The Movie Going Experience

I love going to the theater to see a movie. In fact I go so often that when I decide to go rent a movie from my local rental place, it's hard to find something I haven't seen. There's something special about seeing a movie on the big screen. I love that magical moment right after all the previews and advertisements, when just as the lights go out, and the logo for whichever company produced the film hits the screen. This is the moment where anticipation is at its highest peak. The movie has yet to be a success or failure, at this moment what you want the movie to be, and what the movie really are meet.

I've noticed over the last 5-10 years that I seem to be of a dwindling crowd who still treats going to a movie as an experience. More and more when I go to movies I hear people taking screaming babies. People who will answer the cell phones, or even make a call on their cell phones during the middle of movies. Or people who just sit and talk non stop during a movie. I don't mind talking to your neighbor about something related to the events on the screen, but do it in a way to be respectful of those around you. A movie is not a place for conversation, which is usually why it's not always a great first date idea.

Nights like last night, however, make me remember why I love going to a movie. As was said on here before the server crash-o-doom that wiped everything out, Mad Giggler, Daboo, Andy and his wife, my wife, and myself were among the lucky few who managed to snag tickets during the five minute window they were still availabe, for last night's advanced screening of Serenity, the movie based on Joss Whedon's Firefly. We were packed in a room with a couple hundered fanboys of the show and of Joss. Most everyone there had seen the episodes of Firefly. There were a few Firefly virgins there as well, like our own Daboo, but for the most part everyone there were already fans of the show.

It was great as the movie sprawled out in front of us, as jokes were made and everyone lauged. When an inside comment was made on screen, it produced the approrpriate reaction from the ranks of browncoats in the theater. Every person there was there to enjoy themselves. Every person there wanted everyone else to enjoy themselves as well. This wasn't just a movie, this was an event. As Joss Whedon told us all before it began, this was something special. He was right! This was why movies are made.

Sure I plan to be there on Septemeber 30th, when the movie is released, and I know I'll enjoy myself. But I know the experience I had last night will be the better of the two. It's the magic of times like last night that keep me going to theaters to see movies. It's why I'll always go, and I'll always hope that people will learn to once again treat the movie going experience correctly.

As for the movie itself, all I can say is wonderful. I may be a fanboy, but it still was the best movie I've seen all year. It has something for followers of Joss and Firefly. It's also enjoyable for people who have never seen an episode or even the trailer for the movie before. Just ask Daboo. And can you believe that River is made out of Chocolate? Warning: Link contains profanity