Movie Musings: How To Be Single

I hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine's Day weekend. Wasn't it nice that the holiday fell on a long weekend (and school vacation week for some people)? 

My weekend was packed with Galentine's Day celebrations. On Saturday I had lunch with a group of girls at Painted Burro in Davis Square, followed by "How To Be Single" at the Somerville Theatre. Sunday evening I dined with a fantastic group of women at Post 390 in Cople Square and Monday morning I had a decadent brunch at The Breakfast Club in Allston with one of my besties. This Valentine's Day was all about great food with great people. 

It was ever so appropriate that I would go to see a movie called "How To Be Single," as I could write a handbook for that particular marital status. I saw a preview for the film during my rush to see all the nominees before the Golden Globes back in December and January. 

In case you haven't seen the trailer, the movie stars Dakota Johnson (of "Fifty Shades of Grey" fame) as Alice, a recent college grad trying to navigate the single life in New York City. Her older sister is played by Leslie Mann (Judd Apatow's wife in real life) and the role of Alice's best friend, Robin, belongs to "Pitch Perfect" superstar Rebel Wilson. 

In additional to the leading women, the movie has a potpourri of boyfriends past. Anders Holm a.k.a. Casey from "The Mindy Project," Damon Wayans Jr. a.k.a. Coach from "New Girl" and Jason Mantzoukas a.k.a. Steve (the pot dealing doctor) from "Transparent." 

Throughout the film I kept thinking how similiar the story arcs felt to the movie version of "He's Just Not That Into You." When the credits rolled, I noticed Drew Barrymore was an executive producer on this film (and she was for that film as well). Coincidence? I think not. 

"How To Be Single" delivers everything you expect from a romantic comedy - you laugh, you cringe, you cry. For me, the stand out relationship is between uptight Meg (Leslie Mann) and her dopey, but hopelessly devoted suitor, Ken (Jake Lacy from "Girls").

Of course Rebel Wilson provides her usual, over the top, hyper sexualized slapstick to each of her scenes. 

This movie is perfect for a girls afternoon out, especially when it's freezing outside! This would also make an excellent Redbox rental or Netflix stream. 

Right before the movie started, we saw the trailer for "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" starring Tina Fey and Margot Robbie. I will be seeing that one for sure.

Did you catch a movie this weekend? 

*Images courtesy of Movie Bandit, Front Row Features and Screen Rant.