I'm not a snob when to comes to romantic tropes. I don't discriminate: the more outlandish the better, and I love them all. Every beat might be as familiar as the back of my hand, but my attitude is: bring it on again. It's even better when there are little refreshing updates to beloved romcom plots, like in the new Netflix movie Love at First Sight. This unimaginative title promises the most smarmy movie experience ever, but it turns out to be a tender, warmhearted, romantic story about different kinds of love, fate, and the bravery it takes to embrace it all. (I tried to make this episode spoiler-free, but if you're good at picking up clues, you might want to watch the movie first).https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comFor once a really good trailer that communicates the fun and irresistible romance of this movie but doesn't hint at the emotional plot points at the center of the story. Gold stars all around.And for those who appreciate a really good spoiler synopsis (whoops, Oliver didn't miss his flight, Hadley joined him on his —insert googly heart eyes here in place of my brain).The script is co-written by Jennifer E. Smith, based on her YA romance The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight. The entire cast is delightful.I certainly don't agree with all opinions in this movie review, but one thing I do agree with: Haley Lu Richardson needs to star in more romcoms."Do people really meet and in moments simply know they're meant to be? New evidence suggests: Yes, they do." Psychology Today on the phenomenon of love at first sight.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

Is it Halloween yet? If it's getting cooler where you live, too, let's brew some tea or pour some hot chocolate or hot cider and snuggle on the sofa with two of the most atmospheric, painterly, creepy yet oddly feminist and romantic movies I've ever seen. CW: brief references to marital physical abuse and graphic 19th century medical techniques.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comA ghostly figure, an escapee from the local asylum, a forced marriage to a violent lunatic, and an intrepid woman who insists on wearing trousers while she's solving the mysteries: this creepy limited series, based on the classic 19th century novel by Wilkie Collins, has  it all. If you're into romantic suspense, don't miss The Woman in White. The 1948 version is a  delicious, edge of your seat creepfest as well.Oh this trailer for The Essex Serpent makes me want to start watching it all over again. Look at those mysterious, gorgeous, painterly shots! The music is so eerie and evocative, too. It's based on the award winning, best-selling novel by Sarah Perry.Watching the trailer for The Beguiled made me realize that Colonel McBurney comes into the house carried by the women, and leaves the house the same way. The Beguiled is full of luscious symbolism and gorgeous fairytale shots that lull you into a false sense of security, which only ratchets up the suspense.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

I'm a huge fan of the films of Nicole Holofcener, and her latest is another lo-fi, funny, thoughtful story for anybody who's ever tried to make a romantic, platonic, sibling or parental relationship thrive. Is it ever okay to tell a little white lie to the people we love to spare their feelings? When is it okay to fib a little? Do blunt honesty, the unvarnished truth, or our brilliant but unsolicited opinions make people feel appreciated and loved, or is the truth a little more complicated?confessionsofaclosetromantic.comThe intense intimacy, affectionate humor and heartache of You Hurt My Feelings is a gorgeous emotional smorgasbord.An interview with writer/director Nicole Holofcener (not "holofcenter,"  as I said in the episode :(."The problems at the center of “You Hurt My Feelings” may seem insignificant from the outside, but when they happen to you, they’re seismic." A fantastic review of the film by Christy Lemire.So exactly how should we give constructive criticism to someone we love? Some actionable tips here. Julia Louis Dreyfus does a beautiful job of acting out emotional flooding in this movie.In case you have an artistic friend or lover: Pixar's 7 essential steps to giving creative feedback.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

