‘Forky Asks a Question’ on Disney+

Posted on December 9, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

When Toy Story 4 came out, audiences met Forky. Forky is a craft created by Bonnie. She made him from a spork and other items she took out of the trash. Forky instantly became one of Bonnie’s favorite “toys.” He is a child, basically, and doesn’t know much about the world. It is up to the other toys to teach him. In the new animated series of shorts on Disney+, Forky Asks a Question, each film follows the little fellow as he learns all about concepts and the world around him.

Forky is learning how the world works by asking questions like, “What is love?” He also wants to know other things, like what a friend is, what a leader is, what money is, and what time is. There are many concepts Forky is learning about and each film shows him gaining more and more knowledge about life.

While Forky isn’t an actual toy from the store, Bonnie thinks of him as one of her toys.

There will be 10 short films in this series. Each one will be available on the streaming service Disney+. There are several shorts available now to watch and new ones will be added each Friday to complete the series of 10.

Forky Asks a Question is a cute little series of shorts starring the newest toy in the franchise and including many of the toys viewers have come to know and love throughout the Toy Story franchise. Enjoy Forky Asks a Question with your kids.

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.

‘The Art of Frozen II’

Posted on December 7, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Disney fans and Frozen II fans will definitely enjoy reading about how the filmmakers created the wondrous movie. The new book, “The Art of Frozen 2” is filled with information from the filmmakers and plenty of images showing how they crafted the characters and the scenery.

Frozen 2 is a brilliant sequel with the return of the characters that overjoyed viewers year ago. But creating and recreating them was not easy. The designers had to check out how different hairstyles and clothing would look on each character. It required plenty of CG imaging and color combinations to get the right look.

Between the pages of this book readers see how the film came to be with so many color images and fascinating facts about the artwork and the story. This sequel is beautifully crafted and some audiences thought it is better than the original film, which is hard to do since that movie became an instant classic and the characters are now iconic.

“Frozen 2 is really a continuation of the first film; it’s all part of the same story,” stated Director Chris Buck, Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee, and Producer Peter Del Vecho in the Forward to the book. “We stayed true to the characters and are following them on the next chapter of their story.”

Sisters Anna and Elsa are on a new journey, along with Kristoff, Olaf, and of course, Sven. Each one of these characters is looked at in the book as well as a few new ones that make an appearance in the film. The book is divided into five sections: Arendelle, Air, Earth, Fire, and Water. Each one of the elements is an important part of the story and the images in the book bring them to readers in a stunning way.

This is one of the most complete “Art of” books with plenty of background information to go along with all the beautiful artwork. It is a great cocktail table book to flip through and for fans of animation and it is a good look at the making of the film. This is an insider’s look at the movie that is capturing the hearts of moviegoers everywhere.

“The Art of Frozen II” is a treasure for all fans of the film.

Hardcover:160 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books
ISBN: 978-1452169491

And for even more illustrations, there is the Disney Frozen Postcard Box filled with 100 postcards, each depicting a character of scene from the movie. Select your favorites and frame them for a fun wall hanging. They bring the magic of the movie home.

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Frozen 2 Doll Set of 2 Queens and Costumes for Girls

Posted on November 30, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Fans both young and old have adored the beloved sisters from Frozen for years. Now they are starring in Frozen 2 and they have new gowns and new roles. Spoiler Alert!

The new Anna and Elsa Doll Set from the Disney Stores and shopDisney.com is truly a dream set for girls as well as collectors. Elsa’s iconic blue dress from the first film has been replaced with her new Snow Queen outfit with a spectacular white and purple dress over ice blue leggings. and Anna (SPOILER ALERT) is now Queen Anna and her new dress of teak with a beautiful cape as well as her crown fit her new role.

The dolls are each 11 1/2” high and poseable. Elsa’s white hair is coiffed down and Anna’s red hair is in an updo, which accentuates her green eyes and freckles. Plus her crown is her crowning glory! ($34.95)

The gowns are spectacular and quite frankly, when I saw the movie I thought Elsa’s new dress was even prettier than her original blue dress. And Anna’s regal dress is not only exquisite but is befitting a young queen.

Because the sisters come together in a set, this is a great gift for the holidays. And since Frozen 2 is sweeping the nation, it is hard to find a young girl who isn’t a fan of the sisters.

There are also matching outfits for young girls to dress like their favorite Frozen sister. These come in a variety of sizes ranging from 3 to a 9/10. ($79.99 each)

Now with Elsa the Snow Queen and Anna the Queen of Arendelle, both sisters are regal Disney Queens and delightful in their own right.

