Author: Francine Brokaw

‘The Art of Luca’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The latest Disney/Pixar film Luca is a magical and mystical tale that takes place in a fictional seaside town in Italy. “The Art of Luca” book takes readers into the film with background information and plenty of images that inspired the characters and the film.

Gelato and Vespa motor scooters are a big part of the story as is the architecture of the region. The sea monster characters themselves, as described in the book, were inspired by art. This adds a great dimension to the look of them.

While gazing at the colorful images on the pages, take time to read the background information. “The graphic design found throughout the towns of coastal Italy is incredibly inspiring.” (p. 125) By including them in the film viewers are taken to this part of the world and immersed in not only the characters but also the culture and history of the region.

Luca is a sweet and sensitive story of a summer friendship. It is filled with fun and cute characters, along with immersing viewers in the Italian culture and atmosphere. Plus, there is an additional aspect of the underwater sea folk’s world. By merging the underwater world with that of the human world, the film brings a fantasy aspect to the story.

For the underwater homes, “The design was based heavily on the Italian trullo house” from southern Italy. (p. 39) They have a natural look, which adds to the scenery of the underwater life.

Flipping through the pages of the book, readers see all aspects of the film depicted in these images. It is a colorful book that is sure to take readers back to the film and through the art and storyboards that ultimately led to the finished product.

“The art of Luca” is filled with images. Unlike many of the books in the series, this one has fewer editorials than others. Instead, there are images of sketches and the computer generated graphics. This is a colorful book like the film and for fans of the film and fans of animation itself, it is a “must have.” The characters are delightful and viewers and readers get immersed in the culture of Italy while enjoying the magical and mystical story.

  • The Art of Luca by Daniela Strijleva
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chronicle Books
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 176 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.

‘Paw Patrol: The Movie’ coming to theaters and Paramount+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The PAW Patrol is on a roll!  When their biggest rival, Humdinger, becomes Mayor of nearby Adventure City and starts wreaking havoc, Ryder and everyone’s favorite heroic pups kick into high gear to face the challenge head on.  While one pup must face his past in Adventure City, the team finds help from a new ally, the savvy dachshund Liberty.  Together, armed with exciting new gadgets and gear, the PAW Patrol fights to save the citizens of Adventure City!

PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE IS IN THEATRES AND STREAMING ON PARAMOUNT+ ON AUGUST 20, 2021

 

‘DreamWorks Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans’ epic finale

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Following the events of the Tales of Arcadia trilogy, the heroes of Arcadia from the hit series Trollhunters, 3Below, and Wizards must band together in their most epic adventure yet to protect humanity from the evil Arcane Order, who wield their dark and uncontrollable magic to summon ancient titans that threaten to destroy the world. On the surface, Arcadia appears to be a slice of timeless Americana, but it is no ordinary town. It lies at the center of magical and mystical lines that make it a nexus for many battles among otherworldly creatures including trolls, aliens and wizards.

The epic finale premieres worldwide July 21, 2021 on Netflix.

‘Behind the Attraction’ looks at the origins of several notable Disneyland attractions

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The new 10-part series on Disney+ is not only fun but also very informative. Behind the Attraction is a look at how so many of the iconic attractions in Disneyland and the other Disney parks came to be.

The episodes explore the histories and culminations of:

  • Hall of Presidents
  • Trains, Trams, and Monorails
  • “it’s a small world”
  • Disneyland Hotel
  • The Castles
  • Space Mountain
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
  • Star Tours
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Jungle Cruise

 

Several of these attractions got their start at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. That was when Walt Disney was asked to supply attractions that he ultimately added to Disneyland. Not only do viewers see the origins of these attractions, but there are also some pretty funny anecdotes that go along with them.

Technology was advancing but not as far as it has come today. Animatronics was just in its infancy. The first animatronic attempt was Abraham Lincoln who, after the fair, was relocated to Anaheim where he took up residence in the Opera House on Main Street USA in Disneyland. To say his beginning was something of a disaster is a mistake. He would stand up and smash his chair, leaving the creators to figure out what in the world was going on. Well, as explained in the show, they finally found what was happening and he was once again standing tall next to his chair. Wait until you see what caused his malfunction. Anyway, in Orlando at Walt Disney World Lincoln was joined by all of the presidents in the Hall of Presidents.

Walt was really into transportation. His love of trains led him to create the train station at the entrance of Disneyland. And his idea for the monorail system was inventive and could have changed the landscape and structure of Los Angeles. But the powers that be did not have the foresight that Disney had. Alas, L.A. is stuck with an outdated freeway system.

