LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES!

“Every time I go to a movie, it’s magic, no matter what the movie’s about.” - Steven Spielberg

I love to go to the movies!

When I was growing up, a movie for children cost a dime. Back then, it was safer than today, and you could leave your kids unattended at the theater for the day. Sometimes, my parents would want a day off so that they would drop my brother and me off at the movies.

There were only a few theaters in town, and they didn't have multiple screens. The lobby was large with ornate decor. You’d walk into the theater, where a velvet curtain covered the screen. The ceiling was high, the wallpaper bordered on gaudy in my opinion, and there was wall art that appeared to be made of gold. For a child, it felt like walking into another world.

We would arrive there and find prime seating. Back then, it was more challenging to secure good seats. Theaters didn’t have stadium seating, so if a tall person sat in front, you couldn’t see. We’d then wait in anticipation for the movie to start.

The curtain would rise, and the first thing shown was often a Looney Tunes cartoon. The movie would begin, usually a Disney film. I loved them. Back then, the movie experience typically consisted of a double feature. There would be an intermission, and my brother and I would go to the concession stand, where I would get popcorn and a soda.

Finally, the second movie began. The theater was usually filled with children, and by the second movie, everyone was restless. I enjoyed the second movie, but not as much as the first, because it was so noisy.

The whole experience lasted approximately five hours. My parents had a break and my brother and I had a good time. When we got home, we were tired, so we were quiet and did not argue. It was a good day for both us and my parents.

Today, I still enjoy going to the movies, but for a different reason.

The movies are no longer affordably priced, and the refreshments are outrageously costly. There is only one film showing, and the previews go on forever. 

So, why do I like going to the movies?

When I have a tough day, I can go to the theater, and there are usually not many people there (which is a sad thing). It's dark, and theaters now have stadium seating, with some even featuring recliner chairs. It’s a perfect place to relax, take a deep breath, and lose myself in a movie.

When you want to relax and reduce your stress, try going to the movies!

Enjoy your movie experience and have a great week!