Fort Worth's skyline sits motionless behind the Worthington Renaissance Hotel. Several of the city's businesswomen and female entrepreneurs meet at the hotel's rooftop theater for a photo shoot. Adirondack chairs fill the space in neat rows across lime-green turf, a reminder that this is the Rooftop Cinema Club's territory most nights.
Movies can connect people, help them relax, and inspire them, so their favorites say a lot. Which movies speak to the women gathered at the Worthington? These seven Fort Worth businesswomen share answers that might surprise you.
Rebecca Slemmons, Prime Life Pilates
What movie taught you an important life lesson, and how has it impacted you?
"The Bucket List had a big impact on me. The male leads help each other complete tasks and come to terms with their lives and choices before they die. The underlying message is that life is short, so use your time wisely. I want to travel, travel, travel as much as I can. To see the world and experience new things. It's also important to mend relationships."
If your life story was a film, what genre would it be, and who would play you?
"Definitely a comedy starring Sandra Bullock."
How do you balance work and personal time? Any favorite films that help you unwind?
"I have a good work/life balance. The studio keeps me busy 7 days a week, but I still find time to go out with family and friends. The list is long, but my top 5 movies for unwinding are Tootsie, Bridesmaids, Legally Blonde, Miss Congeniality, and Overboard."
If you could host a movie night for your customers or team, what movie would it be and why?
"Dirty Dancing, Something's Gotta Give, or maybe Magic Mike! My members are the best! They come from all walks of life, life stages, ages, and fitness levels, and everyone supports each other. These movies would be enjoyable for all, even the men!"
Is there a movie that reminds you of your family or childhood and why?
"Childhood movies include E.T., Star Wars, and any of the Brat Pack films. Oh, I can't leave out Grease. I saw that movie 20 times and had the book and album. I loved these movies for the same reasons everyone else did. They were truly iconic and transported me into their worlds at the click of a button. The cheapest travel mode I know!"
Angie Herdman, Intentional Itineraries
What movie taught you an important life lesson, and how has it impacted you?
"Dodgeball taught me that persistence and adaptability are key to all success. Early in the movie, a character advises, 'If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.' Life will throw wrenches your way. I have had to adapt, work hard, and overcome tough challenges. I've surrounded myself with a loving, supportive team, and always remember the 5 D's of Dodgeball: Dodge (know when to step aside), Duck (it is ok to get out of the way and let situations pass right by), Dip (sometimes you need to change your thinking. Two truths can exist at the same time), Dive (go for it!), and Dodge (keep going even when you get hit)."
If your life story was a film, what genre would it be, and who would play you?
"It would be a comedy with heart—a mix of humor, adventure, and overcoming challenges. After watching it, I want you to feel inspired and hopeful. I'd want Reese Witherspoon to play me because she embodies confidence, charm, and that perfect balance of sophistication and fun. I think Reese also has the vibe I want my business to have. Luxury and casual fun."
If you could host a movie night for your customers or team, what movie would it be and why?
"Wine Country reminds me so much of my group of girlfriends. We laugh until we cry, support each other through everything, and occasionally get on each other's nerves— like true friends will. My favorite scene from the movie is when a character at the wine tasting says, 'I taste canned peaches.' It's such a great reminder that life isn't about always getting things right but about enjoying the moment, having fun, and making memories with the people who matter most."
Tracy Vaughn, Zeeba Salon
What's a movie that's impacted your outlook on life?
"Dead Poets Society. The 'Carpe Diem' philosophy resonates with me. At Zeeba Salon, I encourage my team to embrace their creativity and confidence, as Robin Williams's character did with his students."
What kind of movie would your life be?
"A satirical comedy starring Melissa McCarthy. Unpredictable moments and laughter dominate my day, and my internal commentary would create an entertaining script or an unforgettable narrator."
What's your salon's ideal movie night film?
"Steel Magnolias. The movie is about fierce female friendships, and their brand of strength and humor lives in my salon daily."
Kathryn Longbottom, The Art of Grazing, LLC
If your life story was a film, what genre would it be, and who would play you?
