I’m so tired! I have only myself to blame. At 46, I really shouldn’t go to a midnight premier. I don’t like to do much of anything past about 10 o’clock. But it’s The Hobbit, my all-time favorite book. More importantly, a couple of my daughters begged me to take them. Now, I have to backtrack slightly on that statement because I realized this week that I’ve been replaced.
My oldest and I started a little tradition of going to these things a few years ago even though they wreak havoc on an old man’s body. My standing policy is that when one of the teenagers actually wants to be seen with the old man in public, I pretty much drop everything and go. I’ve been told these times won’t last forever…and now I know.
A few days ago, daughter #2 reminded me to buy tickets to The Desolation of Smaug so they wouldn’t sell out. Naturally, I went to the eldest to see if it was worth the extra cost to view it in 3D and she very courteously informed me that her boyfriend had already bought tickets for the two of them. Oh, how I wished I could have been hobbit-sized right then so I could slink out of the room unnoticed. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t expect her to stay a little girl forever and D-boy is a really good kid. But that moment felt like a giant pair of scissors severed some cord that she’s more prepared to cut than I am. It’s good though. It’s good. Really, it’s good.
Her sister and I got excited, bought tickets and had a great time. Turns out, the four of us were in the same theater and all sat together. The movie was excellent. I highly recommend it, even though it seemed surprisingly short to the guy who snored through a few scenes. They punched me awake a couple of times – but didn’t need to when Smaug came on screen. The animation detail, demonic voice, and movement of the dragon is amazing. It’s one of those movie-going moments when I scratch my head and wonder how in the world they made him. He’s almost as frightening as the line of boyfriends soon to come in and out of my home and take my four little girls away.
I’d better brush up on my fire-breathing…
A Generous Helping 
I went to the midnight show of the final Harry Potter with my daughter. I had no business being there and had the time of my life.
Im going to see The Hobbit ( though not at midnight) and honestly only because through Sherlock ( british version of sherlock holmes series) ive grown to love Martin Freeman! :). Sounds like you enjoyed yourself. Good for you!
Kate
I had never heard of Martin Freeman, but can’t imagine a better Bilbo. He is perfect!
Have a great time!
Thanks for the follow and stopping by my blog. Loved this post… it is hard to be replaced. I know my hubby still sees our girls as the little ones they once were. They are 34 and 30! My heart goes out to you… time passes much too fast when you have little girls. But, when ours visit, they still want to have a special time just with their Dad… DAF
It does pass fast and transitions are hard. But I’m proud of the women they are turning into.
Congratulations on your movie-going adventure.You will not always have the opportunity to be “The HERO DAD” They will never forget the times you drug your tired ass to the theater for there enjoyment. Years from now when they are talking about this movie with their own children they will remember you took them to the midnight show. Good Job DAD. Rock Star status: Approved
and just don’t ever let your daughter date a man whose ass you cannot kick, and you will have no worries.
I ran out of gas last night, but I’m back at it! Thanks for the advice, I’m gonna keep working out so these boys can’t take me!
When it used to be only my Pops and I living together at home years ago, I’d drag him to the movie theater with me. He hates to go because his knees start to hurt being in the same sitting position and I think he sorta has that “I don’t belong here” feeling, that you’re describing about. But I kept making him go with me cuz I’d rather have him than go by myself. But now I’ve moved away and haven’t gone to the movies in like 3 years. Ah…so miss my Pops and wish we could watch a movie together again – but this time, we’ll just watch a DVD at home.
Interesting that you mentioned this movie because I had actually just watched its preview today on Youtube. It sure did look interesting and those scary Orcs still looked really freaky. I may just consider going to finally watch a movie at the theater again and drag my sis with me. Thanks for reminding me of when I had watched movies with my Pops years ago (although he kept walking in and out of the theater about 3 times to stretch out his legs – or at times not come back at all; he went to go check out the bookstore, instead). Sweet post!
Thanks for reading and glad it stirred some memories. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed in the movie. It is fantastic!