Arthur MacatangayGoing out to the movies is one of the best things you will ever do for yourself. Grabbing a too-large popcorn and soda, watching previews of upcoming movies — what more could you ask for? And, the Metro Cinema may just be the best spot to visit. Going to the movies, though, isn’t purely for enjoyment and entertainment. It’s also about getting yourself out of the house.
We have grown into an incredibly quiet society. All the noise happens on the internet. So, now we wait for a movie to land on streaming services. We have thousands upon thousands of movies and shows at our fingertips. But it’s all too easy. You barely have to lift a finger to have what you want. But even though our technology has made this aspect of our lives technically easier, do we really need it? Of course not.
In so many ways, we have made things so easy as to alienate ourselves from true enjoyment. The difference between watching a movie in the theatre and watching at home is drastic. In a theatre, you are given fewer options. You don’t decide to hit play, you can’t scroll endlessly to find a movie that you won’t watch, and you can’t just pause it when you wish. Side by side, it seems as though I’m proposing the worst idea ever: make our lives more difficult. In reality, I’m arguing that you will feel better after going out to see a movie. Because it’s just like going to the gym.
When you’re feeling down, someone has probably mentioned that going to the gym helps. Even if you do hate every minute of getting there, you do inevitably feel better. Because getting out of the house, changing your environment, will do a world of wonders. But, just like getting out and exercising your body, you also need to exercise your mind.
One of the best ways of doing this is getting to the theatre. Not only are you actively engaging with the film, but you also took measures to get out of the house. It’s the same thing as going to the gym. Say a movie you’ve wanted to see came out, but you feel too tired to go out and see it. If you get yourself to go out, you will inevitably feel better. Whether it’s a good film or a bad one, it doesn’t matter. You’ll come home and feel like you can actually relax. Even better when you can go out to the movies with friends.
I’m not saying going to the movies alone is a bad thing; I’m saying going with a friend, or two, is always more fun. You get to talk and engage with the movie after it’s finished. You get to argue with your friend for thinking One Battle After Another is anything less than amazing. But I know, movies aren’t always the cheapest option.
It is unfortunately true. Movie theatre prices have skyrocketed in the past few years. And the huge Cineplex theatres play too many movies or not enough — never striking a balance. That’s why you need to go to the Metro Cinema.
The Metro Cinema is Edmonton’s only nonprofit arthouse theatre, and it is always filled with a lengthy catalogue of amazing movies to watch. Some new, some old, some anniversary screenings, some seasonal screenings — there is a movie for everyone. Plus, every Tuesday there are $8 tickets, and every month, The Gateway selects a movie for anyone with a student ID to watch for free.
There are always great options at the Metro Cinema. I have personally loved going, and recently loved the screening of Black Christmas (1974). A movie I likely wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Regardless, after going out, I felt better than I did beforehand. Even though the film scared me half to death.
