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    IT'S A BARBIE WORLD

    Come on Barbie, let's go party: Houston's ultimate guide to fashion, food, and fun celebrating summer's hottest movie

    Gabi De la Rosa
    Jul 18, 2023 | 3:10 pm

    Houston fans are gearing up live out their Barbie and Ken goals in anticipation of this year's biggest blockbusters.

    As we know, Houstonians love a good themed event and plenty Barbie-fied action awaits. Look for pink food and drink specials just about everywhere. Fans can get cupcakes, cocktails, and even Barbie-themed gelato throughout the month.

    Of course, Barbie and Ken wannabes can expect fun Barbie-themed events going on across the city. And no Barbiecore happening would be complete without those hot pink looks (we were the first in town to showcase those last year). Get ready for weeks of pink-filled fun, as we've curated the ultimate list of Barbie-approved events, fashion finds, and food/drink options in Houston.

    Barbie eats and drinks

    8th Wonder Brewery

    Mattel meets Montrose at 8th Wonder Brewery. The EaDo brewery features their Montrosé, a rosé style sour perfect for Barbie fans and moviegoers. This limited-release brew can be found in a pink can at select retailers, some HEBs, and 8th Wonder. The beer is tart, bright, and elegant - a perfect pairing for triple-digit heat.

    Axelrad

    Axelrad is the Midtown dream bar for Barbie enthusiasts. Those planning to see the summer blockbuster can stop into Axelrad between July 21 and August 4 for the Barbie Girl, a vodka-based cocktail featuring passion fruit, watermelon, and lemon.

    Brasserie 19

    Brasserie 19 is celebrating the release of Barbie the movie with an extra pink Sunday Funday. Food and cocktail specials will include pink Berry Madeleines with a White Chocolate Sabayon, a Barbie Cosmopolitan and Beyond The Pink cocktail.

    Citizens of Montrose

    The brand-new Australian café has the ultimate dish in honor of the film. The "Margot Robbie (Barbie bowl)" consists of dragonfruit, orange, lemon, and agave, topped with apple, strawberry, pineapple, coconut, and bee pollen. It is a hot pink color and surely something Barbie (or Margot Robbie) would enjoy. The actress is from Australia, adding another great touch to the Aussie café. Pair it with a Velvet Latte for the perfect pink pairing.

    Crave

    Cupcake lovers can indulge in the new, never-been-done-before cupcake flavor: a soft, yellow birthday cake cupcake topped with a buttery, sweet strawberry frosting and decked out with pink and yellow sprinkles - from July 10 through July 30. In addition to the special cupcake, Crave will also have a limited edition Malibu Dream Chiller - an ice-blended strawberry frosting drink topped with whipped cream and pinktastic sprinkles.

    Le Jardinier at MFAH

    The Bastion Collection's Le Jardinier at MFAH has introduced a bright pink seasonal dessert that is part of the new summer Seasonal Expression menu. Crafted by Pastry Chef Tiffani Ann Gkaris under the leadership of Michelin-starred Chef Salvatore Martone, the fresh delight includes Strawberry Mousse, Crème de Citron, and Mint Gelee. Like all of the selections on Le Jardinier's menu, this beautiful presentation not only pleases the eye but also the palate.

    Kirby Ice House

    Let's toast to a summer filled with pink-tinted memories at Kirby Ice House, Houston's go-to bar for refreshing libations. Grab your girl gang and swing by to sip on the Kirby Skinny Frose, a drink that perfectly complements the launch of the iconic Barbie movie. Guests can take advantage of the specials on Wednesday at the Kirby Ice House in Memorial or Thursday at the Upper Kirby location, when this Barbie-themed drink will be only $4.

    Mandito's Tex-Mex

    Celebrate the release of the new Barbie movie with Mandito's delicious pink cocktails. For the perfect light pink refresher, check out their Mexico City Gin and Tonic. For those craving something more classic, try their Paloma. Looking for something even more Barbie-themed? Try the perfectly pink Hibiscus Paloma with a hibiscus salt rim.

    Marmo

    The ultimate way to live like Barbie is with a pink cocktail. Try Marmo's handcrafted hot pink cocktail, the Sprezzatura featuring Reyka vodka, Campari, pineapple, raspberry, and a splash of prosecco.

    Monkeys Tail

    Known for its fun and cocktails, the summer cocktail that stands out in Barbie's world: the Basil Sandia Gimlet. Gin, rum, watermelon juice, lime, simple syrup, and basil make this the most refreshing drink for summer.

