'Mars Needs Moms' - The Reason for the Flop

The New York Times recently ran an article entitled "Many Culprits in Fall of a Family Film" - 'Mars Needs Moms' Flops, and Some Blame 3D Prices.  This story was then picked up and commented on around the blogging world by Gawker and the like, with the story, "Does the Mars Needs Moms Catastrophe Mean Anything?"

I would like to offer my explanation because I don't necessarily believe the conclusions drawn by the NY Times.  They put most of the blame for the failure on 3-D and IMAX ticket prices, because theaters are adding $3 to $5 (sometimes more!) surcharges onto the already exorbitant movie ticket prices.  While I think that is a valid point, it could be the 'cop out' reason any movie fails.