“How could Spider-Man be in a movie?” I said, staring up at my tee ball coach from under the brim of my dusty cap.
It was May in San Antonio, so it was hot. We had just finished a game, and the coach was handing out much-needed Gatorade. As I drank mine, he made small talk with parents and mentioned that he was taking his son to see Spider-Man later that day. That’s when I questioned his sanity. Smiling, he tried to explain the movie. But nothing stuck.
On the way home, my mom said she’d take me to see it. I was excited but still confused. My tiny, almost six-year-old brain couldn’t entirely grasp the concept. I watched Spider-Man cartoons on TV at home—sure, that made sense. I had half-finished Spidey coloring books scattered around the house. The scribbled-on character was more than tangible enough for little me. But a movie with actual people? How? Does that mean he’s… real?
Later that night, as we walked out of the theater, lit by the glow of the marquee lights, I was entirely awestruck at what I had just experienced. The bigger-than-life story, full of vibrant pictures and heart-thumping sounds, did more than catch my eye. As I watched, something spiritual clicked.
Movies were magic, and I was enchanted.
My Life Through Film 🎞️
My fascination with movies only grew as I did. My mom would often take my siblings and me to the local dollar theater, usually sneaking in snacks, if not entire meals. I cherished those weekends. Trips to the library also became a much-desired event in our family. Whenever we walked in, the DVDs section was my first destination.
Then, in high school, cinemas were our spot—even more so than malls. We would try to get rides from someone’s parents, but if that didn’t work out, we didn’t give up. We would ride our bikes or take the bus just to watch something. There were plenty of midnight releases, double features, and, of course, dates. At that time, the theater was the premier date spot. Nervous, warm hands in another's. Sneaking kisses when we thought no one else was watching. Later, after the girl left, the guys would regroup and ask each other's opinions on whether the date-goers looked nervous or if the conversation flowed. And to chat about the movie, of course.
At college, my passion for film only ramped up. I started writing pieces for the campus newspaper that often revolved around the movie industry. I attended film clubs and took a handful of courses about the medium. Many of my new college friends were similarly interested, so a group of us would frequent the theater near campus.
Today, I’m still known as the movie guy at work and with friends. I love how everyone knows to ask for my thoughts on a recent release or scold me if I have a blind spot on a classic I haven’t gotten to yet. I have also created a lot of content on TikTok and meticulously tracked everything I watch on my Letterboxd. And, of course, movies will be a big part of this newsletter.
Sean Baker Gets It 🫡
So, when Sean Baker—who had an unexpected but respected sweep at the Oscars for Anora—gave a rousing speech about the importance of cinemas, I felt seen. I joked with friends in our text thread that I was going to stand and salute for the cause. (I wasn’t kidding; they later received video proof. Reply to this email and I'll send you the silly video! 🙈)
Why Cinemas Still Matter 📽️
Movies matter, yes. But I’m here to say that cinemas are also vital.
Films are beautifully bookended with community. When a film is produced, artists come together and practically bring every medium of art, at different stages, and make something greater than the sum of all its parts. A movie conjures a window of wonder and an exercise in empathy. So, when a group of people sit in a room and focus on a single story, that matters. I can attest that I concentrate more, and the movie experience, whether good or bad, is amplified in a theater. Scary movies are scarier. Laughs are funnier. Tears fall harder. If movies are only experienced alone at home, a major part of the experience is taken away.
I wholly agree with Sean’s message. Not only are theaters one of America’s greatest pastimes—a hit of nostalgia at the very mention of them—but they can arguably also do more for audience members today than ever. Because watching a movie in a cinema makes you unplug from the constant stream of noise and requires a period of forced concentration. Especially in this age of multiple screens, the faux sense of multitasking, and ever-growing distractions.
Because in the age of streaming, movie theaters matter more than ever. Yes, streaming does bring a sense of democratization to the form—I’m not arguing against that. I’m also not elitist, saying that movies should only be watched in a theater; I watch plenty of movies at home. However, I am saying that theaters are one of the last few sacred spaces. I believe they're something to be cherished.
Keep the Faith, Pay Your Tithes 🙏
So, see what’s out in theaters right now or coming soon. If I’ve convinced you to even do that, I’ll take that as a victory. Or take a look at one of the many movie theater subscription programs that make watching movies in the cinema so much more affordable.
Friends, I have no real stake in this. I’m not financially invested in theaters or the moviegoing experience. If one day I begin writing more screenplays and somehow get my foot through the industry’s door, that’ll be a different story.
But, for now, I only know that I love movies and theaters. I would like for them to stick around so that when I have a family, I can take my kids and watch in appreciation and familiarity as they begin to experience enchantment from the same magic as me.
