‘The Emperor’s New Groove’ celebrates 25 years of entertainment

 

Twenty-five years ago the animated story of Emperor Kuzco and the caring peasant Pacha became a beloved little film. They all return as The Emperor’s New Groove is now available on Digital as well as 4K UHD+Digital and Blu-ray discs.

Kuzco (voiced by David Spade) is a selfish, greedy, uncaring emperor. His devious assistant Yzma (Ertha Kitt) feels she would be a better leader and plots to kill Kuzco. Along with her loyal but bumbling – yet brawny – assistant Kronk (Patrick Warburton), they devise a plan to get rid of him. But things go awry and the potion that was supposed to kill Kuzco turns him into a llama. Kronk takes this llama to dispose of him but, in another misstep, he loses Kuzco. 

Kuzco is found by Pacha (John Goodman) who is kind-hearted but ambivalent about helping the emperor who was going to evict him and his family from their ancestral home. However, he is just too nice a guy to leave Kuzco to his own devices, knowing full well the emperor won’t survive without him.

The two are off on a wild journey to get Kuzco back to his palace to locate a potion that will return him to human form. Along the way, the duo face some pretty wild encounters. The banter between them is what makes this so cute. 

While they are on this crazy trek back to the palace, they discover more about each other and in a nice little twist, Kuzco faces his conscience, something he never had before, or never thought he had. He was a mean, ruthless emperor, and this journey brings out a different side of him.

With plenty of life lessons as well as humor and entertaining characters, this story is a fun film for all ages. And, having been around for 25 years, it is now available for a new generation to discover.

Pacha’s family is a highlight of the movie. His brave and cunning wife Chicha (Wendy Malick), along with his little kids add some additional fun to the story. 

With the digital download and a 4K UHD, the groovy tale of the emperor and his new friend, there is plenty to enjoy for fans of the classic film as well as those who have never seen it before.

It is time to discover – or rediscover – the fun of this entertaining story and all the characters as Kuzco gets a new groove and some new friends.

The Emperor’s New Groove is rated G.

About the Author

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

Images provided courtesy Disney

‘Christmas in Amish Country’ is warm and cozy

 

Ella Cannon and Jason Tobias star in the new original movie Christmas in Amish Country, now streaming on UP Faith and Family.

Claire (Cannon) has just opened her new upscale Chicago restaurant and styles herself as the “Queen of Modern Cooking.” The opening is not a success and Claire and her restaurant are vilified in the press. To let the things settle down she decides to go home for the holiday.

Thinking the waiting car outside her apartment is her Uber, Claire gets in and asks the driver to take her from Chicago to her home about seven hours away, since the airport is closed due to the weather. Jack (Tobias) is, in actuality, a journalist sent to get information on Claire with the intention of writing a hatchet job about her restaurant. He pretends to be the hired driver to get a “scoop” and agrees to take her home.

Still thinking he is her hired driver, the two get to know each other during the drive. Jack is stunned when they arrive at her hometown and even more shocked to know she has an Amish upbringing.

Claire had left the order years ago and followed her dream to be a big city chef. Now, back home, she keeps her family in the dark about her dismal failure. 

Jack is invited to stay with Claire’s family after he divulges that he is a journalist who wants to write about Amish cooking. They welcome him with open arms and the true Amish hospitality. The entire Amish community is warm and welcoming.

In the beginning Jack sees this as another opportunity to write a hatchet job about Claire but the more time he spends with her family and in the community, the more he gets to know them and his views about them change. Helping out with the manual labor is a new experience for him. But tasting all their homemade food is an eye-opener. Everything is delicious.

While Claire tells him Chicago would not welcome a restaurant serving down-home Amish cooking, he disagrees. The food is amazing.

This sweet little romantic Christmas movie is perfect viewing for a cold afternoon. It has heart and soul, family and friendship, old and new, and a lot of food!

Christmas in Amish Country streams on UP Faith and Family.

Interestingly, Cannon and Tobias both star in another Christmas movie this year, Bachelor Santa.

About the Author

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

‘Another Sweet Christmas’ on Great American Family

 

Candace Cameron Bure and Cameron Mathison team up for another cute Christmas story of love and harmony. Another Sweet Christmas is the sequel to the 2024 film Home Sweet Christmas. 

Sophie (Bure) and Sam (Mathison) finally got engaged. This is at the same time Sam is working on a movie about their love story. He has written a tribute to their love and the movie looks like it will be a success – if they can get it made.

