In the blink of an eye
I live just north of one of the few megaplexes left in New York City, which means that I have a chance to check out a lotta movie premiers – except that I’m not a huge movie theatre buff.
There’s something about being in a dark, loud, enclosed space that stresses me out.
So, I only go if there’s a particularly good reason to do so – like when the Firecracker and I got invited to the premier of Gladiator II.
But my sister told me about a premier for the first Dogman film, which is a super popular book series for kids.
So, I managed to snag four tickets for the kids, the Firecracker, and myself.
It also included a picture taken with the author, a signed copy of his latest book in hardcover, a drink, and popcorn.
It was pretty much a perfect event for the kids.
But not so much for me.
That is, until I had a chat with an old college friend that just happened to be in the neighborhood at the same time of the movie.
Him: Hey, I’m in the UWS around 6:30. Around and available for a meal?
Me: Ack, normally yes but I’m bringing the boys to a movie tonight, literally the first time ever. Raincheck?
Him: No worries, raincheck for sure – what movie?
Me: Dogman. Don’t even ask. I’m not thrilled about it.
Him: Oh, Dogman is good choice! Now that [my son] is 13 and having dinner with his friends, I’d give anything to watch a movie with him.
Me: Oh man, that’s a good point. Yeah, I should be better about things like this.
Him: Yeah. Never thought I’d say it – [they grow up in the] blink of an eye.
So, after the kid’s guitar lesson, I went to the local Japanese takeout restaurant, picked up some Karaage Onigiri and Spam Onigiri for everyone, and off we went.
It was a madhouse.
But organizers were really cool and great with alla the kids.
And the author was just a prince. He tooks pics with literally every single kid that asked…
…signed hundreds of books and even gave a little speech in the beginning of the film.
Although, one of the more interesting conversations was with one of the fellas managing the concession storage closet.
Him: …on Mondays. And then we get two more shipments that same week.
Me: You’re kidding me – you sell outta alla these every 2-3 days?
Him: Yup.
Me: This is a closet of diabetes.
Him: (laughs, nods)
The movie itself was tolerable for a 51-year-old Chinese man, but the kids absolutely loved it.
Highly recommended for them.
Like I said, it was the first movie I’d ever taken the kid to in a theatre.
Hopefully, he has some fond memories of it all.
Me: What was your favourite part?
Him: Everything!
Location: Grey’s Papaya, wondering if I should do it
Mood: regretting not having a hot dog
Music: You’re the movie in my mind to which I know every line (Spotify)
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