Those going to watch the latest Batman movie at a downtown Chicago theatre Sunday say the shows are sold out and it appears to be business as usual.
But for some, the Colorado massacre is taking a toll here at home, already influencing their decisions on when and where to indulge in a pastime that until a few days ago seemed harmless.
As the names of the dead become known, and their stories are remembered in churches across Chicago and indeed across the nation today, pastors and their followers took a moment to reflect on the horrific massacre which took the lives of 12 people in a Colorado movie theatre on Friday.
"When something like this happens it's important to galvanize and remember those victims as well as those who were indirectly victimized as well," said Bryce McNaul.
Reverend Jesse Jackson took his prayers to the front steps of the popular AMC Theatres in Streeterville. In a vigil attended by a few dozen people he and others called on a renewal of the assault weapons ban, expired in 2004.
"We would hope our leadership will go beyond prayers and condolences to a change in policy," he said.
"He had a 100-round clip in that gun," said Jennifer Bishop Jenkins of Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. "He did not even have to stop until he had 100 bullets off."
Jackson calls the Colorado massacre domestic terrorism and, while some may dispute the term, there's no doubt it's already influencing some moviegoer's decisions.
"We're kind of doing this in daytime because some people might decide to copy the crime," said moviegoer Vincent Phillips, Jr.
Vigils like the one led by Reverend Jackson were duplicated at movie theatres from Boston to California Sunday.
It will be some time before the pain from this tragedy is healed.
