Spider-Man 2
© James C. Hess
One of the more disturbing and concerning conversations I have ever overheard took place recently while I waited in line to see the premiere of a much anticipated film.
As a rule I do not eavesdrop simply because it is rude and ill-mannered, but this conversation was just inches from me and basically insulted my values and beliefs, morals and ethics.
Allow me to place all of this in context: Less than ten miles from where I live there is a multi-plex. When this effort was first announced there was a great outcry from the Unwashed Masses, who feared the worst if this plan were executed: At least two local theaters would close in its wake.
Their concerns were not unfounded: The owners of the then-proposed multi-plex had to admit that in order for this new site to operate successfully certain sacrifices would have to be made: At least four local theaters, one of which was an 'art house', would be closed and sold off to willing buyers.
After much public discussion and debate both sides of this concern came to an agreement, put into writing: The multi-plex, which would have fourteen screens, would dedicate at least two screens to films and movies otherwise relegated to the art house or independent venue. A few years after the multi-plex opened the owners and operators of it have kept their word: Each and every week two of the fourteen screens have been given over to films and movies that is fare well off the beaten path.
That is, until recently: I was standing in line for the midnight showing of the much anticipated "Spider-Man 2", waiting with about six hundred other people to be let in to one of the three theaters scheduled to show this flick when a representative of theater management came out and said there would be a slight delay with regards to entry because 'a decision had to be made'.
Everyone in the "Spider-Man 2" line looked around and knew with what could have been spider-sense what that pending decision was: Because of the size of the crowd waiting it was likely the theater would have to displace another film or movie on the marquee to make room for another screen to show "Spider-Man 2".
Everyone in the "Spider-Man 2" line looked around and found the shortest line for another film and movie scheduled to show at midnight.
The shortest line, without hesitation, was the line for Michael Moore's latest production. (The title of which I refuse to let pass my lips because I respect Ray Bradbury too much, and have too much admiration for his work, which Moore unapologetically stole from.) There were exactly four people in that line. Four.
