WHAT: DreamWorks Animation’s hit Netflix series Gabby’s Dollhouse, will set off on a cross country journey to meet her fans at Walmart stores across the country on the Bakey with CakeyTour. Each free in-store event will include a meet & greet and photo opportunity with the Gabby costume character, an interactive prize wheel with promotional prizes, giveaways and a toy display that includes Gabby’s Purrfect Dollhouse, a Walmart Top Holiday Toy List winner and more.
WHO: The Gabby costume character
WHERE/WHEN:
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
2:00 – 4:00 PM CT – Walmart in Mesquite (200 US-80 E, Mesquite, TX 75149)
4:00 – 6:00 PM CT – Walmart in Plano (1700 Dallas Pkwy, Plano, TX 75093)
Thursday, November 17, 2022
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CT – Walmart in Lancaster (150 I-35E, Lancaster, TX 75146)
3:00 – 5:00 PM CT – Walmart in Fort Worth (8401 Anderson Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76120)
About Walmart
From our humble beginnings as a small discount retailer in Rogers, Ark., Walmart has opened thousands of stores in the U.S. and expanded internationally. Through innovation, we’re creating a seamless experience to let customers shop anytime and anywhere online and in stores. We are creating opportunities and bringing value to customers and communities around the globe. Walmart operates approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 46 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. We employ 2.3 million associates around the world — nearly 1.6 million in the U.S. alone.
About DreamWorks Animation’s GABBY’S DOLLHOUSE
Since the debut of DreamWorks Animation’s hit series Gabby’s Dollhouse, kids around the world have been having one big sprinkle party with their new friend Gabby and all her kitty friends. Created and executive produced by celebrated storytellers Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey, Gabby’s Dollhouse is a mixed media preschool series that unboxes a surprise before jumping into a fantastical animated world full of adorable cat characters that live inside Gabby’s dollhouse. Rooted in growth mindset, Gabby’s activity-based episodes encourage flexible thinking and learning from your mistakes. The popular series has inspired many expansions including a successful toy line, publishing, original music, a top-rated app and a growing YouTube channel garnering millions of weekly views. Any adventure can unfold when we play in Gabby’s Dollhouse, now streaming on Netflix.
It’s kind of hard to say no to anything with George Clooney or Julia Roberts. But when they team up for a rom-com, I’m sold!
“Ticket to Paradise” tells a predictable story about a divorced couple, David (Clooney) and Georgia (Roberts), who can barely tolerate sitting next to each other at their daughter’s law school graduation. But, when their daughter, Lily (played by Kaitlyn Dever) goes on what was supposed to be a summer trip to Bali and falls in love/gets engaged to a native named Gede (Maxime Bouttier); David and Georgia put their differences aside to stop the wedding.
Like most romantic comedies, I’m sure you see where this story is going. When it comes to rom-coms, it’s not the predictability that is the issue, it’s whether or not we are served a fresh perspective and/or a handful of laughs. “Ticket to Paradise” offers nothing new story wise and, sadly, not a whole lot of laughs.
The film’s runtime is around an hour and 40 minutes, but the pacing is a lot slower compared to other films in that genre. This is due to the lack of comedy. The best moments are when Clooney and Roberts are at each other’s throats. Their disdain for each other is funny, and the audience will crave more bitter banter as the two have wonderful comedic chemistry. I’m just shocked they didn’t utilize their humor more. We have seen Roberts go much bigger in past rom-coms, and it’s always a joy to see. That being said, it seems that, Director/Writer, OI Parker’s intentions with this film were to have more serious conversations with subtle humor verses the typical slapstick comedy tropes. I absolutely respect this choice, but also seems like a missed opportunity with these two stars.
What “Ticket to Paradise” does offer, is a stunning setting that’s its own character, and a charming, talented cast you can’t help but fall for. Dever and Billie Lourd team up again since “Booksmart” and continue to shine on-screen. Bouttier and the rest of the actors playing island natives are also a joy to watch. And of course, the whole purpose of this movie– George Clooney and Julia Roberts are magnetizing. I think we’d be entertained watching these two have a conversation about drywall.
There’s nothing wrong with the film, but in a year where there have been some fresh romantic comedies like, “Bros” or “I Want You Back”, it’s hard to get excited about this one.
However, with such a lovable cast, and beautiful location, “Ticket to Paradise” can be an enjoyable, lighthearted comedy to escape all the madness in our lives.
