Doctor Strange director says if you are going to movie theaters in America “you are selfishly prolonging this crisis” – Agree or Disagree?

Those comfy theater recliner seats — with social distancing in place will be back in action soon…

Throughout the pandemic, we’ve maintained the position that people should only return to the theater when they feel safe. There are way too many variables for any other person to judge whether or not it’s a good decision for you in your home area and individual circumstance to advise one way or the other. More importantly, who wants to take personal safety advice from a movie and TV review website?

We need to make our own decisions in life and limit outside influence. If the theater is open and you feel safe, we say more power to you. Enjoy yourselves!

If you don’t, however, that’s cool, too.

Unfortunately, the director to Doctor Strange, Scott Derrickson, has decided to take a more critical path on current moviegoers. Some might use the word “attack” when reading his quote below (emphasis is ours):

Derrickson also retweeted the following from Twitter user @mangiotto: “If you go see a movie in a theater right now, you are selfishly prolonging this crisis while endangering yourself, your family, and every stranger who may occupy a space you’ve vacated anywhere you go once you’ve been infected. You don’t care about others. You suck.”

Yet another Hollywood director is warning fans – don’t go see ‘Tenet’ – BGR

In fairness to Mr. Derrickson, Twitter is a cesspool of critical thinking and it’s almost always extremely out of context, due to the text limitation. Still, if we play devil’s advocate, it’s really hard to put a positive spin on his own words.

speaking to my fellow Americans of course

— N O S ⋊ Ɔ I ᴚ ᴚ Ǝ ᗡ ⊥ ⊥ O Ɔ S (@scottderrickson) August 22, 2020

This hyperbole from someone who doesn’t have, know or seem to care about all the facts is ignorant, at best. Who does this guy think he is, anyway telling me, you or anybody else that wants to go see a movie that we’re “selfishly prolonging this crisis.” Where are his facts to support this hypothesis? Besides his directorial prowess, he must also have a minor in biochemistry, yes?

Here are some facts, Mr. Derrickson.

We have been working alongside people this whole time in public in essential jobs, just as susceptible — maybe more — to being infected. Thankfully, neither of us have caught the virus, but our feelings are if we can catch the virus while working, we can catch it going to the grocery store, out to dinner or going to a movie. You can wake up this morning, walk outside and be struck by lightning or hit by a car walking down the street. Your chance of being killed in an automobile accident just commuting to and from work is high.

Risks are everywhere and we can’t live 100% risk adverse.

If you don’t want to see a movie in a theater, then don’t go. That’s totally cool and we’ll never complain about your decision. If someone wants to disrespect and again, that word, attack moviegoers without knowing anything about them or their situation, then no, we don’t suck, that person sucks.

Movie theaters are no less high risk than grocery stores or casinos and both of those are open, too. If you use Mr. Derrickson’s logic, everywhere you go outside interacting with other people you’re “prolonging” the crisis. I’m not saying throw COVID-19 parties to intentionally infect others (we’ve written about that insanity, see: COVID-19 Parties? Proof That Not All Human Life Is Intelligent).

Idiots are everywhere. Some, apparently, have directed Marvel movies.

I saw The New Mutants in IMAX Thursday (Kara wasn’t interested in seeing — and she was right) and we’re planning to see another movie tonight. Maybe — gasp — two! Probably catch at least one of the classic reissues in the theater over this weekend as well. We’re going to keep watching movies in theaters — until/unless they close again or we simply decide for whatever reason we don’t want to watch movies in theaters any more. It’s not likely to be because we believe our attendance is prolonging the crisis.

Does Mr. Derrickson’s — and probably some others agree – opinion that moviegoers are prolonging the crisis sit well with you? Do you agree or disagree? We’re open to discuss all viewpoints below.

List of AMC theaters reopening for 15 cent movie day on August 20 – Any reopening near you?

AMC is pulling out the stops to get moviegoers back to their theaters when some are reopened next Thursday on August 20 in the United States.

