It's more than just date movies. High school kids have lots of disposable income, few bills, plenty of time to kill, can't get into bars, and don't need get hire a babysitter.

College kids have lots of other things to spend their money on, like booze and, uh, booze. Once you're past that age, the odds of having kids goes up and then going to a movie becomes a major outing. For my wife and I to see a movie in the theatre now, we'll have to shell out close to $80. It's just not worth it, especially as home theatres keep getting better and better.

You don't have to buy the $60 popcorn.

Yes. But, it sounds like he has children, so he probably needs the $60 babysitter.

Your kids expect to see the overpriced 3D version though. That'll be $20 per ticket, please.

Learn to say "No."?

Agreed. This worked for my parents. They were essentially immune to pleading for ice-cream.