Archives for : Dallas
SIRENS Interview: Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock, Glenn Howerton, Felix Solis, Bill Camp
“Happy Gilmore” meets Texas pride in Austin Nichols’ promising directorial debut about a man and his quirky group of friends who are trying to save more than a municipal golf course.
At first glance “The Salamander King” may not seem like much to look at, but much like its unconventional characters, this film has a whole lot of heart. The movie follows a golf professional (Ryan Hansen) who runs a financially struggling municipal golf course for the city of Austin aka “Muni”. Naturally, the city hires a consultant (Adrianne Palicki) from California to help bring in money. She is not exactly welcomed with open arms, and the staff finds her presence threatening as her focus of “making money” loses sight of what the course is truly about: Community.
Outsiders and those who “keep Austin weird” feel at home at this golf course. This isn’t a rich snooty resort. “Muni” is a place where anyone can feel safe to “let their freak flag fly” and be their true self while quite possibly making their dreams come true. As we see in the film, a shy girl who had virtually nothing can eventually turn pro. It’s moments like those in the movie, that warm your heart and reminds you why it’s nice to take break from the depressing world news with a brisk, light-hearted comedy.
It is great seeing Hansen star in a more likeable leading role. He has incredible chemistry with his entire cast, especially with his on-screen love interest, Palicki, who provides a nice balance of normalcy and witty humor. Most importantly, director Austin Nichols lets his love of Austin, TX shine throughout the film. He shows the beauty, uniqueness, and delicious flavors of the city through a 1990’s style lens.
There is a certain nostalgia to underdog stories like these. And the opening sequence to the tune of “Take on Me” absolutely adds to the comfort feeling. But there was a time where comedies like “The Salamander King” ruled the box office and made for a great theatrical option over something so heavy or bloody. I can only hope this movie could lead to that genre returning to theaters. But, in the meantime, I am grateful for the opportunity see it during this year’s Dallas International Film Festival.
Rating: B+
Interview with Director Austin Nichols and Star Adrianne Palicki
The Salamander King
Comedy
Director: Austin Nichols
Starring: Ryan Hansen, Adrianne Palicki, Dulce Sloan, Justin Chatwin, Reggie Bush, Temple Baker, Bill Wise, among others
Unrated
94 min.
This documentary series follows the 2023-24 Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad their auditions and training camp and finally the ending of the Cowboys season predictably ended in the NFC Wild Card Round.
I had the chance to speak with Kelli Finglass, Judy Trammell, Victoria Kalina, Kelcey Wetterberg, and Reece Allman about this amazing and captivating series.
“America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders” is available to stream on Netflix June 20, 2024.
You might remember the 2008 film, “The Strangers” based on a
horrifying true story of a home invasion. “The Strangers: Chapter 1” is based on the series but is the first installment of a new trilogy directed by Renny Harlin.
After a young couple’s car breaks down in an eerie small town, they are forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. What was supposed to be a relaxing evening turns into a nightmare, as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who attack them with no mercy and seemingly no motive. This first chapter is a promising start to the new saga, as Harlin creates a disturbing, realistic setting with subtle jump scares that make you uneasy from the moment they enter the secluded home.
The film does have a bumpy start. The acting and dialogue feel very much like a CW drama, but once the couple arrive at the cabin, the story really finds its footing and succeeds in making you never want to take a vacation in the middle of nowhere. However, you will be eager to see what’s to come after this first movie, as it does end with a “to-be-continued”. Another draw to the film is the two leads, Riverdale’s Madelaine Petsch and local Dallas native, Froy Gutierrez do a solid job as a long-time couple with natural chemistry. It’s the care you have for them that makes you want to see this tragedy through. And I’m sure you’re wondering how this story compares to the 2008 movie. No surprise, there’s a lot of similarities, don’t expect anything original, outside of a different romantic dynamic and possibly a different outcome.
“The Strangers: Chapter 1” may not leave a lasting impression, but it does provide all the ingredients for a decent scary movie. There’s mounting tension, creative shots, and enough haunting images that make for a thrilling good time. And with all 3 films planned to take place over only a few days, you can’t help but want to see what’s coming next.
