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The Student News Site of Saint Louis University

The University News

The Student News Site of Saint Louis University

The University News

Do not miss the midnight movie experience

Hundreds of crazy fans everywhere showing their pride, many dressed in costume to show their commitment, energy drinks littered across the parking lot. Sound familiar? It probably sounds like a Mizzou football game, but I’m talking about a different world entirely.

I’m talking about midnight screenings at the movie theater. This may seem like a hyped up glorification; it is, but those who have been there before will tell you that not many things come close. Whether it’s the fifth movie in a dying series, a cheap compilation of aging action stars or the next “Harry Potter” film these screenings provide a unique and special atmosphere

It all starts the day of the screening. From the very start of the day, anticipation begins to build. Whether it’s sitting through work, class or just hanging out around the house, the hours begin to drag on, and the final stroke of midnight can’t come fast enough. Eventually it’s time to get ready. After a late dinner with friends the real fun begins. Like athletes getting ready for the big game, people start putting on their uniforms; favorite heroes and villains come to life in costume.

Then it’s time to get mentally prepared. Pretty soon quotes are being rifled off and friends are quizzing friends on any and all facts they can dream up.

Finally, people begin arriving at the theater—some have been there since this morning camping out and living off movie theater concessions for a day. There is a palpable energy in the theater that isn’t there normally. A movie theater can often be a bit dull. People are usually pretty quiet and respectful. It’s not too loud. Besides the occasional junior high kids making out in the back, most people are well-behaved.

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On the evening of a midnight premier, that all changes. Fans can’t hold their excitement in. They are screaming and jumping up and down all day. More often than not there is a mad dash into the theater as soon as the doors open. Kids are screaming and yelling and friends must shout to each other to be heard in the theater. Finally the previews start.

Usually theaters are pretty chatty up until the previews starts and then “silence is golden” pops up on the screen along with some cheesy gimmicks. Maybe it’s all the sugar, or just the sheer anticipation from waiting all day, but this almost never happens in a premier.

During the intro to the film many people will shout things like “Go get him, Harry!” or “I love you, Megan Fox!” It really becomes a group event and an entirely different experience. The movie comes alive as the entire theater is clapping, laughing or even crying together.

Like anyone who has gone to a “Rocky Horror Picture Show” screening can tell you, it’s an exciting feeling to get involved in the film.

Now obviously there are some drawbacks to going to an event like this. Movie theaters, especially in malls, can be a haven for young, bratty kids who are looking for attention. There are always going to be people at the screenings that are just trying to be funny and talk during the whole film with their personal commentary.

Another problem is that most people either have work or school on Friday mornings and staying up until 3 or 4 a.m. doesn’t make it easy to get up the next day. There is also the whole waiting-in-line-for-hours thing to worry about, but as I always like to say: it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.

Those who haven’t been to a midnight show should at least give it a shot once. Most of my favorite shows have been late night premiers with my friends, and they don’t all have to be summer blockbusters.

“The Expendables” was a perfect example of a film that wasn’t great but it was easy to get excited about and it attracted a fun and rowdy crowd that just added to the enjoyment. So next time you see a movie that you’d want to watch consider grabbing some pals and going to a midnight show.

Here’s a checklist for your midnight experience

  1. Sleep in. You don’t want to be asleep by the time it starts
  2. Grab some friends. Make it an adventure and get excited. That’s what premiers are all about
  3. Eat a late dinner. You don’t want to be the sucker buying the movie theater meal.
  4. Dress up. Get into it a little. This is the best chance you’ll ever have to show off your movie passion. Nothing wrong with getting a little nerdy
  5. Wear a big coat. This comes in handy for two reasons 1. You can put lots of food in it and you will want to bring food.  2. You can use it as a blanket while you wait
  6. Have fun!

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