Movies

So, despite five young kids, my husband Fotis and I do go to the movies, as something to do — together, in the dark. To forget about all the to-dos, the people, the noise. And to listen to the noise of cars, breathing, sirens, rain.

This past Sunday we saw (not my choice) Marvel’s The Avengers. When I first read that this movie was being made, I thought it was a remake of the British series from the 1960′s with Diana Rigg in a tight black jumpsuit. Here, Scarlett Johansson wears the tight black jumpsuit, with a similar hairdo to Diana Rigg’s. It was awful, less for Robert Downey Jr.

Movies used to mean so much to me. When I was a co-founder a theatre company with fellow playwrights in the early '90s, my friend Dan and I were the only ones excused from striking a set one night after the final performance (of “Baton Rouge,” by Dimitri Lipkin at Ensemble Studio Theatre.) That Monday night (they moved them to Sundays in 1998,) was the Oscars!

It used to mean so much. I’d sit the Tuesday morning the nominees were announced with a pen and legal pad, scribbling down the names as quickly as possible. I’d made the category boxes prior so as not to waste time. I kept an ongoing word document each year listing every movie I’d seen, and if I thought anything should be considered for an Academy Award. Such as say, Jack and Jill, Best Supporting Actress: Katie Holmes! But no. But actually, I did think that Jack and Jill was one of the better movies of 2011. I laughed nonstop. It was awesome.

I went on Friday night, not too thrilled or excited, to What to Expect… It was not good. But Dennis Quaid was great. And Cameron Diaz’s cheekbones are to die for rosy and perfectly lovely to stare at on a ten foot screen.

We saw: The Five Year Engagement. In Greece, this would never be a movie. They stay engaged forever. They only marry if they actually want to have kids — next week! They then send out the announcements three weeks before the event. They plan only 2-3 months out. The most glamorous, amazing wedding ever for 250 people can be had for under $20K. Most weddings are 600-900 people. Everyone you know, have ever known, or are related to even remotely shows up. And this expected.

They obviously do not write thank you notes in Greece.

But, I do.

(Fool that I am.)

We saw also The Dictator. Better than expected. We do a lot when Fotis is around. I fear him being grumpy that “we never go out.” Like people in Greece supposedly all do, even at 40 with many young kids under six. (Not the moms that I have socialized with, they go out on weekends, but never that late. It’s all a big myth set up to confuse me and make me feel I’m not measuring up.)

Last night, finally at home alone with Fotis now away, I wanted to see the fifth Rangers – Devils game of the playoffs. But, satellite -- not yet here (month three and counting in our new house). I could go to New York on Sunday for the final 8 p.m. game. I could do a lot of things. I could rearrange all my files with newly inked file tabs. It's nearly Memorial Day Weekend and Men in Black III and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel open on Friday. I'll buy the tickets if you get the popcorn.

Jennifer Dulos also blogs at www.fivemakesseven.com.