> It seems as if every time we go, we're sitting near someone who comments aloud through the entire movie. There's a fair bit of low-level background chatter too.

Gah. I hate that. I really, really dislike it when anyone talks during movies. So rude! Unfortunately, my inlaws disagree... I don't watch movies with them much.

> My white liberal education wants me to just call it a cultural difference and live with it,

I dunno about you, but my own white liberal education can stuff itself. :)

"We may be cheap, but... well, we're cheap! Now go away and leave us alone!"