Fair enough. I do know some cinemas, usually the ones that run quiet, arthouse movies, have a no snack policy for that reason. Of course, those generally don’t run silly comedies anyway :D

The chewing sounds are a bit of an annoyance, sure. But since I like to snack a bit as well, I’m not going to complain about it :D

You could try some earplugs; they make specific ones to wear to music festivals and the like. They block quieter sounds like someone chewing two rows back, but still let you hear the movie just fine. They can help people with misophonia.

This will of course depend on where you are, but from my own experience here in the Netherlands, most people are very respectful.

I went to the cinema 140 times last year; and only had two movies where I was annoyed with others. And staff promptly intervened. In about 250 movies total, I’ve only seen ONE case of people ejected from the movie after multiple complaints.

So at least here, statistically, it’s not so bad. But that could vary greatly depending on the demographic and behaviour of others who frequent your cinema.

Oh it is, I’m enjoying every minute of it.

Back in the early days of Movie Pass in the US, I was hoping we’d get something similar in the Netherlands. But our local cinema didn’t offer anything like that. When the new chain opened two years ago, I got their movie pass immediately.

‘Going to the movies is expensive’; that’s the common complaint many people have. But, those tend to be people who see maybe a handful of movies per year, if that. The average consumer here in the Netherlands sees three movies in cinema per year. So, they buy a ticket for Saturday night, which costs 15 euros. Now add a popcorn and drink, and it’s easily 25 euros per person. That feels expensive for the average person.

But when you look at the pass… it gets really attractive. I pay 22 euros per month. That allows me to see every movie, every day, as much as I want. No limit.

You only really need to watch two movies per month to be cheaper off with the pass. Except I’m not seeing two per month. I see on average three movies per week. Sometimes on the same day. I’ve done cinema days from 10 am to 10 pm.

And the best part? It’s a modern nine screen cinema with all luxury recliners. Every single seat.

I know I’m very lucky that I can do this, so I’m taking full advantage.

It’s definitely something I’ve noticed as well. I’m in my early 40’s, but I’ve got the same issue.

When I’m at home, just doing one thing feels wasteful. I’m always multitasking. So when streaming a movie on my PC for example, I’m usually too tempted to do some browsing. As a result, I just don’t finish a lot of streaming movies.

Two years ago we got a new cinema, which offered unlimited movie passes. You pay 22 euros per month and can see as many movies as you like.

I saw 142 movies in cinema last year. And I have no problem seeing three hour plus movies. Because it’s a forced no phone zone, I’m actually able to focus on just the movie.

It’s something I’ve heard from other, younger moviegoers as well.

Saw it on release last year and absolutely loved it. It’s now my number one recommendation for a Christmas movie.

Yeah, in the US they really scaled back those movie pass programs. I’m in the Netherlands though.

I honestly don’t care how the economics of it work. But I’m using that pass to the fullest extent possible. I’ve seen a hundred and one movies this year so far, so about 110 or so total. That works out to two per week or 8 per month. So I’m getting my money’s worth for sure.

I do buy the occasional popcorn or a drink, but certainly not every movie.

I know in the US they figured that pass use would drop off after the initial period. Much like how gyms are packed in january, but by march those people have stopped coming. Of course, they apparently missed the fact that going to the movies is actually fun. Going to the gym isn’t (for most people).

When a new cinema opened in my city back in december 2022, I got an unlimited movie pass. That allows me to see every movie I want, as often as I want. It costs 20 euros per month.

If you want to see a movie a few times a year, the cinema is expensive. Individual tickets can be up to 16 euros here, plus snacks and drinks.

But if you want to see ALL the movies, well, it’s surprisingly cheap by comparison. I really only need to see 2 movies per month to make the pass viable. But I’m not seeing 2 per month - I’m seeing at least two, three per week. I’ve done three movies back to back.

So the trick to casual movie going is: go see everything :D

I hadn’t seen the runtime before; you’re right! 161 minutes! That’s definitely three hours with trailers and intermission. Yowza.

It does seem strange to have a part 2 with that much runtime.

