A Little Movie Night

Host a Movie Night 

There's nothing worse than being at a dinner party when the booze runs out. Even worse than being a guest at a dry dinner party, is being the hostess of a dry dinner party. From my experiences as both hostess and guest in this situation, I've learned that mid-twenty year olds are apparently incapable of taking card and board games seriously. Alas, to keep the party going one must resort to shutting everyone up by popping a movie in. I won't tell you what to watch, but I will outline some helpful suggestions about what not to watch. 

• First and foremost, don't choose anything longer than two hours, the longer the movie, the longer you're expected to entertain. 
• Most people hate reading, so no foreign films. 
• Try to avoid your instincts when choosing between the sci-fi/fantasy/action-hero sequels, chances are nobody has seen the first one, nor are they interested in your lengthy synopsis. 
• People under the age of thirty are also leery of black and white movies, so probably not a classic. 
• No bummers. Just because you're interested in the Holocaust, it does not give you the right to bum everyone out, especially your Jewish guests.  
• Unless your guests are gay, no musicals. 
• No documentaries

Old Fashioned Popcorn

Popcorn is a really cheap snack, unless you're at a cineplex. For some reason, I only like it with movies, or when I smell it. I hate how it gets caught in your teeth and that crap from a bag always tastes like butter flavored styrofoam. Microwavable popcorn is also a carcinogen, I've heard. Making it is quite easy, almost easy enough not to need this recipe. This recipe comes courtesy of my plus-one, who is a professional popcorn maker.  He recommends substituting the olive oil for grape seed oil to cut back on the calories. 

You Will Need the Following: 

1/3 c popcorn kernels 

Sea Salt

Pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil (or grape seed if you have it)

-> Heat deep pot (laugh here) on burner until warm. Coat bottom with oil and allow to heat. Throw in a few tester kernels and wait until they pop. Once popping, toss in the rest of the kernels, cover pot with lid and shake a bit. Once kernels start to pop wildly, reduce and occasionally remove from heat to prevent burning. Don't lift the lid until the popping has stopped. Toss with a little more oil and plenty of salt & pepper. *Cats love popcorn, but it makes them yack - encourage guests to be tidy.