Critics fret that there is hardly any market left for American films made with adults in mind. One reason we worry is because there has been virtually zero interest in films, intelligent or otherwise, about our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Films as powerful as In the Valley of Elah and The Hurt Locker together grossed less than $20 million.
The new film The Messenger probably won’t do boffo box office itself, but this time we can skip the hand-wringing. Unlike most of its predecessors, this aftermath-of-war movie really isn’t very good. Or rather, for maybe a third of its playing time the film is amazing and maybe even important. But for the other two-thirds I recommend copious amounts of popcorn to keep you company.
Let’s start with the good news. The Messenger is more or less a buddy movie (though admittedly a very idiosyncratic one) that follows the travails of Staff Sgt. Will Montgomery (Ben Foster), an emotionally and physically damaged war “hero” (the movie itself supplies the irony), and his partner, Captain Tony Stone (Woody Harrelson), as they make their rounds informing parents and spouses that their loved ones have just died in action. It’s an audacious idea for a film, and in the scenes where Stone and Will are getting their faces slapped, spit on, and cried into by the heartbroken (such as an excellent Steve Buscemi), the film is extremely moving.
The devastated parents and wives come in a variety of ages, races and economic brackets; at times the film feels like a secret roadmap of American grief.
But filmmaker Oren Moverman, himself a former Israeli soldier, has little idea of what to do with his characters when they’re not painfully reciting their “The Secretary of the Army regrets to inform you…” lines. Despite the fact that the two lead actors work well together, and that their characters mesh in an interesting way (turns out Captain Stone is jealous that his enlisted assistant is a battle-tested warrior and he isn’t), the film only works at all when both men are on screen. There’s a strange tinge of Apocalypse Now here, which for a time had me wishing that the gleaming-pated and emotionally spiky Harrelson had played Col. Kurtz instead of the preposterous Brando. Ben Foster certainly seems to be channeling Martin Sheen’s Captain Willard when his character drunkenly smashes up his own apartment.
Actually, Foster’s performance is a big part of the film’s problem. Outside of the “messenger” scenes, Foster mostly seems to be channeling other war movies rather than honest emotion. He’s gotten some good reviews for his work here, but I’d have to rate his performance a dud. The film’s main subplot, Will’s courtship of the newly-widowed Olivia (Samantha Morton), is not so much awkward, and therefore touching, as “huh”-inducing. Really, Sergeant?
Harrelson’s performance, and his character, are much more interesting. Harrelson’s peeling away of his emotionally stunted good-old-boy’s layers often strikes a nerve, but Moverman unwisely has him playing second banana.
So, Jack Frost showed up this week and gave Houston a snowy winter wonderland.
Now that things are warming up, Houstonians who like outdoor activities have lots of choices, including Lunar New Year celebrations, performances by visiting comedian, two benefit gala dinners, and — wait for it — the Brazos Home & Garden Show!
Thursday, January 23
Drew Lynch: The Faking It Tour
Comedian and actor Drew Lynch has had some ups and downs in his life. Lynch has a stutter, developed after a softball accident that damaged his vocal cords and gave him a traumatic brain injury. But that didn’t stop him from getting the Golden Buzzer during season 10 of America’s Got Talent. He comes to Houston as part of his The Faking It Tour. Audiences can expect an evening filled with Lynch’s signature humor, wit, and insightful commentary. 7:30 pm.
Ensemble Theatre presents Camp Logan
Inspired by actual events, Camp Logan is an award-winning World War I military drama about the devastating explosion of racial tensions that resulted in a 1917 riot involving an all-black Army regiment in Houston and the all-white Houston Police Department. Through Sunday, February 23. 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm Friday; 3 pm Sunday).
Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center presents & Juliet
& Juliet flips the script on the greatest love story ever told and asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Juliet ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love — her way. Her new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including “Since U Been Gone‚” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life‚” “That’s The Way It Is,“ and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 1:30 and 7 pm Sunday).
Friday, January 24
Brazos Home & Garden Show
The second annual Brazos Home & Garden Show brings together the best in home improvement, gardening, and outdoor living. Visitors can enjoy exclusive show-only discounts, connect with industry experts, and experience fun-filled activities for the whole family – all under one roof. The show features make-and-take crafts like birdhouses and spring-themed projects; The Big Bloom Plant Sale, featuring a wide selection of herbs, veggies, trees, flowers, and more; seminars on topics tailored to Texas living; and more. 2 pm (10 am Saturday; 11 am Sunday.).
Wild Kratts Live! 2.0: Active Creature Power!
Wild Kratts Live! is a theatrical stage show based on the hit animated television series, Wild Kratts. Stars Martin and Chris Kratt, will engage the audience in a classic Wild Kratts story, keeping the audience entertained as they activate some fan-favorite, Creature Power Suits and go “Off to the Creature Rescue!” With the help of the Wild Kratts team — and their audience members — the Kratt Brothers confront a comic villain and help bring the creatures of the animal world to safety once again. 6:30 pm.
