TUESDAY, Nov. 22 — Franky Nguyen

The lobby of NCG Eastwood Cinemas in the Eastwood Towne Center was surprisingly crowded for a Tuesday when Franky Nguyen arrived in a tie and dress pants.

While many of the bustling movie patrons snaked their way through the cordoned-off maze for a free showing of the family comedy "Yours, Mine & Ours," Nguyen was interested in something a bit more magical to celebrate his 21st birthday.

The chemistry senior spent the afternoon observing natural science classes at Holt High School, a precursor for becoming a teacher after his May graduation.

For Nguyen, turning 21 wasn't much of a milestone.

"It's just another day," he said. "I've never found an interest in drinking."

His girlfriend, psychology junior Lori Hale, who met Nguyen at the theater along with her mother Cheryl, said she's happy with Nguyen's choice to see a flick instead of hitting the bar scene.

"I'd get mad if he showed up here drunk," Lori Hale said, laughing.

With Lori Hale's head resting on his shoulder, Nguyen spent the waning hours of his 21st birthday in a dark, half-empty theater eating nachos and watching a boy wizard battle fierce dragons and dive deep into the dredges of Black Lake in "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire." Lori Hale's mother sat beside them.

After the movie ended, the trio visited P.F. Chang's, located in the Eastwood Towne Center, for a late dinner where Nguyen ordered vegetarian dumplings and a glass of water. He said he had no plans to celebrate later in the week.

"I just have some papers to do," he said.

Cheryl Hale said she was surprised at the no-frill style in which the couple decided to celebrate Nguyen's birthday.

"They are very boring," said the Livonia woman. "I worry about them."