Pass the Popcorn

Darrel and I have turned movie and TV watching into a fine art form.  Between our bathroom breaks, snack runs, and naps it might take us 3 runs through the same Sherlock Holmes episode until we are both satisfied that we haven’t missed anything.

Before the pandemic, we used to catch the Tuesday special at our local movie theatre.  I’d get comfy and nap through the long intermission before the previews and Darrel would nap intermittently throughout the movie if it wasn’t his pick.

Now, we try to have movie nights at home, but it doesn’t go well most of the time.  Our taste in movies is at opposite ends of the spectrum.  It also doesn’t help that my attention span is short.   I don’t understand why (if it is his pick) Darrel doesn’t like to fill me in during the movie since he keeps up with everything that’s going on.

He will attempt to watch some of my choices, but for some strange reason he draws the line at watching Call the Midwife.  Recently we watched Queens Gambit.  We both agreed it was a good movie, but I found it too stressful to sit through. So, after the first episode, I went upstairs and watched the last episode to see how it would turn out.  When I came back downstairs, I asked Darrel if he wanted to know how it ended. He opened his eyes, said no and went back to watching or sleep, I’m not sure which.  LOL (Update:  I did eventually watch the other episodes; they are worth watching in order!)

Fast-paced movies and movies with a twist work best for us.  We both enjoy some science fiction movies.  Darrel got me to watch the whole Lord of the Rings trilogy. That series was just too loud, long, and dreary for me.  For a time, I had this weird thought that I would see walking trees going down our street.  Sounds silly, but can you imagine looking out your window and a tall tree bends down and looks right back at you?

We do have some successes that have become ‘our’ movie.  These we enjoy with not many breaks, naps, or my constant questions.  Our shortlist consists of:  “This Christmas,”  “The Equalizer,” “Message from the King” (actually all Boseman movies!), “The Big Chill,” and “Let it Ride.”   It works best for us to have two TV’s running and not compromise on this entertainment pastime. However, when we do find a keeper, we get out the popcorn and enjoy it together.

Amanda

Thumbnail: Photo by Byron Sullivan from pexels.