The Cinema

I Love to go to the cinema. That statement is probably not a shock, I mean come on I'm writing a film blog.
I remember going to to the cinema almost every weekend as a child, mum worked Saturday nights so dad had the kids. What to do? How do you keep 3 kids occupied for a few hours - The Cinema, McDonald's and the park.
I always looked forward to going, I'd get really excited in the car on the way there and walking up the steps to the entrance I'd be in my element; all the bright lights and the posters. Then you get inside and there is the smell, no cinema would be the same without the smell of popcorn and hot dogs. I have a distinct memory of going in sitting down and (being so small) looking up in my seat at the big blank screen, waiting waiting.... Then suddenly it goes dark and a boom of sound erupts from the speakers, images appear on the screen, the excitement is at its peak. Get through the boring adverts (there were less of them then) and Yes!! The trailers; I've always loved watching trailers.
And then the screen in widening (Showcase cinemas still do this) and the logo appears and your transported into another world. I have always and still to this day get transfixed watching a movie, I completely forget where I am; I am so invested in this world on the screen and these characters. When the film finally ends it is like coming back after being away, I am still buzzing from what I have seen. I remember vividly the same feeling of excitement and contentment leaving the cinema and I have not changed at all, even though I am more aware that the stories on the screen are just that; stories.
We live in an ever changing world, technology is changing and advancing at a momentous speed, today you needn't travel to your local cinema; piracy has become a natural everyday occurrence despite the many who challenge it. Ticket prices have shot up and it is not surprising that many complain and profess to not bothering with it anymore. I mean why waste the petrol and spend all that money when you can wait a few weeks and watch it from the comfort of your own home?
I understand these factors but I cannot agree with them, there is nothing better than sitting in the dark with a collective audience and seeing a film on the silver screen with the surround sound, possible 3D and stunning visuals. It is the only way to see a film for the first time, end of discussion. It is (for me anyway) a thrilling experience every time, seeing your favorite stars in increasingly better films, as I truly believe films are getting better every year. We are a species of storytellers, think about it, almost all conversations you have are retelling a story to someone else. Film is such an important outlet for artists and anyone with a voice, we can learn so much from them. So I sincerely hope that you enjoy reading this passion piece and are inspired to get out and see one of the many amazing films on release at present. I will be.

Send me a comment, what do you like about the cinema? What do you dislike about the cinemas ? Have you had any interesting experiences there? Whats been your stand out film this year? Let me know :D