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    Weekend Events Planner

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

    Eric Sandler
    Jan 25, 2018 | 6:00 am

    The weather has thawed, football has a week off (no one should watch the Pro Bowl), and the pull of those New Year's resolutions has started to feel more faint. In other words, it's time to get out and have some fun. We've rounded up a guide to the nine best things to do in Houston this weekend. For more options, check out the full CultureMap Events Calendar.

    A new car
    Thursday, January 25

    Find a new set of wheels at the 2018 Houston Auto Show. The 35th annual event features all the latest models from more than 30 manufacturers spread out across more than 800,000-square feet at NRG Center. Open daily through Monday. (10 am Thursday and Friday, noon Saturday and Sunday; tickets: $5 kids six to 12, $12 for adults)
    1 NRG Park; 713-629-3700

    Come on down!
    Thursday, January 25

    Everyone's favorite TV show to watch on a day off comes to Sugar Land in the form of The Price Is Right Live. For one night only, randomly-selected attendees will have the opportunity to come on down for the chance to play classic games like Plinko™, spin the Big Wheel, and even compete for a fabulous Showcase. Lucky audience members can even win prizes right from their seats. (8 pm; tickets: $39.50 - $49.50)
    18111 Lexington Blvd. Sugar Land; 281-207-6278

    Joe jitsu
    Friday, January 26

    Comedian Joe Rogan brings his Strange Times tour to downtown's Revention Music Center for two sets. In addition to his inquisitive and intense comedic style, Rogan is known for his podcast and work as a MMA color commentator. (6:30 pm and 10 pm; tickets: $39.50 - $59.50)
    520 Texas Ave.; 713-230-1600

    Feel the rhythm
    Friday, January 26

    Kaleidoscope Houston brings an evening of art, film, music, and fashion to the Museum of Health with Houstonary 2018. The one night only event features performances, film screenings a fashion show, and a pop-up shop, as well as the chance to preview the museum's new BIORHYTHM: Music and Body exhibit created by Science Gallery at Trinity College Dublin. Advance tickets are highly recommended. (7 pm VIP, 8 pm general admission; tickets: $35 or $55)
    1515 Hermann Dr.

    Hoop it up
    Friday, January 26

    Watch the Original Harlem Globetrotters demonstrate the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that has made them world famous. Players will stay for an autograph, photograph, and high five session for fans after the game — after all, nothing gets likes on social media like posing with a Globetrotter. A second show takes places Saturday afternoon. (Friday 7 pm and Saturday 2 pm; tickets: $19 - $115)
    1 NRG Park; 713-629-3700

    Feet don't fail me now
    Saturday, January 27

    Join thousands of supporters, advocates, and breast cancer survivors at the 27th annual Susan G. Komen Houston Race for the Cure®. The event raises funds to helm the Komen Foundation realize its goal of a 50-percent reduction in breast cancer deaths by 2026. To date, Komen Houston has contributed more than $50 million to more than 65 local organizations to provide services throughout Houston to underinsured and uninsured men and women who receive life-saving breast cancer screenings, treatment, transportation, and other necessary supportive services. (8 am; registration: $40)
    901 Bagby St.; 713-783-9188

    Happy birthday, BuffBrew!
    Saturday, January 27

    Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company celebrates its sixth anniversary by tapping over 40 special anniversary brews as well as several classic draughts. This will be the brewery's last anniversary party before moving to its massive, $14 million new brewery and pub in Sawyer Yards. Blood Bros. BBQ will be on hand with plenty of smoky goodness. (6 pm; tickets: $40)
    5301 Nolda St.

    Watch 'em fly
    Saturday, January 27

    Nothing says a night of family fun like watching a 12-foot tall, 10,000-pound truck with at least 1,500 horsepower fly 130-feet in the air. No wonder Monster Jam packs NRG Stadium every time it comes to town. (7 pm; tickets: $15 - $60)
    2 NRG Park; 512-477-6060

    If you sing
    Sunday, January 28

    Head to Midtown's South Main Baptist Church to Hear the Future. The Houston Chamber Choir's 19th annual invitational choral festival features three outstanding choirs: the Aldine Children’s Honor Choir, Colleen Riddle, director; the Fort Settlement Middle Varsity Choir directed by Kimala Ross; and the O. Davis High School Choir under the direction of Daryle Freeman. (4 pm; free)
    4100 Main St; 713-224-5566

    Catch Grave Digger and friends Saturday night.

    Monster Jam, monster trucks
    Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment
    Catch Grave Digger and friends Saturday night.
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    Movie Review

    Michelle Pfeiffer visits Houston in new Christmas movie Oh. What. Fun.

    Alex Bentley
    Dec 5, 2025 | 3:30 pm
    Michelle Pfeiffer in Oh. What. Fun.
    Photo courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios
    Michelle Pfeiffer in Oh. What. Fun.

    Of all the formulaic movie genres, Christmas/holiday movies are among the most predictable. No matter what the problem is that arises between family members, friends, or potential romantic partners, the stories in holiday movies are designed to give viewers a feel-good ending even if the majority of the movie makes you feel pretty bad.

    That’s certainly the case in Oh. What. Fun., in which Michelle Pfeiffer plays Claire, an underappreciated mom living in Houston with her inattentive husband, Nick (Denis Leary). As the film begins, her three children are arriving back home for Christmas: The high-strung Channing (Felicity Jones) is married to the milquetoast Doug (Jason Schwartzman); the aloof Taylor (Chloë Grace Moretz) brings home yet another new girlfriend; and the perpetual child Sammy (Dominic Sessa) has just broken up with his girlfriend.

    Each of the family members seems to be oblivious to everything Claire does for them, especially when it comes to what she really wants: For them to nominate her to win a trip to see a talk show in L.A. hosted by Zazzy Tims (Eva Longoria). When she accidentally gets left behind on a planned outing to see a show, Claire reaches her breaking point and — in a kind of Home Alone in reverse — she decides to drive across the country to get to the show herself.

    Written and directed by Michael Showalter (The Idea of You), and co-written by Chandler Baker (who wrote the short story on which the film is based), the movie never establishes any kind of enjoyable rhythm. Each of the characters, including competitive neighbor Jeanne (Joan Chen), is assigned a character trait that becomes their entire personality, with none of them allowed to evolve into something deeper.

    The filmmakers lean hard into the idea that Claire is a person who always puts her family first and receives very little in return, but the evidence presented in the story is sketchy at best. Every situation shown in the film is so superficial that tension barely exists, and the (over)reactions by Claire give her family members few opportunities to make up for their failings.

    The most interesting part of the movie comes when Claire actually makes it to the Zazzy Sims show. Even though what happens there is just as unbelievable as anything else presented in the story, Showalter and Baker concoct a scene that allows Claire and others to fully express the central theme of the film, and for a few minutes the movie actually lives up to its title.

    Pfeiffer, given her first leading role since 2020’s French Exit, is a somewhat manic presence, and her thick Texas accent and unnecessary voiceover don’t do her any favors. It seems weird to have such a strong supporting cast with almost nothing of substance to do, but almost all of them are wasted, including Danielle Brooks in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it cameo. The lone exception is Longoria, who is a blast in the few scenes she gets.

    Oh. What. Fun. is far from the first movie to try and fail at becoming a new holiday classic, but the pedigree of Showalter and the cast make this dismal viewing experience extra disappointing. Ironically, overworked and underappreciated moms deserve a much better story than the one this movie delivers.

    ---

    Oh. What. Fun. is now streaming on Prime Video.

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