I’m telling you. This is a big deal. It’s been so long since the two of us have gotten up on a Saturday morning, run our errands early and caught the early showing of a movie.
It was epic. We hadn’t gone to see a movie in ….forever!!
Oh yeah. We do movies the older people way. And we go to the earliest possible show. Usually around 11 ish. Why? You ask. Well, for one thing, it’s less expensive and we get not only the senior discount, but the matinee showings are cheaper so it’s a double discount.
Another thing is that the movie is never crowded. I can’t stand a crowded movie.
I dunno who this Shale guy is, but this is how Bonaparte and I like our movie viewing–in an empty theatre! Whoever he is, Shale is one smart dude!
And it’s because when we do end up in a crowded movie, we usually end up sitting in a row where viewers hadn’t eaten in a week and decide that this movie is where they will consume every candy, every buttery, salted, greasy kernel of popcorn, in the largest bucket they can find, every nacho with gooey processed cheese-food and every large soda the concession stand sells.
This guy…he’s always in the row I sit in!
And they must do this in ten trips. Which means that ten times I should get up so hungry mungry can pass by.
In addition, if we catch the earliest showing, I don’t have to listen to rude gabbers talking while the movie is playing.
And this girl, she’s usually in the seat in front of me, but I don’t sit back quietly about it!
I’ve been known to get up mid-film and yelling to movie-goers to “Shut the eff up”. Yes. I have. Ask my kids. Ask Bonaparte!
Yes Niecy Nash. I AM going to sedate somebody!! I paid good money at a senior discounted price. I want to watch the movie in peace!
But, I also like my Saturdays to get my nails done, write, putz around in the great outdoors—and going to a later movie just ruins the timing of the day for both of us. I haven’t been to a night movie in years. Wait. I’m lying. The last time was at the premiere in Paris for “Demain Tout Commence”. But that was special.
It was very special to go to Paris to see Bonaparte’s cousin’s movie–but it was very crowded.
So anyway, we went this past Saturday to see the film “Dunkirk”. This is the film that focuses on three different elements of the Dunkirk Evacuation, an unfortunate event that was a blow to Britain. I won’t tell anymore about the movie’s plot because I do not believe in spoilers.
The movie was great! Visually it was beautiful although very intense.
What I will say is that I wasn’t thrilled about the idea of seeing a “War” movie, but Bonaparte really wanted to see it. I’m glad we saw it because the film was fantastic! It was a visual stunner and there wasn’t a lot of dialogue—there was no need for excessive chatter. The acting was terrific. Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh, Mark Rylance, Fionn Whitehead–they were all incredibly intense. Harry Styles of the boy band “One Direction” was in it and he was great!
Cillian Murphy of the most beautiful man cheekbones of all time played a very disturbed soldier
Fionn Whitehead was great as the brooding Tommy
Tom Hardy stole my heart–but he always does..
Mark Rylance (with Cillian Murphy) had a paramount role. I’m not saying any more.
Kenneth Branagh had a role about as small as this photo–but he’s always fantastic!
The biggest surprise was Harry Styles of the boy band One Direction. He can act!!!
And here’s the thing.
Another reason we haven’t been to the movies in a while because the crop of movies that Hollywood is turning out is garbage!!
It’s true. Many movies are “Les Miserables” in the literal meaning!
I think we must’ve seen six trailers before Dunkirk started. Only one looked worth going to see. The remake of “Murder on the Orient Express” Yes. Another remake but this one looks fun and entertaining.
I know. It’s been remade many times but this version looks like 100 percent fun!
Entertainment. That’s why I love going to the movies. Under normal circumstances, I want an escape. I don’t want to be reminded of sickness, climate change, earthly or unearthly disasters or violence. (Caveat—I do enjoy a good story about WW 1 or WW2 every now and then).
Here’s a visual from the movie “Geostorm”. I can’t even….
I’m 62 years old. I don’t want so to see a movie for kids. I want an adult story. One with humor and pathos. And they are nowhere around because they have been replaced by movies about Minions and Superheroes.
Yeah. I get it. I know she’s empowering. But it’s a comic book character!!!!!
