Archives for : Texas
Based on the bestselling series of children’s books by Deborah Diesen, “The Pout-Pout Fish” is a heartwarming, animated underwater adventure that is sure to turn anyone’s frown upside down.
The film stars Nick Offerman, Nina Oyama, and “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks. Offerman voices Mr. Fish, who always carries a pout on his face because he has been taught to avoid strangers all his life, isolating himself from the world. Suddenly, his quiet, loneliness is interrupted by a sea dragon named Pip. He accidentally destroys her home and reluctantly agrees to help her find a wish-granting fish named Shimmer, who might be able to help her create a new home for her soon-to-be very large family. However, Pip and Mr. Fish need to find her before Benji, a cuddle fish, does first and uses up her one wish for his own purposes. Read full review here.
Rating: B
“The Pout-Pout Fish” opens in theaters March 20, 2026.
“In Your Dreams” follows Stevie and her brother Elliot as they journey through the bizarre landscape of their own dreams. If they can face a snarky giraffe, zombie breakfast foods, and the queen of nightmares, the Sandman will grant them their ultimate dream: the perfect family.
I had the opportunity to speak with the incredible cast about their thoughts on the meaning behind dreams, what helps them fall asleep, and much more!
“In Your Dreams” streams on Netflix on November 14, 2025.
“The OC agents are back and ready to establish their office as the top brokerage within the Oppenheim Group. As the competition heats up for some high-stakes listings, some may get burned as devastating rumors divide the team. While the office gets busier, Jason enlists agents from San Diego, but will the OGs of the OC let the new agents sink or swim?”
I had the opportunity to chat with the season 4 cast of “Selling the OC”, including Jason Oppenheim, Alex Hall, Polly Brindle, Austin Victoria, Fiona Belle, Tyler Stanaland, Ashtyn Zerboni, Kaylee Ricciardi, Brandi Marshall, Gio Helou. We discussed what they are looking forward to this season, who of the cast has made the most positive impact toward their experience on the show and more!
“Selling the OC” streams on Netflix on November 12.
Most of us have a moment from High School we wish we could redo. It’s a time when trivial things feel much bigger than they are. Though high school can hold cherished memories, for some, it is hard to let go of the past.
In the new comedy “Re-Election”, Jimmy Bauer (director-writer-producer ADAM SAUNDERS), is still haunted by the loss of his race for class president during his senior year back in 1995, which caused him to drop out of school. Now, he’s in his 40’s working in a memorabilia store owned by his dad (Tony Danza). Finally fed up with his mediocre life, Jimmy decides to go back to school for his missing class credits — and with the hopes of winning the Senior Class President election he believes will make his life right. But a lot has changed in 30 years, luckily with the help of his new friend Noa (Bex Taylor-Klaus) and former classmate-turned-girlfriend Ama (Nathalie Kelley), Jimmy will learn there are things more important in life than winning.
Saunders pulls details from his personal life into his feature debut. He grew up in Texas and went to Richardson High School where he was class president. While in some ways it is a story we have seen before, Saunders’ personal ties provide a nostalgic and authentic presentation to a familiar story.
“Re-Election” has some solid laughs especially from Saunders and his on-screen rival, Rizwan Manji. Personally, I could have been entertained just watching these to banter for an hour and half. Thankfully, you are treated to a hilarious video of Manji during the credits.
In addition to the film’s humor, there is a lot of heart. Jimmy has a sweet relationship with his sister (Patty Guggenheim), who encourages him to finish High School and believes he is capable of much more than he gives himself credit for. And there is a touching friendship with Jimmy and his new classmate, Noa (Taylor-Klaus).
Moviegoers can benefit from this light-hearted and easy watch. “Re-Election” is a short and sweet, fun stroll down memory lane with an inspiring future.
Rating: B-
Opens in New York on October 10, 2025
Opens in Dallas & Atlanta October 17, 2025
“A young woman (Miranda Cosgrove) joins a dating show thinking it’s in Paris, France, but it’s actually in Paris, Texas. She plots a way to get eliminated until her unexpected feelings for the bachelor (Pierson Fodé) complicate her plans.”
I spoke with the stars of the new Netflix rom-com, “Wrong Paris” about the personality trait they would want highlighted on a dating show, an opportunity in life that scared them, and more! Check out the fun chat and don’t miss the hilarious film!
“Wrong Paris” streams on Netflix on September 12, 2025.
SIRENS Interview: Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, Milly Alcock, Glenn Howerton, Felix Solis, Bill Camp
SIRENS is the hottest new binge-worthy mini-series on Netflix. The show features a powerhouse cast, including Academy Award winner, Julianne Moore, Meghann Fahy, and Milly Alcock.
Fahy plays Devon, who is concerned about her sister’s unhealthy relationship with her new boss. The series is a sharp and sexy dark comedy that will keep you guessing till the very end.
I had the honor of speaking with some of the stars of the show about show, a time in our lives when we’re most influenced, and more.
SIRENS is currently streaming on Netflix!
“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.
I had the opportunity to chat with baking legends and along with an AMERICAN legend: Sandra Lee, Bryan Ford, Bill Yosses, & Jason Biggs about one of my new favorite Netflix series, the BLUE RIBBON BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP. We discussed the series, which dessert from the season they personally connected with, and more!
For over 100 years, the American state fair has been the proving ground for the most wildly talented bakers across the United States. Now, for the first time ever, Blue Ribbon winning bakers from state fairs across the nation get the chance to compete against each other in the Blue Ribbon Baking Championship. Featuring host Jason Biggs and co-host and judge Sandra Lee, 10 award-winning pastry masters from across the U.S. gather to compete in the biggest blue ribbon bake off yet – and the chance to win $100,000. Former White House pastry chef, Bill Yosses, and award-winning artisan baker, Bryan Ford, also serve as judges. Only the baker with the most delicious, inventive, and masterful delicacies will win the nation’s ultimate blue ribbon.
BLUE RIBBON BAKING CHAMPIONSHIP streams on Netflix August 9.
