Art & Soul: Volume 2
March 19th, 2023
What You Can Watch
Grade A- stuff going on in this flick, set for release March 24th, which was no doubt going to satisfy from the moment the trailer hit. Dare I say it’s our favorite of the franchise? Could have just been the anticipation speaking, but we were engaged from the action packed beginning that punches you in the face and follows suit of the franchise by not letting up until the very end. This installment easily solidifies Reeves and director Chad Stahelski as one of the best martial arts team ups in cinema to date. Reeves has stolen hearts of the audience both on and off-screen, and this entire franchise puts him as one of the greatest action actors in the genre. Period. Perhaps this is a luke-warm take you might not subscribe to, but we stand by it. Plus, there’s two insane back-to-back fight scenes in this movie that back up our claims.
Let’s dive deeper-yet still in the shallow waters of the no-spoiler-alert zone:
Bill Skarsgard slays as super villian Marquis who is more of a psychological threat than a punchy one. Ian McShane makes us want to do a Deadwood rewatch. Fan favorite, Lance Reddick, brings back brilliance to Charon, a beacon of emotional light, dedication and friendship through the action. May our brilliant artist RIP. Lawerence Fishburne is always a welcome sight to grace the screen. All of the acting was simply outstanding.
This 4th film also contained the most enjoyable scenic design in our humble opinion. The editing was one of the most on point in any action movie and deserves some accolades.
You’re not coming to this for the narrative, right? Good, because they lift that burden from the audience by keeping it simple. They kick into a video-game style narrative with daring side mission run-ins with mini-bosses and all! FINISH HIM!!
Our favorite part is of course the humor and goofiness. Oh, and dogs, duh! How have baddies not learned pointing guns at dogs is a no-no in this world?! Martial arts is not only perfectly executed by Reeves, but also packed with laughter inducing blows and falls. Again, dare we say he’s one of the best? Donnie Yen is armed with plenty of humor as well, proving to be a delight while also adding to stakes and story. Watch out for this one, he’s about to ascend to a new level. We could build an entire franchise around Rina Sawayama’s Akira, as she’s absolutely delicious fighting alongside KR and our favorite John Wick addition.
The only considerable minus was the runtime. Could be our ADHD talking, but it stuck at the back of our head like a ticking time-bomb. Also, if you’re expecting a wheel to be reinvented, this isn’t quite the franchise for that, so just sit back and enjoy. Yes, for three hours. It won’t be too hard. Also, let’s just get rid of fat-suits, mmmmk Hollywood? And a special thanks to the ambiguity (in our opinion) this film leaves for hope of a further franchise future.
So, what are you waiting for? Oh, right-the release date! You MUST see it in theatres, or else what’s the point?! If you can’t be rad like us and watch ahead of time, don’t fret. This film is unrelenting in both action and gifts to the audience so it’s worth the wait. You’ll enjoy.
What You Can Do:
April 14 - 16, 2023
Friday, 5 - 10 p.m. • Saturday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. • Sunday, 12 - 5 p.m.
111 N Tennessee St, McKinney, TX
A nationally recognized participant in the Main Street Program, downtown McKinney offers a unique and beautiful setting of restored, turn-of-the-century buildings that now feature cafes, offices, bars, boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
During the event, the streets of downtown come alive with fascinating sights and sounds as fine artists, performance artists, musicians, Texas wineries, and food vendors take part in the three-day celebration. There’s also a hands-on interactive area for children, the Kids Creation Station, where young Picasso’s can learn about art processes and create their own masterpieces.
The Science of Pixar
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Now through Sept. 4, 2023
Price: $15-$25
Ever wonder what goes into the making of a Pixar film, particularly how character favorites like Buzz Lightyear, Mike, Sulley and Dory are created and brought to life? Making its Texas debut at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, “The Science Behind Pixar” offers a unique look into the Pixar process. Exploring the almost 10,000-square-foot exhibition, visitors will learn about the science and technology needed to create their most beloved animated films and characters. Presented locally by NexPoint, the exhibition makes its Texas debut Nov. 16, 2022, and runs through Sept. 4, 2023.
“The Science Behind Pixar” embodies the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) thinking skills needed to create compelling films. Presented in English and digitally in Spanish, guests can engage in dozens of hands-on activities, listen to firsthand accounts from members of the studios’ production teams and come face-to-face with life-size recreations of cherished Pixar characters such as Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Ian Lightfoot, Edna Mode and WALL•E!
