Author: Francine Brokaw

‘The White Lotus’ is a show about moneyed vacationers and their tsunami impact on unsuspecting souls

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The White Lotus, a new HBO miniseries created/written/directed by Mike White of Enlightened (HBO 2011 – 13) fame, is yet another HBO show about rich people behaving badly. The latest hit series Succession (2018 – present) reads like a full resource on training an heir to a fortune, particularly on how to strip away basic human decency from would-be tycoons. The White Lotus, on the other hand, examines the stark disparity of expectations in life between the haves and have-nots with a hint of White’s faith in decency against a background of astonishing natural beauty.

A group of well-to-do guests — who expect the paragon of perfection or else! — arrive at the White Lotus. Newlyweds Rachel (Alexandra Daddario), a struggling puff piece journalist, and Shane (Jake Lacy), a real estate tycoon in training, do not know each other very well. Rachel quickly realizes that her rebound Prince Charming is a spoiled Mama’s boy who throws temper tantrums and stops at nothing to get his way. His childish show of power and obsession with control are disturbing. Rachel is afraid of losing independence and freedom to pursue her own fulfillment; seeing herself in terms of money, possessions, status, and career success is the same as selling herself woefully short.

Nicole Mossbacher (Connie Britton), CFO of a tech firm, maintains her type-A executive mode 24/7. Mark (Steve Zahn), her husband of 22 years, finds Nicole’s success emasculating, but with her encouragement he makes an effort to get to know their geeky 16-year-old son, Quinn (Fred Hechinger). Their 19-year-old daughter Olivia (Sydney Sweeney) brings her college frenemy Paula (Britanny O’Grady). The ultra-woke girls unite when they bully Quinn, abuse oblivious Nicole & Mark, and sneer at unsuspecting have-nots, but they clearly have very complicated love-hate relationship with each other. Olivia flaunts Paula around as “a prop for weird cred” while Paula hitches her wagon to a star. The self-loathing frenemy duo spew toxicity into their snarky remarks and nasty glares. Yeesh, if looks could kill.

Tanya (Jennifer Coolidge), an emotional vampire, comes to the resort to scatter her mother’s ashes. She’s in existential crisis and immediately latches onto the first people pleaser available. Spa Manager Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) bends over backwards to help Tanya, but she’s tossed as soon as the next shiny object comes along. There goes the grossly underpaid healer’s dream!

Shane obsessively goes after Resort Manager Armond (Murray Bartlett) for refusing access to the promised honeymoon suite. The “tropical Kabuki approach” — being a generic, pleasant, vague, and interchangeable helper to the filthy rich — is challenged big time. If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen, Armond!

When the frenemy duo are not condemning colonialism, white privilege and whatnot, they smoke pot and escape from the “unbearable” nightmare of reality. Right! Nobody seems to be interested in the lush nature; they just change the surroundings to carry on with their privileged daily lives, expecting to be perfectly pampered and catered to. Unfortunately, Paula’s bag full of recreational and prescription drugs finds its way to the nagged-to-death Armond and presents a major threat to his five-year sobriety as well as hospitality career.

The White Lotus explores the violence of entitlement and those living in the aftermath of a hideous tsunami impact. I savored every minute of it because the show takes place in Maui, my heaven on earth. Besides, I realized some things. First,  these sanctimonious ultra-woke teenagers are living proof that being childfree was definitely a good call. Second, the fact that I could relate to Rachel, Belinda, and Quinn means that I’m a decent human being and utterly comfortable in my own skin. Here is a life-changing lesson I’d like to share with Rachel, Belinda, and Quinn: “Don’t blame people for disappointing you, blame yourself for expecting too much from them.”

The six-episode limited series The White Lotus is available on HBO and also streaming on HBO Max.

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

‘Rescued Chimpanzees of the Congo with Jane Goodall’ is a must-see

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Rescued Chimpanzees of the Congo with Jane Goodall is a heartening and heartwarming look at the people who are working tirelessly to save chimpanzees. These little fellows are sweet and in need of care and love, and humans, under the initial guidance of Jane Goodall, have taken up their cause.

