The 1984 teen romantic comedy Sixteen Candles was the first directing job for John Hughes who went on to bring audiences plenty of films about young people starting out in life. This movie also gave rise to two young actors, Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall who both had experience prior to this film but whose popularity skyrocketed after the release of Sixteen Candles. They worked together the following year on Hughes’ popular teen film The Breakfast Club, which also included John Kapelos who appears in both films.

Samantha (Ringwald) is turning 16, but everyone in her house has forgotten about her birthday because of the upcoming wedding of her sister. Sixteen is a difficult time for teens and with all the family drama Samantha has more than the usual teen problems. And let’s add her crush on Jake (Michael Schoeffling), an older student who does not seem to know she exists. How can she impress this guy? He’s one of the cool kids in school and she is not actually one of the geeks, but not one of the popular kids.

The movie has several family scenes involving Samantha and her parents and siblings, as well as her two sets of grandparents who have descended on the house for the nuptials of her sister. These two pairs of grandparents are quite different from each other but all of them love their grandchildren with all of their hearts.

So, while Samantha is facing her birthday without any familial recognition and she is pining over Jake while everyone is focused on the wedding, there are plenty of occasions for fun and frolicking.

This newest Blu-ray release includes some wonderful bonus features. There is a nice feature with Jackie Burch, the casting director on the film. She discusses how she found the actors to fit into the movie, which had been written by Hughes with Ringwald in mind for the starring role. It is interesting to learn that Viggo Mortensen read for the part of Jake, but once she saw Schoeffling, she knew she had the right actor to play the heartthrob.

The film is described as an 80’s fairy tale. It is not only a story of teens, but also of family. Kapelos discusses his relationship with the film, which was filmed in Chicago and says in the 1980s Chicago was “a cool place.” There is also a bonus with Adam Rifkin who played the “new wave nerd” in the show. He describes how he was personally selected from all the extras to play this particular role.

Sixteen Candles is rated PG for pervasive language, violent references, strong racy content, and drug use.

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.

Gather the family and prepare for some toe tapping, dancing, and singing with Poppy, Branch, and the rest of the Trolls. Trolls World Tour is a fun and music-filled adventure. And the Dance Party Edition adds to the fun of this film. If you are 4K-compatible, then by all means pick up this edition which makes the colors pop (no pun intended) and the music fill the air.

Queen Poppy (Anna Kendrick) just discovered there are other trolls in the world. They are different and live with different music in their lives. She also learns that Queen Barb (Rachel Bloom) is on a mission to collect the various strings from each of the Troll regions and unite them…under the rule of Hard Rock! Well, Poppy thinks Barb is planning on bringing all the Trolls together due to her kind heart, and she wants to help. After all, what a wonderful world it would be if all the Trolls were once again united.

What Poppy doesn’t know is her naïveté could be the downfall of all the Trolls. All Poppy wants is to have everyone enjoy each other but Barb wants to regulate how they live, and all she cares about is Hard Rock. So what will become of the Pop, Hip Hop, Funk, Techno, Country, and Classical music-loving Trolls? If Barb has anything to say about it, she would banish all those varieties of music and everyone would become Hard Rockers. But Poppy and Branch (Justin Timberlake) must make her understand that differences are important. And just because their music is different does not mean they cannot get along.

Embracing their differences is the key to living in harmony. And with each of the Troll regions dedicated to a different kind of music, they can still be friends without being foes. (Perhaps the people of today should take a lesson from the Trolls!)

The 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital Code Dance Party Edition includes many bonus features. There is a bonus with a dance lesson for each kind of music represented in the film. There is a feature about the different Troll regions, deleted scenes, and other additional content. Get off the couch and move your feet. There are several other bonus features and viewers can select if they want to watch the movie in the theatrical release mode or the Dance Party Mode. This is a fun way to experience the story. Viewers are encouraged to use their dancing skills while watching the scenes, and the lyrics for the songs are on screen so viewers can sing along with the Trolls.

In these days of staying at home, Trolls World Tour is great for a fun family night. It is rated PG for some mild rude humor. Kick up your feet and tickle your vocal chords with Poppy, Branch, and all the new Trolls. It’s time to party!

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.

It’s hard to believe that it has been 30 years since the mesmerizing film Ghost was produced. Released in July 1990, Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg captured the hearts of viewers everywhere with this emotional story.

When Sam (Swayze) is murdered in front of his girlfriend Molly (Moore), his spirit still remains. This is confusing for him but once he discovers a psychic (Goldberg) is the only person able to hear him, he enlists her to contact Molly on his behalf. Needless to say she is not too happy to be involved in this otherworld adventure, which is exactly what it becomes. As Sam puts together the pieces of why he was murdered, he realizes Molly’s life is in jeopardy. The three join together to find peace for Sam and keep Molly safe.

