Movie Theater Rant

So, yesterday, I went to go see Life of Pi, which is an amazing movie. It’s a movie that keeps you constantly thinking and has a movie that just makes you think about everything you had just seen. It was deep, emotional, and actually pretty violent for a PG movie. I’ll try to keep spoilers at a minimum, for my complaints are not about the movie.

Before the movie started, my dad had me run back out to the concession stand to get a glass of water. Why we didn’t get it while ordering, I’ll never know. But in front of me were two guys, both of them obviously together, but they are ordering separately. Now, I could’ve just cutted into a random line and ask for a small glass, but I was a good movie goer and waited my turn.

The first guy leaves, and then the next guy orders. It’s almost my turn to ask for my water, when the first guy comes back with his popcorn bag mostly empty. I’m pretty sure he just dumped it in the trash. The cashier turns around and sees the guy from before, and laughs, because he knew this crap was rediculous. What pissed me off though was that he refilled the guys popcorn before I could order. The rule should be that he has to wait in line, not use his friend’s spot to make people late for their movie. I was at least able to make it into the theater just as the studio credits rolled, so I didn’t miss anything.

Of course, that was nothing compared to the hell I faced in the theater. It’s a given that you get at least one person who talks during the movie, but you hope they are on the other side of the theater so you can’t hear it. Well, this lady was right behind me. She wasn’t quiet at all; she was loud. She would talk to herself, recapping what had just happened two seconds ago on the screen. She was impossible to block out and made the enjoyment less enjoyable.

There are rules for a reason, one of the big ones is not to talk. Thirty minutes in, I was tempted to yell at her “You need to shut the **** up because you are ruining the movie for everybody!” There seriously needs to be tighter restrictions on talking in the theater or just implement some kind of douchbag tax for these kinds of people.

 

Lol she probably had issues and who buys water in a movie theater? You are the first person I know that does that. And yeah I agree they need to tighten the rules more

 

Technically it's buying.

 

I was miserable when I saw Wreck-It Ralph.
While it was a fantastic movie the children in there were unbearable. I think it's the first movie I've seen that is rated less than pg13 in theaters in years.
Some of my friends are awful in theaters too, one of them doesn't lower the brightness of the screen on his phone, so when he takes it out for whatever reason there is this blinding light that completely takes me out of the flim.

 

no, it's asking for a glass. which is free. so no, it's not at all like buying.

 

You should have told her to shut up.

Maybe not swear, but...

 

Last movie I saw out in theatres was Avengers and people were pretty cool during that. I usually don't go to theatres that often because I don't like big crowds of people. And I like watching movies in the comfort of my own home.

 

Hi I work at a movie theater.

1. For the line business, it depends on the particular theater, but the one I work at does not have roped off lines. We expect our customers to form one orderly line that does not block exit/entrance traffic but that of course doesn't happen; what they usually do is either form three lines around whatever cashier they deem the fastest, or just create a massive swarm and push each other to get to me when I shout I CAN HELP WHO IS NEXT. I'm also doing about fourteen things while filling your order (making sure my drawer has enough change, making popcorn, evaluating stock, cleaning theaters, cleaning counters, stocking straws and napkins, etc), so I can't keep any kind of track of who is actually next in line. Refills take about 35 seconds as opposed to a full order, so we'll often just quick top off a popcorn before getting to the next customer. I know it's unfair but we want to keep things moving as best we can , whoever is closest to the counter is probably getting helped.
2. The buying water business: we charge for water unless you create a tiff. It's not my fault. If I could I would give out water but unfortunately I have a really cheap manager that doesn't allow it. Legally I believe we are supposed to provide water so if you make a scene you'll get it, but just bring a water bottle or something with you.
3. People talking/texting in a theater: come out and tell me. I'll talk to the person and warn them; if they continue I'll kick them out. I have no problem doing this, because if I don't, customers will come out and ask for refunds. Don't be afraid to snitch. You paid to be here.
4. Kids being loud: go see kid's movies at night ( after 8pm ). If it's after like 8:00 and kids are in the theater (usually teenagers around that time), they must be accompanied by an adult. We let them in anyway but if they're being obnoxious, we will kick them out for you. Just tell us.

