Author: Francine Brokaw

Bring home Ryan Reynolds in ‘Free Guy’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


What do you get when you mix a little The Truman Show, The Twilight Zone, and Ralph Breaks the Internet? The answer is Ryan Reynolds in Free Guy.

There are so many people addicted to online gaming. Even the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory dedicated several episodes to this. Do you remember when Penny was so addicted to the game and her character? Well, in this new movie that is only the tip of the iceberg.

The movie is a video game inside a feature film. Ryan Reynolds is Guy, a bank teller in a city ridden with crime. Every day is the same thing. But then he discovers he is only a superficial character in a video game and is not real. Well, he is real enough for the game but his life can only exist within the game.

It turns out the main code for the game was stolen by a corrupt tech guy named Antwan (Taika Waititi). But the real inventors of the code, Millie and Keys (Jodie Comer and Joe Keery) want their share of the profits from this worldwide Internet sensation. Millie’s game character interacts with Guy and she realizes his AI character is actually becoming sentient.

Guy discovers he must go from being a meek non-starter to the hero to save his friends from ultimate destruction.  While doing so, he is confronted by a larger, more intimidating version of himself. This guy (Dude, played by Aaron W Reed) is a tough obstacle but guy forges through.

There are several bonus features on the disc. Besides deleted and extended scenes, there is a gag reel and other features that delve into the making of the show and the action. One of the most interesting bonus features is called “Dude vs. Guy” in which the filmmakers show how Reynolds confronted his double and how they filmed those scenes. Instead of simply using CGI to add a second, more bulky Reynolds, they turned to a professional body builder and then substituted Reynolds’ face into the film to look like he was fighting with himself. Director Shawn Levy takes viewers through several aspects of the story and the making of the film and explains how the project began.

In this high tech world of AI, it’s not too far fetched to think artificial intelligence could evolve to be feeling, thinking, free beings. Just ask Siri.

Free Guy is rated PG-13 for strong fantasy violence throughout, language, and crude/suggestive references. It’s available on Blu-ray, 4K, and DVD beginning October 12, 2021. Don’t have a good day. Have a great day!!

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 Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Come September’ is fun for any month

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

While Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida have top booking in Come September, the 1961 movie united Sandra Dee and Bobby Darin who fell in love while co-starring in the film. This aspect of the movie was highlighted in the 2004 movie Beyond the Sea about the life of Darin.

Come September is the story of a rich American, Robert Talbot (Hudson), who only uses his Italian villa one month a year, in September. When he’s there he and his girlfriend Lisa (Lollobrigida) enjoy an entire month together. But is that enough for her? After all, there are eleven months when she is on her own.

And speaking of the eleven months, unbeknownst to Talbot, his staff has been using the villa as a high-class hotel while he is not in residence. When he surprises them and returns in the summer they are at a loss as to what to do. They must hide their deception from him but still have some guests to attend to. There is a group of young women staying there with more guests on the way.

Putting two and two together, Talbot realizes what has been going on with his villa and insists the guests be put out and his major domo is fired. But when something happens and the young women have to stay for several more days, Talbot decides to make the best of the situation, although his romantic exploits with are put on hold.

A group of young college men were booked into the “hotel” but Talbot insists they cannot stay in his house. So they set up camp outside his gate. With young women inside the villa and young men outside, Talbot realizes how their hormones will kick into high gear so he appoints himself as their chaperone.

This is a whacky story with a fun cast. Lollobrigida is a carefree Italian woman in love with a no-nonsense American man, and yes, Darin’s character falls in love with Dee’s character. This film is cute but also known as the vehicle for the Darin/Dee love that led to their marriage.

Come September is not rated but is suitable for all ages.

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 Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Get Rolling with Otis’ on Apple TV+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 


This animated series is a fun way for preschoolers to learn about life on a farm, albeit a farm where animals, people, and machines all communicate with each other. Long HIll Dairy Farm has many fun residences, including Otis, the tractor that helps out with chores as well as helps his fellow farm residences with their problems.