Ever since I first saw 1959's Gidget rerun on TV, I thought surfing and beach culture looked like the most fun you could have all summer. I might be an outsider still but my surf crush continues with every surfing movie or documentary that comes along, and the crazy-sexy fictional or real-life characters who make riding multi-story ocean waves look like a beach picnic. How could you not fall in love?https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMoviesThe one and only Gidget, the story of the "beach generation." Moondoggie's right: there is no next best thing to love!For many, Point Break (1991) with Keanu Reeves is the ultimate rush — and surfing movie.  I prefer the technically impressive 2015 remake: it's an irresistible band of brothers story with romance and a bunch of gorgeous, knuckleheaded, uber-talented adrenaline junkies who have you rooting for them from word go. The trailer alone gives me a stomachache!"This is more than about surfing — it's about the choices you make in life." Chasing Mavericks is a feel-good story about found family, the roles we're sometimes given, and the passions that make all of us tick.Supposedly, it's a "teen drama" set in a surfing town in Australia, which is why I even started watching Surviving Summer, but I got sucked right into the clever script, acting, editing and gorgeous production values.Blue Crush is the ultimate summer surf-and-sand romantic drama.DocumentariesThe Endless Summer (1966) is the granddaddy of surfing documentaries, and it's totally groovy.The "girl gang" in the new 4-part documentary Surf Girls: Hawaii are barely into their 20s and yet so impressive, wildly talented and completely awesome.The sound design, pacing and incredible surfing skills and photography on display in the multi-part documentary 100 Foot Wave keep you on the edge of your seat.One version of the Ozaki Eight based on the Point Break remake. It's definitely one way to "honor the power of the ocean." But I'll need to celebrate the ocean from the shore, on a beach blanket.Find surfing oral histories, podcasts, virtual tours and more at the Surfing Heritage and Cultural Center online.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

Summer is kicking my butt, and I desperately need to chill. Let's celebrate Christmas in July and enjoy a replay of one of my favorite episodes, about one of my favorite classic holiday movies: the romantic and spiritual The Bishop's Wife, starring my movie boyfriend, the dashing and debonair Cary Grant. This story is the gift that keeps on giving: what if a gorgeous angel came down to earth to answer a bishop's prayers for guidance, giving him not what he wants, but what he needs, while falling in love with his earthly wife, making her feel appreciated, and charming the whole community as well? I can watch this movie at any time of year--it's always comforting, bringing back the coziest feelings of the chilly winter holiday season.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

It's almost reunion season — translated into stories, that theme seems to always include unrequited love and crushes, frustrated ambition, embarrassing attempts to impress, reliving lost youth, and shattered dreams. Some are dramedy, some straight-up drama, but reunion movies have one thing in common: characters whose pasts collide with the present in endlessly fascinating ways. And the plots nearly always involve a search for connection, romantic or otherwise. CW: explicit descriptions of sex acts, references to suicide, adult themeshttps://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comTV Show How to describe the first season of the anthology show The AfterParty?! Take one part Colombo, a dash of Magnum PI, a jigger of the most charming and cynical  British whodunit, more than a smidge of Knives Out,  the hilarious, streetwise, no-BS attitude of Tiffany Haddish set against an afterparty hosted by a celebrity for their high-school reunion, and you've got it.MoviesThe dancing in the kitchen! The deep affection! The musical beds! Reminisces and lost hope! The Big Chill captured a mood and a time, and the soundtrack and ensemble of gorgeous, talented actors was a big part of that."We can go to the reunion and just pretend to be successful!" Their simple plan goes gloriously haywire in Romy and Michele's High School Reunion. Personally, I think this movie has become a modern classic thanks to the deliciously sarcastic Janine Garofalo, the daffy performances of Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow as Romy and Michele, and this interpretive dance scene. The soundtrack is a perfect time capsule as well.The Royal Tenenbaums isn't nearly as precocious and precious as Wes Anderson's later films (which I happen to love) and maybe he's an acquired taste. But the quirky intellectual Tenenbaum children are supposedly influenced by characters in JD Salinger novels, and that makes them fascinating to me. I wouldn't want a reunion with this family, but they sure are interesting to watch.This Is Where I Leave You starts with infidelity and siblings reuniting to mourn the death of their father, but that that doesn't prevent them from thrashing and fighting their way through some absurd, emotional situations. The script is subtle and quietly funny, leaning on the excellent ensemble cast to bring it home, and do they ever. It reminds me of another excellent reunion film, The Family Stone, which takes place at Christmas, with siblings trading partners —unexpectedly of course, for maximum dramady. I'm so not the demographic for raunchy comedy like Zack and Miri Make a Porno but I laughed out loud throughout this movie. Elizabeth Banks and Seth Rogen do such a beautiful job of anchoring the amusingly outrageous friends to lovers plot in their affection, and eventual love, for each other.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

