Laura Danger picks 5 movies to pair with ‘No More Mediocre’
In Pairings, artists and creators pick the movies that complement their latest work.
Laura Danger is an educator, cohost of the Time to Lean podcast, and author of the new book No More Mediocre: A Call to Reimagine Our Relationships and Demand More—available January 6 wherever you get your books!
We asked Laura to pick a few movies that pair well with No More Mediocre.
Thelma and Louise
This iconic film is a celebration of defiance and self-empowerment. Thelma and Louise refuse to accept the mediocre roles assigned to them by society, breaking free from victimhood and embracing their own agency. Their leap off the cliff is a clear act of refusing the limited, oppressive choices they’ve been given. It’s a final, uncompromising stand against settling for less. The film ultimately embodies the theme of refusing to settle for less than what they deserve.
Legally Blonde
This film epitomizes the rejection of mediocrity through Elle Woods’ journey. Initially motivated by a desire to win back her ex, Elle ultimately finds her own voice and passion, excelling at Harvard Law by being unapologetically herself. The story emphasizes that success doesn’t mean conforming to others’ expectations. Instead, it celebrates striving for excellence on your own terms. Both Elle and her eventual partner refuse to settle, choosing paths that align with their true selves.
Mrs. Doubtfire
At its heart, this film is about refusing to accept the status quo in family relationships and care. Daniel’s transformation into Mrs. Doubtfire is a determined effort to be a better, more present parent. He transforms. The story highlights the importance of showing up authentically and taking responsibility, rather than coasting in familiar roles or neglecting loved ones. It’s a tender, nuanced look at the balancing act of being ourselves while being accountable to others. In the end, both Daniel and his family redefine their connection, choosing genuine care and understanding over mediocre relationships.
Spice World
Spice World is a wildly underrated, fun, campy film—self-aware and absurd, never pretending to be anything it’s not. The Spice Girls’ messaging is all about girl power, but not in the “lean in” or corporate ladder way. It’s about selfhood, identity, care, and friendship. Their empowerment is rooted in self-expression and connection, captured perfectly in their hit song: “If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends.” They’re all about quality relationships, not a relationship at any cost, and they don’t want to lose themselves. The plot highlights that relationships take work, with villains trying to break up the band, but their commitment isn’t just to stick together for fame or success. They value each other, enjoy what they do, and want each other to shine as their true selves. Spice World champions rejecting mediocrity in favor of authentic joy, friendship, and empowerment.
Midsommar
The famous still of Florence Pugh frowning, then smiling, says it all. Dani is reeling from grief, with a boyfriend who is inattentive and more focused on his own interests than her needs. As she’s pulled into the surreal, unsettling world of the midsummer festival, the film delivers stunning moments of horror and feminine rage—especially the scene where Dani witnesses betrayal and the women surround her echoing her frantic breathing. It’s weird, scary, and surprising—a brutal but satisfying “good for her.” Dani had been telling her boyfriend what she wanted, but he ignored her, holding her back and putting her in harm’s way. At the end, when she chooses to let him go, the audience sees it coming. That final smile is the “good for her” moment—a powerful rejection of mediocrity in love, and an embrace of her own self-worth.