The soundtrack is outstanding and the pottery scene has been recreated and mimicked over and over again on screen and even in real life. It might have even enticed viewers to take up the hobby.

This 30^th anniversary edition of the two-time Academy Award-winning film is part of the limited edition Paramount Presents line of classic films. It comes with a foldout image of the original theatrical poster. There are also bonus features that have been released on prior editions as well as a brand new feature with director Jerry Zucker.

Zucker describes the film as a “spiritual love story” and was excited by the drama. Zucker had been associated with comedies so getting him to direct this film might not have been the most obvious choice. The director explains how the blend of comedy and tragedy is what makes this an appealing film. This “roller coaster” ride of emotions is also an element that viewers have enjoyed throughout the last 30 years. Zucker also loves the message of the movie. “The love inside – you take it with you.”

With the strong emotional story of life and death and afterlife, peppered with the comedy of Whoopi Goldberg, Ghost is a delightful movie to watch over and over again.

Goldberg won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and Bruce Joel Rubin won for Best Writing. It is time to relive the love and death and everything in between with Sam, Molly, and Oda Mae. Ghost is rated PG-13.

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.

 

Annette Bening, Bill Nighy, and Josh O’Conner star in Hope Gap, a dramatic story of life and lost love. This is a slow-paced family drama delving into the life of one family as they face a turning point in their world.

Grace (Bening) thinks she has a basically happy marriage, although she realizes there are some obstacles between herself and her husband Edward (Nighy). But what she does not know is that he has had enough. He has fallen in love with someone else. Out of the blue he informs Grace that he is leaving her, effective immediately. She is incensed. How can he make this decision alone? They never talked about it. She had no idea this was coming.

There to help her through the difficult time is their grown son Jamie (O’Connor) who also has some problems going on in his personal life. But Jamie travels from the city to the country every weekend to be with his mom to help her get on with her life.

Grace says she needs time to mourn. After all, what she is experiencing is a death – the death of her marriage. She says being a widow would be better than having a husband walk out on her.

In the meantime, Jamie also struggles and is the go-between between his mother and father. Grace refuses to give up and hopes beyond hope that Edward will return to her. But he has fallen in love and is living with his girlfriend. While Jamie tries to get her to come to terms with reality, Grace goes through emotional upheaval.

The movie is not about Edward; it is about Grace and Jamie. After all, Edward has moved on and is living a happy life with his girlfriend. But Grace was left in the cold and Jamie also has to deal with the grief of the split of his parents as well as the depression his mother is suffering.

The story unwinds in various locations in the UK with bleak weather and grey skies, adding to the mood of the film. Hope Gap is rated PG-13 for some thematic elements and brief strong language.

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 Book.

After over 30 years, the Tom Cruise film Top Gun continues to entertain and inspire viewers, and later this year the sequel, Top Gun: Maverick will add to the excitement generated in the original film. Before the new film is released, it is time to revisit the 1986 movie, this time in glorious 4K Ultra High Definition.

Top Gun is the story of an elite group of naval aviators training in the legendary Miramar Elite Fighter School. It is here where Pete, aka Maverick, (Cruise) comes along with his partner Goose (Anthony Edwards). There they come up against Iceman (Val Kilmer), Cougar (John Stockwell), Wolfman (Barry Tubb), Slider (Rick Rossovich), and others who are all competing for the trophy to see who is the best in their class. Viper (Tom Skerritt) is the instructor along with Charlie (Kelly McGillis), the civilian expert.

Maverick is cocky, a trait that often gets him in trouble, but he is a great pilot. If he would keep his ego in check he could be the best.

A marvelous soundtrack that became the soundtrack to acquire that year accompanies the movie. Movie lovers and music lovers alike enjoyed the songs that added to the story and the enjoyment of the film. The song “Take My Breath Away” won the Oscar that year for best original song.

Scenes and quotes from the film also have become part of pop culture. “I have the need. The need for speed.” is one phrase that is popular to this day. And the song sung by Cruise to McGillis when they first meet in the bar (“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling) always brings back memories of that scene when people hear it now.

The flying and the personalities of the characters are the mainstay of the movie. And when Maverick suffers a tragedy and a crisis of conscious, it is unclear whether he will regain his former glory.

Both Cruise and Kilmer return this year for Top Gun: Maverick although with the Covid-19 crisis it is not definite whether it will premier in theaters as originally scheduled or VOD. They might even hold it for after the virus crisis however it has been long awaited so it will probably be available in some form this year.

