Comments on: "Theaters are movie geek churches."

By: Trista DeVries

Trista DeVries — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:57:00 +0000

It’s true. All of these things are true, especially Shannon’s point about the ads and the movie not starting until at least 15 mins after its printed time. It’s a shame too, since I really do remember when having a trip to the movies was a “night out”.

By: Ben

Ben — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 04:08:00 +0000

I agree about the pre-show… It ruins something of the ‘sanctity’ of the moment of the lights dimming when the first bright image flickering on the screen is a… car commercial. It makes things anti-climactic, and gives things more of a cheap feel. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that at AMC you’ve got the silence is golden bit, AND no non-movie related adverts at the beginning. They get at least some things right that completely blow by the Cineplex folks.

By: Shannon the Movie Moxie

Shannon the Movie Moxie — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:48:00 +0000

I think there are 2 big contributers to bad manners but what has become the norm at theatres:

1 - Pre-show that goes on and on and one. Films at the big box theatre don't usually start til 15min after printed time. This makes people less likely to show up on time, and then they fumble in the theatre.

2. Tech on the go is the norm. Almost everyone has a cellphone or handheld digital device of come kind. Whether to take a call, text, to use the light to find a dropped scarf or to call a friend to find them in the theatre it really has become the norm. I rarely see anyone use them during the film though, and I love people who reach to turn theirs 'off' during the pre show promo.

Both of these remind me of littering. Once 1 person breaks the golden rule, people are less likely to feel like they should abide by it.

By: Selfstyler

Selfstyler — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:03:00 +0000

It's the talking that bothers me the most. If you want to talk, sod off and rent a DVD.

During a screening a few years back, I saw a brilliant thing. These two teenagers sat a few rows ahead, talked all the way through the ads and trailers, commenting, very unfunnily, on every little thing. Then the movie started. The studio logo had barely even begun to play.

One of them opened his mouth.

And a guy behind them leaned forward and shouted for the whole audience to hear...

"SHUT UP!"

At which those teenagers shrunk down in their seats, stone still, and didn't make a single peep for the entire film.

The round of applause he got was well justified - and in Britain, no less, where people really don't clap at the cinema.

Only if bad manners are punished.