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Archives for : Dallas

AMERICA’S SWEETHEARTS: DALLAS COWBOYS CHEERLEADERS Interview

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.

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Movie Review: “The Strangers: Chapter 1”

Froy Gutierrez as “Ryan” and Madelaine Petsch as “Maya” in THE STRANGERS Trilogy, a Lionsgate release. Photo Credit: John Armour for Lionsgate

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

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“CAROL DODA TOPLESS AT THE CONDOR” OPENS IN DALLAS ON APRIL 19, 2024

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!

https://www.angelikafilmcenter.com/dallas/movies/details/carol-doda-topless-at-the-condor–live-pre-show-performance-of-doda-esque-burlesque

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.

DFW Film Critics Association 2023 Award Winners

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 Iron Claw” Interview w/ Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White, Kevin Von Erich, & Cast

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.

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SPY KIDS: ARMAGEDDON Interview w/ Robert Rodriguez

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.

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CHRISTMAS IN PARADISE Interview w/ Elizabeth Hurley

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.

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‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE by Cirque du Soleil

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.

We Start A Series (Movie Event)

A comedy about an aspiring film crew doing whatever it takes to make it big, from starting a porno, to fighting demons, to starting a gang.

About this event

Raw Lemon’s first feature-length film “We Start A Series” screening at Texas Theatre on Jefferson! Experience the biggest comedy movie event happening in Oak Cliff, by Oak Cliff filmmakers. We’re buying three kegs of beer and handing them out to all who arrive on time! Come out, have a drink, have lots of laughs, and enjoy the night with us!

Date and time

Sun, July 17, 2022

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM CDT

Location

Texas Theatre

231 Jefferson Boulevard

Dallas, TX 75208

Purchase tickets here:
We Start A Series (Movie Event) Tickets, Sun, Jul 17, 2022 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite

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Review: “Oklahoma” is a far from Traditional Production

Roger & Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” at Winspear Opera House – Dallas, TX

Where to start with this production of Daniel Fish’s “Oklahoma!”. I’ll admit, even though I knew this was a different version of the 1943 production, I still had no idea what I would be walking into. The moment I sat down and saw the very bare, wooden set with walls of guns, I quickly knew, this wasn’t like anything I had imagined.

Due to the recent shootings and, unfortunately, the Tulsa shooting that happened during opening night, there was an insert card explaining a “prop gun use warning” in our playbills.  It was slightly alarming, and may have overshadowed a bit of the story.

Fish’s revival of the beloved Broadway classic is far from a traditional musical production.  The set lacks color with wooden walls and tables, the cast sits around until their turn to speak, and there is no big musical, choregraphed numbers.  This show is much more relaxed, and the dance numbers seem less rehearsed, with the exception of a emotionally heavy, solo dance in the second opening act.

I can appreciate a modern twist on an old school tale; however, this show never picked a lane.  One minute you’re in a comical, old western setting, next you’re in the dark listening to a depressing conversation about death.  It took me out of the story multiple times, till eventually I gave up trying to stay in.

Though, the production was not my cup of tea, the talent of the entire cast was!  Sean Grandillo does a fine job as Curly, offering his vocal and instrumental gifts while playing the guitar.  Sasha Hutchings as Laurey stuns audiences the moment she first sings onstage.  She effortlessly embodies her character from the beginning to the sad end.  BUT the hilarious shining star is Sis as Ado Annie!  Talk about a showstopper.  Whether she’s singing or flirting, you can’t take your eyes off of her.  In some dark times during the show, she was a bright light.  Confidently juggling two men, while acting like a sweet innocent little girl to her shotgun carrying daddy.

I’m all about creative, artistic liberties, but this production of “Oklahoma!” was just a little too outside of the box.  However, it is still enjoyable to watch this talented ensemble and hear their renditions of the beautiful soundtrack.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s OKLAHOMA! at the Winspear Opera House from May 31 – June 12.  Get tickets at https://broadwaydallas.org/shows/oklahoma/