The 4K Ultra HD + Blu-Ray + Digital is the best way to reconnect with the original film. The colors are brighter and the picture is sharper. Plus the sound is just as brilliant as it was intended to be in the theaters.

There are two bonus features on the new 4K. The first is a look back by Cruise, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and some cast members from the sequel who discuss the legacy of the original film. There is no doubt it had an impact on moviegoers and represents some of the best films of the decade.

In another bonus feature Cruise discusses how when he was young he wanted to be an aviator and an actor. Well, with this film he was able to do both, kind of. He also talks about making the sequel and the fun it was with the actual pilots. Who said work has to be boring?

Top Gun is now available on 4K.

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. Follow her on Twitter.

 

Ben Affleck stars in The Way Back, a dramatic story about survival and overcoming tragedies. This is a film with multiple layers and Affleck’s character is a tormented soul.

Jack Cunningham (Affleck) was a star basketball player in his youth but he walked away from a career that could have been. Now, after many years, he is offered the job to coach his old high school basketball team. This is a losing team and the players have problems of their own. Reluctantly he accepts and decides to give the boys his all and turn them around and teach them how to be a united team instead of a group of hot shots.

While he is devoting his time to the young basketball team, his personal life unfolds to viewers. Jack is an alcoholic and tormented by several personal issues. Without any spoil alerts, let’s just say he has some major emotional issues that are leading him down the path of booze and possible destruction.

The story is not a basketball story although Jack’s devotion to the team is a big part of his life. This is more a story about how Jack finally comes to terms with his past and specifically a tragedy in his life that he simply has a hard time with and that inflames his drinking as a way of avoidance.

This is a film about redemption. Jack Cunningham is a complex character and as the layers unfold, viewers see a man that is shattered internally but finds his way back.

The Blu-ray includes two bonus features. There is one in which Affleck discusses his character and his own alcoholism. He was the best choice for this role because he was able to pull emotions from his own life. There is another special feature with the basketball players and the filmmakers who discuss how the sport is a metaphor for life in the movie. Jack manages to turn the team around and he also turns his life around. The film is layered with the personal growth of the boys on the team and also Jack’s road to recovering his own life and taking charge of his personal demons.

The Way Back is also available on a DVD and digital. It is rated R for language throughout including some sexual references. It is not for young kids. This is a film about the dark side of life, wonderfully portrayed by Affleck.

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. Follow her on Twitter.

Tennessee Williams’ play is brought to the screen in the 1962 adaptation starring Paul Newman and Geraldine Page. Sweet Bird of Youth definitely bears the Williams mark, bringing complex and flawed characters to viewers in a dark and deeply dramatic story.

Newman is Chance Wayne, a wanna-be actor who had little luck in New York and Los Angeles. He has been relying on his good looks, charm, and sex appeal as a gigolo. His latest plan involves attaching himself to an aging actress named Alexandra Del Lago (Page) who thinks her career is over. She is an alcoholic and drug addict and uses sex to calm herself, and Wayne is always there to help her in any and every way. In exchange he wants her help rising to stardom.

He brings her back to his hometown while he tries to reconnect with his long-lost love, Heavenly Finley (Shirley Knight). Heavenly’s father is Thomas “Boss” Finley (Ed Begley), a ruthless and vengeful man who rules the town with an iron fist with anything he can do to keep his power. That also involves violence. Finley never thought Wayne was good enough for his daughter and every time the young man came back to town to take Heavenly away, Finely managed to get the Wayne away from his family and the town.

The story is about both the aging actress and the man who only wants success in Hollywood and his girlfriend beside him. Wayne is unaware of a deep secret being held by Heavenly and her family.  And Del Lago is avoiding reading about her latest movie thinking it was a bomb, she feels her career is over, until she is finally told she and the film are a great success.

The evilness doled out by Boss Finley goes far beyond his dislike for Wayne. His mistress (Madeleine Sherwood) is also a victim of his vengeance.

Thomas Finley, Jr. (Rip Torn) follows his father’s example and is as evil and disruptive while trying to keep the family name pure. Ultimately they both fail.

Two bonus features are included with this Warner Archive Collection Blu-ray. One is the screen test of Page and Torn, who married after the film was completed. The other is a look at Tennessee Williams, his characters, and the characters and actors in the movie. Williams and Newman worked together in 1958 on the film “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”

Ed Begley took home the Academy Award for his performance as best actor in a supporting role and Geraldine Page took home the Golden Glove for best actress in a drama.

Sweet Bird of Youth is available on Blu-ray from Warner Archive and can be ordered at their website or other online retailers. It is not rated but deals with drugs, alcohol, sex, and violence.

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. Follow her on Twitter.