Peachy Pleasures

Hello world,

I hope this post finds you all enjoying the start of your week and anticipating the events this weekend might hold. For some of us, romantic dinners at the hottest restaurant, taking it to the snowy slopes, or perhaps renting a movie and getting take out. And still others will venture out to the crowded theaters to see about 15 of Hollywood’s stars take to the screen in the loveable romantic comedy, Valentine’s Day.

So it is, our first peachy pleasure for the world to enjoy – go see an advanced movie screening, for free! This is something I’ve actually done a few times before: Slumdog Millionaire, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, My Sister’s Keeper, The Hangover, and Last Chance Harvey. Tonight it was Valentine’s Day. Screenings are a fantastic option for the student or friend on a budget. Tickets are free, and if you don’t mind arriving an hour early for your movie to reserve seats, it’s a great experience! And do arrive an hour early, tonight we made it approximately 45 minutes prior to the show, and we were lucky enough to be in the fourth row all the way to the right of the auditorium. It was an interesting angle to watch from, everything seemed abnormally large being that close to the screen, and I can’t say my neck was entirely comfortable the whole evening.  However the Majestic Theater in Brookfield, Wi, is really nice, the seats are super comfortable, and if you do get great seats the screen is fantastic.

Going to the movies is one of my favorite pastimes. There’s just something about sitting in a grand auditorium, chowing on popcorn, and the booming stereo that I find purely magical, it’s fabulous to get out and become absorbed into the action on screen. But, these days ticket prices are just too high. On the average, a prime time movie ticket could cost about $10: I can rent a movie at home for $1, get Qdoba for $6, watch the latest episode of Criminal Minds for free (student cable packages are the best!). Nevermind the cost of transportation to get to the theater, these days and with my budget it is just easier to wait for the movie to come out on DVD. But alas, you’re there anyway, have  spent the $10 on the ticket, and now you’re greeted by the delicious aromas wafting from the snack bar: popcorn, pizza, nachos, chicken fingers, the list goes on. Tempted by any of these? Take a second look at those prices, we all know they are ripping us off for average popcorn covered in mounds of butter. So try out a more economical option – a movie screening.

Gofobo.com is the place to go for free screenings. You can search by zip code or movie title to find a showing nearest you. I should caution you that there are limited quantities available to the public and then to those with RSVP codes. These codes are made available through promotional media that appears on the radio, in local establishments, and on social media networks. I know this because I date someone who spent copious hours handing out flyers at the local restaurant, inviting me to a variety of events via Facebook, and now drinks out of plastic cups emblazoned with movie titles.

Tonight’s experience is valued at approximately $20 per person, $10/ticket, and give or take $10 for snacks and soda. By choosing to go to a screening instead, I was able to save that $20 that I could put towards another experience on the town or maybe towards my bills? Decisions, decisions.

As for the film, if you enjoy going to out to see movies, Valentine’s Day just might be worth spending the $20. It is the perfect mix of romance and comedy, and the all-star cast truly hit the ball out of the park. I would love to hear what you think so be sure to post your opinions and suggestions for our next budget-friendly peachy pleasure.

🙂