If there's ever a zombie attack or outbreak of some mutated virus that turns most of the population into blood-thirsty cannibals, we hope we don't survive because we're not equipped to kill the undead. Plus we've learned from movies that no one usually lasts too long. Who knows how many people will endure through The Divide, the latest entry in the post-apocalyptic genre, which follows a group of survivors fending for themselves after a nuclear attack in New York City.
The nine remaining apartment complex residents are fortunate to have access to the building's 1950s style bunker. But what transpires in the basement might be more frightening than what's happening outside. As they wait for rescue some turn to violence. Others turn to sex. But one man is able to stay sane with the thought of outlasting the others. See, there's always a silver lining, even after nuclear attacks.
The Divide stars a few familiar faces including Michael Biehn from The Terminator and Alien, Lauren German (the hitchhiker in the 2003 remake of Texas Chainsaw Massacre) and the forgotten Arquette sibling, Rosanna. The film premieres in Dallas tonight and kicks off this year's Midnight Madness film series at the Inwood Theatre, sponsored by the Observer. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors. The screening starts at 12:15 a.m., and the film screens again at midnight tomorrow. Visit landmarktheatres.com to purchase tickets. Here's the winter/ spring schedule for Midnight Madness:
January 20 & 21: The Room January 27 & 28: The Theatre Bizarre (Dallas premiere) February 3 & 4: Fast Times at Ridgemont High February 10 & 11: Rear Window February 17 & 18: The Ouija Experiment February 24: The Room February 25: Rocky Horror Picture Show March 2 & 3: Father's Day (Dallas premiere) March 9 & 10: The Princess Bride
A Sunny Place for Shady People Friday, January 13, at Fashion Industry Gallery Now that there's a casino game on everyone's smartphone, we're not sure how shady gambling is. We made a trip to Shreveport recently and did pretty well before the sixth whiskey and Coke, but maybe we can win big, or at least break even, at A Sunny Place for Shady People. It's gambling for a good cause as proceeds from the event benefit the Carson Leslie Foundation, which helps fund children's cancer treatments. You can play black jack, craps and roulette, and get there by 7:30 p.m. for the Texas Hold 'Em tournament. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Fashion Industry Gallery, and tickets are available for $75 at the door. Visit cflnd.ejoinme.org for more information.
Ruby Revue January Burlesque Spectacular Saturday, January 14, at House of Blues The ladies of Ruby Revue are always entertaining, and they're ringing in the new year with all the glitz and glitter-encrusted costumes you'd expect from the burlesque troop that Dita Von Teese adores. See Melissa Meaow, Ginger Valentine, Black Mariah and others perform the art of the tease, and learn how to shake those hips from belly dancer Alia at the January Burlesque Spectacular. The ladies start swinging their tassels at 10 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $20 for standing room and $40 for reserved seating on houseofblues.com. Standing room tickets are available for $22 at the door. Visit rubyrevue.com for more information.
North Texas Comic Book Show Saturday, January 14, at the Hilton Arlington Comic book collectors will be up early tomorrow for a chance to meet Texas native and comic book artist Sam de la Rosa, who created illustrations for the Venom and Spider-Man series. He's worked for countless comic publications including giants DC, Marvel and Disney. De la Rosa will be at the North Texas Comic Book Show at the Hilton Arlington, but he's not the only reason comic book junkies should attend. Collectors can snag issues of Captain America, Fantastic Four, Sin City and Venom, plus there's an auction for mixed boxes of comics. Admission is free to collectors before noon and $1 after that. The show runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit comicbooksdallas.com.
Artist Talk and Opening Reception for Lilian Garcia-Roig: Solid Fluidity Saturday, January 14, at Valley House Gallery and Sculpture Garden Some might consider the methods of Cuban-born artist Lilian Garcia-Roig to be "old school." She paints abstract landscapes, but she does so the old-fashioned way - painting her subjects on-site like Impressionist masters once did. Her paintings are explosions of color and interwoven brushstrokes that incite the viewer to examine them up close and from a distance. An exhibition of her works entitled Lilian Garcia-Roig: Solid Fluidity opens tomorrow at Valley House Gallery and Sculpture Garden. Garcia-Roig will discuss the collection in an artist talk at 5 p.m. tomorrow, and an opening reception follows from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Lilian Garcia-Roig: Solid Fluidity is on display through February 18. Visit valleyhouse.com.
12th Annual Mochitsuki Japanese New Year Celebration Sunday, January 15, at Fujitsu Network Communications A traditional Oshogatsu, or Japanese new year, activity is mochitsuki - the making of sticky rice cakes known as mochi. The process requires strong hands, patience and a couple of days of cooking, and you can learn how to prepare - and then enjoy -- this new year's treat at the Mochitsuki Japanese New Year Celebration. The whole family is invited to the annual celebration which also features performances from the Cherry Blossom Chorus, Dallas Kiyari Daiko and Daffron Kids Yosakoi Dancers. There are also calligraphy demonstrations, origami workshops and activities for the kids. The festivities start at 2 p.m. Sunday at Fujitsu Network Communications in Richardson. Tickets are $8, $5 for Japan-America Society Members. Visit jasdfw.org.
