‘The Last Starfighter’ blasts onto Blu-ray


The 1984 movie The Last Starfighter is imaginative and captures the spirit of the time. Lance Guest, Dan O’Herlihy, Catherine Mary Stewart, and Robert Preston took this fun story to great heights.

This was a time before everyone had computers so arcades and video game machines were popular. Alex (Guest) is a top player of one game in particular and he manages to hit the record high score. He was able to make it all the way to the end where, as the player, he destroyed the evil starship. The entire trailer park where he and his family live cheers him on.

After this triumphant accomplishment, Alex is visited by a man named Centauri (Preston). Centauri developed the game to find candidates to be real starfighters in another galaxy that is on the verge of being attacked by the evil Xur. Well, one thing leads to another and off they go to the planet Rylos where Alex is about to join the starfighting team. But what Centauri does not know is that Alex does not want any part of this war. After all, he only played a video game so why does that qualify him to be a real starfighter?

Centauri agrees to return Alex to earth where he meets a “beta unit” that has taken his place while he is away fighting Xur. When he learns that his family is in danger and he will always be in danger as long as Xur is alive, he agrees to return to Rylos and join the team. But in the meantime Xur has wiped out the station with all of the starfighters. There is only one left in the universe – Alex Rogan. He and his pilot Grig (O’Herlihy) end up taking on the entire armada.

For a bored young man from a trailer park in the middle of nowhere, this is a big change. And he has always wanted to do something important with his life. He finally got his wish.

This movie came along seven years after the original Star Wars. Unlike that famous film, this one has plenty of heart and is extremely clever, having been written around a video game machine. There are plenty of wonderful new bonus features that will add a new understanding about the film for viewers.

In the film there is a brief reference to the sword in the stone and King Arthur. Writer Jonathan Betuel explained that he was reading the book “The Once and Future King” at the time he wandered into a store and saw the enthusiasm of gamers. This sparked the idea of making a story in the same vane. Whereas Arthur was the only one to pull the sword from the stone and then go on to lead his country, Alex was the only one to completely finish the game and then go on to save the universe.

Guest and Masterson guide viewers through their experiences making the movie. There is an interesting feature with Craig Safan who created the wonderful score. He knew the story required a large orchestra, and this soundtrack really does make the movie. Several other bonus features are included in this new edition. And inside the box is a movie poster as well as a nice booklet to accompany the film.

The Last Starfighter is rated PG. For a new direction in space wars, check out this fun movie.

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.

‘Friendsgiving’ now on Blu-ray and DVD

Malin Akerman and Kat Dennings head a large cast in Friendsgiving, a story of life, love, and family.  The film takes place on one day, Thanksgiving (pre Covid 19) when a group of friends gather together to spend the day.

Thanksgiving is a holiday usually spent with families when they gather together to celebrate each other and give thanks for all they have. We all know we can choose our friends but not our family, and sometimes people cannot be with their families on the holiday. So we have our own family of our close friends. And with those friends we can have our own “Friendsgiving.”

The two best friends, Molly and Abby (Akerman and Dennings) were planning on spending the day together, just the two of them. Molly is going through a divorce and Abby is reeling from a breakup. So they decided to commiserate together. But things get out of hand and Molly’s new boyfriend Jeff (Jack Donnelly) becomes part of the group, joined by Molly’s mother Helen (Jane Seymour), Molly’s former boyfriend, and Molly’s friend Lauren (Aisha Tyler) and her family, as well as several other friends. What was to be a quiet Thanksgiving with just the two best friends (and Molly’s baby) turns into a big wingding with plenty of food, drinks, and even a photo booth.

Every one of the characters is going through some personal dilemma. This is a strange group to say the least. Then mix in a mother who wants to be a swinging friend and not a parent, a lot of alcohol, some drugs, sexual situations, and unusual relationships and you have this story.

The bonus feature is a “making of” in which the story is discussed as both writer/director Nicole Paone and actor (and former roommate of Paone) Akerman talk about how some of the storylines are from personal experiences and others from experiences from their own friends. Put a bunch of crazy characters with plenty of turmoil into one day and this is what it looks like. Some scenes are like sketches from Saturday Night Live, while other are just chaotic and some are simply tedious.