“The Strangers: Chapter 1” opens in theaters May 17, 2024.
Rating: C
Documentary Explores Legendary Dancer Who Ignited Flames of the 1960s
Sexual Revolution; Dallas’s Top Burlesque Dancers With Minxe Mimieux As The Lead Dancer Will Perform Live Revue at Select Opening Weekend Shows
Picturehouse’s CAROL DODA TOPLESS AT THE CONDOR, exploring the history and impact of the legendary topless dancer who ignited the 1960s sexual revolution, will open in Dallas exclusively at the Angelika Film Center (5321 E Mockingbird Ln #230) on Friday, April 19.
Opening weekend audiences will experience a special live pre-show revue, “Doda-esque Burlesque,” featuring a bevy of Dallas’s own top burlesque dancers with Minxe Mimieux as the lead dancer in a spectacular tribute to Carol Doda’s with a special post screening Q&A.
As the lights go down…experience a special live pre-show performance of “Doda-esque Burlesque!” A spectacular tribute to Carol Doda featuring a bevy of enchanting local burlesque performers. Sit back and enjoy as the divas of today pay tribute to the ultimate diva of yesterday. Come early! Taking place prior to the film, this live performance will have NO NUDITY, and promises to be an exciting and teasing good time!
Click here to get your tickets!
Directed by: Marlo Mckenzie, Jonathan Parker
Written by: Marlo McKenzie, Jonathan Parker
Cast: Carol Doda, Dina Moore, Charles North
Rated: R for nudity/graphic nudity throughout, some sexual material, language and drug content
Synopsis Against the backdrop of the 1964 Republican Convention, a San Francisco cocktail waitress became one of the city’s most popular entertainers after making her debut as America’s first topless dancer. The new documentary feature Carol Doda Topless at the Condor tells the story of the fresh-faced girl next door who defied convention and the law by gyrating atop a white baby grand piano and turning a North Beach nightclub into the city’s second-most-popular tourist attraction after the Golden Gate Bridge. Meanwhile, Doda’s very public use of silicone to enhance her breasts launched a new industry. Directors Marlo McKenzie and Jonathan Parker share an unprecedented look at Doda’s life and legacy, as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the vibrant, sometimes outrageous and always entertaining world of North Beach.
SUMMARY OF AWARD WINNERS
2023 Dallas-Fort Worth Film Critics Association
(Choices listed in order of votes received)
BEST PICTURE
Winner: THE HOLDOVERS
Runners-up: OPPENHEIMER (2); KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (3); POOR THINGS (4); AMERICAN FICTION (5); PAST LIVES (6); MAESTRO (7); ANATOMY OF A FALL (8); BARBIE (9); MAY DECEMBER (10)
BEST ACTOR
Winner: Cillian Murphy, OPPENHEIMER
Runners-up: Paul Giamatti, THE HOLDOVERS (2); Bradley Cooper, MAESTRO (3); Jeffrey Wright, AMERICAN FICTION (4); Leonardo DiCaprio, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (5, tie); Colman Domingo, RUSTIN (5, tie)
BEST ACTRESS
Winner: Lily Gladstone, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON
Runners-up: Emma Stone, POOR THINGS (2); Carey Mulligan, MAESTRO (3); Greta Lee, PAST LIVES (4); Sandra Huller, ANATOMY OF A FALL (5)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Winner: Robert Downey Jr., OPPENHEIMER
Runners-up: Charles Melton, MAY DECEMBER (2); Robert De Niro, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (3); Mark Ruffalo, POOR THINGS (4); Dominic Sessa, THE HOLDOVERS (5)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Winner: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, THE HOLDOVERS
Runners-up: Danielle Brooks, THE COLOR PURPLE (2); Emily Blunt, OPPENHEIMER (3); Jodie Foster, NYAD (4); Julianne Moore, MAY DECEMBER (5)
BEST DIRECTOR
Winner: Christopher Nolan, OPPENHEIMER
Runners-up: Martin Scorsese, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (2); Alexander Payne, THE HOLDOVERS (3); Yorgos Lanthimos, POOR THINGS (4); Celine Song, PAST LIVES (5)
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
Winner: ANATOMY OF A FALL
Runners-up: THE ZONE OF INTEREST (2); THE TASTE OF THINGS (3); SOCIETY OF THE SNOW (4); FALLEN LEAVES (5)
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Winner: AMERICAN SYMPHONY
Runners-up: 20 DAYS IN MARIUPOL (2); STILL: A MICHAEL J. FOX MOVIE (3); THE DEEPEST BREATH (4); THE PIGEON TUNNEL (5)
BEST ANIMATED FILM
Winner: THE BOY AND THE HERON
