By Adam Spunberg

Going to the movies is not quite what it was. Critics and film buffs complain of increasingly poor viewing experiences, where fellow filmgoers text message, answer calls, and even chat about Gossip Girl, with little concern for how their behavior might affect the experience for others. Why common courtesy has diminished in society can be debated about for hours, but it is certainly taking place, especially at movie theatres.

Renting movies is not quite what it was, either. With flat screen televisions and advanced sound systems becoming ever more affordable, the number of households capable of simulating a theatre-like atmosphere is skyrocketing. Evil Blockbuster is going down while the amiable Netflix is soaring, and every cable provider has scores of on-demand channels and free movies. Even microwave popcorn has gotten more chic, with theatre corn continually denigrated for its high calorie content (I still love the taste, though).

As Roger Ebert (possibly the most hyperactive tweeter on the Net right now, although he always tweets great stuff) and his partner-du-jour might say, movie theatres are getting a thumbs down and home viewing a big thumbs up. Why pay $10+ (a ridiculous $12.50 in New York) to see a film you can wait nine months to see at home? These days, even members of the Academy are judging movies at home.

Perhaps I’m a fool to keep going, but to me, there’s nothing like that old thrill of smelling the coconut oil as you rush to find a seat, persuading yourself, “I think it’s still in previews. I didn’t miss anything yet!” as your friend says he/she needs to use the restroom. Or taking that girl (or guy if that’s your preference) to see that romantic film, hoping to hold hands at the scariest or most emotional moments. Or going with your family like you always did, because it was something fun to look forward to and brings back memories of your childhood.

Sometimes, in a truly gripping film, you can almost feel the audience connected like one unified congregation. There’s also always the chance of something truly random happening, like when I saw Twilight: New Moon and some girl blurted out, “I like you,” when Jacob asked Bella, “Don’t you like me?,” which of course led to a good minute’s laughter from the whole crowd. Midnight openings are especially scintillating, with rabid fanbases delighting collectively in anticipation. Seeing Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in that setting was an unforgettable extravaganza.

How hermit-like can we be as a society? Are we entering the days of virtual movie theatres, where we all watch and pretend we’re together? Have we really become this reclusive?

Finally – much like print journalism (I say this as I write an online blog) – if we take it all for granted, we’ll end up losing quality. Indie films are great, but what drives the motion picture industry are the big-studio productions, and while a lot of them are unsatisfactory, there are also some extraordinary efforts that we’ll never see. Without the theatre to popularize film, there would be no Indie films, Netflix, or even the DVD. We might be stuck watching Lifetime movies.

Call me old-fashioned, but I still love the theatre. Here’s to hoping you’ll join me next weekend.