FILM COLUMN: MIDNIGHT MOVIE GUIDELINES

Tips & Tricks For Making The Most Out Of The Summer's Most Anticipated Blockbusters

By: Rachel Heine

April 20, 2012

There are movie fans, and then there are movie fans. You know the type. They froth at the mouth when new trailers come out, mining every frame for clues. You can find them arguing whether Marion Cotillard will play Thalia Al-Ghul in The Dark Knight Rises (she will), or if Joss Whedon is the right man to unite The Avengers (he is). Sound familiar? These are my people, and if there’s something we look forward to more than ComicCon, it’s the golden age of summer movies.

Summer movies are when studios bring out the big guns and the caped crusaders, the die-hard action flicks and out-of-this-world sci-fi adventures. We celebrate this season with the midnight movie premiere, lining up (sometimes in themed costume) to be the very first to see the anticipated film. For those interested in joining the midnight madness, here are a few tips for the special season.

Tickets

If you can purchase tickets ahead of time, do so. Some movies (The Dark Knight Rises, for one) sell out months in advance, and you don’t want to be stuck at the follow-up 3am showing. Plan ahead if you have a big group and order tickets in bulk – just make sure everyone pays you back! Also, if your theater offers assigned seating, check on preferences and snatch those up. If not, you can always wait in line with fellow fans, play trivia games, or simply nerd out.

Drinks & Eats

The subtle art of the pre-game. Some folks like a drink or two before the film, others a greasy meal. Some keep it old school, with buckets upon buckets of popcorn, giant icees, and enough candy to keep your sugar going through any 3 hour-epic. Either way, make sure you’re stocked and ready before the trailers begin.

Research

Is it a sequel or prequel? Host a marathon in the weeks prior. (Only the hardcore should attempt this the day of release – all that excitement can tucker you out.) Watch trailers, viral videos, or even check Buzzine's Previews. As midnight movie veterans, we’ve got all the inside info you need right here!

Social Networking

Ah, the wonderful world wide web, uniting geeks of all sorts. Tweet your excitement, check in on facebook, text your buddies at other theaters, but then turn your phone off! Nothing ruins a movie quicker than the smug glow of someone texting away. As soon as the credits roll (or, in the case of tie-in Marvel movies, after the not-so-secret final scene after the credits) you can fire that phone up to send your immediate reaction out into the universe.

Trailers

You know who goes to midnight movies? Nerds. We’re a welcoming group as long as you’re keyed up with us. Often, studios will use the big blockbusters to create buzz for their upcoming hits. Some of us (cough) can recognize a trailer from the first frame. Cheering, shouting out quotes, and general exhilaration are all fair game before the film starts.

If you follow these simple guidelines, you're guaranteed to have a ball with your favorite superheroes, aliens, and action stars. Though everyone has different tastes, some midnight movie experiences inspired such movie bliss they have yet to be dethroned. Will 2012 be a year of serious competition? Can anything top the shock and awe of watching District 9 or The Dark Knight for the first time with a theater full of elated fans?

Buzzine will be counting down the midnight movies month by month, getting you pumped and ready for each release.  Check in with us on our Facebook and Twitter to sound off on your thoughts!

For Fans Of: The Avengers, Men In Black: 3, Prometheus, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Dark Knight Rises

Why We're Excited: sci fi movies, comic book movies, midnight movies!