BOOK

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (Gallagher Girls Book #2) by Ally Carter

Yes, I’m aware that I’m telling you to read the second book, when you might not have read the first one. But quite frankly, if you haven’t read any of Ally Carter’s books you should probably spend the rest of your quarantine jumping on that. I love all her books, but this one is my absolute favorite. After last semester, Cammie Morgan just wants a peaceful semester. Too bad that’s kind of hard when you attend a school for spies. It’s even harder when mysterious guests arrive that aren’t everything they say they are. But, it’s hardest when you might be crushing on your enemy.

FILMS

Classic: Brazil (Amazon – Trailer)

How do I explain this movie?! It’d be completely futile to try to summarize the plot because it’s a dark dystopian satire that takes place in a hyper-bureaucratic future, but it’s so fun! In a really nutty, unbelievable way. Jonathan Pryce is a hero in his dreams but wakes up each day to the monotony that is his living nightmare. He’s led down a spiral of crazy while investigating a case for work involving Robert De Niro.

Comedy: Booksmart (Hulu – Trailer)

I am personally giving you permission to stop what you’re doing (“working” from home) and watch this movie. Booksmart is an inclusive and progressive high school comedy about two academic overachievers, Amy and Molly, who realize months before graduation that they have completely missed out on the “special” moments of their teenage years. From its stellar cast and witty dialogue to the danceable soundtrack, you’ll want to watch again and again.

Romance: Beyond the Lights (Amazon – Trailer)

I’m surprised how few people have seen this movie, especially all my fellow Love and Basketball fans. Beyond the Lights is the story of Noni, the world’s latest music superstar. When her fame pushes her to the edge, she meets Kaz, a young cop and aspiring politician. You won’t be able to take your eyes off their chemistry as they navigate their steamy romance through their extremely different lifestyles. Still not convinced? It stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Nate Parker with Minnie Driver and Donald Glover. Let me know when you watch, I need someone to discuss it with!

Drama/Romance: Romeo + Juliet (Amazon – Trailer)

So it has come to my attention that some people (cough Jacqueline, cough my mom) have never seen Baz Luhrmann’s R + J, which is quite frankly borderline offensive. I’m a Shakespeare nerd, because of this movie (which probably makes my 12th grade English teacher horrified). It has everything: epic fight scenes, incredibly specific, yet timeless locations and costumes, a flawless soundtrack, the most perfect Queen Mab speech, and of course Leo as Romeo. When I was 13 and saw this for the first time, I was absolutely devastated that he was too old for me. However, at 25, it’s safe to say I’m now officially too old for Leo, which might be more devastating.

Dramedy: Secondhand Lions (Starz – Trailer)

There isn’t a single time where my brother and I reunite and don’t quote this movie. Haley Joel Osment is trapped for the summer with two distant uncles, Michael Caine and Robert Duvall. Sent by his mother with the mission to uncover the whereabouts of their secret great fortune, the two men consider Osment a giant nuisance and burden on their lifestyle. Over time, everybody warms up to each other, creating an unexpected bond that lasts a lifetime. One of my great joys is watching the bar fight scene where Caine narrates Duvall beating up 4 greasers.

TV SERIES

Hollywood (Netflix)

It’s the show everyone in Hollywood is talking about, how weird! Whether you loved it, hated it, or not sure how you felt about it, Hollywood will transport you to Ryan Murphy’s 1940s fantasy film production. Beyond the incredible ensemble cast (Darren Criss, Jim Parsons, Samara Weaving, Laura Harrier, Holland Taylor, Queen Latifah) the show raises this important question, what if Hollywood had been a haven for marginalized voices rather than a club shutting them out?

Dead to Me (Netflix)

Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini? Screen legends. When Christina’s husband is killed by a car, Linda befriends her and then MOVES INTO HER GUEST HOUSE. The two become thick as thieves after knowing each other for less time than it takes me to boil an egg, respectively. Shortly after, some secrets are revealed that put the friendship under strenuous light. Secrets bigger than, say, the babysitter’s dead. Anyone? No? I’ll see myself out.

PODCASTS

Harry Potter at Home Readings

Looking to keep children at home amused? Rereading the series, but looking for something new? Finished reading all your favorite fanfictions? Boy, does Pottermore (now known as Wizarding World) have the thing for you. Every week, a new friend of the Potterverse is going to read a chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Philosopher’s if you’re of the UK persuasion). First up, the boy who lived, himself – Daniel Radcliffe.

MUSIC

Queen (Jacqueline)

My Mother’s Day playlist for the queen herself, s/o @MammaMo

thirty (Madison)

The playlist from one of those instagram song challenges

Someone Great (Sohany)

I rewatched this movie over the weekend and wow what a soundtrack

TWITTER

If you loved Hollywood like we did, check out the cast’s finale watch party on Darren Criss’ Twitter

“Well that was fun, if not a bit of a ME overload… Thanks for stickin with me and for watching @hollywoodnetflx! Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there, shoutout to #MomsLoveHollywood ! If you still want more, catch my pals over at https://t.co/qLkSWnDEqQ Stay safe n snug!”