And I realize that a great number of adults love the minions. I am not one of those aduts.
And quite frankly, I’m tired of Disney movies!
I want another movie like “Big Night”—did you see it? I highly recommend this wonderful film for the adult mind. If you see it on DVD buy it–or rent it if available! It’s an oldie but goodie.
A great story and a great cast makes for a great movie!
The music was so great I purchased the CD and play it regularly. Here’s one of the songs: Claudio Villa with “Stornelli Amorosi” I don’t know what it means but if I saw it on a menu, I’d order it!
I am with you and Bonaparte 100% about movies! I can hardly find one I want to see. Spare me the end of civilization movie. i’m already frighten enough just listening to the news.
Hi Bonnie! Exactly!!! I can’t watch the news anymore—why would I pay to see this stuff on the big screen? I want to be entertained–not petrified!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Loved the movie also. I do think it helps if you have a little knowledge about WWII. Acting superb even if you could not understand all the dialogue. Very moving. Whole audience clapped t the end. Maybe it was a knowledgeable audience. I also enjoyed The Big Sick and Baby Driver.
Hi Sandra! Oh, I agree with you on the acting. Yeah, Bonaparte has a bit of a problem sometimes with Irish brogues and British accents but he is so knowledgeable about Dunkirk that after the movie he explained much of what I didn’t know. I can’t see The Big Sick because I’m affected by illness movies–I’m triggered with my phobia so it’s a no-go. Baby Driver–I’ve heard great things about but it isn’t playing by us anymore!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Maudie and The Big Sick are worth seeing. Do you have an art house kind of movie theatre near you? That’s the kind of theatre that usually has movies we enjoy. Do you have an Alamo Drafthouse theatre near you? They originated here in Austin where we live. They tend to have an eclectic assortment of movies, really great food, and the ability to pick your own seats. And they have zero tolerance for talking and any extraneous noise.
Thank you again for sharing your experiences with hair loss and wig selection. I think you are very brave and resilient to talk about these things although there should be zero hesitation to talk about hair loss and anxiety, but we know that lots of people are in the shame game business.
Hi Marsha. Wow. I’m hearing great things about The Big Sick–but as I commented before, I can’t see illness films because they trigger me. It’s true and not pretty–my neurotic self can’t handle it! Never heard of Alamo Drafthouse but–I LOVE AUSTiN!! Jake, my eldest son, graduated from UT in Austin–I love everything about Austin, the music scene, the food, the people–you are so lucky to live there!!! Thank you for your kind words BTW–they are appreciated!!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
And love your picture of Niecy Nash in the series calling Going On – I think that was the name of it. It was so good. Have you seen Niecy Nash in her current series, Claws? It is quirky and dark, and Niecy owns it.
I love Niecy Nash! Remember that clean house show she used to be on some years ago. I love her personality–she is the person you want to be best friends with because you know she’ll always make you laugh and have your back. I haven’t seen Claws yet but I will most likely binge one of these weekends. The commercial looks great!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Can’t wait to see Dunkirk this weekend. And I’ve been known to tell folks to turn off their bloody phones and be quiet, too! I’m old! I’ve earned that right!!! AND I wear purple!
You go, Lady Calen, YOU Tell ’em!! Just like I do!! Why do people go to movies to gab? Why don’t they just stay home!!!! Enjoy Dunkirk–I think you will really love it!! XOXOXO!!!!
Hi Catherine! And I am so like you! We only go to the movies in the afternoon. And we have a membership subscription to two semi-independent cinemas in Brighton where they have Senior Screens where the ticket is reduced even more and you get a cup of tea and a biscuit (or cookie as you’d say). And you’ve seen Dunkirk before me – w’re going this Friday. It’s interesting that American culture in the form of film has so infiltrated my consciousness that of the films I’m now going to recommend most are American films. But seriously there are some good ones out there including: Manchester by Sea, Hidden Figures (a must-see) and if you can catch it a really excellent Reese Witherspoon film, The Good Lie, very pertinent as it’s about an American response to refugees. And for me one of the greatest films of all time has to be The Right Stuff. it can be seen on so many levels but at the beginning of the film with the parts that depict America just after the war – yes, you saw why America became the first nation as Britain limped away from the war broke. And Sam Shepard – amazing – RIP an American genius.
