Author: Francine Brokaw

Pull Start Fire product review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Pull Start Fire is a safe, easy, and effective way to start a fire. This ingenious little gadget does not require any matches. It can withstand winds up to 200 mph and can even light wet wood. So camping this year is looking much easier.

To use the Pull Start Fire, simply wrap the green string over a log, securing the device to the log. Then pile logs around the bottom log that has the Pull Start Fire device attached. Hold the red string and pull, starting the fire in one easy step. The Pull Star Fire will burn approximately 30 minutes. And you can continue to add logs if you desire. The hard part of starting the fire is over. Just sit back and relax and enjoy the crackling fire and the warmth. Forget the old way of lighting matches and trying to get some newspaper to start the logs burning. That is outdated. In today’s world starting a campfire (or even a fire in you backyard fire pit) is quick and easy. And there are no matches around for kids to get hold of.

The little unit is made of 89% recycled material so it is eco friendly. It’s lightweight so if you are hiking, you won’t have a heavy item to carry. However the best part is the ease in which it starts a fire. Each Pull Start Fire has a red string attached to one side and a green string attached to the other, making it easy to use. And without any matches to light, little kids won’t be tempted to touch the match.

A box of the Pull Start Fire includes 3 starters. One pack lists for $19.99 however there are multiple pack options from the website.

Check out how easy it is to now light a fire at their website.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about products, books, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. Follow her on Twitter.

Vlad and Niki Surprise Eggs

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Preschool superstars “Vlad & Niki” have received the Shorty Award for “Best Influencer & Celebrity YouTube Campaign.”  These two pint-sized celebs are taking the world by storm. Translated into 18 languages, the brothers have received more than 94+ billion total views. Originally from Moscow, Russia, by way of Thailand, the family now resides in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Florida, United States.

Fans of the duo have some new ways to unleash their inner superheroes alongside Vlad and Niki. These new Surprise Eggs are filled with over 20 items that will have kids using their imaginations and unleashing their newfound powers.

There are two different eggs and each one is filled with plenty of goodies. They are just a tiny bit different. There are superhero masks and capes, comic books, stickers, stamps, snap bands, and more. There are figurines that add to playtime as well as a really cool light up skateboard that fits the kid figurines included in the eggs. This is a really neat item that makes playing in the dark just as fun as in the daytime.

With 20 surprises inside each large plastic egg, this collection from the folks at Zuru makes a great gift for ages 3+. And for fans of the brothers, this is just one more way to play along with the creative little fellows. Filled with energy and optimism, Vlad and Niki are adored by not only their young fans but also by the parents of those fans as the duo are clean-cut and well mannered. They are really quite fun.

The eggs are filled with plenty of items to share and enjoyable for both boys and girls. There is something for everyone in one to play with in these eggs.

“Vlad & Niki” has more than 68+ million subscribers on its English Channel and 181+ million worldwide with more than 99+ billion total views. The streaming short-form content is packed with non-stop adventures, creativity and tons of fun. Localized on 21 channels and translated into 18 languages, the key preschool learning themes for “Vlad & Niki” include family fun, discovery play, home adventures, indoor and outdoor fun and games, singing and dancing.

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.

‘Upheaval: The Journey of Menachem Begin’ is an educational experience about a man and his country

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Menachem Begin was the sixth Prime Minister of Israel, however before his political career began his influence in the creation and formulation of Israel was felt throughout the land. Upheaval: The Journey of Menacham Begin follows his life from his youth to his death.

Having been a target for anti-Semitism throughout his youth and into college, Begin was one of the prominent proponents of Zionism, which called for the creation of a Jewish homeland in their ancestral land. After World War II he made his way to Israel where he joined the Irgun, an organization dedicated to the creation of Israel. Their counterpart, the Haganah, was less up front and willing to work with the British. But that was not getting anywhere, so the Irgun launched several attacks against the British, however before their attacks they gave them warning. As Begin says about the attack on the King David Hotel, if they had heeded their warning, none of the 91 people who died would have been killed. Neither the Irgun nor the Haganah wanted more death. The holocaust and the war caused enough death and suffering.

