A moment of racial profiling that turns into a movement. Strippers who turn the tables on their sleazy patrons. Fighting off audio-sensitive creatures that have overtaken society. The quest to get Infinity stones and restore humanity. An adventure on a cruise through the jungle.
Those five things have almost nothing in common, except for the fact that they are the plots of some hit movies that have come out in recent times. There is so much more to be found inside a movie theater that goes beyond a box of Sno-Caps. Yeah, Sno-Caps – don’t judge me.
Growing up, I went to the movies ad nauseam and saw all the classics from Jurassic Park to Scream to Shrek and the list goes on. With time and shifting priorities though, seeing movies became less frequent and truth be told, less desirable.
From the unreasonable price of food and drinks (I would never condone sneaking in candy and not giving $5 to the establishment for a bag of Sour Patch Kids when you can get them at ShopRite for $1, but… yeah) to the ever-increasing cost of a ticket to crowded theaters complete with loud children to a whole other slew of petty grievances, going to the cinema can be a journey in itself.
I had still seen movies in years gone by, but it wasn’t a highly anticipated activity like it was in my younger years. That all changed one afternoon though in the fall of 2019 when I went to the AMC in the Garden State Plaza.
Aside from that theater in particular being grand and welcoming, we settled in for a viewing of Hustlers (J.Lo on the pole was enough of a sell and I’m gay) and learned of something called AMC Stubs.
With an AMC Stubs A-List membership, you can in theory see 12 movies – or 3 movies a week – for about $25 a month with so many other perks. Now, I don’t know who’s got the time or craving to be in a movie theater that much, but if you go even twice a month, with prices the way they currently are, you are getting your money’s worth and then some.
During the earlier days of COVID, HBO Max and Disney+ really took center stage as the prime destinations to stream all sorts of content.
HBO Max in particular became the new movie theater as it released a large majority of blockbuster movies side by side with actual theaters on the same day. Disney+ charged a solid $30 to see a movie the same day as release, but for many people, these subscriptions and ‘small’ fees were worth it.
To enjoy a movie from the comfort of your home on a cozy couch with your own snacks and surround system was desirable before, during and will be for many after COVID. Why go anywhere when you have your own theater?
I get the appeal and would be lying if I said I didn’t agree on a case-by-case basis. However, what’s better than watching an Avengers movie or another grand scale adventure on a huge screen with a barrel of buttery popcorn and refreshing fountain soda?
Becoming reacquainted with the movie theater experience and really reveling in seeing films on a more frequent basis has become a renewed hobby from the past to present. Life can be full circle in odd ways.
‘We make movies better’ is the new tagline from the advertisement with Nicole Kidman strolling along the corridors of a movie theater and gazing with wonder into the silver screen.
Kudos to the marketing team at AMC because who better than to emote about the range of sensations felt in watching movies than someone like Nicole Kidman who has played such a variety of intense characters – Eyes Wide Shut, Moulin Rouge, Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers etc.
How true it is though the respite a trip to the movies can provide. No matter what hand life is dealing you, settling into your seat (Dolby Cinema recliners ftw) is a truly cathartic experience where, for two hours, you’re in another world, becoming enmeshed in the landscape of a different reality.
There are so many themes that we can understand, relate to and learn from.
Judas and the Black Messiah opened eyes to more of the history and inside world of the Black Panther Party and their bold ambition to get their true equality. It was powerful in teaching me about the dynamics and rationales of other people that I had very little idea about otherwise.
Queen & Slim was a more present-day, relevant look at how two people could be so aware of prejudices in the country that they’d rather run from the scene of a crime than deal with police and probable consequences.
Promising Young Woman was an off-beat and dark, but interesting take on revenge and redemption. Lives that were both ruined and stunted by one terrible night were given a second chance by random encounters. While the movie itself could be considered extreme, the principles were something many can relate to.
A Quiet Place: Parts 1 & 2 provided a look at family dysfunction and unity under some of the most unreal, terrifying circumstances. To have to navigate your familial relations in a ‘regular’ environment can already be challenging, but throw in a fight for daily survival, it takes on new meaning.
More recently, Black Widow and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings were A – satisfying, action-packed movie fun and B – different, but similar looks at revisiting the past, childhood trauma and coming to terms with your purpose and who you really are in this world.
Sure, seeing a movie can be thought of as such a run-of-the-mill, simple, everyday activity – and it is to some degree. But from another perspective, great movies can leave a lasting impact on us or change the way we view life. Just think about some of your favorites or ones that have particularly stuck with you.
For example, Knives Out made me realize that even though my family is insane, we are not murdering each other for the inheritance. We don’t have millions to inherit, but that’s really beside the point.
There is such a diverse mix of thought-provoking and entertaining content to be found inside the walls of your local movie theater that can enrich our soul. They don’t call it movie magic for nothing. That was corny, but that’s showbiz, baby. Fine, enough. Go see a movie though!
mark.angiello 