Kung Fu Panda Sighting in Shanghai

Last Thursday night we decided to try going to a Chinese movie theater. Many of the expats we talk to have never been but we figured how bad could it be. Kung Fu Panda had just started playing here and was listed as in English with Chinese subtitles. We got there in time for the 7:15 show and were about 20 minutes early. Buying tickets is similar to going to a ball game where you pick the seats from what is still available. Tickets were about $10 USD, although the first movie time every day is half price. The staff spoke decent English even though we saw only one other potentially English speaking family in the throng of people. There were lots of snacks to choose from, but prices are no better than the US...we passed up the popcorn not knowing where the oil or butter was coming from. We proceeded to the gate with about 15 minutes left and discovered that seating begins 5 minutes before showtime. Not surprising given the assigned seating. After watching some folks ice skating next door we returned and found our assigned seats. The theater was large with nice comfortable seats. It was also very clean. Before the movie got started we were slammed with several minutes of violent gun and car chase scenes for some up coming movies so we took the kids out for a few minutes and then returned when the actual movie started. The movie was great and it was cool seeing the positive audience reaction to the American Chinese film. We laughed and enjoyed the movie along with 200 Chinese and 1 other Western family. All in all we enjoyed it more than we have enjoyed a movie in a long time. It was very well done and great for both old and young. After the movie, the exit was painless and we left wondering why more expats don't see movies more often. It was a great experience and one we will do again soon since the top US movies typically start playing here within a couple of weeks of the US opening.