Sam is not only the writer but halfway through the production he has to also take on the job of director. This actually is fortuitous as he is planning their surprise wedding. Everyone in Sophie’s family and all those in the production are aware of this surprise. But keeping Sophie in the dark adds some unwelcome stress to her life as she feels Sam is more interested in all the nuances of the movie than in planning their  own wedding.

He is sneaky, I’ll give him that. He asks Sophie her opinion on all the details of the “movie” wedding, thereby giving her the final say on the flowers, invitations, and even the dress she has coveted for months. But all of this is a ruse as the movie wedding is, in actuality, her own wedding.

Okay, this sounds like a sweet and romantic gesture on Sam’s part but to me it is not what I would want. However, when it comes down to it, Sophie ends up getting the wedding she wants, but  the path to the alter was a bit stressful. 

The finale might bring a tear to viewers’ eyes as the couple finally wed. Was it worth all the pressure and the little bit of depression on Sophie’s part? The look on her face and the love in her eyes says, “yes.” 

Sam is lucky that Sophie likes surprises. 

The two actors are always adored by viewers and their fans will enjoy seeing them paired again. 

Another Sweet Christmas streams on Great American Pure Flix beginning December 18, 2025 and can be seen on Great American Family and GFAM+ beginning December 20, 2025.

About the Author

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

Image supplied courtesy Great American Media

‘Zootopia 2’ is now in theaters

 

The highly anticipated sequel to the beloved 2016 animated film Zootopia is now playing in theaters, with the original actors voicing the characters they brought to the screen nine years ago. As with the original, Zootopia 2 is an instant classic in the animated genre.

Judy Hopps (voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin) is still the over-enthusiastic police bunny who, in the original film, teamed with the street-wise fox Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman). They are still partners but are the rookies in the department.

Zootopia is a utopian world with animals of all kinds inhabiting the lands, with a weather wall dividing the various climates making each location comfortable for the different animals. The wall was thought to be the invention of the Lynxley family, but as Judy surmises, there is something amiss with the whole history.

Judy and Nick, who reluctantly goes along with her, set out to find what is happening now after Judy sees a snake in the area. Snakes are not allowed in Zootopia. Their history of mischief and murder make reptiles persona non grata and they have been exiled to a separate place. 

Judy and Nick join with Gary De ‘Snake (voiced by Ke Huy Quan) to set the record straight and uncover the nefarious plot by the Lynxley family. While they are specifically forbidden to take on the case, thanks to Judy’s exuberance and dedication to the job, she talks Nick into following the clues.

This leads them on a wild and dangerous journey where they encounter a myriad of characters, old and new. Flash the sloth has a fun scene. Chief Bongo (Idris Elba), 

Dawn Bellwether, Duke Weaselton, Mr. Big, Fru Fru, and Yax also return in this adorable sequel.

Disney does sequels almost better than anyone and this is a prime example. Zootopia 2 is just as entertaining and delightful as the original.

Besides the fun story, the film has plenty of nods to other movies, as well as a scene where the Matterhorn from Disneyland is seen. As for the Easter Eggs, look for nods to The Little Mermaid, Star Wars, Ratatouille, Frozen, and more. The movie is rife with Easter Eggs.

Zootopia 2 is a pure delight from start to finish. It emphasizes the importance of teamwork, trust, and doing the right thing. 

Judy Hopps is a character that brings out the best in others, even though it takes a while for them to realize it. She is steadfast in her determination to bring down criminals and bring justice those who have been wronged, and in this film she does that, with the help of Nick, Gary, and a few others who assist her in making things right.

Zootopia 2 is rated PG for action/violence and rude humor.

About the Author

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

‘Christmas at the Inn’ is a heartfelt holiday story


Jill Wagner and Trevor Donovan star in this comfy, cozy Christmas movie. Christmas at the Inn is a sweet film that is perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.

Beth (Wagner) returns to her family’s Garland Inn in the little town of Snow Ridge to help with the holiday festivities, namely the town’s annual  Yuletide Potluck to honor veterans. Jack (Donovan) has come to Snow Ridge to spend the holiday near his brother and sister-in-law. As luck would have it, Jack is booked into the Garland Inn.

Jack and Beth have a little history. They had a blind date years ago in college. That date did not go well for either of them.

Beth is a list-maker perfectionist who was put off by Jack’s talk of concrete (yes, concrete) on their date and Jack was put off by Beth’s list of appropriate restaurants for the date. That date was a once and done thing for both of them. 

