Who goes to another country to see the Jets?

There’s a certain magic in the ritual of rewatching old favorites while flying miles above the earth. Maybe it’s the chaos of cramped seats, strangers pressed too close, or that stingy packet of pretzels, but there’s comfort in the familiar glow of a movie I’ve seen a dozen times. Sure, I could chase the thrill of a new release—in fact, I’ve tried (My wife didn’t know what was going on as she saw me cry through Inside Out)—but nothing soothes the turbulence of travel quite like slipping into a story I already know by heart.

I mean, can we get more than & mini pretzels? I’m not trying to be greedy, but why are we rationing them?

I wrote this while on a flight heading out to England. A quick weekend getaway to see the New York Jets lose. The entertainment guide showed that Sinners was available, and since I hadn’t seen it yet, I was excited to pass the time watching it. Still, a few minutes in, I found myself craving familiarity. That’s when I decided to switch to a comfort watch on my tablet—The Secret Life of Walter Mitty for the 10th time? 15th time? Who’s counting?

If you’re unfamiliar, Walter works with negatives at Time magazine. A daydreamer, he dreams of amazing feats but never acts—until he sets off to find Time’s best photographer and a missing negative containing the quintessence of Life.

Film Rocks! Dealing with negatives, less so.

He’s searching for purpose, a spark, inspiration to be more. That moment arrives in Greenland, when he daydreams about a woman singing Space Oddity to him—it clicks, and his adventure, his life, truly begins.

I think this is why I watch the movie. Not because I expect a spark, but because I’m searching for something—purpose, inspiration, though I don’t know what. I’ll never be a famous artist; I’m older, stuck in my job, but I want more. I hope to find purpose while trying my hardest to be a good husband and dog dad. Maybe I will, but I’ll keep searching until I do.

Oh, and you should check out Walter Mitty, it’s a pretty good movie.