Runner-up: SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE
BEST SCREENPLAY
Winner: David Hemingson, THE HOLDOVERS
Runner-up: Justine Triet and Arthur Harari, ANATOMY OF A FALL
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Winner: Hoyte van Hoytema, OPPENHEIMER
Runner-up: Rodrigo Prieto, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON
BEST MUSICAL SCORE
Winner: Robbie Robertson, KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON
Runner-up: Ludwig Goransson, OPPENHEIMER
RUSSELL SMITH AWARD (best low-budget or cutting-edge independent film)
Winner: THE ZONE OF INTEREST
The Von Erich’s ruled the pro-wrestling community right here in DFW. A family united by a sport they loved but one that would ultimately cause their untimely deaths. “The Iron Claw” tells the true story of the Von Erich legacy. I was at the world premiere of the film in Dallas and spoke with star, Zac Efron, and other cast members about the movie.
“The Iron Claw” opens in theaters December 22.
In the newest SPY KIDS movie, “the children of the world’s greatest secret agents unwittingly help a powerful game developer unleash a computer virus that gives him control of all technology, leading them to become spies themselves to save their parents and the world.”
I got a chance to speak with the legendary director, Robert Rodriguez to talk about the film, making it with his son, family, and so much more! Watch the full interview and the movie when it streams on Netflix on September 22, 2023.
I got a chance to chat with the wonderful Elizabeth Hurley for her new holiday film, “Christmas in Paradise”. We discussed her favorite childhood Christmas movie, what kind of emotions Christmas stirs up for her, where she would escape to during a difficult time, and so much more! “Christmas in Paradise” opens in select theaters Friday, November 11th and on Digital, on Demand, Blu-ray and DVD Tuesday, November 15th.
Film Synopsis: Kelsey Grammer (“Frasier”), Elizabeth Hurley (Austin Powers franchise), and Billy Ray Cyrus (“Hannah Montana”) star in this charming tropical tale guaranteed to heat up your holidays. Three quirky sisters chase their estranged dad (Grammer) down to his beachside pad in the Caribbean and enjoy a little fun in the sun. But why did he disappear to the islands? Only Joanna (Hurley) knows for sure, and she’s sworn to secrecy! Love, laughter, and songs by Cyrus make this a Christmas to remember.
THE ACCLAIMED HOLIDAY THEATRICAL
“TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE…” BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
Will Run at Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie
November 25 – December 11, 2022
Tickets Go On Sale Friday, August 26 at 10 a.m. at AXS.com
Dallas, TX (August 23, 2022) – The acclaimed family holiday theatrical – “‘Twas the Night Before…” by Cirque du Soleil – is making its Dallas debut at the Texas C. U. Theater fromFriday, November 25 – Sunday, December 11, 2022. The production will run for 25 performances.
Tickets start at $44 and will go on sale Friday, August 26th at 10 a.m. at AXS.com. Group tickets of 10 or more will be available at texasgrouptickets.com, via email at christina@texasgrouptickets.com or by calling (281) 367-9717 beginning August 26 at 10 a.m.
“‘Twas the Night Before…,” Cirque du Soleil’s exhilarating spin on the beloved Christmas tale, is about the wonders of sharing and friendship. The production marks Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever Christmas show and is a flurry of Christmas cheer – rip-roaring fun with hugely lovable characters that will introduce audiences to the magic of Cirque du Soleil.
Performance Schedule:
Friday, Nov. 25 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 26 1 p.m., 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 27 12 noon, 3 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 30 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 1 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 2 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 3 1 p.m., 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 4 12 noon, 3 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 7 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 8 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 9 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 10 1 p.m., 4 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 11 12 noon, 3 p.m. & 6 p.m.