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I noticed that one of the multiplexes near me is closing for good. It's a sign of the times. People can't afford to pay 10 or 15 dollars for a movie, particularly if they are taking spouses and children. Add to that refreshments, parking in some places, maybe a meal before or after the movie and it's an expensive day or night out. And if the movie is bad, the experience is even more painful.

I'm so glad I subscribe to Netflix and other such services. For a low monthly fee, I can see a movie in the comfort of my living room if I'm willing to wait a few months or so after release. And if the movie is a dud, no great loss.

Add to that refreshments, parking in some places, maybe a meal before or after the movie and it's an expensive day or night out.

When I was in high school (early 80s), going to a movie was a relatively cheap date. We were willing to take a chance on what might be a bad movie.

Nowadays, besides the fact that I can just wait, read plenty of reviews (usually on FR) and then rent a digital version in the comfort of my home of a movie I have a reasonable expectation of enjoying, the cost of visiting the movies has soared, and the likelihood of seeing one worth watching has plummeted.

It's simple economics. Cost is high, probability of value is low, alternatives abound and cost far less. The only thing I find worth visiting a theater to see these days tends to be Pixar cartoons.