CHUD.com Community › Forums › THE MAIN SEWER › Movie Miscellany › Movie Theaters: To eat or not to eat
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Movie Theaters: To eat or not to eat

post #1 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:17pm
Thread Starter 
There seems to be 3 camps of movie theater patrons:

1. Those who don't eat anything. Maybe they don't want to pay for the expensive food, or maybe they just don't care to eat while they watch a film.
2. Those who buy a bag of popcorn and a soda and are content to quietly munch on their food without disrupting others.
3. Those who see the movie theater as an all-you-can-eat buffet. They come in with a mega tub of popcorn, a supersized soda, and 3 pizzas and proceed to stuff their face throughout the entire movie.

I fall into category 1 and occasionally into category 2. I just don't like to munch, for the most part. I find that it disrupts the movie going experience.

Where do you guys fall?
Reply
post #2 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:20pm
Category 1 for me, my wife gets a soda once in a blue moon.

I don't believe I've eaten anything in a theater in at least 20 years or so.
Reply
post #3 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:23pm
For some reason, heavily buttered/salted movie popcorn makes me sick everytime, without fail.

If anything, I get some Twizzlers every now and again with a water. Though, most of the time I swing by a store and sneak this stuff in, because it's just fucking ridiculous to pay $4 for a bottle of water.

IF I'm going to eat, I try to make sure to get the majority of it done during the trailers, or at least get done dicking around with noisy wrappers and such.

I cannot understand the #3 people, the one's who cannot go to a film without hearing the dinner bell being rang.
Reply
post #4 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:26pm
I usually stop at CVS before the theater, buy a drink and some candy for a dollar and three cents and bring it to the theater.
Reply
post #5 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:28pm
I like to eat the chocolate chip cookie dough candy at various action/superhero/ martial arts films. To save some money, I only get the candy 6-8 films a year.
Reply
post #6 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:29pm
Category 1 for me nine times out of ten, but the last two movies I've fallen into Category 2. But I hadn't had anything to eat either of those two days so it was probably being hungry more than any desire for crappy butter.

I do sneak bottled water in if I get it at all. There's a vending machine right outside the theater in the mall so I don't see the point of walking five feet away and paying $3.50.
Reply
post #7 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:31pm
I often eat while I watch movies. And almost always drink something.

I usually get a coke from concessions but it's expensive at our theater. So is the food. And our matinees aren't all that cheap either.

Usually, I buy the ticket and drink at the theater and bring food from Sonic, BK, etc. in with me. Yeah, I'm that guy.
Reply
post #8 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:35pm
I'd say I get popcorn about half the time but only if I've not eaten and want something, or if it's a long ass movie. I'll usually get a soda because the a/c (especially in north america) dries me the fuck out.

I was stunned when I saw that thing where you could buy a crappy little pizza and they would bring it to your seat, what the fuck? Go to a decent pizza place first or after - it's the staff who have to clean up after these smorgasbords I feel sorry for. I don't mind people making some noise when they eat in the theatre - I know it's impossible to do it silently but I usually wait for the car-chase / gun-fight or other similar dolby moment to go at my popcorn.. If some cunt's opening individual jolly ranchers behind me during a pivotal quiet moment I'll move.
Reply
post #9 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:36pm
last time i bought popcorn and a drink i spent more for that then the film...

that film..Pearl Harbor. I enjoyed the popcorn and drinks so much more then the film. Thankfully my theater gives free refills.

But I'll sneak in a twizzlers every now and again.
Reply
post #10 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:37pm
#2: Large popcorn without butter and a large cherry Coke.

Every single time.
Reply
post #11 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:37pm
Always popcorn and a Coke for me and the girl. Plus, the theater I go to lets you put your own butter on. So I'm in heaven. But I usually end up eating all of the popcorn before the movie even starts. I'm the one who tends to get there like a half hour/40 mins before the flick is supposed to start. Then you have the 10-15 mins of commercials and trailers. By the time the flick starts, the popcorn is gone and so is most of the pop.
Reply
post #12 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:38pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Andrew Eaton View Post
I often eat while I watch movies. And almost always drink something.

