So when you see as many movies as I do, the bad experiences tend to stick out far more than the good.

But today was like...movie theatre employees at their finest.

First, I went to go see Run Fatboy Run at the AMC at Altamonte, and the box office guy was super nice and chatty. He commented that he loved the movie and hoped I enjoyed it.

Then the ticket taker at the same theatre complimented my hair.

Both were really nice and SUPER friendly.

Second, I was at the Regal in Winter Park to see 21 and the ticket taker said he liked that I was cheerful and he loved my smile.

So very nice.


So perhaps Fridays just make people happier, or it was that it was still early in the day, but I definitely appreciated the happy cinema employees. Fabulous.


BTW - I highly enjoyed both films. Run Fatboy Run started a little rocky, but it was really good. Definitely a "guy movie," but fuck it, I love guy movies. It was damn-near inspiring.

21 had some awkward parts, particularly with the dialog in the beginning. But Jim Sturgess was very good and Kevin Spacey was spot-on. He is so ridiculously talented, he could make a shopping list sound good, so even the parts where the dialog was sub-par, his delivery was superb. The role was made for him. I really must watch American Beauty again.


Oh, and just because...

"Keaton always said, 'I don't believe in God, but I'm afraid of him.' Well I believe in God, and the only thing that scares me is Keyser Soze."

First off, who doesn't love "The O.C."?

Two episodes everyday on SoapNet? It's perfect. Especially on Tuesdays and Thursday when I have exactly one hour at home between classes, so from 3 to 4, I get to enjoy the unsubtle melodramadie of life in Newport Beach. Lovely.


Second, I have some big plans for movies this weekend. Tomorrow, I have class from 8:30 to 9:20am, which gives me plenty of time to get out to Altamonte Springs for a 10:30am, $5 showing of Run, Fatboy, Run at the AMC. After which I will meander home via Winter Park so that I can catch the 2:35pm Stop-Loss at the Regal there.

I don't know if I'll make it a triple-feature day, or if I'll save 21 for Saturday or Sunday, but I guarantee you, I'll be seeing it this weekend as well. Because I must. Jim Sturgess and Kevin Spacey? And gambling? Yes, please! Lovelyness abounds!!


Third, sadly that's all a lot of procrastination and I have SHITLOAD of work to do this weekend. So methinks that the television is staying off starting at 4pm when I turn off "The O.C." until probably next Tuesday night (I have to watch The Idol in realtime, or I can't vote...everything else important will be recorded on the TiVo).

5 full days without television. Thank god for TiVo.

Oh, and you should be prepared for an inordinate amount of posts. The internet will be my only outlet this weekend.

I love Regal Cinemas, I really do.

But...

AMC might be pulling ahead a bit.

On Saturday, February 23rd, many of their theaters will be hosting the "Best Picture Showcase" where for $30, you can go see all five Oscar-nominated films, plus receive a free, refillable large popcorn.
Michael Clayton - 11:00 a.m.
There Will Be Blood - 1:20 p.m.
Atonement - 4:20 p.m.
Juno - 7:00 p.m.
No Country for Old Men - 9:00 p.m.

That's super intense. But if I hadn't already seen 4 of the 5, with the intention to see There Will Be Blood this weekend, I would probably take advantage. (5 films by me would cost $40 at student prices.)

Additionally, AMC theaters often feature A.M.Cinema, where shows before noon on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays occur at a discount ($5 at the one closest to me, though they can also be $4 or $6, depending on location).


Oh, and I have $19 in gift cards to AMC from campers a couple years ago.

The only downside is that I have 3 Regal Cinemas closer to me (2.1 miles, 7.5 miles, and 12.5 miles, respectively) than the AMC (which is 15 miles away, an estimated 31 minute drive). And I won't earn Crown Club points toward free sodas, popcorns, and movie tickets.

But if I can see There Will Be Blood on Saturday at 11:40am for $5, it might be totally worth it. I might even be able to catch the 3:45 Persepolis at the Enzian on my way home.

Days go by quite quickly when they are spent in movie theaters.

Indeed, I was out of the apartment from 1:30pm until 8:30pm. Part of that was drive time and there was an hour between when one ended and the other began, but still.

I did see The Darjeeling Limited, which I found enjoyable and engaging. I really like Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman is just awesome. I recommended it. The companion short film, Hotel Chevalier with Schwartzman and Natalie Portman, is available for free from iTunes (accessible through www.hotelchevalier.com). Director Wes Anderson recommends watching it before seeing The Darjeeling Limited.

I also saw Lust, Caution and the jury's still out. It was a very typical narrative, not overly dramatic nor a sweeping epic, really. It was long to be sure (2 hours, 37 minutes), and felt it at times. I was also disappointed in the ending, and I have yet to come up with a satisfactory explanation for that. That said, it was a captivating story with very interesting characters whose actions left me thinking. It was certainly well acted and well directed.


Also, I find it funny that I was carded buying a ticket for The Darjeeling Limited (apparently I look 16?), but not for Lust, Caution, which is rated NC-17. Then again...it's the Regal versus the Enzian.