This minor Woody Allen film asks a really pertinent question for a romance podcast: do we fool ourselves by looking to the stars, horoscopes, psychics or fortune tellers to comfort and convince us that love is out there waiting for us? Or does this harmless belief in destiny help us survive a harsh and often cruel world?  While possibly making us very annoying to friends and family? Gemma Jones is the sparkling center of this quietly humorous and often emotional movie about holding onto your own brand of spirituality and belief in unseen forces that just might influence your romantic future — as everyone else's romances crumble around you.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comAs usual the trailer for You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger doesn't quite capture the playful, bright, sharp yet affectionate mood of this movie, and so much of that is due to its amazing actors."Experts say when accountability looks like individuals deciding whether they want to watch a movie or not, that isn't much justice at all." Excellent opinion piece on the complicated life of Woody Allen set against the cultural #metoo movement. "I'm blue collar — I finish a movie, sit around for a couple of days, and think: what the hell am I doing? It's boring. And I start working on something else."  Woody Allen answers reader questions for Time magazine.A nice interview with Lucy Punch on developing the sex worker character Charmaine in the movie.And finally, an interview with the amazing Gemma Jones on how she landed and developed her starring role — she was the emotional center in Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility, and she is very much the emotional center of this movie, too.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

I'm taking a closer look at two emotional and exhilarating romantic LGBTQ love stories to celebrate Pride Month. These movies are very different in tone, but are equally heartwarming and visually exciting, with incredible performances. I laughed, I cried, I danced and sang along, and you can't ask for a better celebration than that.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comSupernova has a quiet confidence that lulls you to its poignant, inevitable conclusion, but its melancholy sadness doesn't detract from the grace and beauty of its love story."We're from Broadway!" Enough said. An inclusive DIY prom hosted by Meryl Streep and an incredible cast with buckets of twinkle lights, rainbow tablecloths, and fabulous music and dancing? Who could resist? Here's your invitation to The Prom.The Prom movie is top-notch frothy yet meaningful entertainment, from the direction and production to the music, lyrics, choreography and incredible performances. Here's more information on the writers, producers, full cast and crew of this impressive collaboration.I can't get enough of this song.Ariana DeBose has been making quite a name for herself on Broadway, too. She kicked off this year's Tony Awards with the most amazing, jaw-dropping opening performance.Background on The Prom (the Broadway musical) with the story about the real student the movie and show are based on.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

It's difficult to describe the tone of this bawdy, outrageously gigglesome medieval romcom: it's played straight, for laughs, while deeply subversive, satirical and quietly hilarious, just like its 14th century source material, The Decameron. The brilliant comic acting and directing maximize the satire, connecting ancient social norms with current religious, sexual and gender politics. The result is quietly magnificent. CW: kink and sex, religious satirehttps://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comY'all! I cannot tell you how many times I've reread the Elizabeth Lowell medieval romance trilogy series. "Simon the Loyal has vowed never to love, for love makes a warrior weak..."The Decameron, Vols. I & II (English translation) are available free as downloadable ebooks on Project Gutenberg.Decameron Web, a project maintained by Brown University, is chock-full of interesting facts about the book and its text: its inspiration, the Italian culture surrounding author Giovanni Boccaccio, the motifs and themes of the allegory, and a fascinating look at sex and the clergy during medieval history.This corny Virgin Territory trailer emphasizes the bawdy farce and clergy gone wild of this 2007 romcom, also based on The Decameron. It looks like a soft porno about the Black Death, but seems equally randy if that's your mood.As usual The Little Hours trailer really doesn't capture the complex tone of this movie, so let's take a look at a few scenes.John C Reilly's face throughout this scene makes the whole thing. Well that, and Dave Franco's innocent yet hilarious way of describing 69 and jizz kink to a priest.Parts of this movie could be described as Sisters Behaving Badly and no one behaves worse than Aubrey Plaza in a habit. She's a reluctant, eye-rolling bride of Christ in the most hilariously inappropriate way in this scene, poking fun at cloistered clergy's isolation, sexual repression and fear of the secular world in medieval culture.A fun interview with Seth Meyers and Dave Franco where he describes his wife Alison Brie's reaction to his threesome scene in the movie. Oh yes ladies and gentlemen, it's a hot one. Very little consent, sadly, but very hot.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

