MoviePass Changes Mean You’ll Probably Pay Extra to See Latest Marvel Flick

Ah, summer — the season of leisurely moviegoing to escape the sweltering heat.

But there’s so much happening offscreen in the movie world, we need more popcorn to keep up.

Let’s start from the beginning, shall we?

MoviePass launched in 2011, offering unlimited movie theater visits for a monthly subscription fee.

Then a few months ago, MoviePass cut back, saying you could only see four movies per month with your plan.

A week later, it said, “Nah, just kidding,” and brought back unlimited service for $9.95 per month. A $7.95 per month option would allow you to see three movies each month.

Then, AMC Theatres, which was vocal in its doubts about MoviePass, decided to offer its own subscription service. It costs $20 per month, but you can see up to three movies per week.

Keeping up so far? OK, now for the latest:

MoviePass CEO Mitch Lowe said this week that the company will start adding surcharges to its subscription plan, according to Business Insider. Want to see a popular movie, say, on opening weekend? That’ll cost you an extra $2. Want to upgrade from 2D to something fancier, like Imax or 3D? That’ll cost you extra, too.

One more feature coming to the MoviePass app this summer: the option to buy a ticket for a friend so you can go to the movies together — and sit together in theaters that offer reserved seating. The friend’s ticket will cost close to what you’d pay at the ticket counter.

Members who pay upfront for an annual membership won’t have to pay higher prices for new or popular movies, Lowe said.

Now, this could all change next week, as you might have gathered from the CliffsNotes above. And you know what that means: It’s time to get the popcorn ready.

Lisa Rowan is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder, covering the retail and grocery industries.