For my birthday last month, I received a $30 gift card to AMC theatres. They have a great location close by my residence, lots of theatres, stadium seating, etc. This past weekend, my wife and I headed over there to check out "21" (she's a big fan of "based on true events" films). Two tickets and the #1 combo (popcorn and a soda) later, not only was my gift card tapped, I owed them another $2.00!

$32.00 for one trip to the cineplex...and what did we get for it? Glad you asked that question...

I had the privelege of settling into my middle aisle, middle of the row seat next to two older ladies - who were very liberal in applying their older lady perfume that afternoon - and in front of a middle aged gentleman whom I would soon find out liked to make comments throughout the film. Additionally, when I took a sip of my giant Cherry Coke, I discovered I had been given a Diet Coke instead - not a good surprise.

Those incidentals aside, we came to see a new Hollywood movie in it's first weekend of release - the real reason for attending the cinema. The film was ok - and that's about all I can say about it. It wasn't great, it wasn't bad. There were a few funny moments and a few tense moments, it was well acted with slick productions values, and everyone loves a good Vegas montage. However, I can't imagine I'll have any real recollection of the film a week from now - to turn a phrase "there's just no there there."

So...did we get our money's worth? Consider that for that same $32 dollars, we could have stayed home, with our nice big TV, surround sound speakers and comfy couch, ordered in Chinese and watched just about any movie On Demand outside of the past 2 month's theatrical releases. My drink order would have been correct; the only perfume would have been my wife's and the only commentary would have been by us/for us.

Which leads us to the final question - is it worth it? Is seeing a movie when it first comes out worth the extra expense and the uncontrollable variables that come with a crowded theatre? I'm not so sure, particularly when, more often than not, you're seeing average, forgettable films . As always - very curious to know what you all think. Drop a comment below.

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