More Than a Movie: 9 to 5, My Best Friend, and Memories That Last a Lifetime

Sometimes, the greatest gift isn’t something wrapped in a box. It’s time spent with someone you love, a favorite movie, and the opportunity to make another memory together.

Last night, I had the opportunity to go to the movies with my best friend, Debbie Finney Sutton, and my husband, David. We went to see 9 to 5, starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin. And while I enjoyed watching this familiar comedy on the big screen, the evening meant so much more to me than simply going to the movies.

It was about friendship, family memories, and a movie that has been part of Debbie’s and my lives for years.

It was also about finally getting to spend time together again.

A Movie Date That Meant More Than You Know

Debbie and I usually celebrate her birthday by going out to dinner, exchanging gifts, and enjoying time together. It’s something we look forward to every year.

But with the way the economy has been and everything life has thrown our way, neither of us has been able to get together the way we normally do. We hadn’t seen each other since before her birthday in August.

So when Debbie was able to earn movie tickets through her movie rewards program and invited David and me to join her, it meant more to me than I can put into words.

She didn’t just invite us to watch a movie. She gave us a reason to get out of the house, spend time together, catch up, and make another memory.

And the fact that she chose 9 to 5 made the evening even more special.

Debbie and I grew up watching this movie. Over the years, it became one of those familiar favorites we could turn to whenever one of us was having a hard time. Back when we had VCRs, we’d put the movie in, settle down to watch it, and call each other so we could enjoy it together, even when we weren’t in the same room.

After my daughter, Suzzane, passed away, those familiar movies and conversations with my best friend meant even more.

Sometimes, when you’re going through something heartbreaking, you don’t need somebody to have all the right words. You need somebody who knows you, loves you, and can sit with you through the hard days. Sometimes, you need a little laughter, too.

For Debbie and me, 9 to 5 was one of those movies.

That’s why sitting beside her in the theater last night was so meaningful. We weren’t just watching Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin on a big screen. We were revisiting a little piece of our friendship and remembering all the times this movie had brought us together.

And before long, we were right back to laughing together again.

A Personal Sing-Along and a Whole Lot of Laughter

It’s probably a good thing you weren’t sitting next to Debbie and me because we were having our own personal sing-along!

I’d hear Debbie snickering at a part, and then she’d hear me snickering. We’d look at each other, and before long, we were both laughing out loud.

Don’t tell anyone, but if there hadn’t been anybody else in that theater, you might have seen Debbie and me get up and dance to “9 to 5”! Laughing out loud.

Those are the kinds of things we used to do when we’d spend the night at each other’s houses. We’d laugh, have fun, and make memories. Apparently, some things never change!

There’s something special about having a best friend who knew you back then and can still sit beside you years later, laughing at the same songs and the same silly moments. We may be a little older now, but that doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten how to have fun.

And then there was the dog-collar scene!

When the tables turned on the boss and he ended up wearing a dog collar, Debbie and I could hardly contain ourselves. We looked at each other, and I imagine we were thinking much the same thing. There have probably been moments when we’ve wished we could do something like that to our husbands! Laughing out loud.

Of course, we wouldn’t actually do it, and I hope neither one of us would!

That’s part of what makes 9 to 5 such an entertaining comedy. It takes workplace frustrations and turns them into humor, giving audiences a chance to laugh at situations that might otherwise make them want to pull their hair out.

If Charlie had been sitting beside us, I can just imagine him rolling his eyes and saying, “Hush, Mom, hush!”

So I’m grateful, thankful, and blessed that I left him at home this time. Although Charlie is usually my movie critic, and I enjoy hearing what he thinks about the movies we watch together.

Last night, though, was Debbie’s and my time to laugh, reminisce, and enjoy a favorite movie together.

Why I Still Love 9 to 5

I’ve watched 9 to 5 throughout my life. It’s a feel-good, down-home comedy, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.

Not every movie night has to involve a brand-new release, a big action sequence, or a story that leaves you thinking about serious subjects long after the credits roll. Sometimes, you just want to sit back, relax, and laugh.

Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin make a wonderful team. Their characters have different personalities, and watching them work together is part of what makes the film so entertaining.

The movie’s humor and its story of women standing up for themselves have helped it remain memorable for audiences over the years. For me, though, it has another layer of meaning because of the memories I associate with it.

Suzzane watched 9 to 5 with me, and Charlie did, too. Whenever I revisit an old favorite, I find myself remembering the people who watched it beside me.

That’s one of the things I love about movies. The film stays the same, but our memories of watching it change as we move through life.

Last night, I was able to enjoy the comedy all over again while sharing the experience with Debbie and David.