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.

Bring home ‘The Lion King’

Posted on October 22, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

This digital version of the classic 1994 animated film is even more endearing than the original. The Lion King is a heartwarming story of life, love, and family as young Simba learns what it truly takes to be king of the Pride Lands.

When his father Mufasa is killed, the little lion cub runs away because he is ashamed because his evil uncle Scar tells him he is responsible for his father’s death. Simba meets Pumbaa and Timon and the three of them become best friends. Then a grown up Simba is reunited with his old friend Nala and their relationship is rekindled. She tells him Scar has ruined the Pride Lands so now it is up to Simba, Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa to take back what was stolen from the animals and return the land to its former glory.

There are plenty of bonus features on the 4K/Blu-ray combo pack that take viewers behind the scenes of the creation of this wonderful film. Everyone knows the great songs that came out of the movie, and they are back in this digital version along with a brand new song, “Never Too Late,” which was written by Elton John and Tim Rice specifically for this movie. Hans Zimmer returned to oversee the music in this new film.

Jon Favreau directed the film, which is more like a live action movie than an animated movie. He discusses the casting of this film. It was a coup to get James Earl Jones to reprise his role as the voice of Mufasa.

There is an interesting bonus looking at the evolution of several scenes from storyboard to animation to the final version. It is amazing to see how far digital animation has come.

And instead of having the actors simply record their lines in a booth, a special stage was created so they could act out their parts while saying their lines. This gave them more authenticity than being in a small room with a microphone.

A final bonus shows how the Disney studio joined with the Lion Recovery Fund to help the protection and preservation of the lion population. Long live these wonderful animals!

The Lion King is filled with pop culture elements that have embedded themselves into our lexicon and our lives. “The circle of life” is a phrase that we hear over and over, and also “Hakuna Matata” is another phrase that has become part of our vocabulary.

First as an animated film then a Broadway play and now a digital movie, The Lion King has touched the hearts of people around the world. This movie is beautifully filmed and adds a new dimension to the story without the animation we are all used to when it comes to viewing Simba. This story comes to the screen in a visually stunning way. And although the original had many comical elements, this newer version is filled with many more laugh-out-loud moments.

The Lion King is available on Blu-ray/DVD and in a 4K Ultra HD/Blu-ray combo pack. Both come with a digital code.

About the Author

‘Toy Story 4’ now on Blu-ray

Posted on October 6, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

In Toy Story 3 Andy went away to college and gave his treasured friends to Bonnie, who has an amazing imagination. In subsequent made-for-TV shows, (Toy Story of Terror and Toy Story that Time Forgot) Bonnie’s love and imagination with her toys captured the hearts of viewers.

When Andy had his toys, Woody was his favorite and went with him everywhere. Now in Toy Story 4, Woody is with Bonnie and has been demoted, so to speak. He’s not her favorite but he still feels responsible for her, in the same way he did for Andy. He knows his purpose it to make Bonnie happy. And when she is afraid to go to kindergarten, Woody stows away in her backpack to be there for her if she needs him.

At the kindergarten initiation day Bonnie creates Forky, a spork combined with googly eyes and other items from the trash. She instantly loves this new toy. When they all get back to her room, Woody introduces Forky to the gang. But Forky still thinks he is trash and not a toy. After all, he came from the trash.

Bonnie and her parents take off in an RV for an end-of-summer vacation, along with Buzz, Woody, several of her toys, and her new favorite toy Forky. While Forky still doesn’t understand the importance of being there for his “kid,” the gang instills in him the duty of being a toy. He still wants to escape from the bonds of toydom.

Woody and Forky find themselves in the Second Chance antique store where Woody is reunited with Bo Peep, from the good old days. Bo was Andy’s sisters toy and years earlier was discarded. The bond between Woody and Bo is strong, however Bo has been living as a lost toy and has had a different life than Woody. She has not had a kid for a long time.

In the antique store Woody and Forky encounter a doll that has never had a kid. Gabby Gabby, is a cute doll that came off the assembly line defective. So she has spent her entire life, since the 1950s, without someone to love her. That is all she wants – to be loved by a child.

The escapades with all the toys – including some carnival toys – are fun.

The Blu-ray Combo Pack includes many bonus features that enlighten viewers about creating the characters and the scenes. Many of these bonus features are lessons in animation.

