Laramie Boomerang laramieboomerang.com Sunday, February , l B5 MOVIESMOVIES Film fan finds the real joy of movies is still in theaters By ANICK JESDANUN Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Sure, it’s easy to Netflix and chill these days. Or Prime and recline. Or Hulu and ... well, whatever. But if you really want to savor a film, there’s still no substitute for a movie theater. Turns out that there are few better ways to rediscover the joy of heading to the theater than a year J® of free movie tickets, courtesy of MoviePass. Among the greatest attractions: no distractions from I Facebook, online chats, household chores and what not. 'm I was a regular moviegoer until ticket prices rocketed past $10 several years ago. In New York, $15 is now common; some theaters can charge $18 or $19, even before 3D and other surcharges. Streaming at home became far more affordable — and convenient. Who has time to go to the movies when you’re already behind on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and everything else? But then came a too-good-to-be- true subscription deal from Mov- iePass, a promotion that offered a daily movie for a year for just $94. With ticket prices no longer an issue, I ended up seeing 181 movies — including most of the Oscars contenders. Those movies would JAKE MAY /THE FLINT JOURNALMLIVE.COM VIA AP, FILE have cost me $2,747 without Mov- In this Feb. 19, 2018, file photo, Mari Copeny, third from left, watches a free screening of the film “Black Panther” with more than 150 children, after she raised $16,000 to iePass. That’s 52 cents per film, a provide free tickets in Flint Township, Mich. Streaming services are starting to catch up on getting the latest movies quickly, yet they are no match for the main attraction 97 percent discount from $15. The of movie theaters: no distractions from Facebook, online chats, household chores and what not. deal was so good that MoviePass need discipline to put your phone to life on the theater’s big screen. far exceeds what I could get at movies and shows at home. I try no longer offers it. or laptop away. I’ve sometimes had Rock climber Alex Honnold’s home. That became clear watch- harder to pay attention; my phone’s That MoviePass subscription to consult Wikipedia for a plot nerve-wracking, rope-free ascent of ing — and hearing — “Bohemian screen-time controls, which block has expired, but I’ve already seen point I missed because I was re- the gigantic Yosemite rock for- Rhapsody,” about the rock band message notifications and the like, 42 movies on other subscriptions sponding to a text or reading about mation El Capitan in “Free Solo” Queen, and “A Star is Born,” a Lady help me focus. But it still takes will- this year — a mix of Sinemia, AMC the next movie to watch. Even wouldn’t have been the same on a Gaga-led drama on a singer’s rise power, like avoiding the chocolate A-List and memberships with in- folding laundry takes your eyes off phone. This documentary was even to fame. cake that’s right in front of you. dividual theaters. It’s costing about the screen. worth watching a second time, in True, theaters can still be a For that reason, I choose theaters $60 a month in all, far more than And while it’s convenient to the mega-size Imax format. hassle. You have to be there at when I can, even when streaming is the $8 a month with MoviePass — be able to stream movies in bits Then there was “Cold War,” a showtime — and then big theater available right away. Some movies but all worth it. and pieces, as time permits, that Polish drama on romance in the chains show nearly a half-hour of never make it to theaters outside I confess I have it easier than detracts from their rhythm and Eastern Bloc. It was filmed in black trailers. (I typically read an e-book big cities. I don’t have that problem many people. Having no kids pacing. Some movies, such as the and white in the boxy, 4-by-3 frame at low brightness or catch up on in New York, where several theaters means no worries about babysitters Netflix drama “Roma,” are meant used by TV screens of that era. podcasts.) Coordinating schedules show more than just the latest me- and bedtime. I can squeeze in a to feel slow and deliberate, but you That gives the movie a nostalgic with friends can also be complicat- ga-blockbuster sequels. 10 p.m. showing after a night out lose that feeling if you multitask on feel, even though it just came out. ed, though if you’re OK watching So instead of asking, “Who has with friends. Facebook. The Netflix thriller “Bird With streaming, video sometimes movies alone, that doesn’t have to time to go the movies?,” I ask my- Once the lights dim, it’s just the Box” just doesn’t feel right without gets squeezed or stretched to match be a problem. self, “Who has time for streaming?” movie and me. the proper buildup of suspense. the dimensions of the TV or phone. Spending all that time at the And Netflix just raised its prices yet When watching Netflix, you Costumes and landscapes come Sound quality at many theaters multiplex has changed how I watch again. Hmmm. DEARDEARABBY ABBY marriage as much as he does. Any DEAR ABBY: May I educate The gum-chewing continues. you to try it before requesting a By ABIGAIL VAN BUREN advice? — MY LIPS ARE SEALED your readers about a little-known Do you agree it is unprofessional private office. DEAR MY LIPS: Issues that are disorder called misophonia? It to chew gum in the workplace? DEAR ABBY: My husband and I not discussed often grow greater means “hatred of sound,” and it can How do I make people understand DEAR ABBY: Is it selfish for a have problems communicating be- until they erode relationships. If cause rage or panic. Misophonia is this is a real disorder that causes 62-year-old recently widowed cause I don’t talk enough, but that’s you value your marriage, use this triggered by sounds such as breath- me physical pain and duress? — grandmother to want more in her the way I was raised. My family just issue as a jumping-off point to start ing, eating, yawning, chewing or SUFFERING IN THE WEST life besides her one daughter and didn’t talk about serious things. I’m talking with a psychologist or other whistling. It can also be caused by DEAR SUFFERING: I have to three grandchildren? — WANTS not saying avoidance is right, but I licensed mental health professional. a repetitive motion, such as when agree that chewing gum in the MORE IN THE EAST have a hard time talking seriously. The way you were raised was un- someone is fidgeting, jostles you or workplace is both unsightly and DEAR WANTS MORE: Of course it When I feel put on the spot, I healthy. It is destructive to building taps their foot continuously. unprofessional. In the interest of isn’t selfish! If “someone” is trying find it difficult to form my words relationships as well as self-esteem, I suffer from this disorder. I work full disclosure, I confess I’m guilty to sell you that nonsensical idea, correctly, and I shut down. My and can have lifelong consequenc- in the health care field and am of the crime. Before I condemn my advice is not to buy it. You husband doesn’t understand why es, as you are finding out. Please often surrounded by people who anyone for eating, chewing, yawn- deserve happiness and fulfillment, I don’t talk when it comes so easy don’t put it off, because your com- chew and/or pop/crack their gum. ing, foot-tapping, etc., allow me and you should not allow anyone to for him. This gives him the impres- munication problem won’t resolve I have had the difficult, often em- to point out that the solution to prevent you from seeking it. sion that I don’t “want” to talk, and until you do something proactive barrassing, conversation about my your problem may be as simple as (Could it be the “someone” wants therefore, I don’t care about our about it. disorder many times to no avail. noise-canceling headphones. I urge a free baby sitter?) © 2019 King Features Features Syn Syndicatedicate Inc. Inc. BRIDGE SUDOKU Desperate measures Concept¡s SudoKu By Dave Green 1 7 2 9 5 4 3 8 6 East dealer. four notrump easily. 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