One Crazy 80s Summer in 2013, Part 5 – Back to the Future at Cinemark Theatres

I am still amazed, but the stars must have aligned in some wildly esoteric fashion! This is indeed one crazy 80s summer, but even crazier is the amount of “Back to the Future” themed events that occurred. And, if you have not heard—which I will emphatically exalt in a later post—it is my favorite movie and the single biggest reason for my passionate obsession with the decade. First, I met Crispin Glover at the Alamo Drafthouse in downtown Kansas City, then I saw Huey Lewis and the News a block up the street at The Midland by AMC and finally I watched BTTF in the theater for the very first time.

Cinemark Classic Series promo poster

Cinemark showed the film two days in the month of July—Sunday, July 14 (2pm) and Wednesday, July 17 (2pm & 7pm). We have two locations in the KC area, but only the Cinemark Palace at the Plaza could host such a spectacular event. It is quite a charming little movie house that sits at the corner of Nichols Rd. & Jefferson St. above some shopping establishments. I happen to fancy the Sunday matinee—it is the quintessential date and this was the ideal opportunity to introduce my beloved flick to my main squeeze, who in some unfathomable way lived 22 years with never ever watching it.

My beautiful girlfriend Courtney and me

Admittedly, I was a tad jealous of Courtney! A little because her initial BTTF experience was in the theater, but more so because she got to succumb to those feelings of watching it for the first time—something I yearn to relive, although I could watch it continuously forever with the same emotions. Despite trying to harness myself, I must have glanced over at least a dozen times to catch her reaction as all of my favorite lines and scenes unfolded. It was a smash hit, she loved it. And, if she had not already loved me, she certainly would have after watching this movie. I like to think she learned a bit more about me that day though. Of course, I have over-indulged her with a load of 80s flicks during our relationship, but the largest part of me is wrapped up in this one.

My ticket from the "Back to the Future" showing at
Cinemark Palace at the Plaza on July 14, 2013

Even though I already filled my belly with popcorn and soda—the classic theater affair—we capped the date off by running across the street to split a Jamaican jerk chicken pizza at California Pizza Kitchen, which ironically opened in 1985 as did “Back to the Future.” It was the cutest little 80s date, super sweet and adorable just like my gal—damn, I love her!

Ahead, in Part 6 of One Crazy 80s Summer in 2013—38 Special live in concert at the Trails West Festival in St. Joseph, MO!