What I'm Streaming: In Your Eyes (2014), Netflix

Momma Told Me: True love is hard enough to believe without Vampires in the mix.

If I used the term 'Supernatural Romance' today, you might be inclined to think of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Edward and Bella (Twilight Series) or The Time Traveler's Wife (2009). Many of you may have a natural reaction to put down this article right now, to stop reading altogether. After all, even the most famous and beloved Paranormal Romance film, Ghost (1990) featured the deceased Patrick Swayze wooing his grieving girlfriend, Demi Moore. I have a hard time wrapping my head round vampires and ghosts in love- no matter how great the actors portraying the romance, it always comes off as cheesy. And that's precisely why In Your Eyes  (2014) is a refreshing twist to the Supernatural Romance genre.

Something that had previously been reserved for over-the-top romance novels and science fiction, this particular genre is used ever so cleverly on an impressively natural level. Paranormal, in this case, deals more with the exploration of the tangible bond between two people who have never met. That is to say, if you believe in the existence of soul mates you are already on board with the plot's notion that two people destined to be together could in theory sense that connection no matter their distance.

At 105 minutes, with a true cast of around 10 characters, In Your Eyes is  genuine romantic film dedicated to portraying the story and love of two people who being the film as seemingly strangers. The actors, who have had some sucess on and off screen in minor roles are brilliantly cast within the clever quirks of their own characters. Playing with the classic romantic notion of forbidden love, Rebecca is the affluent wife of a medical researcher wasting away her life at cocktail parties and fundraisers while her on screen counterpart, Dylan, is an ex-con struggling to find himself. However the true compulsion to watch comes from the unique connection these otherwise strangers discover.

It turns out both Dylan and Rebecca have in fact known each other, quite intimately, their entire lives. This discovery leads to a complicated and intense relationship between the two as they attempt to hold each-other up, despite the miles. While the tie that bonds them is a bit cheesy at some points the characters are quite endearing and the film will challenge you to smile, and even cry throughout it's ups and downs. The storytelling is shot beautifully, and it's not hard to find yourself falling in love with the characters.

One of the successes of In Your Eyes is the beautiful soundtrack (which I in fact purchased) that brings the characters and the plot through it's ups and downs. Twinbed's The Trouble I'm In is a haunting melody that so elegantly brings one of the film' most satisfying scenes to a climax while Eddie Ray's Glad I Found You helps steer one of the film's more playful scenes. The soundtrack is indeed as diverse as the emotions portrayed and the depth of each character is unmistakable as the viewer is helplessly drawn in.

I would love to suggest In Your Eyes as a Valentine's Day stream for you and your sweetie, though most cynical men will have a hard time latching on to a film that otherwise reminds me of The Notebook. Consider watching this with some girlfriends, by yourself as a guilty please, or with a teen daughter (there really is nothing graphic.) And I must add that leading man, Micheal Stahl-David is simply smoldering as the hopelessly awkward and unaware bad boy turned hero! In all, the timing for this Netflix release proved just right and I look forward to owning a physical copy soon!

What Daughter Says: Characters Rebecca and Dylan are soul mates at their best!

 

What I'm Streaming: Arrested Development Seasons 1-4 on Netflix

Momma Told Me: You can't always pick your family.


I've been working a lot recently, and trying to get the house transitioned for Fall, so having a binge show I can stream in short half an hour segments and follow along without being fully invested in is great. And that's precisely how I landed on the 'did they really just say that?' laugh-out-loud comedy, Arrested Development. Now, you may recognize this series from the early 2000's, as it was actually first put out by FOX for a 3 season run, until it was ultimately canceled. As it turns out, the show had an amazing cult following, in part thanks to the wide range of cameos and guest stars that appeared through the years. Luckily for those of us, like you and I, hopping on the bandwagon late, it was purchased by Netflix in 2013 and renewed for a new season!

Arrested development is Seinfeld (TV) meets We're The Millers (film, 2013); and not just because Julia Louis-Dreyfus is a recurring character. It's the story of a once wealthy family run to the poorhouse on the feet of a major political and business scandal. With the patriarch of the family jailed and in prison, the eldest and most responsible son is left to help keep the helpless, and arguably certifiable, family together and the company afloat. The characters are beautifully composed with such absurd flaws and exaggerated personalities one never quite knows what is about to unfold next. And, while the story has the greater arc of the family journey, each episode brings a new zany scheme or plot.

I'll admit, I never paid much attention to Arrested Development because I tend not to watch FOX programming (outside of Gordon Ramsay series,) as it tends to be overly crass and largely skewed. However, this particular show has such a supporting cast of core actors and recurring stars it's hard not to give it a chance. I suggest trying out the first 4 episodes before you cast a verdict either way- one of the things this show is brilliant at is recurring inside jokes and jabs that truly lend themselves to true comedy gems. What I find most fascinating, however, is how some of the original characters are portrayed by actors (Michael Cera, Mae Whitman) that were relatively unknown at the origin of the series and sprinkled amongst the big cameos of greats like Liza Minnelli and Henry Winkler.

Sadly, the first season is the longest, with the most recent ending at just 13 episodes- but this makes Arrested Development a quick binge. My best suggestion? Watch it with someone who will later get the many references and qoutes you'll likely be dropping. Several of the themes an challenges the family face are recurring and every time the outcome is hilarious. Thanks to witty writing, I might even give the series another go through down the line.

What Daughter Says: Not only will this show make you feel so much more fortunate for the family you have, but you're sure to appreciate the hilarious ways these characters seem to make things work!