Early Morning for a Dark Knight

There comes a time in a marriage when you must do something you don't want to do -- even something you swore you'd never do -- all in the name of marital harmony. Arguing will not get you out of it. Compromising will not work. Reason will not triumph. And so, for the sake of your partnership, sometimes you must do the unthinkable.

For me, that moment came last night.

Big Dave made me go see Batman: The Dark Knight. At midnight. Opening night. In a large stadium theatre with A LOT of teens and kids.

I know what you are thinking. You're saying to yourself, "so? It's the most talked about movie of the summer. It's a sure blockbuster. What's the big deal?"

And I would say, "Stuff it where the sun doesn't shine."

I am not a night person. By 10:30, I am ready for bed. We saw the midnight showing. The movie is three hours long, plus all the previews and advertisements. You do the math.

Our show was sold out. We were surrounded by teens with cell phones who apparently did not have the ability or the inclination to turn off those cell phones. They also did not have the ability to remain quiet during the movie. And I'm not talking about quiet brief whispers. I'm talking about full blown conversations with each other and on their cell phones during the movie. This is a main reason why I don't like going to the movies during peak times. The more crowded the theater, the more likely I will be seated next to these freaks. Those are the times when a taser or a paint ball gun could come in handy. Unfortunately, neither are allowed in a theater.

Earlier in the day I tried to reason with my husband. I encouraged him to go by himself. He replied he really wanted me to come. I asked why it was so important that (1) I go with him, and (2) we had to go opening night at midnight, when we could just go the next day at a more reasonable hour. He replied that since Batman was his favorite superhero, he had never missed seeing a Batman movie on opening night, and he didn't want to see his favorite character on-screen without his favorite person sitting beside him. So, stiffling my inner feelings, I just smiled and told him to buy the tickets. But inside I was thinking, "Damn the man. I hope he chokes on his popcorn."

But despite the late hour, the talkers, and the crowds, it was worth going just to see the smile and enjoyment on my husband's face. He had been looking forward to the movie for a long time, and his Batman viewing streak continues unblemished.

Bottom line: I'm happy he's happy.

Now where's the #&%!@# coffee?