Of movies and listening (or not listening)

Until last month, there was only one Armstead Maupin book I hadn’t read — The Night Listener. I was all caught up in the world of Mary Ann Singleton and Mrs. Madrigal, and left that book out because it wasn’t part of that mythology, at least, not directly. But once I read it, it was gripping and mysterious and compelling and I read it all in a day.
And just in time, too, because now it’s a film starring Robin Williams.
The book was left intentionally vague, one never really knows what the final verdict is (I’m not going to give away the plot); but I have to say that judging from the movie trailer, the film seems a bit more concrete. It seems like a definite answer to the mystery is laid out. Maybe they did this for those of us who read the book, so we would be surprised?
Who knows. I’m still going to see it… if only I can find a more customer-friendly theatre than Century around here.
Oh, did I forget to mention this?
Century Theatres, the big chain here in San Jose, doesn’t accept credit cards. So, when you go to take the family out for a night of $10 movies, you’d better bring a huge wad of cash. Their concession stand, with $5 sodas, also doesn’t accept plastic. The helpful employees will direct you to a convenient ATM in the lobby, which will increase your movie night layout by at least $2.
When I complained to the manager, she told me that they “hadn’t updated their systems yet” to accept credit cards. I didn’t really know what to say to this. The theatre was built 2 years ago. It’s 2006. Even I can accept credit cards. McDonald’s takes cards for a $1.95 happy meal.
Movies are not cheap any more, and this policy just highlights another reason that people are staying home and watching DVDs. A DVD these days costs far less than taking the family to the theater, withdrawing a wad of cash from a pricey ATM, finding a place to park, buying overpriced popcorn…