The Cost of, "Going to the Movies"

Is it just me or has the price of "going to the movies" gone out of sight? I ask you, is a box of candy really worth $3.85 or a box/ bag of popcorn really worth $10, a cup full of soda worth $5.
 I watched as a small family "went to the movies" and cost.
Tickets for a family of 4:
                                             2 adults $16.50*
                                             2 kids:   $12.50*
Surcharge for 3D $2.50 x 4                  $10
Drinks                                                $20
Popcorn (Shared)                                $10
Gas                                                    $6
 Well you get the picture
 One can only hope they ate at home before they came...
 A couple with younger children who want to experience," going to the movies" and need  a baby setter well,  I would rather not even know the cost.
* Cost in your area maybe higher,  ticket prices for this example: $8.25 adults, $6.25 children.
I have never understood why, if each person is allowed one seat, it is more or less for either one. I assume they figure a child will eat more thus the cheaper seat is better for business.
 Recently, I have noticed a lot of empty seats at the movies!
 What has been your experience?