It's no secret this weekend's release of Avengers: Endgame will do massive business at the box office. Tickets have been on sale for a few weeks now, but many shows for the opening weekend are sold out or close to being so.
Once or twice a year a colossal movie franchise opens in cinemas and packs theatres on opening weekend. While Star Wars will have a similar effect at Christmas, the Avengers will begin storming screens in two days.
Are you going to see Avengers: Endgame this weekend? I'd definitely recommend it, but you should be prepared. It's exciting to see great movies in a theatre full of fans, though audiences beware the above average crowds.
Going to large-scale opening shows for the biggest movies require a bit more advance preparation. Here are some of my tips for going to movies with expected large crowds.
Tyler's Opening Weekend Tips for Avengers: Endgame
1. No matter what theatre you're going to or when your preferred showtime is, BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE. Theatres across the country are reporting sold out shows for the next two weeks. This is especially important if you want to see a regular 2D show. It's true there are tickets available for most shows, but you still want guaranteed admission before arriving for your showtime.
2. Even if you have reserved seating, plan on arriving at the theatre at least 30 minutes in advance. The snack bars will be moving tediously slow, and you'll want time to find parking and use the restroom.
3. If your show doesn’t have reserved seats, plan on arriving at least 60-75 minutes in advance. (Yes, you really want to be that early.)
That extra time lets you get in line and avoid sitting in those terrible front row seats. (Trust me, you do NOT want to crane your neck for the 3+ hour show. It also means groups won’t be split up to sit in single seats.)
4. If you don't want to deal with the anticipated record-breaking crowds, try an early morning show before 12:00pm, or a late night show after 10:00pm. Crowds will be much calmer at these times.
5. Double check what kind of tickets you're buying, and which kind of movie your showtime is for. Endgame is playing in IMAX, AVX, DBox, 4DX, 3D and 2D. Different showtimes are all different kinds of movies, and most are for premium tickets. Don't pay that if you don't want to.
For example, there will be 13 screens showing Endgame in Oakville for opening weekend. But only 3 of those are normal 2D. The rest can cost 1.5-2x as much.
6. If you're an adult, consider paying the premium charge for VIP. I like doing this for big, crowded movies and it really helps; even for PG films like this. Plus, those chairs are super comfortable.
Finally, beware the runtime. Make sure you use the washroom and leave ample time so your movie-going experience this weekend is a comfortable one.
For more information, you can also follow my news and updates about the movie all weekend on twitter @MrTyCollins. The full spoiler-free review will be available on Friday, and advance tickets are available online now.
