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Moviegoing with children: It CAN be done
In my post about the virtues of seeing movies in theaters, a reader named Derwood said this might not be so feasible for families with children. He wrote:
“It is impossible to get into the theater without going near the concession stand. Even if I do manage to go through the gauntlet of bright lights, smells, etc.. I still pay more to take my family to a movie in the theater than I do by purchasing the DVD. And, with my 52�? high definition TV, progrssive-scan DVD player, 5.1 surround sound, and comfy chairs and couches, my home is a far better place to watch the movie (multiple times if we are so inclined). No crowds to navigate. And, our popcorn is much healthier and cheaper.”
Derwood makes a good point. I am a single guy, and it is fair to say that my suggestions work best (economically, anyway) for singles or small groups. I understand that a trip to the theater with a few children in tow can put a serious dent in your wallet. For many people, it’s not easy.
That said, I maintain that seeing movies in theaters is worth at least the occasional dent. Home theater systems are great (I have one too), but even the ritziest equipment can’t recreate the buzz and atmosphere of a real theater. And that’s an experience every child should have as often as possible.
But you don’t have to take a single guy’s word for it. My best friend, Scott Copeland, is every bit the movie buff I am, and he has four kids to look after. Here’s his take:
“Eric’s main thesis in these articles is that a theater is the best place to see a movie. I support that. As to going with families, I still support that, and as a father of four, I do know this area.
“Most of Eric’s tips still work for families. Sitting closer to the screen gives your kids an experience they can’t get at home. Is it more expensive? Sure. It’s better, and better experiences often cost more.
“But the theatrical experience is a special one. My 7 year old son still treasures when just he and I went to Rugrats Go Wild together, and still talks about it, even though he’s seen it plenty on video. And even though my 13 year old watches the Harry Potter movies frequently, she’s still jumping to see them when they play in theatres.
“It’s important to realize with children, it’s the trip that matters as much as the movie. They get to go out with mommy and/or daddy, and that is something special in itself.
“With that in mind, here’s some tips:
“Avoid the concession stand. You don’t have to go there. Have a plan B. Promise them a treat at home. Or with the really big movies, go out to eat at the restaurant that has the tie-in with the movie you just saw or are about to see.
“Go early. Eric’s tips about matinees apply. Second run is acceptable. The younger kids won’t know the difference, and the older ones won’t mind if it’s a film they want to see.
“Drive-ins are fun. Many of them allow kids in free. You pack them in the car, bring lawn chairs, and they love it. Seeing a movie under the sky is a special experience. Sure, the sound isn’t that great, but the screen is huge, and much more involving then the TV.
“Watch for summer programs. Many theatres now have summer programs of second run and older films for families. Also, both Dayton and Columbus have classic movie series, many of which are appropriate for children. My daughter loved going to Columbus last year to see A Hard Day’s Night, and the year before that to see Superman (Christopher Reeve version).
(Eric interjects: This is an excellent point. Kids get into classics more than you might suspect. I know quite a few who love Singin’ in the Rain.)
“Is there some value in movies at home? Sure. I have hundreds of movies at home, and I do try to enrich my children’s life with new and different experiences. But enriching their life also means sometimes forking over the extra money to take them to the theatre.”
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Moviegoing
Comments
By Derwood
March 31, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this
For the most part, I do agree with you and your friend, Scott.. I love movies too.. I have over 500 DVDs in my collection.. I do agree that a theater is a better place to watch a movie than even the nicest home theater. And, while it is true that costs can be mitigated by avoiding the concession stand in lieu of promised treats later, I’ve always felt that the concession stand was part of the moviegoing experience.. The candies and popcorn and sodas are in my eyes part of the package deal.. I just don’t like the cost.. But, I also know that the theater doesnt make a penny on ticket sales.. That all goes to the distribution and production companies.. So, they have to charge ridiculous amounts of money for the concessions or they go out of business. Matinees are about the only way I’ll take the family to the theater these days.. And, if I go see one by myself, I go to the 10 or 11am showing. I work nights, so this is a possibility for me.. It lets me sit in about the 4th row center, even when going to see blockbusters.. No crowds, no fuss ;-) I love drive-ins too, there just aren’t very many of them left. They are (unfortunately) a dying piece of Americana in favor of 20-plex monstrosities that show only the latest drivel from Hollywood. I guess when you get right down to it, that would have to be my chief complaint.. That Hollywood seems to have run dry on originality over the past few years and all they seem capable of releasing are either remakes of 20-40 year old classics, or regurgitated sequels. Neither of which seem to have had any real thought towards plot, character development, or even in quality cinematography. They’re all too interested in showing big things that go boom and that they know how to weave CGI with live action seamlessly.. I wouldnt mind shelling out $50 to take my family to the movies if there were something original and worth watching.. I just can’t bring myself to shell out that kind of cash for “The Shaggy Dog” with Tim Allen.. The original Shaggy Dog and Shaggy DA were far better.By Matt Winand
March 30, 2006 4:34 PM | Link to this
Great article. Point well taken. Looks like the little one and I will be going to watch Ice Age this Saturday. Thanks!!