By: Kaitlyn Boisvert –
On the night of Saturday September 24, approximately 20 students gathered in the DiStefano Lecture Hall within the Atone Academic Center. The occasion was for the movie screening of Cars 2, a children’s Disney/Pixar film that had been released three months previous. This event, sponsored by Student Activities, offered students a simple opportunity to relax and spend time with dear friends on a cold night. “Watching Disney movies with your friends is always a great way to spend a Saturday,” said sophomore Morgan Smith. “It is such a fun activity that helps us relax a bit during our short break from school.”
Media Credit: Kaitlyn Boisvert - Gina Timmes (center) watches Cars 2 with Kiley Lariviere (left) and a friend.
It could be assumed that a good number of students agreed with Smith’s statement, due to the students who clearly enjoyed themselves at the screening. Many of the attendees were groups of friends, who spoke to each other heartily in the minutes preceding the film. While everyone got settled, Shannon Finnell, a sophomore and a member of Student Activities, managed a Popcorn machine outside of the Lecture Hall. The popcorn machine was a new feature added to movie nights, and it promised good-tasting popcorn free of charge.
A few minutes into the start of the movie, popcorn was served and the students happily accepted and feasted upon the provided snacks as they watched the film. Finnell remained outside next to the Popcorn machine while everyone enjoyed the movie, in case anyone came back outside and wished to have more popcorn. Although she missed segments of the movie, Finnell was happy to be a part of the event that helped students to have fun. “It gives me something to do,” she said, “and I just wanted to be involved with the movie screening because I love Disney movies.”
Cars 2 seemed to fare rather well with its audience, as it prompted everyone to get engaged in the movie-watching experience. Attendees often shared a laugh upon its light-hearted humor and ogled over the impressively choreographed action scenes. The popcorn also seemed to add more delight to the movie-watching experience, as everyone seemed to enjoy their snack, and some people got up to get seconds.
Another aspect of its success could possibly be attributed to the fact that it was a Disney film. Many of the attendees grew up in a generation where Disney films were very popular and were a great component to their childhood. These students admitted that many Disney films hold sentimental value, and had such impact that they often associate Disney films with their younger days. All of these students developed a particular favorite towards the Disney film that held most significance and enjoyment for them. “Beauty and the Beast was, and still is my favorite,” said Gina James, a freshman. “It has such a beautiful message.”
Freshman Mark Wilson said his favorite was Toy Story, while freshman Lindsey Coates claimed that The Little Mermaid was the film that captured her heart as a little girl, and still has her love.
The screening of Cars 2 marked another success for Movie Nights sponsored by Student Activities. According to Heather Barbour, the Student Activities Director, Salve Regina has featured movie nights for years, and has always succeeded in bringing in a lot of enthusiastic attendants. The free popcorn is a new feature, one that Barbour hopes will further add to the enjoyment of students’ movie-watching experiences. “Movie Nights are great, because they enable students to see movies that are no longer in theaters, but not yet available on DVD,” said Barbour. “In a way, it is their last chance to see it on ‘The Big Screen.’”
It is clear that the Cars 2 screening provided students this opportunity, as well as the chance to relive their childhood and the simple childish joy of being able to watch and enjoy a cute movie with an upbeat plot.
