Something Strange Happened Recently at a Movie Theater
My father and I were a bit puzzled.
A few weeks ago, my father and I went to go see the second installment to the beloved family classic, Nobody. If you saw the first one, this over-the-top action/comedy sequel remains in the same lane as it’s predecessor and doesn’t take itself too seriously. We had fun.
If you didn’t see the first one and have no idea about these movies, please understand that I’m joking about the “family classic” comment. Please don’t take your family to see this.
I mean, technically my dad and I are family but he’s in his 70’s and I’m in my 40’s, so we have the freedom to enjoy a family movie experience like this. Plus, the movie actually is about family but not in the traditional “family genre” of movies.
Anyway, I just didn’t want anyone accidentally loading their family up, not reading any reviews or watching a trailer, and have the shock of a lifetime when the lights dim and the movie starts to play. That would lead to an unsubscribe from this newsletter and none of us want that.
Here’s the Strange Part
I’ll be honest, I was a bit hesitant to write about this for two reason.
First, some of you may be disappointed that I would watch a movie like, Nobody 2. While I understand that you might think less of me for that, I’m okay with it. You’re free to put me in that box.
Second, and this was my main hesitation, I have to call out a specific chain of movie theaters to share this story. I guess saying that I have to might be a slight stretch. But I’m going to. This was just such a bizarre occurrence and I’m seeking some resolution.
My dad and I went to go see, Nobody 2, at B&B Theaters Northpark 14 in Ridgeland, MS. Since we enjoyed the first installment, we had actually been anticipating this sequel the day the first trailer dropped. On the day that trailer dropped, my father and I actually texted about it and made plans to see it in the theater.
Needless to say, we had planned our week around it, moved things around on the calendar, made matching T-shirts to wear on the big day - we went all out.
I picked my father up and made the quick drive to B&B Theaters Northpark 14. We were going to the 1:30 showing, so we left around 1:15 because the B&B Theaters Northpark 14 isn’t too far from where we live. Even though some may say (not me) that there are nicer theaters in the area, we wanted to patron B&B Theaters Northpark 14 to support area businesses.
If you checked out last week’s post, you’ll know that theaters everywhere are struggling, so we wanted to support B&B Theaters Northpark 14.
We arrived with plenty of time to get the tickets without missing any previews, because, let’s be honest, I just don’t get people who are fine missing the previews.
As we approached the theater, we go to open the door but it’s locked. We pull on the other door and got the same result. This left us with no other option than to do the customary hands-cupped-around-the-face as we press our noses against the glass.
It was easy to see that every light was on, televisions were playing in the lobby, lights were flashing at the concession stand, etc. In other words, everything was open except, quite possibly, the most important thing - the doors.
We knocked a few more times, pressed our faces against the glass again to see if some minor miracle had occurred but got the same result. We looked at our watches, and sprinted to the next theater and made it in time for the feature presentation…missing the previews.
I Believe in You B&B Theaters Northpark 14
In the aftermath of that unsettling experience, I actually emailed B&B but didn’t hear back. After a week or so, I emailed them again…crickets.
I thought about giving up, but I just couldn’t. So I did some Googling and found the corporate number. I called and listened to the various extension options the recording offered and ended up leaving a voicemail in their general inbox.
Well, it’s been several weeks now and I’ve heard nothing.
In all of my years of going to the movie theater, I’ve never had this happen. On B&B’s website, it even says that they’re open 365 days a year. They’re a family owned company who’s involved in a lot of philanthropic things like children’s charities, so I know there are good people connected to this theater.
While I don’t have any animosity towards them, I am just curious at this point. Why was the theater closed that day? It’s a bit of a mystery but a mystery I’m wondering some of you might like to help solve. Even though I’m off social media, I’m wondering if the FMN community might be able to help me get an answer.
If not, oh well. If I do hear something, I’ll keep you posted. Come on B&B, pull through for us!