I seldom go to the movies anymore. I would rather wait till it comes out on DVD and watch it at home on my 55" HDTV with surround sound. I don't have to be bothered with rude people talking on there cell phones or pay $8.00 for popcorn and a coke. With current ticket prices you can buy the DVD for the price of two tickets, or rent it for a fraction.

Sometimes there are "event" type movies with huge action packed special effects which might bring me out, like the Bourne or Die Hard series, but dramas or comedies are better enjoyed in the comfort of my livingroom. I will most likely see George Clooney's latest film, in late winter when the DVD comes out to help with Oscar buzz. I can't recall a Clooney film that I did not enjoy. The exception being the Ocean's 11,12,13 series. The first one was OK, but I could not sit through the second one. I heard the third one was better, so maybe when it comes out on HBO.

George needs to keep doing what he's doing. His films are intelligent and have a point of view. Even if I don't always agree with his view, I can appreciate a story well told.

This is exactly the reason that "box office" is no longer relevant when it comes to theatrical releases. Truth is that these days when a movie is in theaters it is really much more of an advertisement for the DVD/Netflix (and soon Download) version of a film. The studios are much more interested in the life of a film after it has had its theatrical run than during because that's where the real money is made. That's why DVD/ Rental/On Demand rights are so vital in terms of making a movie profitable. Clooney IS a draw but he is a draw for the adult population of filmgoers who don't consider going to a theater for their entertainment needs. In fact, he has become one of the most bankable actors in that area of the market. Movies like the SAW series, Halloween and big action/fantasy films are still a draw to kids because the experience of seeing blood, monsters and magic in a larger than life, super stimulating atmosphere is compelling for them. Eventually, theaters will be transformed into huge arenas for gamers to enjoy an experience that is a cross between an amusement park ride and a video game. The older more "thinking" crowd will stay home, save money and enjoy a good story. The era of the diversified niche for films is upon us. The era of the 20 million dollar star is dead. In the history of film the power has always shifted over time. First it was the studios who had the power, then the directors, then the actors and now it's the audience. Sorry, writers, you'll probably never be the ones on top -- unless it's in the form of gaming experts who create and program interactive entertainment.

Ezee, your points are so accurate and obvious I wonder why anyone in H-Wood worries about box for movies like Clayton. It is such a pain to spend time and effort finding a sitter, paying through the nose for tickets and concessions only to be surrounded by teens who act like children and adults who act worse. In my area, the chain movie theatres are almost limited to lower-class patrons (who act lower class, talking to each other or on their cell phones). Boutique theatres are too far away to be worth the effort. Who needs this crap when for a fraction of the price I can enjoy a PPV or DVD movie at home with a far better visual and audio experience than I can get at a theatre.

My wife and I use to love going to movies together. Now that is limited to the big event movies like Harry Potter, LOTR etc.