Thought it was about time to bring back one of my favorite columns… Movie Monday. And I have my dear friend JohnJohn (and this weekend’s storm) to thank for today’s movie pick. Stuck in Love.

I will be honest. Judging on title alone, I would have passed on this one but I am so grateful I didn’t. This delightful little film traces the story of a family : John and Erika Borgens (played by Greg Kinnear and Jennifer Connolly) who have separated but still seem to love one another; Sam, the promiscuous daughter (played by Lily Collins) who has just received news that her manuscript will be published and Rusty, the loving son (played by Nat Wolff) who is a bit awkward and looking for self and love himself.

Greg Kinnear’s character is an accomplished novelist and thus his dialogue weaves in excerpts from some of his favorite works. The one that stuck with me most is the following: “I’m not sure what it is that compels a person to continue to play make-believe even after they are an adult. My favorite book is a collection of short stories by Raymond Carver, called “What We Talk about When We Talk about Love.” And in the closing line of the title story, Carver says, “I could hear my heart beating. I could hear everyone’s heart. I could hear the human noise we sat there making. Not one of us moved. Not even when the room went dark.” And I think, that is what writing is. It’s listening for that beating heart and when we heard it. It’s your job to decipher it to the best of our abilities.”

This movie reminded me of what it takes to make any relationship, whether parent/child, sibling, or lover, work. If you are looking for an easy, not-too-complicated plot line, I’d highly recommend Stuck in Love. Will restore your faith in relationships too, I promise!

There are a handful of movies I can watch again and again – Pretty in Pink, The Holiday, Away We Go, Kissing Jessica Stein and now I have a new one to add… The Way, Way Back.

While in Boston yesterday, I decided to indulge in one of my favorite Sunday afternoon city activities. That’s right, an afternoon movie at Kendall Square Theatre. And aren’t I glad I did. This film, featuring some of my favorite actors (Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Amanda Peet, Maya Rudolph and Allison Janey) tells the story of Duncan (played by Liam James), who is just trying to find his way after his parents divorce, a feeling many of us can relate to, I’m sure.

The setting for the movie is a small Cape Cod town, Wareham to be precise. While I could go on and on about the expert script written by Jim Rash and Nat Faxon, the heart-wrenching relationship between mother and son, and the introduction of one of the funniest characters written in quite some time, Owen (played by Sam Rockwell), I will just say, you must go see this film. And as an added bonus, the soundtrack is brilliant and features one of my old favorites, Edie Brickell. Take a listen.

The Way, Way Back has my vote for best movie of the summer, hands down!

What a festival! I always love walking around and feeling the buzz of creative and artistic minds on this little island. As I mentioned in last week’s post, the Nantucket Film Festival kicked off last Wednesday and ended today with the ”Audience Award” viewing of Life According to Sam and “Best of Fest” Twenty Feet from Stardom.

In total, I saw four films and I loved 3 out of 4. Not bad. I started out with Blood Brother on Wednesday night. This film tells the heartbreaking and inspiring story of Rocky Braat, a 20-something Pittsburgh male who leaves the states in search of self in India. During his early travels, he visited a center that served as an orphanage, refuge, school and care center for children with HIV. At this center, Rocky found home. The faces of the children will stay with you long after the film. A must see, in my book!

Next up Some Girl(s). I so wanted to love this film. And I so didn’t. The main character, played by Adam Brody, is never introduced to the audience by name, which I guess in the end is a good thing because he truly is one of the least likable characters I have seen in a film in a while. And the funny thing is, he isn’t suppose to be the bad guy. The film is about an author who is about to get married so he embarks on a nationwide tour to meet with some of his ex’s who he feels he still has some unresolved issues with. But these encounters, all in hotel rooms (strange) turn out to leave the women with even more unanswered questions. If you want to see a movie that will make you loathe the idea of relationships or that people can grown and change, I guess I would recommend this to you.

Since I clearly needed a cocktail after Thursday’s movie, Friday’s choice was perfect… Drinking Buddies. Loved, loved, loved this film. And I promise it wasn’t just because my all-time favorite guy, Jake Johnson (Nick Miller – New Girl) starred in it. It was just a feel good movie that made me realize that good guys do in-fact exist. And much of the film takes place at a brewery… win/win. Looking for a light-hearted movie to watch with that special guy in your life, rent this!

And lastly, I closed out my NFF 18 viewing experience with A.C.O.D (A Child of Divorce). And since I am a child of divorce, I found this film to be hysterical. And if you love Parks and Rec, you will be happy to know that both Adam Scott and Amy Poehler star in this film. Another must!

Now don’t forget to mark your calendars for next year’s festival – June 25-30, 2014. My countdown has already begun!