Okay, so on Monday’s post, Jessie left a (very welcomed) comment that included a link to the music video for Cake’s “End Of The Movie.” I loved it not only because it’s a fun song and a fun video, but because I completely identified with the sentiment of not wanting to leave before the end of the movie.
I have never walked out on a movie. Not only that, but I stay through the credits. All of them. I leave only when the lights come up. The theater staff is always waiting for me, standing next to their mobile garbage can, brooms in hand, faking a smile when I FINALLY walk past on my way to the exit.
I do this all the time, even when I don’t like the movie. I stay to the very bitter end. You’d think that I’d paid hundreds of dollars for my ticket the way I refuse to leave. (Tough call whether I’d rather walk out on a movie or send my dinner back at a restaurant.) And it gets worse. I like the previews. A lot. I’ve been known to wait for a later show when I arrive too late for the previews.
Plus, I’m a movie snob. Seriously. People tell me all the time how they don’t trust critics. “I never agree with critics,” they say, and when they say it, “critics” sounds kind of like a swear word. There is a certain amount of pride to be taken, apparently, when you don’t agree with movie reviews. But here’s the thing. I sometimes think I missed my calling. I’d have made an excellent critic. I rarely agree with the people who disagree with the critics. I’m pretty sure that makes me a snob, albeit a lovable one.
So now that I’ve confessed all my movie neuroses, I’m truly curious to hear from you. Have you ever walked out on a movie? If so, which one(s)? Do you love previews? Hate them? Is popcorn an absolutely-must-have when you go the movies? Have you ever forgotten to turn off your cell phone? Ever sat by someone who actually answered theirs? (Notice how I assume no one who reads Zebra Sounds would ever do that?)
What kind of movie goer are you?
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And now for something completely different… Okay, the name of the site needs work, but these pictures of animals in casts are so adorable and funny, I couldn’t resist.
I don’t go to movies too often, but when I do I also stay through the credits and LOVE the previews. I like how they preview movies that are like the one I am currently seeing. I just saw the Sandra Bullock movie The Proposal and it’s your basic SB movie. You’d miss some funny stuff if you didn’t stay through the credits on this movie ;-)
AND, I sit through the credits to see who wrote/sung any of the songs I liked. I have lots of movie soundtracks.
you would make a great movie critic (and i mean that in the nicest way! :-D). critics get a bad rap partly because it seems like a lot of them are sellouts. (how many duds have you seen that are reviewed as the best movie of the summer?) the key is to find a critic with similar tastes that you trust. mine’s mick lasalle, from the sf chronicle. i’ll even read his reviews of movies i’ll never see, just for his writing and humor.
but back to your questions:
- never walked out on a movie; can’t imagine i would. (i have to finish all the books i start, too.)
- hate the commercials, like the previews (but it’s okay if i miss them, as long as i still get a good seat)
- gotta stay for ALL the credits until the lights are up. never know if there will be some neat little freebie that they threw in with/after the credits, hate to miss that! plus, it’s fun to play the “credit game”: if you see your name in the credits, the person you’re with has to kiss you. :-)
- absolutely, positively, gotta have popcorn! (i’m not sure i know how to watch a movie without it. i’m like pavlov’s dog at this point.)
- always pick-up my trash. it’s the least i can do for the theater staff who’ve been waiting forever for me to leave.
I love movies, theater and the whole movie experience, since I was a youngling.
It’s my secret passion and my best escape.
Now that I bring my son age 9 he is too impatient for the credits, but when I’m solo I never walk out on movies.
I must admit even though I have never walked out on movies I’m not a huge chick-flick fan. Out of Africa and English Patient were snore-a-thons. I do love going to the Esquire, one of my secret passions in Cincinnati.
I’m not big on popcorn, but I do love a good slushy.
My favorite summer 2009 movie is “Away We Go”, can’t wait to see 500 Days of Summer and also Julia/Julia. I also loved the Star Trek film, and Transformers Revenge of the Fallen.
