Dave Vs. Hollywood Makes its Texas Debut at SAFilm - Review
From Audition Rejections to Hollywood Absurdity, 'Dave Vs. Hollywood' Hits All the Right Notes Heading into the Texas Premiere at SAFilm.
I first saw “Dave Vs. Hollywood” prior to the world premiere at Dances With Films: Los Angeles (‘Dave Vs. Hollywood’ Makes its World Premiere at DWF:LA - Interview) and interviewed co-star Vincent Spano and executive producer, writer and director Brad Dickson to discuss the comedy. Now the film is making its Texas premiere at the San Antonio Film Festival (SAFilm) on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
“Dave Vs. Hollywood” feels like a mix of “Fear of a Black Hat” and “L.A. Story” with a healthy dose of Robert Townsend’s, “Hollywood Shuffle.” It’s a smart, self-aware mockumentary that skewers the entertainment industry while never losing sight of the people chasing their dreams.
Preston Tyler Ward stars as Dave, an aspiring actor who moves to Los Angeles with talent but no connections. After auditioning without success, he decides the traditional path isn’t working and embraces an “anything goes” approach to getting noticed. He joins AA to network, joins Scientology to make industry contacts, considers donating a kidney to an aging movie star for a role and even leaves his headshot on cars outside a studio executive’s funeral. Every bad idea somehow feels believable in a business where timing and luck often matter as much as talent.
Dickson’s inspiration came from wondering about the actors who were almost cast in iconic television roles but missed out because someone else got the break. That idea becomes the foundation for a hilarious satire about the randomness of Hollywood and the lengths people will go to for their shot.
Somehow, Ward makes Dave and easy to root for even when his plans spiral into ridiculous territory. Chloe Paige Flowers is terrific as Jennifer Z. Parker while Vincent Spano brings exactly the right tone as the interviewer. Gregory Standifer, Brianna Ripley, Josh Hooks, Eric Roberts as himself and Eric Himel round out a cast that keeps the laughs coming without ever feeling overplayed.
When I spoke with Dickson and Spano at Dances With Films: Los Angeles, we talked about bizarre audition stories, getting ghosted by casting directors and creating a mockumentary that reflects the reality of trying to break into the business. That authenticity is part of what makes the film work so well.
Whether you’ve worked in the entertainment industry or have simply wondered what aspiring actors go through, “Dave Vs. Hollywood” is an entertaining, sharply observed comedy that delivers plenty of laughs while reminding us that making it in Hollywood often comes down to equal parts talent, persistence and luck.
“Dave Vs. Hollywood” will screen on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
To purchase tickets for “Dave Vs. Hollywood” visit: https://relaytix.com/event/dave-vs-hollywood.
“Dave Vs. Hollywood” screens at:
Gunter Hotel (3nd floor - T.C. Baker Room)
205 E Houston St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
4.5 out of 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½