by Toni Murphy

Created on: July 11, 2009   Last Updated: July 13, 2009

When I was a teenager nothing beat going to the movie theater. Even now, as an adult, there are certain movies that are just meant to be seen the first time on the big screen. Unfortunately, the cost of a movie ticket, the snacks and the other unbelievable things that have to be endured in a public theater quickly overshadowed any pleasure I was expecting from a night out at the theater.

For example, I am a big fan of Harry Potter movies and when a new one comes out I find it difficult to wait for the DVD. So two years ago, when the new Harry Potter movie came out I grabbed my husband by the hand and we headed to the theater. The place was packed. Guess I was not the only one who couldn't wait. We finally made it to the ticket window and paid our $17.00 for two tickets. Once we got inside we waited 15 minutes in line to pay $20.00 for one large drink, one large popcorn and a small box of junior mints. By then it was time for the movie, so we rushed into the theater to get a seat. I have never been very good at picking out the perfect seats, so it was no surprise when I spent most my night refraining from shushing the couple behind me to viewing the movie between the head of the guy in front of me and the person sitting next to him. However, I handled all of this like adult. Then came the kids running up and down the aisles and getting in and out of their seats to go to the restroom or the snack bar. They should make it a law that no one leaves their seat once the movie starts. Why do parents pay the price of a ticket to take their kids to the movie and then not make them sit still and watch it? Of course, I guess that isn't any crazier than the couple two rows in front of us who had brought their small baby to the theater. The poor thing cried through the entire movie and one of the parents was constantly having to get up and take the baby out of the theater.. Neither of them could have gotten very much enjoyment out of the movie. I know that I didn't.

When the movie ended, I breathed a sigh of relief and jumped up to fight the stampede heading for the door. A few seats down I was stopped in my tracks. I mean literally stopped in my tracks. I had stepped into a big glob of bubble gum. That was the moment that I made my decision. It is indeed better to watch a movie in the peace and comfort of my own home instead of a packed, noisy theater. Cheaper too!

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