LLF, See, here’s where I’m a snob. No desire to see The Proposal because I think it would feel like too many movies I’ve already seen. And I even like Sandra Bullock.
jb, I never heard of the credit game. Sweet! I rarely make trash (don’t need popcorn), but maybe I should pick up someone else’s to make it up to the theater staff…
chezhui, I’m not a big chick flick person either. Although when i think chick flick, I think romantic comedy, not big sweeping drama… but you’re right. The two you mention are sort of chick-oriented, aren’t they? And looooong. I liked Star Trek, too.
I haven’t been to a theater to see a movie in about 10 years. the sound is too loud and gives me a headache. but, if and when i do go i never walk out and must stay for the credits and to see if there are any out takes.
i don’t buy popcorn for myself but steal from whoever is with me. i must have raisinettes.
i used to love going to the drive-in and wish there were more of them around so i could enjoy the big screen experience.
I have to agree with jb, popcorn is an absolute necessity. I can count on one hand the number of times I saw a movie at the theater without popcorn. I have this cup I bought as a “deal” that allows me to get refills on drinks for $1.00, which I bring all the time to justify spending $485.00 on a bag of popcorn.
A curious dilemma J, being chronically late AND loving previews. I, on the other hand will gladly give up previews to ensure I get my popcorn! (Save me a seat!)
I like staying through the credits primarily because I’m hoping for a fun, post credits surprise, but I also like the mini movie review/discussion that almost always happens while we wait.
And yes, I notice the staff waiting, but I justify that by tossing our trash in their mobile garbage can as we leave!
cmw
I always stay for the credits and I also looove previews!!
I pride myself on the fact that My husband and I were 2 of about 6 people who made it all the way through Joe’s Apartment (MTV) many years ago. We actually have watched many more times when it comes on TV :) and love it each time.
I have to admit, I have walked out of one movie – Beloved. In fact I downright ran out of that movie! It was one of my favorite books, but when I read the book “Beloved” was not evil to me and in the movie (at least at the beginning, since that is all I saw) she seemed scary and evil, and I couldn’t handle that!!
Since my DH have acquaintences in “the business” especially any films done at Skywalker Ranch, we susally stay to watch the credits for people that we know. :-D That’s cool to see their names up there.
And I’ve never walked out on a movie, but sat through two that I thought I might have… 1. The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover and 2. Borat.
I’m glad I didn’t leave because (although some of the scenes were OMG! unbelieveable and shocking… it was like a train wreck. UKWIM?) the movies really make you think about so many things afterward, and not all of them pleasant either…. But I guess that’s the point, isn’t it?
One of my GF’s says that you should do the movie first, and then dinner, so that you have something to talk about over dinner.
That wouldnt’ work for me since my stomach is usually full from the large container of popcorn I always get. :) It’s the best part about going to the cinema IMHO. ;-)
Peggi, Ah, the drive-in. Yeah, I wish they were still around too. (I’m all nostalgic now.)
cmw, Yes, I do keep keep things interesting by being chronically late and obsessed with the part that comes BEFORE the movie.
Lisa, I had to look up Joe’s Apartment. Sex, bugs and rock n’ roll. Good tag line. I didn’t see Beloved. I hate when the book and the movie don’t match up tone-wise. I felt that way about Bonfire of the Vanities. (But it wasn’t creepy so I didn’t walk out!)
Teresa, You and Chad could go see a space movie and fill up on popcorn and be happy, happy movie goers! I’ve never seen either of the movies you mentioned, the first because I was too squeamish and the second because I was, well… too squeamish. =)
Good you asked so many questions, cause I don’t feel like thinking all on my own today :P
I don’t go too often to see movies, cause we usually watch movies in the comfort of our room, but:
Have you ever walked out on a movie? – No.
Do you love previews? – Yes, because they show similar movies as the one I went to see, I can look forward to seeing them.
Is popcorn an absolutely-must-have when you go the movies? – Not really a must-have but I’m happy if I do have some, cause the popcorn from the popcorn machine is way better than the micro popcorn we make at home.
Have you ever forgotten to turn off your cell phone? – Luckily no.
Ever sat by someone who actually answered theirs? – Yes and it was better than when a guy next to me put his feet up on the chair and… you can imagine the smell…
(Notice how I assume no one who reads Zebra Sounds would ever do that?) – yes, noticed, you’re sweet :)
What kind of movie goer are you? – Observer, I try to enjoy as much as I can from the special effects to the credits (only my Sweetheart usually pulls me out of the theater before the credits finish rolling…)
Since you made the comment, I will tie this into your previous posting about sending a meal back.
