Back to the Cinema

The doors swung open and I took my first excited steps back into the welcoming darkness of the IMAX screen at the Odeon, Norwich. I felt the familiar and comforting disorientation as my eyes adjusted to the engulfing blackness. That moment which seems to disconnect from the outside world and prepare you for the next couple of hours of escapism.

Oh how I've missed this.

Pre first lockdown (isn't it funny how that phrase is now more normal than it used to be) I visited the cinema 2-3 times a week, occasionally more. It was my second home. I'm surprised I wasn't ever asked if I actually had a home to go to! It was always my time to relax, zone out, forget any stresses or worries and immerse myself in whatever world the filmmakers have created.

Watching films made for the cinema at home just hasn't been the same. There is a sense of missing the experience and knowing the small screen is not how the filmmaker intended me to view their film. It's made me feel sad and left a huge gap in my life.

During 2020 inbetween lockdowns, I ventured out to the cinema, with great trepidation, a whole 5 times. This was to see Tenet, Back to the Future, Bill and Ted Face the Music, Wonder Woman 1984 and Die Hard (which it transpired that somehow I hadn't actually seen!).

Being a time travel fan and a Nolan fan I couldn't miss Tenet on the big screen. But it wasn't the same, it was good to be there of course, but masked up, beset with nerves, finding seats away from anyone else, it was more a distressing experience than the usual relaxation. Having said that once the film began yes, I relaxed. The cinema and it's staff were fantastic with a deserted foyer due to films being spaced out, (sadly) quiet screens and sanitiser everywhere. It helped and I'm glad I went but it was a shock to see something which usually buzzes being so sparse and deserted.

Fast forward to May 2021 and I'm back! First viewing? Like many it was Godzilla vs Kong. It has been available to view on demand but I avoided it on the small screen as I knew it wouldn't have the same impact. I love Kong: Skull Island but didn't think too much of Godzilla: King of Monsters, so I didn't have any expectations going in.

I mean, yes, it's huge monsters fighting huge monsters, it's daft and OTT but it was just what was needed. It was also a pleasant surprise and I feel this instalment has what the second lacked - a heart. A secondary plot and much needed comedy added more light and shade and gave a break from the big monsters fighting. I had a blast. I was back at the cinema and it felt so good. I could have cried.

One of my favourite things to do is to be the last to leave the cinema and as I walk past the screen, pause, look up and watch the credits roll right up close. I've always liked staying to watch the credits, let the film sink in, watch everyone who worked hard on creating the film. It finishes the whole experience off and I walked out sighing happily. That missing gap has been filled.