After the British left the State of Israel was established in 1948 and Arabs immediately invaded the country on all sides. This war finally ended and then it was up to the Israelis to form their government and construct their country. Begin was instrumental in all aspects of the country, and in 1977 he was finally elected as Prime Minister in a landslide upset.

Like Trump’s “America First” program, Begin was for “Israel First.” Everything he did was for the country and the people. His insight into the future was remarkable. Having been in a Russian gulag in Siberia as well as being targeted by anti-Semites, Begin knew personally how badly the Jewish people had been treated around the world. And he said, “Never again,” when talking about the holocaust. “Never again” would Jews be slaughtered and gassed. “Never Again.”

As a founder of the Likud party, Begin took a tough stance on protecting Jews around the world, as well as standing strong on peace and freedom. He began “Operation Moses” which brought thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel. He welcomed the Vietnamese boat people when no other country would take them in. He showed the world that Israel was a compassionate country with compassionate people but who were also fierce.

When Sadat made his historic visit to Israel, a feat no other Arab leader had ever done, Begin saw the opportunity to forge a lasting peace with Egypt. With the help of the Americans, The Camp David Accords provided that peace, and Begin and Sadat went on to accept the Nobel Peace Prize.

This man was controversial, as is President Trump. They are made in the same mold. Their administrations were built on helping their people and securing their countries. Menacham Begin has critics in Israel however no one will deny he played a major part in the creation of the country and while Prime Minister he advanced the lifestyles of Israelis while all the time holding their safety as his top priority.

Upheaval: The Journey of Menacham Begin is an enlightening film that shines a light on this founder of Israel. The film was an official selection of the Heartland International Film Festival, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, the Miami Jewish Film Festival, the Denver Jewish Film Festival, and the Pittsburgh JFilm. Christians as well as Jews are treated to an up close look at the life and times of Menacham Begin with historic film footage as well as interviews from Begin and historians. This is a film that is not only enlightening but also important. It shows that from tragedy and horror, there can be a light of hope and peace.

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.

Get a peek at the new ‘Paw Patrol’ movie

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 premieres August 20, 2021 on Paramount+.

‘Why Women Kill’ is about the length one woman will go in order to finally belong

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Marc Cherry of Desperate Housewives (ABC 2004 – 2012) fame has created so many addictive yet poignant female-forward black humor shows. His first streaming anthology series, Why Women Kill, debuted on then-CBS All Access in 2019. The premiere season followed three married women living in the same Pasadena mansion in three separate decades and was a jarring reminder of how the times in which we live shape our beliefs, behavior, and expectations.

The sophomore run of Why Women Kill is set in 1949 and follows an envious homemaker who is fed up with her lackluster life and demands a radical overhaul of her social standing. Beauty knocks many doors, but how does a frump recognized merely as ‘veterinarian’s wife’ get what she desires? It is an amusing reminder that life is not fair so you have to play the best game with the cards you’re dealt.

Alma Fillcot (Allison Tolman) has always behaved like a mature, respectful adult regardless of what’s thrown in her face. All her life she has settled for scraps and crumbs, thanks to her appearance and demeanor. In other words, Alma knows her place and stays in her lane. The only wish in her dull and boring life is to hobnob with highfalutin, fancy ladies of Elysian Park Garden Club. The ‘ladies who lunch’ certainly live life to the fullest or so it seems.

Take for instance Rita Castillo (Lana Parrilla), a sardonic trophy wife à la Rita Hayworth. While waiting for her 80-year-old cruel and vulgar husband to die, the snarky suburban royalty kills time presiding over the elite Garden Club and dallying with a new aspiring actor. A typical femme fatale, Rita is an accomplished liar and a master manipulator with criminal tendencies.

When Alma discovers her veterinarian husband, Bertram (Nick Frost), has a bizarre hobby, her whole world is turned upside down. Shocked, hurt, and deeply scarred by his betrayal, she realizes that it’s about time she put her needs first. She is determined to rub elbows with the local beautiful people no matter what.

