Many years back, I think in the 60's, the listed movie times were for when the movie started and not the preview.

Then they switched to the previews starting at the listed time.

I liked the old way better.

Agree. There used to be lots of previews and commercials before the movies, but they all started before the movie time. If you got there early, you saw lots of previews.

I don't go to movies often, but these days, they have commercials for local businesses, trivia crap, etc.... before the movie time. then when the movie start time pops up they start with the previews. I don't mind the previews that much. It gives me a glimpse into what's going on in the movie world which I otherwise don't get.

What does bug me a bit is advertisements for TV shows or the local car dealer or furniture place.

No advertising or commercials here. That would bother me a lot.

I am both fortunate and unfortunate that my brain goes too fast and is constantly thinking. I wish I could slow it down and turn it off.

I assume it depends upon the venue, AMC vs Cinemark vs Regal, etc...

I know about that. Don't worry, old age will finally take care of it. And then you'll want it back, :D

All those loud cuts faster than a 1980's kung fu film on 3x speed, every type of random message injected, yanking at every existing emotional and logical center trying to process understand and identify with it, are all designed to give you "information overload".

The brain shuts down like an autistic, unwilling to accept more stimulus, and you become a zombie.
Standard patterns of thought and value are disrupted. New ones replace them.

It's actually a type of brain injury.

I also find it annoying that when we go to a G or PG movie, the previews seem to be PG-13 and some really push very adult topics. Because of this and the volume, my wife will stay in the lobby until the movie begins. That said, we have gone to a handful in the last 10 years. The last one was The Jesus Revolution. Before that, I think it was Miracles in Heaven. The Passion of the Christ was one for sure.

My movie-watching at the theater has gone from about once a week to once a year.
With the choices on Netflix and Prime, and a very good home theater system, it's not worth it to me.

Plus the snacks and beverages are cheaper along with a convenient bathroom.:)

I went from once a week to once every 2-3 months. COVID changed my habit. The regular theater experience wasn't worth the extra expense and hassle. I went to an IMAX for Oppenheimer and that was worthwhile.