Beethoven Walks
Nasher Sculpture Garden
Guided Sight & Sound Experience
February 5, 2023 - May 21, 2023
Beethoven Walks at the Nasher engages the outdoor terraced gardens, presenting listeners with a visual and auditory experience of Beethoven’s music, his creative process, and the inspiration he drew from nature.
Beethoven Walks is an installation of sight and sound created by Yellow Barn Director Seth Knopp. Originally conceived in the spring of 2020, during our collective isolation, Knopp engaged walking trails near his home in Southern Vermont with reproductions of Beethoven’s sketches and leaves from his autograph manuscript.
The installation vivified Beethoven’s practice for those walking the path, allowing his music to comingle with sights and sounds from the surrounding forest.
“Beethoven’s process is visually staggering,” says Knopp. “A kaleidoscopic embodiment of determination and vulnerability, it begs the question, in the words of the great Beethoven scholar, Maynard Solomon, of whether it ‘documents the path by which the work is created or by which it is discovered’. Beethoven Walks at the Nasher serves a universal need to better understand our humanity through music and the beauty of our world.”
Beethoven Walks will open on February 5, 2023 in conjunction with the Soundings concert “Beethoven in Search of Creation”. Artistic Director Seth Knopp will introduce his installation at a pre-concert conversation beginning at 6:15 p.m. Thereafter the installation can be accessed Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with regular museum admission.
Black Cowboys: An American Story
African American Museum of Dallas
The African American Museum, Dallas is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.
*Free self-parking is available in nearby lots.
With more than 50 artifacts, photographs, documents and films, the exhibition explores the lives and work of the numerous Black men, women and children – enslaved and free – who labored on the ranches of Texas and participated in cattle drives before the Civil War through the turn of the 20th century.
Free and open to the public, “Black Cowboys” will run through April 15, 2023, at the African American Museum, Dallas in historic Fair Park. The exhibition is organized by the Witte Museum.
By revealing stories that have largely been untold, “Black Cowboys” offers insight into the legendary cowboy, a clearer picture of the Black West, and a more diverse portrait of the American West. Visitors will discover how Black cowboys tamed and trained horses, tended livestock and rode on the trail with thousands of cattle across America. Over time, the role of Black cowboys evolved as they used the skills they learned on the ranch and trail to own their own ranches, serve as lawmen, ride in rodeos, become singers and perform in movies. Today, the lives and legacies of Black cowboys have inspired new generations to explore the past through music, film, fashion and design.
When You’re Feeling Wild:
RAINBOW VOMIT
Escape the new normal and enjoy an experience with your close friends or family as you takeover the experience of Dallas' #1 rated immersive art exhibit!
What You Can Watch At Home:
Cleats On for the Early Drop of Season 3
Bill Lawerence & Co. return for the show’s anticipated third season. It’s too much. It’s not enough. And we decided that only 4 episodes in. Sudekis has mentioned the story they set out to tell has been told, but there’s still hope and opening for overtime, even if the narrative structure of the third season seems to end the game.
There’s a few time outs and drags through the new season, but they are few and far between.
One of our favorite parts of the show is the fleshed-out female characters. Temple’s Keely has journeyed to a full-fledged professional femme and we are fully subscribed. Her PR stint is up and running, repairing our hearts from her break with Kent. Our beloved goddess Waddingham navigates Rebecca’s breaking point with poise and ease, simmering with resentment for Head’s Rupert, who is welcomed as a cast regular.
As the show changed to it’s now hour-long comedy format in season 2, it’s finding itself being spread too thick this time around. Just as we are adapting to a possible ending of our beloved team, we are given more heart and insight into the side characters inciting further audience investment and leaving us wanting more. It’s as though they are setting up for spin-offs, which it seems Apple is leaning toward.
It’s a kick ball change for Nate, which brings both delights and frustrations with this turncoat. It’s a full Vader-style fight for his soul and we are here for it. Despite his questionable hair choices (we want answers), Dunster continues to deliver a beyond believable hero turn. Ted seems to take to the sidelines with a half-resolved arc, still agonizing over his state of mind to others. Don’t get us wrong, our favorite aspect of the show is it’s emotional intelligence, we just thought that was the point of season 2.
Let’s face it. We mostly came for the Roy Kent obscenities. Thanks for the epic deliveries. And our dear friend, Coach Beard. WE LOVE YOU, BRENDEN HUNT!!
So proud of this cast and crew. Thank you for the gift of a show, that is like a warm hug from a friend that you didn’t know you needed.
