Like a reluctant swimmer dipping their toes in the water to check the temperature, New Yorkers cautiously returned to the movies today.
The capacity was restricted in the venues, and many did not sell popcorn or other concessions. Social distancing was observed, masks required, and everyone had that kind of nervous excitement that comes with doing something slightly forbidden.
Perhaps it was the presence of actor Liam Neeson, who planned to show up at theaters to greet returning fans for his film, The Marksman. He likely avoided telling them his trademark, “I will find you and I will kill you.” Or maybe it was the dance moves of mayoral candidate Andrew Yang, who boogied with delight upon scoring his tickets.
But overall, the mood, as seen by the online reactions, was akin to George Costanza’s reaction in a memorable episode of Seinfeld: “Reserved jubilation.”
Some of the early returns:
Movie theaters are coming back in NYC without concessions. Also: pools are re-opening without water.
— Melissa Francis (@MelissaAFrancis) March 5, 2021
Today in New York City, movie theaters are reopening. It’s very efficient because now you can spend your entire stimulus check and catch Covid in 90 minutes.
— Lowell Benjamin (@LowellCBenjamin) March 5, 2021
me and the girls the second movie theaters reopen pic.twitter.com/HGzkicTPAy
— Déjà The View (@dejatheviewpod) March 5, 2021
I got movie tickets – because movie theatres are back open in NYC! #boogiemovie #datenight pic.twitter.com/jB0Bg3Jv5a
— Andrew Yang🧢🗽🇺🇸 (@AndrewYang) March 5, 2021
