I must admit that I am an action movie junkie! When I go to the theater I want to be intellectually engaged. When I go to the movies, I just want escapism. Most of the time, though, I am let down. Same situation with the Sauceres’ Apprentice. Do not pull your face as you read this. Please don’t think less of me for being shallow in my entertainment choice! Just think of me as a popcorn-munching movie fan who sometimes makes bad decisions when picking movies.
It’s like the time I was dragged to see Toy Story 3 in 3D. The tickets came to $28 for two people (because it was in 3D) and I charged it. I sat there growling and fuming that I allowed to be forced into this movie. But I think I was alone because everyone else in the theater was laughing and having a great time!
Do you every get up and leave when you don’t like a movie before it’s over? If it’s a theater production I will never leave. I’ve seen people get up and leave in the middle of a performance because they don’t like it and I find it rude. I stick it to the end because I always think there’s something to be learnt. Sometimes in a movie, however, I am very tempted. What do you do?
#1 by Shannon Lambert on July 31, 2010 - 1:48 pm
I sat through Inception and upon reflection felt a terrible affliction.
#2 by Gary Nelling on July 31, 2010 - 2:21 pm
Some wise person, probably Miss Manners, said that we all have the right to one bad taste. I have borrowed an extra privilege or two from those who don’t use theirs. Sort of like cap and trade! I have the all-time record of picking bad movies in my family, including “Half Moon Street” which starred Michael Caine and Signourney Weaver but was still an awful movie! So I introduced the concept “No bad movies”, sort of like “No bad dogs”, and I haven’t walked out on either. We loved Toy Story 3, but you had to see Toy Story 1 and 2 to get the philosophical continuity! LOL! – Gary
#3 by Shannon Lambert on July 31, 2010 - 6:24 pm
PS, I went “shopping” with you on 1stdibs today. I was surprised by a few of the choices. (Pleasantly). It was fun to see what catches your eye.
#4 by Terry on July 31, 2010 - 7:34 pm
I walked out when I was still going. At least you could walk right into another movie. I don’t go anymore. The movies really aren’t so good these days. The pre-movie hype and marketing is so transparent. And in my case the older I get the less interested I am in being cooped up in a dark room watching with movie noises swirling around the room. There is plenty to do and see elsewhere. I will watch a very few of them on video.
#5 by magnaverde on July 31, 2010 - 7:48 pm
My brother used to be an actor and I sat through a ton of shows that should have closed in previews, but even if he hadn’t been in them, there was no way I could get up & leave. You’re right: that’s rude. A live performance is a two-way performance, and our half of the deal is try to ACT like we’re glad we’re there–even if we’re not. Most actors aren’t paid that well, so their real reward comes in the form of our applause, and sometimes, after applauding a dog of a show, I think that I’M the one who deserves the Tony.
Movies are different, and if I don’t like it, I’m outta there. I think the last thing I walked out on was last winter’s “Sherlock Holmes.” I don’t know what I though it was going to be, but it wasn’t that. The popcorn, on the other hand, was excellent, so I took it with me & I was still eating it three blocks away. I won’t think less of you for your movie tastes if you won’t think less of me for eating while walking down the street.
#6 by ann on July 31, 2010 - 8:08 pm
Ugh! Where are all the good movies? Went to see Knight & Day…Cruise and Cameron Diaz. Horrible. Just awful. No I did not walk out…its a treat to get away from housework in any form so I stayed and enjoyed the popcorn.
#7 by EM on August 1, 2010 - 12:36 am
I walked out on live theater once. It was a student-written and performed play, and in addition to the fact that it was horrendously written (teenage angst to the nth degree), the story deepened into a university administration that was akin to a cult. When they, rather realistically, acted out a gang rape, I fled the theater.
#8 by Leonka on August 2, 2010 - 8:24 pm
Hello,
I once attanded heinously bad way-way-off Broadway play. Out of repect for the actors and the production, we didn’t leave. I have left a movie, though.
#9 by t. behr on August 5, 2010 - 11:11 pm
I’m a film junkie and fortunately for me I’m a professor of film studies so I get to combine a hobby with a vocation. I watch all kinds of films from arthouse, experimental, to blockbuster and yes action films. There’s nothing that makes me madder than a film that doesn’t hang together (esp. when millions have gone into its production!) or has been hyped by the media. I too paid almost $30 for 2 tickets to see Inception, which critics claimed was both intellectually and physically satisfying. It was neither & was sentimental to boot with too many hallmark moments. We sat there fuming during the entire movie but did not walk out. However, I’m now seriously considering walking out as a protest to the next bad film I attend, which will unfortunately be in the not too distant future.
PS: If you love action films you should watch Hong Kong action films, esp. those by Johnny To (The Departed was a remake of one of his films).
#10 by Maria Petrova on August 6, 2010 - 3:09 am
LOVE YOUR HONESTY! We all have an escapist inside!