Contrast this to Regal, that start reopening one day later Friday. Kara and I received email notification from Regal that we will both receive a free month of Regal Unlimited ($44+ tax value), with charging for the service to resume on/after September 21, 2020.

The 15 cents per movie deal at AMC isn’t as good as free, but it’s pretty close. Their similar program called A-List is available for $5 for the first month, but that only allows 3 movies per week. Regal doesn’t have a limit, except that you can only see the same movie once per day.

To think that in 1920 the ticket price to see movies was only 15 cents is an eye-opener for inflation considering the cost is more like $12 now.

The company, which was founded in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1920, is also offering discounts on concessions like popcorn for $5 through the end of October. “We are thrilled to once again open our doors to American moviegoers who are looking for an opportunity to get out of their houses and apartments and escape into the magic of the movies,” Adam Aron, AMC’s CEO, said in a statement on Thursday.

AMC is reopening its theaters this month with 15-cent tickets – CNN

The list of AMC theaters reopening on August 20 at AMC website is located here:
https://www.amctheatres.com/amc-safe-and-clean?rel=safe-and-clean_reopening_hp_hero#locations

Bummer for those of us in Washington State. Here’s the message we get on AMC website:

“Will reopen when local guidelines allow”

Doesn’t appear any AMC theaters will be reopening in Washington state on August 20

This is because in our area we’re in a phased reopening: phase 2, which does not allow reopening. Phase 3 is available in some counties in Washington state. The list of counties for other Washington state residents or tourists is here:

https://coronavirus.wa.gov/what-you-need-know/county-status-and-safe-start-application-process

The state capitol is in Olympia, which is Thurston county. That’s in Phase 3 which allows movie theaters to reopen with less than 25% capacity. Unfortunately, we’re not seeing any theaters located in Thurston county, which is like 30 minutes away from us. Bummer again. Maybe we’ll find an AMC theater located there somewhere.

We’ll be checking next week and maybe in our state it will be allowed for AMC to reopen. Kara and I already talked about it. If the theaters are reopened, we’ll be there on Thursday August 20, 2020 watching at least one movie, probably more.

Is your state listed with theaters in your area reopening on August 20?

If you can go, does 15 cent movie ticket prices entice you any further to return? Or maybe the reduced concession price of $5 popcorn? Or do you still want to wait to feel safer? Tell us in the comments area how you currently feel. There are no right or wrong answers for how you personally feel about when it’s a good time to return to the movies. Just curious if others will be going as soon as they can.

COVID-19 Further Dividing The Unemployed and Employed

Shaggy blowing out dynamite is like the United States congress haggling over a 2nd stimulus plan

As congress argues over another round of stimulus — argh, is that the only thing politicians know how to do?!?! — here are some random COVID-19 thoughts. If you’d rather skip them for brighter movie-oriented pastures, it’s all good.

I will shoehorn movies in here at some point … somehow.

I feel for the world, the people who are sick and those afraid in these hard times. This post is more about supporting those people than condemning a minority who refuse to return to work, when it is offered and available, simply because it pays less than unemployment + CARES act.

Personally, in our family we’ve been working the entire time. Our employers are considered “essential” and it’s been very, very busy. Much busier in our respective businesses than it was a year ago at the same time. Sure, we’ve had challenges, but I’m not going to get into specifics because there are too many people out there who don’t have any kind of employment that nobody really wants to hear someone who has been working this whole time mention any challenges. I’m just grateful we all have jobs, period. I don’t care how good or bad it has been at the job, just grateful to be working.

Nobody in our family has gotten sick, which I’m also grateful for.

With that said, there are at least two different Americas right now. One that can’t go back to work and one that doesn’t want to go back to work. Respectfully, I feel more for the former than the latter. If someone can go back to work vs. staying on unemployment and collecting more than they were making before the pandemic, I would like to think most people would go back to work.

