10 Big Recession Surprises (Clue: One Involves Sex)

Think about all those plasma TVs being carted home. Wouldn't it make sense that folks would stay home and use them in order to save a few bucks? But despite mounting economic woes movie attendance has been on a tear this year. Revenue is up 11% and audience numbers are up 9%, according to Hollywood.com. It could be that movies still represent one of the cheapest dates out there. "Going out to the movies remains a relatively inexpensive distraction from the daily stress over job security and paying bills," notes Bernard Baumohl, chief global economist at Economic Outlook Group. But you'd have trouble convincing me. A recent trip to the theater with my family (including snacks) ran nearly $100. The more likely answer is that folks will turn out in any environment for quality entertainment, and this year has seen a rash of blockbusters from Transformers to Star Trek to Up to Brüno.

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