Peanuts In My Pocket

I prefer watching movies at home, where I can control the experience. I usually watch on my TV while using my iPad to take notes, look up information, or jot down ideas. I also function better mentally when I’m not surrounded by crowds. I don’t relate to the appeal of the traditional theater experience anymore. It’s not like when I was younger and used to look forward to going out to see a movie. These days, a theater visit is filled with distractions that disrupt the immersive experience. It’s hard to get excited about an anticipated escape when it feels more like a mini-ordeal filled with unnecessary obstacles.

Since the pandemic, I’ve been going to the theater less and less. Flo and I saw Thunderbolts at the Edwards in Cerritos Towne Center yesterday on a whim. It might be only the second time I’ve gone this year. A few weeks ago, I took my grandsons to see the Minecraft movie, but beyond that, I struggle to recall any other theater visits in 2025. Before the pandemic, I’d estimate I saw six to eight movies a year. Now I better understand why that number has dropped, it’s all the obstacles.

Here are a few examples from our most recent experience:

• The ticket window was closed. We were directed to stand in line at the snack bar to buy our tickets. Instead of a quick entry, we had to wait while others ordered popcorn, snacks, and drinks. I could have purchased tickets online, but since this was a spontaneous outing, we ended up waiting.
• The ticket queue is designed to maximize upselling. We were offered various souvenirs, like the Red Hulk figure, along with the usual snacks.
• The theater didn’t feel clean. Both the public and seating areas looked dusty and stained. There was so much trash scattered around that I felt tempted to start cleaning it up myself.
• While the seating was spacious and comfortable, it was worn out. The faux-leather armrests were cracked and flaking, and my seat had leftover popcorn on it. I now have a new rule: check the seat with a flashlight before sitting down.
• Although we arrived after the movie’s scheduled start time, we still had to sit through 15 to 20 minutes of ads and previews.
• People were inconsiderate. I overheard several conversations during the movie, and it felt like nearly everyone around me pulled out their phones. The screens were incredibly distracting.

Ultimately, what I’m saying is that going to the movies has become less appealing because of these distractions and obstacles. While I know some of this stems from my dislike of crowds, there actually weren’t any crowds this time, so what’s the real issue?

About Thunderbolts

Despite the distractions, I managed to enjoy the movie—and to my surprise, I enjoyed it a lot. Superhero movies tend to be hit-or-miss for me, but Thunderbolts landed perfectly. I’ve heard it described as the “Mental Health Avengers,” which honestly feels like the perfect label.

The movie hit all the right beats for me. Florence Pugh was outstanding, her face is so beautifully expressive, and her comic timing is impeccable. I’m also a huge fan of David Harbour. His performance was pitch-perfect and genuinely joyful to watch. Wyatt Russell’s performance felt remarkably authentic. I love his take on a failed Captain America. Geraldine Viswanathan, as the assistant Mel, offered a compelling counterpoint to the villainous Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, played by the ever-talented Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

There were moments when Pugh appeared in monochromatic scenes, and I couldn’t help but think she has the perfect face for black-and-white photography. I even mentioned it to my Florence. Some people are just lucky, I look like a train wreck in black and white. Life’s not fair.

I also want to give a shoutout to Jennifer Chung, who played the grocery store mother in the post-credit scene. I’ve been a fan of hers since hearing her sing and have followed her on Instagram for years. I thought I had missed her appearance, but I was thrilled to see her on screen at the end.

What Did You Think?

Have you seen Thunderbolts yet? I’d love to hear your take. Did it surprise you the way it did me? What stood out, or didn’t, for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Whether you loved it, hated it, or landed somewhere in between, I’m genuinely curious how it resonated with others. Let’s talk movies.