It is sad to see the little orphans struggling. Their mothers have been killed for meat or trophies. Thank God for the Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of the Congo. This is the largest rescue and rehabilitation center in Africa, and the only hope of survival for so many chimpanzees.

Dr. Goodall said, “I have always recognized the extraordinary personalities of individual chimpanzees, something that I was challenged on when I first shared my findings. But when you see this series, you will understand how unique and special each one of them is. I hope that through this beautiful series people understand, as I do, as our staff does, that every chimpanzee has value and deserves a good, full life. I have several reasons for hope, one of them is the indomitable human spirit. The Jane Goodall Institute staff at Tchimpounga Sanctuary is the best example of this hope — they have devoted their lives to rescuing and caring for these chimpanzees who have suffered so horribly. And I hope that this series will inspire people to help us make a difference for those who cannot speak for themselves.”

This five part series delves into the lives of several chimps who have been rescued and being cared for. They are adorable furry little guys, each with his or her own personality. Watching them play will put a smile on viewers’ faces, however their stories can cause plenty of sadness. If humans had not killed their mothers they would not be in this situation. And they do have feelings. They feel sadness, sorrow, and love.

There are “teens” and adult chimps in the center as well as the small chimpanzees. These chimps all have feelings and when one dies, well, that loss is felt by all. But in the end this is a hopeful story. It shows that people can step up and step in to help save these animals who are our closest relatives. And quite frankly, I would prefer some of these chimps to some of my human relatives.

The hope of this center is to rescue and rehabilitate chimpanzees but also to enlighten humans about the illegal wildlife trade and hunting. There is no need to kill these animals. Just one look into their eyes and it is clear they have feelings and emotions that equal those of humans.

Rescued Chimpanzees of the Congo with Jane Goodall streams on Curiosity Stream beginning July 14, 2021.  It will touch your heart. It has certainly touched mine.

 

For more about chimpanzees, click here.

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

‘Disney Gallery: Star Wars: The Mandalorian’ special episode

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Mark Hamill on the set of THE MANDALORIAN, season two, exclusively on Disney+. © 2021 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.

In last year’s Season 2 finale of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian,” the appearance of a young Luke Skywalker was one of the biggest reveals and best-kept secrets of the acclaimed show thus far. Reaction to the episode was emotionally-charged for many, deeply resonating with generations of fans who were elated to see the Jedi Master in his post-Return of the Jedi prime. The story of the cutting-edge technology used to bring Luke back is the subject of a special extra episode of “Disney Gallery: Star Wars: The Mandalorian,” debuting August 25 on Disney+.

 

“Making of the Season 2 Finale” is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this celebrated “chapter” of “The Mandalorian,” with a focus on the technology used for recreating Luke Skywalker. It delves into the collaborative process, including working with Mark Hamill, to create an authentic and fitting recreation, and explores the immense pressure and responsibility the filmmakers had in bringing back one of the most important characters in film history.

 

Disney Princess Remixed – An Ultimate Princess Celebration

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Disney Princess fans. Mark you calendar for August 27, 2021.

Coinciding with World Princess Week, Disney Channel will unveil an all-new music special, “Disney Princess Remixed – An Ultimate Princess Celebration,” FRIDAY, AUG. 27 (7:30 p.m. EDT/PDT). Narrated by 12-year-old social media star Txunamy Ortiz, the half-hour special will celebrate the empowering attributes of Disney princesses and queens through reimagined performances of their iconic songs. GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist Brandy will also debut her music video for “Starting Now,” the anthem for The Walt Disney Company’s year-long event, “Ultimate Princess Celebration,” which spotlights the courage and kindness that Disney heroines inspire in fans all around the world. “Disney Princess Remixed – An Ultimate Princess Celebration” will also be available on Disney+ same day in select markets, including the U.S.

‘Leverage: Redemption’ explores the world where the corrupt and powerful rewrite rules

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

 

The ultimate revenge fantasy series comes back with a vengeance!

