Fraudulent Movie Date

I meet a guy out and about while at a friend’s going away party. He was charming and seemed to be pretty traditional. He asks for my number since he would like to take me to a dinner and a movie. As a typical L.A. “industry” exec, Movie Buff Larry talked about movies that were all the rave for summer blockbusters and asked if I would like to go see the Hangover 2. “Talk dirty to me,” I said, since DUH – WHO DOESN’T?! 

We go to a quaint little restaurant for dinner and it seemed like he knew everyone in the spot – and they knew him. That is typically a red flag for me because it indicates: 

1. He doesn’t know how to cook; 
2. He may be a serial dater and takes all his dates there (and I just look like another number);
3. He is begging for leftovers thrown out into the dumpster at closing hours each night. 

I just ignored what was running through my head and was just looking forward to laughing my ass off in the movie. We get to the theater and he said that the tickets are at customer service. He tells the gentleman that his friend (who owns the theater) left his name on “the list.” 

There is now a list for a damn movie theater?! SINCE WHEN!? 

The young movie attendant looks confused and calls someone else over. As the line begins to grow, I’m getting very impatient and annoyed. Something was said to where Movie Buff Larry is now arguing with the manager and I am starting to get a little suspicious. He is throwing a tantrum and calls his “friend,” which ended up working because the manager then gives us two tickets and we are on our way to the seats. This man isn’t broke, why is he so gung-ho about 2 free movie tickets?!?! 

While sitting through the previews, Movie Buff Larry is constantly looking over his shoulder with a nervous twitch. He is fidgeting with his hands and by now, I’m just worried for my life. He says “you know, maybe we should see this movie another time. I think we just need to go.” Popcornless, I was already furious. I finally lost it and said “are you fucking kidding me?!?! After making a scene like you did and looking like a fucking moron, you want to leave now?!” He sat back, apologized and shut up for a few minutes. As the movie starts, he leans over and says “I’m sorry, but I really don’t feel like I should be here and we have to go.” I said “Fine. You go. I’ll stay. Have a great night.” 

To this day, I scour the obituaries in the L.A. Times thinking I’ll come across Movie Buff Larry’s name, but so far, so good. He may still be alive. This is just one of the many frauds in this town and some how, some way, they manage to make it work in the “City of Dreams.” – Or perhaps he was feeling a little hungry and just wanted to head back to the garbage pit in back of his “who’s who” restaurant to pick up a late night snack.

From now on, I will be sure to follow my intuition and refuse dates with con-man movie execs.

Love - Magnum Magnet