I rarely watch movies at the theater anymore.
And the other day I was reminded why.
We went to see “The Campaign” — save your money and rent it on Netflix — at the Koko Marina 8 in Hawaii Kai.
We got there just as the previews were starting and took two seats on the right side of the theater, which was pretty empty.
By the time the movie started, a group of older — and I mean older than me and old enough to know better — friends chatted their way into the theater and then spotted open seats directly behind us. (Never mind that the entire side of the theater was open.)
That wouldn’t have been so bad had the group been courteous and, well, not so self-absorbed.
They proceeded to talk to each other during the movie, laughing at odd times and discussing the movie as it went on.
Then the guy behind me wouldn’t stop kicking the back of my chair, despite my repeated glares at him and his friends.
Yes, I should have turned around and said something. (Though what would have come out of my mouth would have likely gotten me banned for all movie theaters in the state.) To be honest, the movie wasn’t worth the fight, and I decided to just suck it up and bear it.
This is why I stopped going to movie theaters. I got tired of kids screaming, people talking, cell phones ringing and irritating teenagers who think laser pointers aimed at crotches on the big screen is funny.
Why would I pay upwards of $20 to endure a two-hour movie with strangers who often ruin my experience — and the experience of others?
I used to think watching a movie in a crowded theater was a lot of fun. There’s nothing better than laughing or screaming with dozens of other movie-goers, feeling a sort of camaraderie with them, perfect strangers.
But lately, that hasn’t been the case.
I’ve had movies ruined by couples fighting, people talking on their cell phones — “Hey, I’m in a movie theater … Yeah, I’m watching a movie! … No, like right now!” — and teenagers reciting the dialogue, I’m guessing, just to irritate everyone.
It just isn’t fun anymore.
Anyone else feel the same?
20 Comments
I try to not watch blockbusters during the first two weeks that they’ve been released. With all of the multiplexes, by the end of the second week, the theaters aren’t very crowded. Got to watch Avengers with only 5 people in the theater. I also avoid the theater closest to my house as the screens are small and overrun by high school kids.
Go to film festivals. People are there to actually watch the films being screened and appreciate the collective experience in watching something as a group.
Great advice, actually! Thanks for sharing!
I haven’t gone to the movie theaters for years for just about the same reasons and it’s too expensive.
Yeah, the expense is something! We paid $21 for tickets and another $25 on food. Holy. Can’t imagine a family of four going! Too expensive!
I went to see a movie with a friend and halfway through there was this awful smell. I looked around and an older man (mid to late 50’s) sitting in the row behind me about 4 seats to the left had his bare foot up on top of the chair in my row. The stench was his nasty, musty, moldy smelling foot! We sat there with our shirts pulled up over our noses the entire time.
Yikes. I know there were problems with that at the old $1 movie theater at Restaurant Row…
Haven’t been to a theater in years much rather waatch one at home where I can stretch out and be comfy and if need be pause it for the cause.
Amen. I MUCH prefer that, too. Clean bathrooms, free snacks — can’t ask for more!
We rarely see movies at the theater anymore either. But on the few occasions when we do and we encounter rude or inconsiderate people anywhere near us, I make it clear to them that nobody appreciates their antics and basically shame them into proper theater behavior. It helps when you get the support of others sitting in your section. It also helps when you’re a pretty big Hawaiian dude. 🙂
There really aren’t any movies released that we can’t wait until they’re available on blu-ray to watch at home. Better picture and audio at home, too. The only reason I can think of for people to go to a theater now is for the social experience (on dates, with friends, or the kids insist) or the popcorn.
I would totally go to a theater that had ushers who enforced the rules. THAT would be worth the price of admission!
CAT: Spot on…went to see Batman recently and couple nearby had 2 whining kids and did little to nothing to get them to shut the f**k up! I find that more mature features tend to attract the senior crowd who tend to be more civilized. Although they do talk louder since their hearing is going!
I once went to a movie that had subtitles. People were actually reading them out loud!
Wish filmmakers would place subtitles above rather than below for theatrical releases. That would make things easier for those of us who are vertically challenged.
I’ll go see an IMAX version on an off day when it is fairly empty ONLY. But I do not like Netflix.
Sad to think that in this day and age, we need someone that’s the theater equivalent of the Soup Nazi. Someone who isn’t afraid to simply kick you out at the drop of a hat and ban you for one year or even a lifetime. What the hell ever happened to manners, anyway?
I’m something of an old dog, and I fall asleep during most movies. I also fall asleep in church if the service is after dark and there isn’t any light coming in through the windows. But I digress…If I’m going to fall asleep during a movie, I’d rather be at home with a nice comfy pillow under my head than with my head drooping on the shoulder of the stranger beside me while my family eats all the popcorn in the bucket I’m holding.
Marukai $7 ticket coupons – cheaper tickets and you have to wait until the movie has been out 3 weeks to use them so it is less crowded.
Hey Cat … I agree with all your thoughts and the comments here … and it seems the main reason we HATE going to theaters to watch a movie … is because we have to share the experience with people who are not so respectful of others …
… but I have to mention the few good things I enjoy about seeing movies at the theater …
1. … while we may be able to come close to duplicating the sound experience of a theater at home … there’s no way I could come close to the visual experience of a theater screen at home … sure we have ginormous HDtv screens, but it’s not the same unless it’s the size of your living room wall … who could afford that??? … well, I can’t …
2. … I love being a part of the conversation … so if you watch it at or near the opening showing… you can chat about it at the water cooler, with your friends, and online … and you don’t have to avoid over-hearing anyone talk about it, avoid seeing clips or spoilers, or constantly tell your friends not to give anything away about the movie …
3. … where else can you sneak in food and feel so good about not having to pay $8 for a bucket of popcorn??? … we recently snuck in Subway subs and coffee, haha … there was minor spillage of coffee, though … but with the recent tragedy, they’re checking bags again … so don’t think you can sneak stuff in now …
4. and I love seeing the previews of upcoming movies … yeah, it’s only short clips … but somehow it feels more exciting, a little funnier, or gives you a little more anticipation for the film … and heck, sometimes the clips are the best parts of the movie anyway …
… btw, I’ve been in theaters where we were the only ones there … and that was the best … like our own private screening …
Your opening post and DIO’s response caused me to look this up: from the Seinfeld episode, “The Opposite” where George decides to do everything the opposite from what his instinct tells him. He and his date are a theater with rude people behind him (just like your experience, Cat). He turns around and shouts: “Shut your traps and stop kicking the seats! We’re trying to watch the movie! And if I have to tell you again, we’re gonna take it outside and I’m gonna show you what it’s like! You understand me? Now, shut your mouths or I’ll shut’em for ya, and if you think I’m kidding, just try me. Try me. Because I would love it!
( People applaud as George sits down again )”
You could try that! Otherwise, I am in total agreement with you, Cat.
I’ve had the same “experience” you did on more than one occasion, and here’s what I did:
1. Turn around and give them a look to express your displeasure over their behavior
2. Give them one more chance, but this time with a slight sneer on your face
3. Turn around and politely ask them, in a voice loud enough to let the surrounding row know what’s happening, to be quiet/stop kicking the chair/etc.
4. If that doesn’t work, call the usher.
By #2, they usually stop, but if not, # 3 will do it.