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By James Gardner

Clark County Public Library

In honor of National Movie Night (the second Friday of June), consider the following question.

What was the last movie you watched? 

For me, it was “The Iron Claw,” which despite the title, is not sci-fi and has nothing to do with a bird or robotic claw. “The Iron Claw,” starring Zac Ephron and Jeremy Allen White, is a biopic about the Von Erichs, one of professional wrestling’s most famous (or perhaps infamous) families. Known for finishing their adversaries with the dreaded Iron Claw finishing maneuver, the family could not fight against the clouds of tragedy and heartbreak that hung over the family. It’s a good movie to watch if you’re a fan of pro wrestling or sports biopics. 

I could give a full review of the movie (editors of the Winchester Sun, let me know if you need movie reviews), but I’d rather talk about the movie experience I had while watching The Iron Claw. I watched it at home on a streaming service. Watching the movie at home, this meant that not only could I sit on my comfortable couch instead of a cramped theater seat, I could also have any snack I wanted. I had potato chips, the wavy kind. This is because, while I’m a vegan, I’m not necessarily a healthy vegan. In hindsight, I could have had popcorn, or I could have really misbehaved and had some candy. I could have also been nostalgic and actually gone to the theater when it was playing. There are plenty of options to choose, based on what kind of movie experience I wanted. 

“Experience” is a key term here. The experience of watching movies goes beyond simply letting your brain download the movie through your eyeballs and earholes. Sometimes, watching movies is a communal experience, an experience many shared in theaters until theaters faced the one-two punch of COVID-19 and streaming services making movies more available. Still, theaters persevere by adding luxuries like reclining seats and upping their concession game, including alcoholic beverages and dinner entrees in some theaters. 

Whether you personally prefer watching movies with friends, family, or by yourself, it’s much easier to host your own Movie Night, thanks to the library. Check out a DVD (you can have 20 on your card) or download one through one of our many streaming services like Kanopy. If you’re looking for some good eats, we have all sorts of cookbooks, meaning you can make your own cocktails, like the refreshing ones in “Summer Cocktails”(641.874 Saca). Or pizza! Nothing says Movie Night like watching your favorite flick with a pizza you made using a recipe you found in Tony Gemingnani’s “The Pizza Bible”(641.8248 Gemi). 

Whether you watch movies in the theater, at home, with family, or with friends, now’s the time to treat yourself to a movie night. 

When people ask you what was the last move you watched, you can answer with, “The last movie I experienced was . . . .” 

And don’t forget to enjoy these movies (and other programs) at the library: 

• On Tuesday, June 11 at 6 p.m., Ron Kibbey’s Comedy Classics presents a series of films where laughter is guaranteed! Join us for four classic comedy shorts featuring Laurel & Hardy planning a family picnic, Charlie Chaplin arriving home after a night out on the town, W.C. Fields as a dentist and The Three Stooges in the courtroom. All to be preceded by a classic cartoon.
• On Wednesday, June 12, at 2 p.m., the Kentucky Picture Show presents a 1994 comedy starring legendary comedian Steve Martin. With his oldest daughter’s wedding approaching, a father (Martin) finds himself reluctant to let go. Rated PG. One hour and 45 minutes. Popcorn and snacks provided. 
• This weekend, the Friends of the Library are hosting a book sale!

June 14: 5:00-7:00 p.m. Preview night for Friends members. If you aren’t a member, you can join that day for only $25!

June 15th: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sale open for anyone!