But who am I kidding? We’ve had issues with people not wearing masks, people not respecting social distancing and, yes, people staying on unemployment because it’s both easier and financially rewarding to do that than get back to work.

This country only starts getting back to normal when people go back to work en masse. If we stay at 10% and above unemployment, everything eventually goes off the rails. Don’t listen to my screed, do the research. Social security, our economy, everything we hold dear in this fragile American economy will collapse.

Sorry, that last camp I can’t get behind supporting. If you have an option to go back to work and it pays less than unemployment, well, that means more people like me are helping to pay your bills. We’re helping you to profit from unemployment.

This isn’t blanket condemnation. Those that are caregivers to others or need to stay unemployed for valid reasons I’m happy to help support. Those who are simply choosing to stay unemployed and take advantage of the CARES act because it’s there, well, forgive me readers, but my support ends there.

Congress is set to reconvene this week at a critical juncture following a two-week recess as the $600 weekly unemployment benefits under the CARES Act are set to expire at the end of the month. Policymakers will debate whether more emergency stimulus checks and extra unemployment payments are needed to keep jobless people afloat as workers and businesses continue to grapple with the economic fallout of the pandemic. 

Will there be a second stimulus check? Americans face more money woes

Whatever happens in the presidential election in a couple months will largely, I think, be decided by the state of the economy and where we’re at with COVID-19 at that time. Most second term elections have been based on the economy.

UPDATE 8:12PM: Am waiting for a movie to start, and thought I would add some drive-in sentiments.

It is therapeutic seeing people at the movies this evening. We are waiting for darkness together. I see masks in use as requested and where it is optional, none used.

Sorry Elton – DO let the sun go down on …

Mount Rainier Doesn’t Care About COVID-19

Mount Rainier in the distance … waiting … serene and very deadly

On a recent morning when returning home, I stopped to take a picture of Mt. Rainier. It sits there reminding all human guests on earth — and that’s what we are, because it was here 500,000 years ago, and we about 200,000 — that everything else going on in the world doesn’t really matter. COVID-19, money, work, movies, whatever. The mountain just does its thing and looks majestic in the process.

And perilous too, as it’s considered one of the most dangerous active volcanoes in the world. Yes, everything you see in the picture above will be destroyed when Mount Rainier blows. Within an hour or so (I’m told about 45 minutes, actually). nobody reading this would want to be standing where I was when taking this picture. Our house located not too far away will be gone.

Why live here? Because it’s a great place to live, the mountain’s imminent danger aside.

Where we live when a house comes up for sale it sells faster than any other place in the county. It’s not that the homes are extravagant or in gated communities or even new (most are quite old), it’s something else. I’d say neighborhood, but that sounds snobbish somehow.

I lived in Vancouver, Washington when Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980. I’ve lived through and seen what volcanic ash looks, smells and feels like. It’s silky to the touch but incredibly dense. It rained like snow, but it wreaked havoc on vehicles. When it landed it hardened and become like concrete. Harder than concrete. People were selling it in jars many states away, but we had so much of the stuff in our yard that we jumped it with our bikes. It was like some sort of grayish snow. An almost alien substance that upon touch is never forgotten.

We have lived near Mount Rainier for the better part of 30 years now. We go about our business, while it goes about it, but there is always a reminder that at any moment it could wake up and remind us how insignificant we are. How everything we think matters in a brief few moments will turn into survival. Get to higher ground, get out of the way of the wall of ash, trees and devastation that this beautiful mountain can unleash.

The trees will grow back, the lakes and animals will return. It’s happened at Mount St. Helens. People will rebuild near the mountain again.

The mountain helps to keep us grounded, to remind us that no matter what is happening in the world — bad, good, otherwise — life goes on.

Is watching a movie in a theater a “luxury”?

While reading news, articles and blog posts, a daily activity, I came across a thought-provoking comment on a Yahoo piece, which is pictured above as the the third comment by Arrownoir.

