Romance movies on Netflix!

I am a huge fan of romance novels and movies. Yeah, sure, I'm really into sci-fi, fantasy, super heroes and all that jazz, but I also have an extreme love for romance stories. In fact, I'm working on my first romance novella, hopefully to be published soon.

So imagine my joy when I found that Netflix was releasing several original romantic comedies and dramas!

There have been quite a few this year, but I want to talk about my two favorites.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society

Sure, the name of this movie doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, this one is a MUST watch. Lily James, who you may recognize as the star of the Mamma Mia sequel, or the Cinderella remake, plays a writer in post-war London. She starts a pen-pal relationship with a sheep farmer from the island of Guernsey, who found her name and address inside of a book he purchased used. Guernsey was occupied by the Nazis during WWII, so some of the residents who were out too late after curfew claimed they were in a book club to avoid trouble. But they continued on with their literary society, and James' character arrives later to write a story on them, and of course find her place in the world. 

It is absolutely delightful, and the UST (that stands for unresolved sexual tension for those who don't live the fandom life) between the two main characters is on fire! 

To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Lara Jean writes a letter to every boy she falls in love with (five to be exact) and keeps them in a closet in her room. Her sister finds the letters and mails them. Shenanigans ensue, especially when heartthrob Peter suggests they fake date to make his ex jealous and Lara Jean can avoid her sister's ex-boyfriend following up on the love letter he received. 

This movie was great from start to finish! I especially loved Lara Jean's fear of driving, because that was 100 percent me as a teenage girl. In fact, I identified with that character quite a bit! Check out this movie if you get a chance. 

And coming soon...

Perhaps the biggest news that came for me this summer though was that Shonda Rhimes is producing a TV series for Netflix based on the Bridgerton series of romance novels by Julia Quinn. This is so exciting because Quinn is my favorite romance writer, and the Bridgertons are amazing. I absolutely CANNOT wait. 

Give it to me now, Netlfix. :) 

I watched The Meg for my son

The kids are back in school, and as long as I follow Movie Pass' strange schedule, I can catch a movie here and there during the day.

I had a couple of choices of films to go see, but I chose The Meg because my kid begged me too. Now, I know this seems weird that I would base my choice for MY alone and recharge time on something my son wants, but he is too young to see that movie and he is obsessed with monster movies and sharks. So I went.

It was pretty much what I expected - an over-the-top action movie that was highly entertaining. I mean, OF COURSE the only way for them to get the tracker in the shark is if Jason Statham swam out alone close to it.

But overall, it was a fun time. I laughed, I jumped, I did not cry. And my children made me narrate the movie to them word for word.

Movie Pass

So maybe purchasing my Movie Pass on the annual plan wasn't a great idea, but I'm hoping the company keeps limping along at least until school starts. I can't really go to movies much during the summer.

I'm kind of their idea customer, because I don't use my Movie Pass that awesome right now so I am costing them zero money. And when school starts I will probably go to one movie every week or two.

I need to see 15 movies to make my money back, hopefully I make it!

Starting my annual MoviePass subscription

I signed up for an annual subscription to MoviePass for my birthday. Why? Because I love movies and having one is a nice excuse to treat myself to one from time and time.

For those of you not familiar to the program, you buy a monthly, quarterly or annual pass (depending on what types of deals they are offering when you sign up) and you can see a movie every day. You cannot see more than one movie in a day, and you can not see repeat movies.

My therapist asked me during a session what I like to do for fun. I have a special needs child and haven’t done a great job on emotional self-care lately, AKA finding time for myself to unwind. Since going to movies by myself when my husband can be home with the kids or they are in school is a great way to spend two hours in which no one can talk to me, she encouraged me to do this more.

I’ve only gone to four movies with the pass so far. Check in has bee very easy and I have experienced no problems. I’ve also seen movies I wouldn’t have spent the time or money to see in the theater, but have enjoyed just the same.

I don’t know if the business model of MoviePass is sustainable over a long period of time, so I’m going to see as many movies as possible in the next year or for as long as I can. I need to see at least 15 movies to break even on my cost – no problem.

So overall, I call the plan a win. I will update more as things progress!