This is not a movie for the entire family due to the subject matters involved. Friendsgiving is rated R for crude sexual content and language throughout, as for drug use. Emphasis is on the “crude.”

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.

Raycop Go – Product Review

The Raycop GO is a unique product that, especially in these trying times, is useful and makes life a little less stressful. It is a portable UV+ cordless vacuum that sanitizes and is lightweight so it’s easy to use.

This unit utilizes the RayClean Technology that is similar to what is used in hospitals. With the pulsating brushes it picks up dust mites and all those pesky little germs that cause havoc with people. And allergy sufferers, like myself, will be able to breathe easier because of the HEPA filtration.

Removing bacteria and viruses is something people are thinking about during this time of Covid 19. Making the space around you healthier is what Raycop is all about, and with this small unit, you can make your environment healthier and cleaner wherever you go.

I recently had to take a trip and stayed in two different hotel rooms. While one of them was filled with signs that the bed and the bathroom as well as the TV remote was sanitized, the other just had one sign saying the room was sanitized. I thought about all the areas in the room that might not have been sanitized. For instance, what about the chairs and the couch? If I had had the Raycop GO with me, I would have definitely sanitized those seating areas and even given the bed a once-over, although the hotel was insistent they had sanitized it.

Think about sanitizing cribs, car seats, high chairs and other areas where babies play and eat. And kids rooms are a great place to use the unit, not to mention cars. We all spend a lot of time in our cars, but how often do we sanitize them?

As an allergy sufferer, I am especially concerned about dust and other allergens. I have been using other Raycop products and highly recommend them. I trust the company and the products. And now with this portable unit I will definitely feel more comfortable when I travel. Trust me, I will not be traveling without this product.

The Raycop GO weighs only 1.82 pounds and easily disassembles to fit nicely in a carry-on or suitcase. It takes three hours to charge the battery cell and can run up to 30 minutes on a charge. With the washable filters, there is no need to keep buying more filters for the unit. By simply cleaning the vacuum and filter in water, all the dust is washed away and the vacuum is ready to be used again.

One more way in which this unit is helpful in keeping families safe from germs and bacteria is by using it on toys. We all know stuffed animals are notorious for collecting dust and germs. With the Raycop Go they can easily be disinfected without any harmful chemicals. It’s that simple.

So, the bottom line is with the HEPA filter, washable filter, UV technology, portability, and the reliability of the company, I can honestly recommend the Raycop GO. Viruses, allergens, dust mites, bacteria and dust are easily tackled with this product, and the fact that I can easily pack it in my carryon is the icing on the cake. Now, if they only made cake, I would buy the company!

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.

‘Terra Willy: Unexplored Planet’ is a fun sci-fi story for everyone

Terra Willy is a fun family film focusing on a young boy who finds himself on a strange planet. On the last day of their mission, Willy and his parents are thrust into an asteroid belt and their lives are at risk. Willy takes refuge in an escape pod and is jettisoned away from danger while his parents remain on the battered spaceship. They instruct him to do as he is told and they will eventually find him.

Young Willy and Buck, the robot assigned to assist him, land on a strange planet. There they wait for almost a year for a rescue mission. While waiting, the two explore the planet. It’s filled with colorful and fun creatures, and some very mean rock monsters. Willy makes friends with one special little fellow whom he names Flash.

There are some fun adventures for Willy and Flash and the two become best friends. The animation is beautifully created and little Willy is a character that will be adored by both boys and girls. The music is wonderful and the story is creative and heartfelt. This adventure is a cute sci-fi story for the entire family.

Spoiler alert: Willy does eventually reunite with his parents so do not hesitate showing this to young kids who are frightened about parental deaths. There is, however, a sad moment when Willy must say goodbye to his buddy Flash.

Terra Willy: Unexplored Planet is rated PG for some mild peril. It will be available October27, 2020. If you’re looking for a nice little escape from the stress of COVID19 and the craziness of 2020, take a look at Terra Willy. It will definitely put a smile on your face.

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.

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ focuses on the psychological and moral growth of a chess prodigy

Based on Walter Tevis’ 1983 novel, Netflix’s new limited series, The Queen’s Gambit, follows Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) from the age of 8 to 22 (in the 1950s to ‘60s) as she struggles to pave her way into the male-dominated world of competitive chess while striving for self-reliance to a fault and fighting her addiction.

