posted
Just saw a new report that a man was killed at a Black Swan screening.....because he was making too much noise with his popcorn.
I just read this great comment underneath said article I wanted to post:
"I am a newspaper opinion columnist and just published a column at Christmas about the lack of civility by movie-goers. The reaction was one of the most intense in my nearly 40 years as a journalist. It called for a sequel, which was just published in the last couple of weeks. (mlive.com/Barry Shanley movie civility).
It represents what is happening to our culture, and cultures all around the world. For a variety of reasons, but mainly a me-first attitude which is now leading to a me-only attitude. Our very language is changing. Remember when we used to say, "You and I"? Now a whole generation is saying "Me and you"
The #1 complaint is about the kicking of seats. Followed by cell-phone use. Followed by the theaters selling popcorn in noisy bags instead of tubs, and candy that contains cellophane wrappers. Theaters reported urinating on movie theater doors instead of walking a few steps farther to the restroom. Finding used condoms in the back row. Having to air-out theaters from the stench of marijuana smoke."
Does anyone have an opinion? Honestly, my memories of seeing movies in the theater in the 80s were awesome.........I can't think of a bad one......remember people could smoke in the theater then? hahaha
Now is it because I was a kid? or is it honestly a different world now?
I personally don't understand cell phone lights, then again i'm not one to be attached to my phone..but during a movie?
Posts: 2912 | Registered: Jun 2003 | Site Updates: 26
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80'sRocked Play it Loud, Play it Proud
Member # 6979
posted
That is some crazy stuff! Personally, I haven't been to a movie theater since 1998 and have no plans of going anytime soon. Too expensive, hurts my back sitting that long, I have to pee too much!(sorry if this is TMI), plus all that crazy stuff listed by Muffy. It's a shame because I loved going in the 80's and early 90's. DVDs work for me these days!
Posts: 3614 | From: Caught Somewhere in Time.... | Registered: May 2008 | Site Updates: 101
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posted
That bad behavior has always been around. It is now above ground. I spent the 70s and 80s in grindhouses, which don't exist anymore. There I saw all that and worse--folks sterilizing needles in lighter flames, knife fights, drug deals, drinking, pot smoking, public urination, indecent exposure... When you went to see THOSE types of movies in THOSE types of theatres, it was expected. Often it was better entertainment than the movies themselves. But alas, grindhouses are no more, and no one, myself included, wants to see that behavior at the strip mall multiplex where you have paid $10 for a ticket and $10 for the combo of watered down soda and stale, oversalted popcorn to see the latest Nic Cage piece o' crap from Lionsgate. There is little civility anywhere in the U.S. We need to take lessons in manners from the polite Canadians--I've seen dozens of films in Canada and never had a bad experience. Heck, at the Paramount in Toronto, the snack bar sells sushi! Movies are my favorite art form. Viewing them on the big screen should be a cause to celebrate, not gnash teeth.
Posts: 2008 | From: Dixieland | Registered: Oct 2008 | Site Updates: 0
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I worked as a movie usher in the late-70's and early-1980's. I can say from experience that not much has changed, except that cellphones, pagers, and other portable mobile devices make things less enjoyable.
People still talk too much (or loudly) during the movie, or noisily squirm in their seats, or kick the seat in front of them, or pass gas! Ick!
But it depends on the type of theater and the kind of movie being shown. Art-house theater patrons tend to be more courteous than the ones who go see summer blockbusters in the shopping mall multiplex theaters.
Posts: 3385 | From: Sacramento, California, USA | Registered: Sep 2002 | Site Updates: 0
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Helen_S
Hiding behind the shower curtain.....
Member # 5804
posted
I don't have any problems other than the noisy eaters. I don't get why people feel the need to fill their faces during a film. Just watch the thing and shut up Posts: 4057 | From: uk | Registered: May 2007 | Site Updates: 0
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posted
i never really have problems with anyone else at the movies. but my husband and i steer clear of going to the movies when the teeny boppers are out..who tend to yik yak and giggle way too much.
so we go to early showings, at like 9 or 10 on sundays. plus, the admission prices are 5 dollars each.
just last week, we were at a show, and i was eating my popcorn, and my husband was giving me a look, because i was rustling through the bag to get a handful. i didn't realize i was making a bunch of noise. oopsie.. Posts: 4807 | Registered: Oct 2002 | Site Updates: 39
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posted
Haven't been to a theater in... I don't remember, that's how long. And honestly, I never enjoyed it, not even as a kid.
Once had to pull a George Costanza on some rowdy mofos, though unlike him, I actually had to fight them!
Posts: 1278 | From: Denmark,Europe | Registered: Dec 2007 | Site Updates: 3
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Helen_S
Hiding behind the shower curtain.....
Member # 5804
I had a long break of not going to the pictures up until a few years ago. I go about 10 times a year now.
Posts: 4057 | From: uk | Registered: May 2007 | Site Updates: 0
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posted
When I lived with my dad during the 80's and early 90's he went out with alot of women and got annoyed with my brother and I tagging along. Two kids causing a scene in every restaurant he would take us. So he decided to send us to the movies to get rid of us. My brother and I saw a ridiculous amount of movies at the cinema during this period. I have many fond memories of the cinema experience.
