Lights...Camera...ACTION – It's Movie Night!

Written by Tom Xavier

Well, I say it’s high time we start appreciating what a movie night can do for our relationships and host more of them...and then add personal touches to really dazzle your guests. It’s a great way to spend time together that breaks convention, because movies are a guaranteed ice breaker and you don’t have to spend an evening in a dining room chair thinking of topics to discuss.

And while the movie is the theme of the evening, it should only serve as the entertainment. You don’t want people sitting around the TV all night, not saying a word. So make your next movie night special by going the extra mile and creating an event that isn’t just about the movie you’ll be viewing.

The best way to do this is by playing interactive games. Try playing a movie-only game of charades. Or, pick a classic movie (that most, if not all, people attending your event have seen) and have someone be in charge of pausing the movie at random times. Play a game where the first person to shout out the next line correctly gets a point. The one with the most points at the end of the movie wins! Other games include dressing up as characters in the movie (award a prize for best costume) or holding a Hollywood trivia contest. It’s a great way to stray from the traditional evening get-together.

You could even host a movie marathon.

Line up a series of movies and invite your guests to an all-night movie bonanza. The movies could be part of a series, or you pick ones that have a common theme. Like a John Hughes teen movie fest, or all of the movies in the Lord of the Rings trilogy (extended versions, of course). Serve lots of coffee and a big breakfast. However, if it’s been a while since your last movie-night, I suggest starting out with a one-film viewing. But that doesn’t mean it has to be basic.

Before your movie night, try some of these suggestions to set your event apart.

In any art program on your computer, sketch up mock tickets. Then, mail (or email) them out to everyone who’ll be attending. Make sure they present their ticket at the front door. Visit any Dollar Store and pick up some Hollywood/movie theater decorations. You can even find cheap popcorn containers. On one counter in your kitchen, set up a “concession” stand, with pre-popped popcorn, a selection of sodas, and an assortment of candies. Finally, consider stringing white Christmas lights around the walls to mimic a real movie theater. It may seem simple, but it’s that extra touch that adds a little excitement.

Because most of the items are snack foods, you can prepare all of them in advance, so you don’t have to miss any of the movie. Even so, schedule an “intermission” to give people a chance to refill on goodies or take a bathroom break.

When you’re planning what you’ll have at the concession stand, think “theater.” Make it snack-a-licious. Movie candies like Goobers or Raisinettes lend an air of authenticity. And while microwavable popcorn is fine; even better is stove-popped corn. Then, spice up your popcorn bowls with a fiesta of flavors: chili powder, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, cinnamon/sugar, Cajun spices, or nacho cheese mix. They’ll transform plain old popcorn into a treat for your taste buds. Try this classic recipe for Kettle Corn.

Kettle Corn

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup unpopped popcorn

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, stir in the sugar and popcorn. Cover, and shake the pot constantly to keep the sugar from burning. Once the popping has slowed to once every 2 to 3 seconds, remove the pot from the heat and continue to shake for a few minutes until the popping has stopped. Pour into a large bowl, and allow to cool, stirring occasionally to break up large clumps.

South of the Border Popcorn

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp. Mexican chili powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
• 8 cups plain popped popcorn

In a small bowl, stir together the Parmesan cheese, chili powder, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne (if using). Set aside. Prepare the popcorn as above (without the sugar). As soon as the popcorn is done, dump it into a large bowl and sprinkle on the seasoning mixture, tossing to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately.

Spiral Dogs

This is a twist on the traditional hot dog in a bun (some of you might call it a pig in a blanket). But it’s a great quick-and-easy recipe.

• 1 package of hotdogs
• 1 package of refrigerated crescent rolls

Wrap one crescent roll around each hotdog. Bake according to crescent roll package directions. Then, serve hot with dipping condiments like mustard, ketchup, or ranch dressing.

Zesty Nachos

• 1 package Velveeta cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 can Rotel Tomatoes
• Jalapeños (seeded, diced)
• Onions (chopped)
• Black olives (sliced)
• Any other preferred topping

Chop the Velveeta cheese into cubes and put into a slow cooker. Set to a medium heat and stir occasionally as the cheese begins to melt. Pour in the milk and stir well—this keeps the cheese from lumping and becoming too sticky. Add the tomatoes. You can also stir in a bit of sour cream if you like. Reduce to a low heat and cover until ready to serve. Pour on top of tortilla chips and top with jalapeños, onions, olives, guacamole, sour cream, or any other desired topping.

Peanut Butter Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 egg
• 1 1/4 cups flour
• 3/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• Half-gallon of ice cream
• 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp. shortening

Heat oven to 375 degrees; mix all ingredients. Shape dough into 1 1/4 inch balls. Place three inches apart on cookie sheet and flatten into a crisscross with a floured fork. Bake until light brown, usually nine to eleven minutes. Remove cookies from cookie sheet and cool.

For each sandwich, place a big tablespoon of your favorite ice cream between two cookies and press gently. Freeze until firm on a cookie sheet.

Melt 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips with two tablespoons shortening. Stir occasionally. Let stand 2 minutes and then dip half of each sandwich into chocolate. Place back onto pan and freeze until firm. Store sealed in plastic wrap or baggies. Makes 15 sandwiches.

To help round out your movie night, you need the perfect beverages.

An Arnold Palmer is a simple mocktail that mixes two of people’s favorite beverages (mix three ounces of lemonade with three ounces of iced tea). However, there are other wonderful “summer sippers” to be made!

If you’re showing an old classic for your movie night, why not try a drink with a nostalgic kick?

Cherry Cola

• 12 oz. cola
• 1 tbsp. cherry grenadine
• 1 tbsp. Maraschino cherry juice
• 1 Maraschino cherry

Mix the first three ingredients, pour in tall glass over ice, and top with cherry.

And remember those refreshing drinks you used to get in the mall? You know, the one that reminded you of a 50/50 bar; just the right amount of orange juice and milk and it was served iced cold and frothy?

The Almost Like Orange Julius

• 3 oz. frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla
• 6 ice cubes

Combine orange juice concentrate, milk, water, sugar, vanilla, and ice cubes in blender. Cover and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.

With your snacks assembled at your concession stand, it’s up to your guests to pick which treats they want to indulge in, and you’re free to enjoy the flick, the food, and the ambiance. And of course, you get to enjoy the company of friends and family, which is the whole point of movie night. Well that, and showing off your knowledge of movie trivia.

Article appeared in our 27-3 Issue - August 2010