    Ojo de Agua

    Get dolled up before seeing the blockbuster hit in theaters, and stop by Ojo de Agua for the perfect accessory: a bright, fuchsia-colored cocktail. In the posh River Oaks District, Ojo de Agua serves a Dragon Fruit Margarita made with rosé, dragon fruit, and lime. After a cocktail, walk to ROD's iPIC theater to see Barbie on the big screen.

    The Waffle Bus

    The Waffle Bus is blending its trademark sweetness with a Barbie twist. Available at both brick-and-mortar locations (Heights and Montrose) on July 21 only, the Think Pink Waffle (freshly baked waffle, sweet cream, caramel, fresh strawberries, strawberry pink whipped cream, topped with pink sugar crystals) is the perfect treat to celebrate the premiere of summer's hottest movie.

    Barbie-themed events

    Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown

    Hop in and ride to the world's first two-screen rooftop movie theater. Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown is excited to announce the screening of Greta Gerwig's highly anticipated Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.

    Tickets are available July 20 through August 9 and include a special new ticket type with a Barbie-inspired pink hard seltzer.

    Outschool

    Known for its wide range of fun classes, Outschool brings Barbie fun to kids this summer. They have live, online class options for kids to explore, including Barbie Fashion Design, Barbie Story Time and Show & Tell, Barbie Makeup play time, and more.

    Barbiecore fashion

    Let's get down to what matters: Barbie-approved fashion. We have curated a list of fashionable items in the icon's signature pink pallet for those throwing a Barbie Dream House fete, heading to the movie premiere, or just rockin' the Barbiecore vibe. After all, in a world where you can be anything, why not be someone dressed in utter pink perfection?

    Fossil

    The limited edition Fossil x Barbie collab is for those who like bling. The double-wrap leather strap is decked out with nostalgia charms that will deliver a dose of Barbie into every outfit. Available at Nordstrom and Fossil.

    Glitz and glam on your wrist in this double wrap watch from Fossil. Photo by Fossil

    Hemline

    Trade in the comfy tennis shoes for these cute pink heels from Hemline Woodway. Dress them up for a Malibu Dream House party or just about any occasion.

    Dress up or down in these versatile Mylo heels from Hemline Woodway. Photo by Mylo

    Jentry Kelley

    Move over, Ken; Barbie is taking the wheel. Houston makeup maven Jentry Kelley relaunched one of her signature colors, Barbie Car, just before the movie premiere. The sheer lip gloss is ultra-flattering on almost anyone, with a subtle hint of pink.

    Jentry Kelley relaunched lip gloss Barbie Car just in time for the movie premiere. Photo by Jentry Kelley

    Kendra Scott

    Inspired by positivity, individuality, and inclusion, the latest collaborative Barbie x Kendra Scott collection features several classic Kendra Scott silhouettes in classic Barbie hot pink colors. The capsule collection includes three necklaces, two bracelets, and four earrings.

    Like last year's collection, Scott is working with the Barbie Dream Gap Project, a global initiative that supports Girls Inc.'s mission to empower a new generation of leaders. For every Barbie x Kendra Scott Emilie Stud Earrings purchase, Kendra Scott is donating 20 percent of the purchase price to the Barbie Dream Gap Project.

    For every Barbie x Kendra Scott Emilie Stud Earrings purchase, Kendra Scott is donating 20 percent of the purchase price to the Barbie Dream Gap Project.Photo by Kendra Scott

    Lele Sadoughi

    Made to perfectly accentuate the eponymous brand's earrings, headbands, and sunglass chains, these heart-shaped beauties look good and ensure UVA/UVB protection. Let's go, Barbie.

    Pink accessories? Yes! Especially these heart glasses by Lele Sadoughi. Photo by Lele Sadoughi

    Love Shack Fancy

    The brand's signature Natasha Dress returns in 100% polka dot dobby cotton. This easy frock features double-ruffled flutter sleeves, front and back ruffles, and an elastic waist. Intricate custom lace panels are inset and trim the skirt's flounces.

    LSF never disappoints with their signature ruffles. Photo by LoveShackFancy

    Milano Nail Spa

    The newest location of Milano Nail Spa in the Galleria at 5000 Westheimer Road, Suite 610, invites fans to immerse themselves in a Barbie world! The talented technicians have you covered, from the vibrant colors inspired by the film to glitters to any design you wish. Taking the festivities to new heights, Milano Nail Spa – Galleria exclusively carries the OPI x Barbie Collection. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail while getting pampered like Barbie.

