Def Leppard: Rock of Ages (2005)

Netflix’s new comedy drama, Don’t Say Good Luck, is a heartwarming tearjerker as well as a love letter to the transformative power of being a theater kid. Directed by Julia Hart, Don’t Say Good Luck follows Sophie (Sunny Sandler), a theater kid who finally gets the lead role in her school’s production of Waitress - just as she finds out her mom Elizabeth (Melanie Lynskey) is dying of cancer. While the singing is by no means spectacular and Sandler’s acting is stiff, the film is grounded in the moving performance of Lynskey as a mother who wants nothing more than for her daughter to achieve her dreams, even if she can’t be there to see them.

This surprisingly clever romantic comedy perfectly balances genuine heart with wild reality television chaos. It is an uplifting and funny reminder that second chances and real community can show up exactly when you stop looking for them.

A trio of girls form a band and enter a singing competition together after learning they work best as a team.

One of my favorite aspects of My Movie Starring Paul Dano is its blend of illustrations and dream sequences within its mockumentary structure. As the script is written, we are shown how the movie Bear Naked Amazonians From Mars looks in Herman’s head, with all its retro b movie campy charm. 

The movie opens with an empty house, cameras pan around from the perspective of what viewers are confused about at first, but turns out to be a spirit living in the home.

Spoiler Warning