One of my goals for 2012 is to have more dates nights with my husband. Specifically nights out. The last weekend in January rolled around and we realized that we had yet to go on our date for the month. We’ve decided to amend our goal and just have date night on the couch. The rule was to turn off all other electronics. No computers, no smartphones. We couldn’t even watch a movie on the computer. I knew the temptation to check Twitter or my email would be too strong.
We had a really good time, just hanging out on our couch and watching movies. As a serial multi-tasker, I gave myself permission to do just one thing at a time. I enjoy the nice escape from our hustle and bustle of our lives. We ignored the toys strewn around our living room, grabbed some adult beverages, and curled up under a blanket.
Recently we ended up watching two Justin Timberlake movies. I was never a big fan of his music, but after seeing him on Saturday Night Live, I was really impressed by his talent. You can see that he loves what he does and he has fun doing it. That passion makes him a pleasure to watch. And he’s not bad looking either.
My husband and I love romantic comedies so we grabbed a copy of Friends With Benefits from our library. The premise is what happens when two friends agree to have a sexual relationship without strings attached. I’m sure many people have fantasized about this type of relationship. Sure what happens at the end is fairly predictable-it is a romantic comedy after all. Audiences expect a happy ending.
The chemistry between Timberlake and Mila Kunis was great, even during the sex scenes, which I imagine are quite awkward to film. The characters’ honest conversation with each other made the characters and situation very real. Kunis’character worries about the size of her breasts. Timberlake has to be given directions to improve his oral skills. It was fun, lighthearted comedy with very real, raw conversations about relationships. Don’t forget to watch the blooper reel afterwards.
For our January date night, we watched a preview copy of the sci-fi thriller In Time. I love science fiction. I read countless science fiction novels as a teen. I enjoyed the alternate world; how authors see our society in the future. I enjoy watching sci-fi movies almost as much as reading the books. In Time takes place in the not so distant future when time becomes the currency instead of money. Everyone stops aging when they turn 25 years old. Each person is allotted a year once they reach 25, but for the poor, that year never lasts long enough. Rent, groceries, even bus fare is paid for with time. When time runs out, that person perishes. That means people steal, fight, even kill for more time.
Timberlake’s character is one of these time-poor persons. One night he meets a stranger with a century of tie left, who gives it to Timberlake, then kills himself. Timberlake, using his new found time, attempts to take down the system that allows the elite time-rich to control society.
I thought In Time had a lot of potential. I was totally buying into the first half of the movie. It made me think of the Occupy movement, how the 1% controls most of the time in the world while the 99% struggle to live past 25 years of age. The movie loses focus about halfway through and turns into a futuristic Bonnie and Clyde movie. I guess that was the thriller part of the movie. For both hubby and I, the ending was very unsatisfying.
Tonight is another movie night for us. I have no idea what we’re watching, so I imagine we’ll spend more time than necessary browsing Netflix trying to find the perfect movie to watch. I kind miss my old days of walking in circles at our local Blockbuster, trying to pick out a movie. At least I got some exercise that way.
What are you watching this weekend? Any date night movie recommendations?
I received a copy of In Time for review. Friends With Benefits was borrowed from our library. This post contains affiliate links.