The Last Picture Show

As an avid moviegoer, I consider each outing to the movies a complete life experience. Sometimes I have a good experience, sometimes I don't, but it doesn't always depend on whether I enjoyed the movie. Because there's really so much more to a movie visit than just sitting down and watching the film. There's an entire process both before and after that should be acknowledged and discussed.

First of all, the location of the movie theater is extremely important. Recently, a movie theater opened in downtown San Mateo, just a few blocks from where I work. But going there doesn't really put the distance I want between work and play. The Loews Metreon near San Francisco's Moscone Center also has late showings, some of the latest around, but I'm not a big fan of San Francisco quite that late at night, so I stay away. Then, there's the more practical consideration of the choices of movies. Personally, I always trek south to the AMC Mercado 20 in Sunnyvale because they have the most comfortable seats around. Plus, you can put the arm rests up and sprawl your legs across three or four seats. And believe me, my feet deserve a little elevated time after they've put in their eight hours.

Another distinct difference between the movie theater during the day and late at night is the kind of crowds found inside. In the afternoon and early evening, the typical age seems to be much younger, like middle school and high school students. Matinee movies generally appeal to young mothers or baby-sitters with children toddler-aged and younger. Unfortunately, these little ones can often ruin a movie with an uncontrollable temper tantrum or hissy fit.

But then again, a formerly lovey-dovey couple who decide to break up halfway through the film can have the same effect at an 11 p.m. showing. So, it's really all the luck of the draw.

Finally, and in my opinion most importantly, the before-and-after meal choices are totally skewed at night. During the work week, many of the last movies start at 10:30 or 11 p.m., and dinner before the film isn't usually an option. Sadly, this is about the same time restaurants, like mine, are typically closing. So, when you come out of the movie and you're starving, your choices are seriously limited. Fortunately for me, I like the burgers at fast-food chain In-N-Out, whose drive-thru line stays open all night. Their consistent neighbor, Krispy Kreme, is perfect for dessert. Dieters are generally out of luck, unless they want to try the In-N-Out "Protein Style" burger, which comes wrapped in two large pieces of lettuce instead of a bun. Mmm ... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

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And here's a final thought: Why don't movie theaters give discount ticket prices to people who go to the movie after a certain time, just like they do for matinees? It seems to me that the whole concept of the bargain matinee is prejudiced against anyone who has a day job, goes to school or has other obligations that make going to the movies at noon an implausible idea. Those of us (ahem) who have other responsibilities aren't able to see movies until later in the day. So, as a compromise, why don't the theater companies lower the prices after the 9 p.m. movie or at least for the last feature? I work hard for my money, and paying $9.50 per flick is just getting ridiculous. But until theater owners see fit to adopt a more compassionate pricing system, I am resigned to my economic fate. Some people say I should just wait until I can go to Blockbuster and rent it to watch at home. I tell them that waiting the extra six months and then having to pay $4.64 is just as bad, if not worse.

Grace Kallis is a recent graduate of Aragon High School. She will be attending Barnard College in New York City. Her column, Graceland, appears every Tuesday. If you have some news you'd like to send Grace's way, e-mail her at gkallis5@hotmail.com