Bros was a bit of a box office disappointment, but it's a fabulously funny, honest and sexy gay romcom. Fire Island may have gotten there first by also showcasing an entirely LGBTQ cast, but when it's about romcoms this good, everybody's a winner. We're finally hearing different voices in Hollywood (not enough), and seeing a diversity of people (not enough, but going in the right direction) experiencing on-screen romance and love, and it's about damn time.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comFire Island is another funny, sexy and pioneering gay romcom. I covered it last year. At last! A really fantastic trailer that captures the vibe of the movie! Billy Eichner talking about how he came to write this movie.The anatomy of that hilarious picnic in the park scene.How Sleepless in Seattle influenced the Bros movie score.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

What more could be said about witty, gorgeous George Clooney? For a long time now, George has been a worthy modern day Cary Grant, with all of the bantering sexy suave of that classic film icon. But I've noticed in more recent roles that George is moving into his rumpled cargo shorts phase (with just the slightest potbelly, still ridiculously attractive) as he adds more and more father figure roles to his hot little filmography.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comMoviesThis vintage trailer makes Room for One More sound like a sexually charged romp with the parents of a family of young kids, which it really isn't (thankfully). Though a desperate Cary Grant craving alone time with his wife for some private adult fun is quite the subtle and sexy subplot.There's some icky sexist late 1950s patriarchal stuff in Houseboat but it doesn't take away from the chemistry between luminous Sophia Loren and gorgeous Cary Grant, who fall for each other as they team up to care for his motherless children.Penny Serenade is a romantic melodrama that punches all of the right buttons, a story about a couple (Irene Dunne and Cary Grant) who can't get pregnant and decide to adopt a baby, with all of the struggle and heartbreak — and joy — that follows. The child who plays their daughter is insanely adorable.Out of Sight is one of those amusing action-packed sexy capers that succeeds because of the fantastic ensemble acting and lively direction. As the two unlikely romantic leads, Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney —and director Steven Soderbergh —knock it out of the park. This movie is still memorable more than 25 years later.Much like the Rat Pack original, the Ocean's Eleven remake is packed to the rafters with stylish, sexy, attractive actors projecting that super-fun-when-it's-fictional alpha male energy. George Clooney, as the insanely handsome, smooth, cocky and confident con man ringleader, is at his peak here.The sad yet funny tone and deep themes of The Descendants coupled with the low-key, authentic performances and Hawaiian music underscoring the emotion, turn this movie into a quiet masterpiece. A young Shailene Woodley won awards and industry recognition for her portrayal of George Clooney's daughter Alex.Ticket to Paradise is completely predictable but also surprising in some ways, with amazing chemistry between the romantic leads and the excellent ensemble cast, which is how all good romcoms should be.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

The only romantic breakups I "enjoy" are fictional ones, especially if the couple makes up after learning something valuable about themselves and their partner. Nothing better than romantic reconciliation, but sometimes the healthiest outcome is going our separate ways, and we often discover that our best romance is with ourselves. Romcom realizations like these are much easier and neater to achieve on film, and that's probably why I love screen stories like these.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.com/Movies Begin Again is a quiet little film about artistic integrity and one woman's awakening to the romance she has cultivated with herself--- and who doesn't love Adam Levine in one of his first film roles as Keira Knightley's rockstar boyfriend?It's hard to believe that the writer of Thor: Love and Thunder (Jennifer Kaytin Robinson) wrote and directed the sweet, warm Someone Great. I fell in love with Gina Rodriguez in this movie, and the trio of leads turn this into a charming story about the importance of friends in any life transition, especially romantic endings.I loved every single second of I Want You Back and I shipped the pairing of Jenny Slate and Charlie Day from word go — as friends, as lovers, no matter what, I just wanted them to be in each others' lives. Even if they did act out pretty outrageously.Is there anything sexier and cuter than John Cusack in his prime? Is there anything more hilarious than Jack Black as a supporting actor in pretty much any movie?! As far as I'm concerned, High Fidelity remains a romcom classic. And it was shot in my hometown, too.Yes we've seen a similar romcom before (Before Sunrise) but the inventive way that Rye Lane is constructed — from the story structure to the editing and sound design —plus the setting and absolute charm of the leads, make this a refreshing, unexpected take on the trope.I think two of the most emotional,  philosophical and authentic movies ever made about lost romantic love are La La Land and 500 Days of Summer.Cosmopolitan magazine has rounded up 39 of the best movies to help you get over even the nastiest break up.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

