I went to see the comedy documentary “Religulous” on its opening night. The movie was very good, but I was irritated by one thing at the end of the movie: the audience.

After the final scene, the theater was completely dark and there were a few seconds of comfortable silence.

Then, out of nowhere, a majority of the people in the nearly sold-out theater began to clap.

I cannot for the life of me understand why people would clap for a movie.

If it’s the premiere or a representative is there, then sure. But if you’re just in Hoboken, U.S.A., watching a film at your local Cineplex, take it easy.

Letting other people know that you liked the movie enough to strike your hands together with a sudden explosion of sound does not do anything but let others know you are a pretentious ninny.

Here’s what’s going through the head of the average clapper when the end credits roll: “This movie entertained me, so I shall show my approval and clap at it. What’s that?

You say I’m wasting my time by clapping for something that can in no way understand the appreciation I have for it because it’s a film and, despite filling me with a full spectrum of emotions, has none of its own?

No bother.

I would still like to let others know that I approve of the film, so maybe they can approve of me approving of the film.”

Even when I was eight and saw “Free Willy,” I knew the people clapping at the end were lame. And as an eight-year-old, my knowledge of lameness was minimal.

When you go to a movie, it’s because you expect to be entertained. That’s the movie’s job.

Am I to believe those people who did clap also clap at the end of TV shows they enjoy?

The whole idea of being satisfied with a movie enough to give it a round of applause is ridiculous.

It makes as much sense as clapping for the toaster after it gets the bread “just that right amount of brown.”

And this goes for all people who get a little too riled up during a movie. If something’s funny, go ahead and laugh. Just don’t wave your hands all over the place and crash back-and-forth in your seat.

I’m talking to you group of people that sat in front of me during “Pineapple Express.”

Enjoy the movie, or don’t, just don’t ruin the experience for the others.

And don’t clap. It makes you seem pompous.