Freshly popped popcorn, hold the butter please

Going to the cinema is by far one of my favourite pastimes so I feel quite spoilt with a cinema on my doorstep, well less than 100 metres down the street. I not only go to the Cineplex chain because of its proximity, but also for its loyalty program. The Scene program gives you discount at the refreshment counter, as well as after approximately 10 visits you get enough points to redeem for a free ticket. I try to go to the cinema at least 2 to 3 times a month, sometimes more depending on how many movies are out that I want to see. Not much makes me happier than sitting in a comfy cinema chair looking up at the big screen to watch one of the latest feature films. It is not often that I walk away from the cinema disappointed in the movie selection, but it does happen on occasion. I’m not the type of person who can name my favourite movie or top 10 at the drop of a hat, but I do know my favourite genre and it is that of the romantic comedy or romcom for short. A romcom’s typical formula is that of boy meets girl, they fall for each other, some act or secret drives a wedge between them before they realise life isn’t worth living without each other and they reunite. We are led to believe they live happily ever after and with that thought I find that Hollywood may have possibly ruined my love life forever. I mean where exactly can you find a prince charming that can compete with that kind of unrealistic ideal. Maybe it helps if you think about what probably happens when the cameras stop rolling and reality does kick in. Romantic comedies may be my favourite genre and usually my failsafe, but I am also a big fan of the action blockbuster, the likes of which showcase heroes and villains at their battling best. In my eyes, if you want to watch a blockbuster, they can only be watched one way and that is on the big screen where you can fully appreciate the special and visual effects. A movie to mention that I saw last week was Crazy, Stupid, Love starring Ryan Gosling’s abs. I couldn’t resist that comment, but the movie is definitely worth watching both for the storyline and the cast including the always funny Steve Carell and Emma Stone with Julianne Moore and Ryan Gosling in tow. There are too many other stars to mention, but it is a funny and engaging, light-hearted movie delving into serious topics of separation, adultery and first loves just to name a few. If this movie doesn’t ring a bell then a good way to keep your finger on the pulse of new releases and coming features is to regularly check out web pages such as Yahoo! Movies or iTunes Trailers.

Crazy, Stupid, Love movie poster (image courtesy of IMDb)