Lessons from an opening night

by AARON SEO

Last Thursday opened The Last Jedi, and I was there to see the second installment of the newest trilogy first-hand. It was an exciting night, but due to my many mistakes, it was also a stressful one. But with every mistake comes a life lesson, and as Yoda says it: “Pass on what you have learned.” So, here’s a few mistakes that I have learned from to help you out for your next opening night.

I arrived too late.

Timing is of the essence when going to the movies, regardless of whether it’s an opening night or not. But it becomes especially sensitive during opening nights (even more so for a Star Wars film). First, you should buy your tickets online whenever possible. Big releases like The Last Jedi usually sell out within days of announcement, so it’s essential that you pay attention for news of ticket release dates. Some theaters offer the luxury of assigned seating; if that is the case for you, then you don’t need to stress out too much about timing. Maybe come just 15 minutes earlier for concessions if you’re into spending five dollars for a small Coke. But if you are not fortunate enough to have assigned seating, make it at least 30 minutes earlier for smaller releases and one hour earlier for bigger ones like Star Wars films.

I came as a group.

This one may seem a little odd, but going to the movies as a group may hinder your viewing experience. First of all, grabbing seats will be made just that much harder, but if you’re by yourself you can just find any open seat and take it. Your only worry is hoping that there isn’t some disgusting, PDA-passionate couple next to you. Also, you don’t have to deal with that one friend who’s always asking – often irritating – questions mid-movie (I kid you not, one friend asked, “What’s  that green muppet?”). Even if you don’t want to go alone, at least take a partner.

I went straight to the concession line.

The concession line is the nightmare of all moviegoers. Lines are snail-slow and prices are soaring high. But, to some, it is also a necessity for any proper movie-viewing. If you are one of those people, make sure you get into the theater first and save your seat with a jacket. Or if you want to be extra careful, print out a piece of paper with some tape and attach it onto the seat you desire. After you take these preliminary steps can you safely wait in the concession line.

Many mistakes were made, but I still got one thing right: I enjoyed the movie, and so should you. So get out there on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday night and enjoy a good film while knowing that your eyes are among the general public’s first to see it.