I usually get a coke from concessions but it's expensive at our theater. So is the food. And our matinees aren't all that cheap either.

Usually, I buy the ticket and drink at the theater and bring food from Sonic, BK, etc. in with me. Yeah, I'm that guy.
some of those snack wraps or do you bring in a whole Whopper value meal?
Reply
post #13 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:43pm
If I'm going to the Alamo Drafthouse I typically always arrange it around grabbing lunch or dinner. Plus the Italian cream soda there is incredible.

At the megaplex I rarely get anything. If it's a hot ass summer day I might grab a soda since I was standing outside sweating to get tickets. If I stop to get gas on the way though I usually run inside the corner store and grab some M&Ms or something to take with me. 79 cents is better than four bucks.
Reply
post #14 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:47pm
I still love the pretzel bites (provided they were just made) and will get a diet coke every now and then. If, for some reason, I have a hankering for candy (and I'm one of those people who hates hearing the crinkling of people's candy during a movie) I'll stop at wawa on the way to the theater and buy something there. It's way more cost effective.

Stuff I've seen people bring into the theater to eat:

bucket of fried chicken (for themself)
2 foot hoagie (not sure if it was for himself, but it was huge)
entire calzone (for themself).

Remember when theaters would ban you from bringing shit in? Now, not so much.
Reply
post #15 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:51pm
I stumbled on one of my favorite theater combinations while splurging on both candy and popcorn a few years back: Reese's Pieces mixed in a tub of popcorn. The salt-sugar combination is pure bliss.
Reply
post #16 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:52pm
HAha. I thought I was the only one that ever did that. That is the greatness right there.
Reply
post #17 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob View Post
HAha. I thought I was the only one that ever did that. That is the greatness right there.
It is so fucking good I'm surprised it's not a tradition, like an an Arnold Palmer or something.
Reply
post #18 of 164
10/23/08 at 1:58pm
Thread Starter 
man, that does sound good.

I just hate it when stuff-your-facers sit next to me. They are never quiet eaters and the mix of various food odors can get nauseating.
Reply
post #19 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:04pm
I'm type #2, with some dark chocolate that I sneak in and unwrap before the show starts to avoid bothering people.

The worse I've seen is some asshole sneaking in SUSHIS in plastic containers. The ones snapped in so when you struggle to open them you maximize acoustic damage. Justice was served when someone emptied their drinks on their heads 2 minutes in the movie.
Reply
post #20 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:04pm
I'm typically in the #1 camp, occasionally #2 if I haven't eaten in a while.

A friend of mine and I used to have a tradition to go get a burger and fries and bring it to some crazy action movie, which was fun. It's not something I do anymore.


But, when Return of the King came out, 2 friends and I went opening day, sneaking an entire large pizza into the theatre under a coat. It was truly a feat of the ages and we all thoroughly enjoyed that experience.
Reply
post #21 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:04pm
Depends on the movie. I wouldn't eat during something serious, but sometimes a tub of popcorn and a soda are the perfect compliment for, well, a popcorn movie.
Reply
post #22 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:06pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin Savage View Post
The ones snapped in so when you struggle to open them you maximize acoustic damage. Justice was served when someone emptied their drinks on their heads 2 minutes in the movie.
The bastards who buy food that you have to continually unwrap (crinkle crinkle crinkle crinkle crinkle) deserve every bit vengeance that they get.
Reply
post #23 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by duke fleed View Post
I like to eat the chocolate chip cookie dough candy at various action/superhero/ martial arts films. To save some money, I only get the candy 6-8 films a year.
What I wouldn't give to follow you around for a day.
Reply
post #24 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:08pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric Cordo View Post
What I wouldn't give to follow you around for a day.
There might be employment at his institute. Try to see if you can get a watchman or nursing position.
Reply
post #25 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by MoonBaseNick View Post
some of those snack wraps or do you bring in a whole Whopper value meal?
Oh, trust me - if I could find a way to fit a whole value meal in her purse and/or convince her to do so, I would.

