Movie Frenzy

I'm sure the generation thing is a major factor, but pholks I just don't understand why any normal person would wait in a line for up to two or three days to be among thousands to first see a new movie or buy the “newest whatever.”

What the heck is going on with people camping out in line to see the first screening of a movie or buy the newest personal communication system or whatever gadget is unveiled.

It's happening all the time everywhere. If Chicken Little were to publicly announce “the sky is falling,” I bet millions would stand in line to be among the first three to four million to be wiped out.

Last week, “Twilight Eclipse” opened drawing millions to be among “the first” to see the latest chapter in a vampire vs. werewolf love triangle film. It's the latest blockbuster film. Seems like three or four times a year some movie (I still call them that) generates what I consider “absurdity frenzies.” Standing in line for twenty minutes at the bank is almost all I can handle. I don't think I've ever been in a line for two hours for anything, let alone two days or more.

I can't even image any movie ever I would have done that for. If I could not make the first screening, I would wait for the available one.

And there is nothing I could want bad enough to line up at a store for a midnight product release even if I had the cash to buy it.

Can you imagine getting into the movie house to be with the same people you've just rubbed shoulders or other body parts with for l37 hours? Even the aroma of fresh popcorn might not be enough.

I guess those who “camp out” in line have a system of relief stand-ins and those who can bring food, water, chairs, blankets, etc. for those in line. Just the logistics of waiting in line can be more complicated than the dazzling special effects of whatever plot might be involved. That's just plain stupid.

Does seeing a second day screening lower one's image among friends and family? “Hey, did you know Miles waited on until the third screening to see that awesome movie? What a nerd. That Miles is a loser. I don't ever want to associate with him,” could come from a so-called friend.

I might be considered a lonely social outcast, pholks, but if that's true there certainly are more reasons than backing off from “stupidity frenzy.”

When someone tells me they or their family members waited in line to buy something or watch a blockbuster movie, I'm not impressed. To the contrary.

Going to a movie should be a pleasure, relaxing and entertaining and often thought provoking experience even you don't see it the first day.

Maybe I'm missing the boat on this “absurdity frenzy” stuff but I'll take my chances. I've missed a few boats in my days, most of them more important that a movie or some new product.

But, pholks, I'm first in line to admit my boat-missing character flaw.

So there.