Disney

“Sketchbook’ on Disney+ is all about the pictures and the people

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

The newest documentary series on Disney+ is an interesting education about the creators who have drawn some of the most memorable characters in Disney films: Kuzco, Olaf, The Genie, Captain Hook, Mirabel, and Simba.

This series of shorts looks at how to draw the six characters as viewers get instructions about the art of animation. Besides learning about how to draw them, viewers also learn a little about the characters but they also get background on the animators themselves.  Every animator has a different story about how they got to where they are.

This series is a brief look at how hopes and dreams have become reality for six people who bring fun and fantasy to life. While watching the characters evolve, viewers learn about all kinds of things related to them and their stories. It’s a sneak peek into the background of the characters and the artists.

With a little patience and some trial and errors, viewers might just get comfortable drawing their own characters. Hey, it’s worth a try. And these animators make the drawing process look easy. (Of course it’s not.)

Gabby Capili – Draws Kuzco – Emperor’s New Groove
Hyun-Min Lee – Draws Olaf – Frozen
Eric Goldberg – Draws Genie – Aladdin
Jin Kim – Draws Captain Hook – Peter Pan
Samantha Vilfort – Draws Mirabel – Encanto
Mark Henn – Draws Young Simba – The Lion King

So pick up a pencil and get some paper. Check out Sketchbook and see what you can learn about these characters.

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, 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 Television Critics Association, was a longstanding member of the Los Angeles Press Club, and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.

 

Courtesy photo from Disney+

‘The Art of Disney Encanto’ book review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Disney’s Encanto animated movie is the story of an amazing family who live in a bright and colorful house. Every member of the family has special powers. Well, all except one. Fifteen-year-old Mirabel has not been blessed with a magical power. But that does not stop her from being optimistic. This is a charming story of magic, family, and destiny. The story takes place in Colombia and the movie has captured the hearts and imaginations of viewers of all ages. The book, The Art of Disney Encanto, is filled with illustrations that represent the characters, scenery, and fun of the film.

The book not only takes readers into the story and the background of the illustrations, but it is also a good look at how animation is created. For budding artists and animators, this is a good introduction to the industry.

Besides the lessons about creating the design and look of the film, the pages are filled with the fun of the story and the characters. The house, or casita, is colorful as well as magical. The animals in the story add an entertaining element, and the clothes worn by the characters represent the culture as well as provide an additional colorful aspect. All in all, colors explode in the film.

The book has a preface by Disney Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee. She writes, “This book shares a selection of the incredible artwork created for the film by some of the best visual artists in the world, as well as gives a peek behind the curtain into the filmmakers’ creative process.”

The filmmakers traveled to Colombia to get the flavor of the country in order to bring realism to the movie. There are plenty of photos taken while they were there, however the majority of the book contains digital sketches that were used to put together the frames in the film. To go along with the images there is information about the background of the pictures that provide a deeper insight into the scenery and characters. The colors of each of the rooms in the house represent the individuals who reside in them. Providing a background to the specific locations of the house (even down to the furniture and plates in the kitchen) add greatly to viewers’ insight into the creation of the movie.

At the heart of the film is the story, yet it takes the images to create the atmosphere and bring the characters to life. This book shows how that process progressed and resulted in the beloved film that has become an instant classic. Mirabel as well as her casita are now well known. The book delves into the story, the creativity, and the imagery of Disney Encanto.

The Art of Disney Encanto is a treasure for fans of the film. It showcases the beauty and enjoyment viewers experience when they watch the movie.

 

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chronicle Books (November 23, 2021)
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1797200860
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1797200866

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.

‘Among the Stars’ airs on Disney+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Attention future astronauts, space lovers, and everyone who is awed by man’s journeys away from Earth, Among the Stars is a fascinating documentary airing on Disney+. There have been many successes and failures throughout the decades and there have been relationships forged by missions into space. The cooperation between several countries have combined to bring space exploration, new discoveries, and hopes for the future to our little planet.

This documentary examines all the elements that go into space missions. From the crucial folks on the ground to the brave people who put their lives in their hands, this is a fascinating series. Check it out on Disney+ and if you do not have that streaming service, this might be the right time to look into subscribing. Space…it’s out there!

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, 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. Follow her on Twitter.

‘Secrets of the Whales’ is extraordinary

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


From Disney+ and National Geographic comes an amazing four-part series about the extraordinary mammals that live in our oceans. The whales are amazing to watch and in this series viewers get up close and personal with them as well as viewing actions that have never been seen before.

