Everyone is eligible to win a ZOOM call with Mariah Carey. Here’s how to enter:
· Download the iOS version of the Geojam App
· Log-in or create an account using your Spotify® Premium account or Apple Music subscription
· Join the Mariah Carey crowd and the “Mariah Carey’s Christmas With Geojam” event crowd on the App
· Enter now, ends December 31, 2020!
Make 2020 end on a bright note! (no pun intended)
The Sophistikids concept – songs for children, with concepts and lyrics that entertain parents – evolved organically in real-time by founder, composer, and new parent Josh Klein. Originally from Houston, Josh is a Los Angeles-based and Boston educated composer who is most known for composing music on TV shows including TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles, The Closer, and Major Crimes; FX’s Nip/Tuck and Damages; USA Network’s Royal Pains; and CBS’ NCIS LA.
The Sophistikids is a new brand of original children’s content featuring songs and music videos that offer a refreshingly novel marriage of both children’s and adults’ entertainment. Featuring delightfully upbeat melodies and bright animation coupled with savvy and comedic adult lyrics and concepts, The Sophistikids songs fill a much-needed, yet rarely approached niche: a one-stop shop for modern parents who are in search of content that both excites and engages their children, and that also amuses parents themselves.
The first two animated music videos, created by Confidential Creative, can be viewed here, along with a behind the scenes video that showcases the making of the process:
Behind the Scenes with composer/founder Josh Klein
Join them on YouTube and get the songs via Amazon. Enjoy!
On January 5, 2021 DreamWorks Animation premieres the new preschool show Gabby’s Dollhouse. Gabby magically jumps into an animated world filled with the cat characters that live in her dollhouse. This series emphasizes flexible thinking with Gabby’s signature phrase “we failed fantastically.” Problem solving with her resilience and hard work is what Gabby does best. There are also DIY activities, games, and recipes.
Preschoolers can swim into the holiday season with Nickelodeon’s Baby Shark’s Big Fishmas Special, premiering Friday, Dec. 11, at 12:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The special marks the series debut of the brand-new animated series Baby Shark’s Big Show!, based on the world-famous pop culture phenomenon. In the episode, the season’s hottest toy—Burpin’ Bubbz—is at the top of Baby Shark and William’s Fishmas wish lists, and when Santa Jaws goes missing, it’s up to them to save the holiday.
Robert Mitchum, Janet Leigh, and Wendell Corey star in the 1949 film Holiday Affair. Adorable little Gordon Gebert, who plays Leigh’s son in the film, upstages the three veteran actors.
Connie (Leigh) is a comparison shopper. She is overwhelmed at Christmastime trying to get everything her boss wants. Steve (Mitchum) is a toy salesman who sells her a wonderful train set. After arriving home, her son Timmy (Gebert) sneaks a peek inside the box and thinks the train is for him, even though Connie told him it was for her work.
The next day when Connie goes back to the store to return the train, Steve gets fired for not turning her in as a comparison shopper. The two spend the day together and low and behold, when she gets back to her apartment Carl (Corey) is waiting for her with little Timmy. Carl has been proposing to Connie and she finally accepts, to Timmy’s chagrin.
Timmy wants his life to stay the way it is with just himself and his mom. He doesn’t remember his father who was killed in the war. All he has is his mother and they are very, very close.
Then into the picture comes Steve who is besotted with Connie and Timmy. This now turns into a love triangle between Connie, Carl, and Steve, with little Timmy trying to figure out what is happening to his family.
This is a cute holiday movie and although it is well over a half-century-old, it still resonates today. The story of love, loss, memories, and hope is something that does not go out of style.
Little Gordon Gebert is absolutely adorable as the little boy who has a heart of gold and is filled with love. Plus he has two men who are eager to be his new father. Carl and Steve are two different men but they both have love and respect for Connie and Timmy. Carl is levelheaded attorney and Steve is a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of guy, but he does have a clear vision of his future.
Will Connie stay with the man she has known for years and with whom she is comfortable or will she go to the man who is a bit whimsical, with his feet on the ground but at the same time is reaching for the moon.
Holiday Affair is not rated but it is suitable for all ages. It can be purchased at the Warner Archive website or online where DVDs and Blu-rays are sold.