Hi Penny! I swear, if we lived near each other we would be going to see movies all the time! Isn’t it so much better to see the early viewing? Tea and a biscuit?? That’s my kinda movie theatre!!! All the movies you mention bypassed me. Oona saw Hidden Figures and said it was robbed of an Oscar! One movie Oona and I saw together was Brooklyn. Did you see that movie? It remains one of my faves. Saoirse Ronan is some actor!! Her Oscar day is coming!! XOXOXOXO!!!!
I seldom go to movies any more, because I cannot stand the TALKING!!!
I admit to liking the Minions, but only when watching at home where I can turn it off and on at will. I am really tired of superheroes, remakes, dystopic movies, etc. I do like movies about WWI and WWII where you have a chance to find out something new.
Big Night is one of our fave movies ever! We re-watch it every couple of years, and every time I have risotto, I think of it. 🙂
Bridget!! I’m so glad that Big Night is one of your favorite movies–there is something about that movie that just touches a soft spot with me. I love everything about it!! Even kids movies are too cutesy and PC these days. In my humble opinion, the best “kids” movie ever made was the ORIGINAL “Parent Trap” with Hayley Mills. And the other was Pollyanna. Also starring Hayley Mills. Disney movies now suck–the old school live action Disney films from back-in-the-day were better!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I am one hundred percent with you regarding Minions……..
Wendy–Right??? And what’s worse is seeing grown adults running around town in Minions tee shirts. No. Just. No. That is for your children. XOOXOXOXO!!!
Dunkirk was an excellent film on all accounts. Remember seeing years ago the in the Imperial War Museum in London the smallest boat that was part of the evacuation and was struck by the great heroism undertaken by the civilians in their boats and this film was so much about all facets of heroism. I would love to hear you tell everyone to shut up during the film and would give you a resounding applause. Richard and I could not believe the trailers, how long, loud and unwatchable the upcoming releases are.
Yvonne. I have something to tell you. It’s about something I did during the trailers before the Dunkirk movie. We were watching the trailer for the new Inconvenient Truth follow up. There was a clip in it with Trump giving a speech. I yelled at the top of my lungs “Eff you!” (only I said the word). The theatre went silent and nobody challenged me or told me to shut up or took a gun out and shot me (hey, I live in Pennsylvania!). Bonaparte was very impressed! But it’s true, the trailers were awful. How do these movies even get funding??
I would have loved to see one of those small boats. Those people were the epitome of brave!! XXOXOXOXOXO!!!
I haven’t been to the movies in years – the fear of being in a giant room without windows and the fear of being trapped during a film and having to sit through it – unlike a book where you can put a bookmark in it and leave the characters safe and sound 🙂 In fact my children banned me from trying (trying) to watch finding nemo – which I found too scary (don’t laugh), we wont even mention monsters inc both of which we had in the house, and even as a small child I loathed Disney anything. To be honest I love a foreign language film – subtitles!!!! and especially late at night when everyone has gone to bed. In fact show me anything with Audrey Tatou (I almost have a crush on her – she is fantastic), she was amazing as Thérèse Desqueyroux actually she is just fabulous full stop, yep I proper love her
Juliet. I get what you are saying about the closed theatre, etc. I get anxious about illness movies. I cannot watch them. At all. I dig foreign movies too–subtitles don’t bother me at all–and I SAW that movie Therese. My big Tatou crush film is Amelie. I watch it on a regular basis!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!!
Totally with you on the talking Catherine, but having lived in the U.S.A and being an old English lady I’ve found that ( outside of London ) audiences are much more subdued here. I do love the American way of applauding he movie at the end if it was great and i once got a British audience to clap enthusiastically with me after a stunner of a premiere .
As I have said, I’m an old English lady and I got a giggle over you calling Dunkirk ‘ an unfortunate event ‘ .
Hi Jilly!! I’m glad you got a giggle over my calling the Dunkirk Evacuation an unfortunate event!! The movie was so great. I hope you saw it!!!! XOXOXOXOXO!!!