Just the burger will do though.
Reply
post #26 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:12pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wadeisdead View Post
But, when Return of the King came out, 2 friends and I went opening day, sneaking an entire large pizza into the theatre under a coat. It was truly a feat of the ages and we all thoroughly enjoyed that experience.
I have to ask...how in the hell did you do this without ruining the pizza? I'm assuming that you had to hold the thing upright to keep it hidden under a coat, but that makes all of the toppings slide off. Didn't they smell the pepperoni when they tore your ticket?
Reply
post #27 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:15pm
I seem to only get food whenever I get the 'free small popcorn' thing from my frequent flier movie card, self-buttered (or...lubed, cuz that shit sure ain't butter...) and it's freaking awesome. So, #1 for me most of the time, though I have been known to smuggle in water on occasion.

About the only time I ever do eat anything is with one specific person, and she buys, and it's freaking awesome. The pizzas are great for some reason I have yet to find.

Oh, and if you think popcorn and Reeses is good, try popcorn and Skittles. Two of my favorite foods, combined. Amazing.

EDIT: Oh, and if you ever get the chance, I know a lot of theaters are doing 'Premium' venues nowadays, which is essentially, dinner and a movie (dinner before, after or even DURING), alcohol and no fucking bullshit. Most polite audiences ever (they tend to be older, because the tickets are about 20 a whack), but sooooo worth it. Food is fantastic, too.
Reply
post #28 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:16pm
1 Small Popcorn (no butter), 1 Medium Diet Coke. Every time.
Reply
post #29 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:17pm
A lot of us have worked in movie theaters, and I don't understand how some of you guys who did can still eat food from a theater that isn't pre-packaged.
Reply
post #30 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:17pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wadeisdead View Post
...occasionally #2 if I haven't eaten in a while.
Doesn't matter how soon before the film we've eaten dinner. Always room for popcorn.

And Bendrix, that Reeses/popcorn mix sounds awesome.
Reply
post #31 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Judas Booth View Post
I have to ask...how in the hell did you do this without ruining the pizza? I'm assuming that you had to hold the thing upright to keep it hidden under a coat, but that makes all of the toppings slide off. Didn't they smell the pepperoni when they tore your ticket?
Plain pizza, so we only lost part of the cheese in the equation. Half the pie was minimal cheese, the other half was double cheese.

It was still worth it.
Reply
post #32 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc Happenin View Post
Oh, and if you think popcorn and Reeses is good, try popcorn and Skittles. Two of my favorite foods, combined. Amazing.
I can see where you're going with there--kind of like the popcorn balls colored blue and red you can get at elementary school fairs--but I think it's like comparing Sex on the Beach or a Fuzzy Navel to a Jack and Coke.

To each his own, however.
Reply
post #33 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:19pm
Thread Starter 
Do any of you know any of the category 3 people personally? I'm curious as to what their motivation is for wanting to eat 15,000 calories during a 2 hour movie. Why can't they eat before or afterwards? They absolutely astound me.
Reply
post #34 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wadeisdead View Post
Plain pizza, so we only lost part of the cheese in the equation. Half the pie was minimal cheese, the other half was double cheese.

It was still worth it.
For a minute there, I thought you were planning ahead and ordering the pizza that way to account for gravity. That would have been dedication.
Reply
post #35 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bendrix View Post
For a minute there, I thought you were planning ahead and ordering the pizza that way to account for gravity. That would have been dedication.
I really should have thought of that.
Reply
post #36 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:21pm
And if we're combining foods, I highly recommend jelly beans and peanuts.
Reply
post #37 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:23pm
Thread Starter 
Hey, if we're combining food: candy corn, peanuts, and reese's pieces.
Reply
post #38 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:25pm
Strictly a "sneak stuff in guy". My body doesn't deal with most theater food well anyway due to all the excess salt and shit, and the organic stuff I get into the theater tastes better anyway.

