This wasn't something I did until I came to
college, where I joined our local Cinema Group. Since
I'm a member I get to see whatever movies we show for
free, which made seeing a movie alone have zero negative
financial impact. I have to admit
the first time I did it it felt a little weird, but soon I really
started to enjoy it. Most of the time if it was a popular movie,
someone else from Cinema Group would come, or else the people working the movie would
sit with me. But there are some films where
I'm the only one, and the workers just do
homework in the
lobby... I think I get more out of those movies.
Here's what I've found works well
- If you want to see a movie because it will be fun, such as Armageddon, Independence Day, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, and so on, go with a friend. It is much more enjoyable when you have someone to laugh with or share your awe at the special effects.
- If you think the movie is going to have some content that you want to listen to, go alone. Unless you know someone who you are pretty darn sure will either not comment or will think very closely to how you do, having a friend along can distract your attention from the movie. The worry is, "I invited him/her along, but it sure doesn't look like they're enjoying it." And then you start to divert your attention from this movie that you think is so great to concerning yourself with your friend's disapproval. It's hard to ignore someone sitting right next to you, so I would propose to never even try to get them sitting there.
Nonetheless, even if it's just a funny movie,
absolutely never be afraid to go to a movie alone. If you want to see it, and you got a
couple of bucks in your wallet, just
zip on over and catch a show. Everyone has
different tastes: some times people will want to see the movie also,
sometimes they won't. But don't
betray your own sense of what's
good and bad, see it if you want to. If you think you'll enjoy it, and no one else thinks the same about themselves, that sure isn't some kind of
failure on your part.