Date Night at the Movies
Going to the movies has been a dating tradition ever since they started showing silent movies over
100 years ago. If you meet someone through a free online dating site, like Mingle2, a night out at
the movies is generally a safe and easy way to get acquainted. And with all the Hollywood summer
blockbusters to choose from, you would think that setting up a movie date would be easy, right? It
can be if you know the proper movie dating etiquette for a night out at the movies.
A Movie and….
First off, you don’t want to just take your date to a movie. Sitting in a dark theater
and sharing a feel-good comedy or the latest thriller may seem romantic, but it doesn’t promote
conversation or build a connection. You want to leave quality time to spend together, both before
and after the movie. Dinner and a movie has been the dating classic for decades. However, when
you consider it can cost upwards of $50 for two at the movies with admission, popcorn, drinks, and
Jujubes, dinner and a movie can make for an expensive night out. Guys, if you are trying to impress
your date and your budget can handle it, then dinner and a movie is always a good option. However,
if you’re on a budget or want to do something more casual, then try drinks and a movie or movie
followed by dessert. You can always start out at a local night spot and order appetizers and cocktails
to start the evening – a less expensive option and less time consuming than dinner. Or suggest a
drink after the movie or stopping for a late night ice cream so you can compare notes on the movie
you have just seen.
“What do you want to see?”
Men and women generally like different kinds of movies, so choosing
something you both want to see can be a challenge. Don’t start the date with an argument over a
movie choice. If you really want to see the latest superhero movie or gross-out comedy save it for
another night, unless your date is enthusiastically on board. Instead, pick a movie that you both
will enjoy and that will promote conversation. Oscar nods are always a good bet, as are romantic
movies and hot new releases. In general, avoid movies with too much sex, violence, or controversy,
and avoid kiddie flicks and documentaries. (Guys, this means you should be flexible and accepts the
“chick flick” if the occasion demands it.)
“Where do you want to see it?”
If you choose the right theater, the movie-going experience can
make for a memorable date. If you are limited to the local metroplex, then plan something special
before or after the movie. But if you are lucky enough to live in an area with great theaters, the
theater itself can be part of the experience. Sundance Cinemas, for example, serve appetizers, let
you drink cocktails in the theater, and allow you to reserve seats in advance. A lot of the classic and
restored theaters make for real movie going ambiance. See if you have some cool theater options in
your neighborhood.
As your relationship evolves and you get to know each other, and each other’s taste in movies, you
can be more adventurous. That Kurosawa marathon may be just the ticket, or the Three Stooges
Film Festival, or the midnight showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. But to find common
cinematic ground, use movie night as a way to get to know each other, before, during, and after the
movie. And be sure to tell your date if you had fun, and you want to do it again.
What’s your favorite date movie? Everyone has their own favorite first date movie. What’s yours?