When Beth is admitted to a Kentucky orphanage at the tender age of 8, the damage has already been done. The ramifications of her father’s betrayal and abandonment and mother’s overt/covert messages baked deeply into her psyche are unmistakable. She subconsciously follows her mother’s life lessons — “Men never fail to disappoint you.” “Men cannot be trusted.” “Stay strong and learn to take care of yourself.” And she allows herself to fall victim to this self-fulfilling prophecy.

She is quiet and sullen, but once underestimated or brushed away, she is feisty enough to return a cold glare of “Oh yeah, I’ll show you!” In the basement of the orphanage, Beth stumbles on the only gift from her mother with a doctorate from Cornell in mathematics. When Mr. Shaibel (Bill Camp), the janitor, allows her to play the first game of chess, she suddenly finds herself in the driver’s seat for the first time in her life! With the help from tranquilizers (‘the sedatives of the ’60s’) dispensed daily at the school infirmary, she learns to play chess brilliantly and creatively. Little does she know the price she has to pay for her sensational talent. Ascending steeply through the Grandmaster ranks is a lonely, solitary endeavor.

Weighed down heavily by crippling insight into the predicament of well-educated women trapped in unhappy marriages, Beth does not know what she’s missing until she is adopted. Alma Wheatley (Marielle Heller) is yet another ‘60s housewife whose musical talent is stifled by her mundane homemaker duties. Alma is neither a perfect mother nor a role model; she enables Beth to engage in all kinds of addictive behavior. However, her mere presence as an ally, advocate, and confidante gives Beth a glimpse of what life could be like with more freedom and self-confidence. In other words, Alma gives Beth wings to fly. As the Dalai Lama XIV says, “Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back, and reasons to stay.” Will this marvel ever find the “roots to come back and reasons to stay”?

Don’t be discouraged by the title. This masterful narrative will let you experience Beth’s tumultuous life on autopilot for self-destruction thanks to her “crazy” mother and absent father. Now isn’t that relatable?

The Queen’s Gambit premieres Friday, October 23 on Netflix.

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.

‘The Flintstones’ The Complete Series on Blu-ray

 

From 1960-1966 Fred, Wilma, Barney, Betty, Pebbles, Bamm Bamm, and Dino were part of households around the country. The first prime-time animated series was so popular it spawned animated feature films, products, and added new words to our vocabulary. The Flintstones: The Complete Series is now available on Blu-ray with all six seasons as well as many bonus features.

I grew up with The Flintstones and yes, like many kids my age I had many products. Merchandising was ramped up due to the popularity of this adorable Stone Age group. And even today Flintstones vitamins and cereal are still stocked on the shelves.

The episodes are a bit outdated, as times have changed and we have evolved, but they are still entertaining. The show was for both kids and adults and still resonates with both, although today’s kids are a bit more sophisticated when it comes to their animation.

With the bonus features, viewers get a look at how The Flintstones came to be and look back at the evolution of the characters. There is a lesson on how to draw Fred too.

William Hanna and Joe Barbera created the show along with other animated characters and shows. They were the pioneers of the animated prime time genre.

We probably each had our favorite characters. Men were attracted to Betty. I personally loved Bamm Bamm, and Pebbles was an adorable baby girl who loved her grape juice. Dolls sold out and Flintstones merchandise was everywhere. Pebbles was supposed to be a boy but when they realized girls loved girl dolls (although I also loved my Bamm Bamm doll) the yet unborn child was changed to be a girl. And there were contests to guess what the weight Baby Flintstone would be when she was born. The winner got a trip around the world. And children born during the airing of Pebble’s birth were given savings bonds. The Flintstones phenomenon took hold in the entire country.

I practically wore out my Flintstones soundtrack LP and now I have the CD. One of the bonus features in this set includes music videos with the songs from the soundtrack.

And who doesn’t know the phrase “Yabba dabba doo?” Come on. It’s even more popular than “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and much easier to say.

Ann-Margret guested as the voice of Ann-Margrock, Tony Curtis voiced Stony Curtis, James Darren voiced Jimmy Darrock, and there were many fun characters, including The Great Gazoo (voiced by Harvey Korman).

This wonderful Blu-ray set is a blast to the past. It has all of the 166 great episodes as well as many additional features including the lost original pilot and two full-length Flintstones movies.

