Movies are one of the great exports of the US.  My love for them has increased since being away; partly because I really miss the whole experience of American TV.  Movies are a nice substitute for everyday viewing when the local channels loop Hawaii 5-O, CSI, The Voice, Wipe Out, The Amazing Race and Asia’s Next Top Model.  We buy shows on iTunes through our US account, but there are still plenty of programs (HGTV anyone?) we simply can’t get.  Dare I say we miss the commercials a teeny tiny bit?

The theaters we frequent are in malls. At home I usually don’t find myself at an afternoon movie during the week; here, I do.  Movie seats here are assigned, whether you buy your ticket ahead of time or walk in.  No more rushing to get your favorite spot. If you want middle center seats, you can buy them ahead of time.  Not available? You can check the seating chart online and decide whether you really want to watch a movie from the far left (no) or the front row (no again).

In the US, you can expect that if you are headed to a PG movie, you won’t be bombarded by inappropriate previews for, say, R rated slasher horror zombie movies.  This happened to us when we went to see Captain America.  The preview was for Rec 3. Complaints to the staff (teens in bow ties and vests – just like home!) were not fruitful (just like home!).

The concession stand is disappointing for movie candy aficionados, but exciting for popcorn lovers. The candy selection is paltry.  Skittles, M&Ms, stale jellybellies. Blech. Popcorn here comes sweet, salty (sometimes referred to as ‘american style’) or mixed. My favorite is mixed. Mindlessly consuming a week’s worth of calories is so much more gratifying when you alternate. There is also a bar (which I have NOT frequented in the afternoon). One drink from this bar and I would essentially be paying for a nap.

3D is still big here, so that’s also a factor. Can we all just agree that it would be best if the 3D movie viewing trend went away?  I like 2D movies. The 3D experience has the tendency to give me a headache, and my kid who wears glasses has a hard time watching 3D too.  Plus we have an entire junk drawer full of 3D glasses which I only remember when I’m dropping in more 3D glasses.

If you want to view like a local, be prepared to dash out before the credits have even begun.  I don’t understand the scramble for the exits – particularly when movies like the Avengers, or Captain America 2, reward those who stick around with an extra scene or two.