The Girl's Guide

Issue 90: A Very DC Romcom

Welcome back to The Girl’s Guide! If you missed the last issue, find it here.

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How Do You Know?

Movies and TV shows set in DC tend to take themselves pretty seriously (House of Cards, The West Wing, The Americans). So when I find a film set in DC that doesn’t, I take notice. That film is How Do You Know?, a romcom featuring a star-studded cast as well as multiple plotlines that hinge on the early arrival of the Metrobus.

This movie truly has everything. Owen Wilson as a pitcher for the Nats? Check. Paul Rudd as a character whose name is just a mashup of presidents George Washington and James Madison? Check. (It’s George Madison, by the way.) Reese Witherspoon as a pro softball player who’s just been cut from her team? Check, check, check.

As you can probably guess, Witherspoon’s character Lisa must decide between Wilson and Rudd in this feature from director James L. Brooks (Terms of Endearment, As Good as It Gets). Sadly, the film was a box-office flop – although I think if they had played up the DC angle, it could have at least performed well in the DMV.

A Best Picture winner it is not, but all the same, How Do You Know? got some good laughs out of me. If you are a romcom enjoyer like myself, here a few reasons you may want to give it a watch:

1. Owen Wilson ponders love in the Nats dugout.

Wilson’s character Matty is a player in more ways than one. So he ignores his feelings for Lisa until his lightbulb moment during a baseball game. I’m pretty sure this is the only scene in the history of cinema that takes place in a baseball dugout and doesn’t pass the reverse Bechdel test. Matty poses the titular question “How do you know you’re in love?” to his teammates and gets some less-than-poetic answers.

Honestly, I can’t think of any other movies that feature the Nats, and the funny thing is they’d had some awful seasons leading up to the movie’s release in 2010. If you want to take a little step back in time, check out this story from The Washingtonian about the movie’s VIP screening hosted by the Nats. The Lerner family, who owns the team, reportedly loved the all-pink Nats warmup suit that Matty gifts to Lisa.

2. Paul Rudd is the victim of a very DC breakup.

Despite being set in DC, this movie has no reference to politics. The government only comes into play when businessman George is investigated by the SEC – for crimes he did NOT commit, okay?

Before Lisa comes along, George is in a relationship with a mean lady professor who gets annoyed every time he tries to talk to her. She has to focus on her work! And by work, I mean random papers scattered across her desk. I think she’s writing a book? Not sure. Anyways, as soon as George hits a rough spot, she asks to “pause” their relationship so they can focus on their careers – but George is NOT having it. Honestly, good for him. This movie may take place in 2010, but it will surely resonate with all the DC girlies fighting for their lives on Hinge today.

3. Much of the movie was actually filmed in DC.

No, the filmmakers didn’t use a Hollywood set to recreate DC — they actually shot it in the nation’s capital! Well, mostly. Apparently, some filming was done in Philadelphia, too (?). An extra for the film wrote about her experience for The Washingtonian. Apparently, extras would meet in the RFK Stadium parking lot to be bused to secret locations in downtown DC. Many of the scenes were shot near 15th and I, of all places.

4. Arlington gets a shoutout.

Confession: when I worked in DC, I never lived in DC proper. I didn’t mind making the commute from Arlington! Did I mention there’s actually parking on this side of the Potomac? Anyways, I loved that the first location the movie flashed up in bright white letters was ARLINGTON so that we knew exactly where Lisa’s softball practice field is. Very important.

5. The lovers ride off into the sunset – on a Metrobus.

WMATA definitely missed a major cross-promotion opportunity with this movie. How Do You Know? ends with the happy couple boarding the Metrobus on the way to the rest of their lives. Did a transit authority write this script?? Interestingly, there is no Metro riding in this film. I guess it posed some production challenges. Or maybe Reese was smart enough to put in her contract that she would need a body double for any scenes filmed on a Metro car. Too many mystery stains on those vinyl seats.

So there you have it, a complete summary of all the reasons to watch How Do You Know? Although you may still be asking yourself that question at the end of the movie. Do you have a DC-related film, show, or book to recommend? Let me know by replying to this email – I’m sure my readers will want to know!

Interview with Bernadette Reilly

In today’s Girl’s Guide, I’m excited to introduce you to Bernadette Reilly, a Virginia girl who is enjoying (newly)wedded bliss. Find her on Instagram.

What neighborhood do you live in? 

I live in Potomac Yard and absolutely adore the easy access to Old Town Alexandria. 

“I married my high school sweetheart almost two months ago, so I am loving this new phase of life.” - Bernadette Reilly

What does your life look like right now? 

I married my high school sweetheart almost two months ago, so I am loving this new phase of life. Both our families live in the area so definitely basking in the joy of lots of family time these days. 

What's your advice to a bride in the middle of wedding planning right now?

Sounds cliché, but do what you want for your day. I think so many brides compromise their wishes to make everyone else happy and leave their wedding day feeling a little disappointed. Obviously stay within your budget and be reasonable, but if you want that fun napkin or unique guest book, go for it, even if others have different opinions. Most importantly, focus on the marriage because at the end of the day that will be what's left. 

“My close friends who all happen to be redheads.” - Bernadette Reilly

What would your ideal Saturday in the DC area look like?

Wake up bright and early, throw on some workout clothes, hit the streets of Old Town Alexandria for a hot girl walk and maybe grab a smoothie or a bagel on my way. Maybe in the afternoon, a winery or really anything with my close friends who all happen to be redheads. Oh, and definitely an evening date at either Landini Brothers or Barca Pier & Wine Bar with my husband. 

The Haps

Washington Commanders Set Record Off the Field

They may not be setting any records on the field as of late, but off the field, it was a big week for the Washington Commanders. Owner Dan Snyder is selling the team to a group led by investor Josh Harris for more than $6 billion. I know you do not read The Girl’s Guide for my cutting sports analysis, so check out this story to learn more.

People are really glad this guy is gone.

Senior Citizens Get Their Own The Bachelor

AFTER YEARS OF TEASING, THIS SHOW IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING! The Golden Bachelor is ABC’s attempt to turn its flailing franchise around. I can’t believe they’re actually doing it. The first senior citizen bachelor will be Gerry, a widowed grandfather from Indiana. He says he hopes he finds a “high energy” partner who plays pickleball or golf. So wholesome. Read more about The Golden Bachelor here.

Silver sneakers for the Golden Bachelor.

Here are more links to what I’m reading and listening to these days:

• How I'm Healing My Body Image By Sewing My Own Clothes: A thought-provoking read from Molly Farinholt in Evie Magazine.

• The Instant Pot and the Miracle Kitchen Devices of Yesteryear: Brb, buying 10 extra Instant Pots in light of their bankruptcy news.

• Millennials aren't so big on free speech: Madeline Fry Schultz of Washington Examiner breaks down the numbers, and they aren’t good.

• Financial Audit with Caleb Hammer: My latest podcast obsession.

• The Life, Death—And Afterlife—of Literary Fiction: This essay will make you want to throw your phone out the window. H/t Max Bodach

• Author’s Note: I WILL NOT BE ADDRESSING BARBENHEIMER I AM SICK OF IT!!!

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