I don't know if you're privy to this so I thought I'd just come out and tell you: The Dark Knight is going to be big. Like really big. All impuissant little features need only step aside and let the big boy carry the box-office load this weekend. But we already knew this, right? What I didn't know was just how much of a demand there was to see this movie on opening day.

We live in a world where many movies open on at least three screens at a theater, and sometimes on five or six screens. Midnight shows for big-event movies have become a staple. Some movie theaters are even adding 3 a.m. shows for the poor ones who missed out on the midnight screenings. You would think that would be enough. You know, to hold us over till Saturday. Or -- heaven forbid -- till Sunday (gulp)!

Not so.

You've heard of the "Me Generation," I'm sure. Well, they've given birth to the "Me Now Generation" and the result is 6 a.m. screenings for Chris Nolan's The Dark Knight. That's a.m., not p.m. Though, don't worry, I'm sure you're likely to find a screening then too. And if you think I'm going to bash this idea you're dead wrong.

I love this 6 a.m. idea. I'm hoping it continues and becomes a weekly thing from now on. This will change my world completely. I'm also crossing my fingers that it leads to new theater food. Think about it: donuts and movies. Coffee, donuts and movies. Apple cinnamon Quaker Oats in a cup and The Dark Knight. McGriddles and Hellboy. Eggos and WALL-E. The possibilities are endless!

And think about how this affects the water cooler talk on Friday morning:
"Hey Bob, what's doin'?"
"Oh me? Nothing. Just faxed over those third-quarter reports. Oh, and I watched The Mummy before downing some Moons Over My Hammy."

The Mummy and Denny's Moons Over My Hammy, people! Would anybody deny themselves this? Offices across the country would start a half-hour later to accommodate all the late arrivals after the opening of Iron Man II or the like. Offices have adjusted to March Madness and they will adjust to the 6 a.m. phenomenon. Yup, I love this idea.

Excessive? Wonderfully so. Though, if I were to complain or question any of these screening times, it would have to be the 3 a.m. one. I mean: I get midnight. People are still up then. The only people up at 3 a.m. are vampires and date rapists. I know, I know. I'm showing my age here. But really, 6 a.m. makes sense. If you're up late, midnight works. If you're up early, 6 a.m. works. This 3 a.m. business is for shadow people or people hopped up on things the mainstream public hasn't even begun to be introduced to. And people are more likely to fall asleep during the 3 a.m. movie than the midnight or 6 a.m. folk. Yes, I have the data to back all this up.

I'm going to dream of this world. But I'm going to have to go to bed early. I have a movie to catch in the morning.

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