 

I tend to be the guilty one in terms of talking during the movie. But I really only *whisper* a comment or two to my brothers or friends at a part that really stood out to me. And sometimes people's reactions actually enhance the viewing experience because it says that a movie is engaging. In my book, that could be a good sign.

However, it really should be expected that some people never pay attention to the beginning "Turn your damn phones off" among other announcements. I remember somebody brought in a f*cking laser pointer to a screening of The Avengers and not even the security's presence stopped them.

Regardless, if I want to see a movie in theaters, I usually would try to go a couple of weeks after the opening weekend, so the crowds dwindle down and whatnot.

Overall, I just think part of the reason is that we're naturally social beings. I remember my Indian friend was telling me that theaters in India have people always talking during the movie as a way of socializing with friends and family. We may have different cultural values in the West in terms of theater-going, but sometimes, if someone is being loud, there seems to be nothing we can do about it in the given situation (except complain to the staff and security if things turn out really crazy or bad... I guess it depends on the theater hehe).

Anyway, that's just my two cents. I hope your theater-going experiences will become better. Life of Pi is actually one of the next movies I want to see in theaters. o.o I hope it's as good as the book.

 

I should add that I talk during most movies I see. If I'm really into the film (Harry Potter or something) I'll be quiet, but most films I see I go to heckle (Twilight). I don't go when there are many people there, if I do even go, and I try to be quiet during the important parts lol.

Breaking Dawn was great though, the entire crowd was talking during the film but in a good way, kind of just communally being grossed out by the CGI baby.

 

I admittedly somewhat liked Breaking Dawn, ignoring what franchise it's part of, it's a great standalone piece when viewed as a tragedy, not as a teen vampire movie.

But whatever, this will be the last time that you see me give credit to something that came out of that series.

 

I saw this on tumblr recently and it was really interesting. imo though best Twilight book and movie was the first one. I don't think the series deserves all the hate it gets but a lot of it is quite cringe-worthy. At the end of the day, though, it's getting teenagers to read--I can't argue with that.

 

I worked as a cashier in my previous job. When customers tried to pull that kind of move I always called them on it. I suspect they complained behind my back, because although it' s not the reason I was officially fired for I' m pretty sure it' s the officious one. My boss heavily implied it.

 

I had that during the Avatar film. I was happily watching and we were quite far into it when this woman came down the isle and sat next to me. She then started commenting on EVERYTHING! Like when the big guy came out she'd be like "That's the bad guy!!" and then be like "Oooh, he's gonig to use that big machine, watch out!" The people she was with ahd obviously kicked her out of her seat next to them xD it didn't ruin my enjoyment too much as I got a bit engrossed in the film after that.

I only talk in films to the people I'm with and it'll only be a passing comment like if we find something funny or it relates to somethnig funny we've once seen but apart from that I won't talk.

 

Is there anything you don't do or don't know? It's like you have an answer for everything on this site, or at least a comment for everything.....So which movie theater do you work at? I want to go there just to get in a theater with someone who won't shut up and tattle to you. Then we can all just call me the snitch on KH-vids

But I've gotta say, it's rare that I end up in a movie that has people that talk loud or use their phones. Maybe I'm just lucky, but I doubt it. I can say I do whisper during movies a lot, but that's because I have to explain things to my mom, since she always seems to fall asleep during movies, and yes, I am talking about at movie theaters as well. But I haven't had any issues with buying anything, or in your case asking for something, because usually whenever I get food/drink I always get a large so I don't have to worry about anything....except for going to the bathroom during the fight between Batman and Bane....that really sucked, missed the whole fight

 

that is bloody brilliant. it's a shame twilight is still basically a middle-aged housewife's sex fantasies and was all it was written to be.

 

It's a small local theater, only four screens. Plus I don't think you're anywhere near New York, lol.

 

touché

 

It was based off of a Twilight fanfiction sooooo