Yes I was.
The T-shirt caught my eye with a corner of olive peeking from the bottom of the shelf pile this warm and sunny Friday morning in Syracuse after a winter of neglect.
My dear wife Karen had purchased it for my before my layoff from the big daily.
Why, yes, I wore it to go view “The D Train,” the opening film this weekend starring Jack Black, James Marsden and Kathryn Hahn at a late morning matinée at the Regal Cinemas in Syracuse’s mega shopping, dining and entertainment complex Destiny USA.
I was the only person in the small theater for the 11:15 a.m. showing.
And yes, though it indeed is a Casual Friday and I may be wearing T-shirts and shorts every day until the snow flies or my business situation changes, you will be able to read my review right here come Monday morning.
What’s the earliest start time that you’ve ever gone to see a movie? Have you ever seen a movie as the lone sitter in a theater, and if so, how did that make you feel? Do you have casual Friday attire, and if so, what’s your favorite outfit?
Mark Bialczak 
You look reMARKable! 🙂 Today, I worked from home, so my Casual Friday included a Bon Jovi Tshirt and capris with no shoes. I’ve been in a theater with only one friend, but I’ve never gone to the movies alone. How cool that they did all that work just for you! 😀
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It was cool to be The Guy, Rachel. Good for you workin today shoeless at home. Ha. Fun Friday.
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I have seen movies by myself, with one other person, and in very large groups, Mark, at all times of the day and night. I’ve dressed causally each time, and I’ve pretty much always felt fine. Thanks for asking and telling.
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You are in fine form always, Ann.
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When I heard Robert Altman (no less) had made a movie about A Prairie Home Companion I could not wait to get to see it. Obviously it totally by-passed all the large-screen multi-plexes only to limp in to the city’s arthouse cinema – but only for two days – and the two days my dad was staying with me. I knew he wouldn’t like it but, what the heck, I was all gunned-up for it, Apart from me and my dad there were two other people in the cinema. No matter. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face and wept with joy throughout the movie. And after the movie got to talking to the couple a few rows behind us. She was a fan of PHC too, and I guess her partner came along to keep the peace. My dad was mystified and baffled by the whole thing and couldn’t see what I was laughing it.
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You and the lady behind knew the cast. Your dad and her partner were lost in the fog. Such a difference, Roy! In on it and out of it. Wow. I’m glad your dad was a good sport for you that day!
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my dad is very forgiving. it’s not been an easy relationship. I tried bonding with him once by taking him to our first Bond movie – we’d both seen them on the tv but neither of us had seen them at the movies. not a great success but I’m glad we tried. oh don’t get me wrong – we get on fine, not brilliant, but fine. he seems to have mellowed as I’ve got older.
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Keep talking with your dad, always, Roy. When I told my pops what I thought about certain things of my youth … when I was nearing 40 and he 60 … he was surprised, and gave me a different viewpoint, and our relationship was altered somewhat for the better. And then he died of a heart attack, when he was 66 and I was 46, so I am very glad I brought that up that day.
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When I went to see Titanic it was a very early showing, I don’t remember the time. It was just me and my daughter. And my favorite outfit, oddly enough, is bike shorts and an over large t-shirt. The odd part is that I didn’t start wearing shorts until I was in my 30’s. Even when I started wearing bike gear I started with long tights even in summer. Gradually moving on to bike shorts. I would wear bike shorts to work if I could. Lycra is NO ONE’S friend. But to heck with it. I am all about comfort. And if it’s a long shirt and another pair of shorts over those, no harm to anyone having to look either. 😉
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Comfort rules. CASUAL EVERYDAY MBC. We only live once, right? You have to feel good to look good, I think.
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AMEN MBM!!!!!! I don’t know who got to make up getting dressed rules….but they should be stripped of those rights and given to someone with more sense any way. 😉
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I know, right? Somebody with unlimited funds made up the suit-and-tie, dress rule, that much I know.
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Amen Brother.
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How strange that would feel to be the only person to view a movie at a theatre! Did they sell you yesterday’s popcorn like they do at our movie theatre’s??
