You've seen the omnipresent ads. Now get ready for the first Bourne movie without Jason Bourne.
And when we say, "get ready," we mean, "start thinking about your movie snack strategy." Whether or not you need something to get you through a Bourne installment that doesn't include Matt Damon is your own decision. (Personally, we're big fans of Jeremy Renner, too.)
Remember, The Bourne Legacy is one of the last big action films of the summer. According to a recent New York Times story, "More Bitter Pills than Popcorn," the fall movies are going to tackle tough issues. Exhibit A: Quentin Tarantino's upcoming Django Unchained is a brutal tale about a former slave who hunts white plantation owners.
So we say, break out the popcorn (or your favorite popcorn alternative) now while it's still summer and the action heroes are still on-screen in full force."
Strategy 1: Pack your own popcorn
There's always bucket-size corn at the movie theater. But more enterprising snackers should consider these BYOP options.
Popghum
These mini-size kernels of popped sorghum are as addictive as popcorn; the Grey Sea Salt variety is even more so. (Sorghum is a cornlike grain with less calories and fat than corn.) Among the other cool things about Popghum: It's gluten-free; it's organic; the company supports conservation agencies like the World Wildlife Fund. The snack has no hulls, so nothing gets stuck in your teeth, which is key when you need to keep your attention focused on what Jeremy Renner is up to on-screen.
Quinn Popcorn
This new organic, non-GMO microwaveable popcorn brand is sold in bags that are made from recycled and compostable paper - in short, no chemicals. The super-crunchy corn comes in key flavors like Vermont Maple & Sea Salt.
Halfpops
Look, another new, feel-good popcorn snack! This one, from Seattle, features adorable kernels that taste popped but look unpopped. The Aged White Cheddar flavor has the amazingly satisfying crunch of corn nuts but with true cheddar taste. According to their package, Halfpops are gluten-free, nut-free and have no hydrogenated oils, no preservatives and no negativity.
Don't let the New Age messaging get in your way; instead, vote on their website for the next flavor: Natural Kettle Corn, Natural Chipotle & Lime, or Natural Jalapeño Aged Cheddar Cheese.
Strategy 2: Stock up on candy before the movie
OK, don't have popcorn for your Bourne Legacy screening. You should still plan ahead so you're not stuck with the generally lame candy selection at theaters.
Dylan's Candy Bar - New York City and various locations
The candy mecca first opened in Manhattan in 2001. This summer, Dylan Lauren and company will launch their first West Coast location in Los Angeles in the Original Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax. Look for the soft opening on or around August 15, just about the time The Expendables 2 hits theaters.
For those who don't want to be exposed to fruits and vegetables when they're buying candy, there are Hot Tamales, Astro Pops, Tootsie Rolls, Jelly Belly jelly beans and candy rings in a gazillion other places.
Sweet Mickey's - Seattle, Washington
This new spot in Ballard is named for owner Randy Brinker's grandmother (Mickey), whose baking inspired him. Mickey's features ice cream from local creamery Bluebird in their sundaes, floats and milkshakes. But the city is going especially crazy for their 130 or so types of candy.
According to Seattle Met's nicely named blog Nosh Pit, Brinker has a large supply of candy necklaces, Pixy Stix and little chocolate coins for the kid-friendly price of 10 cents each; older generations can flash back to Flicks candy bars and Juicy Fruit and Fruit Stripe gum, "things that you don't see at grocery stores," says Brinker, who also has a broad selection of licorice in deference to Ballard's Scandinavian history.
Sugar Shop - Brooklyn, New York
This is proof for anyone who thought Brooklyn could only produce a candy shop for hipsters. This bright, colorful little shop has more than 150 kinds of candy, including Jelly Belly jelly beans and gummy everything. They also have nostalgic items like Mary Janes and Mallo Cups.
Sugar Shop smartly has a second party room for kids (and presumably for candy-obsessed adults like myself). And, this being Brooklyn, they have a section for locally made chocolates, like the awesome Mast Brothers and Fine & Raw.
Godiva - National

Comments