How to do ‘Barbenheimer’ right

It’s the cinematic event of the summer: Greta Gerwig’s splashy pink romp “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan’s “emotionally devastating” three-hour epic “Oppenheimer” which will roll out in theaters this Thursday (20 July). 

Aside from their prestige-y creative teams, the films have little in common, but dedicated cinephiles are devoting a full day of their lives to both. (“Barbie” is being released by Warner Bros., which shares parent company Warner Bros. Discovery with CNN.)

It’s the “Barbenheimer” double feature, and started its life, as most phenomena do, as a meme. But as more people tweeted fan-made posters of Margot Robbie’s Barbie smiling in front of a mushroom cloud where the idea of a day spent at the movies started to sound like a good idea. In this regard, AMC said this week that 40,000 moviegoers already bought tickets to see both films on the same day — double the number it reported last week.

Here’s the quintessential way to do a “Barbenheimer” double feature, from selecting showtimes to filling the space between the two films to navigating the wide range of emotions both films will elicit. A hint — definitely leave “Barbie” for last.

‘Barbenheimer’ 101

“Oppenheimer” is by all accounts a searing portrayal of a man whose brilliance wrought destruction the likes of which the world had never seen. It’s also over three hours long, so it’ll require some mental and physical endurance on the part of the viewer. It’s rated R, though for nudity and language, not violence.

‘Barbie allows PG-13,” ostensibly a comedy, is somewhat more mysterious by which the trailers are careful not to give away plot particulars, like how Barbie winds up in the real world and how Ken gets his groove back — but Gerwig and her cast have encouraged a range of reactions, including crying, laughing and crying laughing. 

Bring the goods

Start by choosing the perfect theater. Do you prefer the cineplexes with seats that recline so far back you’re practically horizontal? Or if there’s a local independent theater near you, consider spending your day there to support it.

But snacks are, clearly, a must. Because some movie theaters check your bags upon entry to make sure you aren’t sneaking in foods as they don’t sell. 

First See  ‘Oppenheimer’

We think do yourself a favor and get the more intense experience out of the way first so you don’t go home with the weight of mankind’s fate on your mind. “Barbie” should be lighter viewing, so think of it as saving dessert for after dinner. 

Times out

If you prefer to arrive to a movie in the daytime and exit in darkness, must you have to make a schedule for late afternoon viewing of “Oppenheimer” to end with “Barbie” at night. It’s possible, though, if you see an “Oppenheimer” matinee, that you can walk out of “Barbie” and into some sunshine if you see Gerwig’s comedy that afternoon, too.

Beware of the washroom break

Hydration is key — except when you’re sitting through a three-hour epic. Neither “Barbie” nor “Oppenheimer” seem like they’ll be boring, so ahead of both films, use the restroom. 

Source: CNN