Would I see 9 to 5 on the big screen again if it returned to theaters? Absolutely!

Visiting Rave Cinema at Northeast Mall

We attended the Rave Theater at Northeast Mall in Hurst, Texas. Our movie was scheduled to start at 7 p.m., but it began at 7:30 p.m.

While we waited, we watched quite a few previews for upcoming movies. I found several that I can’t wait to watch with my family, including Sense and Sensibility and Flywheel 2, which was scheduled for release on Friday, October 16.

I always enjoy seeing previews because they introduce me to movies I might not have known about otherwise. Sometimes, I leave the theater with a list of films I want to see next!

Our theater was on the third floor. We took the escalator up, and Debbie used the elevator on the way down. Neither gave us any trouble, which made getting around easier.

I was pleasantly surprised by how clean the theater was. The seats were comfortable, too. You could sink down into your seat, lean back, and relax without feeling like you were sitting on a hard chair for hours.

The temperature was just right. I usually take a blanket with me when I go to the movies, but last night I didn’t need one. I wasn’t too hot, either, so I could sit back and enjoy the movie without having to get up and leave.

One thing that surprised me was how empty the theater was. I honestly expected more people to come out to see 9 to 5. Debbie thought it might not have been advertised very well, although I can’t say whether that was the reason. I just know that I was glad we had the opportunity to see it.

If it returns to the big screen, I’ll definitely consider going again!

The Smell of Popcorn Took Me Back to My Mom

Now, let’s talk about the popcorn!

Debbie ordered a kids’ meal with a drink, an Icee, popcorn, and a small snack. Oh, my goodness, that popcorn smelled wonderful!

It was enough to make me hungry and take me straight back to memories of my mom.

Unfortunately, I can’t eat popcorn right now because of my tooth. David was sitting beside me, and boy, oh boy, did he want popcorn, too! But he couldn’t eat it either. Laughing out loud.

If my mom had been with us, you can bet your bottom dollar she would have been the first person in line at the snack bar.

And what would she have ordered?

Popcorn with extra butter.

Extra butter.

Extra butter, please!

Laughing out loud. I can picture it now.

It’s funny how something as simple as the smell of popcorn can bring back such vivid memories. Sometimes, we don’t realize how much we miss those little moments until something reminds us of them.

David and I did order a large soda, and I liked that it was refillable, so we could share it. When you’re watching your budget, little things like that can make an evening out more affordable.

You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy time with the people you love.

Planning Your Own Movie Night

If you’re in the Hurst, Texas, area and would like to plan a movie night, here are a few helpful resources.

The theater: The former Rave Cinema at Northeast Mall is now listed as Cinemark North East Mall 18 and XD.

Address: 1101 Melbourne Road, Suite 6000, Hurst, TX 76053.

Movie showtimes and tickets: Visit Cinemark North East Mall 18 and XD to check current films and showtimes.

Snacks and refreshments: Explore concession options through Cinemark’s food and drink page.

Movie rewards: Debbie participates in AMC’s movie rewards program, called AMC Stubs. Depending on membership level and eligibility, members may earn rewards and access special ticket offers. You can learn more at AMC Stubs. Keep in mind that AMC benefits don’t automatically apply to purchases at Cinemark.

Before heading out, check the official theater website for current showtimes, ticket availability, and location information.

Would I Recommend Seeing 9 to 5 on the Big Screen?

Absolutely!

I enjoyed revisiting a movie that has been part of my life for so many years. I appreciated the opportunity to spend time with David, reconnect with Debbie, laugh at the same scenes we’ve loved for years, and make another memory together.

The theater was clean, the seats were comfortable, and the temperature was just right. I also enjoyed discovering upcoming films through the previews.

But the best part of the evening was sharing the experience with people I love.

I thought about Suzzane and the times we watched 9 to 5 together. I thought about Charlie, who would probably have told me to hush if he’d been there. And I thought about my mom when the smell of popcorn filled the theater.

Most of all, I was reminded how much it means to have a best friend who has been part of your life through the good times and the heartbreaking ones. A friend who can help you through difficult days, share a familiar movie with you, and still laugh beside you years later.

Last night was more than a movie. It was a chance to reconnect, celebrate a friendship, and remember that even when life gets busy and money is tight, there are still opportunities to make meaningful memories.

Thank you, Debbie, for inviting David and me to join you. I am grateful for the evening we shared, and I hope we never get too old to laugh, sing along, and enjoy our favorite movies together.

Because sometimes, the best part of going to the movies isn’t just the story playing on the screen.

It’s the story you’re living while you’re there.

Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.
Greatful Moments GreatfulMoments.com

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates