Netflix Picks #1: Independent Girly Comedies

I've been thinking lately about a series I could incorporate into this blog that I could really get into. So I was thinking..."Meghan, what is something you feel like you could offer great advice about?!" And then it hit me. MOVIES. I have always been obsessed with watching movies and learning about the actors/actresses in them, the meanings of them and the production. I love discussing movies and recommending them (or not!) to my friends and family. I just think there is something so magical about losing yourself in another story for an hour and a half. 

I love all kinds of movies, and I am not one to shy away from any genre. So from now on (if you'd like!) I will be incorporating reviews of random Netflix movies that I have watched recently. Over this break, I have been in the mood to watch a lot of independent, girl lead movies. Let's take a peek!

Not Another Happy Ending

via Netflix

Plot in one line: In this British rom-com, the main character successfully writes a best-selling novel but runs into trouble with her second novel as she is suffering from a severe case of writer's block. 

Thoughts: I really really wanted to like this movie because I am obsessed with England (and all products from England) so I thought I would just love this movie. However the story line, while promising, just doesn't flow together seamlessly and I just found myself checking often to see if I was near the end. I feel like the actors/actresses had a lot more potential and I felt left hanging in some scenes. I would have to say that my favorite part was the end, not because I was happy to see it over, but because it was clever. Although this isn't the happiest review, I am glad I watched it because it was very pretty...the actors/actresses and the set up of the scenes especially!

Mood to be in to watch: Patient, as this is a slow movie. 

Food pairing: Any baked good and a cup of tea!

My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Save the Date

via Netflix

Two sisters struggle through the ups and downs of long and short term relationships.
Thoughts: I picked this movie because I like Lizzie Caplan (Mean Girls!) and Allison Brie (Mad Men, The 5 Year Engagement), and thought they would be an interesting contrast on screen. They definitely played opposite characters but did so while portraying a true sisterly bond...meaning they loved each other, but don't always see eye to eye! What I liked most about this movie was how easy it was to understand the characters. While I didn't find them necessarily relatable, I was able to get a feel for their mindsets and put myself in their shoes. I wouldn't call this a must-see, but one that is worth watching if you have the time!
Mood to be in to watch: Willing to explain to your non-rom-com-loving S.O. that this is not a rom-com that will make them want to pull their hair out.
Food pairing: Tacos
My Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Girl Most Likely

via Netflix

A New York woman fakes her suicide to gain attention from an ex-boyfriend, only to wind up back with her unconventional and quirky family in New Jersey. 
Thoughts: This plot line did not follow what I had predicted whatsoever! I initially chose it because its been recommended to me on Netflix for a while now, and then I thought "hey, it has Kristen Wiig, so its got to be okay, right?" Overall, I liked this movie because it made me laugh out loud and it felt like a late bloomer coming of age story...and who doesn't love a coming of age story?? Some parts I found to be comfortably uncomfortable, and was squirming in my seat with secondhand embarrassment. However, I believe that the best movies are the ones that give us great feeling...even if that feeling is embarrassment!
Mood to be in to watch: Definitely a good GNI (girls night in!) movie
Food pairing: Fried dough
My Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Let me know if you've seen any of these and if you would like more Netflix reviews! Also, can we laugh about how similar the second and the third pictures are??