Uncovering the Joy of a Moviegoing Adventure
Joining the Family for "Wicked"
My wife, the Lovely Mrs. Smith, and I took our oldest granddaughter to see "Wicked." For those unfamiliar with this production, it is the highly successful motion picture version of the Broadway hit. I, being not a musical theater enthusiast, was somewhat in the dark until this experience. The anticipation for this film was palpable, and it achieved record-breaking ticket sales. I did my part in being part of this trend, and it was an interesting journey.Our granddaughter wanted to go for her birthday, and we couldn't convince her to see "Gladiator 2" instead. While "Gladiator 2" might seem like a more typical movie for a 12-year-old, I remembered my own childhood when my father took me to see "Jaws." It showed that sometimes, unconventional choices lead to memorable experiences.
"Wicked" presents a new perspective on the classic "The Wizard of Oz," with the Wicked Witch of the West as the hero. The music is truly remarkable, and I found myself humming the song "Defying Gravity" long after the movie ended. It made me realize that our perceptions of good and wicked can be quite subjective.
Going to the Movies After a Long Hiatus
The Lovely Mrs. Smith and I used to go to movies frequently, but the pandemic and my lack of motivation to leave the sofa changed that. However, this time, we were back in the theater. It was a strange feeling, like revisiting an old neighborhood that had been transformed.While I don't go to movies as often as I used to, I still frequent movie theaters because the Lovely Mrs. Smith loves movie popcorn. She often waits in the car scrolling through Instagram while I go inside to get it. It's a small ritual that we still enjoy together.
When I actually went to the movie this time, I faced a challenge with getting concessions. With a two-hour and 40-minute movie like "Wicked," it was a test of my bladder and my patience. Halfway through, I had to make a difficult decision about which dance scene to miss to go to the bathroom. It was a minor inconvenience in an otherwise enjoyable experience.
The Joy of Spending Time with Family
Despite my initial reservations about a musical, I really did enjoy the experience. Seeing my wife and granddaughter happy made it all worthwhile. It reminded me that at the end of the day, the most important thing is the time spent with our loved ones.Even if my "joy" wasn't complete, there was another movie waiting in the wings - "Moana 2." With its singing, anthropomorphic animals, and large soft drinks, it offered more entertainment. It made me realize that there is always something to look forward to.
As a recovering journalist living in Elm Springs, these experiences have added a new dimension to my life. They have shown me the importance of family, the magic of movies, and the unexpected joys that come our way.