Movies and Popcorn: A Perfect Pair

The first thing that hits you when you walk into the movie theater is that wonderful, buttery smell. Tickets are purchased and the decision is contemplated. Popcorn or no popcorn? Almost every time, popcorn wins.

The movie starts. And the bucket of buttery goodness is ravenously devoured.


There is something about movies and popcorn. Somehow the salty crunch makes a bad movie more entertaining. It seems that no matter the size of the container, there is always a hint of disappointment when it’s finally gone. What is it about movies that makes these buttery morsels the perfect treat?


Part of it is the dark. It can be a messy treat. Little kernels and crumbs seem to constantly escape. The dark of the movie somehow makes the mess seem a little less messy. And, the dark makes the calories seem to melt away. One of handful or twenty, at movies they both feel the same. No one knows who ate the last handful or who got more. The dark of the movies makes everything seem a lot simpler.


The smell also plays an important role. Choosing not to purchase a tub of your own is almost torture. The smell starts working on you the minute you pull open the door. It doesn't matter how you make it at home, it never smells as good as it does at the movie theater. As the lights go down, nothing matters as much as that buttery smell. It doesn't matter if the man sitting next to you hasn't showered in a month, the perfect butter and salt smell envelopes the senses and makes everything all right.


Another reason that popcorn is the perfect movie watching treat is the ease of sharing. Many feel that watching a movie is a more of a solo activity than a group thing. However, if you add popcorn to the mix, everything changes. Passing the tub back and forth, each time hoping that it will make it back again before it is all gone, bonds families and friends together. Popcorn is the perfect snack to share with long time friends or soon to be lovers. Nothing makes a first touch more enjoyable than when two hands bump while scrounging for the last handful.


Popcorn acts as a insurance policy for movie watchers. Some movies will be great, others mediocre, but with a fresh tub of hot buttery goodness, it doesn't matter. You'll be entertained. Movies somehow transform this salty snack food into a little bit of heaven as soon as the lights go out.