#729 the ONLY thing to write about today

I really enjoy going to the movies. To sit in a dark theater with a bunch of people, all of us intrigued about the story that we will watch together over the next couple of hours, to listen to the pre-movie chatter quiet down as the opening credits or opening scenes roll, to feel the excitement and anticipation in the audience before a big movie begins, it's fun and exhilarating. Movies take us away from our every day lives and give us a chance to have vicarious experiences through the characters on the screen. Films are meant to be entertainment, an escape, a safe and wonderful place.

What happened in Aurora, Colorado early this morning is unspeakable. I'm sure the theater was filled with people because "The Dark Knight Rises" is one of this year's most anticipated movie releases. At our house, we've been practically counting down the days until this movie came out. All three of us are very excited to see it. To go to the midnight release, to be one of the first people to see a big movie like that, means you are REALLY into it, right?

I can imagine the anticipation in that theater, the excitement building as the trailers for upcoming movies were shown. Then the opening scenes of the feature came on. I bet a few people clapped. People were munching on popcorn, taking a sip of a soda, preparing to be thoroughly entertained when their world is ripped apart by a crazy asshole armed with tear gas and guns.

Twelve people are dead, another 59 are injured.

It's so fucked up that I can't even really process it.

My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.

Does this senseless tragedy change the way you feel about going to the movies?