Movie theaters in the U.S. have been like that for years. I hate having to buy crap in the movie theater. Its not like ticket prices are cheap they also have to jack up the prices on food and drinks. Jerks.

Yes, it has been like that for decades. Is it not the same in most places?

I haven't been to a theater in years and years. The price, the discomfort, the number of screaming idiots around you is way too much to deal with.

No, I'll watch the DVD instead.

I feel the same way, but one theatre here starts shows early--9 AM if it's a big name. I've seen several movies on the opening day that way, with no line, no crowd.

But the food issue--yeah, major bummer. I prefer not to eat at the movies anyway--not the most sanitary of environments.

The popcorn is the primary reason I go to the movies. And I feel horrible paying the ridiculously inflated prices for the food at the theatre, but I haven't found anyplace else where I can get popcorn as good as a movie theatre's. (And believe me, I've searched. All of the microwave popcorn brands that say they are like movie theatre popcorn are full of damn dirty lies.)

On the other hand, I will admit that I *have* snuck some candy into some movie theatres in my day, and the people at the ticket counter were never in the least diligent about seeing if I was carrying contraband. How did this guy get caught? I imagine he just showed up with a grocery bag full of food and expected them to let him in. Whereas if he'd put a tiny bit of effort into it, he probably could have gotten in without problem. Come on, man! At least try! (Uh, yes, that is rampant speculation on my part.)

Movie prices are getting out of hand and the food prices are just as bad. I may be dating myself but back in the day you could go to a movie with snacks and pay less than $10. Nowadays it is a major outing shelling out over $20 for just the tickets. I don't like the butter they serve at the movies anyways. "Would you like some popcorn with your butter?" My favorite movie candy is sno-caps, but you know those boxes have been around for years and years!

I have brought stuff in, and I have not brought stuff in. I have even had a bottle of water in my hand while walking in the door. Yes, the movie prices, and food prices are outrageous! I wouldn't buy their $5 popcorn and $4 dollar drink when I could pack my own. I don't go to the movies very often. Maybe once a year. It's cheaper to buy the DVD than buy tickets for the whole family.

We bring in our own stuff most of the time.

The last time we went in, we had drinks from our lunch. We were told that as long as the item was already open, they were considered "leftovers" and could be brought into the theater!

We also have the soda fountain separate from the concessions line. You buy a size small, and you can fill it as many times as you need! Yay!

Because of medically necessitated diets, most theaters are getting lenient about allowing outside food in. If they aren't offering grapes, cherries, or carrots, I usually don't want it anyways!