On the plus side, two weeks ago I went to the movies. In a movie theatre. First time since before, covid. First time EVER (cue drum roll) ALONE!
First amazing part, there was actually a movie out there, in a movie theater, that I wanted to see.
EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE got a rave review and “critic’s pick” in the New York Times. They labeled it: “Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi.” The reviewer’s description: “an exuberant swirl of genre anarchy” hints at how all over the place this movie is. In a good way."
As the saying goes, they had me at Hello
Avoiding crowds, I went to the first showing on a week day. There were barely a dozen cars in the massive parking lot and only 2 other people in the stadium seats. Still I stayed masked.
The ticket, even with my senior discount, was expensive. The coming attractions were excruciating – much too loud and went on too long, without a single other movie I am remotely tempted to see.
The movie, however, lived up to every bit of its billing. It's smart, funny, and at times mind-blowing. And deserves a massive screen.
It stars Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn Wang. She is totally believable as a harassed, 50-ish mother and laundromat owner doing battle with the IRS. And time traveling in the multiverse. Her character is an amalgam of mind bending and quotidian that hallmarks this film in which everything bagels are religious icons.
Yeoh starred in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), the only martial arts movie (aside from The Matrix) that I have ever seen and, by the way, adored. Twenty years later she’s still doing most of her own stunts, but more than that playing a totally relatable character.
Evelyn’s daughter Joy is played by Stephanie Hsu who is so brilliant as the girlfriend of the Marvelous Mrs. Mazel’s ex husband on Netflix.
Evelyn’s husband, who's trying to get her attention, is played by Ke Huy Quan. Instantly recognizable (he played Short Round in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom) he turns in a brilliant, endearingly sweet performance.
And then there’s Jamie Lee Curtis whose role I will not divulge because it’s too delicious to spoil the dawning realization that comes upon you when you figure out who she plays. DO NOT READ THE REVIEWS… they will only spoil the fun.
Bottom line, I thought the movie was fantastic. I’ve made everyone I know go see it so I have people to talk to about it. And now I’m telling you….
Trigger warning: the popcorn is expensive.
This sounds lovely, Hallie . . . . I haven’t been to a movie in what seems like forever and this sounds like the perfect sort of film to tempt me to head back to the movies again . . . .
ReplyDeleteIt was a good reminder of what the large screen is for. Though it felt strange not to be able to pause or back up or turn on captions...
DeleteHallie, I think it's great you went to the movies by yourself. I like going out to eat by myself sometimes (well, Covid limited that). I think it's good to enjoy your own company from time to time, and I can take a book to read if I'm eating by myself. I'll have to consider going to see this movie, since you've recommended it so highly. I love Jamie Lee Curits, and you've gotten me curious about her part. It's been donkey years since I've been to the movies, again due to Covid. I think I would now consider doing the weekday matinee like you did. I used to like the previews, but you're right that they are too loud now.
ReplyDeleteI bring earplugs. With them in, the previews are comfortably audible.
DeleteThat's a great idea, Hallie!
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the movie. Haven't been to a movie house in a long time. Is it still loud in the movies? I always have to bring headphones just to lessen the noise.
ReplyDeleteSmart. Yes, it's too loud. Not the movie so much as the coming attractions. Reminds me of the days when commercials on TV would be twice the volume of the programs.
DeleteMy son and his wife went to the first showing in Amherst last weekend, Hallie. They loved both the movie and being nearly alone in the theater! I've never minded going to the movies alone. I don't approve of talking in theaters, anyway, and each person is immersed in the film in their own way. I hope I can catch a viewing of this flick in a theater before it goes away. But yeah, those trailers are way too loud. I think I'll channel Dru and bring headphones or earplugs.
ReplyDeleteRemember the days when you had to deal with people lighting up in the movie theatre? These days the ushers who used to deal with such problems are in short supply.
DeleteI have always liked daylight screenings of movies because there is something somehow sinful about going to a movie while the sun is high. Also, as
ReplyDeleteFor those who, like me, have reached certain levels of decrepitude, did you know that you can get a free closed caption device that sits in the cupholder on the back of the seat in front of you? Just ask.
Great advice! Who knew?!?