Warning: major gushing ahead! In this episode, I'm taking a look at the new two-part documentary Pretty Baby, all about the life and career of Brooke Shields. I think it's safe to say she was my first girl crush, and I still adore her. She's had a charmed but often difficult life, full of exploitation and some abuse, and has come out on the other side with her intelligence, sense of humor and groundedness intact. She's a survivor, and for that I admire the hell out of her. CW: emotional trauma, abuse of power, alcoholism, sexual assault.http://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comThe trailer for the Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields documentary on Hulu.Brooke Shields tells Vogue the story behind her iconic 1980s Calvin Klein Jeans ad campaign.Yes it's corny but I really enjoyed Suddenly SusanHow I loved and adored Lipstick Jungle and will never get over its cancellation. Never!Brooke Shields' book, Down Came the Rain, is about her experience with postpartum depression. She has also written a memoir about her relationship with her alcoholic mother, and some children's books.Just take a look at all of the acting roles this woman has done in her life!Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

You know what would be fun? A trip to a planet where women's pleasure is a priority, and the fluidity of relationship styles, sexual orientations and identities is embraced at all times! In other words, let's journey into the candid documentary series Planet Sex with Cara Delevingne, hosted by the supermodel turned actress and LGBTQ+ icon, documenting her personal and educational exploration of all things surrounding identity, sexual pleasure, romantic connection and why we feel how we feel as sexual beings. https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comThe official trailer for Planet Sex on Hulu."Doing the show just opened me up to so much... Advocating is one thing, but being a part of the community and enjoying and celebrating your own queerness is different. I feel like I did that for the first time, and it was amazing...And it’s not just being queer; it’s being proud of who you are as a person, no matter how you define yourself." Excellent interview with Cara Delevingne in Variety on the launch of the show earlier this year.Erika Lust is a Swedish filmmaker who has been a female-gaze erotic film director for almost 20 years. You can find interviews with her and trailers for some of her work here.Skirt Club is an international "exclusive all-female community for empowerment and sexual discovery" that sponsors events in cities around the world.A brief glimpse at some of Cara Delevingne's movie roles (I love her acting).Excellent article on how to explore your sexual or gender orientation or identity. Exploration is good!Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

It's part two of our exploration of sad romances. This time, we look at the Tony award-winning Broadway musical Hadestown, which is--like Moulin Rouge--based on the ancient myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. I look at another ill-fated Depression-era love story, Ironweed, and another tragic art vs. romantic love story, The Red Shoes. And Oz, The Relationship Coach, stops by to give us some tips on handling heartbreak. All I can say is: have tissues nearby.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comGuestsFollow Mariah Cotnoir on Twitter and Instagram @marcootsOscar Adrian is a relationship coach specializing in relationship break ups.  Follow him on Twitter and get his post break up roadmap here.ShowThe incredible original Broadway cast recording of HadestownClips from the Broadway show Hadestown.The Hadestown cast performs a lo-fi NPR Tiny Desk Concert.A wonderful animatic on the song "Any Way the Wind Blows" from HadestownMoviesGet your Kleenex out: the Ironweed trailer.The entire  "He's Me Pal" scene from Ironweed, complete with heartbreaking twist.The famous British filmmaking partnership The Archers made The Red Shoes, among many influential movies, and it set the bar for ballets choreographed for the screen, including Gene Kelly's An American in Paris. The 1948 Technicolor is glorious. Watch the full movie here.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

