The buttery smell of popcorn fills the air while people file inside in small groups. The chairs creak and squeal, unfolding as the audience takes their seats. The lights dim until only small, orange strips are seen on the walkways, and the big screen lights up. 3D glasses are tucked behind ears as, one by one, phones are silenced. Whispers and giggles emanate from an otherwise silent audience as they are surrounded by the soaring sound of the speakers. And then, just as the ads begin to seem never-ending, the film finally begins. This is the movies.

Every teenager has been here. Catching a movie with a group of friends is a great way to hang out and relax on the weekend. On April 14, STA freshmen Haley Sirokman and Maddy Niemuth, along with Shawnee Mission East High School freshman Mae Heitmann, all went to see Titanic 3D together at the Cinemark Palace at the Plaza Theater. The group agreed that overall it was a good movie.

“I liked the beginning of the 1912 Titanic scenes and when Jack and Rose were together… but I really didn’t like the present day parts when they were searching for the diamond,” Heitmann said.

The girls also thought that the 3D was overrated, and it was the story line of the movie that made it worth seeing.

“The 3D didn’t really show as much probably because it was a remake and they couldn’t change the entire movie, but it definitely affected some of the scenes and made them more important than it would have been without the 3D,” Niemuth said.

“Well, after a while I didn’t even notice [the 3D]. But it gave me a chance to see it in theaters, so I guess yeah it was worth it in that sense. Though I don’t think it had much effect on the movie,” Heitmann said.

The girls carpooled to the movie together, and decided to eat dinner at Noodles & Company beforehand. The entire time they were talking and laughing with each other. While seeing a good movie is great, often just the experience of going to see the movie is more important than what they actually see, according to the girls. Although it was Heitmann’s idea, they said that the choice to see Titanic 3D was generally agreed upon.

“Usually my friends invite me to go and I’ll see whatever they want,” Niemuth said.

Heitmann agreed with her.

“If I’m invited by someone I’ll see whatever,” Heitmann said.

They talked about why they like going to the movies, especially with their friends.

“I just like getting to hang out with my friends and talk with them about stuff. We just forget about all the other things we have to do and relax to watch a movie,” Niemuth said.

“I like seeing movies with friends because it is fun to see movies in a group,” Sirokman said. “I think the best part of it is discussing the movie with friends when it’s over.”

Going to the movies is also a chance to see friends you wouldn’t normally see otherwise.

“I [go] to catch up with people I haven’t seen in a while mostly,” Heitmann said.

No matter what movie is seen, the most important part of going to the movies is being able to see your friends and have fun with them on the weekend.