Bug and I needed something to do on a rainy Saturday. The movies, while still staring at a screen, at least require getting out of the house.
Bug saw an advert for Boxtrolls weeks ago. Using our generic iDevice, we also watched the trailers. Bug and I thought it looked fun. H wasn't so sure. The BBC's flagship movie program gave Boxtrolls a positive nod. The only issue was that it was PG and a little scrungy.
H was gone for the weekend; it was rainy; Bug handles scrunge with aplomb. The plan was set. Off to one of the local independent theaters for an afternoon of scrungy, stop motion movie fun.
We got to the theater with plenty of time. I checked if Bug needed to use the potty. "No." Then we rushed past the vending area to get some choice seating.
Bug wanted to sit in the front row. In a newer theater I would have weathered the storm of saying no, but this theater is set up to make front row viewing pleasantish. The screen is big, but not crazy big. It is also close to eye-level. You don't need to sit in astronaut position for the whole show or worry about only seeing part of the screen.
We got settled in and starting watching the few previews when a family sits next to us and they all have treats. "Daddy, I really wish I had popcorn." "We'll miss some of the movie." "I want popcorn more than missing some of the movie." So, we go get popcorn. Again I ask about the potty. "No."
Once we settle in with our popcorn, "Daddy, I need to go potty. I cannot hold it." The bathroom is right outside the door to the theater and is not occupied.
We settle in for the final time having missed about ten minutes of the movie. The bits we missed didn't hinder us from enjoying the movie or following the story. I'm sure it was fun stuff, but not terribly important.
The movie was great. The animation was beautifully scrungy. The story was cute. The characters were very well done. It is pretty amazing how much character a box can have. The humor worked for both Bug and I.
Kenzie had a good time and reported that she like it. She sat for the whole time without much fidgeting. The few scary bits didn't bother her much. She was appropriately tense. Bug doesn't like loud noises and nothing bothered her.
I'd give it a definite thumbs up as a family movie. It works on several levels. Fans of Beckett will enjoy the end credits.