When they meet again at the inn, Beth wants nothing to do with Jack but somehow they keep winding up in the same place. His job as a civil engineer for the military has kept him traveling around the world without any real place to call home. He feels comfortable in the inn and loves helping out, to Beth’s annoyance. 

But, as fans of heartfelt Christmas movies and viewers of Great American Family know, the couple will find a spark between them, and a new understanding of each other.

What is an appealing aspect of this story is the connection to the military and veterans. The potluck was started by Beth’s family during World War II and has continued through the decades. The entire community is focused on the military and veterans. They are dedicated to honoring those who served and who are presently serving the country in uniform. 

This little holiday romance is a tasty treat, pun intended, as there are plenty of cookies and pastries continually being brought out. So, my suggestion is to grab yourself some gingerbread men (I did) and settle in for a heartfelt cozy Christmas story.

Christmas at the Inn, streams exclusively on Great American Pure Flix beginning Thursday, December 4 and premiering on Great American Family and GFAM+, Saturday, December 6, 2025.

About the Author

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

Image supplied courtesy Great American Media

‘Tron: Ares’ is now available for home viewing


The third film in the hit Tron franchise, Tron: Ares, is now available on digital and will be available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and DVD along with a SteelBook Package beginning January 6, 2026. The movie is filled with action and everything fans expect from the world of Tron.

The story focuses this time on Ares, a new program that moves from the digital world into the real world. With A.I. being in the news these days in our lives, this film delves into that world. It looks at Ares, the first encounter humans have with A.I.

Besides this high-speed adventure, there are plenty of bonus features that examine the world of Tron and how it has endured through the years.

Photo by Leah Gallo. © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

“The Journey to Tron: Ares” highlights the journey the franchise has taken and how it has endured over the last 43 years, as well as the effect it has had on the Sci-fi world. “What a wild adventure it’s been,” says Jeff Bridges, the only actor who has been in all three Tron movies. He also says there are “phenomenal differences” between how they created the first Tron and this film. After all, technology ha advanced quite a lot in the last four decades.

The movie “pushes the boundaries” in many aspects. It is an electrifying film.

As for making the movie, Bridges says although there are serious aspects of the story, the atmosphere on set was casual. He thoroughly enjoyed making this film. Listening to him reminisce about his experiences is interesting and gives viewers a deeper sense into not only the last 43 years of Tron, but also a sense of Jeff Bridges who has captured the hearts of viewers as Kevin Flynn.

“Lightcycles on the Loose” focuses on the iconic vehicles. The filmmakers say they pushed them to “the edge of what’s possible.” To create the intense scenes, they actually closed down Vancouver to film through the streets. And, another interesting factoid, they used electric Harley Davidsons to match the profile of the Lightcycles to film throughout the show. This is a deep-dive into how they imagined, created and filmed the intense Lightcycle scenes.

“The Artistry of Tron: Ares” is about the technically challenging aspects of the film. This film relies on sound and visuals.

In “Cast Conversations” the actors discuss their experiences during the making of the film. And Jeff Bridges looks back at the original and compares that experience to this new one.

Easter Eggs are abundant in the film and “Legacy of Tron” reveals many of them. For instance, Kevin Flynn’s original office was inspired by Walt Disney’s office in Burbank, California at the Disney Studio. There are plenty of nods to other films, in and out of the Tron franchise. Viewers will be surprised at many of these little nods that are discussed and pay homage to other movies.

Three deleted scenes round out the bonus content.

Beside Jeff Bridges, the cast includes Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Jodi Turner-Smith, Gillian Anderson, Evan Peters, and others who are part of this high-impact film.

Tron: Ares is rated PG-13 for violence and action.

Warning: Some flashing-lights scenes in this film may affect photosensitive viewers.

About the Author

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

Images are courtesy © 2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Legoland California is decked out for Christmas 2025

Legoland California Resort is now spruced up and lit up for Christmas. The resort offers a fun and exciting place for families of young children – or lego fans of all ages – to enjoy rides, food, and all things Lego.

With the lighting of the Christmas tree December 1, 2025, the month is now set for a holiday experience to remember. As they say, it’s “the jolliest time of the year.” For those interested in facts, the Lego Christmas Tree was created with over 360,000 LEGO and DUPLO bricks. Whew. What a project!

 

The park is divided into holiday themes for the month: Snow Kingdom Holiday Headquarters, Brickmas Greetings, and an elf extravaganza! There are also two themed hotels on the property for families that want to put a little extra lego fun into their vacation.

