Weekend events planner

Here are the top 9 things to do in Houston this weekend

The weekend is almost here, and we’re ready to hit the town. From Mardi Gras celebrations, to big headline concerts, to Super Bowl Sunday gatherings, and more, we’ve put together a list of can’t-miss events. Read on for the nine best things to do in Houston this weekend. For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.

Society event
Thursday, February 1-Sunday, February 18
In collaboration with the Dallas Theater Center, Alley Theatre brings iconic statesman President Lyndon Baines Johnson to a Houston stage. The Great Society, a play by Texas playwright and Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Schenkkan, follows the former president as he struggles to fight a war on poverty — even as his war in Vietnam spins out of control. (tickets: $39-$83 per person)
615 Texas St.; 713-220-5700

Rock the house
Thursday, February 1-Sunday, February 4
Inspired by the hit movie starring Jack Black, School of Rock tells the story of Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star doing time as a substitute teacher who transforms his straight-A students into an amazing rock band. The show features 14 new songs from Broadway legend Andrew Lloyd Webber, as well as all the original tunes from the movie. Don't miss our interview with Phoenix Schuman, one of the show's 12 young performers. (various times; tickets: $35-$140 per person)
800 Bagby St.; 713-315-2525

Let the good times roll
Friday, February 2-Wednesday, February 13
Mardi Gras! Galveston, the third-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States, is spread over 12 days and includes parades, music, food, family-friendly activities, 5K fun run, and galas including the Tremont House Mardi Gras Ball and the San Luis Salute. (various times and prices; for more information click here)
Galveston, Texas

The future of food
Friday, February 2-Saturday, February 3
Gulf Coast Food Project and Foodways Texas present The Houston Eats! Conference, a two-day conference devoted to exploring the origins of Texas Gulf Coast's culinary diversity, how it impacts the way Houston eats now, and what it means for the region’s future. Presenters include academics, local food writers, and chefs, including Sylvia Casares (Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen), and Kaiser Lashkari (Himalaya). (various times; free with advance registration)
4800 Calhoun Rd.; 832-488-4645

Very Barry
Friday, February 2
Music icon Barry Manilow, whose career has spanned more than 50 years, hits the stage at Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land to showcase songs from his latest album, This is My Town: Songs of New York. You can also expect to hear some of Manilow's greatest hits such as "Copacabana" and “Mandy.” (8 pm; tickets: $19.95 - $249.95 per person)
18111 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land; 281-207-6278

One cool Katt
Friday, February 2 and Saturday, February 3
Comedian Katt Williams comes to Houston's NRG Arena for a two night stint of his insightful, often polarizing material. The stand-up comedian, actor, and rapper's new Netflix special, Katt Williams: Great America, debuted January 18. (8 pm; tickets: $52-$125)
1 NRG Park; 713-629-3700

Kid around
Saturday, February 3
Kid Rock heads to Toyota Center as part of his Greatest Show on Earth Tour. Songs on his new album, Sweet Southern Sugar, include "Po-Dunk," "Greatest Show on Earth," and "Tennessee Mountain Top." (8 pm; tickets: $37 per person for upper level - $772 per person for floor seats)
1510 Polk St.; 713-758-7200

Blue Sunday
Sunday, February 4
Shop for organic groceries, pick up creative gifts, find unique art, and enjoy live music at the Blue Field Market. You can also take advantage of free yoga classes, and participate in friendly yard game competitions. (10 am-3 pm; tickets: free admission)
2619 Polk St.

The Big Game
Sunday, February 4
Watch the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots face-off at Super Bowl LII at these six bars and restaurants, with offerings from a barbecue pop-up to Saint Arnold brews galore.

Watch the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots face-off at Super Bowl LII at local bars and restaurants with stellar food and drink options,

Courtesy of Super Bowl 2018/Facebook

Watch the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots face-off at Super Bowl LII at local bars and restaurants with stellar food and drink options,

event-planner

Movie Review

Daniel Day-Lewis returns to big screen in flawed but striking Anemone

Photo courtesy of Focus Features

Sean Bean and Daniel Day-Lewis in Anemone.

For around 30 years, Daniel Day-Lewis was considered by many to be one of the best working actors, getting nominated for six Best Actor Oscars and winning three of them. Following his sixth nomination in 2018 for Phantom Thread, he announced his retirement at the relatively young age of 61. But now, thanks to his son, he’s gracing the screen yet again in Anemone.

The film, directed by Daniel’s son Ronan and written by both the father and son, finds Daniel playing a hermit named Ray, who lives deep in the woods in rural Ireland. He’s tracked down by his brother Jem (Sean Bean) at the behest of Jem’s wife, Nessa (Samantha Morton). A dalliance between Ray and Nessa many years before resulted in a son, Brian (Samuel Bottomley), and Nessa believes Brian finally meeting his biological father might help quell his growing anger.

The story goes back-and-forth between Ray and Jem at Ray’s remote cabin, and Nessa and Brian at their home, juxtaposing the somewhat tense reunion of the brothers with the sullenness of Brian and quiet despair of Nessa. The moody film is taken further into reflection by a series of atmospheric shots depicting the stark-yet-beautiful Irish landscapes.

Ronan, making his feature directing debut, shows that he already possesses a keen eye, working with cinematographer Ben Fordesman to bring together a number of impressive shots. Scenes featuring Ray stoically chopping wood and walking down the beach, among other things, have a quiet strength to them that help establish the character just as much as Daniel’s acting. There are also some impressive weather sequences that combine practical and special effects seamlessly.

The story, however, is not quite as strong. The film is not dialogue-heavy - Ray says four words in the film’s first 20 minutes, and two of them are “F— you” - and so the audience must get by with brief snippets of conversation that yield small tidbits of information about the characters. What is revealed is dark and deep, but the framework of the film prevents the story from developing the necessary drama.

As the film goes along, it becomes increasingly clear that the filmmakers are more interested in vibes than anything else. While this approach yields some interesting scenes in the first half of the film, the second half is a bit of a slog as each of the characters tries to come to terms with what their individual lives have become. There are some big emotions just begging to come out, but the Irish sensibilities clamp it down.

Despite the film’s story faults, Daniel Day-Lewis shows he hasn’t lost a step since we last saw him on screen. Whether he’s telling a bawdy story or revealing long-held secrets, his ability to get inside the skin of his character is amazing. Bean complements him well, although most of his role is just letting Daniel cook. Morton and Bottomley are fine in their small roles, but the real show is happening elsewhere.

Anemone serves as a great re-introduction to perhaps the finest actor of our time, but even if that’s good enough to get Daniel Day-Lewis yet another Oscar nomination, it doesn’t make for a memorable film overall. Ronan Day-Lewis demonstrates some impressive skills, abilities that will hopefully make his second film even better.

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Anemone is now playing in theaters.

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