music (iTunes), and her official site’s shop at (https://laurieberkner.com) with streaming available on Spotify, YouTube Music and SoundCloud.

Laurie Berkner

Business Insider dubbed Laurie “the gold standard of the children’s music world.” As a leader and innovator in children’s music and entertainment for more than 25 years, Laurie has released 17 bestselling, award-winning albums, was the first recording artist to ever appear in music videos on Noggin and Nick, Jr., appeared regularly on those channels’ Jack’s Big Music Show, and helped develop the short form animated musical preschool series Sing It, Laurie! on Universal Kids (formerly Sprout TV).

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.