A special place in hell...

[MeepZero]

So I'm at the movies yesterday with the girlfriend and her family going to see I Am Legend for the second time (for me anyway, not for her). We sit down The movie starts, and throughout the entire...freaking...film there are people all over the theater chatting away like nothing is going on.

This is the third time straight this has happened. What is with people in thinking that its cool to hold conversations or yell at the screen when things are going on in the movie! They don't show the little video stating "Shut Up!" at the begining of the movie anymore. And they definately dont enforce any kind of "Shut up" policy.

So then you say, "well just go to another theater Mr McMeep" and oddly enough, I have. The first two were at a mall near my house (The Greene in Kettering Ohio if your ever around there) I saw the Golden Compass first...not a great movie but then again when the person 2 seats to your left is bouncing out of his seat chanting "ZOMG LEE SCORSBY!" over and over it makes me want to hurt something. Second time was the first time I saw "I am Legend" with the guy behind my seat kicking my chair at random intervals throughout the movie and people down in another section texting each other on their cellphones so I was annoyed by the little bright screens that poked up every few seconds.

What happened to common courtesy! Seriously people!

[BigTwinky]

Thats one of the reasons I don't like going to see movies in the theatres. When there is a release I want to see, I typically go to a matinee or to a very late screening to avoid the common crowds.

If people really bug me, and telling them directly isn't enough, I typically report them to an usher and they are then watched and warned. Although after warning them, and they see me leave, they typically shut up because they know I went to report them.

I remember seeing Constantine and there was this little arse who kept joking around, talking loud and laughing it up with his friends. Someone reported him, the usher came in to obserb, and the guy continued. He was asked to leave, he didn't want to, and about 3-4 people stood up and yelled that if he didn't leave, we would all make him leave. Then he left.

While people should just shut the hell up in movie theatres, we also have to put our foot down as paying customers. While society these days is a much much more violent place, if we continue to try and be all politically correct and not want to offend anyone, then we need to be ready to be walked over.

[Karson]

Thats one of the reasons I don't like going to see movies in the theatres. When there is a release I want to see, I typically go to a matinee or to a very late screening to avoid the common crowds.

QFT

A home theater is a great investment. Also here in Toronto there are a few small VIP theaters that cost a few bucks more and so tend to keep the kids away.

[Thrashdragon]

The last movie I saw in a theater was Superman Returns, and that was only because it was on an IMAX screen and I was curious how a regular movie would look on one (pretty damn good, BTW, almost made up for the movie itself being pretty mediocre). Before that, I think Return of the King was the last one.

I hate movie theaters. I always end up wanting to beat the living snot out of someone, whether it's a bunch of loud kids or the parents that thought it'd be a good idea to bring a screaming baby to a dark room filled with flashing lights and loud explosions. Stale popcorn, flat soda, and rude incompetent kids behind the counter don't exactly add to the experience either.

Now that I broke down and got a decent size HDTV, the chance of me ever stepping foot into a movie theater is a pretty slim one.

I really wish there were still some cinema drafthouses around, but all the ones where I grew up have closed down, and I don't know if there ever were any where I live now, but there aren't any now. Nothing beats going to a theater where you have to be 21+ to get in, you can crash back on a couch or a recliner, and a waitress brings you beer and real food during the movie.

[baconoclock]

I really wish there were still some cinema drafthouses around, but all the ones where I grew up have closed down, and I don't know if there ever were any where I live now, but there aren't any now. Nothing beats going to a theater where you have to be 21+ to get in, you can crash back on a couch or a recliner, and a waitress brings you beer and real food during the movie.

Was just thinking that. Theres one in my area that is a bit expensive but is very nice. That being said, I think people in general are afraid of confrontation. I know people that even if someone is being extremely rude in a theater they wont say anything to them. Personally I'm probably 'that guy' If someone is being completely rude obnoxious in the theater i will stand up and tell them to shut up. Just my nature i guess.....


Also, if your experience sucks because of the people or the movie itself, fo to guest relations and ask for a refund. I saw battlefield earth a few years ago and it was probably the worst movie i had ever seen. I went straight to the desk and asked for my money back. No questions asked or anything.

[BigTwinky]

I remember seeing Seven with Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman. There were 2 women sitting behind me that kept going on and on everytime Brad was on screen. "Look at him!". "He is so hot". Just as I was about to say something, my wife told them to shut up lol.

[A1B2C3CAL]

I love my home theatre. As much as I loved going to the movies for the atmosphere alot of the things you describe now make me wait until a movie is released on dvd..then I can sit in the comfort of my own home and watch the movie uninterupted.

[L_Mo]

It's really unfortunate that when someone is talking at the theater, people feel bad about directly confronting them. Be brave and polite, they're probably be quiet. Otherwise, you can go ask for a refund for your tickets and most theaters will honor it (at least my local ones will...).

[JohnyRico0]

I sat all the way through Battlefield Earth just to count the people who were leaving! That was beyond doubt the worst movie I have ever had inflicted on me...and I saw Showgirls.

[unorignal]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkWlZxm-VBs

lol

[Thrashdragon]

It's really unfortunate that when someone is talking at the theater, people feel bad about directly confronting them. Be brave and polite, they're probably be quiet. Otherwise, you can go ask for a refund for your tickets and most theaters will honor it (at least my local ones will...).

I don't think it's that people feel bad about confronting them, it's that the ones making the noise are also the ones most likely to take a swing at you or dump a coke down your back once you turn around, and no matter who wins the fight that follows, the movie is still ruined. I try to avoid those situations in my older and (somewhat) wiser years, so I just don't bother going. I'll watch movies at home where I can pause it whenever I like, eat popcorn that doesn't taste like styrofoam, drink a beer, and not get arrested for pummeling a mouthy minor.

[Road_Ratt]

That's why we need a return of drive-ins! :P

[{CLR} ObiTroy]

Only movies I go to now are to ones that my daughter wants to see. Otherwise, would rather wait for the DVD and watch at home with a 6-pack.

However, the snacks are sooooooo cheap at movie theaters... I don't know how they make any money at all.

[TheSilentAssassin]

That's why we need a return of drive-ins! :P

then they will start honking...

[Mobojo]

I miss the drive in thats back where I grew up. They had 2 screens and 2 movies on each screen. My buddies and I would sneak food and a 30 pack in and just kick back and drink and watch movies.