The First Blogger

Netflix can breed more anguish than entertainment. The drinks are poured, the popcorn is seasoned, but the queue has not yet situated itself. So, for the next 45 minutes, we're left to browse film titles, read descriptions, and identify noteworthy cast members before finally settling on some mediocre movie from 1998. For the past few weeks, I've been carefully selecting quality titles that will breed quality recommendations. It's been a long, hard battle, but I've lived to share the lessons of my venture. You're welcome. And now, without further adieu, my Netflix Lately Haul:

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Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel
The greatest fashion documentary since The September Issue, this is a real Netflix treat. Diana Vreeland gives eccentric stories to every vision, every moment, and this film invites you into her world for a bit of time. She's the muse behind the fashion editor in Funny Face, the visionary behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, and Coco Chanel's best friend. There are notable appearances by all the industry movers and shakers to pay homage to the fashion icon. Even, Diane von Furstenberg respectfully recalls her office memos as the first insightful blog.  With all of the vibrant magazine shoots, historical bits of pop culture, and Vreeland's own red living room, The Eye Has to Travel is a great movie for a  dreary, winter snow day (or any day in Pennsylvania).

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Let the Right One In 
While, I've never jumped on the vampire/zombie bandwagon and fail to see what all the fuss is about, this movie makes me reconsider my aversions. I first saw this Swedish film in 2008 at Alamo Drafthouse, and it remains amazing. Let the Right One In is suspenseful, with a touch of horror. There's a last minute twist that infuses infinite layers into the story that will leave you contemplating what just happened. Maybe I should give Twilight a go.

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Frances Ha
If you have seriously contemplated just buying a ticket to Paris for no particular reason and with no particular plan, you will enjoy this adventure. It's for all the twenty-somethings trying to figure out their life. With little to no expectations upon pressing play, this awkwardly wonderful movie completely took me by surprise. An artistic dreamer (and dancer!) in New York City meets reality after college and struggles to adapt her expectations. There's a notable cast that includes Adam Driver (Girls) and Grace Gummer (Meryl Streep's daughter).