Rita is hell-bent on stopping Alma from getting what she yearns for. I wouldn’t push her too far, though. You don’t know what a nice lady sick and tired of being ignored and overlooked by society might do in order to finally belong. When a repressed woman releases her cooped up anger and frustration in search of power, I guarantee it won’t be pretty. You know what they say – “A cornered rat will bite the cat!”

Why Women Kill returns to Paramount+ (an expansion of CBS All Access as you knew it, but with even more content and features) on June 3, 2021.

About the Author

Meg Mimura is a TV critic who actually watches shows zealously in search of thought-provoking and paradigm shifting human drama worth our precious time. She is a member of Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter.

COURTESY PHOTO

‘For Those Who Think Young’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Five years after he captured the hearts of female audiences as hunky Moondoggie in Gidget, James Darren returned to the ocean in another light hearted romantic comedy. For Those Who Think Young also stars Pamela Tiffin, Paul Lynde, Tina Louise, Ellen Burstyn and Bob Denver plus roles for Nancy Sinatra (Frank’s daughter) and Claudia Martin (Dean’s daughter). This film introduced Woody Woodbury, a comic and actor who actually steals this movie.

The premise of the story is a rich playboy named Ding Pruitt (his actual name is Gardner Pruitt III) has his sights set on fellow college student named Sandy Palmer (Tiffin). Sandy is attracted to Ding but just doesn’t trust him. He is, after all, the playboy of the campus.

While Ding is wooing Sandy, her two uncles (Lynde and Woodbury) are working at the local watering hole to pay her tuition. The club is popular with the students however the administration, namely Dr. Pauline Swenson (Burstyn), tries to shut it down. The main benefactor of the college, Burford Sanford Cronin (Robert Middleton) has his personal reasons for getting the club shut down. He does not approve of his grandson, Ding, falling in love with Sandy. He is a snobby man that thinks she is beneath his family.

Unlike Moondoggie, Ding does not sing to his beloved. Darren does sing the title song, “For Those Who Think Love.”  The movie is filled with twists (both in the plot and the dance) and some very funny comedy from Woodbury. While this isn’t the best film of its kind, Woodbury manages to lift it up with his comedy routines. And, let’s face it, Darren was still a top draw for women around the world!

While watching this new Blu-ray from Kino Lorber I though that this might have been what Moondoggie (aka Jeff Matthews) might have been like had he not met Gidget (aka Francie Lawrence). He would have returned to college, continued surfing and wooing women. While Ding (I know, Darren gets stuck with strange nicknames) seems like a low-life, using people for his own pleasure and womanizing, in the end he is a decent, sweet, and kind man.

For Those Who Think Young is not rated however it is suitable for all ages. There is no graphic language or any untoward acts.

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.

Ava DuVernay’s ”Wings Of Fire animated series coming to NETFLIX

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

Wings of Fire is an animated event series adaptation of the #1 New York Times and USA Today best-selling book series from author Tui T. Sutherland.  A bitter war has raged for generations between the dragon tribes who inhabit the epic world of Pyrrhia.  According to prophecy, five young dragons will rise to end the bloodshed and bring peace back to the land.  Raised and trained in secret from the time they were hatched, the Dragonets of destiny – Clay, Tsunami, Glory, Starflight, and Sunny – embark on an evolving quest that will bring them face to face with their true selves and the overwhelming scope of this savage war they are destined to bring to an end.

“We couldn’t be more proud that Ava has chosen Netflix as the home for her first animated series. An epic fantasy saga full of sweep and spectacle, Wings of Fire promises to be a must-see event for the whole family,” said Melissa Cobb, VP Original Animation at Netflix.

There will be 10 40-minute episodes.

 

‘Cruella’ movie review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Although I am not a big fan of live-action films taken from classic animated stories, I can say I enjoyed Cruella more than I expected I would. Emma Stone and Emma Thompson star in this story of the young Curella De Vil, the evil villain from 101 Dalmatians.

The film begins with a young girl names Estella who sees her mother killed. She then is taken in by two street kids named Jasper and Horace, and they form their own unique family.

