Chapter 127: Hot Premiere and a Chance Encounter

[Chapter 127: Hot Premiere and a Chance Encounter]

Evening. Saint Arthur Independent Theater.

Groups of people strolled into the cinema.

"That movie Wrong Turn is finally showing, I heard it's based on a true story!"

"Yeah, and they're partnering with Disney to plan a Horror Theme Park, sounds really cool."

"This year marks 30 years since Star Trek premiered. I heard Paramount designed a new spaceship for it -- really looking forward to it!"

Everyone was buzzing about the new movie releases, creating a lively atmosphere. Some even dressed up as characters from the films.

A blonde woman excitedly shouted to her friend, "Wow, Arnold was so warm playing the dad in Jingle All the Way."

"Oh man, give me a break. I can't imagine the T-800 as a goofy father figure, it's a disaster for a family comedy."

...

The theater staff, Max and Mark, were unbelievably busy -- preparing food, handing out tickets, taking payments.

"Two tickets for Jingle All the Way."

"Four for Star Trek: First Contact, hurry up."

"Two for Wrong Turn, ma'am!"

After the sales rush, Mark enthusiastically told his female colleague, "It seems like the folks watching Wrong Turn are about the same crowd as the ones catching Star Trek. That Godfather made a horror flick more popular than Schwarzenegger's movie."

Max chewed gum, popped a bubble, and glanced at a nearby poster. "The movies out this month aren't the biggest hits. Not surprising though, Corleone's publicity is insane. Plus, with Disney's help, I'm starting to think he's not just some sleazy filmmaker -- he's a serious businessman. And he's only 19! Man, if I could date him, his looks and solid build just..."

"Give me a ticket to the latest showing of Wrong Turn!" A middle-aged man wearing a black baseball cap pulled low stepped up.

Max went back to work. After he left, she said curiously, "Corleone's horror films seem to attract quite a few older guys. That's rare."

"Yeah, I want to check it out too. It's also a crime flick, didn't expect Canadian criminals to be so brutal. Hey, don't you think that guy looked familiar?"

Max shook her head while organizing coins in the register. "Didn't notice."

...

Inside the screening room, the middle-aged man found a seat among the crowd. Tall and sturdy, he shifted restlessly, finally settled. He lifted his cap a bit to reveal a smooth forehead and sipped hot coffee quietly muttering, "Can't believe in just a few months that bastard became a movie company owner, released a horror flick before my Scream did. Disney and Fox executives must be nuts, playing around with a kid like this."

The lighting dimmed as the movie began.

Only minutes into the film, Wes Craven's expression grew serious.

The kid found a skilled director, and the opening was strong. The pacing and intertwining stories were surprisingly smooth and easy to watch.

No way this kind of pacing control was from a rookie commercial director!

It was Charlie's vision, the producer's influence. Much like the pacing of Fifty Shades of Gray back then. He was 19 and clueless then!

Just then, laughter came from two rows back -- a woman giggling.

Craven smirked ironically. Having an audience laugh at a horror movie was ironic.

He had intended to scold her into silence but curiosity got better of him. Who laughed during a horror film?

He turned, and despite the dim theater, caught the annoying yet amusing face -- damn, Charlie Corleone!

"Damn, that meddling old man crazy with plugs?" Charlie, wearing a black tee and shorts, also with a baseball cap, widened his eyes.

They stared at each other for a moment.

Charlie broke into a weird smile and waved lightly.

Craven rolled his eyes in disbelief.

Damn, spying on this kid's movie and got caught.

Glancing at the woman beside Charlie, Craven chuckled and indicated to keep watching the movie.

But he couldn't get comfortable. Remembering how he used to brag and advise the kid made him feel awkward.

...

"Charlie, is that your friend?" Maggie Gyllenhaal asked while holding a popcorn box.

"Can't you see? That's director Wes Craven," Charlie said with a grin. "Alright, enough about him, let's watch the movie."

"Fine. But your hand..." Maggie shyly looked down, adjusting her black skirt.

"Oh, of course." Charlie cheerfully pulled his hand back from the adjacent seat.

For some reason, 19-year-old Maggie, slightly plump, not perfectly pretty with a few freckles, always gave off a sweet yet captivating vibe.

Charlie often felt tempted just to give her a playful butt-smack.

The young girl was on vacation, tagging along with her dad to see how the industry handles movie premieres.

Later, during breaks, she and Rachel hung out listening to Charlie's proud stories.

At work socials, she had approached Charlie a few times.

Eventually, Charlie invited her out.

The girl couldn't resist the charm of a handsome, tall, ambitious bad boy.

They spent a whole afternoon downtown -- Charlie dressed her up in a secretary outfit, joked, laughed, got close quickly.

Panting, Maggie leaned on Charlie's chest during the movie and whispered, "Honey, your movie's amazing. Better than my dad's. It's definitely gonna do big at the box office."

"Really? Thanks." Charlie's mind wasn't on the film but playing with Maggie.

After the movie, they walked out cuddled together.

...

Craven followed quietly, overhearing excited conversations.

"Wow, so cool! That cowboy guy was disgusting with that gross face, but when he swung that whip, it was awesome."

"Never thought Canada had such eerie spots. That creepy abandoned school must have tons of stories."

"Those scenes where people ripped leg meat like a Thanksgiving family reunion were shocking. I was trembling scared but couldn't stop watching."

Most reviews were positive, to Craven's annoyance.

He pouted watching Charlie and Maggie. In a mocking tone, he said, "Well done, little bastard, you're riding high in career and love now. Is your new girlfriend even legal?"

"Of course, she's 19. We're close friends right now," Charlie laughed. "And you, old man? Still stirring up trouble? Oh, right, women mock you so you've got no choice."

"Go to hell, you bastard! Watch out, my Scream will beat your movie at the box office," Craven glared, blushing oddly at the girl.

"Ha! Don't be so competitive, old timer. I'm a movie company owner now. Maybe we'll work together someday. We're throwing a celebration soon. You coming?" Charlie laughed.

"Why not?" Craven smiled seriously then laughed. "Don't worry, little bastard, Freddy's friend won't show up this time."

*****

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