Otis is not one to sit back and watch things happen. He puts himself into gear, no pun intended, for instance, whenever he is needed. For instance when the barn catches fire, he figures out how to rescue Mama Cat and her kittens.

Otis is a kind-hearted little tractor and always willing to go the extra mile to figure out solutions to help his friends and fellow farm pals. They all work together but once in awhile there are problems that arise that need extra attention. And it is usually Otis who works out how to solve those problems.

Besides Otis, the other fun characters include a rooster, cow, pig, truck, and more.

Get Rolling with Otis is an enjoyable series for preschoolers filled with delightful characters and stories that show kids how to think to solve problems. It premieres October 8, 2021 on Apple 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 Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Age of Cage’ book review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

“Age of Cage: Four Decades of Hollywood Through One Singular Career” by Keith Phipps is an interesting look into several decades in tinsel town, with the focus being on the career of Nicolas Cage. It is not a biography per se about Cage. Rather it is a look at the times in which he has lived and worked in Hollywood and how the film industry has evolved and how his career evolved through those times.

Cage left high school before graduating to set his sights on his true love of acting. Having been born into the famous Coppola family (his dad’s brother is Francis Ford Coppola) Nicolas found carrying the weight of that name to be somewhat daunting. He wanted to be his own man so he changed his last name to Cage, a name he took from Marvel Comics’ Luke Cage. Nicolas also has a love of music and was so inspired by the name of John Cage a classical musician. Joining a superhero and a musician was the perfect way to start his new career. That is how Nicolas Coppola turned into Nicolas Cage overnight.

Throughout his life and career, Cage has been a colorful and eccentric person. He became a consummate actor although not exactly a star. The difference is a wide chasm. Rock Hudson wanted to be a star and was told by Louis B. Mayer that he could make him into a start but not necessarily into an actor, so the story goes.

Cage has played most of his characters with an edgy tone. He has been hokey, buffoonish, heroic, and sensitive on screen, and quite possibly off screen as well. Cage’s list of genres ranges from rom-com to drama to thriller. The actor approaches each role with his unique thought process. And he attacks each character he plays full on.

As mentioned earlier, this is not a true biography of Cage. On the contrary, it is a history of his acting and films as they reflect the years in which they were produced. While the author sprinkles some of Cage’s personal relationships into the pages, the meat of his off-screen life is missing. This is, in truth, a look at the films, his performances, and the changes in the film industry over the past half century.

With his long list of film credits, it would seem Cage would not have financial problems, but that was not the case. His extreme spending (15 homes, and island, several cars, and more) took him to bankruptcy. And his eccentricities added to his reputation as a strange character, having an octopus and king cobra as well as shrunken heads in his possession.

Fans of the actor have their favorite films. They do run the gamut with many garnering mixed reviews from both the critics and audiences.

On a personal note, I have interviewed Nicolas Cage and enjoyed meeting him. He definitely has his heart in the film industry and his performances show his determination to make each film as good as he can make it. Yes, he is eccentric and edgy, and yes, he has had many personal and professional problems, but there is no denying he is a great presence on screen.

“Age of Cage: Four Decades of Hollywood Through One Singular Career” is exactly what the title implies. Film buffs will enjoy this behind the scenes look into the industry and fans of Cage will enjoy his insights into the films and characters in which he immersed himself.

    • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Henry Holt and Co. (October 19, 2021)
    • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages

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.

‘Under Wraps’ on Disney Channel for Halloween fun

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

On October 1, 2021 Disney Channel presents a reimagined version of its first ever-original movie. Under Wraps is a remake of the original 1997 Halloween movie and is filled with the same antics and fun as the original.

The story focuses on three 12-year-old kids: Marshall, Gilbert, and Amy, who discover a mummy in the basement of their creepy neighbor’s house. Unwittingly they reawaken this centuries-old “man” and from there they are off on a whacky roller coaster ride.

