So, last night we used up the two free passes to The Rookie that Chuck gave us last weekend. Went to the first evening show. Youngest son came along, but preferred to see Spider-Man for a third time, so the wife and I were alone.

Or almost alone. Only two other couples in the theater. No wonder Chuck was giving passes away. If he has to show the film and pay the projectionist anyway, at least this way he has somebody buying popcorn and drinks.

No, really, I do think he wanted us to see that film.

Nice flick. Extremely predictable (like a Disney plot), which is actually somewhat surprising, since it is based on a true story. You could always see what would be the next fairy tale step in the plot, but kept anticipating that real life would step in and ruin it.

Apparently it never did. Which is cool.

The projectionist threw the house lights on immediately upon the beginning of the credits. Now, I know they want to get the place cleaned up for the next show, but how much work can it be to clean up after three couples?

We stayed through until the bitter end, just the same. Youngest son was hanging in the lobby with a bunch of friends when we came out. Chuck called from the balcony above, asking how we enjoyed the movie.

Gave him the usual jab about the lights coming on while the film was still rolling. And he gave us the usual response about having to keep things clean and running smoothly.

This conversation never changes, but I think he might be disappointed if we don't have it.

Then asked him if he had spotted the neat little thing in the credits. The little point that 95% of the viewers apparently would never see.

Jim Morris, the ballplayer upon whose experiences the film was made, had a cameo appearance as the 2^nd umpire in Orlando.

Nope, Chuck had missed that, too. He promised to look for it this morning, when he gave the film his own personal final viewing before shipping it back.