A few days ago we went to see Toy Story 3. We have extended family in town who wanted to see it in 3D…more on that later. But first, my impression on the movie.

It was cute. It was meaningful and touching in all the right places. I felt like it kept in line with the Toy Story tone and message. The plot was clever and the attention to detail and graphics were indescribable, in true Disney style.

I could have done with about 30 minutes less of death defying escape sequences. And the whole inanimate objects given human emotions would have made me a little psychotic if I saw it as a child. All that pressure playing with my toys equally? Too much for this “feel responsible for everyone’s happiness” personality.

But all in all a great family movie.

Yet, the 3D experience? Not so impressed. First of all, I went expecting to pay around $5 per person for a matinee. I can stomach that. But at my particular Century theater, 3D (called XD to make it sound better, I guess) movies aren’t available at matinee prices. So rather than $5 per ticket, it was $14 for me and my 13 year old and $11 for my two younger ones…for a grand total of $50.

Choke.

Yes, the 3D effect was ok and the leather seats were nice, but $50 for a two hour experience is too rich for this mom-on-a budget’s blood. I’m more of a $9 a month Netflix kind of girl…where I can keep a movie as long as I want and I get a whole slue of movies and tv episodes instantly on my Wii (that was an unpaid advertisement for Netflix, thankyouverymuch).

And just for kicks and giggles (and rants…) lets just see what else $50 will buy you:

• More than 5 months of Netflix (as previously mentioned)
• A monthly city water bill
• 4 chickens for one or more families or 1 1/2 months of clean water, food, health care and education for a World Vision sponsored child
• A year membership at Costco
• A couple new outfits at the thrift store
• Several music lessons for your kids (heard of NAMTA? Its a free service connecting music teachers and students)
• A Wii game
• A monthly orthodontics payment
• A good cut and blow dry
• Dinner with friends over

I’m totally aware that its all about what you value. If you value the 3D experience and that’s your thing, then by all means…enjoy. I really have nothing against that. I’m sure there are plenty of people who wouldn’t dream of paying for pre-grated cheese, DVR service and scrapbook supplies, like I do.

Its just seems that movie going isn’t much of a family friendly experience. You need to take out a small loan if you plan on taking the whole family, getting popcorn and…3D?

I’m choking again just thinking about it.