Movies in a foreign land

I couldn't let a Spiderman release happen without going to the theater for an early showing. Erin was very kind to agree to go see my favorite superhero on the big screen, and it was AWESOME!

We have watched a few films since we've been away, and seeing a movie in another country is an interesting cultural experience. For instance, in Malaysia you buy your tickets at the same place that you buy snacks. I was amazed at how efficient it was. You don't have to wait in one line to buy tickets at one counter and then wait in another line to buy popcorn and a soda (or my favorite - sour patch kids) at another counter. You just walk right up and say "i'd like two tickets to a movie and a large bucket of butter with some kernels of popped corn floating on top, please. oh, and don't forget the salt."

Anyway, I won't write a review of Spidey 3, because I'm certainly not qualified. However, I do feel obliged to comment on the pre-movie experience.

After watching the previews to upcoming films, as well as commercials for cars and cell phones, everyone stood up for the Thai national anthem. I had heard of this pre-movie ritual, but I wasn't sure that I was prepared for the event. To be honest, I thought it was a joke. I mean seriously, imagine for a second a crowd of (nerdy) Americans in a darkened theater waiting for Spiderman to start when the national antem starts. Can you believe for a minute that they wouldn´t immediately start making fart noises?

So anyway, the anthem was actually played while pictures of the King were shown as he toured the countryside with a camera. He was shown talking to monks and country folk and generally looking kingly. It was very respectful and I was impressed with whole thing.

PS - Spiderman was AWESOME!