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, 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. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
The Universal Belt Clip from Mophie is useful for anyone who has a cell phone. It says “belt” clip however if can also be clipped onto a waistband or pocket, or even a bag or purse. And if you’re going to the beach, when this darn COVID is over, clip it onto your bathing suit and your phone will be handy and easy to grab. With this clip, you can be hands free but still able to easily pick up your phone to take a call, make a call, take a photo, or whatever you want to do.
The sturdy clip is easy to open and it closes securely automatically. Once the clip is secured, simple pull out the expandable holder and place your phone in the device. You’re now ready to be hands-free. If you want to remove your phone, simply pull on the holder to set your phone free while the universal belt clip stays secure where it is attached.
If you’re looking for a last minute gift, a stocking stuffer, or just something that is handy and lasts, check it out. It fulfills a need for many cell phone users, and being hands-free is not only comfortable, but also safer than carrying your phone in your hands.
Walkers can enjoy being hands-free but still know they can take and receive calls if necessary with their phone at the ready. And for people who put their phones on tables when they’re out to eat (remember those days when we could go out?), they do not run the risk of forgetting their phone if they keep it secured in the clip. It’s right there but not where anyone else can grab it or where you might forget to pick it up when you leave.
There is a 2-year warranty for this product, should anything malfunction. The dimensions are 2.77 in. x 1.18 in. and it expands to 3.5 inches wide. It rotates 360 degrees so you can adjust the angle of your phone to whatever feels best. Some people like to wear their phones vertical and some horizontal. That’s not a problem with this item. This compact little item only comes in black.
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.
Audrey Hepburn might be long gone but her legacy lives on. Not only a Hollywood icon, this woman was a great humanitarian. The documentary Audrey: More Than an Icon looks at the rough beginning of her life and follows her ups and downs through to her death.
Audrey was born Audrey Kathleen Ruston in 1929. Life in Belgium was not idyllic. Her father left the family when Audrey was a child. Her entire life was affected by this abandonment. World War II took a terrible toll on her and her goal was to dance. However after the war her dancing career came to a halt. Those terrible war years malnourished and hiding in basements left her far behind everyone else. So she turned to acting.
Audrey had small parts in many films, but when she landed her first starring role it won her an Academy Award. In Roman Holiday Hepburn stole the affection of the worldwide movie audiences. The following year the film Sabrina cemented her as a top Hollywood star and a beloved actor. The rest, as they say, is Hollywood history.
More than her acting career, Audrey cherished her children. Her son Sean Hepburn Ferrer discusses parts of his mother’s life as does his daughter Emma Kathleen Hepburn Ferrer. Audrey’s marriage to Mel Ferrer is scrutinized as is her second marriage to Dr. Andrea Dotti, with whom she had her second child Luca.
Audrey was a fashion icon and her collaboration with designer Hubert de Givenchy took the fashion world by storm, with her clothes in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (where she introduced the famous little black dress), Love in the Afternoon, Funny Face, Paris When it Sizzles, Sabrina and How to Steal a Million. Hepburn helped with Givenchy’s great achievements in the fashion world.
Later in life Audrey became an ambassador for UNICEF. Her love for children was what propelled her into this new chapter in her life. Sadly, Ms. Hepburn passed away in 1993. Her life was challenging. She longed to be loved as she wholeheartedly loved her children. This documentary examines many aspects of her life and keeps her legend alive. Interviews with her family and friends give viewers a deeper understanding of this woman who always looked like a fashion model and who had a heart of gold.
Audrey: More Than an Icon is available on Blu-ray and DVD beginning December 15, 2020 and on VOD and Digital January 5, 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, 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. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
Patrick Schwarzenegger and Michael Shannon star in the action film Echo Boomers. The film is loosely based on a true story.
Lance (Schwarzenegger) is a college grad with debt up to his eyes. When his cousin Jack (Gilles Geary) invites him to Chicago to join his new business venture, Lance is eager to go. Apparently his degree in Art is an asset to Jack’s business.
When Lance arrives in Chicago he is a wide-eyed young man dreaming of his new job and finally making some money. His past job-hunting prospects have yielded nothing so he is anxious to finally take advantage of his schooling.
Jack introduces Lance to a small group of his friends, aka business associates. These five young people have been disillusioned by life and by what they thought they were supposed to get if they played by the rules. Lance soon discovers Jack’s business is really not a business. This gang of millennials is a ruthless bunch of thieves and hoodlums. They break into the homes of rich people to steal their valuables and Lance’s contribution is hunting down the art.
