Moviegoers are Fair Game

Naomi Watts isn't channeling Anna Chapman, but she knows that sexy spies sell

Anna Chapman posing in the Russian version of "Maxim"
In "Fair Game" Naomi Watts bears a striking resemblance to Valerie Plame
Photo by Ken Regan/Summit Entertainment
Valerie Plame sued when Cheney revealed her as a CIA agent due to husband JosephC. Wilson IV's criticism of the Bush administration.
Fair Game (2010) follows the story of former CIA agent Valerie Plame
George Clooney in "The American" (2010)
Photo by Giles Keyte/Focus Features
Sean Connery as James Bond embodies the sexy spy we crave on the silver screen.
Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz in "Knight and Day"
Although not received well by critics, "The Expendables" proved a box officesuccess.
Sean Penn in "Fair Game"
"Killers" jumped on the 2010 spy-wagon and failed.
Matt Damon in "Green Zone"
Angelina Jolie in "Salt"

Considering the recent popularity of secret agents in the media, it’s surprising that few seemed to dress up as spies this Halloween. Perhaps we simply failed to notice them. After all, spies are masters of disguise.

This weekend, Fair Game arrived in theaters. Based on the memoirs of former CIA agent Valerie Plame, the thriller chronicles the outing of Plame (played by Naomi Watts) as a secret agent by the Bush administration in 2003. Balancing classic spy suspense with personal struggle, the film brings Plame’s all-too-familiar political history to a relatable level.

Although Fair Game succeeds on its own merit — critics have given the flick mostly positive reviews and Sean Penn and Naomi Watts rarely disappoint — how much credit does the recent spy trend deserve in any box-office numbers the film garners?

Last July’s “Illegals Program,” (in particular, hottie Anna Chapman) brought spies to the limelight and piqued the public’s interest in espionage. The media coverage acted as free advertising for 2010 films like Salt, The Spy Next Door, The American, Knight and Day and The Killers.

(By the way, can anyone explain the difference between Knight and Day and Killers other than the latter is a watered-down, even more horrible version of the former? I’m reminded of Twister and Tornado.)

The number of secret agent movies this year may seem higher than usual. But we’re probably just more attuned to them due to events like triple agent bomber Abu Mulal al-Balawi and the Russian sleeper agents, headlined by Anna.

The truth is we've always loved spies. After all, they lend themselves to film perfectly, from Hitchcock’s Notorious (1946) to De Niro’s The Good Shepherd (2006).

The very idea of a spy plays upon our desire to be extraordinary in a world of ordinary, much the same appeal found in fantasy or superhero stories.

Spies not only know the system; they’re above it. They’re slipping through it undetected, undermining it from hideouts beneath summits of volcanoes. And the best part? We’re in on the secret.

Then there’s the undeniable sex appeal. Think of the suave James Bond (Sean Connery, the first and best) flicking an exploding cigarette atop a speeding train and, seconds later, waltzing into the dining car to meet a buxom blonde. The spy always gets the girl — every girl, actually.

His dangerous work makes him a love-‘em-and-leave-‘em type, but this has no effect on his damsels in distress. As comedian Eugene Mirman observes, “Women love danger. If they could they’d just date a fire.”

The same applies to men, as Angelina Jolie proves equally seductive as the femme fatale in Salt.

Until we stop swooning over mystery, danger and general badassness, spies will populate the silver screen.

“The Illegals Program” begs for a movie adaptation. Unfortunately for screenwriters, Russian beauty Anna Chapman cannot legally sell her story. But who’s to say someone won’t pen a script inspired by the limited information available?

Regardless, expect to see more sexy spies in 2011.

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These are the 14 best things to do in Houston this weekend

Photo courtesy of Pentatonix

Pentatonix performs at American Airlines Center on November 20.

We’re officially in the home stretch, and Christmas is just around the corner.

Before that, this weekend offers plenty of holiday-themed events, including an ugly sweater party/toy drive and a yuletide visit from Pentatonix. But some fascinating visual art is also popping off this weekend, from an intriguing art exhibition to several movie screenings, including the latest from hometown boy Richard Linklater.

Or, you could pick up some booze over at O.S.T. Liquor, get lit, and sing “Luv Ya Blue” over and over again – just a suggestion.

Thursday, December 18

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston presents Music at the Museum
Music at the Museum is back, as CAMH wraps up the year with an evening of live music, an art workshop, and contemporary art. Jupiter will be spinning house, ambient, club tracks, and more. And you can participate in the cyanotype workshop downstairs. Join CAMH FAQ team member and artist Carlos Mendoza in this hands-on activity that bridges car cultures from the West Coast to H-Town. 6 pm.

Sabine Street Studios presents "Zuzu's Petals" opening reception
Sabine Street Studios’ end-of-the-year exhibition, “Zuzu’s Petals,” takes inspiration from the beloved 1946 classic film, It’s a Wonderful Life. The group exhibition of mixed media works offers an opportunity for reflection on the year that has passed, the promise of the new year ahead, and the meaningful memories that weave through our lives. The reception will include complimentary beverages and snacks, as well as brief artist talks where each creator will share insights into their work and its significance within the exhibition. 6 pm.

Aurora Picture Show presents Aurora Holiday Party & Raffle
Join Aurora Picture Show’s famously festive, annual holiday party – the first one held in the new Navigation Blvd. space. This free event features beverages provided by Double Trouble and Saint Arnold, light bites from Phoenicia, vintage holiday TV projections, and music provided by DJs Gracie Chavez, Marcelluz Gualez, Alex la Rotta, and Peter Lucas. The raffle, benefitting Aurora’s artistic and educational programming, is open until 9 pm and features an array of great items, experiences, and gift cards. 7 pm.