Episode One: Orca Dynasty looks at the beautiful animals and how they interact with each other in their families and their relationships. Yes, whales do have relationships with other whales and it is an eye-opening experience to watch these wonderful animals as they live in the oceans and communicate with each other.

Episode Two: Humpback Song explores the world of humpbacks in the South Pacific and Antarctica. This episode captures 30,000 humpbacks swimming, breaching, and communicating with each other as they head south. It is really something to see.

 

Episode Three: Beluga Kingdom uncovers evidence that these whales give each other names and can decipher one whale from another. Young ones know the sound of their mothers. When one young whale gets separated from his mother, she struggles against the odds to make her way to him. And finally, their reunion is a heat-warming thing to see.

Episode Four: Ocean Giants (Sperm Whales) captures a calf feeding on its mother. Prior to this it was not known how they nurse, but now we know their secret. These whales have been portrayed as monsters in films, however they are not menacing or mean. On the contrary, they are special animals with feelings and families.

This amazing series also captures something rare, or even new. When a young narwhal whale is separated from its pod, he needs to find some way to survive. He cannot survive on his own. Then a group of belugas comes upon him and allow him to join their pod. Wow. What an amazing triumph and this shows how whales of all kinds have emotions and understanding. They are quite simply, outstanding animals.

This wonderful series is something families should enjoy together. Learning about life under the water it often overlooked, however the whales are an important part of our ecosystem. They are the giants of the oceans and just as intelligent as dolphins.

Do not miss this extraordinary series. Secrets of the Whales will capture your heart as you learn about them and understand these wonderful mammals. The series is narrated by Sigourney Weaver.

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.

Grogu Plush and Pins

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Grogu, aka The Child, from Star Wars: The Mandalorian, has captured the hearts of viewers of all ages. This little fellow is the highlight of the Disney+ series. The Disney Store and shopDisney have a limited release series of plush and pins for fans of the show and lovers of the little tot.

There are four different Grogu options in the series. The first is Grogu holding a one-eyed frog. Will he eat it? If he’s anything like his onscreen character he will. But in this case he is simply holding the soft green frog and possibly contemplating whether to keep it as a pet or have it for dinner.

The second Grogu is holding his cup waiting for something to drink or some broth. His expression is a delight and he looks like he is hoping to get the cup filled with something delicious.

Grogu #3 holds a bowl full of delicious squid. Yummy. He is a hungry little guy and is anxious for his dinner. If you know a chef, think about giving him/her this little fellow.

The fourth Grogu is sitting quietly in a Zen position. His eyes are closed and he looks like he is in deep thought. Ommm. Ommm. This little fellow is at peace and inspires a feeling of calm. He would make a great gift for anyone who practices yoga.

Each of the beanbag plush is soft and huggable. Grogu wears his tan robe with Sherpa collar and cuffs. The expressions on each of the four are different. And for little kids who just want a plain Grogu to sleep with, an adult can easily snip off the cup, bowl, and frog.

There are also four unique cloisonné pins in the collection that match the plush characters. The first one has a moveable cup that can slide up to his mouth for a drink. The second one, well, he is actually swallowing the frog! The frog’s legs are also moveable. Pin #3 is a peaceful Zen Grogu. And the fourth Grogu holds a moveable bowl filled with tasty squid. Because they are moveable, with the exception of the peaceful Zen child, these pins are cuter than a simple Grogu pin, especially for collectors.

The three standing plush measure about 7 ½ inches high. The sitting Grogu is about 5 ½ inches high. The pins are substantial, measuring approximately 1 ½ to 2 inches high.

These pins are $15.99 each and the plush Grogus are $16.99 each.

The Child, named Grogu, is a beloved character and has a fan base of young and not-so-young. Let’s face it – he’s adorable!

 


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.

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ is a sweet and heartfelt story

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The latest animated film from the folks at Disney is Raya and the Last Dragon. This movie has plenty of enjoyment for the entire family and includes action and adventure, along with plenty of humor.

Once upon a time there was the wonderful world of Kumandra, where dragons and humans lived in harmony. That was until an evil force came and the dragons were forced to sacrifice themselves in order to save the humans. All the dragons turned to stone as did humans who came in contact with this evil force. The people split into five regions which became at odds with each other. That was 500 years ago.

Now Raya’s father, Chief Benja, has a dream to unify the regions and live in peace once again. Unfortunately, things do not go according to his plan and things get even worse than before. It is up to Raya to find Sisu, the last dragon, and get his help in restoring peace to the people and all the lands.

