Opening weekends for movies are always interesting, especially when you work at a movie theater. Going into this weekend for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, I knew that this movie release would be one of the more interesting ones I've worked. That being said, there were still some things that I didn't expect. So, here's how the weekend went from my point of view.
1. If I could get through "Episode VII", I can get through this.
Okay. Last December brought one of the biggest blockbusters in recent memory, and that came with hordes of people and long shifts. So if I can hang on for those, I can hang on for these. Piece of cake.
2. So many costumes. So little time.
I personally love seeing when people dress up for movie releases, or seeing people even wear clothing related to the franchise. I'm not the biggest Star Wars fan in the world, but I still get a kick out of watching people walk into the theater with Jedi robes or even full costumes on; I saw a Rey and a Chewbacca within the first few hours of my shift on Thursday night.
3. I had no idea popcorn could turn into such a fine powder.
Here's a little insider info: sweeping popcorn that's on carpet is a time-consuming and difficult task. It takes practice and patience. And so when people are waiting in line for hours and spilling popcorn--completely understandably-- it falls on the floor and must be cleaned later. Lots of popcorn getting stepped on makes it even harder to sweep. Go team.
4. Sold out shows = people coming in five minutes before the movie starts and wanting to buy tickets, only to be shocked that there aren't any left.
You might read this and say, "That sounds ridiculous. Who would do that?" But it happens. Every. Opening. Weekend. This is more feasible for other movies or later showtimes, for sure. But some of our Rogue One showtimes sold out days before they took place, and this is the Star Wars franchise we're talking about. It's bound to be packed, especially on the first weekend. I'm as confused as you are.
5. These souvenir cups and tubs are really, really cool.
Kudos to the Rogue One marketing team. My theater had four different designs for popcorn tins and a really cool cup that had five different options for lid toppers (little figurines that go on top of a souvenir cup's lid). As I said before, I'm not huge on Star Wars, but even I wanted to buy stuff. My friend had two different people come up to him and buy all four tubs. That's dedication.
6. I'm so thirsty.
I worked at the register all weekend, so of course I was talking to people for my whole shift. When a wave of people started, I wouldn't get the chance for a little while, so I grabbed some water any chance that I could.
7. Where did all of these people come from?
Hordes of people from all over the place showed up this weekend (however, it felt like there were less people than last year). Never underestimate the power of a popular franchise.
8. I am very tired.
I worked closing shifts on Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday night. I like my job, but truthfully, I was dragging by the end of each shift. I love me some sleep.
9. I actually have the best coworkers ever.
I'm seasonal, so I don't know everyone currently working at my theater. But without everyone doing their best, the theater wouldn't have been running nearly as smoothly as it was. Sure, there were bumps and minor freak-outs. There always are on opening weekends (blue icee isn't working for a little while, waiting line mishaps, etc.). But we all worked together and honestly, it went relatively well.
So here's to you, fellow movie theater employees: we did it! Now all we have to do is survive the huge Christmas movie crowds. May the Force be with you.
