I’ve always been that weird guy that wants to stick around in the movie theater until all the credits have scrolled across the screen.

I enjoy scanning the credits because there are usually two or three songs in a movie’s soundtrack that will drive me crazy until I know who sang them. These are typically listed toward the end of the credits.

In some comedy movies, you will find jokes hidden among the credits in obscure places. Sometimes they will include definitions of crew positions for people who are unfamiliar with how movies are made. For example, a “grip” is a general assistant available on a film set for shifting scenery, moving props, etc.

Nicknames for cast and crew are sometimes inserted into the credits. These can be hilarious, although they are usually the result of inside jokes (that probably wouldn’t go over very well at a newspaper). As if these people don’t already have enough fun doing what they do.

Watching the credits can be rewarding because some movies include extra scenes either during or after the credits. But what I really like is a good blooper reel, which gives you a glimpse of the actors when they’re not in character.

I hate watching movies on network or basic cable channels because they usually squish the credits to make room for promotions. Then, they speed them up until they’re unreadable.

Some networks actually show the intro of a movie or TV show while the credits to the previous program are still running. This annoys me to no end, because it ruins the introduction for me.

Premium movie channels are usually pretty reliable to show all the credits, both before and after films. But if you really want the total package, you’ve got to rent or buy a DVD.

It all makes sense. How else are they going to make money off of us finicky consumers?

– Scott Mims is the news editor for The Clanton Advertiser. His column appears each Friday. He can be reached at scott.mims@clantonadvertiser.com.