So charming and addictive during its original run on TNT (2008 – 12), Leverage is getting a new lease on life! Who wouldn’t want to see ultimate revenge fantasy carried out by quirky people in search of a space where they can be themselves? That’s what Leverage is: fast-paced, sweet revenge-fest full of comedic elements and banters to die for. Life is not fair, but Leverage provides me a just space where I don’t have to take injustice lying down. It’s all good clean fun and fight — definitely my kind of show!

The original series Leverage centered on a crusade to avenge the death of Nate Ford’s (Timothy Hutton) child. Mastermind Nate brought together grifter Sophie Devereaux (Gina Bellman), thief Parker (Beth Reisgraf), hacker Alec Hardison (Aldis Hodge), and hitter Eliot Spencer (Christian Kane) and took down corruption and injustices using their special skills. They’re the 21st century Robin Hood, heroic outlaws against malfeasance of greedy corporations, but they have watched the world change over the last eight years.

The revival Leverage: Redemption picks up exactly one year after Nate’s death. Fellow Leverage team members Parker, Hardison and Eliot are concerned about the grieving widow Sophie moping around at home. In order to boost her confidence to move on with her life, they propose an old-fashioned museum heist. Sophie is reluctant to take the leadership role until they intercept guilt-ridden lawyer Harry Wilson (Noah Wyle) trying to take down an opioid-pushing fauxlanthropist.

As a corporate fixer, Harry has helped mega-wealthy clients get away with murder and knows where the bodies are buried. He’s so guilt-ridden that he’ll do anything for redemption. Hence, the title Leverage: Redemption. The new iteration is propelled forward as a redemption story of misdeeds that need amends. As Harry learns the ins and outs of the team’s craftsmanship, he quickly realizes he has a lot of work to do to be forgiven by the victims he has wronged.

Sophie keeps training wheels on another addition to the squad: Breanna Casey (Aleyse Shannon), Hardison’s foster sister, fills the void during his absences. She’s a know-it-all hacker/maker who lives and breathes digital and brings the team up to speed on the latest technology of just about anything.

Incorporating ‘something old’ (the original Leverage family who found each other and thrived) and ‘something new’ (the newbies so eager to please), the heist-of-the-week series Leverage: Redemption takes pleasure in expanding into more white-collar criminals manipulating the system to ‘legally’ get away with murder. Since I watched two seasons of Dirty Money and a number of exposé docuseries during the pandemic lockdown, I do recognize many characters the crew sets up for cons. It amuses and thrills me to no end to watch the slimy and arrogant villains crash and burn!

Leverage: Redemption premieres July 9 on IMDb TV with the first eight of 16 episodes.

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.

‘Queen Bees’ shows it’s never too late to find love, friendship, and happiness

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Ellen Burstyn stars in the romantic comedy Queen Bees about a woman at a crossroads in her life. The all-star cast is fun to watch as they demonstrate that growing old does not mean being useless, helpless, and loveless.

Helen (Burstyn) is a widow living in the same house in which she raised her daughter Laura (Elizabeth Mitchell). She is a little forgetful (aren’t we all?) but fiercely independent and self-assured. So when her kitchen catches on fire, Laura talks her mother into moving into the Pine Grove retirement community while the repairs are being made. Helen reluctantly agrees. It is only for a month, after all.

Helen runs into the Queen Bees of the community: Margot (Ann-Margret), Sally (Loretta Devine), and Janet (Jane Curtin). In the cast of Janet, the “B” in Queen Bees does not stand for “Bee!” This is a woman with a chip on her shoulder and not a kind word to say about anyone.

Helen keeps her distance from the residence but when newcomer Dan (James Caan) enters the scene, she finds it hard to keep him at arms length. While Margot is infatuated with Arthur (Christopher Lloyd), Helen starts a sweet friendship with Dan.

Every one of the characters has a different personality with unique attributes. They blend together beautifully as these seniors manage their lives while confronting the ups and downs of aging.

We are living in an aging society so even though viewers might think this is a film for seniors only, it does have a great lesson for younger viewers. Just because someone is old, it doesn’t mean he or she is useless, unfeeling, or incapable of a new love.

As Ann-Margret said, “It’s wonderful to show these four older women and how they get along. They are really an interesting group ….”