 

Once Raya locates Sisu, their journey just begins. Along the way they interact with several interesting characters, including an adorable little baby named Noi, who is a conniving little thief, but an adorable one nonetheless. There are others who come to Raya’s aid, like a cute little street smart boy named Boun, and more, while she tries to retrieve a special item from each of the regions (Heart, Spine, Tail, Fang, and Talon), to unite them an get the magical power to vanquish the evil force and bring harmony back to the land.

Raya is the chief’s daughter, therefore she could be considered a Disney princess. We all know every Disney princess has a sidekick. Raya’s sidekick is Tuk Tuk, a combination of a pill bug and an armadillo. Let’s not forget about the Ongis who are monkey-like con artists. And yes, these characters are available in the Disney Stores and on shopDisney.com.

The main lessons learned in the film are that teamwork and trust go a long way in solving discourse.

The voice talent includes Kelly Marie Tran as Raya, Awkwafina as Sisu, Izaac Wang as Boun, Gemma Chan as Raya’s foe Namaari, Daniel Daw Kim as Benja, Alan Tudyk as Tuk Tuk, Thalia Tran as Noi, and Benedict Wong as Tong the giant. There is no doubt Raya and the Last Dragon will be well received, especially in this time of Covid. It is a fun fantasy and an uplifting escape. And were we not all longing for a new Disney heroine?

Raya and the Last Dragon is rated PG.

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.

Disney’s new nuiMOs are great for kids as well as adults

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

The latest line of plush from The Disney Store and shopDisney.com is called Disney nuiMOs. These adorable small plush characters are approximately six inches high.   They are all poseable, have magnets inside their hands so they can hold hands with each other, and have several outfits that can be purchased separately to create more fun and inspire young imaginations.
 
Currently the nuiMOs are: Mickey, Minnie, Stitch, Angel, Daisy, and Donald. Several outfits for the nuiMOs are available at this time with new ones on the horizon. The outfits can be mixed and matched for hours of fun and cuddles.

The sweet little characters do not need to be dressed. They are soft and cuddly on their own, but there are fun outfits to purchase to update their fashions. For instance, to celebrate The Chinese New Year, there are sets to dress Mickey and Minnie in elegant and colorful Chinese attire.

Angel, Daisy, and Minnie can be decked out in a cute sweater, skirt and headband set, while Mickey, Stitch, and Donald can wear the striped top, red vest, and blue pants set. Or perhaps the girls would prefer a pink tracksuit or a fancy red Valentine’s dress. Maybe the boys would like the Varsity set that includes denim pants, a cap, and lettered varsity jacket. There is a fun animal print set that would look great on both the boys and girls. Actually, there are too many adorable outfits to choose from. With more on the way, if a child has the plush a new outfit is a no-brainer gift for any occasion.

These plush characters are so cute and with their wardrobe collection, kids can create countless hours of fun by simply changing the attire. On snowy days, they can dress their nuiMOs in jackets and warmer clothes, and for formal occasions they can dress them up for a special day. And there is even a sequined backpack to add to their accessories. Creating new adventures for Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Stitch, and Angel is easy and inspires young imaginations.


New outfits, accessories, or plush will be released the first Monday of each month. There’s no time like the present to start a collection of Disney nuiMOs in your house.

The plush nuiMOs list for $17.99 each and the accessories start at $12.99. These are great for kids but also adults who love the characters. What a fun way to decorate and add some whimsy to an office or house. So, the bottom line is, this new collection is great for everyone.

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.

Gabby Gabby just wants to be loved

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

 

For those who saw Toy Story 4, Gabby Gabby was introduced as a vintage doll with a minor defect. She is supposed to be a villain in the show but actually she is not. All this little girl wants is to be loved. Now, with this adorable and very soft plush Gabby Gabby from Disney, kids can give her what she has always wanted – love.

In this time of Covid 19, with separations and strange circumstances, kids are in a state of flux. Parents are doing whatever they can to reassure their families that things will be all right, but for the time being life as we knew it is on hold. Knowing Gabby Gabby just wants to be loved is something reassuring for kids because this is something they can do. They can give her all their love and hugs. And hugs help relieve stress. This is a stressful time for all of us.

Gabby Gabby is dressed in her little cheerful yellow and white polka dot dress and wears yellow satin shoes. Her red hair is coiffed in her iconic pigtails and tied with yellow bots. Her wide blue eyes and facial features are embroidered so there is nothing for little hands to pull off. This adorable little plush sits at 11 inches high. Just looking at this sweet little face will melt hearts. She just wants to be loved.

