Movies: Is Going to the Movies A Thing of the Past?
I used to love going to the movies on a Sunday afternoon by myself or with my daughter since she has gotten older. The experience of being in a movie theater with no distractions, just a movie, can be very calming to the soul. But with this pandemic taking hold of life as we know it, what does that mean for life going forward?
Going to the theater has been one of my favorite past times since I was a kid. I loved the idea of escaping reality for a little while and immersing myself in whatever was playing on the screen. Movies help us forget a breakup, bad grades, and whatever else we may be facing. It’s great to escape the heat in the summer with an ice-cold dark room, and a superhero on the screen or something to do in the winter rather than sit in the house and watch it snow. But when Coronavirus shut it all down, something interesting happened.
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Trolls were released to the public through streaming services. I sat there with my daughters and watched a movie. I tried to give it that movie theater feel, we had popcorn, soda, and of course candy. As nice as it was to be home, it wasn’t the same. Walking through the doors of the theater and seeing the posters for all the new movies coming out, or letting the girls run-up to the concession stand to pick out snacks is a part of the experience. It didn’t have the same effect as sitting in the theater.
Sure I could cuddle on the couch with my girls, but theaters have reclining seats now and some allow blankets since it can get really cold in there. The room wasn’t completely dark, and of course the distractions of your phone, toys, and kids running to the kitchen for another snack because they can.
Is this going to become the new normal, watching new movies be released in our homes rather than a movie theater? If so, I have to say I am not a fan. Sure it might be easier or convenient for people, but I like the idea of planning a trip to the theater. I know social distancing is big but so are some of the theaters, and I have never had a problem distancing in a theater unless it was a superhero movie on opening weekend.
Drive-ins are going to make a comeback as well. Trying to keep your distance from other people, there is no better way than sitting in your car. I know growing up we would go to the drive-ins. Park backward and sit in the trunk with blankets and watch the movie.
The theater experience whether a traditional movie theater or a drive-in is something that I hope we do not lose in the wake of this pandemic. The experience is like no other, especially for a child. It helps create lasting memories with your family, and can also help you through a tough time.
