By Camille Cox | Staff Writer
Movies are my favorite pastime; I love sitting down without my phone, watching my favorite actors on the screen and of course, getting the snacks that inherently go along with the experience. Throughout the pandemic, I missed movie theaters and began watching new and old movies alike in the comfort of my house. However, after seeing movies at the new Waco Cinemark, I have been reminded why movies in theaters are so superior.
I recently saw three movies in theaters: “West Side Story,” “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and “House of Gucci.” Additionally, I watched the new Netflix film “Don’t Look Up.” All of these movies had great casts and plots, yet the three in theaters were automatically better due to the setting I watched them in. “Don’t Look Up” is chock-full of amazing actors, led by a well-known director with a clever, satirical plot, yet the film is not getting the recognition it could potentially get if it were screened at movie theaters. At movie theaters, everyone there wants to be there. Whether you’re sitting next to the director’s biggest fan or someone who just loves movies, all viewers choose to pay the money to see the film. When I watch at home, it feels insignificant. Of course, it’s nice to lay in bed or on the couch and watch the movie, but it doesn’t give off that special community feeling that a theater does.
Director Christopher Nolan published an opinion essay with The Washington Post citing why theater viewing is better than home viewing. Nolan, who has directed hits such as “The Dark Knight,” “Interstellar” and “Tenet,” said he believes there are far too many distractions when watching a movie at home. Nolan stressed that moviegoing has been a common, fun-filled experience for generations. Just like Nolan, I believe movie theaters are not gone and should not disappear. After all, they have been around for over a century. Yes, times change. Yes, Blockbuster is no longer a thing, and many movies that are new are now available on streaming services for small costs or even for free.
I do believe that watching movies at home is the most relaxing and easygoing experience. But, when I see a movie I have been itching to see all year, I want it to be on the big screen. “Spider-Man: No Way Home” was incredible and would not have been the same if I had watched it on my TV in my house. I cannot wait to see the new Batman movie entitled “The Batman” that comes out this year, starring Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz. These are cult-classics that are widely loved by audiences, making their viewing that much more special when you are surrounded by fellow moviegoers. There’s something special about going to the movies, getting a tub of popcorn and sitting in those recliner seats without any thoughts in the world — escapism at its finest. Next time you plan to watch a movie, go to the theaters.
