Hallelujah

Hallelujah

I had what could really only be called a religious experience last night. I went to go see We're Going to Eat You! last night at the New Beverly Cinema, and I finally found where all the film lovers go. First of all, I didn't look at the INFO part of the website, so I didn't know that the movies play as double features. That means that with a student ID--which I still use--two movies only cost $5 for an entire evening's entertainment.

I caught the last fifteen minutes of the previous feature called The Candy Snatchers when I walked into the theater (after buying reasonably priced popcorn and soda). The theater itself has tattered maroon curtains covering the walls, and the screen is pretty small. This ambience works in its favor, though, because the people in the theater came to enjoy a movie, not admire the decor. Plus I'm sure it reminds people of the 1970s TV they have sitting on some cinder blocks they had in college: familiar and well-loved.

I won't go into detail about the plots of either of the movies, but I will say that it really didn't matter what was showing; the crowd was fantastic regardless. They caught every stupid joke. They laughed at every corny effect. It was like an auditorium full of friends with similar senses of humor. I definitely found my niche.

I'm sure it also helped the experience that the bad guys in We're Going to Eat You!--set in a small, remote island off mainland China (not Hong Kong)--were ultimately defeated by firecrackers and roller skates. Mind you, this was a kung-fu cannibal movie, so anything really would have made sense. I highly recommend it. I also highly recommend spending $2.50 for two movies in a great atmosphere.

D