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I didn’t get any popcorn or drinks at 11:15 a.m., PJ. 🙂
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It’s probably a good thing you didn’t. LOL!
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FABULOUS! Can’t wait to hear the review! Tell your lovely wife… Happy Mother’s Day from me!
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Thanks, Nancy, I will pass it along. And to you, too, right? 🙂 😉
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Yes… I have two boys! Great handsome men they are!
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Congrats! Yes, ours are lovely adults, too. 😉
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I’ve gone alone to the movies but never been the only one there. Must have been cool yet creepy. 🙂
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Not really creepy, Mrs. B. I think being with one stranger who was acting odd and making noises, that would be creepy!
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I have been to an early show at 11 for a sentimental movie and also midnight shows of “Rocky Horror Picture Show.” I have only been to one movie where I was not accompanied. This was strange but I found myself watching other people’s reactions on their faces more. I have never been the only one in a movie, Mark. I would feel strange…
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Then please don’t go alone, Robin. Don’t go out of your movie comfort zone. That would be awful.
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We had a day off and went to an 11:00 am showing of “Selma.” We were the only ones in there and I hated it. Not the movie, but the being all alone. Part of the theater-going experience is hearing other people laugh, gasp, or whatever. But there were no annoying talkers, so that was good.
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It was similar to watching it on my flat screen on HBO, Barbara, but without already-purchased snacks and drinks one room away. 😦
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Never had a cinema to myself but it would certainly mean that no one talked all through the film and left me wanting to silence them!! love the T- shirt – i am a big fan of clothes that require little or no ironing 🙂
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Yes, I had no wrinkles to my straightforward wardrobe, Rachel. 🙂
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Nothing like dressing for the occasion.
Hope the review was to your liking, and not too flamboyant, hehe
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Tune in on Monday, Ian. 😮
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Looking forward to it mate, cheers.
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It was a rare blizzard in Charlottesville, Virginia. But we had a babysitter and Armageddon wouldn’t have made us cancel. We watched the latest 007 in a theater where the manager showed the film because he’d sent everyone else home. Halfway through, he gave us jumbo popcorn and sodas, and sat down a few rows over.
It was memorable but overall if I want a solitary movie experience, I’ll watch at home. Last week I went to the Avengers movie in a full theater and I loved the crowd living the scenes alongside me.
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In an action adventure like the new Avengers, I so totally agree, Barb. Being with a big crowd is akin to watching a great sports game in a sold-out stadium. Your Bond, James Bond night in Virginia in a snowstorm gave you a great forever story, though, didn’t it?
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My gal pals and I used to go to a midnight “matinee” several times a month so I suppose that would be the earliest showings I’ve been too. Can’t get much earlier than that eh? I’m not sure if they have them anymore. It’s been a long time since I’ve gone out for a movie.
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Midnight is either early or late, Tina, depending upon your lifestyle. I have to get used to not calling you alady now, by the way? Anyway, you should get out to a movie again. The big screen and sound, you know?
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A friend did a blog saying that he likes to know peoples names so I toyed with it a bit. You can call me whatever you like. I have many nic-names. Tina is my real name.
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I like knowing that you are Tina, alady. 🙂
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Ha ha, well then Tina it is
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You can call me whatever you’d like, just call me. Bada-boom.
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Ha ha… for some reason people have always nic-named me with random pet names here and there. It’s harmless fun
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I had to write a nickname column last year, I’ve had so many.
https://markbialczak.com/2014/03/27/this-guy-beels-has-heard-lots-of-nicknames/
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Coool, I’m off to read it.
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Had you been wearing a nice suit, I would not be able to take your movie review seriously. Looking forward to Monday…though annoyed you’re making me wait!
