Box-office revenue “lagged far behind 2010,” an article by the AP’s David Germain reports. Partly that was because the year lacked an “Avatar.” Partly because a solid summer slate fell off in the fall. Germain talks to several Hollywood insiders who try to explain why 2011 had “the smallest movie audience since 1995.” I have some theories of my own, fueled by what people tell me:

1. Absence of must-see movies: When moviegoers hear about “Avatar” or “The Dark Knight,” they blast off from home base and land in a theater seat as quickly as they can. (FULL ARTICLE: Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times)