I’m a tightwad. Let’s just start there. That being said, it’s difficult for me to enjoy overpriced entertainment. I admit, this attitude filters down and ends up effecting (affecting?) my entire family. It’s for this reason that yesterday marked the first time in 2008 that we went to a movie as a family. The last time we went was December of 2007.

Yesterday’s outing was filled with expectations. Taking a family of 5 to the movies is expensive. So, we combat that by going at the matinée time. It still costs us $32. Ouch. You don’t even have to ask if we bought popcorn or drinks.

My highest expectation is that by picking a G Rated movie it might be appropriate for my 3, 4 and 6 year old. I sat there through 20 minutes (no exaggeration) of previews in a state of miff and anger. Not only was the decibel level uncalled for but the imagery and content were NOT age appropriate for a G movie audience.

As for the movie itself, The Tale of Despereaux was mediocre at best in my opinion. Sure, the animation was fun and the story premise was OK, but it didn’t find it terribly entertaining. Granted, I did just spend more than I think is reasonable for admission and did sit through 20 minutes of inappropriate trailers.

Maybe next year I’ll just hand over $32 to my boys and let them go buy sacks for of candy.

- Kyle Dreier