    Milano Nail Spa is offering the ultimate in Barbie-tastic nail colors. Photo by Duc Hoang

    Nordstrom

    Recreate Barbie magic or turn every head in the room in the Andy Sequin Strapless Jumpsuit by Dress the Population. Accentuating all the right curves, it features a sweetheart neckline and wide legs.

    This jumpsuit is everything Barbie would love and more. Photo by Dress the Population

    YSL

    A bright pop of color and luxury are Barbie-approved closet staples. YSL doesn't disappoint with a classic silhouette and a fun color. Available at YSL or Saks Fifth Avenue.

    Add a luxe vibe to any outfit with this YSL bag. Photo by YSL

    Barbie movie Ken Barbie car

    Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

    It's time to roll out like Barbie and Ken, Houston.

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    Movie Review

    Star TV producer James L. Brooks stumbles with meandering movie Ella McCay

    Alex Bentley
    Dec 12, 2025 | 2:30 pm
    Emma Mackey in Ella McCay
    Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios
    Emma Mackey in Ella McCay.

    The impact that writer/director/producer James L. Brooks has made on Hollywood cannot be understated. The 85-year-old created The Mary Tyler Moore Show, personally won three Oscars for Terms of Endearment, and was one of the driving forces behind The Simpsons, among many other credits. Now, 15 years after his last movie, he’s back in the directing chair with Ella McCay.

    The similarly-named Emma Mackey plays Ella, a 34-year-old lieutenant governor of an unnamed state in 2008 who’s on the verge of becoming governor when Governor Bill (Albert Brooks) gets picked to be a member of the president’s Cabinet. What should be a happy time is sullied by her needy husband, Ryan (Jack Lowden), her agoraphobic brother, Casey (Spike Fearn), and her perpetually-cheating father, Eddie (Woody Harrelson).

    Despite the trio of men competing to bring her down, Ella remains an unapologetic optimist, an attitude bolstered by her aunt Helen (Jamie Lee Curtis), her assistant Estelle (Julie Kavner), and her police escort, Trooper Nash (Kumail Nanjiani). The film follows her over a few days as she navigates the perils of governing, the distractions her family brings, and the expectations being thrust upon her by many different people.

    Brooks, who wrote and directed the film, is all over the place with his storytelling. What at first seems to be a straightforward story about Ella and her various issues soon starts meandering into areas that, while related to Ella, don’t make the film better. Prime among them are her brother and father, who are given a relatively small amount of screentime in comparison to the importance they have in her life. This is compounded by a confounding subplot in which Casey tries to win back his girlfriend, Susan (Ayo Edebiri).

    Then there’s the whole political side of the story, which never finds its focus and is stuck in the past. Though it’s never stated explicitly, Ella and Governor Bill appear to be Democrats, especially given a signature program Ella pushes to help mothers in need. But if Brooks was trying to provide an antidote to the current real world politics, he doesn’t succeed, as Ella’s full goals are never clear. He also inexplicably shows her boring her fellow lawmakers to tears, a strange trait to give the person for whom the audience is supposed to be rooting.

    What saves the movie from being an all-out train wreck is the performances of Mackey and Curtis. Mackey, best known for the Netflix show Sex Education, has an assured confidence to her that keeps the character interesting and likable even when the story goes downhill. Curtis, who has tended to go over-the-top with her roles in recent years, tones it down, offering a warm place of comfort for Ella to turn to when she needs it. The two complement each other very well and are the best parts of the movie by far.

    Brooks puts much more effort into his female actors, including Kavner, who, even though she serves as an unnecessary narrator, gets most of the best laugh lines in the film. Harrelson is capable of playing a great cad, but his character here isn’t fleshed out enough. Fearn is super annoying in his role, and Lowden isn’t much better, although that could be mostly due to what his character is called to do. Were it not for the always-great Brooks and Nanjiani, the movie might be devoid of good male performances.

    Brooks has made many great TV shows and movies in his 60+ year career, but Ella McCay is a far cry from his best. The only positive that comes out of it is the boosting of Mackey, who proves herself capable of not only leading a film, but also elevating one that would otherwise be a slog to get through.

    ---

    Ella McCay opens in theaters on December 12.

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