Frivilous Lawsuit of the Day: Entertainment Division

Man Sues Movie Theater For High Snack Prices

Yes, really.

The Detroit Free Press: Filmgoer takes stand on costly snacks, sues AMC Livonia theater

Joshua Thompson loves the movies.

But he hates the prices theaters charge for concessions like pop and candy.

This week, the 20-something security technician from Livonia decided to do something about it: He filed a class action in Wayne County Circuit Court against his local AMC theater in hopes of forcing theaters statewide to dial down snack prices.

"He got tired of being taken advantage of," said Thompson's lawyer, Kerry Morgan of Wyandotte. "It's hard to justify prices that are three- and four-times higher than anywhere else."

Wow. The article then goes on to list various whinging movie patrons who complain about the high snack prices:

The prices are ridiculous," Rebecca Motley, 55, a self-employed Southfield physician, said while leaving the AMC Star Southfield 20.

Motley said she and her office manager spent $5 each for morning movie tickets and $11 each for soft drinks and popcorn.

"When I was a kid, $1 could get you into the movies and buy you a pop and popcorn. But not anymore," Motley said. "I don't know how kids can go on their own to a movie anymore."

That back in the day that which only costs $1 now costs $11 to go to the movies is so very sad. It is Especially sad that those halcyon days were 50 years ago and prices have since climbed a bit. Heck, even reported inflation stats show that back when Motley was 5, that a dollar then could buy $7.51 of the same item now, so $11 is not far off and wishing for $1 admission plus concessions sure won't make it so.

Interestingly enough if you choose medical inflation (Motley's profession)on the inflation calculator, you'll find $1 then now needs $15.19 for the same service so medical services have gone up even more outrageously than concession prices. I daresay Dr. Motley wouldn't want to reduce her salary accordingly, neh?

Thompson didn't want to be interviewed because he doesn't want any notoriety, Morgan said.

Frivolous lawsuits like this tend to draw attention. If Mr. Thompson doesn't want attention, then instead he'll get mockery. After all there's nothing stopping anyone from not purchasing snacks there or for that matter for not going to the movies.

Look Thompson, man up for crying out loud, put on your big boy pants and either suck it up and pay up if you want some snacks or just don't buy any there.

Sheesh, what a waste of the court's time.

The lawsuit is more than likely to be thrown out as frivolous, and I certainly hope AMC counter-sues for abuse of the legal process for such a frivolous claim.