Compared to Pirates Booty, theater popcorn can go fuck itself.
Reply
post #39 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:25pm
I do this mix at home: All-Dressed flavored potato chips and BBQ peanuts.

Home only, else it make too much NOISE!
Reply
post #40 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wadeisdead View Post
I really should have thought of that.
One to grow on.

Combos: Dots and popcorn.

The salt is just like theater culinary glue.
Reply
post #41 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:28pm
I like to eat a whole chicken, then throw the bones on the floor when I'm done. I also like to watch for patrons nearby me, and when I think they are done with their popcorn, I tap them on the shoulder and ask if they're going to finish it.

Normally I will sneak in a drink, but that's only because the sodas they sell at the stand are so damn nasty. I will purchase popcorn, and depending on who I'm with, some candy will be devoured.

This is if I have the extra money to spend. More often than not, I'll purchase the tickets, get a drink of water at the fountain, and watch the movie.

I kind of got spoiled at the theater I used to work at that was also a bar and restaraunt, I got used to being able to watch a movie with some decent food, steak sandwich, pizza, or at least some real nachos.
Reply
post #42 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:28pm
I never eat, occasionally drink, but it doesn't bother me even if other people eat ridiculous, noisy stuff. That's nothing compared to talk, cell phone lights, or any of the other myriad possible distractions.
Reply
post #43 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:29pm
Popcorn and Reese's. Popcorn and Skittle. Good God, so what number heart attack will the next be for you fellows?
Reply
post #44 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:29pm
Hell, one day I'll have to sneak in a pistachio-crusted rack of lamb. Just because I'm sophisticate.
Reply
post #45 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Keith F View Post
I like to eat a whole chicken, then throw the bones on the floor when I'm done. I also like to watch for patrons nearby me, and when I think they are done with their popcorn, I tap them on the shoulder and ask if they're going to finish it.


I sincerely hope this part of the post was a joke. Because the rest of your post makes me think you're serious.
Reply
post #46 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:31pm
Thread Starter 
As far as sneaking stuff in goes, beer was just about the only thing. I got tired of continually needing to piss all the time, though.

Speaking of needing to piss...if you're going to get that super-sized Coke, please do everyone a favor and sit near the fucking aisle. I hate having to make room for your ass every 20 minutes while you wriggle by me on your way to the bathroom.
Reply
post #47 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:32pm
My friend Nicole lit up a joint in the movie theater once. I wasn't there on that occasion, but it didn't surprise me.
Reply
post #48 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:33pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin Savage View Post
Hell, one day I'll have to sneak in a pistachio-crusted rack of lamb. Just because I'm sophisticate.
I'd make a category 1 exception for that...let me sit next to you with a knife and fork when you do this.
Reply
post #49 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:55pm
I actually like movie theater popcorn. I prefer to put butter on it (self-serve at AMC 24 here in Hampton, VA), but the butter makes my wife ill. So, when we do get popcorn, I usually go without.

Unfortunately, when we go to the movies anymore it's usually right after going to dinner. So, I'm not generally hungry for popcorn by that point.

Guess that puts me as a category 1 most of the time, though I wish I could be a category 2 more often.
Reply
post #50 of 164
10/23/08 at 2:59pm
I almost always watch dry. No food or drink. My wife sometimes wants popcorn and a drink so we will do that now and then but before I started going to the movies with her I never got anything. I guess I would be category 1
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Movie Miscellany
CHUD.com Community › Forums › THE MAIN SEWER › Movie Miscellany › Movie Theaters: To eat or not to eat