An Ode to the Blockbuster Experience
Love Letter No. 1
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Let’s party, proverbially, like it’s 1999 and take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, shall we?
It’s Friday night, and your parents have agreed on Blockbuster for a movie night. You get to rent a movie, and the thrill of finding the perfect film washes over you.
This riveting feeling of excitement is something that I long for and miss the most. Forever chasing this modern-day treasure hunt, perhaps it's why I love thrifting so much; regardless, it's that serotonin injection blends nicely with nostalgia; that's the only cocktail I'm chasing these days.
I’m sure I’m not alone in missing those weekend movie hunts and the quiet inner exhilaration in search of “the one.” The one being the perfect movie escape, of course.
Yet there's something about exploring the aisles without having a particular film in mind causing you to wander. As luck would have it, you'd stumble upon intriguing prospects. So you begin to imagine the movie possibilities in your head. Blockbuster was an entire vibe and experience.
Along with that, is the thrill of finding a new movie was the heart-palpitating probability of running into a classmate, crush, or friend was high. Oh, and there's also the familiar smell, not that it was terrible. Still, it’s recognizable especially walking towards the cashier kiosk/lane; there's a bonus scent of stale buttery popcorn by the “overpriced snacks” (which my sisters and I were forbidden to ask our parents for. See below for more nostalgic snacks 👀).
The best and fulfilling closure of that nostalgic thrill is when the video is a hit, and you end up with a hidden gem. It’s hilarious to admit it, much less write it in such a way that it sounds like our grandparents’ romanticized memories of the “good old days.” Now I know what that means since some good old days are now behind me.
This impending closure was a mournful one; I can't even hide that embarrassing fact, but as technology continues to advance, all the signs towards a closure were there. The dissolution was slow, a bittersweet way to say goodbye. Nevertheless, the memories are incredibly cherished.
As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, movie nights were a luxury for my family and me. The weekly tradition was always something to look forward to and mostly came from a treat from getting good grades; my strict parents were sticklers for good grades, and yes, that pressure wasn't fun. Our exclusive [REDACTED] family movie nights started over a Christmas break, if my memory was correct. My parents would move the furniture to turn the communal living room into a cozy makeshift "movie theater." Complete with multilayers of comfy floor blankets, Little Ceaser's pizza, and a double feature of Home Alone/National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.
Movie nights are significant and deserve that treatment as such. It's mainly why I always incorporate films into my self-care routines; movies mean a great deal to me, thanks to my parents.
My three sisters and I inherited our parents' love of music and films. I asked my dad if there's a reason why he enjoyed the movie-going experience, and he said that it was a treat that he'd give himself when he started working at the young age of eleven years old. Now that tradition's passed on because my nieces and nephews seemingly love movies too.
We all likely do the same reason, to escape and immerse ourselves in the theatrical fantasy. It's why I get so excited to talk about actors. I'm obsessed with their craft and art in films I adore; the corrupt and predatory side of the business, along with celebrity worship culture, is what I despise. However, I can discuss movies and actors all day long.
I’ve met many incredible friends and memories because of my love of the Blockbuster experience which sparked my eternal interest in being the cinephile I am today. For instance, my beloved friend Vannessa and I recently reconnected after meeting nearly a decade ago over our TCM affinity and a fascination with past decades. Because of those shared interests, she’s given me some recommendations that I treasure throughout the years.
Although the nostalgic pang isn’t quite as sharp as scoping our local video rental store, nevertheless, the delight in a passionate discussion (for me) with kind friends is a familiarity I equally miss. It's the closest thing to the video rental store experience.
Perhaps my cinematic pining hit extra hard since it's now been a year in quarantine— and a year since I last went to the cinema. Losing physical rental shops was devastating enough; misunderstood or "weird" kids, like myself, lost our mecca. Our entertainment source provided plenty of escape from our home life; that was the case for me. Maybe it’s my inner optimistic Ted Lasso still grasping tightly onto what little hope is left that my inner cinephile can feel the Blockbuster experience again. Until then, I’m enjoying my indulgent movie nights to feel something during these unsettling times.
