The Reasons Why I Don’t Like Going to the Movies Anymore
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…