Going to the movies becomes tradition

June 21, 2011

By Cody Dalton
O-N-E Sports Editor

A few weeks ago in my column, I talked about what I would be doing if I wasn’t a sports writer or in the journalism field. The thought hadn’t crossed my mind because this is something I love so dearly, but I may have very well found a close second passion.
One of my favorite hobbies here in the last few years has been going to the theatre. No, I’m not talking about watching plays, but rather the cinema and movies.
Sure, going to the movies isn’t necessarily the cheapest thing in the world, but it is a great experience. During last weekend, I went home to visit my family in Virginia and got the chance to see two movies with two family members.
First and foremost, watching both movies with my mom and brother were great bonding experiences with two of the people I love the most who I haven’t seen in a while. Secondly, it gave me the chance to escape from whatever problems or issues I am facing.
I’ve made it a habit to see quite a few movies while I’ve been here in Catawba County. So far this summer, I’ve seen “Fast Five,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” “X-Men: First Class,” “The Hangover: Part II,” “Kung Fu Panda 2” and “Green Lantern.” As you can tell from some of the movie titles, if it involves action, a sequel or a comic book, I’m usually there in line buying a ticket.
I’m not only a viewer of what is current and new, but I love to revisit the classics. I’m a huge fan of the Star Wars trilogy and classic comedies. I’m still in the process of trying to cross a few classics off of the list of movies I haven’t seen, such as “The Godfather” and “Full Metal Jacket.”
One of my favorite genres of movies is definitely comedies, but recent comedies have seemed to lose their effect on me. There are a lot of great family comedy movies out now, but a lot have lost their luster. I’m a huge fan of many of Adam Sandler’s early works, such as “Happy Gilmore” and “Billy Madison.”
Will Ferrell also makes me laugh, whether I’m watching him in a movie or classic sketches on “Saturday Night Live.” He always manages to find a way to make me crack up laughing and relieve tension at the same time.
If I ever decide to hang up the sports writing career (which I don’t plan on happening ever, if possible), I’d like to get into the movie scene, such as a being a critic or even attempting to direct a movie. I feel like maybe if I can’t be satisfied with the type of movies I am watching, I can try to direct one myself and get better results.
Either way, I encourage you to take a loved one, grab a bowl of popcorn and go to either the theatre or stay at home and watch a DVD. Either is a great way to enjoy the cinema, one of the true art forms that has managed to stand the test of time.

Cody Dalton is the sports editor of and a columnist for The Observer News Enterprise. His column appears in the Tuesday edition. Reach Dalton at onesports@observernewsonline.com.