 

 

To finish off a day at the park, don’t forget to catch the Santa’s Christmas Magic fireworks – December 13, 2025 at 5:45 pm, and from December 20-30, 2025 the show begins at 6:45 pm. (weather permitting for all of these magical shows)

And stop by to visit with Santa!

Not only is the park all decked out for the holidays, there are plenty of special food and drink items available. There are eleven specialty treats: Peppermint Bliss Frappé, Jolly Gingerbread White Mocha, Yeti’s Snowcapped Shake, Bacon Cheddar Cheer Bread Bowl, Fireside Apple Fries, Merry Mushroom Swiss Burger, Polar Pineapple Mocktail, Merry Pomegranate Cider, Pumpkin Pie-Tini, Candy Cane-Dini, and Winter Harvest Sea Bass, all designated with a candy cane icon on the park map. There’s something delicious for everyone.

And entertainment is on the list for some great music and interactive activities. A Nutcracker Marching Band winds its way through the park and The Brass Band Holiday Bash is a musical show filled with holiday tunes and characters, all done in the LEGO way.

The holiday activities provide a fun way for young ones to  join in the excitement of the season – the LEGO way.

Personal notes: Although my thoughts are that the theme park is dedicated to kids 12 and under, I met several adults who regularly visit Legoland. There is a big Lego community around the world and these fans enjoy the shops, activities, and just walking around the park. Nevertheless, this is truly a place for the young ones.

The park does not accept cash so it is a card-only establishment.

Make sure to grab a park map upon entering to find your way to your favorite food, drinks, or activities.

Some rides require adults to accompany young children, and some are meant for young children only. The hours vary so make sure you check with their website to schedule your family outing or vacation.

Carlsbad is north of San Diego and south of Camp Pendleton. It is a beautiful area to visit, along with your trip to Legoland.

Visit the Legoland California website for all the information on the holiday festivities.

Click the link below to watch the first tree lighting of 2025.

LegolandTreeLighting

About the Author

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

‘A Grand Ole Opry Christmas’ is musical and magical


Take some Christmas magic and add a pinch of Opry magic and you get the new Hallmark Channel film A Grand Ole Opry Christmas. Nikki DeLoach and Kristoffer Polaha star in this story of love and family.

Winters and Wade was a popular country music duo thirty years ago. That was then, this is now, and Gentry Wade (DeLoach) is asked to honor her late father with his former partner at the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry. She is hesitant as there are plenty of memories there, leading back to her father who passed away when she was younger. 

Gentry, an aspiring songwriter in her own right, put that all aside a long time ago, but still harbors the feelings of writing a hit song. Her longtime friend Mac (Polaha) keeps encouraging her, but she has some bittersweet memories about her discarded dream – mainly that she never got to write a song with her father.

There is definitely magic at the Opry and when Gentry sits in one of the pews on stage, she is transported back to 1995 where, to her amazement, she has the chance to see her father again. And Mac is also transported back so the two of them get the chance to see the famous music duo at their peak. That Christmas was the last time Winters and Wade performed together.

As Gentry and Mac spend more and more time back in 1995, they also rediscover their feelings for each other. But, as Mac thinks, they must have been brought back to 1995 for a reason. And Gentry is happy to be with her father again, so she feels there might be a chance to fulfill her past dream of writing a song with her dad.

This is a fun time-travel story. Should they stay in 1995 so Gentry can fulfill her lifelong dream or should they return to their own time?  It’s a difficult decision.

It’s Christmas magic to the fullest, and the finale is a heartwarming ending to this sweet story. James Denton and Sharon Lawrence co-star with Rob Mayes playing Gentry’s father in 1995.

The story might touch the hearts of viewers who have lost a loved one. Returning to an earlier time to be able to spend time with your departed loved one is something many people would love to do. 

The history of The Grand Ole Opry is laid out for viewers who are not familiar with the place and its legacy.  

Brad Paisley and others appear in this musical story.

A Grand Ole Opry Christmas is definitely a magical story. It premieres on Hallmark Channel November 29, 2025 and will be available to stream on Hallmark Plus beginning November 30, 2025. 

About the Author

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

Image Courtesy and Copyright ©2025 Hallmark Media

‘Christmas Under Wraps’ is a magical tale

Christmas Under Wraps is a fun and magical holiday film. Although it was produced in 2014, it is just as endearing today. Confession: I just discovered this on Hallmark Plus and cannot believe I never saw it before.