They name the mummy Harold, after Marshall’s beloved grandfather. As they try to hide him they soon realize he was stolen from the local museum where he was supposed to be reunited in the afterlife with his true love. She is currently on display at the museum.

What they discover is that Harold was stolen by a gang of antiquities thieves who will stop at nothing to get him back. He’s worth a lot of money, but the kids do not see him that way. Harold has become their friend and it is up to them to keep him safe.

Then they learn that he will turn to dust if he is not returned to his resting place by midnight in three days time. Their challenge is to keep him safe, return him to the museum, and stay alive!

Harold is an interesting mummy. He loves hot sauce, dancing, and having fun. He also loves his old – very old – girlfriend.

Well, since they have three days, the kids decide to use Harold for their school assignment and make a movie about a mummy coming back to life. This ought to get them an “A.” But with time running out, they have to decide what is best for their friend, and that is not being selfish and getting him back to the museum before he turns to dust. Can they do this?

Through the course of the film Marshall (Malachi Barton) faces a family dilemma when he must decide if he will welcome his mother’s boyfriend into their lives or continue to keep him at arm’s length. Gilbert (Christian J. Simon) must face his fears. He is a squirrely little guy who is afraid of his own shadow, but when it comes down to it he must decide what is important. And Amy (Sophia Hammons) learns to enjoy her new town and friends.

Under Wraps is rated TV-Y7.

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 Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

Courtesy Photo from Disney

‘Alma’s Way’ comes to PBS

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

When you first hear there is a show about Puerto Ricans living in the Bronx, you might think about the Jets and the Sharks from West Side Story. Well, if you think this new PBS Kids show is anything like the atmosphere in that film, you are way off. While the central character, Alma, is Puerto Rican, her Latin heritage does comes into play (like the Alaskan heritage does in Molly of Denali) however the main focus is on learning to solve problems.

As Linda Simensky, Head of Content at PBS Kids, said, “In each story, Alma uses ‘Think-Through’ moments to stop, listen and process in the face of a tough decision and reflects and takes action while demonstrating social awareness.” Simensky added, “We hope this inspires kids to find their own answers to problems, express what they think and feel, and recognize and respect the unique perspective of others.”

Although Alma is the central character, there is a diverse cast that plays and solves problems along with her. They are made up of all backgrounds and ethnicities.

Alma’s Way is the brainchild of Sonia Manzano who based it on her own childhood growing up in the Bronx in a Puerto Rican family. Although she has Puerto Rican heritage, Manzano considers herself first a New Yorker and wanted to show the diverse borough of the Bronx in a way that entices love and understanding among neighbors. “I was always walking that bicultural tightrope that is America, that is the Bronx.”

“All of the characters on the show are based on my real relatives,” Manzano explained, “and I had a cousin Eddie …” Her cousin had polio however she adjusted that in this show. “So our character on the show has cerebral palsy, …”

The Executive Producer, Ellen Doherty, explained that they worked with doctors from Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh to advise them on this character. According to one doctor, who was consulted about the Eddie Mambo character,  “If he’s walking a short distance or around the house, he might not need his crutches, but for a longer distance he would need his crutches.  So it is really a choice based on what kids would do.” In that they are able to accurately portray this sweet little boy.

Summer Rose Castillo, who voices Alma, claimed, “I’m a lot like Alma because she’s a little girl and she’s from the Bronx.  She’s Puerto Rican, and I’m Puerto Rican.  And she loves to explore her world, and I do too.  I love to go hiking with my family, and I also like to figure stuff out as well.”  When asked what she learned from being part of the show, she quickly replied, “So what I have learned from doing the show is that I could believe in myself, trust in myself and never be afraid to dream big.” And that, in a nutshell, is the goal of Alma’s Way.

Alma’s Way is geared for ages 4-6 and premieres on PBS Kids October 4. Thinking for themselves is what the show aims to impart on kids, and that is a lesson worth learning.