DeleteEllen, that is extremely useful to know! My husband, who is deaf in one ear and needs a hearing aid in the other, has hated going to movie theaters for decades. First, because the loudness of special effects (especially in trailers), and then because he can't hear dialogue. Now, he can take his hearing aid out of his good ear, temporarily, but he still can't understand half of what they say without closed captioning. This might actually tempt him out to a theater, so thank you!
DeleteHALLIE: Good for you! I love Michelle Yeoh, and have seen trailers about this movie. She certainly can do her own stunts and I enjoyed watching her kick butt in Star Trek Discovery for several seasons.
ReplyDeleteMe, I did not go to see movies in a big theatre very much even before the pandemic. I had no problem going alone. It was the high ticket prices & there are no movie theatres in downtown Ottawa anymore.
I guess I am also used to see movies whenever I want streamed on my TV or a tiny airplane seat screen during a long flight.
They are a blessing on a long flight. But I confess, I'm not great with earphones. I know some people live in them.
DeleteHALLIE: I get it. I don't wear earbuds but comfy Sony headphones on a flight. I watched the last Daniel Craig Bond movie on the long flight from Denver to Toronto in April.
DeleteI haven't been to a movie theatre for a dog's age, but I used to love going -- and especially on my own: no need to negotiate where to sit and no distractions while watching. Matinee showings are my favourite, as I always feel like, somehow, I'm doing something a bit naughty...and delightful.
ReplyDeleteI agree - sort of like ordering two desserts.
DeleteThanks for your review. Knowing your taste runs a bit like mine, now I *really* want to see this movie on a big screen. However, our TV the size of a Yugo may be the best I can manage. We just have too many health issues in my family, even with masks and vaxes, so we're still on house arrest lite.
ReplyDeleteComfort tip: back in the Before Times, I started carrying ear plugs in my bag to pop in when I'd go to the movies. You know the audio is too loud when you can still hear conversational dialogue through earplugs.
That's what I do! And if I don't have earplugs, a little wad of Kleenex in each ear does the trick, too.
DeleteIt's Jay here. It says that I'm unable to sign in via the Google account for some reason. Thankfully, I don't eat movie theater popcorn so I won't be shocked at how high the price is for it these days. As for going to the movies at all, I've been to only 2 movies in the theater over the last 2 1/2 years. I saw Shang-Chi and The Batman. Going back to the theater on a regular basis seems unlikely for me though.
ReplyDeleteI'd be curious to know, if you do see EVERYTHING... whether you like it. My son in law who's a hug star wars and batman and spiderman etc fan liked it. None of those movies are particularly up my alley.
DeleteI realized a long time ago that if I waited for people who wanted to see movies I'd never get to them in the theatre so, sometimes I go alone and sometimes I go with a friends. I prefer to see movies on a big (biggish in the 2nd run theatres) screen. Similar problem to Grace except that I'm way out in the east end of Ottawa and don't drive so there are only 3 theatres within reasonable bus/train distance (actually there's another one but it's harder to get to although closer than 2 of the theatres).
ReplyDeleteFor those who have problems with theatres being loud, some theatres have showings for people with babies. I know the lights aren't completely off and I think the sound is lower too.
I usually go to the first showing of the day and, unless it's a Marvel movie or James Bond, there aren't many people. Sometimes I'm the only person in the theatre. In Ontario we're still required to wear masks in the theatre but we have no idea whether it's being enforced. Having crossed an international border to go to Malice I'm on 14-day self-monitoring. Sunday is day 14 and I'll be seeing Doctor Strange. Most of the row I'm in has been sold but so far nobody on either side of me (better than having somebody beside me at The Batman who thought his mask was a bandana).
The prices, even for seniors, may be high but still pretty much the least expensive form of entertainment. A paperback book costs me more. And you can start paying senior price a few years early, especially if you buy tickets online. I've never been asked for proof of age. I also cheat and bring my own food (shh!) I had no idea how much popcorn cost until I used a coupon for a free small one (which isn't that small; I shared with a friend) - about the same price as a movie on cheap Tuesday.
Since I'm old there are 2 days of the week that the buses are free so those are the days I usually go to the movies. Senior+free bus < cheap Tuesday+bus fare x 2.
I've been going to movies all along during Covid when theatres were open.
