I love the movies. Even before I started writing for Movie Buzzers I spent quite a bit of money seeing all the big films at my local multiplex. But I couldn’t tell you the last time I bought snacks in a regular movie theater. Why? Well, with the escalating price of tickets and food, why should I bother buying overpriced food? I could survive two hours or so without snacking, and so can you. Besides, what if I drink too much soda and have to run to the bathroom during the climax?
So I agree that concession prices at theaters are way too expensive, just as they are at every sports stadium and other entertainment venues. However, Joshua Thompson, who is from Livonia, Michigan, has filed a lawsuit against his local AMC theater “in hopes of forcing theaters statewide to dial down snack prices” according to the Detroit Free Press.
Thompson’s lawyer says, “It’s hard to justify prices that are three- and four-times higher than anywhere else.” While that’s true, here’s the thing: You don’t have to buy them, especially since my overcharging theater isn’t the only place to buy popcorn and soda. It’s not like movie theaters are running a popcorn-and-soda racket (I’m now imagining 1920s gangsters running from Federal Agents with trucks full of bootleg popcorn). Yes, it sucks, but frankly theaters have the right to do so — it’s the same reason why a trendy bar will charge $10 for a beer even though the 7-Eleven a few blocks over charges that for an entire six-pack. You might as well go ahead and sue every expensive restaurant for charging more for food.
Not surprisingly, two consumer lawyers mention in the article that the judge will very likely dismiss the suit.
My solution? Detroit could use a theater that serves quality food for reasonable prices, like Brooklyn’s reRun Theater or any of the Alamo Drafthouse locations. Save the Goobers and Mike and Ikes for Halloween.
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