Give me the dirty seats...

The topic of why some people prefer not to go to the movie theatres came up a few times in class. A couple of valid points were brought up such as cost and the lack of ethics from other customers. Clearly the economy is tough and the prices are a little out of control. A couple of tickets, popcorn and a soda will set you back $25 plus. And I completely agree that the few people that did not get the memo that cell phones should be turned OFF during the movies, and have the audacity of answering them should earn the offender a free one-way trip to Panama or Cuba.

But then there were the weird excuses (in my opinion). I guess it has become very trendy to come up with reasons why "I don't go to the theatres." It's too dirty, it's too crowded, I can't pause and rewind, I don't have time, too loud, people step on my Puma's, etc.
I really do not know why, we (as a class), are so down on the movie theatre. It is such a great experience!

I usually go with a person that I like and preferably smells acceptable. I enjoy putting on some comfortable clothes and shoes, and getting out. You get the chance of "people watch" which is an incredibly underrated hobby.
You get there, buy your tickets, get your Goobers (fantastic), and find some good seats. I am one of those that will always show up 20-30 minutes early to make sure I get the perfect spot right down the middle, not too far back, not too close. Then you can show your "co-pilot" what I nerd you are by answering every one of the trivia questions and Word Scrabble that comes on before the previous. I feel like a real champ every time, even though I have been told many times how unimpressive that is. I does not matter, I feel smart and I paid good money.

Then, the previews! Another chance to show my "nerdiness" because I have already watched all of them on the Internet days before. And so, 2 seconds into the preview, and I am already whispering things like: "That's the new Tom Cruise movie, it's going to suck!" I do not know about you, but in my book it is still acceptable to whisper to the person besides you in between the previews, as long as it is less than 20 words.

Finally the main event, the moment everybody in the room is waiting for. By this time, the popcorn bag is almost empty, that is a cup full of ice next to your arm, and you have to go to the bathroom really bad. But all of that is forgotten within a few moments, because we are all devoting full attention to the moving pictures. We all suspend disbelief and start connecting with the story, the characters, and the settings.

After the movie everyone is talking about it. Once again we all get a chance to become something we are not, Professional Movie Critics. We hail the good performances, and criticize the bad ones. Even the trip to the bathroom on the way out is different, that is our alone time to reflect what is the main point we want to make about the movie on the way home.

I could go on for hours about other great things about the movie going experience, such as a good place to go on a date, forget about problems outside, socialize with groups of friends before and after, etc. But that is not necessary, just thinking about the experience, puts a smile on my face. It makes me want check Fandango for some movie times.

Come to think of it, I just got Caddyshack on the mail from Blockbuster, I guess I'll keep the 20 bucks tonight.