What is even more disturbing is that these punks completely trash the homes. They are not in it simply to steal the valuables but to send a message to the rich. Why can’t they be rich too? That is what they intend to do when they steal the items.
The group is led by Mel (Shannon) who gives them the addresses and items he wants from each home. But soon the gang wants more. Nothing is ever enough for them. They want more valuables, more destruction, more booze, and more drugs. They simply want more out of this life.
The story is tense and Lance gets thick into this new “business venture.” But soon he sees he is in far too deep.
The acting is good and the story is quite disturbing. To think that people can be so callous about other people’s property is unnerving. How can well-brought up people behave like this? Even with the economic situation looming down on them, they should have some pride. But all they want is revenge. The filmmakers wanted to make a social statement, but the characters are not compelling enough for viewers to feel compassion for them.
Echo Boomers is a thriller/action film. It is rated R for drug use and pervasive language. It is not a film for children.
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, 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. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
100% Wolf is a fun story for all ages. This animated story focuses on love, family, and friendship.
Werewolves are not the ferocious killing beasts people think they are. They save people from dangerous situations, but they always stay out of sight. Wolves do not like dogs and vice versa. They are enemies. Freddy Lupin is the son of the head of his pack, but when his father is presumed dead, Freddy has to wait six years to be of age to take over for his dad. In the meantime his power-hungry and ruthless uncle takes his place.
When he turns 13, Freddy is ready to become a wolf. His first “Transwolfation” is an event the entire pack celebrates. But Freddy is not transformed into a wolf. He becomes a cute little poodle. This little fellow knows he has what it takes to lead the pack, and must prove it to everyone, especially his evil uncle.
Freddy takes off to retrieve a special moonstone that was taken from him when he was a small boy. If he can get it then he can return it to the pack and prove he is an asset and has wolf cunning and bravery.
While trying to locate the moonstone Freddy is befriended, albeit reluctantly, by a streetwise dog named Batty. She has had her own rough life and is wary of Freddy’s strange behavior. But they become a team and ultimately come to the help of each other and of the entire dog pound where the duo is taken after being captured by the local dogcatchers.
This little pink and white poodle has the heart of a wolf but his exterior doesn’t match his instincts. Freddy also discovers that the tiny dog in the pound is also a fiery soul. Freddy has his new group of friends, but will they still be friends when they finally learn he is a wolf?
There are plenty of songs in the film and the story is adorable as are the characters. The animosity between the wolves and the dogs is something that must be overcome in order to save them all. And not judging another by his or her exterior is a good lesson for everyone.
100% Wolf is adorable and is a movie the entire family can watch together. It is rated PG due to some perilous scenes. It’s available to stream and on DVD and Blu-ray via Redbox.
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, 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. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
The 1978 film The Greek Tycoon is loosely based on the lives of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Aristotle Onassis. Jacqueline Bisset plays Liz Cassidy and Anthony Quinn is Theo Tomasis.
James Cassidy (James Franciscus) is a senator when he and his wife Liz meet Tomasis. He is a conniving Greek ship entrepreneur who is grooming his son Nico (Edward Albert) to take over the business and trying to instill his shrewd manipulations in his son who prefers to do business his own way. Flash forward and Cassidy is the President of the United States. Flash forward and Cassidy is assassinated.
Liz is devastated but after a couple years returns to spend some time with Tomasis where to get away from being the widow Cassidy. Together they share some fun times on his yacht and in the islands. His proposal of marriage comes as a shock but it makes sense to both of them.
Unlike James Cassidy, Theo Tomasis is a crude, ill-mannered, overbearing, manipulative man. He knows he is uneducated but has an ego larger than life. He thinks he can get anything and anyone he wants. His way of doing business is not above board. He uses people to his advantage. By marrying the widow of the slain president he manages to get himself out of legal trouble with the government of the United States. His moral compass does not point true north.
The wardrobe worn by Bisset rivals that of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. And the music is memorable. The actors, however, do not have a great chemistry. As a matter of fact, the Stinker Awards nominated Bisset and Quinn for the “Worst On-Screen Couple”. That aside, the story has some merit and even though it will definitely remind viewers of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Aristotle Onassis, it does have some entertainment value. The scenery is gorgeous with the Greek scenes having been filmed in various locations in Greece.
Included on the discs are alternate opening and ending scenes.
The Greek Tycoon is rated R. There is some nudity, smoking, and language. It is available on DVD and Blu-Ray.
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, 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. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.