The Week of Movies

I find myself unengaged this week. So I am declaring it the Week of Movies! One of the perks of being ye olde SAG member is you get to see some free screenings so I can properly evaluate the nominated movies before I cast my vote for the SAG awards. It’s pretty cool.

And so I just spent 5 hours in the movie theatre as I called today a double feature. Yesterday, I saw SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. And today I saw FROST/NIXON and MILK. All pretty good! Slumdog? Worth the hype! And Frost and Milk are biopics that make me want to read more about each of them.

I noticed that (unsurprisingly) that no one goes to see movies at 1 pm on a Thursday. I was expecting to perhaps be alone in one of the showings but there were some other peeps. So maybe some other people have declared their own personal Week of Movies.

Next up? FROZEN RIVER and RACHEL GETTING MARRIED. These will be in a screening room which are always a different experience. (No refreshments!) Some people get all excited about seeing movies at the DGA and other screening rooms because there are no previews, the movie starts on time, there are no commercials, and there are no refreshments. Nor none allowed(no slurping, crackling, smells, or anything food related impediments to their viewing). People want these totally undistracted movie experience. I remember Jerome, one of my JMU friends, preferred it. But I find it too clinical. I think that’s why you go to the movies instead of watching them at home. So you can watch a movie with people. And sometimes they eat shit. Sometimes they talk too loud. Or answer phone calls. Or make out. Or kick your seat.

Not saying I like it. Still… it’s part of the experience! My favorite is those of the mom age accompanying others. Because they have a constant dialogue going on which consists of two questions: What did he say? What happened? Over and over, endlessly. Still, it’s nice for a refresher in case you missed something too.

Also, anyone who complains about too many previews is an idiot. 9 times out of 10 it’s the best part of the movies! I remember there was a theatre in Arlington when I was growing up that would just show constant previews before the show started… on a loop. Prolly 20 minutes worth. I loved it. That’s why I sort of love the cheesy “On the 20” that plays at United Artists theatres.

There’s some things I just enjoy. Like who can forget the classic “Let’s All Go To The Lobby” song? Good times. Anyway… see you… at the movies! (Still to see? THE WRESTLER, DOUBT, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD, THE VISITOR, and THE READER. Next week might be the second Week of Movies too…)