In the same way I don’t pick up a menu at a restaurant, close my eyes and point to an item when the waiter is taking my order I also do not walk up to a ticket line at a theatre and say “I will take whatever is playing at 8:00.
I have a pretty good idea of what I want, when I am at either place, and if they get it wrong I always figure its OK to (nicely) point it out.
If I order french toast for breakfast and I get scrambled eggs I am not going to sit and just take it. Nor would I sit and just take it when they said Beverly Hills Cop III was suppose to be funny! Heck, at least I could have stomached the scrambled eggs — but not that Eddie Murphy disaster. I was outta there!
I do like the idea of making the most of any situation. Good or bad. And maybe the waiter thought I would appreciate the scrambled eggs more than the french toast. But if I am going down a path I know I am not enjoying, albeit with great previews to start the journey, why would I stay?!? I also figure that is why God created remote controls for TV’s!
– popcorn ( )
– margarita at the bar inside the theatre (x)
Estrella, You’re right about that. I don’t care what anyone says – theater popcorn is best. I think it’s all that fake butter!
Bobby, I’m sure you charm the waiter, so no harm no foul. I’m also pretty sure you weren’t armed with good reviews when you saw (didn’t quite see) Beverly Hills Cop III. AND that margarita at the bar inside the theater… now THAT’S something NorCal could learn from SoCal.
I won’t walk out on a movie their too expensive. However, there have been a few flicks that I felt I wasted hours of my time ( Joe vs. the Volcano ) and must admit have fallen asleep in a few.
Popcorn is mandatory, I believe it stems back to my childhood, my father was extremely practical and made us sneak fried chicken gizzards and canned pop into the theater. I will miss preview to get my popcorn but cannot miss one word of the movie.
Just leave your cell phone in the car. It still amazes me that individuals feel the need to answer a phone no matter where they are. I remember when you just told the people who mattered where you would be and approximately when you were returning. Another pet peeve in a movie theater is a crying baby. I love children but people but if the movie is not rated G get a babysitter.
Always stay till the lights come up never know what you might miss.
Many movies I see at home on DVD but certain movie are truly meant for the big screen and surround sound.
I walked out on Cruising and Event Horizon.
Was justified both times.
I ALWAYS stay through the credits. I have been know to applaud the end of a movie…. :0)
[I know I know but they work HARD.]
When I saw A bug’s life in the theatre, my group were the only folks that saw the clever outtakes that they had intermixed with the credits…..
no popcorn. I do smuggle water in in my purse though.
Have you ever walked out on a movie? ****No, not that I can remember. Maybe when I was younger, but I doubt it.****
Do you love previews? ****LOATHE previews. After I watch the previews there is no need to see the movie because they have showed all the good parts and you can figure out the entire movie. I watch a commercial once then never again until after I have seen the movie. I don’t like to know too much about a movie.****
Hate them? ****Yes.****
Is popcorn an absolutely-must-have when you go the movies? ****No.****
Have you ever forgotten to turn off your cell phone? ****No.****
Ever sat by someone who actually answered theirs? (Notice how I assume no one who reads Zebra Sounds would ever do that?)****No.****
What kind of movie goer are you?****The Yelp kind. I don’t like to go to movies because I have always had bad experiences. However, recently I have been a guest of Yelp at a preview and I have realized that this is the way to see a movie in a theater. Star treatment baby! Otherwise, I prefer to sit on my couch and watch DVDs and spend my entertainment funds on dinner out!****
Laura, Chicken gizzards and canned pop. I love that! And I agree. The theater is the best way to experience certain movies.
Karen, Cruising and Event Horizon. Were you armed with good reviews? ;-) I sneak water in too.
Terre, You and are I are definitely not likely to be movie dates! Do you enter on a red carpet when you see a Yelp preview? Now THAT would be fun.
Oh Peggy I also loved drive-in movie’s especially the long weekend watch 8 movies in a row.
Also, I forgot to mention I adore previews. I think that’s my marketing background – it’s a wacky science and I love seeing what previews they think will relate to your current choice. I’m often fascinated by their preview pics (I also easily amused).
