As my brother would say, it is part of the "movie theatre experience" to have some idiot talking, coughing or munching through a movie. Definitively a cultural thing and it is unavoidable by people like me that truly enjoys cinema and prefers to watch movies on the big screen, especially with "big" movies. I have a pretty sweet home theatre setup but it will never replace the big screen.
I usually just catch the first showing of the day or go to the matinee. Tickets are around U$D 3-4. Just catch a few cheap beers in a bar nearby before entering and i am all done so there is no need for the pricey snacks (well, maybe a can of ale if the mood strikes)