There is a nice little featurette about Buzz and Woody with their human counterparts Tim Allen and Tom Hanks. Spoiler alert: there are times in life when we have to say good-bye. This is the time for these two good friends who have experienced many escapades together over the last couple decades.

Also included are featurettes about some of the new characters including Gabby Gabby, Forky, Ducky and Bunny, and Giggle McDimples. Deleted scenes in storyboard form are also part of the bonus features plus much more.

With all the bonus features, the Blu-ray combo pack of Toy Story 4 is a must-have for fans of the franchise. It’s packed full of fun and features and plenty of characters – old and new. This sentimental story will definitely be a film families will watch over and over.

Toy Story 4 is available on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, and 4K Ultra Combo Pack. It’s rated G for the whole family.

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Disney Bedtime Hotline returns for a limited time

Posted on September 16, 2019September 16, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Putting kids to bed can be a daunting task. Disney has brought back their popular “Disney Bedtime Hotline” for the month of September. Simply dial the toll free number (1-877-7-MICKEY) for six goodnight messages from some of their most popular characters.

Mickey, Woody, Anna and Elsa, Jasmine, Yoda, and Spider-Man are on the other end of the line to send your child off to a sweet slumber. Besides that, your kids will now be excited about their bedtime. After all, they are treated to a special goodnight message from a Disney character. How cool is that?

But don’t wait. The “Disney Bedtime Hotline” is only available for a very limited time.

And, if you discover your kids are especially excited about this little treat, well, the folks at Disney have another exciting offer. The “Disney Bedtime Adventure Box” is a new subscription. Shipment comes on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis. The boxes come with a variety of items including plush bedtime buddies, slippers, pajamas, and other items.

For as low as $27.99 per box, subscribers will receive everything they need to spark their child’s imagination and help establish a regular nighttime routine. Fun for kids and a dream for parents, each story-filled box includes easy-to-follow activity cards, authentic Disney store pajamas, an adventure-based book, a rewards chart, stickers and a special offer. Guests can also choose a Bedtime Deluxe Box with two additional treasures that might include a pillow, blanket, towel, plush or bath toys — over $70 of value for as low as $54.99. (click on the boxes to see what’s inside!)

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D23 Expo 2019 Roundup

Posted on August 26, 2019August 26, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

If you didn’t make it to this year’s D23 Expo, you missed a lot. As always, this event that takes place every other year at the Anaheim Convention Center and 2019 marked it’s tenth anniversary. That means five Expos for the ultimate Disney fans.

So, here are some highlights of what happened this year, August 2019, at the D23 Expo.

Disney Legends

Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney for the past 14 years, kicked off the festivities with the induction of twelve new “Disney Legends.” These honorees are from all areas including designers, actors, voice talents, behind-the-scenes talent, and more. Basically, these are the people that are the bare bones of the company. Some are well known, others are just known by their work. “The Disney Legends Award is the highest honor we can bestow; it’s a recognition of talent, a celebration of achievement, and an expression of profound gratitude to the remarkable men and women who have made an indelible mark on our company and our creative legacy,” said Bob Iger. “This year’s honorees have earned a place in our hearts and our history for their significant contributions in film, television, and our theme parks around the world.”

Wing Chao, planner, designer, and architectural designer for Disney Parks Worldwide.
Robert Downey Jr., actor who brought to life Marvel’s Tony Stark, aka Iron Man. Downey Jr. said playing Iron Man was “a great gift.”
Jon Favreau, Director of Iron Man and many live-action Disney films. Favreau told the audience that Walt Disney “was the master,” and he was happy to be part of the Disney family.
James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa.
Bette Midler, one of the stars of the iconic Halloween classic “Hocus Pocus.”
Kenny Ortega, award winning choreographer and director.
Barnette Ricci, best known for creating “Fastasmic.”
Robin Roberts, of “Good Morning America.”
Diane Sawyer – an ABC news anchor and journalist. Ms. Sawyer remembers her first Disney experience, which was watching Cinderella! She said to the audience, “May your dreams come true.”
Ming-Na Wen, actor and voice of Mulan. Ming-Na said, “I have hit every bucket list thanks to Disney.”
Hans Zimmer – composer and musician.
Christina Aguilera, of “The All-New Mickey Mouse Club” and actor and singer. She said she “may be the ultimate Disney fan.”

The D23 Expo is filled with all kinds of things to do, see, buy, and experience. The panels are extensive and give the attendees all kinds of information about the past, behind the scenes, and even some glimpses into the future.