The first comment pictured above is also interesting. The fourth comment by Michelle sort of echoes some polling that some (many?) will be afraid of movie theaters when they reopen. This is another reason I’m less concerned about getting sick at the movie theater. The fewer the people who go, the safer they will be. We tried to stay away from crowds at the theater even before there was a pandemic. It’s like eating at a restaurant that just had a food outbreak, trust me that after they reopen they are way safer than they probably ever had been. When movie theaters first reopen, assuming there aren’t a rush of moviegoers going, they will be about as safe as they ever can and will be in the current environment.

But back to the comment in question.

The commenter considers movies to be a “luxury.” While considering that question for a moment, let’s look at the article itself which deals with the almost Russian Roulette nature of movies moving around on the calendar and what will lead to the best box office performance.

Yet even with the understanding that the calendar could be as tentative as plans for leading film festivals and awards shows, there are still a number of oddities that otherwise would make studio CEOs question the sanity of their distribution and marketing teams.

Studios May Try but Certain Release Schedule Rules Can’t Be Broken

All statistics and data need to be thrown out in these current times. There are just too many unknowns to predict what moviegoers will or won’t do when theaters finally do reopen. Even though they are set to open at the end of July, I’d say it’s at best a coin flip if they won’t push back opening even further.

I don’t want them to do that (unless it is unsafe, of course), but the reality is the virus numbers are returning en masse, people are fighting against wearing masks and other social distancing policies and, no surprise, more people are getting sick. This is leading to some local and state governments rolling back their phased reopening plans to March and April rules.

This directly impacts the likelihood of movie theaters reopening. We’re only 19 days away as of this writing, but again, I’m not sure the big three chains will open as planned at the end of the July.

Not even sure if they should.

The National Theater Association (NATO is their acronym) is taking their complaint to court in New Jersey that if churches can open movie theaters — presumably the House of Cinematic Holy — should be able to do so as well.

“By this Complaint, Plaintiffs challenge Defendants’ unconstitutional and unlawful distinctions in allowing certain places of public assembly to reopen, while requiring movie theatres to remain closed,” states a complaint being led by the National Association of Theatre Owners of New Jersey. “COVID-19 represents a serious public health risk, and Plaintiffs support fair and reasonable actions by the government to address that risk. However, the government-mandated total closure of movie theatres is neither fair nor reasonable, and is instead a violation of Plaintiffs’ First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and freedom of expression, Equal Protection of the laws, Due Process under the law, and is a Taking of property without just compensation.”

Movie Theater Giants Sue New Jersey Over “Unconstitutional” COVID-19 Closures

Not going to touch comparing assembling for religious purposes vs. attending a movie in a theater for entertainment purposes, lest lightning strikes me during the next thunderstorm.

If the theaters can’t reopen in some areas, or perhaps most areas, it would mean that the big three theater chains would push back reopening yet again. This would follow another round of movie date delays with the two leading titles, Tenet and Mulan being delayed again to, who knows when next. The domino effect.

So, when we consider this with the comment mentioned at the start of this post, watching movies in theaters does appear to be a luxury. The commenter did qualify with “people are preoccupied with important stuff right now.”

That “important stuff” could be working in these trying times, or trying to get back to work, or being sick and/or otherwise unable to work. The unemployment rate a year ago was around 3.5%, the last month’s numbers were at 11%+. Down from a high of almost 14% but still, not good. Not good at all.

Yes, watching movies in theaters is a luxury under these conditions. If we didn’t have these times and people weren’t still getting sick in record numbers, I’d push back against this comment. Now, I’m just wanting to see these numbers go back down again. If opening theaters makes this any worse, then they should remain closed. I’ve been in favor of theaters opening when it is safe to do so since the beginning. It just doesn’t seem “safe” right now.

Will it be any different in 19 days? I don’t know.

