At home or at the theatre? Rockets decide how they prefer to watch movies

By Meghan Runte

During winter break, many McNicholas students and teachers spent time watching movies. But do students and teachers prefer going to a movie theatre, or streaming movies at home?

In a recent survey, 55% of students and teachers said that they would prefer to watch a movie at home.

Freshman Alexis Hood shared that she prefers being in her own home to watch a movie because she likes “the fact that I’m in my own home so I’m more able to display my real reactions.” Hood also stated that she likes that it is “easier to have friends over and watch a movie that way so I can be as loud as I want instead of controlling my voice volume in a theater.”

Senior Addy Russo also prefers watching movies at home because it is “more convenient and cheaper to watch movies at home because I can watch from my phone.” Junior Tessa Calcitrai agreed saying she likes that she can “pause it when I want and take a break or get a drink.”

Freshman Brady Foley stated that he prefers streaming movies at home because “there are a lot more movie options to pick from at home than at the theatre.”

English Teacher Robert Cornwell argued that movie theatres are better, stating that “nothing beats sitting in a huge room with a ginormous screen and impeccable sound.” He also said that he loves “the snacks, popcorn, and previews that help me see all the other movies that I’d like to see.”

Freshman Samantha Jones argued that “it is a fun activity that gets you out of the house with friends and family. It’s also fun to first see a movie that won’t be streamed for a while.”

Photography teacher Sarah Nestheide also prefers going to the theatre because “there is something about that moment before the movie starts, when the lights dim, I get goosebumps every time.” She also shared that she “worked at a movie theater in high school (my first job), and the smell of popcorn is incredibly nostalgic.”

Librarian Chelsea Almer shared that she enjoys the best of both worlds. “It depends on if the movie that I’ve been wanting to watch is already available on a streaming service at home or not,” Almer stated. Although she enjoys both options, she said that, “My favorite thing about going to the movie theatre is the popcorn with extra, extra butter and SnowCaps or Jujyfruits. I really do love a trip to the movie theatre!”