Disney Panels

One session, “Being the Art of Disney Costuming,” was all about collecting items for the Disney Archives. As panelist and author Jeff Kurtti stated, the costumes are “not just clothes.” The panelists described the iconic outfits worn by many of the characters throughout the history of the Disney films. Their job in collecting the items for the archives was intense and each outfit was photo documented for a unique book, “The Art of Disney Costuming: Heroes, Villains, and Spaces Between.” The book actually sold out during the Expo but is available from Amazon.

Another interesting session highlighted the 50^thanniversary of The Haunted Mansion. This attraction at Disneyland is iconic and timeless. Many of the illusions were demonstrated by an “illusioneer,” which is an illusionist and an Imagineer. Disney collects the best and the brightest in every field and the amazing visuals in The Haunted Mansion is only one of the ways in which their talents are portrayed. And let’s face it, this is an attraction that has become synonymous with Disneyland. It’s a must-do when it comes to Halloween time!

In the beginning Disneyland consisted of Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Adventurland, Frontierland, and Main Streeet USA. These days the new additions to the parks are more immersive. The session “Immersive Worlds: Bringing Stories to Life in Disney Parks” highlighted how the Imagineers and designers not only create new lands but these new lands are completely immersive for all guests. Once a guest enters Pandora in Walt Disney World, he or she is transported to another world. The same goes for Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. These are not only simplistic undertakings, they take years to plan and create. They are, as the title of the session says, “immersive.” And Treasure Cove in Shanghai Disneyland was an enormous undertaking to create a world in another country. Aulani, the Disneyland resort in Hawaii also immerses guests into the Hawaiian culture. It’s not your typical Hawaiian resort. It is a step back into Hawaii of old.

Disney Shopping

There is no shortage of things to buy at the Expo. Many items are exclusive to the Expo. This year there were a few standouts:

Celebrating Donald Duck’s 85^thbirthday was an orange plush Donald that comes in a container resembling an orange juice can. Do you remember the old Donald Duck orange juice?
The Dapper Dans have been a main part of Disneyland for decades. There is a Dapper Dans POP figurine set as well as an adorable plush set with Pluto, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy dressed in the iconic Dapper Dans striped shirts.
For Toy Story fans a fun black-and-white plush collection of the old time toys (Woody, Jessie, and Bullseye) come in boxes reminiscent of an old TV set. This is adorable for collectors.
The new logo for EPCOT was unveiled and there were plenty of clothing and accessories for the attendees to get the first items with this new, stylized logo.
And celebrating The Lion King’s 25^thanniversary was an adorable plush Rafiki presenting baby Simba to the land.

These are just a few standout items out of the many options available at the Expo.

Exhibits

Exhibits were everywhere and one in particular included parts of attractions that do not exist any more. For old-timers we all remember the sky buckets. Those transported guests on the skyway from one land to another high above the ground, giving an extraordinary view of the park. And since A Bug’s Land has been removed, there was Heimlich from the train ride in the land as well as a Francis car from Francis’ Ladybug Boogie (I loved that ride).

That is only a tiny glimpse of what was available at D23 Expo 2019. The next Expo will be in 2021 so mark your calendars and don’t miss it. It’s for the ultimate Disney fan. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes, have plenty of patience, and be prepared for a lot of fun.

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‘The Lion King’ Movie Review

Posted on July 11, 2019July 11, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

In 1994 audiences took one little lion cub to heart, and everyone around the world started saying “Hakuna Matata,” or “No Worries.” Now the classic animated film The Lion King is reimagined without the animation, yet it still holds all the fun and sentiment of the 1994 classic.

Following the same story, Little Simba (JD McCrary) is the heir apparent. His father Mufasa (James Earl Jones) is the king of the Pride Lands. Simba is looking forward to his time as king, but his uncle Scar (Chiwetel Ejiofor) will do whatever it takes to make sure that will not happen. Scar is not happy being the “spare,” or second in line. And when Simba is born he knows he will never be king. So Scar develops a plan to get rid of his brother Mufasa and little Simba, take over the Pride Lands, and rule with an iron paw!

When his father is killed and Scar tells him he is responsible for his dad’s death, Simba runs off and finds Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) and Timon (Billy Eichner). The three of them become best friends and as Simba grows up (Donald Glover), he is happy with his new family. But one day his old friend Nala (Beyonce) runs into him and their friendship is rekindled, as Nala describes how Scar has ruined the Pride Lands.

