I'm up to 11 viewings of XI. (How symmetrical of me.)
So far, the audiences I've seen it with have been great. Solid, middle America types, geeks and normal folks.
These past couple weeks I've noticed lots people seem to have seen it at least once, although they may be bringing friends or family along who are newbies.
The folks have been all ages, literally from teens to 70s, lotsa middle aged TOS fans, twenty somethings, moms and dads bringing kids and grandkids. In fact, one of the best expereinces I had was the couple who brought their 7 year old grandson to the (I kid you not) first midnight showing. They doubted whether he could stay awake through the whole movie but he had begged to come so they brought him along. He was enthralled throughout the movie. When we were leaving the IMAX I asked him if he liked it and he responded XI "was the best movie ever". His grandmother asked him what the main theme of the movie was (she was a retired school teacher) and he replied "friendship." That made my whole week.
But the vibe has been very friendly, happy, involved...and courteous...almost every time, including the first night. I hate bad theater manners.
Interestingly, at the IMAX I go to most frequently, the manager or usher makes a pre-show announcement that anyone using a cell phone during the presentation will have the cell phone confiscated and be asked to leave. Hasn't happened yet. Maybe it's because people spending $12 for a movie are committed to maximizing the experience.
So far, the audiences I've seen it with have been great. Solid, middle America types, geeks and normal folks.
These past couple weeks I've noticed lots people seem to have seen it at least once, although they may be bringing friends or family along who are newbies.
The folks have been all ages, literally from teens to 70s, lotsa middle aged TOS fans, twenty somethings, moms and dads bringing kids and grandkids. In fact, one of the best expereinces I had was the couple who brought their 7 year old grandson to the (I kid you not) first midnight showing. They doubted whether he could stay awake through the whole movie but he had begged to come so they brought him along. He was enthralled throughout the movie. When we were leaving the IMAX I asked him if he liked it and he responded XI "was the best movie ever". His grandmother asked him what the main theme of the movie was (she was a retired school teacher) and he replied "friendship." That made my whole week.
But the vibe has been very friendly, happy, involved...and courteous...almost every time, including the first night. I hate bad theater manners.
Interestingly, at the IMAX I go to most frequently, the manager or usher makes a pre-show announcement that anyone using a cell phone during the presentation will have the cell phone confiscated and be asked to leave. Hasn't happened yet. Maybe it's because people spending $12 for a movie are committed to maximizing the experience.