In case you haven’t noticed, I like themes. So I searched my stoner brain for films I’ve previously seen for every list. I try to curate them in a flow-like order, or you can shuffle through; for chaos.
Here are 10 Movies That Feature Video Rental Stores.
Clerks (1994)
Ed Tv (1999)
The Holiday (2006)
Youth in Revolt (2009)
Be Kind Rewind (2008)
Walking and Talking (1996)
Kicking and Screaming (1995)
Last Action Hero (1993)
The Lost Boys (1987)
Scream (1996)
What’s movie night without snacks? I’m making a complicated order and replacing the weekly The Audio Files for a special nostalgic snack list entitled The Snack Files. A companion piece since it’s my ode to enamored snacks of the past, ‘90s/‘00s edition. We miss you all.
Creme Savers were indeed god-tier.
Flinstones Push-Ups, major nostalgia.
Snapple Element drinks, only cool people drank these.
Amazin’ Fruit gummy bears, my ultimate, and I miss them.
Dunkaroos were a sophisticated dessert on the go.
Starburst Hard Candy, who does a girl need to talk to get these back?
War Heads were excellent but specifically the black cherry flavor.
Doritos 3D’s were the bomb. Dot com.
Brachs Fruit Rocks, underappreciated in its time. Sigh.
Butterfinger BB’s need a comeback already.
Some added throwback Y2K nostalgia. ✨
2003 was a prime time in pop culture. The final installment of Lord of the Rings came out, as did Finding Nemo and Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Crazy in Love, In Da Club, Apple’s iTunes, MTV’s Rich Girls, and America’s Next Top Model dropped.
Something that also happened in 2003? Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez dated on/off until finally calling it quit in 2004. Alas, Bennifer (and BenAna) are no longer, but the internet is forever. So in my Blockbuster research, I came across this iconic shot of Ben and Jen arguing at one circa 2003. Jenny from the block looks effortless. Even in lucite heels with bootcut jeans.
RIP to a real one, H. Wayne Huizenga, who passed away on March 22nd, 2018. 🐐
Time Warp is where I’ll feature moments in pop culture for the day, with some director’s commentary.
Here’s what happened on this day, March 19th:
French writer Honore de Balzac's play Les Ressources de Quinola opened to an empty house due to a publicity stunt. He had earlier announced that the show had sold out, so nobody bought any tickets in 1842.
HBD Glenn Close; American actress and film icon.
The US House of Representatives begins live TV; thus, C-SPAN was born in 1979.
HBD Rachel Blanchard is a Canadian-born actress and 2000s pop culture icon (Cher in the Clueless sitcom, Nancy in Peep Show, Road Trip, Sugar & Spice, and more).
Former first lady Nancy Reagan appeared on a Diff'rent Strokes, beginning her ‘Just Say No’ anti-drug campaign in 1983. Nancy's look-away side project from her husband's inept presidential cabinet didn't help or protect citizens as entire communities died from an epidemic. The pivotal moment came when Rock Hudson passed away; Elizabeth Taylor stepped in with her activism and pushed the Reagan’s to do something.
Christian Televangelist Jim Bakker resigned as the PTL Club host after a sex and financial scandal in 1987. Historically, it's always the Christian Televangelists, isn’t it.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, the mess of a movie, first premiers in Mexico City in 2016.
Besties, do your thing.
Did you have a favorite video rental place? If so, @ me and tell me what are/were your favorite rentals.
Until next time, y’all are actually my rainbow gel pens.
You are goooood girrlll. You had me at The Lost Boys....oh and the Flintstones Push Ups...Yas!
ugh! this was a fun read! soul sisters forever ❤️
and the creme lifesavers were the superior candy!!!