Sometimes all you want is a good cathartic cry, especially if it's over love and heartbreak. In this two-part episode, I'm joined by romance writer and fellow heartache aficionado Mariah Cotnoir to explore two tragic love stories full of romance, beauty and much-needed personal growth. We've all been there —if we're lucky —and despite the pain, romance is still the best game in town, whether in lived experience or the movies.https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comFollow Mariah on Twitter and Instagram @marcootsThe classic Moulin Rouge trailer.KT Hawbaker article about Moulin Rouge's roots in ancient mythology. Another fantastic movie about the tragic sacrifices often required of an artistic life, especially for women, is The Red Shoes (1948). This lush Technicolor film is peak classic Hollywood romance. Watch the full movie here.More about the Bohemian movement throughout history.The fascinating background of the Nature Boy song.A love story to rival all others.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

I'm back with fresh episodes featuring slightly offbeat romance, just in time for Valentine's Day :-) First up, a conversation with Jennifer Howell, the producer and cohost of the Every Rom Com podcast about the romance, drama and fun of reality dating shows. She's obsessed with them and I'm not at all, so exploring the format and culture of these shows was fascinating. And I learned that we both think intellectuals are hotter than gym rats (they really are).https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comJennifer cohosts the smart Every Rom Com podcast, which takes a look at a wide range of rom coms and romantic movies through fun facts, trivia, a feminist perspective and bubbly spontaneous conversation. You can find their archive, including our discussion of the classic movie White Christmas and their discussion of the movie Singles, here.Follow the podcast on Instagram @everyromcom and Twitter @everyromcompod Shows:Love ConnectionElimidateLove IslandAre You the OneTerrace HouseLove is Blind Naked AttractionWe didn't have time to talk about Sexy Beasts, the goofiest, most bizarre idea for a dating show, which turns out to be pretty adorable.Rock has its supergroups, Netflix has its supershows, combining fan-favorite singles on one big cringe sounding reality dating show.Jennifer mentioned:Singled Out, the cult dating show, co-hosted by Jenny McCarthy, that ran from 1995-1998 on MTV. There have been a couple of reboots since then, including one in 2020 hosted by Keke Palmer. The vintage show hit some major decibel levels but the energy could only be described as manic fun.Back in the Groove the hot post-40 dating-and-sexual-fantasy come to life.Dating shows that celebrate couples of all ages. 13 LGBTQ+ reality dating shows and where to watch them.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

My final rerun this month is one of the spiciest episodes I've ever done — it's story time for adults. So if you like your romance sizzling hot and kinky, put the earbuds in and enjoy!Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

I'm taking a tiny break this month to plan ahead and I'm re-running some of my favorite episodes from last year. First up, Bedroom Therapy, featuring the sexy and heartwarming movies Good Luck to You, Leo Grande and The Sessions (check out the original episode for more information on my guests and show notes).https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comSupport the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!

I am starting the year as I mean to go on, celebrating another mainstream movie, much like Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, that is focused on womens' capabilities, wishes, desires and pleasures. And not as a subplot, but central to the action. I think it's a very auspicious start to the new year. May this tiny trend continue!https://www.confessionsofaclosetromantic.comIt's their job to iron and mop and give orgasms—in whatever order the customer demands. Luckily none of this is illegal. They checked. The ensemble acting of How to Please a Woman is one of the best aspects of this sweet little ride of a movie. I think this review gets it right—a solid three stars. This movie might not be about the most earth-shattering sex, the most titillating banter or Instagram-perfect moments, but it is about seeking out the sex life you deserve, in any form, starting right where are you are.I was a bit unfair to The Full Monty in this episode —it's a similar enjoyment for sure, but there's something about a movie described as "crowd pleasing" that rubs me the wrong way—like knowing you're going to get smoothed sanitized stereotypes rather than some earthy authentic moments. I think How to Please a Woman balances it well. Not too shocking but not ready for Hallmark either.Support the showIf you enjoyed this episode, please click share in your podcast app and tell your friends! Thanks for listening!