My wife and I went to the movies for the first time in a long time this weekend past and I could not help but make this list in my head as we tried to enjoy an evening at the cinema. This list is in no particular order.

• The cost of the ticket in inverse proportion to the quality of the material purchased
• Cell phones and PDAs coupled with a false sense of self-importance
• Laser pointers and an inability to allow puberty to start
• Junior High students who have just been dumped off at the theatre by their parents
• The fact that I have to take out a second mortgage just to buy a popcorn and drink
• Having my seat continually kicked by the same Junior High students mentioned above
• Knowing that, if seeing a show on opening weekend, seats will be at a premium and you have to wait in line and be herded in like cattle to get a decent seat
• Watching a movie is much more fun when I can sit on my own couch in my underwear and be completely comfortable
• The anscillary expenses of a night at the movies: concessions, babysitter, gas to get to the theatre

Granted, most theatre tickets are more expensive, but the evening’s entertainment is, typcially, better. There is just something magical about seeing a live performance on stage happening before your very eyes; not to mention the fact that, as a member of that particular audience, you are sharing a completely unique experience that no other audience will share.

Okay, I am a bit of the “theatre snob,” but I just enjoy the theatrical experience more. I know I’m considered a dying breed, but I don’t care.

Don’t get me wrong. I love a good movie, I just resent the cost of the experience going up with the quality of material either staying the same or getting worse. I think I’ll just stick to renting movies. I don’t mind being slightly behind the pop culture conversations…

UPDATE:  John Rogers has the same feelings…