Movie Review

Oscar-winning director visits WWII era in melodramatic film Blitz

Elliott Heffernan and Saoirse Ronan in Blitz.

Photo courtesy of Apple TV+

The horrors of World War II are 80+ years in the past, yet they remain a fascination for many filmmakers. The latest film to tackle the era, Blitz, is centered around the German Blitzkrieg air raids on London in September 1940, but uses a more personal story to illustrate its impact.

Rita (Saoirse Ronan) lives with her 9-year-old son George (Elliott Heffernan) and her father Gerald (Paul Weller) in the lower class neighborhood of Stepney, but no one in the city is immune from the bombs being dropped by the Germans. The government has opened up some of the Underground (aka subway) tunnels for residents to use as bomb shelters, but the haphazard nature of their availability leads Rita to send George to safety in the countryside to protect him.

George, who is biracial, experiences racist abuse on the train, and instead of remaining with the other children to their destination, he jumps off and tries to make his way back to London. Meanwhile, Rita is doing her best to keep her mind off of George’s absence, working at a munition factory and volunteering at a bomb shelter, not knowing that George has put himself back in danger.

Written and directed by Steve McQueen, the film should be one that elicits emotions relatively easily, with ordinary people dealing with the effects of war and a mother separated from her only child. And while all the elements are present, there’s that certain something missing that leaves the story somewhat uninvolving. McQueen makes you want to see George make it back safely and for Rita to be reunited with him, but there is a degree of sentimentality that’s missing from the film as a whole.

Instead of going down that road, McQueen puts a big focus on the racism and bigotry experienced by various people in the film. Flashbacks give a sense of what George and his dad, Marcus (CJ Beckford), went through prior to the war, and Ife (Benjamin Clementine), a warden who tries to help George find his way home, encounters it multiple times while just doing his duty. While McQueen’s point that people of color still had to endure acts of hatred in a time when people should have been coming together, his methods of showing it are often heavy-handed.

Still, the film is well-made and remains visually engaging throughout. The combination of practical sets and CGI put the viewer right in the middle of the bombed-out London, and there are few missteps with how the city is presented. And even though the main mother-son story is only lightly effective, the trials and tribulations that each go through individually are interesting and occasionally suspenseful.

Ronan is a fantastic actor who might get nominated for an Oscar yet again for her other recent film, The Outrun, but this role pales in comparison. Whether it’s because the 30-year-old is a bit young to be fully believable in a mother role or because of the storytelling missteps, she’s merely good instead of great here. Heffernan does a solid job in his film debut, reacting ably to McQueen putting him through his paces.

Blitz joins the seemingly never-ending well of stories from World War II, and while it doesn’t succeed as mightily as other notable war films, it never becomes anything less than watchable. The family story at its center could have been more heartfelt, but McQueen is still a great filmmaker with a flair for visual composition.

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Blitz is now streaming on Apple TV+.

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Merry and Bright

Where to see the most stunning Christmas lights in Fort Worth for 2024

Photo courtesy of Lightscape

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Fort Worth is decked out and dazzling with Christmas lights for the 2024 holiday season. They're no longer just light "displays," but full on "attractions" - animated drive-thrus, immersive walk-through experiences, fun parades, and more.

Here is our guide to the most spectacular Christmas lights of 2024 all around Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Bookmark this list and check back often; like a holiday gift list, it will grow and grow as more events are unveiled through the season. And for a list of best lights in Dallas, head here.

Immersive and walk-through experiences

Lightscape, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, November 22-January 5
For the third year, Lightscape illuminates the Fort Worth Botanic Garden with newly reimagined light displays and installations along the longest path yet. New features include a Texas section complete with the Texas Flag, Texas Nutcrackers, Gingerbread Walk, Christmas Cacti, and even more Bluebonnets, as well as the international debut of installations including a Fountain Show, Night Birds, Lampshade Bouquets, Floraison, and “Airquairium” Fish Sculptures. Open on select nights, entry from 5:30-8:30 pm. Tickets vary by day: $12-$26. Parking: $25.

Christmas at Gaylord Texan, Grapevine, November 15-January 5
The Gaylord throws a Texas-sized holiday extravaganza that includes larger- than-life holiday décor and state-of-the-art light elements, a 54-foot-tall rotating Christmas tree, and 15,000 sparkling ornaments. Plus snow tubing down frozen slides, a Cirque holiday show, ice skating, gingerbread features, and more. The Grapevine resort’s signature ICE! Experience will feature 2 million pounds of ice carved into Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-themed sculptures (adults $28.99; kids, $19.99). For a complete rundown of events, scheduling, tickets, and more, visit the website.

Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas, Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, November 22-December 29
A new immersive event from the creators of the popular "Enchant" light maze illuminates 55,000 square feet of holiday light sculptures featuring larger-than-life, interactive Coca-Cola-inspired vignettes to walk through and explore; plus ice skating, a snow slide, falling snow, visits with Santa, caroling, seasonal treats, special themed nights, and more. Open select nights, as early as 4:30 pm and as late as 11:30 pm; check the calendar for hours. Tickets: $14-$35; free for kids up to 3.

$Coca-Cola\u2019s Classic Christmas, Enchant$ Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas is destined to be the Instagrammiest destination of the holiday season. Photo courtesy of Enchant Christmas

Six Flags Holiday in the Park, Arlington, November 24-December 31
Six Flags Over Texas will transform once again into a winter wonderland featuring more than 2 million twinkling lights, festive shows, Santa’s Village, the Holly Jolly parade, a light show area, concessions, and much more. For ticket pricing and schedule, visit the event website.

Daystar Christmas, Daystar Television Network, Bedford, November 28-January 5
Daystar Christmas features over 2 million lights in interactive displays, a life-sized Nativity, kid-friendly Christmas Town, Christmas light maze, and more. Guests are welcome to get out, explore, take photos with Santa, and eat — Daystar’s Scratch Café will be serving holiday treats on certain days throughout the season. The whole event is free and runs 6-11 pm nightly; for schedule and more information, visit the website.

Tianyu Lights Festival, Texas Trust CU Theater in Grand Prairie, November 8-January 19
A new immersive lantern and lights festival tells the story of Koda, a 7-year-old boy as he explores the magical rainforest of Caballococha, Peru. As guests wander through the light show, they can piece together Koda’s adventure, capture photographs, uncover clues, and win prizes. The experience includes 19 immersive scenes with larger-than-life lantern sculptures that depict vibrant plants and animals, crafted from metal, steel, fabric, and LED lights by skilled artisans. There are also nightly performances by acrobats and folk performers, food, beverages, and souvenirs for sale. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 5:30-10:00 pm. Tickets: $16-$35.

Drive-thru attractions

Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, November 28-January 5
Texas Motor Speedway hosts its annual drive-thru holiday lighting spectacular around the track. The 45-minute experience includes over two miles of light displays, with almost 3 million lights and displays. 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth. Hours: 6-9 pm Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 pm Friday-Saturday. Tickets: $35-$60 per vehicle (buses, limos, RVs welcome).

The Light Park, Arlington, November 1-January 5
A mile-long, drive-thru spectacular that takes guests through millions of lights – including “the longest light tunnel in the world” - synchronized to a music mix by DJ Polar Ice. Two DFW locations: Riders Field in Frisco and Hurricane Harbor in Arlington. 5:30-10 pm (weekdays), and 5:30-11 (weekends). Admission per vehicle: starting at $29. Unlimited season pass: $159.

Radiance at the Ranch, Weatherford, November 22-December 28
The four-year-old drive-thru event at the Parker County Sheriff's Posse is a "cavalcade" of 2 million sparkling lights and lanterns animated to favorite holiday tunes across a two-mile path. 2251 Mineral Wells Hwy., Weatherford. Hours are 6-9 pm Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 pm Friday-Saturday. Tickets (on sale November 5): $29.95-$49.99 per vehicle.

Radiance at the Ranch: A Holiday Light Spectacular returns to Weatherford. Photo courtesy of Radiance

Prairie Lights, Grand Prairie, November 28-December 31
Visitors drive through a dazzling 4 million lights set along two miles of path at Lynn Creek Park. Hundreds of displays in shapes of all kinds line and arch over the roads. New features for 2024 include a re-imagined animated tunnel and lighted forest, expanded light installations viewable from the line, and new themed installations along the drive. Concessions and photos with Santa are offered in the Holiday Village at the halfway point. 5610 Lake Ridge Pkwy., Grand Prairie (detailed directions here). Open nightly 6-10 pm (or until park reaches capacity). Admission: $50 per car, $149 “fast pass” available on select nights. Note: Sneak-A-Peek 5K Run and 5-Mile Walk take place November 23-24.

