Movie Review: Rye Lane
Rye Lane is a heartwarming British romantic comedy about finding love again when you least expect it, and that’s the most relatable thing I have seen in a while.
While Rye Lane is in the romcom genre, it definitely steps outside the typical romantic comedy comfortable box of knowing exactly what is going to happen. I’ll be completely honest as a romcom aficionado I thought the direction Raine Allen-Miller, who by the way is making her feature directorial debut with this movie was nuts for not following typical romcom protocol. But instead of me being upset by it, I’m actually taken through a wave of feelings and emotions and ended up enjoying the journey she took the movie on.
How long is Rye Lane?
Rye Lane clocks in that only 82 minutes, which means every minute of the movie counts, and no second can be wasted. Director Raine Allen-Miller does a wonderful job of never wasting a second of the movie, and you see that right from the beginning because, within the first couple minutes of the movie, you’re introduced to the leads.
It all starts in a bathroom
You arrive three months ago when Dom’s (David Jonsson) six-year relationship ended, and it didn’t end well. Which is definitely relatable for a lot of viewers. Dom is attending an art show, where he eventually finds himself having a good cry in the gallery’s gender-neutral bathroom, again we’ve all been there. In the bathroom is where he is soon interrupted by Yas (Vivian Oparah).
You guessed it, the bathroom run-in leads to a conversation in the gallery, which leads to a continued conversation as the two walks through the Rye Lane market area. Before the two know it they are spending the full day together. And that’s something else the newbie director also did, was have Rye Lane take place during the day, we don’t see that concept used in romantic comedies very often—I personally really enjoyed that aspect.
Dom and Yas’s conversations about relationships and life, in general, didn’t feel all that unique. They definitely felt very real, though, which is sometimes something we don’t want in a movie but truly need.
What is Rye Lane?
Not only is Rye Lane the title of the movie, but it’s an actual place in London. And the fact that Allen-Miller used Rye Lane and South London areas as the actual backdrops for the movie, and didn’t just fake it was a huge bonus. Plus, by using Rye Lane and South London she was able to sprinkle the movie with vibrant colors and modern art, which truly made for a unique visual aesthetic.
What I liked about Rye Lane
Allen-Miller uses various camera angles including distant and fisheye which you don’t really see anymore, but I truly loved in Rye Lane. Rye Lane is a romantic comedy with two charismatic leads, packed with chemistry, offers creative visuals, and comes with a short runtime to boot. It has the quintessential framework for a romantic comedy that you never knew you needed, and you can’t help but want to watch it again as soon as it ends. Good thing Rye Lane will be premiering on Hulu Friday, March 31st so we can all watch it again once it ends.
Overall Thoughts About Rye Lane
I honestly have already watched it twice and will watch it again Friday, March 31st when it premiers on Hulu. Rye Lane has me wanting to take a trip to London and just experience the culture more than I have ever wanted to before. Plus, if Rye Lane is just the beginning for Allen-Miller I am THRILLED to see where she goes from here because she knocked this one out of the park!
Rye Lane premiers on Hulu Friday, March 31st, and I can’t wait to hear YOUR thoughts.
Quick Notes about Rye Lane
1. Both the main characters have endured messy break-ups.
2. Rye Lane offers light at the end of the tunnel and is a great reminder to all of us that no matter what chapter of life you are in there is still happiness to be gained.
3. You’ll want to visit London, and hope to thrive as much as the characters do.
4. Dom is seen crying, so you’re taking on a rare vulnerable, and sensitive journey of the male that you do not typically find in movies.
5. The language is STRONG and frequent.
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Nomadik WINTER READY Box Review: Gear Up For A Winter Hike
You’ve heard me talk about the Nomadik Subscription Box time and time again. Not only do I love discovering new products, but I love a good theme as well. For the month of March, Nomadik sent a Winter Ready, themed box. And, while winter is coming to a close here in Michigan, I still can utilize the contents of the Winter Ready box throughout the year.
The Nomadik Winter Ready, themed box came equipped with high-quality gear and tools for my next hiking adventure, which will be this weekend. Let’s jump right into what’s in the box, shall we?
Deso Bristlecone Cuff Beanie. This beanie is soft and stretchy, one-size-fits-all, blocks out the wind, and features the brand logo on a patch front and center. The beanie is cozy, and comfortable and would be perfect for chopping wood, lounging by a winter bonfire, or being worn for a woodland hike.