It’s annoying when they do it for sure. And personally, I love a long movie. I’d rather watch a three hour epic than two 90 minute movies.

But I don’t have the attention span of a goldfish like many people seem to have these days. So it’s understandable that they feel the need to split, especially if there’s going to be kids watching it.

I’ve just seen it. It’s better than the reviews would suggest, but it’s not without flaws or quirks.

If you went into it expecting ‘more of Joker 1’ in terms of a straight, by the numbers sequel, you might very well come out disappointed. And there’s no denying that there’s a lot of singing in it, which inherently puts some people off. But if you’re willing to have an open mind, there’s a lot to love here.

I’ve seen terribly reviewed movies that I loved and well reviewed movies that I’ve hated. At the end of the day, it’s all someone else’s opinion anyway.

I was honestly surprised it was out already. I’ve seen a few memes about it the past few months, but my theater hasn’t even run the trailer. It’s also not even in their coming soon listing, which it should be considering it’s supposedly releasing in december here in the Netherlands.

I doubt they’re bothering to run it at all with the reception this got so far. Not unless it manages to capture a ‘so bad you gotta see this train wreck’ cult status between now and december…

Street Fighter the movie is honestly one of the best things ever put to film. It’s just so bad and campy, it manages to circle back to ‘fucking awesome’. I can’t help but watch it when it’s on somewhere.

I’ve got an unlimited movie pass for my local cinema so I’m basically seeing it for free this Saturday.

My expectations are low; I imagine it’s going to be a poor representation of the game, just like most game movies are. I’m HOPING it’s going to be at least campy fun, but with ticket prices being what they are, I can understand most people not wanting to pre-buy tickets without seeing some reviews…

Well… I’m REALLY fucking excited for it. Absolutely loved Deadpool 1 & 2. I’m probably going to see this three times when it comes out.

But turn around the slump? Doubt it. Not on its own. It can’t hope to fix the deeper problems Marvel created for itself, like overextending on the TV shows.

Marvel basically needs to die and be reborn. And despite what the trailer says, I don’t think Deadpool’s their Jesus.

Couple years ago, I visited a historic grand prix that featured classic F1 cars. They also had open pits, so you could walk up and ask questions and literally stand next to the cars.

I was standing next to a 70’s F1 car when they performed an engine test. I was wearing thick, professional earplugs and the biggest Peltors you’ve ever seen. When they fired that thing up, I lasted all of five seconds before I walked out. At that point, it was no longer sound but sheer pressure. You could feel it in your chest.

As for how the mechanics do it? Easy, they’re all deaf as a post. Even the best earpro can’t prevent that kind of hearing damage, especially if that’s your chosen career. If you’re worried about good earpro not being enough, best advice is to put distance between you and the object/career path involved.

Which is exactly what everyone does. At least in the US. And every side is equally wrong about it.

The loudest voices always draw the most attention. And I don’t know any other vegan voice that’s as loud as PETA’s. That’s kind of the problem.

There’s also the ‘guilt by association’. Look at organisations like PETA: they even complained about things like the treatment of entirely fictional animals in video games, like Palworld. Basically, you can’t even argue that ‘they look like real animals so it encourages real-world mistreatment’ like they usually do.

That does not make you look particularly sane. I’m sure they do good work as well, but that sort of thing isn’t helping their cause.

I got to see a total eclipse in the Netherlands back in august of 1999. It was truly remarkable. Most people really only get to see it once or twice during their lifetime - so definitely make it a point not to miss it if you’re in a region where it’s a total eclipse.

Once you’ve actually experienced one, it’s very easy to understand why they had such a profound impact on people throughout the centuries. Eerie doesn’t quite cut it.

I’ve had a fair few colleagues with varying levels and flavors of autism. The answer is yes.

Also, weird people are fun. Normal’s overrated. I like weird people. Which is probably why I actually prefer the autistic colleagues over the ‘normal’ ones.

Sure, not everyone will dig your particular weirdness, but the same thing is true of everyone without autism too. Just live your life and do your own thing.