Choosing Between Movie Night In or Movie Night Out

Here’s a little something you may not know about me – ok, you probably do. I’m obsessed with movies. I get that watching movies is a common activity to enjoy but for as long as I can remember, movies have played a large role in my extracurricular. Whether I laugh during The Family Stone for the twentieth time, get a little teary eyed at the end of Lalaland, become completely lost in Intersellar or feel nostalgic during Forrest Gump, I am engrossed beginning to end. As long as it’s a solid production, I’m lost within the story, the characters and the (mostly) fictitious world. Same goes for books… but that’s a different story.

As a result of obsessing over cinema, I also obsess over the actors and actresses who bring the story to life. Plus, all the glitz and glamour that is awards season. Which we’re in the middle of right now. I don’t follow every single awards show, because that would be insanity. But I never miss the biggies – Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild, Grammy’s (music), and of course, the Academy Awards. You’d be correct to assume that leading up to these awards, there are a lot of movie minutes to soak up. I’d like to say I’m always ahead of the game in watching the nominated features, but I’m human, and we’re busy, so no. I do, however, like to see at least a few that are making the most impact.

Which brings me to today’s topic – movie night. Specifically, choosing to see movies in theaters, or waiting until we can stream them for a movie night in.

I used to be a theater nut. I’d go regularly and even when T and I first started dating, it was a ritual. We’ve strayed from that routine, and I think the world of streaming is to blame a little. Being able to press three buttons at home & start watching a flick is pretty amazing in my book. But there are many nights I still prefer the theater. So here’s how I choose between seeing a movie in theaters or saving it for a movie night in.

Certain movies need to be seen in theaters

First and foremost, there are certain movies that should absolutely be seen in a theater if possible. Think Avengers, Mary Poppins Returns, or Jurassic World. Movies with action, an incredible score or impeccable cinematography that require a cinema screen for the full experience. Save comedies like Night School or dramas such as Lady Bird for streaming at home. Still entertaining movies, but the smaller screen and normal volume works just fine.

Let me watch my movie in peace

Second thing I take into consideration – how busy the movie theater will be. We recently went to see Vice in theaters because Christian Bale is fantastic & I knew it’d be an award-worthy watch. We broke our rule of waiting a week or two after release. Why do we usually wait? The crowds! For any hyped-up movie, the theater will fill up quickly. With too many people, you’re bound to sit next to a habitual commenter, get distracted by popcorn forgetters or suffer through rude chatter. All three major pet peeves of mine and what do you know, the habitual commenter sat next to me at Vice. I need my movie viewing to happen in peace & quiet. At home, the only worry we have is Cooper getting up to go outside… and I can forgive him for that.

The waiting game

Last but not least, we decide how badly we want to see a movie before choosing to wait to watch it at home. Obviously it takes a while for movies to be released on Vudu or FandangoNow (two streaming outlets we use). If we’re anxious to see something – Captain Marvel, anyone? – we’ll make a point to book tickets. On the flip, if it’s a movie we can wait for, not gonna lie, we’ll wait. Sweatpants, cozy blankets & homemade popcorn for the win. Cooper prefers that, too.

Do you prefer movie night in or at the theater?

xoxo. B