Last thought. Readers might recall me saying I’ve been torn on how casinos can be any safer than movie theaters. They can’t and aren’t. If one is open should the other be? No. Nevada just closed bars in casinos, because that will improve the social distancing, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the number of cases increase that they don’t shut that down too.

We might be looking at Fall or Winter 2020 before movie theaters get reopened and back to any sort of sense of normalcy. Maybe even it won’t be until 2021 and beyond. Nevermind movies in theater, life being normal as it was before the pandemic seems like a luxury right now.

Regal Cinemas Announces Classic Movie Screenings Starting July 10 (IF they reopen): Rocky, Jaws, The Empire Strikes Back, The Dark Knight, Jurassic Park and more

Despite the delay of Tenet and Mulan to August (see: Tenet Delayed Again to August 12 – Summer Movie Theater Viewing Slipping Away), Regal Cinemas continues to stay the course of their announcement of reopening July 10.

According to a series of tweets from Regal’s official Twitter account (@RegalMovies), they have announced some of the classic movies that will be screening.

On July 10, we are bringing back some of your favorites. Check back soon for more info. pic.twitter.com/Dot9DyW3Rg

— Regal (@RegalMovies) June 23, 2020

This is a good selection of movies to watch or rewatch on the big screen. Any in particular you’re interested in watching/rewatching in the theater, let us know in the comments. And, you might want to read the tweet replies, as some folks are saying it’s “too soon” and to “wait.”

This, in fact, might be the reality in some (many?) areas.

As of this writing, all our local Regal theaters continue to show no movie showtimes available for presale tickets (see topmost image). Being July 10 is only a couple weeks away from the posting of this article logic would suggest that at any time now the movie times will appear.

Unless they decide not to reopen, which is entirely possible, especially considering phase 4 in our area is being slowed due to spikes in COVID-19.

Credit: The Seattle Times June 27, 2020

We live in a county just south of the highest percentage of COVID-19 cases (King County – Seattle) highlighted in red on the image shown above. The graph to the left shows the increase in COVID-19 cases has risen to levels seen on 4/1 a couple weeks after non-essential businesses were closed. Deaths, if there is any positive in this data, have continued to decline.

I’m not sure if Regal or AMC will open in a couple weeks based on this data. Throughout this pandemic, I’ve maintained that the theaters should reopen as soon as possible when it is safe. I’m no scientist or health care professional, but the data above makes a strong case in our area that it isn’t safe yet.

I’m among the group that strongly wants to see movie theaters reopen, but not at the cost of public safety. If they do reopen on July 10, as planned, I’m going to be there, but this isn’t clear bearing the data shown above.

I’ve been waiting to post movies coming to theaters in July because changes to movie release dates continue to be delayed. This is yet more proof that nothing is predictable in these current times. Will likely do again like June (see: Originally Planned 9 Movies COMING TO THEATERS in June 2020 – Actual: 3 VOD, 0 Wide Theater Releases). I was hoping we might be getting back to normal, but that seems premature.

When Do You Think Movie Theaters Will Reopen?

We’ve covered in a prior post if you’re going to wait or visit right away and if you’re required to wear a mask (see: Will You Watch More or Less Movies in Theaters That Require Wearing a Mask?), a question I haven’t asked is when do you think movie theaters will reopen?

Will movie theaters open in July? Yes/no? In some areas, at least, I think the answer is no, despite theater announcements to the contrary. Government regulations may prevent — and rightly so — this from happening.

Those Polled Say Temp Taken and More Hand Sanitizer Make Them More Likely To Revisit Movie Theater

Man poisoned in an anthology short story season 1 of Bloodride

Polls can say anything they want.

Depending on who’s taking them, how the poll is worded. Remember, the polls overwhelmingly declared Donald Trump had no chance winning against Hillary Clinton.

So, yeah, I’m a little jaded on polls. However, this EDO poll is a little more optimistic about moviegoers returning to theaters if they feel safe.