 

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 Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

Bring home ‘ParaNorman’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Just in time for Halloween viewing (and year round fun), the animated film ParaNorman is now available in a Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. From the same company that brought us Coraline, The Boxtrolls, and Kubu and the Two Strings, LAIKA Studios and Shout! Factory, this edition of ParaNorman includes some fun additional features that will interest viewers of all ages.

Norman is a nice little boy but has one problem, or it could be considered a gift. He sees dead people. He is always talking to them and for that reason he is considered a freak by his classmates and even by his family. This little kid does not have any friends but Neil, an overweight classmate, really wants to be his buddy. After all, both of them are bullied in school so why not join forces?

Norman is a boy that garners the sympathy of viewers. He is simply minding his own business, not hurting anyone, and he has good intentions. However his “gift” of communicating with the dead causes problems for him.

They live in a town that is “cursed.” The story goes that a witch cursed the town and the residents. But one day Norman is instructed by a ghost to save the people from the upcoming rise of zombies. That’s a big task for one little boy. But Norman doesn’t shy away from his “duty.”

When the town is in danger, Norman steps up and even though he is meek, he drums up the courage to do what he must.

This stop-motion animation is amazing and ParaNorman is the best example of how this technique, combined with some CGI, can be an amazing way of creating a film. It is seamless in its visuals and the story is delightful for the entire family.

There is a full-length storyboard version of the film included in the bonus features. There is also a look at how the characters were created, from the inside out. They used metal armatures and ball and socket joints to create the puppets. They even had a technique to make their breathing look realistic. Considering the characters are puppets, this was a great step forward for the filmmakers. Each character puppet had to be posed frame by frame. CGI was used to help enhance the scope of the landscape. And there is a big car chase scene that rivals any live-action film. Well almost any.

ParaNorman is sure to be a family favorite for Halloween time and year round. It is rated PG for scary action and images, thematic elements, and some rude humor and language.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for 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. 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 Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Lady of the Manor’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Lady Wadsworth (Judy Greer) was killed in 1875 but her spirit still resides in her antebellum house in Savannah, Georgia. Just why is she still there? Lady of the Manor is the story of two women who forge an unlikely friendship.

Today’s world is much different than that of the time of Lady Wadsworth. But her spirit has managed to keep up, albeit hesitantly, with the times. The Wadsworth Manor is a tourist site hosted by Lady Wadsworth impersonators who guide guests through the house and impart information about the past.

Hannah (Melanie Lynskey) is a drug courier and user and her language is straight from the gutter. So when she is hired to be the new guide at the manor, she is out of her depth. She doesn’t learn the literature and makes up stories about Lady Wadsworth and the house as she takes tourists through the residence. This doesn’t upset Tanner Wadsworth (Ryan Phillippe) who is only concerned about getting her into bed. His family oversees the property.

Lady Wadsworth and Hannah make a deal. Hannah can stay as long as she learns how to be a proper lady. Turning this rather trashy woman into a lady would make Henry Higgins cringe. But Hannah does try.

Max (Justin Long) is a college professor who takes Hannah under his wing when she discloses that the spirit of Lady Wadsworth is haunting the house. His knowledge about history and the Old South helps her and although he is fascinated by the presence of a traditional Southern Belle, his interest in Hannah is even more appealing.

As Hannah learns – or attempts to learn – how to be a proper lady, she faces some personal issues and realizes exactly what her role in this whole dilemma really is.

While the lady smooths some of Hannah’s rough edges, Hannah’s playfulness rubs off on her – just a little bit. And the friendship between the two women – or between a modern woman and a spirit that is over 140 years old – is the crux of this story.

This is not for young kids. Lady of the Manor is rated R for language throughout, sexual material, and drug use. It’s available on Blu-ray and DVD.

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 Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

Cartoonito on HBO Max and Cartoon Network

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Cartoonito on HBO Max and Cartoon Network is a block of animated shows that provides content for preschoolers. These shows are filled with fun characters that entertain and educate at the same time.