I usually see about a movie if not every week at least one every two weeks. My pet peeve – why oh why can’t they show movies earlier in the daytime when kiddies are in school so I could watch them between bus hours.
One of my 206 riffs, rants and other tangents!
Mairi
judy, i should have mentioned… the reason you never heard of the “credit game” is because i made it up years ago to get my boyfriend at the time to stay through the credits with me. ;-)
Mairi, I actually like that too. Seeing how they put together a preview. Mad editing skills (and marketing and science). Very cool.
jb, Ohhhhh! Strategy and romance. Also very cool.
Applause Applause…
I definitely applaud at the end of a good movie. I remember seeing Dreamgirls, in Hollywood, a couple yrs back. Not only were people applauding during the movie but a complete standing ovation at the end — you would have thought it was a stage production!
I definitely applaud anyone who has walked out on a bad movie! The notion of sitting thru a movie, for hours, and knowing you are not happy with it is lost on me?!
I could easily add to that persons 206 riffs, rants and other tangents with the concept of just taking it/just accepting something you dont want and not doing something about it, but I will let it go for the day…
letting go…letting go…thinking about a margarita instead…letting go…
I need to look up what The Esquire is in Cincinnati. There were a lot of interesting posts on this subject! I wonder, popcorn partaker or not, can anyone imagine the movie-going experience without the Scent of Popcorn?? I cannot, although I have found that after about the 3rd handful, I start to feel a bit sick and yet still keep chomping, so I’ve stopped. Now I just get a big Diet Coke and hope I make it through the film without needing a bathroom break. It’s weird how so many of us have the urge to ‘graze’ etc., when watching a film. I heard an interesting comment once (I think from a film critic) saying that he/she felt it was rude to sit and stuff one’s face while observing a form of art. I guess that’s arguable in the case of some movies (although I’ve never walked out on one or fallen asleep).
I love Previews for the same reason Terre hates them — I don’t feel like I even have to see the film and most times the Previews are for films that I’d rather wait for the DVD of. I’m very particular now about which films I will spend the dough on to see in the Theatre. I’m always surprised at how much the dang ‘snacks’ cost . . . when I take my daughter I have literally paid more for the food than for the movie (for 2)!!! I try to smuggle in my own jelly bellies (and they have a popcorn flavored one!). Some films I’d just as soon see in the comfort of my own home — the special effects films I like to see on the big screen and/or a film that I’m really excited about (Oscar Buzz or favorite Actor/Actress — few and far between). I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the recent Star Trek film as I’ve never really gotten ‘into’ Star Trek. I wanted so much to clap when the original Spock showed up on the screen, but we didn’t have an enthusiastic audience. It’s the best when you have a good audience.
I wonder Judy, what films from your past do you most remember (in the theatre experience)? The first “Omen” movie really stands out in my mind (I was pretty young to see that, it’s funny my folks weren’t concerned about the subject matter). Taps I remember (totally drained me, I think I was in the 8th grade) and also “Fatal Attraction” — I knew nothing about the storyline, etc., when I went to see it and was just blown away (by Glenn Close). Nowadays, I carefully read the reviews before I spend the money to go to the theatre.
I think Carey (and Bobby indirectly) are hitting on something. I’m picky about movies too. It could be that I don’t have to walk out of movies not because I’m a sheep who’ll sit through anything, but because I’m super picky about what I’ll pay to see. Maybe being a movie snob, while annoying, has that advantage.
Carey, I remember seeing Jaws on the big screen. I developed a serious crush on Roy Scheider, and I was scared to swim – even in swimming pools – for a year.
Well, they don’t actually roll out a red carpet because then they would have to roll it back up to not allow the “others” to walk on it and they don’t have that kind of time for a non-Hollywood preview. But we were ushered in like celebrities. They pulled the plastic off of the newly cleaned seats so out butts didn’t have to touch where other butts had been. It is all pretty amazing, especially the butler service.
And I have been entertained by some previews that in my opinion have been altered from the first go to the next. What I mean is I think that sometimes you will see a movie preview and think, as an example, “Wow, that is all about cows.” Then in a couple of days after a some mad editing skills they make the movie look like it is about puppies eating peanut butter. It is all in the marketing.