Now it’s up to Simba, Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa to take back what was stolen from the animals and return the land to its former glory, with the natural Circle of Life.

This movie is beautifully filmed and adds a new dimension to the story without the animation we are all used to when it comes to viewing Simba. With live action and CGI, a new vision of this classic story comes to the screen in a visually stunning way. And although the original had many comical elements, this newer version is filled with many more laugh-out-loud moments (no spoiler alerts here!). This movie had the audience laughing at plenty of aspects while still touching their hearts with the sentimental story of the little lion cub. It is a pure delight from beginning to end and for those of us who are ambivalent about turning classic animated films into live action (even with CGI), it is an entertaining and endearing vision of the original story.

Going into the press screening I was eager to see if this version would be as endearing as the classic animated film. It did not disappoint me or the rest of the audience. It is a fun film with the popular characters and sentimental story we have known for over two decades. Hakuna Matata.

The Lion King is rated PG for sequences of violence and peril, and some thematic elements. It opens in theaters July 12, 2019.

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Disney on Ice presents “Worlds of Enchantment”

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Gather your family for some fun with the Disney characters we all know and love. And they’re all on ice. Combining the skating skills of the ice skaters along with the fun of the characters, audiences will truly be delighted by this magical show that has all the earmarks of the Disney Magic!

Four different stories: Cars with Lightning McQueen, Mater, and the others race across the ice, Ariel and friends go under the sea in The Little Mermaid’s kingdom, Toy Story has Buzz and Woody along with the rest of the toys journeying through the ice to make it back home, and Elsa, Anna, Olaf and Kristoff from Frozen learn about true love.

These adorable characters swoosh, swing, slip and skate over the ice along with plenty of special effects. There is magic everywhere. Young and old-er will enjoy watching their favorite characters come to life on the ice.

If you have seen any previous Disney on Ice production, you know how special they are. They are a delight for everyone and no one leaves without a big smile.

Enjoy this latest production when it comes to your city. To find out where and when this truly enchanting show arrives in your town, go here: https://www.disneyonice.com/worlds-of-enchantment

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Oh My Disney Swim Collection

Posted on March 12, 2019 by Francine Brokaw

Why does your swimwear have to be ordinary? It doesn’t. With the new Oh My Disney Swim Collection you’ll be a standout this summer whether you’re by your pool, at the beach, or on vacation at a resort. With this assortment featuring characters from Aladdin, The Lion King, and Mickey Mouse himself, there are some fun items to wear to show your inner Disney child.

For women Mickey Mouse is front and center on the adorable one-piece swimsuit. Pair it with some Mickey Slides and you’re ready to hit the beach in mouse-style. Don’t forget your Mickey towel! And the bright red Mickey’s swim trunks along with the Mickey slides show off the whimsical side of your man.

For the wild side, the collection, featuring characters from “The Lion King,” are perfect. The swim trunks for men have Simba, Nala, and all their friends scattered on a turquoise background. For women there is a whimsical cover-up in black and white featuring a colorful Zazu. There are slides with Simba and Scar that are fine for both men and women. Pair all of these with your Hakuna Matata beach towel and you’ll be the most stylish couple on the beach.

And when you’re out at your pool just lounging around on a hot summer day, do it with a little magic. Aladdin and Jasmine make a chic swimsuit playful. And when paired with the sparkling slides, well, everyone will do a double take when you walk by. Add the magic carpet pool float – featuring Abu holding onto the back – and a magic carpet towel and you have your own “Aladdin” inspired day. Then go inside and watch the animated movie in preparation for the new live-action film that will soon hit the theaters. And, when going on vacation, pair the Aladdin swimsuit with the matching tote for a “Shining, Shimmering, Splendid” – and perfectly matched – chic look!

With the new Oh My Disney – OMD Swim Collection from Disney Store, this summer will definitely be more fun, more whimsical, and more memorable.

And if you’re having a swim party at your house, make sure to have some Mickey and Lion King tumblers for your thirsty guests. They are the finishing touches to a fun Disney-themed pool party.

Families can show their love of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy with the tropical family Aloha assortment of summer clothing. Shirts for men and boys and sundresses for women and girls are a fun way to show family spirit and togetherness – Disney style!

All of these new swimwear items and more are available at shopdisney.com. Have a fun summer filled with friends, family, and fantasy.

I want to thank shopDisney for sending some free samples for my review.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, 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