Fix: Bookish Rom-Com
Platforms: Peacock, Roku, Hoopla, Tubi TV, Redbox, Plex, Film Movement Plus, IMDb TV
Netflix Summary:
After guiding an author through a period of writer’s block and on to success, a publisher faces a new problem: His client is now too happy to write.
FYA Summary:
Jane Lockhart wants nothing more in life than to be a published novelist. But she’s not getting anywhere with publishers … until she meets Tom Duval, who takes a chance on her novel—and on her.
Familiar Faces:
Karen Gillan as Jane Lockhart
I’d like to think I’m pretty familiar with Karen, as I’ve watched all of her episodes of Doctor Who and Guardians of the Galaxy (the former at least once each, and the latter multiple times). The characters of Jane definitely leans more toward the Amy Pond side of that performance spectrum than the Nebula one: Jane’s quirky, dresses like she’s watched Annie Hall one too many times, and has a temper that’s quick to flare. And although I’m not an author, I can totally understand her anger when someone drastically messes with her “baby,” (i.e., her novel).
Iain De Caestecker as Roddy
I’m pretty sure my choosing this movie to watch was highly influenced by watching Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. earlier the same night and thinking about how much I adore Fitz. Roddy isn’t too far of a stretch from Fitz, too; he’s a little less book smart, but no less goofily charming. Plus, Roddy’s an English teacher, and tells his students some amazingly inaccurate things about authors in a fabulous “blink and you’ll miss it” kind of way. Who doesn’t love a cheeky joke about literature?
Gary Lewis as Benny Lockhart
Although Not Another Happy Ending is set in modern times, the role of Benny isn’t as far removed from Gary’s role as Colum MacKenzie on Outlander as one might think. They’re both stern father figure types, and are very sweet underneath their prickly exteriors—if you give them a chance to show it.
Henry Ian Cusick as Willie Scott
I’ll freely admit to not watching Lost when Henry played Desmond, so I don’t see the appeal. In my mind, he’s only ever played kind of a dickish guy who’s only out for himself, like Marcus Kane on The 100. (Yeah, OK, he got better in the second season. But he’s still kind of a jerk.) It was fun to hear his natural accent, however.
Amy Manson as Darsie
Had I not been watching this season of Once Upon a Time, I never would have recognized Amy. The role of Darsie is a small one, but Amy shines through the sarcasm and witty quips. I’m glad to have gotten to know her as Merida, too; I feel like she’ll be someone to watch in years ahead.
Couch-Sharing Capability: Low
There are some romantic comedies that work well in a group setting. Not Another Happy Ending isn’t really one of those movies. It’s a little slow, it’s a lot predictable, and not exactly that cheerful, even when it’s trying to be. The build-up of the romance is awkward, too; we never really get to see what it is about these two people that they find appealing about each other. It’s enemistry with no real chemistry.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: High
Stanley Weber, who plays Tom (and who I’ve never seen in anything else, which is why I didn’t include him in Familiar Faces, above), is—to be quite honest—really hard to watch. I’m not sure if the terribleness comes from him not acting in his native French, or if he’s just a terrible actor. I actually cringed a few times while watching him plow through his lines, and some of my favorite movies are in the Fast and Furious franchise. (Take that as you will.) I feel like I might have been able to overlook his terrible scenes and focus more on the other actors, who all did a pretty adorable job at their roles. Unfortunately, with only a cup of tea to keep me company, I kept getting distracted.
I also still can’t decide if he’s attractive, which is super superficial frustrating.
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: The Idea Is Right, But …
I love being able to watch movies on Netflix that I have a. never heard of or b. wouldn’t ever get a chance to watch otherwise. As Not Another Happy Ending is a small British film, and I do not live in Britain, nor am I all that familiar with the British film scene, it would have totally slipped my radar was it not for Netflix recommending it to me.
Sadly, however, this isn’t a case of finding a diamond in the rough. It was just plain rough.
