i think I don't mind sitting closer to the front so I'll usually sit as close as I can while still remaining comfortable. The reasons for this is no one really likes sitting at the front so this eliminates people talking being an issue as well as you don't see anybody on their phone so it's nearly impossible to get distracted.
Most movie theaters here have reserved seating so you can choose the seat ahead. We usually buy tickets earlier so we can choose a good the seats in the middle center. That's the best because you get the best view of the screen, not too near and not too far.
If you are on a budget and want to go to the movies and get popcorn and snacks. You can go to a movie theater that show old movies that are a couple years old for like $2 or $3 A ticket. For like $20 they will have the 2 large drinks and large popcorn combo. For me yo u have to get the combo for two when going go the movies. But Edwards on Sundays offer tickets at $6.50 which is less than the $10+ per ticket for new movies.