It's not about the movies, it's about the popcorn

http://www.reportonbusiness.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080208.wrcineplex08/BNStory/robNews/home

While box office revenue still represents 61 per cent of Cineplex's overall take, it grew just 6.5 per cent in 2007. By contrast, concession sales were up 10 per cent, and now make up 29 per cent of revenue. Other revenue - mostly advertising in theatres, and in Cineplex's magazines and websites - jumped a healthy 19 per cent, making up 10 per cent of the take for the first time.

That "Large Popcorn, two large soft drinks" combo that they sell for $12.95 represents about, oh, probably $12.00 gross profit.

That's why they don't really care if you buy one ticket and see three movies.

 

We also live about three minutes from the busiest Cineplex Odeon in the country.

In addition to several acres of free parking, there are also three restaurants/bars on the site, all owned by the same company but appealing to different demographics.

 

You found that out, too, eh?

 

Well, not me personally but my kids will theatre hop.

 

It's pretty easy when there are 20-screen theaters with no employees past the front door.

 

I still enjoy going to the movies because you're locked in for two hours.

It's the last vestige of a communal experience.

 

Keep the Invisible Hand out of my large bucket.

 

It's not the hand you need to worry about ...

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=popcorn+trick

 

Ah yes... Mickey Rourke in "Diner."

 

One of my Top Five movies of all time.

It was just on the Movie Network last Saturday

All I did was I parked the car on a nice lonely road, I looked at her, and I said fuck or fight

 

That's precisely why I DON'T like going. Those whiny, sniffling, seat-kicking, crying kids and their smelly parents? You're stuck with them for two hours.

 

Yea, that is the biggest downside to the theater.

But it is a plus that I can quickly flash my college student ID (ragged as it may be) and still get in for the student rate. That said, I still don't go to the theater very often.