Tips for Attending a Midnight Movie Showing

There is a certain rush to being one of the first of many to see a film the moment theaters begin playing it-usually starting at 12:01AM. Usually associated with summer blockbusters that Iron Man 2 marks the beginning for 2010, midnight screenings help gauge the success of buzz generated for the film and are usually the first opportunity to see the film save for advanced press screenings that coincide with media promotions. Given a few potential pitfalls that I experienced before, here are a few tips to provide a better midnight showing experience.

Buy the tickets in advance

Yes, it is great that you are excited to watch a movie the moment it comes out at midnight. Join the thousands who share that sentiment. Thanks to modern advances in movie ticket purchasing, people no longer have to stand in line waiting to buy tickets the moment they become available. They can sit in the comfort of their own home with the warm glow of the computer screen waiting for tickets to go on sale online through the theater or sites like Fandango. In any case, be sure to buy the tickets in advance or this will be a very short excursion when you arrive a few hours before the showing to hear tickets are sold out.

Form a group

Going to a movie makes for a better movie experience. You all can bask in the visual and emotional experience together and share opinions on it. Or you can poke fun at various bits of the film if it is really horrible. But for a midnight showing, groups will make things a lot easier once you get to the theater. Groups can take turns holding seats while others grab food or take care of other matters before the film. So ask your friends who wants to see a film with you and coordinate.

Rest before going

Not everyone is nocturnally active on a regular basis. Get a good catnap in during the late afternoon before going to the theater lest you may wind up sleeping during the movie.

Arrive early & bring entertainment

People who bought tickets will stand in line hours in advance to get good seats and so should you. It sounds nuts, but arrive at least two hours early and prepare to stand in line waiting. Bring some electronic gaming devices or a deck of cards to entertain yourself. If going as a group, let the early bird member get there first and reserve a spot in line for the rest.

Mingle

Chances are most of the people dedicated to standing in line for a few hours to watch a film are as big as fans of the film as you. Here's a chance to talk, mingle, and maybe make some new friends to plan future outings like this. It is like Facebook without the computer.

Know a good 24-hour restaurant nearby

After a late night out with friends watching a movie, grabbing something to eat besides the movie theater popcorn and hot dogs will help end the experience on a high note as you enjoy some comfort food, share thoughts about the film, and plan the next midnight showing.