Weekend Event Planner

Here are the top 11 things to in Houston this weekend

This weekend's events are full of fun for anyone with eclectic tastes and income levels. Whether enjoying a $3,000 per couple dinner featuring the world's best cognac at The Federal Grill, brunching for a cause at Izakaya, catching a performance of the incomparable Andrea Bocelli, or taking in a free talk about the Astrodome, you're sure to have a great time in the city. And if you missed the annual Dickens on the Strand in Galveston last weekend because of the heavy rains, organizers have added another weekend of activities.

These are 11 events to add to your calendar, but be sure to check out our CultureMap Events Calendar for more events happening around the city.

Thursday, December 8

Architecture Center Houston presents The Eighth Wonder of the World: The Life of Houston Astrodome book talk

For the last 50 years, the Houston Astrodome has been regarded as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" locally and around the nation. Authors Robert C. Trumphour and Kenneth Womack discuss their book that explores how the Astrodome has played a role in Houston's development and also its emotional connection to the city.

Louis XIII Experience

The Federal Grill hosts an opportunity for diners to splurge with a meal featuring Louis XIII, the world's most famous cognac, with brand ambassador Matthew Springate. At $3,000 per couple, the three-course tasting menu is steep, but the opportunity to taste other Remy Martin spirits during the dinner, a bottle of Louis XIII for each couple and a special pair of the brand's signature fleur de lis cufflinks is priceless.

Friday, December 9

43rd Annual Dickens on The Strand Festival

Due to the record breaking rainfall of last weekend, Galveston Historical Foundation is adding an unprecedented second weekend of the 43rd Annual Dickens on The Strand Festival on Friday night and Saturday. First weekend ticket holders will have their admissions honored the second weekend. The annual holiday Galveston street festival, based on 19th-century Victorian London, features parades, non-stop entertainment on seven stages, strolling carolers, roving musicians, bagpipers, jugglers and a host of other entertainers.

East End Table

The Historic Fire Station #2 in East End is the backdrop for a meal prepared by Chef German Mosquera as a part of the East End Foundation's East End Table. This dining experience aims to highlight local creative talent and notable chefs while enjoying a meal in unexpected settings. Proceeds benefit the East End Cultural District.

Couture for a Cause

Salon A Studio combines fashion and fundraising at this Couture for a Cause. Designer Viktor Luna from Project Runway season nine and Project Runway: All Stars season one winner Mondo Guerra will be on hand to show their fashion looks and help Out for Education celebrate nearly two decades of supporting higher education.

Josh Garrels in Concert

Independent singer/songwriter Josh Garrels performs at the recently refurbished Heights Theater s a part of his "The Light Came Down Christmas" tour. Garrels' music ranged from punk to hip hop, indie-funk, and Christian as he gives his listeners a look into his life through his personal lyrics.

Saturday, December 10

Towers to Trees

Discovery Green, The Houston Center, Hermann Square and other points of distinction in downtown will be visited on AIA Houston's Tower and Trees tour. This tour will explore the changing scenery of downtown Houston and give attendees the opportunity to see the city from a different point of view.

Saint Arnold Pub Crawl

Join revelers for the Saint Arnold Pub Crawl as it kicks off at Under the Volcano and continues to five other popular bars. Get your punch card stamped at each stop, grab a drink, and have a fun day crawling from bar to bar with other beer and cocktail lovers.

6th Annual Ho Ho Ho Down

Help out a good cause and hear some great music from Buxton, Blue Healer, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, and special DJ sets from Houston rapper Fat Tony. A portion of this year's proceeds will benefit the music program at Northside High School (formerly Jefferson Davis High).

Sunday, December 11

Izakaya Second Sunday Charity Brunch

Diners at the December Sunday Charity Brunch at Izakaya can savor a special $8 cocktail; $5 from each one sold will be donated to Texas Children's Hospital. Brunch for a good cause and a bring new, unwrapped toy that will be distributed to children at the hospital.

Andrea Bocelli in concert with Houston Symphony, Katherine McPhee, and Ana Maria Martinez

The renowned Italian tenor presents a stunning new production based on his latest album Cinema, which includes epic theme songs from films such as Scent of a Woman, The Godfather, Love Story, and Life is Beautiful. This special performance also features Bocelli’s beloved repertoire of soaring arias and crossover hits. Guest artists include former American Idol runner-up Katherine McPhee and soprano Ana Maria Martinez.

A Louis XIII tasting awaits at Federal Grill.

Courtesy photo

A Louis XIII tasting awaits at Federal Grill.

event-planner

Movie Review

An all-star cast delivers clever laughs in new comedy The Invite

Photo courtesy of A24

Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz, and Edward Norton in The Invite.

Once upon a time, well before scandal embroiled him, Woody Allen made great comedies aimed at adults. That type of film — which is different from the raunchy, R-rated comedies of the 21st century — has fallen out of favor in Hollywood, but as the new film The Invite proves, when done well it can be as funny as anything else out there.

Joe (Seth Rogen) and Angela (Olivia Wilde) are an unhappily married couple living in San Francisco. As we meet them, Joe has arrived home to Angela preparing for a visit from their upstairs neighbors, Hawk (Edward Norton) and Piña (Penélope Cruz), who have moved in relatively recently. Their impending arrival starts a new round of arguing between Joe and Angela, something they can barely contain once the other couple comes to their door.

What proceeds is a getting-to-know-you process that is mostly awkward as Joe and Angela continue sniping at each other while Hawk and Piña put in their two cents in a much calmer manner. A sticking point between the two couples — the loud sex Hawk and Piña have on an almost nightly basis — turns the film on its head with an unexpected invitation.

Directed by Wilde and written by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, the film is a fast-paced chamber piece that takes place almost entirely in Joe and Angela’s apartment. Wilde, the writers, and the actors speed the story along not with action but through almost non-stop dialogue that often has the characters overlapping each other’s lines. The rapidity of the speech fuels the humor of the situation and establishes the differing personalities of each person.

Sex is very much top of mind for each of the characters for most of the film, but the filmmakers approach the topic in such a way that it never feels salacious. Each of the characters is a rational adult who can talk about sex in a mature manner while also acknowledging their unique feelings on the matter. And it’s the discoveries each of them makes along the way that brings about the most comedy.

But, like any comedy for adults, the film also has a dramatic tilt to it, and Wilde edges the story back-and-forth between the two tones extremely well. Joe and Angela fighting is played for laughs at times, but the sadness of their relationship comes through loud and clear. Hawk and Piña are much more intimate with each other, but the funniness of their openness is juxtaposed with a depth that arises through their conversations.

In the 2020s, Rogen has managed to make the transition from goofy stoner to stoner with real acting chops. In a stacked cast, he is the one who sells every moment the best. That’s not to say that Wilde, Norton, and Cruz don’t measure up, though; each of them inhabits their respective roles magnificently. The four actors play off each other as if they had been working together for years.

While The Invite will likely play better to those who have experience with long term relationships, its insights — and occasional bawdiness — make it a comedy that can be appreciated universally. With four actors at the top of their games and a razor-sharp script made even better by some well-done improv, it proves that you don’t need to go low to get great laughs.

---

The Invite is now playing in theaters.

movies film