S treaming video may have some people skipping the movie theaters, but if anyone's watching the amount of money summer blockbusters continue to make, it's clear there are plenty of seats still being filled. The newly released Spider-Man is certainly making lots of money, breaking records with its Tuesday opening, according to The Los Angeles Times.
We happened to be among those who spent money to go see it during the Fourth of July holiday. We're happy to report it was an enjoyable film. It seems We the Moviegoing People aren't sick of superheroes yet. And while the movie was good, the experience was a little frustrating.
Movie ticket prices ain't as cheap as they used to be. So when somebody puts down $20 to go see a new flick, expectations can be, even should be, high.
We ran through the checklist before Spidey swung onto the screen. Comfy reclining seat? Check. Popcorn? Check. Coughing child next to us? Check. If the point of watching a movie is two hours of escapism into a fantastic world, imagine how annoying it is to be pulled back into reality every five minutes with Doc Holliday sitting in the next seat over. There's a few things you don't bring to the movies: your own candy, pets, and sick kids.
Then there are those cell phones. Apparently some people still aren't getting the message--the message that every movie opens with when the previews are over: Silence. Your. Phone. If you need to take a call, step outside.
And finally--this seems like the most basic rule--show up on time. If you buy your tickets in advance (as many people do nowadays), you know when your movie begins.
Culture changes with time. We used to get dressed up real nice to go see movies and travel by plane. Now we're happy to show up in a T-shirt and shorts.
Things change, and we roll with it. But some rules never change. Etiquette still exists, and it needs to be respected in the theater.
Editorial on 07/08/2019