Friday, December 19

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Nouvelle Vague
Nouvelle Vague, Richard Linklater’s love letter to the revolutionary magic of the French New Wave, reimagines the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless (1960). As a Cahiers du Cinema critic, Godard (Guillaume Marbeck) turns to filmmaking with a mix of fresh faces and daring talents that bring his spontaneous, idiosyncratic film to life. Capturing the behind-the-scenes creative chaos at the heart of one of cinema’s most iconic and influential debuts, catch this movie at the MFAH this weekend – in glorious 35mm! 7 pm (5 pm Sunday).

Rice Cinema presents The Projectionists’ Reel
Rice Cinema will have a special screening featuring work by Tish Stringer, a Rice alum and former technical exhibition manager at Rice Cinema. In The Projectionists’ Reel, Kirston Otis spins the tale of how crafty projectionists of the Greenway Theater cannibalized cinematic ephemera into remix joy. Preceded by a bonus screening of We’re Not Judges, a short film by Renée Feltz, a former KPFT News Director, and currently at Democracy Now! The filmmakers will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A. 7 pm.

Houston Symphony presents Elf in Concert
Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York in search of his real father (James Caan). After DNA test confirmation, Buddy and his dad build a relationship with chaotic (and comedic) moments. The heartwarming tale of Buddy the Elf will play on the big screen, while every note of John Debney’s score is played live to picture. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday)

Vincent Victoria Presents The 1968 Cherry Cola Pitts Christmas Special: A Musical
Vincent Victoria Presents delivers the world premiere of a new stage production, The 1968 Cherry Cola Pitts Christmas Special: Christmas Will Never be the Same. The production, a sharp, irreverent, joyously queer holiday biting satire set in the explosive year of 1968, stars Cherry Cola Pitts, an openly gay entertainer navigating fame, freedom, and chaos under the studio lights. 8 pm (3 and 8 pm Saturday; 3 pm Sunday).

Saturday, December 20

O.S.T. Liquor Store presents the Annual Holiday Bourbon Allocation
O.S.T. Liquor Store will launch one of its largest and most anticipated bourbon allocation releases, offering more than 200 rare and highly coveted bottles to collectors and holiday shoppers. The event is known for drawing enthusiasts from across the Houston area who are seeking hard-to-find bourbons, whiskeys, and limited-edition spirits to raise the bar on gifting and entertaining this holiday season. Get there early. 10 am.

BLCK Market Holiday Festival at East River
Step into a festive celebration of Black-owned businesses at the BLCK Market Holiday Festival at East River. Attendees will enjoy holiday shopping at its finest as East River transforms into a bustling winter market filled with music, merriment, and unique finds. Browse curated gifts (seasonal décor, art, skincare, books, and candles), dance to the beats of live DJs, and get grub at food trucks – all while being surrounded by the joyful energy of community. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be available for photos from 12-2 pm. 11 am.

Pentatonix in concert
In 2011, a cappella group Pentatonix became the first act to top both the Holiday Albums and Holiday Songs charts simultaneously. Since then, Christmas has become their business, dropping such seasonal releases as 2014’s That’s Christmas to Me and 2016’s A Pentatonix Christmas. They’ll be Houston as part of their Christmas in the City tour, performing favorite songs from their seven holiday-themed albums, including the new Christmas in the City. 7 pm.

Winsome Prime presents Annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party & Toy Drive
The Southern-inspired steakhouse is kicking off the holiday week with its annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party & Toy Drive. Attendees are asked to bring a new toy to benefit the Isiah Factor Christmas Toy Drive, as well as dress in their most outrageous, over-the-top holiday sweaters for an ugly sweater contest, with special perks, giveaways, and photo moments throughout the event. 7 pm.

Sunday, December 21

Kings Harbor Waterfront Village presents Holiday on the Harbor
Join Lake Houston mixed-use development Kings Harbor Waterfront Village as it celebrates the holiday season with Holiday on the Harbor. Attendees can enjoy a free photo opportunity with Santa and Mrs. Claus, music from a DJ, face painting, an on-site caricature artist, and riding on the trackless train. Families can also play yard games and create holiday crafts, making it a day full of holiday cheer for kids and adults alike. 1 pm.

Houston Cinema Arts Society and Houston Film Commission presents Luv Ya Bum!
Luv Ya Bum! is more than a sports documentary – it’s a testament to the power of leadership, community, and the enduring impact of legendary Houston Oilers head coach Bum Phillips. River Oaks Theatre will have a screening, presented by Houston Cinema Arts Society (HCAS) and Houston Film Commission, complete with a post-screening conversation with the producers. A special exhibition will be on display, courtesy of the Museum of the Gulf Coast, featuring a remarkable collection of personal effects and historical artifacts. 2 pm.

The Houston Tidelanders present Yule-Tide Carols
The Houston Tidelanders will ring in the holiday season with their show, Yule-Tide Carols. The tradition brings Christmas to life through the four-part harmonies of barbershop a cappella singing. The Tidelanders will perform a mix of classic Christmas favorites and fresh new arrangements, from the peaceful beauty of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” to the inspiring message of “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” 4:30 pm.

Photo courtesy of Pentatonix

Pentatonix performs at Toyota Center on December 20.

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