What’s key to note in the latest survey from EDO is that when respondents were polled initially, they were asked outright if they’d return to cinemas. Those responses drew a near split reaction between likely (40%) and unlikely (36%). However, with the implementation of their desired safety measures, the rate of respondents who said that they were likely to return increased significantly from 40% to 75%. Eighty percent of the EDO sample said the ability to RSVP seats also was a positive factor contributing to their decision to head back to the cinema.

Movie Theaters Reopening Survey: Majority Would Go If Safety Measures In Place – Deadline

Having hand sanitizer stations everywhere and plexiglass guards on the headrests doesn’t prevent someone with COVID-19 from sneezing outside a mask into the air and it being circled around inside the theater.

Not trying to rain on any safety standard parade, but this was covered in a scene in a movie already quite effectively (see: Will Social Distancing by Movie Theaters Truly Provide More Protection Against Viral Infection?)

I’m onboard with checking temps, enforcing masks, putting up plexiglass guards (as long as they don’t obstruct viewing), selling to 50% capacity so every other chair or more enforce distancing — all of this sounds good, but I’m practical understanding that the risk is still there and no matter how much safety is employed some percentage of moviegoers will not return to movie theaters.

Some may never return.

Although not a guarantee, because my work and life schedule might prevent this, but as soon as I know Regal Cinemas are open in our area showing movies, I’ll be there, whatever safety measures they’ve put in place. Wife and I both will be there.

We love and miss the movie theater experience. We love that more than are afraid we’ll contract COVID-19 from another moviegoer. Neither of us want to get sick, but we have been working the entire time this pandemic happened. We’re interacting with people through work, some in close proximity, so we’ve been running the risk of getting sick all along.

My thinking is if I can get sick at work, using precautions, I might as well not change my entertainment lifestyle too much. Movie theaters, restaurants, concerts, casinos, yes, going to visit them all. Can’t just work and stay at home. That’s not living life. I’m getting out there and doing something.

Sure, it puts me at greater risk doing many of these things I enjoy, but living life fearing death is pointless. We’re all going to die sooner or later. Heck, we’re dying right now. There is an internal clock called aging that never loses. Why spend another day confined to your home when you can get outside and breathe in fresh air, head to the mountains or ocean or lake? Watch birds flying, climb a tree, hike a trail. Plenty of activities outside that don’t involve other people, if that’s your thing.

Spokane, WA Hobby Lobby May Not Be Singing In The Rain like Northern Quest Casino

Singing In The Rain slot machine is at Northern Quest Casino in Spokane, WA, one of the first casinos in the United States to reopen

I’ve long argued that it’s unfair that tribal casinos as businesses are allowed to play by different rules.

Just to be clear up front, I harbor no ill will to the tribes and their people and am disgusted by American history in how they were treated, but two wrongs don’t make a right. I also enjoy visiting tribal casinos and giving them my business, so full disclosure is necessary.

That said, I wish non-tribal businesses in our state could legally offer gambling.

Whenever legislation has come up to allow any business to be able to have gambling, I’ve voted for it. Always, however, tribes sponsor anti-gambling opposition ads. Of course they don’t want to allow Joe’s Bar & Grill to be able to add slot machines. Or, frankly, any company to come in that isn’t tribal and open a competing casino.

Competition among businesses is good for us. Alas, that’s not the case in Washington State and many other states, unfortunately, where gambling is allowed only in tribal casinos.

Case in point.

Sure, I get that they don’t technically fall under the same laws, but an arts & crafts store called Hobby Lobby is not being allowed to reopen, one that is following social distancing and safety measures vs. a gigantic tribal casino and it defies logic.

“They are not allowed to open under this phase,” said Mike Faulk, press secretary for Inslee. “It’s a state prohibition, so I’m not sure why they would ask local officials to give them clearance.”

Inslee’s office: Hobby Lobby openings in Spokane area violate virus restrictions | The Spokesman-Review

The article details that Hobby Lobby can be open, but only for curbside pick-up, not for customers to come inside the store because their business is non-essential and prohibited from opening at this phase in the Washington State rollout plan.

