Some time back, I took my g/daughter to see “Schreck”, I dunno how to spell it. Anyway, it cost me almost $40 for tickets, a drink each, a split box of pop corn and a small box of candy. That totally sucks dude.
There are a lot of older, smaller theaters which sell $2 to $5 tickets to movies which have been out awhile. Sure, the same movies are in DVD format, but there is something about the theater experience and big screen which still brings in the patrons. You'll find these type of theaters in college towns, but also in smaller towns. They also sell refreshments at convenience store prices. They really don't care if you bring your own stuff in because their prices are reasonable enough that almost nobody does. They evidently make money because they remain open.
I feel your pain. The last movie I saw was the first Transformer movie. I took my young son as he wanted to see it.
Anyway, the two tickets, two small drinks and a shared popcorn cost me $35 and that was a matinee.
Movie popcorn is the most expensive food product based on weight alone. I can get prime filets for less.
If I could figure out how to get my own popcorn in I would.