Author: Francine Brokaw

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

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

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

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

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

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

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

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

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

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

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

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


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

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

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.

 

 

‘We Baby Bears’ will premiere on Cartoon Network next spring

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The popular series We Bare Bears spins off with a new series We Baby Bearsscheduled to premiere spring 2021.  We Bare Bears director Manny Hernandez continues his vision with the delightful little cubs.

“Manny’s admiration for anime and music come to life in this fresh new expansion of a beloved franchise,” said Tom Ascheim, President, Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics (GKYAC). “The spectacular landscapes and musical inspirations transform this new series into an unforgettable journey for all We Bare Bears’ fans and beyond. And did I mention they are baby bears!”

The adorable little babies, Grizz, Panda, and Ice Bear, will be looking for a place where they can settle down. Each episode will bring them to new and colorful worlds.

The We Bare Bears The Movie was the finale of the popular series, and now fans can continue the fun with We Baby Bears. For fans who missed the movie finale, click here to watch it.

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.

Woody Allen’s latest – ‘A Rainy Day in New York’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Timothee Chalamet stars in the latest film by Woody Allen, A Rainy Day in New York. Also co-starring are Elle Fanning, Selena Gomez, Jude Law, Diego Luna, and Live Schreiber.

As with many of his other films, this is a romantic comedy, however because it is an Allen film, I am more obliged to label it more of a farcical film than a comedy. The cast is what makes it.  Their characters are whacky but endearing.

Gatsby (Chalamet) is a student at a New York upstate university. His girlfriend is Ashleigh (Fanning) who is bubbly and exuberant, especially given an assignment from her college paper to go to NYC to interview a famous director. She is thrilled to interview Roland Pollard (Schreiber), especially given her first date with Gatsby was a Pollard movie.

Gatsby decides to treat Ashleigh to a fun-filled weekend in NYC, his home ground. He plans a lot of activities and knows exactly which restaurants they will eat at. Her interview would only take up a couple hours of their dynamic weekend in the big apple. At least that is what was supposed to happen.

Ashleigh gets on well with Pollard and soon she finds herself in a private screening with Pollard and the screenwriter Ted Davidoff (Law). Then things go awry and Ashleigh is sent to retrieve the moody director and runs into movie star Francisco Vega (Luna). So now Ashleigh is hobnobbing with the actor and is piling up amazing experiences.

In the meantime Gatsby is spending the day alone until he runs into a friend from the past. Chan (Gomez) is a witty young woman and soon the two of them are spending time together. Then Gatsby is railroaded into going to a party thrown by his parents. The day is definitely not what Gatsby precisely plan out in detail. His intricate plans get waylaid at every turn. The characters are each different entities with their own idiosyncrasies.  “Ashleigh sees the rain as gloomy, while Gatsby sees it as romantic,” says Allen. Maybe the people we are with are not the ones we are supposed to be with.

A Rainy Day in New York opens October 9, 2020. It is rated PG-13 for mature suggestive content, some drug use, smoking, language and partial nudity.

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 Phenomenon’ will astound you

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The UFO documentary The Phenomenon lifts the lid on alien encounters with interviews and background information. Narrated by Peter Coyote, this is an amazing look at the cover-ups within the US government and around the world.

Whether you believe this planet has been visited by aliens or not, the facts brought out in the film will cause you to take a closer look at what you think and believe, and what has been documented.

The TV series Project Blue Book has reawakened viewers’ minds about extra terrestrials. It looks at the government program investigating sightings. The Phenomenon goes even further with discussions with government officials, astronauts, pilots, and citizens around the world who describe their encounters with otherworldly “people” and crafts.

Yes, there is evidence of these encounters and the government’s investigations. Senator Harry Reid said, “The Phenomenon is meritorious. It makes the incredible credible.” Former Senior CIA Officer Jim Semivan said it is “The most important documentary of the year and the most accurate examination of the world’s greatest mystery.” Dr. Jacques Vallee said, “70 years of secrecy has led to this. The most credible documentary ever made about UFOs.”

Years ago when actress Shirley MacLaine began openly discussing aliens, she was often thought of as a “kook.” But she stuck to her knowledge and beliefs and with this documentary has been vindicated. There are too many encounters to dismiss this phenomenon. There are too many people who have witnessed crafts and even beings from other planets to dismiss it. There are government documents pertaining specifically to alien encounters. It is incumbent on the officials to let the public in on what they know. And they do know plenty of things that have not been made public.

One of the incidents in the film describes how flying crafts hovered over U.S. nuclear military bases with beams of light shining down on the missiles. And at that time all the missiles went offline. And another encounter in Russia also involved their nuclear warheads.

What exactly is happening not only at the military bases but also in public areas? This documentary delves into specifics that have never been fully revealed until now. If this information is fully disclosed, the next generation will look at life and the universe in a whole new way. How amazing.

The Phenomenon is an amazing film. It is available October 6, 2020.

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.