Gabby Gabby will be a true friend for kids for years. Especially in this time of chaos and upheaval in our lives, this plush is going to be a source of comfort, joy, and love. She lists for $22.99 but is currently on sale for $12 at shopDisney. Now is the time to adopt this adorable little girl and make her part of your loving family.

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.

2 new documentaries from Disneynature on Disney+

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Disney+ has two new documentaries from Disneynature. On land and under the sea, these films explain and explore two very different areas of the planet.

Dolphin Reef takes viewers under the sea with Echo, a young bottlenose dolphin learning how to grow up. This fun little fellow would rather chase others than learn lessons from his devoted mother. She wants him to learn how to get food for himself and stop relying on her. But Echo takes a while to understand just how important it is for him to learn to take care of himself. After all, he has to take on his own responsibilities sooner or later.

Not only does this film look at the lives of Pacific bottlenose dolphins, it also shows the relationships that thrive under water. There is a young humpback whale who, along with his mother, must find a way to survive when the Orcas decide that little Fluke looks like a tasty meal. There are turtles, parrotfish, and others that take care of each other and the important coral reefs that are necessary for underwater life.

This is a delightful undersea film narrated by Natalie Portman.

Elephant is the second Disneynature film to drop on Disney+ on April 3. It follows a herd of elephants as they travel from the delta through the Kalahari Desert, like they do every year. The matriarch Gaia leads them. Gaia’s sister Shani and her young son Jomo are respected in the group, and even though Jomo loves to run around chasing other animals, the herd will not leave anyone behind.

The journey includes their desperate search for water and food along the way. The dust and heat are treacherous, but these amazing animals have taken this journey for millennia.

Note for sensitive viewers: one elephant does die, however it is from old age and not from being hunted. Meghan Markle narrates this film.

So, with Jomo and Echo, viewers see how young animals learn from their elders and discover what is expected of them as they continue their circle of life.

Both Elephant and Dolphin Reef premiere April 3, 2020 on Disney+.

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.

‘Onward’ is a fun, silly, and emotional family journey

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Disney/Pixar’s newest animated film Onward takes audiences through a journey filled with fun as well as emotions. This is a fantasy story with magic however at the heart of the film is family love.

Tom Holland voices Ian Lightfoot and Chris Pratt voices his brother Barley, with their mother voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus. It is definitely Disney/Pixar magic to see the animated brothers because they look just like their human counterparts.

Ian is a squirrelly little guy with no self-confidence. Barley is a go-get-em guy who has no qualms about trying anything. Their father died before Ian was born so Ian has no memory of his dad and sad that he never knew him. Barley is a proficient game player, which comes in handy during their quest.

So, the story revolves not only around the elf brothers (did I forget to mention they are elfs?) but also around magic. Years ago magic was the way of life but as technology advanced and took over all the magic in the land ceased. But it is still there, somewhere.

Upon Ian’s 16th birthday, his mother gives her boys a gift from beyond. Before dying, the father wrote a spell that could conjure him up for one day so he could meet Ian and see how his boys had grown up. But the catch is someone has to have the magic powers – and the magic wizard staff – to complete the spell. While Barley tries, it is Ian who shows he has the magic deep within him. However, while conjuring up his dad, there is a little glitch and only half of the man comes back to life – the bottom half.

The boys embark on a magical journey to get the stone needed to complete the spell and bring back the full body of their father.

This is a sweet and sentimental story underneath the antics of the boys. It is an intriguing thought to be able to spend one day with a loved one who has passed on. Both boys have lists of what they want to do with their dad if he came back for a day. And during their quest to complete the spell, they learn more about each other in the 24 hours than they have in all of Ian’s 16 years.

Onward is a fun, fantasy, family adventure that is filled with delightful family love however it is a little bittersweet at the same time.


And once audiences leave the theater, youngsters will undoubtedly be asking for some Onward merchandise. Disney doesn’t disappoint.  There is a plush Ian, Barley, Blazy (their pet dragon), Wildon Lightfood (the father), unicorn, and Manticore (voiced by Octavia Spencer in the film). There are play sets and clothing and definitely a Wizard Staff, which all kids will want to own so they can practice their own magic. Check out shopDisney.com for these items after watching the movie.

Onward is rated PG for action/peril and some mild thematic elements. It opens in theaters March 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. Follow her on Twitter.