Lickona told me to expect a gift from Reader publisher, Jim Holman, and features editor, Ernie Grimm.

While putting in a rare personal appearance at the office, Matthew overheard Jim tell Ernie, "Well, that wraps it up for Marks."

Paranoia strikes deep. Why else, on the same day, would I receive two very disturbing emails from the powers that be?

First, Jim forwards an item that pretty much hammers home the disposable nature of film criticism these days. While it's gratifying to learn that "mobile-connected moviegoers are bigger movie enthusiasts than the average U.S. moviegoer," did they have to emphasize the point that "today, with the help of their smartphones and tablets, moviegoers can...even post their own reviews on social networks before the closing credits roll."

What are you doing to me, boss? Articles that applaud people who text during a movie are my idea of a one-way ticket to a strait-jacket. Let the kids wait to text on the ride home and allow law enforcement agents to do their job.

Ernie's email arrived shortly after Jim's. I've been with The Reader for almost two years and Ernie has had an open invitation to join me at any screening of his choice. Always a man of impeccable taste, Ernie wrote, "Hey Scottie, Do you have an extra ticket to Snitch, and if so, you want some company?"

Only two people were ever allowed to call me "Scottie." Both my parents are dead.

It's not so much his selection of films, but the ugly revelation that surfaced on the car ride in. The last film Ernie saw in a theatre was Inception. That was three years ago!

Were the industry to depend on guys like Ernie, motion picture exhibition as we know it would cease to exist.

Moviegoers should thank their lucky stars that Ernie's in-theatre appearances are as rare as Halley's Comet. It was non-stop talking, texting, kicking the seat in front of him, and yelling at the screen for 112 minutes.

Why wasn't he there when I saw Lincoln?

Fortunately for us, both Ernie and I walked away entertained. Ric Roman Waugh wasn't kidding. Snitch is a fine time at the movies. And leave it to Grimm to earn big points with his scintillating post-show disembowelment of the film's excessive use of hand-held close-ups.

I've yet to have the privilege of attending a screening with Mr. H, but word on the street is he's a big Steve-O fan. Here's hoping there's a Jackass 5 in my future.