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No suit reviews for me, Rachel. Sorry, but I gotta stick to my schedule on the these things. 😉
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When I lived in CA I got into going to matinees alone. I lost count of how many times I was the only person; and quite often one of only two or three. I loved it. No whispering, rustling, crunching etc. unless it came from me. Plus being able to sit wherever I want without regard to companions with different wishes or the comfort of strangers…
For me pretty much every day is casual Friday. The range is mostly from K-Mart sweats to nicer quality tunics with linen pants. Always flat shoes. I always say I like to dress in stuff in which I could get down on the floor and start doing yoga…
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I like your style, Leigh, all the way 🙂 ❤
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Awesome shirt Mark! I have never been completely alone in a theatre, but I have been one in just a handful of people and I rather liked it! ❤
Diana xo
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It was quiet, I can vouch for that, Diana. And nobody was playing with their cell phone. ❤
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That’s always a bonus!
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I love casual Friday! Awesome pic at the top, Chum.
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Thanks, Red. Easy-peasey.
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My son and I had the theater to ourselves when we saw the new spongebob movie. We loved it!!
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Good one for mom-son only, Paula. 🙂 I enjoyed SpongeBob, too, with a crowd.
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Never the lone viewer, but once my husband Steven and I walked into a theatre to see some Oscar-bait movie to find only two other people there. The lady said, “Oh, THERE’S the other couple watching this movie.”
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Oscar-bait movie. Lovely phrasing there, Cynthia. 🙂 I think you should have pointed at the lady and said, “No, you’re the other couple.” Haha.
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Had I but thought…
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i’m all about casual and comfortable. i once saw “avatar” with my friend in a huge theater during a blizzard. we were the only movie watchers that day. great fun.
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It was good that you had one friend in a huge theater for “Avatar,” Beth. I was OK solo in a 100-seater for this one. There were six of the 19 theaters still showing “Avengers,” at my quick count. Good planning by the schedulers. 🙂
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Thankful for the small favors here, Scott. 🙂 Happy weekend, my friend.
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I’m not sure if your current business situation is satisfactory to you, Mark, but you do get to go to the movies at 11:15 on Friday morning. That’s something.
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Ah, Y, you come up with the best add-ons. ❤ Happy Friday to you!!
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well I got that from “Bytes daily” blog – and the fir day gif sits in my media file from an old post, so sometimes I go in – grab the file URL for it – and just share it that way – so easy and kinda fun. have a nice day marky mark
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I will because I am sharing it with my friend Y, Y! ;-o
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that’s right Yo! ha!
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SaWeet shirt. I’ve never been to a movie by myself but Dave does (opposites attract). I’m off to see the Avengers with Dave and JP soon 😀 Happy weekend, Mark!
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Happy weekend, Angie McFly. Enjoy the awesome superheroes movie with your superheroes!! 🙂
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I don’t think I’ve ever gone to a really early showing. We do typically take in matinees, but maybe around 1 or 2.
Casual Friday tee-shirt is super cute/cool. It’s the second one I’ve seen in a week. Might be a trend? I’m often late to trends, lol!
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I thought mine was the only T in town, Joey. No, they are around, that’s true. I like it nevertheless. 🙂 Thanks for the nice words about it.
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I was interested in that movie as the D Train was my train from Brooklyn to Manhattan and back. We usually go to the early showings because they’re cheaper. Seeing a movie is expensive for a family of 4!! Luckily, I can wear whatever I want to work. Every day is casual Friday for me. Cool tee all the same!
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Don’t take the kids to see this one, Marissa. There’s your sneak preview to my Monday review. And, thanks for your positive review of my shirt!
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Before I forget, add that any showing before 4 p.m. is $2.50 cheaper here, too. I always shoot for these on my budget as well.
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Okay, got it!
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My wife and I were the only folks in the theatre at the old Fayetteville mall (where the YMCA is now) for a showing of the hoops themed “Blue Chips” featuring a cameo of Jim Boeheim. It was a snowy Tuesday evening–cool to pretend you’re in your own private screening!
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“Bue Chips” wasn’t that bad of a movie, Phil. It must have been the show, for sure. Yes, the lone wolf feeling didn’t bother me at all.
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T-shirt and cargo shorts for sure!
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Gotta go for comfort, Gary! 🙂
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