Why I Don't Go to the Movies

I know that it is probably one of the most popular national past-times and most people's choice for a first date, but I hate going to the movies. I guess, I don't hate it enough to never go, but my two movie going experiences this week have reminded me why I'd rather wait for movies to be released on DVD or HBO and view them in the comfort of my own home. It's cheaper that way, anyway. It's a small fortune to go to the movies these days! Most of you know that my biggest movie theater issue is the popcorn factor. I'm not going to explain my phobia at this time, but I will say that the smell of it drives me nuts, and it takes all the inner strength I possess to sit in disgusting seats that I know people have gotten popcorn all over. Yuck. My heart is beating faster even thinking about it. I try not to touch the seats with any part of my body that isn't clothed- like my hands, and I never put my purse or jacket on the floor or on the seat next to me. It's too risky. So, that part alone is enough to keep me away. I will say that Don is very considerate but does his best to remind me of the huge sacrifice he makes for me.

In choosing where to sit in the theater, I try very hard to find a section where almost no one is sitting. One, I don't want to be near other people's gross food, and two, I don't want to be near people in general. So, we try very hard to find an uninhabited area of the theater only to have people sit behind, in front of and beside us by the time the movie begins even though there are a ton of other seats they could have chosen. We must look like nice people. Last night we saw Rent and I had the seat kicker behind me and the musical's biggest fan next to me. Joy. I think after I rocked back really hard on my seat the person behind me got the picture, but the girl next to me insisted on singing the entire score even after we'd glared at her a few times. I totally understand loving a show and a lot of people do already know all the music by the time musicals make it to the big screen, but that does not give someone the right to make the experience a sing along! Shoot, Mark knew every song and he didn't open his mouth once! I knew every song when we saw Phantom, but I didn't insist on letting everyone hear that I could have been a wonderful Christine. It is just so rude! I paid to hear the actors sing. If they had wanted Jane Las Vegas to sing in the show, they would have cast her. Some cities do have sing along showings of beloved musicals. I remember hearing about a really big one for The Sound of Music. People were encouraged to dress in costume and sing their little hearts out. I would love to do that, but this showing of Rent was not billed as a sing along although my experience sure was! Oh,well. It was a good movie even still. I just seem to have the worst movie theater luck. It's a good thing that I only get it in small doses.