Better stop this before it turns into a short story :-)
Elaine: I also don't drive and am too young to get the OCTranspo senior discount. So those are two other reasons why I don't take a long bus/LRT ride to watch a movie in person.
DeleteThank you, Elaine! Makes me appreciate how many multiplexes I've got within easy reach... and a car to get there.
DeleteHallie's stepping out--yay! I saw two movies in Key West back before Omicron shut us off again: The House of Gucci, and West Side Story. I wanted to see Gucci because I love Lady Gaga so much. It wasn't a great movie, but good. Two friends went with us and walked out before the ending. So sometimes it pays to just suit yourself!
ReplyDeleteThey WALKED OUT? That's a blog for another day... what would it take for you to walk out of a movie? At home streaming it's all too easy to just stop watching. I think I've walked out of one movie in my whole life, and it was because of the violence. Not horror... violence.
DeleteI can't imagine walking out, either, although we did once because the sound was so loud it physically hurt. We were given our money back, too, no questions asked. But because the movie was just not good? No.
DeleteI walked out of a movie, otherwise excellent, about the Irish resistance, when somebody's fingernails were being pulled off. Just...no.
DeleteI think I know that movie, Edith, and I think I stayed because I saw it as a preview at the SAG theater as a guest of Jane Wyatt. But I did walk out of-- I don't remember the name, but it was a very popular movie around 1980, and very sexually violent. I'd gone with my sister, and at one point, one of us leaned over to the other and said, "I hate this," and we both left quite willingly.
DeleteSo interesting! I walked out of Waterloo, a million years ago. It was SO SAD. Let's do have another blog about this, its so interesting! xx
DeleteSounds like a great movie, Hallie. We rarely go these days because it's so expensive, even the matinees.
ReplyDeleteBut we did see the third Spider Man, "No Way Home," which was fun and endearing because of the nostalgia factor.
I like Spider Man and it's another one that takes advantage of the big screen... Did any of them come in 3D? Because that's a lot of fun. Whatever happened to 3D? Last movie I saw in 3D was UP. ACK: 2009.
DeleteHallie, I'm going to see Doctor Strange in 3D. The theatre near me has most of their 3D showings at night. Fine for people who can stay up late and get home from the theatre after 11 pm. Doctor Strange is having afternoon 3D showings. Yay!
DeleteHallie, it might have. But 3D gives me a headache, so we never see it.
DeleteI do want to see this movie. Thanks for the tips, everyone. Being retired, we've gone to weekday daytime movies quite a bit. It is always less crowded. If we do see it, I'll let you know.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, Everyone!!
I've seen the trailer and it looked good. I'm not a fan of sci-fi, but, your review makes me want to see it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like great fun, Hallie! And good for you, braving the theater alone. It gets easier, my dear.
ReplyDeleteI'm not really a movie person, and luckily we have more than one place in our house to watch them. Because Steve, being a filmmaker, loves movies, and he will watch the oddest things and get engrossed in them. Meanwhile, I'm in another part of the house bingeing on some British/Aussie/New Zealand crime show.
I did use to love going to movies as part of a date, but gratuitous violence made me less of a fan, especially in the trailers. I can't remember the last film we went to see on the big screen, but it's been a long time, before Covid, I suspect. One movie I would have enjoyed on the big screen, speaking of Jamie Lee Curtis, is Knives Out. It was delicious, and there were so many fabulous sets and scenes.
As for going alone, I have done it, and gone to a concert alone, too. I snagged the last ticket the day of a Pink Martini concert here at Music Hall. It was wonderful. Sometimes I just prefer to eat alone, since I spend a lot of time on my own, anyway. Steve used to travel six months of the year, and I had to learn to get along by myself right away, or be unhappy all the time.
I loved KNIVES OUT, too
DeleteGood for you, Hallie! And thank you--this movie sounds like my kind of entertaiment. Haven't been to a movie theater in years, but matinees were always great--mostly quiet and sparse audience, so able to actually enjoy the experience.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful movie. Of course, I'm a sucker for anything with Jamie Lee Curtis. I'll wait for streaming - not even sure where there's a movie theater in my area apres Covid, but it is definitely on my TBW!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear that you are getting out and having fun on your own, Hallie. It was hard for me, after my husband died, to sort through all the things we did as a couple and pull out a short list of things I would do for fun all by myself. Going to movies was one of them, and it was a further revelation when I realized I could stay for a second show without having to consult anybody, ask permission, or juggle schedules. Freedom! I've heard very good things about this movie. Maybe I'll get out and give it a try, too.
