Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Going to the movies with my family during my younger days was something I really looked forward to. Those old cinemas like Ruby, Paramount, State have faded away and are now replaced with cineplexes with surround sound system, comfortable cushioned chairs with ample leg room, cup holders and what-nots.

I kinda miss the old ones sometimes. Huge open halls with rows and rows of red plastic hard flap-back seats, cement floor with kacang skins littered everywhere, the odd roach or two scurrying under the seats and usherers helping you to your seats with a flash light. Alternatively if you want a better view of the screen, you can opt for the slightly expensive balcony seats.

Dad would sometimes take us out for a movie on Saturday nights if something good was playing. Dad would buy four tickets for a family of five because I was young enough to sit on mom's or dad's lap. I never liked that because I felt embarassed not having a seat of my own and so when I do get one sometimes, I'd be really happy.

Keong sii (Chinese vampire) movies were a standard affair, not to mention some English movies which I don't really remember now. 9pm is the usual starting time and we'll only get home after 11pm. Car parks were huge open spaces within the cinema's premises with usherers again to guide you around. And yes, they do charge you for parking, a dollar if I'm not mistaken.

I really loved those family outings. In fact, I love any family outings we used to have back then.

Currently old cinemas like State have been revamped into newer, 'techier' ones with a mamak restaurant on the ground level, Ruby cinema has been converted into a Christian church, Paramount has evolved into a hypermarket and the rest are either closed down due to competition from newer cineplexes or run down. It's a pity really, because anyone born before and during my time would surely have memories of going to these cinemas.

Kids these days, what do they know. Fun was when we played masak-masak and barbie dolls and not PS3 or iPod. Fun was when we go to Templer's Park and not to Sunway Lagoon. Fun was when everything was less digital, slower and less complicated. Now we're chasing neverending dreams of becoming egoistical superhumans. Oh well... life's like that; we need to evolve to adapt.

7:05 PM 2 comments hmm?