In to the ‘Darkness’ of Night

MOVIE GOERS LOG MANKIND DATE: 5.15.13 

We assembled slowly as the sunlight faded into the darkness with phasers set for fun.  

Meats cut, cooked, seasoned, and added to the pizzas they would so deliciously top.

Dinner served and theories on the movie added as fuel to the anticipation of how excited we all were.  

By ten we had eaten, dessert and all, and were winding down a repeat viewing of the first J.J. Abrams “Star Trek” flick.

We rushed eagerly to the theater, concessions purchased, and seats proudly claimed.  

Moments now seemed to drag as if they were hours but the company was kept up well.

House lights then dimmed and the green screen announcing trailers lit the screen.  Five minutes and two awesome looking trailers  (World War Z and Anchorman: The Legend Continues) came and went fading into company logos.

Then it started.  Two hours later the thrills met the expectations and I was throughly happy with the evening.

What a thrill, what a night.

I do want to ramble a bit about the flick.

It offered me exactly what I wanted: an original movie that was highly entertaining, had great action sequences, some campy dialogue sprinkled in, and homages to the original series.  

It had it all and a villain that was second to none. 

Now on ward to the next flick and next midnight gathering!

FLASHBACK of a MOVIE GOER

Growing up there was a magical place and what a place it was.  The sights and sounds of adventures that filled its halls.  This magical place was the Ram Triple Movie Theater in Chapel Hill.  It was a second run $1.50 theater.  

The child version of myself could and would walk to this theater with much frequency.

I loved it.  It was in these auditoriums my love affair with movies began.

In the auditoriums of this once movie house I saw my first 007 movie, Tomorrow Never Dies, and thus I was introduced to my favorite cinematic creation.  During the years I stood in their ticket lines I saw my first R rated feature, Air Force One starring Harrison Ford & Gary Oldman.  What a thrill that movie was to see theatrically and I still get nostalgic when I pop the dvd into the player.  The screens dazzled me with my first experience of a horror flick when I saw The Sixth Sense.  I could go on with many more features and am still fondly remembering seeing the house lights fall and the film light up the screen.  Needless to say I credit this theater as the place where my love affair with movies began.

Sadly though all good things must come to an end.  Shortly after the century turned and  the Y2K bug was put into the rear view mirror, the theater turned its house lights off for the final time.  

I don’t remember the first nor last movies I saw at the Ram but each time I went I throughly enjoyed my time at the Ram and always will remember fondly the treasures I saw as a fell in love with movies.

Opening Night

The clock struck midnight turning over another hour and therefore another day.  In that moment May 2nd became May 3rd and as the cinema lights dimmed a new light filled the auditorium.  The lights danced its way to the front and showed the colors of the latest ‘Ironman’ movie.  It was a mighty thrill.  

The anticipation that led up over the course of the days, the eager waiting in the lobby as the crowds piled in, plus the never ending line to get my over sized soda all created the experience of the first summer blockbuster of the season.  Its like opening night for baseball fans.

Many mega blockbusters (Man of Steal, World War Z, Star Trek Into Darkness, Monsters University to name a few) lay ahead over the next few months and I’m anticipation combing many these blockbusters with friends, meals, and late nights at midnight screenings.  

Last night, however, started this years summer movie season.  This year, as in the past few years, Marvel opened the season with its latest superhero infused comic book inspired popcorn friendly flick.  What a marvelous time I had.  Then again the deck was stacked to have a good time.  It was stacked with friends, food, and another exciting movie.

I did enjoy the night and the movie, despite the flicks many shortcomings. 

Opening night was one a long time in the making.  With the good times had, a quick cat nap, and the thrill of opening night behind me I hope the rest of the season is as entertaining as this.  (Entertaining is not limited to the movie but includes the entire night)

The season looks to be filled with many great mega hits, popcorn refills, long nights turning into hot days and good times.  After opening night I can’t wait!