Opinion | A love letter to movie theaters

Mady Dever, Opinions Editor

We need movies now more than ever. 

Films have always offered a vehicle of escape from reality. That’s what makes them so special. Going to the theater, with all of the work, stress and responsibilities left outside in the parking lot, is an amazing feeling. But walking to your living room where you’ve been all year doesn't have quite the same effect.

With the coronavirus still raging on and the latest blockbuster films getting pushed to next year, Cineworld, the parent company of Regal Cinemas, announced Oct. 5 that they are once again shutting down all cinema operations in the U.S. and Great Britain. This is extremely far from the worst news of 2020, but I’m still upset.

Movie theaters were already losing popularity before the pandemic, with ticket prices becoming luxury in comparison to the ease and cost-efficiency of streaming. I remember once spending over $20 on a movie ticket. But I love movies, specifically seeing them in the theater, so if that’s how I spend my money, I’ll budget it in for that week. 

Each theater experience tells a different story: unforgettably awkward movie dates, that annoying group laughing a few decibels too loudly or the friend whose arm you gripped with white knuckles during a horror movie. I always remember in what theater I saw a certain film; it becomes part of the film’s impact. 

I remember when a theater had oversold tickets to “Black Panther” and a group of filmgoers stood at the front of the theater, delegating who would be able to see the movie and who was able to see it later. They essentially created a governing system to figure out the mishap so we could all enjoy the movie together. That’s the kind of experience you can’t get anywhere else. And if we’re being honest, there’s something oddly comforting about those tacky, red velvet seats.

Watching Netflix or Amazon Prime at home just isn’t the same. You lose all these experiences. But streaming is not to blame. If anything, streaming is keeping the love of movies alive, allowing quality content to be available at the push of a button.

I hope the temporary closing of Regal Cinemas stays at that – temporary. Theaters are being hit hard, but I don’t think they’ll die out. If theaters were really over, then why are people still trying to make their way to local drive-in theaters like Mission Tiki or Vineland? Once this all over, people are going to be desperate to do something outside the confines of their house – I know I am.

Visiting a theater is probably on the top of my list of things I miss doing the most. I know once it’s safe to do so, I’m going to see a movie. It won’t be because of the snacks I revere, but rather because in a time that has torn people apart, this can be one thing that brings us together – even if for a couple hours – to heal our wounds and offer some much-needed joy.