So concerning our cinematic experience last night . . . Kelly and I chose to attend the nearby Showcase Cinema of the Norwood Lateral because 1) we had a gift card for that chain and 2) it was only a few minutes away. We arrived fifteen minutes early but almost missed our show because the employees were struggling to scan the card. This gave us plenty of time to mutter to each other and observe the ambiance of the theater lobby.
As we waited, we noticed something unusual about the movie listing behind the cashier's desk. The movie we were waiting to see, Stranger Than Fiction, had only one star's name listed next to it: Queen Latifah. Now it's true that the Queen was in the feature, but hers was a minor character at best. I'd say Will Ferrell, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, and Maggie Gyllenhall, who had much bigger roles, would be more worthy of notice. So the question presents itself: why would they only list the Queen on the marquee?
Location, location, location.
Considering that this theater is located in a predominantly African American area, the owners were trying to deceive people into seeing the mostly white starring film.
You might not think it's a big deal, but I think it's a low blow. I wonder if the same kind of marketing takes place in suburban midwestern cities. It would be akin to advertising the new film Dreamgirls to a bunch of white senior citizens by claiming it stars John Lithgow.
Makes you think.