They grow up and Estella (Stone), Jasper (Joel Fry), and Horace (Paul Walter Hauser) are a lucrative grafter team. Why not? They have cunning and courage. Plus they have nothing to lose. But Estella wants desperately to be a designer, so the boys get her an interview with a posh clothing store.

Estella is taken under the wing of the Baroness (Thompson), a kind of Devil Wears Prada boss, who sees great potential in the girl. But as time goes by, Estella discovers it was the Baroness who is to blame for her mother’s death.  Estella puts a plan in play with the assistance of Horace and Jasper. She becomes the arch nemesis of the Baroness and names her new persona Cruella.

Cruella has a different personality from Estella. This new persona has only one thing on her mind – revenge. While she goes about making a name for herself and her wonderful designs and creations, Cruella has her eyes on the prize, which is taking out the Baroness and becoming the number one designer.There is an interesting plot twist that might surprise viewers.

There are no animals killed to make coats, so don’t let that worry you when deciding about watching this movie with your kids. And, the story stops before Cruella becomes an animal killer. The film gives the history of this woman and possibly is a set up for a sequel. Who knows?

Anyway, I did enjoy it more than I expected, and Stone is appealing as the cunning up-and-coming villain. The soundtrack is a great part of the film.

Cruella streams on Disney+ Premier Access beginning May 28, 2021. It is rated PG for some violence and thematic elements. Very young kids might be upset by the death of her mother.

 

Premier Access provides an opportunity for consumers to watch newly released theatrical films on Disney+ for an additional one-time fee and an active Disney+ subscription. Disney+ subscribers can get Premier Access for a one-time fee of $29.99 per movie paid directly on disneyplus.com or on supported platforms. Once Premier Access has been unlocked, subscribers can enjoy a cinematic experience at home through the Disney+ app on a wide range of mobile and connected TV devices, including gaming consoles, streaming media players, and smart TVs.

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.

‘My Fair Lady’ on 4K Ultra HD is spectacular

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Paramount has just released the classic musical My Fair Lady on 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital. 4K makes a big difference. The colors are bright and brilliant and the sound is wonderful. Fans of this film will undoubtedly want to experience it in the beautiful 4K Ultra HD resolution.

The 1964 film stars Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison in this retelling of Pygmalion. Harrison reprises his Broadway role of Professor Henry Higgins and Hepburn plays Eliza Doolittle, a role that was originated by Julie Andrews on stage. Casting Hepburn displeased many theater fans since Andrews was nominated for a Tony for her performance in 1957. But Andrews was cast as Mary Poppins and ended up winning the Academy Award in 1965 and Hepburn was not even nominated. Harrison took home the statue for his performance and My Fair Lady won best film. This whole controversy put a dark cloud over the film, however it has stood the test of time and is a multi-generational hit!

The story of a flower girl who was turned into a lady of society is filled with memorable songs. The soundtrack for this film is a popular choice for musical fans.

Hepburn sang the songs during filming but was dubbed by a professional singer in the final release. There are many great bonus features on the Blu-ray disc. Viewers get to hear Hepburn singing a couple of the songs, and quite honestly she is pretty good. In the end the filmmakers decided to use a professional singer.

Another bonus looks at the making of the film, production tests and the Premieres in Britain and Los Angeles. A radio interview with Harrison is a delight. There are plenty of bonuses on this disc that will entertain fans of the film.

Even with the controversy about casting Eliza Doolittle, the movie is a sheer delight and even, dare I say, perfection. For viewers who never saw Julie Andrews on stage, the only Eliza they know is Audrey Hepburn, and she is adorable as the flower girl who manages to tame the crusty and curmudgeon professor. Softening Professor Higgins was not part of the plan, but as he changed her, she changed him. This is why the movie is endearing and charming.

The soundtrack by Lerner and Lowe includes songs that will stay with viewers long after the movie is over. “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “I’m Getting Married in the Morning,” “On the Street Where you Live,” “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Just You Wait,” and more combine to make the music for this delightful film.

The 4K Ultra HD is the best way to relive this musical experience.

“My Fair Lady” is rated G for all audiences.

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.