This new complete collection is a keeper. I know fans of The Flintstones will cherish it and perhaps the show will be introduced to a new generation. After all, these were Stone Age people who were well ahead of their time! For us little kids, this rock group was more popular than The Beatles.

The Flintstones: The Complete Series is not rated yet it is appropriate for all ages. Enjoy!

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, <a href=”http://francinebrokaw.com/” target=”_blank”>Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists</a>, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, <a href=”https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL42xcltr8DpNOHoYDAXbdt808jK4bZ-X7″>Beyond the Red Carpet</a>, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association.

 

‘High Plains Drifter’ Special Edition

The classic Clint Eastwood western High Plains Drifter Special Edition from Kino Lorber Classics is packed with bonuses. In this ‘The Man with No Name” 1973 film, Eastwood cements his legendary status as movie hero.

Eastwood stars as “The Stranger” who comes to the town of Lago. He is hired to protect the people from some gunmen who are about to be released from jail and who are intent on causing harm.  Among the costars are Verna Bloom, Marianna Hill, Mitchell Ryan, John Hillerman, Jack Ging, Anthony James, and Geoffrey Lewis. Eastwood directed the movie and his performance as the brooding, cigar-smoking stranger is one that is beloved by his fans.

This special edition includes several brand new interviews that prove to be as interesting as the movie itself.  First, Marianna Hill discusses her character and says that women of the time were supposed to be “the moral high ground” for the community. She also describes how she got started in the industry and admits that acting made her happy. She thoroughly enjoyed her career and making this film. Ms. Hill also discusses Clint Eastwood as a man and a director. As a director he trusted his instincts and the actors.

Another new interview is with Mitchell Ryan. He describes the film as “a rare kind of western,” and like Hill, thoroughly enjoyed making the movie. The film was produced on location in the High Sierras, a place Eastwood thought was the most beautiful area he had seen. Ryan admits he goes back to the High Sierras once a year. It is scenic and idyllic and a nice place to enjoy nature. Ryan, like Hill, says Eastwood is a great director who gives his actors “a lot of room.” Perhaps it is because he himself is an actor, or just because he knows that actors can inhabit their characters and portray the story as well as he can direct them.

William O’Connell joined the others in praising the production that was filmed in only six weeks. Another bonus is a vintage short about Clint Eastwood.

High Plains Drifter is a classic Clint Eastwood film. It’s not your average Western, however fans of the actor/director have taken it to their hearts and it remains one of his notable Western films.

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.

BrightenMD – Product Review

 

The latest product from the folks at Trophy Skin is called BrightenMD. This compact, lightweight little item is supposed to refresh the skin, giving it a brighter look and improving circulation.

I tried this little device and was pleased with the results. The microcurrent stimulation is warm and feels good on the face.  It uses red light therapy to stimulate cell turnover, which makes the skin more refreshed and less dull.

Simply put some of your favorite serum on your face and the unit starts when it comes in contact with skin. The head rotates to make it easy to treat various areas of the face.

I initially wanted to test it on my under-eye area but in this time of COVID and masks, I thought my forehead would be the best place to start. It’s the only area of my face that is seen in public.

Yes, it did make my skin look refreshed and tighter. I noticed it the first time I used it. I applied some of my favorite serum on the areas I wanted to treat, placed the device on my face, and I could feel the serum penetrating deep into my skin. And the warmth was comforting. I also like the size of this unit. It is so small you can put it in your pocket or purse and before going into a meeting or a restaurant (when they are open again) treat your face with the unit. It will give you a “pick-me-up” appearance. And over time the results will get better and better.

For the price it is a good device. I have used several products from Trophy Skin and for the most part I think the company does a good job bringing out products that help our skin. The BrightenMD is something that helps the appearance of eyes, face, and necks and can be used anywhere. Try it while watching TV or talking on the phone. In a few minutes (they recommend one minute per area treated) you have given your face and neck a treatment that feels good and delivers results. Don’t get me wrong. You are not going to see a difference like you would with a facelift. However this is a nice little device that is small, easy to use, and delivers a nice result to refresh the skin. There is a 60-day money back guarantee so you have nothing to lose if you do not like it.

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.