As for her storyline with Caan, Burstyn said, “It’s a classic boy-meets-girl story, but the boy and the girl are in their 70s.”

Janet’s life has been a struggle. She is estranged from her family and the chip on her shoulder is evident from the first time viewers see her. “When Helen arrives and seems to go through life effortlessly, being kind and warm and making friends easily, it’s tough for Janet,” Curtin explained.

When discussing the different characters, Devine acknowledges, “Eventually they become each other’s saving grace.”

Caan plays the love interest for Burstyn and said, “When you get older, it’s not so much about sexual attraction and ripping each other’s clothes off. It’s a different kind of chemistry, and these two have it.”

So while the population ages, more films about seniors are showing that age is a matter of mind, although the body has some trouble adjusting to that! The cast is what makes this film engaging.

Queen Bees is rated PG-13 and premieres in theaters and on demand June 11, 2021.

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.

‘A Cinderella Story: Starstruck’ on DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Yes, this story has been done over and over again and viewers are well acquainted with the girl whose father dies leaving her to live with her evil stepmother and stepsiblings. This particular incarnation has one thing other films with the same premise don’t have and that is Bailee Madison. She is the one aspect that makes A Cinderella Story: Starstruck endearing for younger viewers. The story is simplistic for older viewers, however younger ones and teens will be delighted with the peppy actress and all the farm animals that bring delight to the movie.

Madison, who has grown up in front of the cameras and in front of our eyes since she began acting fifteen years ago, plays Finley, a young girl in a small Idaho town who now lives with her stepfamily. She loves to sing and dance but is relegated to doing all the chores around the farm while her selfish stepfamily boss her around. She is even relegated to sleeping in the barn with the animals, which are really much better company than the humans living in her farmhouse.

When a movie company comes to town to film a musical version of Billy the Kid, Finley desperately wants to audition, but her family overrules her. One thing leads to another and she discovers she can audition anonymously. Actually, she takes a clue from Victor/Victoria when she transforms herself into a man and tries out for a male part. Even as a male who goes by the name Huck Finn, Finley wows the director and other actors and gets a part in the film.

One disadvantage of masquerading as a man is that while she and the star of the film, Jackson (Michael Evans Behling) are working together, they form a great friendship. But he only knows Huck and doesn’t know Finley. Well, actually, he gets to start a friendship with Finley but she has a difficult time juggling her role as Huck with her own life while still doing the chores at the farm. But if anyone can do it, it is Finley. She is a peppy, adorable young woman who has a heart of gold.

Madison is well known to TV viewers having most recently costarred in the Good Witch series on Hallmark Channel. She has several other TV series credits to her name as well films. She began in the industry when she was a mere six or seven and viewers have seen her grow up and mature through the years. She is a delight to watch in any role she undertakes.

There are two bonus features on the DVD. One looks at the animals who make appearances in the movie. Finley loves all of the animals and they are endearing, especially Jon Hamm, her pet pig. The other bonus looks at the making of the film and the musical numbers.

A Cinderella Story: Starstruck is simplistic but as stated earlier, it is a fun story for younger viewers. It is rated PG for some language and suggestive material.

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.

‘Hotel Transylvania: Transformania’ will conclude the film series

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

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 with his most terrifying task yet. When Van Helsing’s mysterious invention, the ‘Monsterification Ray,’ goes haywire, Drac and his monster pals are all transformed into humans, and Johnny 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 and the hilariously human Drac Pack, the heat is on to find a way to switch themselves back before their transformations become permanent.

The film  will be released October 1, 2021.

“Star Wars: Visions” Premieres September 22 Exclusively on Disney+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


As a first formal venture into anime, each “Star Wars: Visions” short bears a unique Japanese sensibility, which in many ways aligns with the tone and spirit of Star Wars storytelling. From the beginning, stories told in the Star Wars galaxy have counted Japanese mythology and the films of Akira Kurosawa among their many influences, and these new visions will further explore that cultural heritage through the unique animation style and perspective of each anime studio.

All episodes of “Star Wars: Visions” will be released on Disney+ September 22, 2021.