Ten
tiny pieces of
bubblegum
Glowing at the ends
of long
slender
fingers.
Reminds me of
the sticky sweetness
that is
the flavor of my youth.
And of you.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Today and yesterday - all at once
I like old things. Classic things. Old cars. Old radios. Old records. Things that have a sense of history appeal to me. I like the fact that they have been around, that they have survived. That they have, in their own way, witnessed history first hand.
Which probably explains why I have enjoyed my last two trips to the movies. Yes, the two films in question were of very high quality – “The Kids are Alright” (a certain Oscar nominee) and “Eat, Pray, Love”, especially because anytime you can spend 2 hours looking at Julia Roberts is a good thing. Oh, and the film is very good too.
But the quality of the films were only enhanced by my surroundings – which was definitely NOT the local multiplex. No, instead, we enjoyed these films in a vintage theater – The Forum – on Main Street in Metuchen, NJ. And I forgot just how much fun it was to go to the movies at a single-screen theater, with a big auditorium and a big screen, with no hustle and bustle and trying to find your theater amongst the 18 or so that you find nowadays, with small auditoriums and louder crowds.
No, the Forum is a real theater. A genuine throwback to the days when going to the movies was an event. A large auditorium, with many wide rows of somewhat uncomfortable seats. Not unbearable, mind you, but definitely not your living room couch. And isn’t that the point of going to the movies anyway?
The Forum has a real marquee. With neon lights and big letters. And the marquee shows you what’s playing AND the times. Just drive by on your way to the store and you know what time to eat dinner if you want to make the evening show.
Ticket prices are only $8 – a real bargain in these days. And for that $8, you get a few quick previews and the movie. No pre-show TV entertainment. No endless previews of films you may or may not have an interest in. Get there early? Then have an actual conversation with your date, or your wife, or your friend, or the couple in the row behind you. Buy some real popcorn – but remember there are NO cupholders here.
Enjoy the vintage music and the smells that are found in a real theater – a combination of must and history and butter. Watch the lights dim and enjoy the show. And after the film, walk out about 20 steps to your car, discussing the movie or deciding where to go for ice cream.
Do yourself a favor – go to a movie at a real theater just once. You WILL go back again and again. And let’s all be sure to patronize these theaters now, because if we don’t save them, we’ll end up with another pizza place or hair salon or dollar store where this little piece of history once stood.
Milk Duds anyone?
Which probably explains why I have enjoyed my last two trips to the movies. Yes, the two films in question were of very high quality – “The Kids are Alright” (a certain Oscar nominee) and “Eat, Pray, Love”, especially because anytime you can spend 2 hours looking at Julia Roberts is a good thing. Oh, and the film is very good too.
But the quality of the films were only enhanced by my surroundings – which was definitely NOT the local multiplex. No, instead, we enjoyed these films in a vintage theater – The Forum – on Main Street in Metuchen, NJ. And I forgot just how much fun it was to go to the movies at a single-screen theater, with a big auditorium and a big screen, with no hustle and bustle and trying to find your theater amongst the 18 or so that you find nowadays, with small auditoriums and louder crowds.
No, the Forum is a real theater. A genuine throwback to the days when going to the movies was an event. A large auditorium, with many wide rows of somewhat uncomfortable seats. Not unbearable, mind you, but definitely not your living room couch. And isn’t that the point of going to the movies anyway?
The Forum has a real marquee. With neon lights and big letters. And the marquee shows you what’s playing AND the times. Just drive by on your way to the store and you know what time to eat dinner if you want to make the evening show.
Ticket prices are only $8 – a real bargain in these days. And for that $8, you get a few quick previews and the movie. No pre-show TV entertainment. No endless previews of films you may or may not have an interest in. Get there early? Then have an actual conversation with your date, or your wife, or your friend, or the couple in the row behind you. Buy some real popcorn – but remember there are NO cupholders here.
Enjoy the vintage music and the smells that are found in a real theater – a combination of must and history and butter. Watch the lights dim and enjoy the show. And after the film, walk out about 20 steps to your car, discussing the movie or deciding where to go for ice cream.
Do yourself a favor – go to a movie at a real theater just once. You WILL go back again and again. And let’s all be sure to patronize these theaters now, because if we don’t save them, we’ll end up with another pizza place or hair salon or dollar store where this little piece of history once stood.
Milk Duds anyone?
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