Stephen Jones

One of the best factors about going to the movies on a slow day, such as a Thursday as I did, is the lack of giant crowds and long waiting times. I prefer not having to wait for a solid 30 minutes just to get a ticket and a drink. The parking lot was not even halfway full when I purchased my ticket to American Ultra, resulting in the concessions not having any lines. How could I beat that?

Once I entered Theatre 6, I realized I would be watching American Ultra with two complete strangers sitting on opposite ends of the 150-seat theatre. Once the movie began, I noticed how the absence of people meant a significantly less chance of cell phone interruptions, especially since I sat near the front and a light from a phone screen would not be able to disturb me in the least.

As the movie progressed, I noted one downside: the lack of laughter. When people get together to see a comedy show, like a standup comedian or a comedy film, the audience seems to feed off of the energy and laughter that is shared amongst its members, but the movie was not really that funny to begin with. Making a movie about lazy stoner kid who is unknowingly a CIA sleeper cell is obviously going to be an Oscar-worthy event.

Even though the movie was, in my eyes, just a solid C+, I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that I did not have to worry about long lines and cell phone disturbances. I know some people might enjoy the spectacle of a major movie release, but as someone who loathes the thought of intermingling within a mass of humanity, I find the calm atmosphere nearly perfect for watching a movie completely free of distractions. Honestly, it is really amazing how one can really appreciate, or criticize, the content of movie without having to worry about disturbances.