It’s no secret that I love movies; some might say I’m a little obsessed with them.
I’ve watched nearly 300 films this year, and not because I felt obligated to, but because I really wanted to. I loved every single minute of it, even though I watched a few movies that I really loathed. It doesn’t matter if a movie is good or bad – every minute spent watching a film is time well spent.
I watch movies not just because I want to be entertained, but also to be educated, to learn, and hopefully to share my experiences. Out of everything a film can offer, the story will always be the most important part for me. I want to feel something – it can be happiness, sadness, anger, or even fear. I just want to feel something and at times be immersed in the story (just not with horrors).
I want to be able to walk in a character’s shoes and understand their motivations and struggles. I’m not an actor, but I love seeing myself be part of a fictional world on screen. I love story and storytelling. I love imagining new worlds, and even better, I love discovering new worlds through film.
So, can I be your movie guy? I promise to be fair and honest about how I feel about the movie. I might not know a lot about the technical stuff, but I like to think I know enough about story and characters. I also like to think I know enough about cinematography and sound design to know when it’s good or bad. I also know that a good soundtrack and score can turn good into great.
I think I know enough about special effects that I immediately pick up on what looks bad and immediately pulls you out of the story. What you see on the screen is just as important as what you feel for the characters. Some movies can have a subpar story but are visually stunning (I think everyone can guess what film I’m talking about).
Then there are movies with really good stories, but the world they live in feels like something out of a 16-bit video game. The bad visuals and effects or even stunts immediately overshadow the story, which is also why most 3D movies don’t work well anymore.
I don’t just love movies, I love cinema! I will always be an advocate for the movie theatre. I think — no, I know, most films are better when you watch them at the bioscope first. It’s not just about going to watch something; it’s about the whole experience: the smell of popcorn, the cold slushies, and the Astros that we sometimes sneak in.
It’s about enjoying something magical with a community who appreciates the silver screen as much as we do. And you don’t have to be a cinephile to appreciate the big screen. It’s about being able to watch a movie first and then brag about it at school, work, or even at church. It’s about stepping into a different reality and allowing yourself to be completely immersed in it.
I’m grateful for the cinema-going experience. I appreciate everyone who works on screen and behind the scenes to bring us these films. And obviously, I’m grateful for the cinema staff for always being accommodating and making the cinema feel like a second home.
One last thing — can I be your movie guy? I promise to always say what I think or feel, regardless of whether it’s bad or good. I just want everyone to enjoy the movie-going experience as much as I do. Movies really are awesome.
