When I was a kid, my mother and I watched Elvis movies on Saturday mornings, then scary movies on Saturday afternoons. Our entire Saturday was devoted to the TV. The King and his kitchy beach movies all morning (but he was so cute, the thin plots were totally not noticed), followed by things like “Hell House” and other really scary movies with tiny monsters under the bed that had mini Ginsu knife collections. [Photo of me and my mom, from 2005, before she died]
Even today, as a grown-up, those Saturdays are probably my best memories ever. We didn’t have a fancy TV. We even had to--gasp--get up and change the channel and increase the volume with physical exercise. But the whole time I spent with my mom, choosing our movies for the weekend, then talking about them later, was pure gold.
Now my daughter is a teen. We have a big screen TV. On-Demand programming. So many remotes, I can’t even find them. And three stadium seating movie theaters within fifteen minutes of our house.
But guess what? She and I still curl up on the couch and watch movies. She has two distinct types she likes. “Chick-flicks” like “Bewitched” and scary movies like “Dark Water.” She wants me nearby for both, for the first so she can eww through the icky parts when the guys get too romantic (she’s still not totally into guys) and remark on the cutest guys (but is into some guys) and for the second, to hold on to when the scary parts get too terrifying.
And, we have our favorite TV shows. “Prison Break” and “Supernatural.” I’ll claim “Prison Break” is for the cool plot twists, but really, we both watch it because Wentworth Miller is just too hot for words. The plot twists are awesome, though. And “Supernatural,” because it’s in keeping with the scary movies that we both love (though I suspect my daughter is secretly infatuated with Dean).
Movies have become a bridge. They bridged the years between my mother and I, and now, they are bridging the years between my daughter and I. Down the road, I hope she continues the tradition with her children. And, when I’m old and gray, I hope she’ll stop on by with a few NetFlix and keep this granny entertained.
Or at least help me find the remote.
Shirley
14 comments:
Hi! I always have loved movies. My dad got me started & then hubby came along & we've watched tons of movies & ate a LOT of popcorn.
Now, our 2 offspring do the same. Oldest is an adult so I always ask him "Is it worth it?" LOL! Money is tight these days. Rentals are the way we got mostly now.
That reminds me of when I was a college student. I would be doing homework late at night and my mom and I would catch reruns of The Honeymooners and Star Trek together. It was our time together and I always remember it with fondness. Now I watch cartoons with my little ones and get to feel like a kid all over again.
LOL, Sharon. We have the same criteria for going out to the movies. That's one expensive night with four of us!
Shirley
How cool, Cherie! It gets really fun when they get older, too, and the TV shows grow up with them :-)
Shirley
Your post really struck a chord with me, Shirley. On Sunday afternoons after a large lunch, my kids are usually off doing their own thing and my hubby sleeping his food off upstairs, then my mother and I get to watch TV together, usually with some delicious dessert.
It's great as it's our time. Usually, it's an old black and white movie or something snazzy from the 80s. Just love that time together.
My daughter, Leyna, is now 20 and at university. When she comes home we love nothing better than to watch a movie together.
My son, Nathan and I watch TV, but not usually movies. We like watching X Factor, Big Brother or Britain's Got Talent.
I find it a great time to bond as we discuss the shows. I believe TV can actually bring a family together.
Have you ever seen the British TV show 'The Royle Family'? It's a comedy and the whole show revolves around a family who watch TV together. It's so funny!
By the way, I can see the resemblance between you and your mother. :)
My daughter loves movies, especially romances and dramas. We would watch movies together sometimes but now that she's older she is so busy.
When I was young I used to watch old movies on tv on Saturday afternoons. However, they were movies of the forties! lol Guess I'm really giving away my age!
I always loved Elvis movies. My father was his commander inthe Army.
Lynette,
I've never seen that show. But we have BBC on cable, so I'll have to keep an eye out for it!
I'm glad you and your kids find the same bonding as me and my kids do. I agree. If used right, you can bond over TV.
Shirley
Maureen,
I LOVE movies. I'm a big go-to-movies and watch-movies fan myself. I'm so spoiled by On Demand, because I can watch anything anytime now :-)
And LOL, Carol -- some of those movies from the forties were the best!
Shirley
Wow, Debra! How cool!!!
Shirley
I enjoy movies on a leisurely Sunday. But it has to be a memorable oldie or a special one such as a foreign film. Then it is a real treat. In America is one that I cannot forget.
I too am a big fan of Elvis. I don't watch too many movies today as I find the acting is not as good as in the old movies. I can usually be found reading while everyone else watches TV.
We used to watch a lot of movies, now its just a couple a month. There is just not that many movies out anymore that I care about watching. I don't know if I am just burnt out or there just not as good anymore. I just grab a book and read anymore while my hubby watches the Sci-Fi channel.
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