Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Monday movie

Oh it was such a good movie. I had been wanting (past perfect progressive - remember?) to see it and finally did yesterday. I'm glad I went because it won't be in the theaters much longer, in fact, I was the only patron in attendance at yesterday's matinee. Vicki Christina Barcelona was such a delight. I think now that Woody Allen has realized he doesn't need to star in his own films that they are better. And though I don't think it dislodged Hannah and Her Sisters from the perch of "my favorite Woody Allen film", it's probably a close second. He writes real life fairy tales. Fairy tale because the characters are always so unfettered by things like working for a living and instead focused on the nature of their hearts. Real life because he writes so truthfully about the inability to define love and the inexplicability of the behaviour induced by one's heart. Also, this one had a narrator. I've decided I like that device. Anyway, as soon as it finished I was tempted to stay there and watch it right over again.

When I arrived at the theater I inquired if coffee was available at the concession stand. The nice girl informed me that it was available and then added that it wasn't very good. I stood for a moment wondering why she would say such a thing. I asked if it were permitted to bring a coffee in from outside. As I recall in the states, this is verboten. She lowered her voice as if to tell me a secret and said, "Yes, yes you can. You can bring anything in." So I went across the street to Starbucks, merely because it was the closest, and procured a grande corsé, then because "anything" was still banging around in my head, I grabbed a date bar. Still, I felt a little guilty when I went in with the coffee (I had discreetly put the date bar in my coat pocket) but then assuaged my guilt by remembering the $10 matinee pricetag. I remember paying seventy five cents for a matinee as a kid.

19 comments:

CoffeeDog said...

We just watched Hanna and Her Sisters last weekend! It was playing on some obscure channel.

We always take our own goodies into movies.

Doug said...

Not much of a Woody Allen fan, but definitely a fan of bringing good, normally-priced snacks into the movie theatre.

Anonymous said...

Here anything to drink or eat is very forbidden. One must pay whatever they wish to charge. For popcorn and a coke one must take out a loan. A movie would have to be super good before I would sit and watch it twice in a row. You have stamina and good looks, unfair. Word Verification: unked (that is what my Nephew calls me) ed

RJ March said...

Why would she tell you the coffee wasn't very good? Probably because the coffee wasn't very good. She was giving you some good advice, it seems to me. Of course, she could have just sold you a cup of the stinking stuff. She sounds like the kind of person you're blessed to find behind a counter. It's the "anything" that intrigues me.

Rox said...

Woody Allen has given me the creeps for a long time. Since hooking up with his partners' adopted daughter, I suppose. Creeper.

I like how the girl gave you a heads up but I totally don't get how you can sit through a movie and not have popcorn or nibs!

My adventures said...

That was one of my favorites I've seen this year. I always bring stuff in and the ticket takers have never said a thing to me. I think for minimum wage, they don't really give a crap!

Franciscus van Munster said...

It's a rainy day here. After reading your post, I totally feel like hiding in a cinema with a Starbucks coffee. Except I don't drink coffee so I'll eat M&M's instead.

Patricia said...

I always sneak stuff into the theatre. I also still feel compelled to cough when I pop open a can. But when I'm splurging, there's just nothing like popcorn at the movies.

anabel said...

I was curious about that movie. I'll try to see it before it leaves the theaters. Thanks for the grest review.
I guess some people made a big deal about a kissing scene between two women. Of course that only made me want to see it more.

Phronk said...

It's my lifelong dream to sneak a large pizza into a movie theater.

GayProf said...

Huh -- I didn't much care for Vicky/Cristina. Go figure.

Coffee sounds good, though.

Anonymous said...

I loved "Match Point" which was a totally un-Woody Allen-esque movie. Still, great story and Scarlett Johanson was brilliant in it.

Birdie said...

Last movie: "Body of Lies." Great talent, mediocre writing. Russell Crowe was wasted, but DiCaprio had some good scenes. Two and a half stars.

I always have popcorn and a soda/coke/pop. The arts theater here has REAL butter for their popcorn. Oh, man. Remember those days?

Summer said...

Don't feel guilty! I always stop at the store before a movie and buy chocolate for a fraction of the price at the concession stand. That must be where the theatre makes their money. Last movie I saw was ummm, I can't remember.

David said...

First off, I don't "get" Woody Allen. I find him just odd and creepy -and long before the whole Mia Farrow thingy.

As for food in theatre's, well its still frowned here, but as typical American's will do, if you bitch enough about it, the theatre's let you do it.

Customer Service issue and all. Problem is, companies no longer have the balls to keep to their rules.

Sometimes I realize why everyone hates us.

Anonymous said...

I've been wanting to see "Vicki Christina Barcelona" but only because I love Scarlett Johansen's hair.

Yes, I'm serious...

Mark in DE said...

Thanks for the film recommendation. I missed it when that film was at the Art House theatre in my town, but I will add it to my Netflix queue, upon your recommendation.

I LOVE that you brought your own coffee and snack into the theatre.

Mark :-)

larry said...

your thoughts on the new woody allen movie make me want to see it. thanks

Angelm said...

I don't know that it's not okay to bring drinks on the theater. I always bring with me a can of coke. Watch FULL movies in HD quality @ http://www.yayvideo.net