ReplyDeleteGigi, trying to follow in your footsteps...
DeleteGigi, when I am out of book jail, I'll go with you!
DeleteI'm glad you are going to the movies on your own, Hallie. Good for you. I've really wanted to see the new Sandra Bullock movie but the only local theater does not show matinees and I don't drive at night. Otherwise it is a 45 minute drive to a mall, which I haven't done on my own yet. Of course I used to do stuff like that all the time; now it just seems like such an ordeal.
ReplyDeleteMy kids saw the new Sandra Bullock movie ... loved HER, the movie overall MEH. Sandra Bullock is on my list of performers I'll see in anything.
DeleteI haven't been to the movies in years. I've gotten in the habit of just waiting until it hits TV. Now I live in a town with no movie theater, but they have a drive-in that is open part of the year. When I have gone to a theater it was always with someone so we could critique it later.
ReplyDeleteI agree - a companion to dissect it with after is a treat.
DeleteI haven't been to a movie theater in years. I'm talking 10 + years. The prices were more than I wanted to pay, even then and parking garages have never been a place I wanted to be in at night, alone. Who am I kidding, I don't like them during the day or night. I do eat meals alone in a variety of eating establishments with a book. Since it's usually the mid-day meal I have no problem putting a book on the table and enjoying myself.
ReplyDeleteSusan Shea here. Your review is tempting me out of my chair to look for the film. I went to a David Sedaris performance in Berkeley last night and in addition to showing picture i.d. and proof of vacc and wearing a mask, you couldn’t even drink water because you’d have to move your mask to do so. Like you, no movie theater since the Before Times except a Met Live opera.
ReplyDeleteDavid Sedaris!! I saw her years ago here. Leaving the msk on is wise.
DeleteHALLIE: The movie sounds wonderful. I can wait for it to be on streaming video on my laptop. It is not worth the risk going to a movie theater (just my personal choice).
ReplyDeleteDiana
Hallie, I'm so glad you're venturing out on your own. I've always loved going to movies by myself, especially matinees. And I love Michelle Yeoh, so this movie sounds like great fun. Gigi and my daughter and I went last summer, pre Delta, to see In the Heights in the theatre, and I'm so glad we did. It was fabulous on the big screen.
ReplyDeleteSounds great. I will definitely have to check it out at some point.
ReplyDeleteWith over a MILLION Covid deaths and still rising, and new cases surging, in spite of many thinking and saying "it's over, I'm free, I won't mask and can party now", the pandemic is NOT over and I wouldn't go where there was any group or crowd of people, period. I went to the Pharmacy for a tetanus shot and was - other then employees - the only one masked! I'm glad you liked the movie, but I'm staying home, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Rick. My chiropractor today told me I didn't have to wear a mask with him. I was aghast. He is in close proximity to dozens of patients a day; he could have picked up an infection at any time. No, thanks.
DeleteI'm with you, Rick and Karen in Ohio. I am Not going to a movie theater nor to the ballet nor to the symphony / opera until the pandemic is over! I was invited to a college reunion and they said it is OK to Not wear masks. I had to Decline and send my regrets. I felt it was too risky. The last two years of the pandemic meant so many cancelled plans!
DeleteMy chiropractor always wears a mask and there is no one else in the office.
Diana
All of you instead of being careful, have decided to give up on life! Your choice but how sad for you.
DeleteI have loved going to the movies all my life; there was a time when my husband and I went at least once a week. We've also always gone to movies alone at times, me to see what my husband classified as "women talking about their emotions" and him to see the ones I considered too violent. i longed for movie evenings all through the pandemic, so I'm delighted to get this recommendation, Hallie. Thanks! I only hope the film doesn't take too long too get to Switzerland.
ReplyDeleteCannot wait! And I love going to movies by myself. Truly. It started in1976 (!) when part of my role at Channel 13 was t not only be a general assignment reporter, but to be the movie critic. Can you believe it? It felt really bizarre to go by myself, but then...I loved it.
ReplyDelete