Moviegoers, clean up your public skills

There are a lot of folks out there who think I still go to the movies for free — that I see films in advance with the critics.

And they're surprised when I respond that I gave up free screenings nearly a decade ago, and that these days I actually go to the multiplex and buy a ticket just like everybody else.

Only more often. Say, every week.

Sometimes my wife and I go to a movie two or three times in a week.

And in addition, we sometimes go separately, with various friends or family in tow. I might go with my sons to an action picture or with some pals to an art-house film, and she might see a movie for the second — or third — time because she wants to share it with her daughters or some friends.

How much do we love movies? Enough to want to share them.

And there's still nothing like watching a movie in a public auditorium with 300 strangers all experiencing the same emotions at the same time. (Well, not always; we didn't laugh in "Wild Hogs" or "Blades of Glory" nearly as much as those around us.)

But the truth is, going to the movies these days is getting to be something of a chore.

We don't mind the lines or the crowds so much, or even the pricey popcorn and Coke. OK, that's a lie.

But there are a few other things that have begun to make staying home and watching a classic on DVD more appealing than going out to a theater to see a new film.

Besides the quality of the films.

• Cell phones.

I know I've written about this before, but in addition to the little blue/green lights that occasionally pop up around the auditorium or the idiots who — unbelievably — take calls during the movie, now we have text messaging.

I have actually watched two teens sitting in the row in front of me text messaging each other — during the movie. What could be so important that it can't wait until the movie's over? And if it is that important, go out to the lobby and have a conversation!

Something must be darn important for a lot of folks, because I've also noticed that the second the movie wraps, hordes of people jump up from their seats and open their phones as they rush out.

It's an addiction: Must use phone. Must check messages. Must make call.