The Return of the Movie Viewers

Viewing the movies can be a great bonding experience, and this spring has brought viewers back en masse. Whether it’s friends, family, or a special someone, going to the cinema will always be a fun time for everyone. Well, if you can find a movie you all enjoy. (Photo Credit – Felipe Bustillo)

Andrew Singletary ’26 and Gwen Mursko ’26 • May 12, 2026

WOODBURY – Everybody, whether you’re an 18 year old who loves Marvel, or a 4 year old watching Mickey Mouse, we all love going to the movies, but why do we keep going back to the theaters? Why not wait for the movie to be out on DVD or streaming? Why pay to see it once when you can wait to watch as much as you want?

The NHS Chief Advocate asked a handful of students and staff these same questions. While most of them had similar ideas, they all had their own reasons for returning to theaters.

“The chairs and accommodations are comfortable and I feel that it’s much more immersive at the theaters,” Ms. Marisa Holtman, an English teacher at Nonnewaug, says. “There are less distractions than at home.”

Katie Blake, NHS video game design teacher, has her own reasons for returning to theaters this spring.

“I’m too impatient to wait for the movies to release and I want to avoid spoilers,” Blake said. “I’ve always enjoyed the whole experience complete with overpriced snacks, buying tickets, everything. It’s very nostalgic.”

Out of all of the sugary sweets sold at the movies, the most favored snack that rules over them all is none other than popcorn. It doesn’t matter what movie you and your friends are going to watch, you will always have a big bowl of popcorn. (Photo Credit – Unsplash – Meg Boulden)

Most people seem to enjoy the experiences that come with attending a movie theater. Whether it be to spend time with friends or to just enjoy seeing your favorite characters on the big screen, everyone loves going to the cinema. Even if it is because you’re too enthused to wait for the movie’s release.

Delia Coelho, an NHS senior, appreciates all that comes with seeing a movie on the big screen in 2026.

“You can get the high depth cinema experience when going to theaters rather than watching from home,” says Coelho

Everyone knows that you can just wait until a movie releases to watch it from home, but then you miss out on so much. For one you’re seeing the movies and gorging on unhealthy foods with the people whom you enjoy spending time with.

Coelho isn’t alone in her admiration for seeing the latest box office smash in theaters. Both the Butterly twins, Brody and Jack, have also spent several hours geeking out in the theaters.

“You can enjoy time with friends who geek about the same stuff as you,” Brody Butterly says.

“Movies are a fun experience and you get to enjoy lots of sugary snacks. Besides, movie theater popcorn is the best popcorn after all,” Jack Butterly adds.

Whether you’re a muggle dreaming of attending Hogwarts, a lonely farmboy looking for a purpose in the massive galaxy around you, or a civilian waiting for your chance to fight alongside the Avengers, the movies are a great place to be. After all, all these universes may be fictional, but in a movie theater, you might as well be right in the heart of the action on screen.

About the Contributors

Andrew Singletary ’26, Reporter

Andrew Singletary is a senior at Nonnewaug High School. This is his first year writing for the Chief Advocate. He lives in Watertown and enjoys video games, animals (especially his dog), and spending time with his friends. He is a part of the Nonnewaug High School drama club, the Timber Team, and is a JV Cross Country Runner.

Gwen Mursko ’26, Reporter

Gwen Mursko is a senior at Nonnewaug High School. This is her first year writing for the chiefs Advocate. She lives in Watertown and enjoys video games, mystery, horror, and adventure genres, moderating, editing, reading, writing, and playing with her two dogs (Luna and Nimbus). She is looking forward to writing stories about many interesting topics in school and around town.