ChristmasTime in Texas, Joshua, November 28-December 27
The 35-acre Christmas light park is filled with hundreds of displays spread a mile-and-a-half. A tent event includes Santa, vendors, concessions, and more. 5801 County Road 904 Z, Joshua (near County Road 904 & Chisholm Trail Parkway). Open nightly, 6-10 pm. Admission: $35-$85; small motorhomes and shuttle buses allowed. (Sneak peek walk-through event: November 16; Horse and rider day: November 23.)

Commercial displays

The Modern Lights, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, November 29-February 9
The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth dresses up for the holiday season by illuminating the trees around their campus with twinkling lights. Passersby can experience a stunning display, and guests can also visit the museum galleries for free until 8 pm on Fridays. A special Dinner with the Modern Lights takes place each Friday, and First Friday at the Modern events are held every first Friday of the month.

Modern Lights, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth presents Modern Lights. Photo courtesy of Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Historic Main Street, Grapevine, November 25-January 7
The Christmas Capital of Texas' historic downtown Main Street shines bright with thousands of lights and holiday events. It all kicks off with the 36th annual Carol of Lights on November 25 (see below). Then comes the Parade of Lights on December 5. In a little holiday lights twist, there are free Merry & Bright Christmas Drone Shows (December 2 and 9). For a self-guided lights tour, start at Grapevine City Hall, 200 S Main St., Grapevine, park, and go from there. Consult a complete schedule of holiday events on the website.

Christmas at Campo Verde Mexican Restaurant, Arlington, ongoing through January 2025
It's rare for a restaurant to make a "best Christmas lights" list, but this spectacle deserves a listing. Enter for the Tex-Mex food (don't miss the white queso dip), stay for the 120,000 lights, 3,000 yards of colorful garland, 50 Santa Clause figures, 30 Christmas trees, and two model trains that chug around the restaurant. Just be prepared for a wait of two hours or more at peak times. Find it at 2918 W Pioneer Pkwy. Arlington.

Shows, parades, and special events

GM Financial Parade of Lights, November 24
The annual GM Financial Parade of Lights will brighten up the streets of Downtown Fort Worth for its 42nd year, marking the City of Fort Worth’s official kickoff to the holiday season. The parade features members of the Texas Rangers baseball team as Grand Marshal, along with floats, vintage cars, horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, carolers, and more. Per tradition, the parade will conclude with a special appearance from Santa and Mrs. Claus on the specially designed, LED-lit, grand finale float.

The annual GM Financial Parade of Lights takes place in Downtown Fort Worth on November 24. Photo courtesy of Parade of Lights

Carol of Lights, Grapevine, November 25
Grapevine - the “Christmas Capital of Texas” - will light up its Historic Downtown Main Street at the 36th annual Carol of Lights, 4-8:30 pm. Instead of their traditional tree lighting, the event will feature a Street Lighting at 5:30 pm, illuminating the entire length of Main Street into a magical holiday wonderland. The free come-and-go event will include live performances, interactive activity zones, seasonal treats, live reindeer, snow hills for sledding, and Santa’s entrance at 6:30 pm.

TCU Tree Lighting, TCU campus, Fort Worth, December 3
The lighting of TCU’s 50-foot tall Christmas tree will take place 6:30-8:30 pm in the TCU Commons. The evening will include refreshments, SuperFrog Santa, fireworks, and concert performances. The free event is open to the public (note there's a clear bag policy). For a map, parking information, and more, visit the website.

Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place, Fort Worth, December 7-8
The gorgeous historic homes in Ryan Place, a grand Fort Worth neighborhood, get illuminated in spectacular fashion all season, as do the long walks that lead up to them. The 40th annual Candlelight Christmas in Ryan Place home tour takes place December7-83, but these stately homes will stay illuminated through the holidays. Tickets to the home tour are $25-$30.

Fairmount Festivus Holiday Light Tour, Fort Worth, December 14
Homes in the historic Fairmount neighborhood of Fort Worth show off their holiday creativity in this decade-old tradition. Event-goers will get the Festivus map to guide them through a night of merriment. The family-friendly event is free and runs 6-9 pm, beginning 1100 Hemphill St.

Arlington Holiday Lights Parade, downtown Arlington, December 14
Parade-watchers can gather in the downtown/university district to watch brightly lit floats parade down the street, then stay for the official Christmas tree lighting. Don't miss pics with Santa both before the parade and after the tree lighting. The free, family-friendly event starts with entertainment at 3 pm, and the parade begins at 6 pm. Find the route and more information are here.

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