Aye, the rub. Meanwhile, casinos are reopening which have dramatically more foot traffic than an arts & crafts store.

Movie theaters can’t open in Washington State because we’re not at that same phase. Maybe I should be wishing that tribes buy theaters so they could do so.

Don’t get me started on how a casino could be any less high risk than a movie theater.

COVID-19 Parties? Proof That Not All Human Life Is Intelligent

Outbreak ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Whenever you doubt the stupidity of some human beings, look no further than those organizing and attending these so-called COVID-19 parties.

Yes, parties designed for attendees to intentionally contract the virus from infected.

Health officials in Walla Walla, Washington, are admonishing the sudden rise in so-called “Covid-19 parties” where non-infected guests mingle with those who have tested positive for the virus, ostensibly in hopes of speeding up the process of catching, and overcoming, the virus.

‘It’s irresponsible’: Washington state sees sudden rise in Covid parties | World news | The Guardian

(Why does this have to come out of the state where we live, anyway? Sigh)

These parties aren’t unprecedented in history, as the linked article indicates. There were ‘Pox’ parties too, once upon a time.

Shit the simpsons really did predict 2020 pic.twitter.com/dadM5jvLrB

— Eddie D’ohgrou (@didgeridougrou) May 6, 2020

The Simpsons have always had forward thinking humor. Proof that this show has had some of the best writers in entertainment.

Seriously, people, please don’t attend COVID-19 parties. Doubtful that anybody reading this would consider attending one, but if you are stopping by to say you’re all about it. Please use the comments to explain why. Won’t hold my breath, but hey, the internet is a big place.

I don’t mind making a PSA for this. If someone wants to be part of a scientific experiment, then contact those who are developing vaccines and offer to be a COVID-19 human guinea pig. God bless anybody wanting to help in the process of developing a vaccine. That is intelligent and helpful.

After The Coronavirus Ends, 49% Poll Respondents Say They Won’t Immediately Return to Movie Theaters, “possibly never”

We can’t wait to fill these comfy recliners at the movie theater again … but some others disagree

Never say never.

Once the pandemic ends better than half polled said their attendance to movie theaters won’t change, but that’s not the troubling data in this poll.

The news for movie theaters was particularly grim, with 49% of respondents saying it would take “a few months” to “possibly never” for them to return, and 28% saying they will attend movie theaters less often once they’re safe. While 15% of respondents said they plan on going to the movies more often post-pandemic (and 58% said their attendance won’t change),

Coronavirus Pandemic Could Erode Movie Theater, Concert Turnout – Variety

Hey, it could be worse. 72% of sports fans polled say they aren’t coming back to stadiums until there is a coronavirus vaccine.

Back to the moviegoer poll. They’re saying the margin of error is ~3%, but I don’t buy how 1,000 people polled can be that accurate of the larger population.

Our behavior almost certainly will not. We’ll (hopefully, if still available) have our unlimited monthly movie passes reinstated (come to think of it, what if those are no longer available when the theaters reopen???) and return to watching all wide releases in the movie theater, as we were before this craziness began.

The S&P recently downgraded AMC’s rating and there is speculation they may never open again (I think that’s unlikely — somebody probably buys out the theaters at least — but the longer this drags on, the more leases won’t get renewed and theaters will continue to close).

If AMC is success in gaining financing through the CARES act, they may be able to keep their doors open. However, that will all depend on when everything is able to get back to some form of normalcy. For now, it doesn’t look good, which means everybody may have to stay indoors for a lot longer than expected.

AMC Theatres May Never Recover and Shut Down for Good – MOVIEWEB

How, if at all, will your behavior change once the movie theaters reopen?

What will you do when the movie theaters reopen? Will you attend more movies, less, or about the same amount? Will you go at different (perhaps less busier) times?