Way back in March, I had the intention of starting a series of Netflix recommendations (click here to see the first set of picks!) and while it was one of my more popular posts on here, I never followed up with more picks. But that is all about to change today because I have three more picks for you and they are all movies by the famous director/screen play writer/ actor/ producer, Quentin Tarantino! If you are familiar with his movies, then you know that they can be dark, yet funny..and slightly gory. If you aren't familiar with his movies then you should read these recommendations, open up Netflix, and get watching.

Kill Bill, Vol 1 & 2

 via Netflix

Plot in one line: An assassin goes after her boss and his other employees after she is left for dead on her wedding day.

Thoughts: I would have to say that these two movies are my favorites of Quentin Tarantino's. Uma Thurman plays, "The Bride" a kick-ass assassin who stops at nothing to get revenge. She is a powerhouse in this movie and you are rooting for her every second to finish her revenge. As cheesy as it may sound, what I liked most about this movie is how much girl power there is. Other assassins are played by strong women like Lucy Liu, Vivica A. Fox, and Daryl Hannah. 

Just a warning: There are a lot of fighting scenes in these movies with swords, and you can imagine the kind of gore that can come from that...

Mood to be in to watch: Ready to go to the gym afterwards because you'll want to start training to be in as good of shape as Uma Thurman is in this movie.

My Rating: 5/5

Django Unchained

via Netflix

A freed slave, Django, and his unconventional bounty-hunting companion, Dr. King Schultz, travel across the west seeking out Django's wife, all while cleverly capturing outlaws. 

Thoughts: You know how earlier, while writing about Kill Bill, I said that they were my favorite Quentin Tarantino movies? I decided, after writing the one line summary of this movie, that I can't actually pick a favorite because they are all so freakin' good. This movie is in the style of an old western and I remember being skeptical of that upon my first viewing when it came out in theaters. But by the end of the movie, I was completely hooked and since then, I have seen it numerous times over. Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz play a duo that will make you smile, all while acting out a plot that can be unsavory at times. Leonardo DiCaprio plays a large role as an evil plantation owner. Seeing these three powerful actors work together is incredible and if that doesn't sell you enough...Kerry Washington (Olivia Pope on Scandal), play's Jamie Foxx's wife. SOLD!

Just a warning: There are a few hand to hand fight scenes that are hard to watch and there is one scene that I always have to shut my eyes for. 

Mood to be in to watch: Be ready to hate Leo for the first time in your life. 

My rating: 5/5

Reservoir Dogs

via Netflix

After a heist goes awry, a group of robbers have to figure out which one is the police informant. 

Thoughts: This is Quentin Tarantino's first film which automatically makes it a classic in my book. It is interesting and funny, but also has a storyline that jumps around so it is not a movie that you can watch while doing your nails/scrolling through Instagram/cooking dinner all while having a phone conversation with your mom about how to make said dinner. I feel as though this is a movie where just as there is nothing happening, there is actually everything happening...I know that doesn't seem to make sense, but just watch it and then maybe you'll understand (or just think I am wrong!) 

Just a warning: You might never think the same again when you hear "Stuck in the Middle With You"

Mood to be in to watch: Ready to focus on the plot and the characters because there are a lot of them!

My rating: 4.5/5

While I know his film style and plot lines won't be appealing to everyone, I am hoping a few of you are able to enjoy these picks! If you've seen all of them already and are a fan of Quentin Tarantino, he has a new movie coming out on Christmas Day called The Hateful Eight. (Check out the trailer here!) John and I can't wait to see it, and it already has some Oscar buzz surrounding it!

Let me know if you've seen any of these movies before and your thoughts on them!

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??