Netflix: The Book Group

Retro Lisa’s Diary: Netflix, Hulu, Budgets and the British Show The Book Group

Netflix: The Book Group

I’m in debt. There I said it. And I want out. The problem? I go to the movies a LOT. Not the cheap movies, but the first-run movies. I love the auditorium seating, the big screen and the great, buttery popcorn.

Another problem? You probably know where I’m going with this, but it’s at least $20 a pop just for me to go, and if I bring the kids, it can be a budget buster. But when you’re trying to get out of mega-debt, you need to cut corners. I, Lisa Iannucci, need to cut back on going to the movie theater. (If Regal Cinema’s stock suddenly plummets, I’m single handedly responsible.)

But I know me. If you take movies away from me, just like taking candy away from a dieter, I get cranky. Granted, I can watch TV at home (and I will), but if you tell me not to go to the movies, I’ll get mad. I have to do this, though. My youngest is going off to college in a few years, and I don’t want to be saddled with debt. Instead, after being a single mom for so many years, it’s my turn. I want to travel and do other things, and I need the money to do it.

So I cut the movie expense, but I need a substitute. Thanks to online sites like Hulu and Netflix (which I already have a subscription to for the kids at college), I could go back and watch movies, documentaries and old television shows I have never seen before, and some that I’ve never even heard of.

I’m not just talking about last year, but even as far back as the 1930s. As much as I love television and movies, there are so many movies and shows that I just never had time to even see, so why not go back? So Retro Lisa is going to jet back to the past and take another look at movies and television shows that I haven’t watched before and review them for you. You might find a new favorite.

In the meantime, I’ll be saving money by watching movies and TV shows on either Hulu, Netflix or even through my local library (I love free!). I know Netflix isn’t free, but I can watch a lot more movies for a fraction of what I would spend at my local theater. Hopefully, my bank account will love me for it. And hopefully, you’ll enjoy a new look at the old movies and TV shows.

In my first look on Netflix, I found “The Book Group,” a British TV show that aired in 2002 and 2003. The show follows Clare Pettengill (Anne Dudek), an American newly arrived in Glasgow, Scotland, who starts up a book group to make some new friends.

It had a slow start with a few funny moments in the premiere episode as we get to know each of the characters. I’m pretty sure I know why this show was canceled after only two seasons.

In the first episode, Clare, who started the book group, seemed to only show the least bit of interest in the cute guy who arrives at her door, while she looks surprised at everyone else, including a wheelchair-bound man who wants to join the group. I’m hoping this show picks up or I may not watch both seasons.

And now, I need suggestions from YOU! What should I watch on Netflix or Hulu? Leave any and all suggestions in the comments below. (Note that I don’t do horror). 

Here’s a peek at “The Book Group”:

Comments

6 responses to “Retro Lisa’s Diary: Netflix, Hulu, Budgets and the British Show The Book Group”

  1. Jane Boursaw Avatar

    I’ve never heard of The Book Group, but yeah, after checking out the trailer, they’ll have to kick it up a few notches to grab me.

    Love your new column! There are so many shows available on Netflix, Hulu and other streaming options. The choices are overwhelming.

    Right now, I’m alternately watching Alias, The West Wing, 24 (seen it before – revisiting), and Doc Martin. Let me know if you check any of those out, and we’ll compare notes.

  2. Lisa Iannucci Avatar

    Believe it or not, I haven’t watched any of those Jane. LOL I was so afraid to get hooked into another series show when I was busy raising my kids. I felt like I was already watching so much at that point. I definitely will put them on my list.

  3. Melanie Avatar

    I’m sure Jane is with me when I say watch Firefly. Otherwise, for random goodness from the UK, try Luther for intense cop action with the incomparable Idris Elba and the offbeat world of small town Scotland with Hamish Macbeth starring Robert Carlyle and Shirley Henderson.

    1. Jane Boursaw Avatar

      Oh yes – Firefly! A quick 14 (?) episodes and sooo good. Also Whedon’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but that’s a longterm commitment and if you’re like me, you’ll get sucked into it and won’t want to do anything else.

      Hamish Macbeth sounds fun. I haven’t seen anything of Robert Carlyle prior to his Stargate/Once Upon a Time goodness.

  4. […] I get caught up to the current season. And no, I haven’t gone back and watched anymore of “The Book Club.” Guess it didn’t catch my attention the way “Drop Dead Diva” […]

  5. Miranda Avatar

    Those online sites, like Netflix and Hulu, are really great, but I hope they don’t replace the movie going experience all together. There’s something special about that movie theater experience, the dark theater, comfy seats, aroma of buttery popcorn, that just can’t be replaced by in-home screening. I try to only go to theaters now on discount nights to conserve funds and reserve the full on expense for a few times a year when something comes to the box office that I really want to see.

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