The cinema is like a book.

Going to the cinema is like reading a book.

Stick with me because I'm heading somewhere with this.

Anyway...

Act one: The journey begins.

So we have our main characters - two girls out for fun and entertainment.

Main character arrives at the friend's house. We have to wait for friend's fiancee to get home from work and her toddler to come home from the Grandparents. Both arrive. Little niece sees me and does not want Auntie to go. She wraps her arms around MC legs. MC and friend experience pangs of guilt as she waves us goodbye on the steps.

Arrive at cinema. We have hopes, dreams, apprehension and a goal (watching the film).

The first ticket machine doesn't work. Hurdle to the goal. We try another. No joy. Frustration is abound. The third works. Phew.

Act Two: The tension rises.

Our heroines hit the snack stand. The queue is long and a back-and-forth conversation of "what shall we get?" ensues. We edge closer to being served and still haven't reached a decision. Tension rises. Will our epic journey be defeated by lack of snacks?

No. A fantastic popcorn and 2 drink deal saves the day. Plus we reach a chocolate/Skittles combination and pay.

We head into the cinema and go to find our seats. Seats chosen, we settle in to watch the film.

The various cast of characters appears around us:

The people who sit texting on their phone throughout the movie. Bright distracting light.

The ones behind who give a running commentary. I don't mind talking during a film but isn't it politer to whisper?

The "shush" people. Gotta love the guts there.

And the other minor characters who we don't give names or identities.

The trailers start. We have a lull in the action to catch our breath.
Act Three: Heading to a climax.
Then the film and the story which leads us to our dramatic conclusion.

Our main characters are drawn into the world, snacking on popcorn, slurping drinks and watching the feisty Northern lass and her street dance crew hoping to achieve their dreams. We share their all is lost moment, where the heroine thinks nothing can save her. We hold our breath for the finale and resolution.

Resolution: The satisfying conclusion.

Order is restored. The lights come up and our tow characters leave the cinema chatting happily with a plan to repeat the process with Sex and the City 2.

See. I told you it was like a book.