Like it or not, movie going is an inherently social experience. Together, in a packed theater, a crowded living room, or just a couple of friends hanging out in a dorm, movies are simply better when shared with someone else. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work out that the core group surrounding you enjoys watching the same movies you do. It's even worse when they continue to drag you through a series of muck they think everyone loves and then get annoyed when you invite them to that new foreign film at the local indie theater. I would like to I'm speaking from experience, but on the whole I've got myself a pretty solid, well rounded surrounding cast of movie watchers to join in on the fun. But I know that's not the case for everyone. So I'm throwing today's post out to you:
You're Dr. Frankenstein, in a manner of speak. This is your lab. No worries about tap dancing routines, Helena Bonham Carter turning into a monster, or being attacked by some evil Robert DeNiro/Boris Karloff mutation (plus points for each reference catch - pretty easy triple threat here). So, I ask you now. Construct your ideal movie watching partner. Remember to keep in mind the 10 parts of the movie going experience:
1. The movie selection
2. The trip there together/meeting there
3. Payment method of choice
4. Food selection
5. Seating arrangement
6. Pre-Film Trailer personality
7. Throughout runtime personality
8. Credits exit theater timing
9. The after movie discussion
10. The after movie activity - straight home/night cap/party/etc
There you go - Construct Away!
12 better thoughts:
No need to construct - my wife fits the bill! (Except on the rare occasions when she wants to see a stupid animal movie.)
Best group experience I ever enjoyed was seeing Mystery Science Theater 3000 The Movie in a theater full of other MST3K fans.
IDK, I personally like watching a movie by myself. Actually lets me focus on the movie and makes writing a later review easier. Although talking about the movie with people you saw it with helps with writing a review as well.
Man, that reply was wordy.
I like watching comedies and blockbusters at the crowded theater -- I can't wait for this summer, as there are many films that must be seen at cinema. As for dramas or my most favorite films, I prefer to see them by myself.
My ideal movie watching partner would be the Invisible Man without the bandages, and also without the mouth. Or the face. Or the body. And I could probably do without all the invisible organs. His hands can stay if he's willing to hold the popcorn and not uselessly try to mash it all into his face-mouth-area, which, as previously mentioned, is not there.
Oh, we're all so uncooperative, aren't we?
There is no ideal movie watching partner. Technically, you would have to clone yourself and maybe some of you would be happy. But then, there would be no arguments and you would just agree about everything and revel in your own perceived awesomeness ;)
@Everyone I suppose nobody's getting in the spirit of things for this one. Might as well just wear this as a badge of shame and carry on. You people are no fun.
Just to prove you wrong: my Monster would ideally be a visual artist with a minor in psychology. We'll go see Hobo With A Shotgun at the Hi-Pointe next month. It'll be a midnight show and my Creation will probably demand I pay for the tickets because of the stupidly late show and my enthusiasm for bad taste. We'll do Thai beforehand and show up early for perfect seats then discuss the merits (or lack thereof) of grindhouse 'till the trailers, which It will snidely comment on. After the movie, It will elaborate on the movie's style, criticizing and praising the art original while I whine about how thin the writing was. We will of course stay through the credits, then I will take It back to my lab for a memory wipe.
So let me try and tackle this in the manner that you've asked me to:
1. The movie selection
>As long as it isn't directed by Tyler Perry or intended for 4 year olds I'm ok generally as long as every so often you're up for a not so mainstream selection of my own.
2. The trip there together/meeting there
>transport together therefore to assure me that we're seated (or at least I am) before the start of the trailers and I don't have to waiting outside on you all night to then be late.
3. Payment method of choice
>this is friends? Everybody pays for their own ticket generally, but once in a while we'll treat each other because we're awesome friends.
4. Food selection
>I just want water, and maybe a raisenets. If I'm home we do some popcorn and hot dogs and whatever other snacks we can work up to make sure that we get that heart-attack soon.
5. Seating arrangement
>Near the back in the center of the middle isle, assuming there's noone close to those seats, always leave room - unless the theatres packed.
6. Pre-Film Trailer personality
>Do as you please, but remember to shut off your phone soon or I'll kill you.
7. Throughout runtime personality
>Shut the fuck up. Maybe for certain films (CRANK, etc) we can make a gag every once in a while, but be quiet.
8. Credits exit theater timing
>Comments and discussion (ie. arguement) begin.
9. The after movie discussion
>let's get into it... why is it that I'm right and you're wrong?
10. The after movie activity - straight home/night cap/party/etc
>night cap please. Let's get something real in my stomach along with a strong drink since you hate my lovely film.
1. The movie selection
Remember that chick in Coming to America that just kept saying "Whateva you like?" Her.
2. The trip there together/meeting there
So happy together.
3. Payment method of choice
Refillable gift card. Makes for speedy trips to the box office (and free popcorn!).
4. Food selection
Popcorn, soda (candy is smuggled in).
5. Seating arrangement
Always an aisle on the left or right-hand sections of the theater (I hate sitting in the middle section...wanna know why? Everyone likes sitting in the middle!), about 3/4 back from the front.
6. Pre-Film Trailer personality
I don't like it when my wife makes us late for the trailers. I want to see them, so let's get there on time and watch them as if they were the flick, only with a thumbs-up or -down afterwards.
7. Throughout runtime personality
Pretty silent, but whispering to each other 3-4 times through the film is okay when needed.
8. Credits exit theater timing
Immediately, except in the case of add'l footage.
9. The after movie discussion
In the car on the way home.
10. The after movie activity - straight home/night cap/party/etc
Home. I'm old...that was my night out.
I don’t know much about the forthcoming film of this title I always like to read the original novel prior to viewing purely as an exercise to see which elements are retained and which are simple either forgotten or substituted in order to aid in the movement of the story.
I already have an (almost) perfect movie-going-partner. She's one of my best friends, and we often do DVD-nights, or just watch some films I recommend together. The best is when we go to the cinema, because we always want to watch the same films, and we're always think almost the same about the film, just variating enough to be able to discuss it.
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