Chicagoans Nichelle Johnson and Bianca Williams can say they were among the first to see “The Matrix Reloaded” within the city limits.
But then they can say the same about “Stars Wars: Episode I,” “Star Wars: Episode II,” both “The Lord of the Rings” movies and the first “Harry Potter.”
“And `Harry Potter: The Chamber of Secrets,’ ” Williams said.
“And ‘X-Men,’ ” Johnson added. “Oh, and ‘X-2’ too.”
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Movie fanatics who dedicate themselves to being part of the three-day weekend movie gross for top movies, Williams, 34, and Johnson, 36, got in line for the first showing of the “Matrix” sequel at 5:50 p.m. Wednesday night at Loews Cineplex at 600 N. Michigan Ave.
The show started at 10 p.m. Did they realize the movie will be around for a little while?
“Yeah, but it’s worth the wait to be first,” Johnson said as the line for seats stretched 50 people deep even two hours before showtime. The two friends bought their “Reloaded” tickets May 2 after walking out of another opening night for “X2: X-Men United.”
“You have to be first in line to get the seats you want,” said Williams, who had her eyes on something in the center seats between rows 7 and 10. “That’s what the experience is all about.”
“I saw the first ‘Matrix’ five times in the theater, and I have it at home too,” said Johnson, who went to Whitney Young High School. That’s where “Matrix” creators Larry and Andy Wachowski went to high school.
“I didn’t know them,” Johnson said. “But I still like their movies.”