Why is that when you see a movie in the theater, it is almost always, by default, better than when you see it at home. A movie that is sort of funny at home, would have been hilarious at the theater. A movie that might make you weepy at home, could have you bawling your eyes out in the theater. Is it a universal phenomena or is it just me.
Let me give you the case in point. Friday night, I went with two of my friends to see Due Date. It’s a guy movie, for sure. It’s something that I would enjoy most if I were a 14 year old boy… really, it’s that sort of humor. It was, I believe, intended to be a good date movie – because there were some “OH, how sweet moments"” for the girls…but mostly it was all about boy humor – from whacking off (soundtrack appropriate – and don’t ask how I know, just know that I do know whether I want to or not) to vomiting, and getting it all over your face (thank goodness that didn’ t happen in the afore mentioned part). I suppose those of you who saw hangover would say that this movie was in the same general genre. I saw hangover. Didn’t think it was anything to write home about. Not too funny. I smiled. I watched it at home. Same with Grownups. Some parts, a little funny. I smiled. I watched it at home. Due date, I laughed out loud. I groaned. I covered my eyes, I sort of gagged. I reacted. I saw it at the theater. And on the other end, I did cry, snuffled, nose stopped up, could have cried out loud but didn’t because I was in public, but really wanted to – every time that I saw it (only movie I’ve ever paid to see more than two times in a theater (polar express is the other). Didn’t cry when I saw Steel Magnolias, didn’t really care that Shelby died…really. But didn’t cry at either when I saw them at home. However, if I watch just the scene from The Color Purple where Shug goes from the juke joint to her dad’s church, I’ll cry every time (but I cry much more now that I’m a parent).
Anyway, the issue has been rolling around in my head for a few days and figured I’d put it out there for comment.