Open Dance Project presents The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Open Dance Project will present The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, a family audiences production that follows Dorothy as she is swept up in a tornado and transported to the magical land of Oz, where she joins a Scarecrow, a Tinman, and a Lion on an adventure that teaches her about the power of thinking, loving, and daring to be different. The performance features aerial silks, acrobatics, and clever choreography. Through Sunday, February 2. 7 pm (4 and 7 pm Saturday).
Houston Symphony presents "Beethoven’s Violin Concerto & Tchaikovsky"
Filled with irresistible melodies and staggering virtuoso demands, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto is one of the best-known and best-loved concertos of all time, and it will be performed by Yoonshin Song, the Houston Symphony’s concertmaster. Known for beautiful melodies and a haunting ending that fades into silence, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 channels an entire world of emotion. Rounding out the concert will be Anna Thorvaldsdóttir’s Metacosmos. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).
Saturday, January 25
Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts presents Spring Exhibitions opening day
The Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts is delighted to present two new exhibitions this spring. The Main Gallery will feature “The Art of Ezra Tucker.” Tucker is an acclaimed wildlife artist who recently focused on the historic Black experience in the American West. In the Cole Gallery will be “HEARD” by Houston native Tramaine Townsend. A versatile visual artist, Townsend’s recent works capture the history and legacy of Black cowboys. “The Art of Ezra Tucker” will be on display through Sunday, March 22, while “HEARD,” runs through Sunday, May 10. 10 am.
Krewe de Camp For All Gala
The Krewe de Camp For All Gala aims to help in transforming the world for children and adults with challenging illnesses, disabilities, or special needs. Camp For All intentionally delivers unique, truly barrier-free experiences throughout the year by collaborating with more than 65 nonprofit organizations to enable thousands of campers and their families to discover life. The Gala will honor Karen and Mike Odegard and The Hamill Foundation, who have made an indelible impact on thousands of campers and their families. 6 pm.
DACAMERA presents Lakecia Benjamin
After her DACAMERA debut at Miller Outdoor Theatre, Lakecia Benjamin – the 2024 JJA Jazz Awards Alto Saxophonist of the Year – will make her first jazz series appearance. The dynamic performer fuses traditional conceptions of jazz, hip hop, and soul. With three Grammy nominations for her most recent recording, Phoenix — for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, Best Instrumental Composition, and Best Jazz Performance — Benjamin is taking the jazz world by storm. 8 pm.
Sunday, January 26
POST Houston presents Lunar New Year Celebration
There are myriad ways Houstonians can celebrate Lunar New Year this weekend, from sampling Lunar New Year Entremet at Common Bond Bakery to a free live concert at Memorial Park’s Live Oak Court. POST Houston welcomes the Year of the Snake with a Lunar New Year celebration featuring lion dances, cultural performances, an Asian pop-up market, and more traditional activities. The celebration will be hosted by Washington Ho, from the max reality show House of Ho. 11 am.
Josh Johnson: The Flowers Tour
Josh Johnson is an Emmy-nominated writer, stand-up, actor, and NAACP award-winner from Louisiana by way of Chicago. He is currently a writer and performer on The Daily Show, and is a former writer and performer on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he made his late-night debut in 2017. Johnson’s most recent stand-up special, Josh Johnson: Up Here Killing Myself, premiered on Peacock. 1, 3 and 7 pm.
Art Factory presents Ninth Anniversary Celebration
Founded in the autumn of 2016, Art Factory exists to broaden the experience of the Houston arts community by offering multifaceted programming, developing new and original works and exploring uncharted artistic perspectives of established plays and musicals. At Art Factory's Ninth Anniversary Celebration, guests can enjoy Prosecco and signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres from Blazian Bites, performances from Art Factory's 2024 season, the announcement of their 2025 season, exclusive ticket offers, and a look behind the scenes. 5 pm.
Feed the Soul Foundation presents Heart & Soul Scholarship Dinner
Feed the Soul Foundation will host its inaugural Heart and Soul Scholarship Dinner. The event features Houston area chefs like Mark Holley (Davis Street), Chris Williams (Lucille’s), Emmanual Chavez (Tatemó), Patti Delgado (Ninfa’s), Shannen Tune (Craft Burger), and Dayanny DeLa Cruz, the first female chef to lead the food service team for Super Bowl LIV. Proceeds from the dinner will benefit Feed the Soul Foundation’s mission to provide a pathway of growth and sustainability to marginalized culinary businesses and students, through business development, education, grants, and scholarships. 5:30 pm.
POST Houston presents Lunar New Year Celebration.