Michael Caine stars in ‘The Ipcress File’ – Special Edition


In his first starring role as a leading man, Michael Caine starred in the 1965 film The Ipcress File, based on the book by Len Deighton. This is a spy story less like James Bond but more like real life. It’s not as sophisticated as Bond but is stylish and gritty at the same time.

Caine is Harry Palmer, a former thief working as a secret agent for Britain. His methods are a bit unconventional. Palmer is selected to investigate the disappearance of a scientist. Lately several leading scientists have defected or been kidnapped then reappear. When they come back they have no knowledge of their kidnapping and cannot do their jobs. Their minds have been wiped. This all takes place in the mid-60s, at the height of the Cold War.

During the investigation people keep getting killed, including an American agent. What is going on? Who is behind all these occurrences?

One lead discovered is a strange tape with strange sounds. No on can decipher it. Then the word “Ipcress” is seen written on the tape. What is “Ipcress”?

The stylish way of cinematography and the strange tape combine to make this an interesting film. It starts out very slowly, but picks up as the story moves along.

So, if you are wondering, “Ipcress” stands for Induction of Psycho-Neuroses by Conditioned Reflex with Stress. This is definitely a brainwashing scheme by the enemies.

This Special Edition Blu-ray from Kino Lorber includes two interviews that make the film more appealing. Sir Michael Caine discusses how he got the part and how the production came to be. He has some very interesting stories that are as interesting as the film itself. His story about how they came up with the name Harry Palmer is cute. The main character did not have a name in the Deighton bestseller. In another bonus feature Production Designer Ken Adams also talks about the film.

The Ipcress File is not rated.

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.

‘Larissa: The Lost Romanov’ is an amazing story

History has declared that the last Czar of Russia, Nicholas, and his family were taken prisoners by the Bolsheviks and executed. There have been countless claims by women around the world that they were in fact Anastasia, the youngest daughter of the Czar. Claiming escape from the Bolsheviks, these women were all proven to be imposters. But there was one woman who never claimed to be the daughter of the Czar. In fact, she kept very quiet about her past. She took the name Larissa and lived in England. Larissa: The Lost Romanovis her story and this documentary on True Royalty TV is impressive and believable.

By examining the life and information about “Larissa,” and with pretty compelling “coincidences” between Larissa, her husband, mysterious visitors to their cottage, dates celebrating events that coincide with dates in the lives of Grand Duchess Tatiana, and even Grand Duchess Maria, the claims by current historians that Larissa was truly one of the daughters of the Czar are very believable.  It has been written that King George wanted to save his cousin the Czar and his family, but because the Czarina was German and Britains were anti-German, he was advised not to do anything to help them. It’s interesting to note that the King and the Czar looked more like brothers, even twins, than first cousins. Their family connections were strong.

Even though he was advised to stay out of the situation, could the King have secretly attempted to rescue the Czar’s family? Could he have succeeded with one of the daughters? Could this daughter have been Tatiana? Larissa bears an uncanny resemblance to Tatiana.

There are so many connections between Larissa and the Russian family, including the fact that Larissa was indeed Russian, had absolutely no history prior to arriving in Britain, was connected to some secret events, and was visited by a woman who was thought to be the Queen. Very compelling.

Besides these “coincidences,” there are plenty more that include Ian Fleming, the author of James Bond and who was in real life connected to the British secret service. Fleming’s first Bond novel, “From Russia with Love” had many connections with Larissa and the Czar’s daughter, including names and dates. Was he really detailing events in this novel that had happened covertly?

When the remains of the Romanov family were finally discovered, there was one daughter missing. Later when another grave was found it was assumed it was that of the other daughter. But there has been no confirmation to say without a doubt that it was a Romanov.

This is a fascinating story and one that has roots and could prove true. While history records that the entire Romanov family was executed and King George did nothing, perhaps these will ultimately prove to be false.

Larissa: The Lost Romanov is available through True Royalty TV. At the current time TrueRoyalty.TV is running a special for subscribers to their streaming service. Check them out. They have some amazing documentaries, films, and talk shows devoted to the royals of the world.

<strong>About the Author</strong>

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, <a href=”http://francinebrokaw.com/” target=”_blank”>Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists</a>, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, <a href=”https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL42xcltr8DpNOHoYDAXbdt808jK4bZ-X7″>Beyond the Red Carpet</a>, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club and the Television Critics Association.