Welcome to the first edition of Ultimate Movie Party, Bookmans’ new blog about pairing an excellent movie with its soulmate party elements. Instead of just flopping on the couch for a run-of-the-mill movie night, celebrate your love of cinema by throwing the ultimate movie party that puts your guests smack-dab into the world of your favorite flicks, food and all! What goes better with a movie than some family, friends and movie-themed festivities that perfectly complement your viewing experience, right? 

Get your party hats, serving trays, and set your stereo’s volume to 11 because it is time for February’s Ultimate Movie Party: True Romance. For those who love their romance stories a little less sweet, True Romance is the perfect choice to gather singles and couples together for an adult movie night.

True Romance, Tony Scott (1993)

True Romance stars Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Christopher Walken, Gary Oldman, Dennis Hopper, James Gandolfini, Brad Pitt, Michael Rapaport, Val Kilmer, Bronson Pinchot, Samuel L. Jackson, Chris Penn, and Tom Sizemore. With a list like that, it’s easy to see how this movie became a cult classic that still hits all the right notes 25 years later.

Not everyone is a diamonds and flowers type. Some of us prefer terrible kung-fu movies and a piece of pie with the one we love. And that’s what True Romance is all about… for the first 20 minutes. After that, it’s a race to sell the drugs that Clarence accidentally stole so the new couple can honeymoon in style. Don’t worry – there’s plenty of smooching to go around as the couple road trips it from Detroit to Los Angeles.

With a screenplay by Quentin Tarantino, True Romance is not for the faint of heart. It is a violent film that never pulls its punches but still manages to find time to add in sweet, sweet romance at every turn. However, it features some of the most memorable performances and on-screen moments underscored by a soundtrack that you can really tap your toe to. (Seriously, it’s scored by Hans Zimmer!) It’s the perfect movie to party to, and here’s how to put together a True Romance ultimate movie bash your friends won’t soon forget.

Set the Scene

There are so many options for creating the variety of atmospheres from True Romance. Whether you want to do a road trip decor, complete with tchotchkes from rest stop destinations, an amusement park theme, or a movie theater theme, there are a whole lot of options to choose from. And there’s always Elvis. Do not forget the King! Safari decor, Hawaiian shirts, and B-movie madness-inspired decorations will all help bring it together.

Food

Movie theater candy, Chinese food, and pie will make your guests smile as they munch along to the movie. Make your table a free-for-all buffet of appetizers including mini egg rolls, cheeseburger sliders, and Elvis-inspired peanut butter, bacon, and fruit preserve empanadas (just add bacon to these gems). Snacks absolutely must include candy cigarettes, popcorn, chips, and traditional movie candy. Wow everyone with peach mini pies topped with French vanilla ice cream for dessert. 

Drinks can include sodas, whiskey, beers, and champagne to toast with. Themed drinks inspired by the characters will fly off your serving trays! Are you having fun yet?

Entertainment

Bad kung-fu lip reading competitions will be much appreciated, as will an all-Elvis karaoke jam session. Amateur DJs should be spinning rock and roll from the 1960s through the 1990s to get everyone in the mood. Entertaining a drinking kind of crowd? Have everyone take a sip of beer every time someone kisses. The quickest way to get drunk is to toast whenever someone in the movie says the name Clarence.

There is something for just about everyone in this movie, and while it is definitely not a flawless piece of cinema, it is a cult classic that will leave everyone at your party saying you’re so cool.

Don’t have a copy of True Romance? Chances are that a Bookmans near you does! Come on by and grab a copy, some kung-fu flicks, and some eclectic party decor while you’re at it!