Candace Cameron Bure is always a delight to watch and she does not disappoint in this Christmas story. Cameron Bure plays Lauren Brunell, a doctor with plans of becoming a surgeon. She has her whole life planned out. First is a fellowship in Boston (following her father’s footsteps), then a career as a top-notch surgeon.

Everything is going to plan until her boyfriend breaks up with her because she is too structured. Then she does not get the fellowship in Boston. What else can go wrong?

At her mother’s suggestion, she decides to take a chance try and get out of her comfort zone of following her life’s plan. When she is offered a job as the town’s general practitioner in a small Alaskan city (it’s just a little town), she takes it. It comes with free transportation from her home in San Francisco, as well as  a house in Garland, Alaska.

When she arrives in Anchorage, she is met by Andy Holliday (David O’Donnell), who informs her he will be escorting her to Garland – via a plane. Garland is tucked away in a little corner of Alaska, accessible only by plane.

Her life then becomes a series of surprises. The house provided to her is rustic, not at all like her modern home in California. Her clothes are not suitable for the cold weather. When she orders a warmer wardrobe online she is told they don’t deliver to Garland. The hospital is a small building with a staff of four. Nothing is as she expected.

As the only doctor in town, she is inundated with dozens of patients on her first day. Lauren digs in and gets right to work, with all kinds of maladies and injuries to attend to.

She then discovers Andy is more than her escort to town. He is the handyman, electrician, do-everything guy in town. And his father Frank (Brian Doyle-Murray) owns the big business in Garland. Interestingly enough, Lauren tells him he looks just like Santa.

This town is filled with all kinds of secrets. And when she is asked to take care of the “mascot” Rudy the reindeer who has injured his leg, she senses things are not quite what they seem. Garland is definitely a different kind of town filled with wonderful people who welcome her with open arms but who are also hiding something – big.

This being a comfy-cozy Hallmark original movie, viewers expect Andy and Lauren to fall in love. While their romance takes off, Lauren slowly figures out what the town is all about. 

Christmas Under Wraps is a cute story. It’s fun and very enjoyable, with two actors who will definitely delight viewers. I cannot believe I never saw it before, but thanks to Hallmark Plus, it is available to stream.

Take a little bit of Doc Hollywood (1991) and a dash of Did You Hear About the Morgans (2009), and add it to a delightful Christmas story and you get Christmas Under Wraps.

Besides all the new Christmas movies that are showing and streaming this time of year, it is worth checking out some of the older ones as well. And Christmas Under Wraps is one of my recommendations. It streams on Hallmark Plus.

This movie was nominated in 2015 by the Online Film and Television Association for Best Motion Picture. 

About the Author

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

Disneyland After Dark schedule for 2026

The special events at Disneyland are a favorite among guests. Yes, there is an additional price, but the themed events add a fun bonus for guests of all ages.  Whether you’re into Star Wars or all things Disney, there is a special Disneyland After Dark event designed for you. 

With characters, special entertainment, shorter wait times, and special foods for the parties, there is a lot to take in. 

The parties last from 9 PM to 1 AM. If you purchase tickets for these parties, you will be able to enter Disneyland at 6 PM, with no reservation needed! 

Here is the list of what is coming in 2026. 

Sweethearts’ Nite (starting at $159 per guest ages 3+)

Love is in the air on Sweethearts’ Nites. Join Mickey and Minnie, along with other pairs, as they celebrate love. The dates for Sweethearts’ Nites are January 22, 25, and 27, and February 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, and 17.

70 Years of Favorites (starting at $159 per guest ages 3+)

Disneyland is 70 years old – or young, depending on your outlook. This very special party celebrates what has made the park special over the past 70 years. With nostalgic entertainment, plenty of characters, food and drinks, this is the time to celebrate all things Disneyland – past and present. 

Disney Channel Nite 

Fans of the characters and shows on Disney Channel have a party dedicated just for them. On April 12, 14, and 16, the fun and characters of the shows come to celebrate with guests. 

Star Wars Nite

These are some of the most anticipated events of the year. Star Wars fans are dedicated and hard core! With four nights to celebrate all things from the popular franchise, there are plenty of characters, specialty foods, entertainment, and fun in store on April 28, 30, May 4, and 6. May the force be with you!

Pride Nite

Pride nite returns on June 16, and 18. It’s a celebration of diversity

For more information about Disneyland After Dark, click here. 

About the Author

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

Image courtesy Disneyland Resort