Well, I don't get to see a lot of movies, but I've now seen two in the past two weeks! Right before classes started I saw 'Doubt' with Daryl Lynn. I really liked it. This past weekend, I went to Olathe to see 'Slumdog Millionaire.'

Now, this is all a little funny in that Matthew and I planned to go to the movie together. What's funny is that we decided to see different movies! So, he went and saw 'The Wrestler' and I went and saw 'Slumdog Millionaire.' He wasn't too excited to see Slumdog and decided to see it in Lawrence. Well I didn't want to see it on the screen it's showing at in Lawrence. The sound system sucks, the chairs are uncomfortable, and the popcorn is crap. So, on Sunday morning, he picked me up and drove to Olathe.

Now, imagine my surprise when the guy in the booth tells me that the matinee ticket price was $15. Turns out that it was being shown in the Cinema Suites. The price was $15 but you get a $10 voucher for food. Now Matthew had a Fork and Screen where his was $10 with a $5 voucher. He explained it all to me and I went in to find my assigned seat, number 11.

I go in and find my seat. Now, this is not just a seat. It is a red recliner with a swivel table attached to the console next to it! I sit in the seat and immediately text both him and the Sis to tell him! I try to pretend that I know what I'm doing (watch people around me, etc.). I knew I wanted Diet Coke, popcorn, and Twizzlers, my standard movie fair. There was quite a menu with different sandwiches, hamburgers, etc. These did not sway me. I wanted my movie snacks! So, I pushed the call button and the server came and took my order.

Now, I think that she forgot my order because it took about 20 minutes. The movie was already starting when she stopped to tell me that she'd be right out with my food. She brings out a glass of Diet Coke, a big bowl of popcorn with two little cups of melted butter on the side, and a package of Twizzlers. So, I had my feet propped up with my coat as a blanket and a big bowl of popcorn! I was set!

I'm not going to give away any spoilers on the movie. I'd been told a little about the movie, but I had no idea how intense it would be. I thought it was going to be a light movie. It isn't at all. This guy goes on the Indian version of 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' and you'd think this would be a light story. Nope. I noticed the music and cinematography immediately and thought of Matthew and how I think he would appreciate it. This movie was not Bollywood. There were no colorful costumes, etc. that are traditionally Bollywood. Instead, it is the story of survival. It was really incredible. It was dark, earthy, and at times tragic.

And then the server comes for my payment (a little over $5 after the voucher and that included the tip). I'm given a warm, moist cloth that is lemon scented to clean up with. This oppulance that I'm in watching this particular film is such a contradiction. On the screen are images of poverty in India and here I am in a recliner and wiping my hands with a wash cloth (yes, actual wash cloth). Damn.

I waited for Matthew (his film started later than mine) and then we went to Borders to just hang out a bit, let our stomachs digest our food, and try to process our films.

I'm still in awe of the entire experience. And still processing the film.

©Suz 2009