Anti-Movie Theater

There's nothing quite like going to the movies, is there? The surround sound (wait . . . except most people have that at home now), the huge screen (uh . . . again at home), the smell of popcorn (yep, at home). At the theater, you also experience overhearing other people's annoying conversations, being stuck for two plus hours next to a smelly person who desperately needs to shower, sitting uncomfortably because you drank too much soda, and stepping on sticky floors--all for the not-so-low price of what the DVD will cost in six months when it comes out. So what exactly makes going to the movies so amazing again?

As crazy or perhaps for some even perverse as it may seem, I only go to the movies twice or maybe three times a year--by choice. I see previews for films on TV and say, "Oh, I'm excited to see that!" I count down to when certain movies come out, but then I don't go see them. I still haven't seen Frozen, Saving Mr. Banks, and Monuments Men, although I want to and will, but I just don't feel the urgency to see them the moment they premiere.

I can wait six or seven months, rent the movie on Redbox, enjoy the film eating my own snacks in my pajamas, and pause the movie if I have to use the bathroom. When I do that, I only spend $1.50 compared to $8.50 or more for my movie ticket. Look at me! Learning patience and saving money!

It all started a few years ago when we had $20 left after paying bills every month. We didn't go out to eat, we didn't splurge at all for dates, and we didn't go to the movies. Ever since then, I have struggled to bring myself to spend that money on a movie I haven't seen and don't know if I will even like.

At one time in history, particularly during the golden age of Hollywood, going to the movies provided a special occasion, complete with dressing up for a night on the town. Heck, singing along to "Let's Go to the Movies" from Annie gets me excited to go--almost. Nowadays, seeing and owning a movie is commonplace, so why would I spend that money to go the movie theater, when I could spend it to see a play or go to a museum and make it a truly special occasion?

If you still like going to the movie theater, that's fine. Just because I have become disenchanted with that environment doesn't mean I think everyone should cease from going altogether. However, I would question whether people need to go every weekend or for every single movie that comes out. Would it hurt to be a little more discerning and selective in what you see in the theaters? I'll step off my soapbox now.

My aversion to movie theaters hasn't negatively impacted me much at all. It may be unorthodox, but it works for me. What are some of your funny quirks?