"I am an action/thriller/exciting movie person through and through (not many rom-coms make my movie list). So I'd have to say an action movie! I'm unsure who would play me, but some of my favorite actresses of the moment are Anya Taylor-Joy, Florence Pugh, and Amanda Seyfried."
How do you balance work and personal time? Any favorite films that help you unwind?
"This balance is always hard, especially because I have two young girls who are 5 and 1, and my husband works out of town often. I love browsing through new movies and planning one night a week to sit down, shut off my computer, and relax with a glass of wine. Wicked was my most recent choice - it was incredible."
Is there a movie that reminds you of your family or childhood and why?
"The Harry Potter movies! My sister and I saw almost every film at the midnight screening. We truly grew up with those movies, so I love having them on in the background during the holidays for a nostalgic, cozy vibe."
Dawn King, Dawn King Law Group
What movie taught you an important life lesson, and how has it impacted you?
"I know everyone expects me to say Legally Blonde. While I did have a dog named Bruiser, and pink is totally my power color, the movie that most impacted me is A Time to Kill. Matthew McConaughey's integrity and determination to stand tall and fight for what's right is something I can feel in my bones. His closing argument gives me chills every time and reminds me to speak up for others who can't always speak for themselves."
If your life story was a film, what genre would it be, and who would play you?
"Definitely a hilarious drama with a lot of surprising plot twists. Think My Cousin Vinny meets Bad Moms. Kate Hudson could be amazing as me. She is relatable and can play a businesswoman in a male-dominated world effortlessly. She also isn't afraid of a challenge and can say something in a way that makes people laugh and stop dead in their tracks simultaneously."
How do you balance work and personal time?
"A balanced life is an unrealistic expectation that women try to carry around and make things appear easy. The truth is every day is different. You just show up daily and figure out where you're most needed. Some days, I feel like a rock star, but others, I don't know whether I'm coming or going. Luckily, I have amazing people standing beside me at work and home that help me successfully maneuver through the good and bad days."
Lisa Mertz, LMNT Dental
What movie has influenced your work ethic?
"Remember the Titans. It's all about unity and perseverance, which I strive to bring to LMNT Dental daily. The movie showed the importance of hard work, overcoming adversity, and the power of a team. My team and I face challenges in dentistry, but by supporting each other, we create an environment where our patients feel cared for and valued."
Who would play you in a biopic?
"Kate Hudson. Life has ups and downs, but laughter and love make every twist worthwhile. Her characters often exude joy, resilience, and a little bit of humor, which is exactly how I approach life and my career. I try to lead with kindness, enjoy the little moments, and not take things too seriously."
What's your office's perfect movie night pick?
"Tooth Fairy, of course! It's lighthearted and family-friendly, which is perfect for our patients. It adds a fun and playful perspective to dentistry and reminds people that even something like a trip to the dentist can be a positive experience. Plus, it's a great reminder that even the most unexpected challenges can become moments of growth and joy."
Carly Morris, ECM Gems
What movie taught you an important life lesson, and how has it impacted you?
"One of my favorite movies, Stick It!, taught me that just because something has always been done a certain way doesn't mean that it's the best or only way for it to be done! This movie also taught me that standing up for others and what's right will always be better than coming in first place."
If your life story was a film, what genre would it be, and who would play you?
"If my life were made into a movie, it would be a dramedy (a combination of a drama and a comedy) and I would love to have Margot Robbie play me! My life has definitely had some hilarious moments, but it has also had some deep moments that have shaped me as a person."
How do you balance work and personal time? Any favorite films that help you unwind?
"I balance my work and personal life by scheduling weekly social and family activities. I have lunch with my dad every Wednesday and exercise every Monday with my mom. I hang with my Mahjong girls and my golfing crew, too. Getting out with people I love is the best way to leave the inherent stresses of running my own business behind. One of my go-to movies if I need to decompress is Miss Congeniality. Girl power and a few good belly laughs can remedy any stressful day!"
If you could host a movie night for your customers or team, what movie would it be and why?
"We would watch Ocean's 8. There are some gorgeous pieces of jewelry in that movie, and the cast is full of boss babes. Who wouldn't want to watch an action movie filled with powerful women after a $150 million diamond necklace?"