Friday, July 22, 2005

I don't get it

Earlier, I was chatting with my friend Connie, and she asked me if I wanted to know the ending of the new Harry Potter book. I told her no, I already read the book...but thank you. Then, I asked her why she thought I'd want to know the ending, if I hadn't read it? She said that some people like to know stuff like that.

That got me to thinking. I realize that there are people out there, who like to know the surprise ending to the book, before they read it. I know that these same people probably like to know what they are getting for Christmas, before they rip off the wrapping paper. I know some people enjoy knowing the plot, characters, and ending before they even step foot into the theatre to watch the movie they already know everthing about.

I know these people are out there. I just don't understand them. I don't get it...I really, really don't. What fun is it, to read a book when you already know the ending? Why go see a movie, if you know the entire plot and ending before it starts (movies like Titanic don't count)? Why bother to wrap Christmas presents...or have a ceremony at all, if you already went through your mom's closet and found out what she bought for you? What's the point?

It's the same thing with video games. I do not see the point, in using cheat codes. What's the point of playing a game, when you have unlimited health and unlimited ammo? Where's the challege? Why even bother playing the damn thing? Stick with Chutes and Ladders, if you're too afraid of a challenge.

I just don't get it. I liked to be surprised, to be shocked. I like to watch movies and read books, and have no idea what's going to happen. When I buy a new book, I just start reading it. I don't even like to read the summary book jacket, because it might give away a plot point, that would be more fun for me to discover, on my own.

Maybe I'm the strange one...maybe most people like to know things ahead of time. Maybe they don't like surprises or suspense. Well, that's not for me. I want to shocked and amazed, and I do not want to know what I'm getting for my birthday, until I unwrap her.

11 comments:

PJ said...

Yeah. I don't get it either.

However, I truly do like to go BACK and read/watch said story again to see if they tip you off as to the surprise ending or twist.

Movies in particular.

"Sixth Sense" is a great example. Watch that freakin' thing after you see the ending, and notice how they pay particular detail to the character's interaction (uh...or lack thereof).

da buttah said...

i always read the last page of a book before i start it.

i'm jewish..we don't giftwrap...shawing!

Shanshu said...

You honestly read the past page of a book, before you start it? See, that's what I'm talking about. WHY do you do that? What is the point?

Shanshu said...

*that should have said "last page"


:)

Anonymous said...

I love your blog man. It's really funny! Don't hate me for saying it, but your commas are killing me! Sorry, I had to get it out. It's the English teacher part of me that's always turned on.

Danikabur said...

I guessed the ending to Sixth Sense...

I like to be suprised.. or to see if I'll guess it. No way would I want to find out the ending of a book early.

As for video games... I use the cheat guide. The reason for that though is I like the story and I like the fighting and getting all the cool shit. I'm just not good at it on my own. I end up frustrated and mad. I stop playing. I will eventually finish the game but it takes a really freaking long time for me to do it without the walk-through. I just don't have the time or patience. LOL

When I was a kid we unwrapped our presents to see what they were and then wrapped them back up. It totally sucked to know what they were before Christmas. Never did that again.

da buttah said...

i read the last page so i can have something to look forward to: resolution

Anonymous said...

totally with you on this one... what fun is life if you don't have surprises? :)

Callie said...

I, too, figured out The Sixth Sense about 15 minutes into the movie. No big surprise there.

I hate spoilers. I watched one season of a "certain TV show" while reading spoilers throughout. Totally took the whole suspense and surprise and fun out of the show. The rest of the seasons, I stayed away, and completely enjoyed myself.

However, I do read the dust covers. I like to at least know the type of plot - and whether I'd be interested or not. :-D

Johnny Menace said...

i read the ending of your post first. saved me time.

Rowan said...

I used to do such poorly things, but once I got over the sense of loss I got from no surprises, I stopped that. It's just we're an impatient sorta folk! But, you are right, as I got older, had kids, learned patience....the surprises are what make it worthwhile!