When it comes to exploring the outdoors in the wintertime, you’re bound to eventually get cold and want to sip on a hot beverage to warm you up, well let me introduce you to my new favorite cup—the Camp Insulated Carabiner Cup. The convenient functional carabiner handle makes this the perfect portable travel cup for hiking or camping since you can clip it to your backpack and not have it inside taking up space. Despite not having a lid the double-wall insulation helps keep the beverage hot for a long period of time.
All Good Products Mineral Sunstick SPF30 Sport, if you know me you know that no matter what the season is I have sunscreen on my skin. One thing I think people forget about is that ,you should be applying sunscreen to your face especially in the winter. This sunstick helps project against harmful UV rays, and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s also reef-friendly, sensitive skin-friendly, and eco-systems-friendly, which I really appreciate it. I actually have one of these sunsticks in my purse for everyday use, as well as my hiking pack.
Coghlan’s Aluminum Capsule is useful for keeping small valuables safe when you’re on the go. Since the o-ring lid provides a watertight closure I use mine to keep personal information safe, in case of an unfortunate event.
Overall Thoughts about the Nomadik Winter Ready Box
While I was bummed this box didn’t arrive during the winter, I can still appreciate it going into spring. I love the fact that this Nomadik Winter Ready box included practical items for adventures. The sunscreen stick is great for protecting my face on the go, no matter what season I am in. I love the aluminum capsule for my personal information, instead of just having a tag on my bag. The double-wall insulated mug is great for sipping warm drinks and has already seen plenty of weekend time by a roaring backyard bonfire. And of course, I can’t forget about the beanie, one can never have too many beanies.
If you’ve never received a Nomadik box before, each box also comes with an exclusive sticker for Nomadik subscribers, and they’re always so much fun! As well as a pamphlet explaining each item, as well as tips, and a challenge. But I didn’t want to share those, they’re part of the fun of getting a box.
Learn more about Nomadik Subscription Boxes and sign up to receive yours today.
Broadway Review: The Book of Mormon
Last night I got to see The Book of Mormon in its entirety, and my feelings about the show are everywhere. Let me offer some context, the last time The Book of Mormon was in Detroit the person I went with threw a fit and forced me to leave during intermission. That being said, the show features very colorful language, and some parts could be offensive if you are sensitive. I was thrilled to stick around for the show in its entirety this time though. I found it to be a little over the top with the language, but also a good laugh.
The Book of Mormon
Playing at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre
Now through March 19th
Get your Tickets Today
The Book of Mormon is playing at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit for a limited run (March 14th-19th, 2023), and if you’re not easily offended or if you’re looking for a good laugh, I highly recommend grabbing tickets.
Pro Tip: The Fisher Fizz drink is absolutely delicious, and I only got a mocktail version!
Broadway Review: Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill The Musical
There is a Broadway show that has been on my performance wish list for a while now, and last night I was finally able to cross it off. That Broadway show is… Alanis Morisette’s Jagged Little Pill the Musical and as a HUGE Alanis fan, I had high expectations for the show, and it did NOT disappoint. You ought to know that Alanis Morisette’s Jagged Little Pill the Musical is performing at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit now through February 26th, 2023.
Alanis Morisette’s
Jagged Little Pill The Musical
Fisher Theatre, Detroit
Now through February 26th, 2023
Purchase your tickets at: BroadwayInDetroit.com
And what it all comes down to, my friends, is that Jagged Little Pill the Musical is one show you’ll want to see just for the vocals. Seriously, the BEST vocals I have heard in a really long time at a Broadway show. When Jade McLeod sang “You Ought to Know” I was completely blown away, it was an absolutely unreal performance. And don’t get me started on Heidi Blick girl can sangggggg, flawlessly throughout the entire performance, she can belt out a song like no one I have ever heard before.
Huge thank you to the company of Alanis Morisette’s Jagged Little Pill for a performance that I will remember for a lifetime!
Broadway Review: Beetlejuice The Musical
What happens when you say his name three times? He appears at the Detroit Opera House to put on one of the BEST Broadway performances that I have seen this season. Beetlejuice the Musical is different from Beetlejuice the movie, but not in a bad way. The Broadway production gives you a little bit of a different story and gives a more in-depth look into Lydia’s life.
Beetlejuice the Musical
Detroit Opera House
Now through February 12th
Purchase your tickets today at BroadwayinDetroit.com
Something really fun about Beetlejuice The Musical is that SO MANY of the audience members dressed up. I wore black and white striped pants, some people did something similar while others went all out and dressed like a character. It made for a really fun night.
If you’re looking for an OUT OF THE WORLD Broadway show to go see, Beetlejuice is it. I saw it last night, and I already want to grab tickets for another night!
Pro Tip: Bring earplugs the show is EXTREMELY loud, and my ears are still ringing.
Fashion meets Food 