Lunch and a Matinee is the Joyfully Retired version of Dinner and a Movie. Who else can go in the middle of the day?
Going to see movies on a big screen is one of my favorite activities. There is just nothing to compare to watching a story acted out on a screen that is the size of a two-story building. I will always be awed by those films I see there. Lately I’ve been disappointed in that experience and, if you don’t mind, I’d like to have a little rant about that.
It’s not the movie itself. I’d like to complain about the rest of the experience. Why does everything have to cost so much? I can put up with the cost of the tickets. It’s the cost of everything else. I’ve stopped buying popcorn although popcorn is one of my favorite foods. But a large bag of popcorn is the same price as another movie ticket. That does not make sense.
I watched the young daddy in line in front of me as he paid $16.75 for two “flats” of popcorn (which included two small sodas) for his two children. That was about two cups of popcorn each and, excluding the ice, about a half cup of soda each. Now I know I could have made the whole thing for about fifty cents. I’m aware the theater has to pay the rent and the electric bill and their employees but – $16.75 seems excessively greedy to me. And then I stepped up and paid $3.25 for a very small box of candy. How dumb am I?
But wait – I’m not done complaining. Once we got inside the actual theater and were waiting for the movie to start, we had to watch continuous commercials! What is that about? The theater hasn’t made enough money yet? There was one commercial for a local restaurant that I was interested in at first. But, I changed my mind about going there after being forced to watch that commercial about thirteen times.
Okay, thanks for letting me vent. Here are the two movies we saw.
Blind Side
This is the true story of Michael Oher and the Tuohy family. Michael was on an athletic scholarship at the same Christian school as the Tuohy children when Leigh Anne Tuohy (Sandra Bullock) discovered he was homeless. The Tuohys take him into their family. Both Michael and the Tuohys learn to conquer new challenges during their times together. Kathy (Bermuda Onion) did an excellent movie review and has a wonderful trailer of Blind Side. Check it here. See also Barbara’s (Freedom Acres) review here.
Jay, Cerrin and I found it very enjoyable and quite inspirational. We really loved Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates in their roles. The best actor, in my opinion, was Jae Head who sparkled as the little brother. Highly recommended. (Bring tissues.)
Everybody’s Fine
Frank (Robert DeNiro) is retired with not a whole lot to do. His wife died eight months ago. His four grown children were supposed to come for a visit but all four cancelled on him. So, Frank decides to surprise them with a visit. As he travels to the four cities, Frank and I, the viewer, learn that Frank doesn’t really know that much about his children. His wife was the one who kept in touch with them. He senses there is something big they are keeping from him.
I have always enjoyed relationship-type movies and this was no exception. In most of his other movies Robert DeNiro plays a tough guy but I found him very endearing as this older guy who was trying so hard to connect with his family. Unfortunately, my husband Jay thought it was depressing and he cannot recommend it. If you are okay with family dramas, see this one. You’ll like Drew Barrymore and Kate Beckinsale as the daughters and Sam Rockwell as the son. Another child actor, Lucian Maisel, sparkled as Frank’s grandson.
LOVE your title —- it fits my lifestyle as well. And…I totally agree with your rants!
I rarely go to the movies, mostly due to the cost (I want to be guaranteed that I will absolutely love the movie if I am going to spend that kind of money) – but I think the Blind Side is one that I will have to see soon.
The Blind Side is such an amazing movie I was kinda hesatant to see it. I wanted something funny and light. But was so wonderfuly suprised by this movie. it was great. I cant think of enough good things to say about it. I didnt know it was a true story till the end. And that just made it even more wonderful.
OK as for the price of the theater experience…that is why no one goes to the movies anymore. I mean who wants to go on a friday night when 2 people have to pay 30 dollars just to go in and have some popcorn and a soda. not worth it…But I go out Christmas day…Single girl you can see some great movies with little crowd.
The outrageous prices are one reason I like to watch movies as videos at home. The other reason of course is that you can pause the movie to go to the bathroom! :–)
I’m so glad you enjoyed The Blind Side! (Thanks for the link to my review.) Everybody’s Fine looks good too. I go to the movies with a friend on Tuesdays because popcorn’s $1.00 at our theater on Tuesday.
We loved The Blind Side too – I reviewed it on my blog as well at freedomacres.blogspot.com. We go to Sun. matinees because the ticket price for seniors is reasonable but we NEVER buy popcorn, etc. anymore because of the insane prices. It’s sad. Now I want to see Invictus.
lunch and a matinee–I like that.
I heard a song this morning you might like – called “Movies” by the Hot House Flowers.
As to The Blindside, I enjoyed the book immensely. It paralleled the evolution of the Left Tackle’s position in football with the story of Michael Oher’s development as a person and the perfect LT that the NFL searches for. I remember thinking the mother came across as quite self serving at times – so that soured me a bit towards this movie which seems to be all about her and not about the young man. I would love to hear from someone who both read the book and saw the movie and see what they think.
Loved this post Margot….I so want to see The Blind Side. Going to the movies is not a cheap family event anymore!!
We rarely go to movies anymore, and I do miss it – there’s something about it all that brings up a lot of nice memories for me. My daughter goes often with her friends, but they all eat dinner at the food court first and never buy anything to eat or drink there!
The Blind Side sounds like a lovely movie – I think it’s one both my husband and I would definitely enjoy. I’m glad you mentioned that Jay thought Everybody’s Fine was a bit depressing, because I’m not fond of depressing movies, and the plot line sounded like it might be very inspirational (which I do like!). I found it difficult to watch the Pursuit of Happyness because it was just too depressing for most of the film and the ending didn’t help erase the depressing bits for me!
Fun and helpful post Margot — and me too (or three or four) on the ridiculous cost of the popcorn etc. Still going to the movies is one thing we are definitely looking forward to doing this Winter and I’m watching for the good ones. We’ll probably skip Everybody’s Fine though based on Jay’s recommendation. It doesn’t sound good enough to take Bill (he’ll enjoy an occasionaly relationship movie without complaining, but this one doesn’t sound worth it). Blind Side goes on the list.
Loved the Blindside and had quite forgotten about Everybody’s Fine. I do want to see that.
The cost is outrageous, both financially and physically. A small popcorn has more points than Weight Watchers allows me in a whole day!
I love going to matinees! I always feel a little naughty, like I should be doing something more constructive. Before I lost 20 pounds I had to have the popcorn every time – with faux butter – but I’ve since resigned myself to no popcorn and a smaller pair of jeans
Thanks for the link to my review of The Blind Side. I appreciate it.