How to Nail a Movie Date
Don’t let those old teen rom-coms fool you, movie dates aren’t all popcorn and drive-ins! Whoever decided that spending two-and-a-half hours together in silence staring at a 1200 square foot screen was a necessary part of getting to know a person had a sense of humor fit for a horror movie. But fear not, with some thought, direction, and humor of your own, your perfect match will be coming soon to a theater near you!
Step 1: Pick the date
You thought I’d say “Pick the Movie” here, didn’t you? And you would be right, if the success of The Movie Date was not so deeply tied to its time, place, and — most importantly — number. Is this your first date? Second date? Fifth date? Unless you’re two film buffs bonding over your cinematic bonafides, a movie date is a difficult choice for a first or second date. At its best, a movie date is a conversation starter, mutually enjoyed by both parties. At its worst, it’s a multi-hour awkward silence that in which your taste in movies and habits while watching them (i.e. chewing loudly, crying, talking in the movie theater) could prove incompatible with your date’s. Use dates #1 and #2 to meet and to break the ice. You can save hiding-your-happy-tears-at-a-screening-of-descpicable-me-4 for Date #3.
Step 2: Plan the date
If the ideal movie date helps you and your date bond, or at least start a conversation, you need a place to do it. Unless you’re in a time crunch, plan to grab dinner/coffee/drinks before the movie — to make sure you get in that “get to know you” time — or after the movie, so you can debrief what you watched. If you don’t have time to hang longer and your connection survives the theater, make plans after to hang out later in the week. Your reward for the silence, if all goes well, is a great conversation starter to keep the momentum going.
Step 3: Choosing the movie
Choosing a movie may not be the most important part of a movie date, but it’s definitely the most stressful! Ideally, you and your date pick a flick you both want to watch — something new and buzzy at a theater or a classic at home. If not you’ve got some thinking to do. Unless you’re dating a big horror fan, maybe pass on the scary movie. (Angling for a scaredy cat hand hold is SO 20th century…) It’s also wise to avoid something too serious. (See the latest WWII epic on your own time.) Think good but not too good. Funny but not crude. Blockbuster action flicks, cute indie movies, solid comedies, and light rom-coms are all safe bets here. If you’re unsure what to watch, just ask!
Step 4. Shhhhh… People are trying to watch!
If you’re going to a theater, it’s key to avoid the classic movie theater faux pas. Silence your cell phone. (No texting!) Unwrap your candy. Share your popcorn. Will your date be judging your movie theater etiquette? Probably not, but best to play it safe — for them and for everyone else!
Step 5. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the film!