You know, I think this might just be the key to restarting the economy right here. I know that there are a lot of people out of work, but even here in  MI, the state with the highest unemployemnt rate, roughly 85% of people who want work, have it. The problem is that like you, many people are being VERY stingy when it comes to buying ANYTHING. I am all ofr savings, but at some point you have to come out of the shell and do/buy something -- even if it is popcorn.

Hum $36... probably could have stopped at McDonald's, had an equally less healthy meal, but more filling, and saved a few bucks. I try never to go to the movies hungry, because they nail you on junk food prices. I can last without a drink or snack for two hours. The hard part is the kids and keeping their low attention spans occupied long enough to enjoy the film.

Off topic sort of. It really annoys me that people will put their feet up on the seat in front of them. Don't they realize someone will eventually be sitting there? Also the fact that many people are too lazy to take their trash to the bins they have right there as you exit. Pathetic. And yet so many scream about pollution. Maybe snack prices wouldn't be so high (doubtful) if half of it didn't have to be swept up after the show. Rant complete.