I remember going to the movies as a kid (many, many years ago) and how much my friends and I would look forward to one of the few forms of recreation in our small town. We did not have VCR's or DVD's at that time and the movies on tv were older movies with limited channels.
I also remember not having to pay nearly as much admission and the concessions were signifigantly less costly as well. Today, the cost of a movie is not so cheap and snacks and beverages are outrageously overpriced! That is the way of things though and the sound system is much improved as is the movie atmosphere.
Suffice it to say, that when spending said amount of money on the latest movie of our choice, we expect to be able to enjoy our viewing without interruption or disruption (whatever the case may be). It is not unreasonable to expect fellow viewers to be silent or speak softly as not to compete with the movie's dialogue. After all, you wouldn't want the person next to you to confuse your conversation about your disappointment in the fact that you are now two sizes bigger as you went on a binge eating spree during your winter depression, with the movie dialogue concerning the leading lady's downward spiral into insanity.
I can be fairly certain that no one sitting next to or behind you wants to listen to you chew your gum like a cow in a pasture and snap, crackle and pop are for rice krispies and NOT your gum!
For those who enjoy eating chewy or extra crunchy snacks, be aware that there are those around you who are plotting your demise and how best to make you suffer if you don't learn some manners. FYI: If people around you are casting evil glances your way, get a clue and be respectful to your fellow movie goers. Don't get me started on cell phones going off during a movie!
Parents, please monitor your children or hire a babysitter and keep them at home if they cannot behave in a public establishment. Do I seem a bit extreme in my expectations of the above mentioned patrons? I guess I believe that we should all be aware of our behavior when attending public events. Everyone wants to enjoy what they pay for, to relax and de stress and enjoy one of life's simple pleasures. Enjoy the movies, the concessions and do so respectfully.
Or take a class in Movie Etiquette 101.
