Dear John Letter, the Mega-Cineplex Version
As I get older my perceptions on things change, and I feel like I’ve become cold to you. I wasn’t always this way, in high school I was up for any movie, any time, but back then it was more about the act of going to the theater than the actual film itself. And having the early arrival of facial hair allowed me easy entry into R rated films without the required parental supervision, thus elevating the cool factor even higher. That was over ten years ago and I can keep this inside anymore, movie theaters, we’ve grown apart, I’m sorry, really, it’s not you it’s me I’ve changed. Let’s just both go our separate ways.
You see, I’m not the eager throw caution to the wind consumer I once was. And in these tightening financial times I just can’t overlook the problems in our relationship anymore. I mean $8.00 for a ticket, come on how long did you think I could keep doing this, and I’m not even going to mention snacks. If I’m going to spend this much for a night out it’s going to be on a dinner with some alcohol included. And the crowd your hanging with, I just cant’ take it anymore. All these teenagers, who stand outside the ticket office, so I have to barrel my way through, take all the seats because their parents dropped them off an hour early, and then never stop talking and texting during the show. It’s gotten to the point of beyond repair.
Okay, I have to be honest; I’ve met someone else. She’s older, and I never meant for it to happen, but it did and I’m changed. Her name is Second Run, she only has one screen, older shows, and nowhere near the technology you do, but I think I love her. She’s less expensive, the audience actually watches the film, and when it was over she actually gave me a good night kiss (in the form of free mint). So, let’s not make a scene, it will be fine. You’ll find someone younger and more into the things you want. I’m sure we’ll run into each other now and again, but my heart is with Second Run now.
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Comments
Jfo - SF prices are ridiculous for just about everything! Luckily, you guys do have a lot of free attractions though.. no Golden Gate (or anything like it IMO) in Chicago.
Richard - Welcome!! Good to see you here 
Ticket prices will only continue to go up when “indie” films cost $40+ million to produce. The second run theater has a very good chance of becoming a memory with day and date releases where a film comes out on the big screen, dvd, and internet on the same day.
Agreed! I used to go to a movie in a theatre any old time, but these days you have to drag me out. Well, my mom’s visiting, and she wanted to see Momma Mia!
Can’t lie—it was great. And what made it perfect? The Kabuki Theatre here in SF, after having gone through a complete overhaul. When we went last night, the place even had a wine and beer bar inside the theatre, so I was able to sip some red vino while laughing my arse off.
My reasons are similiar to yours, but I also can’t sit still in an uncomfortable typical cinema seat with not enough leg room. Kabuki made it perfect, so even with my fidgety appendages, I didn’t continue to accidentally kick the chair in front of me.
Thanks Mom (and Kabuki!)
I completely agree with you here. I don’t go to the megaplexes anymore., especially with my own version of “second run” just up the street from me. They even still do double features at times! It’s about the same price to get in ($8.00), but I do live in SF…….although, their saving grace is a 5 time punch card which gets me in at $6.00 matinee prices!!!