“The Good Nurse” follows a compassionate nurse, Amy Loughren (played by Jessica Chastain), who befriends an unsuspecting serial killer, Charles Cullen (Eddie Redmayne). Through friendship she is able to do what no one else seemed to have the courage to, and helps the police take him down. It’s a chilling story with Brillant performances by Chastain and Redmayne.
I had the chance to speak with Jessica Chastain, Eddie Redmayne, and director, Tobias Lindholm about an act of kindness that impacted them, what comforts them during hard times, and more!
Watch the interview and the film when it opens in select theaters on October 19, 2022, and streams on Netflix on October 26, 20222.
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BEST SCIENCE/NATURE DOCUMENTARY
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BEST SHORT DOCUMENTARY
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The Critics Choice Documentary Awards are an offshoot of the Critics Choice Awards, which are bestowed annually by the CCA to honor the finest in cinematic and television achievement. Historically, the Critics Choice Awards are the most accurate predictor of Academy Award nominations.
“The Watcher” is the newest Netflix mini-series based on the shocking true story of a family that moved into their dream home only to be terrorized and threatened by stalker immediately after. This week I spoke with 5 of the stars of the horror/mystery, Naomi Watts, Jennifer Coolidge, Mia Farrow, Margo Martindale, and Noma Dumezweni. We discussed the things in their homes they don’t want messed with, what makes them feel safe in their house and more!
This week I review one of the most talked about movies of the year. Drama has surrounded “Don’t Worry Darling” on and off the screen, but is there more to this movie than all the gossip? I share my thoughts on the thrilling new drama in the video below!
“Don’t Worry Darling” is currently playing in theaters.
It’s crazy to think that “Bros” is the first romantic comedy about two men falling in love to be produced by a mainstream studio. It’s long overdue. But, if we had to wait this long, I’m glad we put it in the hands of Billy Eichner (Co-Writer) and Nick Stoller (Director/Co-Writer) to be the first ones to make it.
The film centers on Bobby (Eichner), a popular podcast host and LGBTQ+ historian who prides himself on being guarded and non-committal when it comes to relationships. He seems perfectly satisfied with his one-night stands and Grindr hook ups even though all the people in his life are in serious relationships. But everything changes when Bobby meets Aaron (Luke MacFarlane) at a night club. The two are total opposites. Aaron gives off meathead vibes, Ken doll looks, and a bro-like personality. However, the two are insanely drawn to each other. What starts off as a no-strings attached kind of fling, quickly turns into something much deeper. But like any romcom, the couple face some obstacles that will challenge their newfound romance.
In addition to the film’s historic romantic storyline, the movie also features and entirely LGBTQ+ cast. And it’s entertaining to watch some of those characters poke fun at their own current identity politics. “Bros” goes beyond the surface level romcom with its conversation about the importance of LGBTQ+ historical figures. It will likely spark a debate about what age children should learn about these figures, but the way the film handles this topic is one of my favorite parts of the movie.
“Bros” does follow the typical romcom formula with many familiar tropes, which are well done and nice to see in theaters again. What’s also great to see is the chemistry between Eichner and MacFarlane. The banter between the two of them is exciting foreplay, and the romance it leads to actually brought back the butterflies I use to feel from 90’s romcom classics. Not to mention, the two of them are fantastic actors. MacFarlane throws a nod to his “Hallmark” movies resume, but proves he deserves to be on the big screen. And Eichner is more than a supporting role or “Billy on the Street”, he’s a damn good leading man!
I should add, the film is produced by the one and only, Judd Apatow. Meaning, yes, it holds all the same magic that his previous, successful romcoms had, like “Knocked Up” and “Trainwreck”. “Bros” is just as raunchy, original, and HILARIOUS! The laugh out loud moments are greatly due to the witty screenplay.
“Bros” is an important watch for many reasons, but it’s also an incredibly fun one. I highly encourage moviegoers see this one in theaters and spread the word! Also, can we get started on a “Bros 2”?
Rating: A+
Check out my interview w/ the stars, Billy Eichner and Luke MacFarlane in the video below!
I got the chance to sit down with the stars of the new, groundbreaking romantic comedy, “Bros.” Billy Eichner and Luke MacFarlane discuss a time they tried to impress a significant other and what the representation in this film means to them. They also answer some rapid fire questions related to the movie in this hilarious and fun interview!
This week I review Focus Feature’s newest comedy, “Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul”. The film stars Sterling K. Brown and Regina Hall. It’s a thought-provoking dark comedy that stays with you long after it’s over.
The film opens in theaters and available on Peacock September 2, 2022.
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.