According to WarnerMedia, they created this block to give kids “a modern approach to preschool programming with its proprietary educational framework, Humancentric Learning, that aims to support every child’s humanness by celebrating their unique selves. All Cartoonito preschool content will align with Humancentric Learning and Cartoon Network’s refreshed brand promise, Redraw Your World, which fosters self-expression and creativity.”

 

Among the shows are:

  • Thomas and Friends: All Engines Go
  • Lucas the Spider
  • Mush Mush & The Mushables
  • Bing
  • Pocoyo
  • Caillou
  • Care Bears: Unlock the Magic
  • Baby Looney Tunes
  • Little Ellen ( about a seven-year-old Ellen DeGeneres)

 

Another new show is Tom and Jerry Time. “Based on the beloved classic that so many parents grew up with, Tom and Jerry Time introduces a whole new generation to these iconic characters with a fresh and original take,” said Amy Friedman, Head of Kids and Family Programming, Warner Bros. Adults know these characters and now this new generation will be able to see the antics this duo get into through series’ of animated musical shorts. Tom and Jerry have been part of pop culture for generations, and Jerry even danced with Gene Kelly in the 1945 film Anchors Aweigh.’

Batwheels is another new series. This centers around “a team of incredible crimefighters who have banded together to oppose evil, combat crime and clean up the streets of Gotham City.  They are…okay, they’re NOT Batman and Robin.  They’re the Batwheels – an awesome group of sentient super-powered crime-fighting vehicles defending Gotham City alongside Batman, Robin, Batgirl and a host of DC Super Heroes.”

Children’s book author Mo Willems has an upcoming Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Underground Rock Experience. The one-hour CGI-animated rock opera.

There is a lot of programming for preschoolers in this animation block. Cartoonito’s content is entertaining and educational with plenty of fun characters providing hours of content parents can feel good about.

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 Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Best Sellers’ stars Sir Michael Caine

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The film Best Sellers is layered with several aspects that ultimately blend into the relationship between an author and his editor. Harris Shaw (Michael Caine) is a reclusive curmudgeon who lives with his cat. His best-selling book was published several decades ago, and people think he is dead. But they have a surprise coming.

Lucy Standbridge (Aubrey Plaza) has inherited her father’s publishing company. This is company that published Shaw’s triumphant novel. Now, as editor-in-chief, Lucy is faced with bankruptcy unless she can miraculously save the company. When she discovers that Harris’ contract, signed decades earlier, requires him to supply another manuscript, she hunts him down to ask for another book.

The problem is, Shaw doesn’t want to give her a manuscript or, for that matter, have anything to do with her. Therefore Lucy decides she has to sell the company. But out of the blue Shaw decides to hand over one of his prized writings.

From there it is up to both Lucy and Shaw to sell the newly published book which the company is touting as his greatest story. While out on the book tour Lucy and for that matter the public, are sorely disappointed in Harris Shaw. He refuses to help her at all with selling his book. He wrote it, and that is all he wants as far as his involvement. But that is not what the contract says.

Anyway, Lucy turns into a great salesperson when she devises some new ways to bring Shaw together with the public. During the tour the two form a bond. While their relationship was built on rocky ground, it slowly managed to stabilize and as a surprise to each of them, they find and admire each other.

The crux of the story is their relationship and how it goes from the gutter and pure disdain to becoming a friendship and more.

Caine is truly entertaining as the gruff, crude old codger. The Academy Award-winning actor looks like he is simply being himself as his character meanders his way through this frustrating dilemma in which he has found himself. At 88 he is still going strong and might garner award attention for his portrayal of the cantankerous author. He often has the audience wringing their hands, but then he can bring out the comedy and sentimentality and be the fun and intelligent author of decades ago. Harris Shaw is definitely a character with many levels, and Caine plays him wonderfully.

Best Sellers opens September 17, 2021.