The conflict: Detroit moviegoer Joshua Thompson filed a class-action lawsuit against theatre giant AMC last month, accusing the chain of price-gouging customers on popcorn and other snacks. The thrifty Thompson had for years brought his own treats to the movies, but became enraged when his local theatre posted a sign banning the practice late last year. The ensuing $8 Gooberand- Coke bill was enough to turn Thompson into a spokesman for movie (and Goober) lovers everywhere.
The outcome: Some lawyers feel Thompson’s case could cause a rash of copycat suits, but most agree the case will go nowhere, given that no laws have been broken, and considering that outrageous popcorn and soda prices are a theatre’s greatest source of revenue—something that is unlikely to change in the near future.
