Peanuts 2 Popcorn: A Journey Through Film & Culture

I’m sure you may have looked at the title Peanuts 2 Popcorn and thought, ‘what does that even mean?’ Well, it means many things in relation to film and culture—and that's exactly what I hope this space can explore.

One of my biggest reasons for picking this title (and creating this blog) is my reflection on how far film has come as both a form of art and entertainment. Movies have always been an essential part of my life. I’ve learned with them, laughed with them, cried… and grown alongside them.

Enjoying Film Since Childhood

Even as a child, I remember my mother creating VHS tapes of my favorite films, recorded directly from the television. Younger movie lovers may not know what that means, but just know this was our version of on-demand viewing back in those days.

My mom could fit two or three full-length movies on a single VHS, which was more than enough to keep a movie-loving kid like myself busy.

Some of my favorite tapes included:

• The Mask with Jim Carrey

• The original Jumanji movie with Robin Williams (R.I.P. to the legend)

• Meteor Man, the hidden gem starring the multi-talented Robert Townsend

I can still see myself snuggled up on the floor, cozy in PJs, with a bowl of chips, getting lost in their worlds of adventure and chaos.

To this day, I’ve searched for Meteor Man on streaming or Blu-ray/DVD with no luck—what I wouldn’t do to have that VHS from my childhood again, just for one more watch.

Viewing experiences have truly come a long way. My great-grandmother used to tell me stories of going to movie theaters where she was only allowed to sit in the “Colored Only” section, typically up in the balconies or even near the projector rooms.

The stubbornness in me cannot imagine paying money to attend a segregated theater, but my adoration and passion for film helps me understand why my great-grandmom still found joy in her experience. Even under unjust circumstances, movies offered her escape, wonder, and life reflection.

What Peanuts 2 Popcorn Means to Me…and You

So again, what does Peanuts 2 Popcorn mean?

It can symbolize the evolution of film from humble beginnings to blockbuster experiences. It can also symbolize how movies make every viewer feel differently, whether they are small independent movies or backed by huge studios. But ultimately? I’ll let you decide what it means to you.

The only thing I love more than watching movies is discussing and reflecting on them. This is my space for that, and I welcome you to read, watch, reflect, and grow with me as we indulge in this rich art form we call film.

-A. Monique