The iconic castles in the various parks around the world have their own histories. And the famous Jungle Cruise, which opened in 1955, has loyal fans. As a matter of fact, it has been made into a feature film. In the past the attractions were based on films, but these days there are films based on the attractions.

How did they come up with the 10 episodes? In a virtual press conference Brian Volk-Weiss, executive producer and director, explained, “So we started with a list that I exaggerate not, was like, it would have been over one hundred, but I think Mark was like that you might you might want to trim that down a bit. So I think we I think we still submitted a list of 30. The good news to get it down fast was we decided very early on not to work, not to do any episodes about attractions that don’t exist anymore.”

Disney Imagineer Dave Durham told the media, “Literally the coolest thing for me as an Imagineer is to be able to go stand by the exit of a new attraction that we opened. And you you’ve put years working with a team, so many hours, so many meetings, so many decisions. And you have the vision the whole time as to what you what you hope that thing will end up being. And then when all is said and done, the guest literally speaks as they come off the ride. And you’re listening. Do they like it or are they happy? Did it meet the expectations? And what I watch for is do they run right back around and get back in line again? And it’s this thing where you don’t have to say a word. Their actions say it for you and you just sit back and smile and go. That was worth it. And so it’s not always what you hear is what you see.”

Disney Imagineer Jeanette Lamboy explained, “So I think sometimes we use technology that exists in different ways,” citing the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror which has been transformed into Guardians of the Galaxy Mission Breakout.

“That’s one perfect example of how we think out of the box.”

Yes indeed, the Imagineers are truly dedicated to their work.

Volk-Weiss said he wanted guests to the parks to learn about the attractions so when they visited the parks they would be further engaged and interested in them.

Lamboy admitted, “My favorite attraction of all time is Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean, but it is expressed differently and our most recent Pirates of the Caribbean and Shanghai is such an amazing technological masterpiece and really one of the finest rides in the world. So I would love to see that covered. And I’m sure that was on the short list of things that got cut Brian. Season two.”

Behind the Attraction is a must-see for fans of the Disney parks. It is not only entertaining, but also very educational. It’s a fun experience. The episodes stream on Disney+ beginning July 21, 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.

Bring home ‘Jenny the Chimpanzee’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

“Today I have a story to tell. A story that I know so very well. The story of how we came to be. Told by no other than “Jenny the Chimpanzee.” That is how the adorable book, Jenny the Chimpanzee” begins. The book was written by Lotus Kay, a 19-year-old with a passion for endangered animals. This book is sweet and wonderfully illustrated by Chey Diehl.

 

The story is written in rhyme and tells the tale of this little chimpanzee and how the entire world is connected. We’re all part of the circle of life and need to care for and look out for each other, and that definitely includes the animal world.  Jenny is a sweet little chimp that will capture the hearts of those who hear her story.

Chimpanzees and humans are closely related. True, they are smaller, but just looking into their eyes will reveal their emotions. They have thoughts and feelings just like we do.

The book won a Gold Award from Mom’s Choice for one of the best in family-friendly media, products and services.

Eifrig Publishing says their mottos it their mission. “Our books promote social and environmental consciousness and empower children as they grow in their communities.”

After her story ends, there are some quotes from Jane Goodall, probably the person on the planet with the most expertise about chimpanzees. “The greatest danger to our future is apathy.” And she hit the nail on the head with that. We need to work hard to save the endangered species and our beloved chimpanzees, among other animals. When they are gone, they are gone for good, and there is no good in that!

To go along with the book there is a plush Jenny that can be purchased separately. I have no doubt that the combination of the book and the plush will be among favorites for kids and passed down through generations. The plush is soft and huggable and for little kids Jenny makes a great sleeping partner. Just looking at this delightful little innocent face will hopefully encourage people/kids to think about endangered chimpanzees. And maybe the next Jane Goodall will be born from someone who takes Jenny into his or her heart and home.

The book is recommended for ages 4-9. And the plush is for everyone. She sits comfortably on my bed and reminds me that we are all one world.

The 26-page book from Eifrig Publishing retails for $14.99 for the hardcover and $9.99 for the softcover. The plush/book combination sells for $49.95.

To purchase gift sets of the books and companion toys, click here. “Jenny the Chimpanzee” and other Bears for Cares books are also available for sale here.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of all books and toys will be donated to the Jane Goodall Institute and the Roots & Shoots program.

For more about chimpanzees click here.

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.

‘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.