- First of all we had a cinema called Hoyts in the heart of the city. It was the best cinema I have ever seen. It looked like the cinema was built in the 1920's. The floor, walls and supporting beams were all made from marble and all the carpeting was red. I remember the candy bar being a big deal and the bathrooms being immaculate. Got to love the masterful ceramics that you will not see these days. - The cinema was very dark from the get go and ushers would show you to your seats with a small pocket torch and be very professional. The rows were equipped with their corresponding letter of an orange colour which was at its most irradescent the darker it was. The seats were the only thing that needed changing. They looked like they had been ripped out of an old T-Bird, with that red upholstery which I doubt was leather. There were two levels consisting of the deck and the balcony. I would always sit at the front row of the balcony dead centre, if somebody hadn't beaten me too it. From there I could put my feet up on the bannister, stretch back and admire the theatre pipe organ down on the deck. This thing looked like it was a hundred years old but still in pristine condition. The size of the cinema was monstrous and the screen seemed like the size of four double decker buses. I went to go back to that cinema a few years ago after being out of the state for a number of years and was informed that it was closed. I believe the actual cinema is still inside the arcade but it is blocked off, never to see life again. I was devastated.
From my experience as a kid going to the movies weekly I found that there is a major difference between goin to the cinemas then and goin now.
- I found people took the whole cinema going experience as a real night out. For my brother and I this was our night out and we tried to make the most out of it.
- The cue to get tickets was more civil as was the candy bar. I remember then having that curtain cord attached to the gold colour posts creating a maze at the front of the candy bar and most people took it seriously. Now I see no cord at all and it is merely a free for all for who can get the attendants attention. Many people have no worries of pushing in front of you these days and then getting to the counter and saying "Gimme a large pop corn, two jumbo size Cokes and a packet of Skittles." Not like back when I was a kid, where it would me more like, "No, you were next," followed by a "Thank you for being so honest."
- Yeah cell phones didn't exist which was great, and not that many people smoked in the theatres anyway but when they did I was amazed by the look of the exhaled smoke coming into contact with the projector's light.
- The first movie I can remember seeing at the cinemas was Teen Wolf when I was 4, and being absolutely enthralled to the point were I was immitating the wolf noises. I still remember getting many laughs for my performance.
- I saw an abundance of movies at the cinema as a kid including Three Amigos, Christmas Vacation, Mac and Me, The Boy Who Could Fly, The Burbs, Working Girl, The Last Crusade, Days of Thunder, Don't Tell Mom the Baby Sitter's Dead, Falling Down and many many more.
- The movie going expereince has changed dramatically IMO.
- I like many was brought up with that 50's mentality of my parents. Be a gentleman, stand up straight, use your manners. I think many people today are brought up with a don't give a **** attitude and it really does show. I have actually gotten quite cynical of many people over the years because of their attitude towards the world. I am sure I would not be alone there.
- The only experience that I remember that really annoyed me at the cinemas back then, was when my brother and I went to see Crazy People in 1990. There was a girl that was probably in her teens and she had some sort of mental handicap. I feel alot of empathy for her now looking back but at the time I was really annoyed becasue throughout the entire movies she would keep making these really loud squeals. But as the movie went on I found it really funny. A kid's mentality I guess.
- The calibre of movies coming out these days also suck. It's true that occassionally something of merrit will come along, but back in the 80s and 90's there was a good movie too see every week. So watching the coming attractions was also exciting too because you got a taste of what you might see the next Friday and Saturday Night. The movie preview guy back in the 80's was in his element. The way he would build up a film was genius.
- I could probably go on for a couple more days here but think you get the point and I think you have stopped reading it by now anyway.
- IMO there are considerable differences to the cinema going experience especially in regards to civility. I will not even go any more unless there is something that I think is going to be great, but not alot of hope these days.
- I must also give the drive in theatres a worthy mention. I used to love going to those also. There used to be about 6 in my city and now there is only one in a suburb that is comparable to Harlem, so I choose to give that the swerve.
[ 24. February 2011, 04:57: Message edited by: Bernie_Lomax ]
Posts: 2586 | From: Defrauding the company from abroad | Registered: Jan 2010 | Site Updates: 24
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quote:I don't have any problems other than the noisy eaters. I don't get why people feel the need to fill their faces during a film. Just watch the thing and shut up
You have no issues with people kicking the back of seats? With people talking and texting (complete with phone rings) constantly? Rustling popcorn is fine to me - people can't help the noise it makes. But talking, texting, kicking seats, constantly getting up and moving around - these are all choices people have made. Lack of consideration is the key ingredient in all of them.
I frigging hate going to the cinema, there's always 10-20% of people who ruin everything because they haven't any intention of actually watching the movie. Scum.
Is it worse than the past? Maybe not. The magic of going to the cinema has certainly reduced for young people, so maybe they don't respect it anymore. They're saturated in movies from all sides, how can seeing one be that special? Phones have become a major social nuisance, and I guess the cinema is a place where that stands out a lot.
quote:i never really have problems with anyone else at the movies. but my husband and i steer clear of going to the movies when the teeny boppers are out..who tend to yik yak and giggle way too much.
That's because they go out to socialise, then feel like they should 'do' something reather than walk around aimlessly - so they go to a movie. They then spend the whole movie socialising rather than watching, which ruins it for everyone else.
Posts: 3383 | From: England | Registered: May 2003 | Site Updates: 21
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Helen_S
Hiding behind the shower curtain.....
Member # 5804
posted
I've had some crappy movie-going experiences in the past few years. The last time I went to the movies there was a group of people, probably in their late teens/early 20's, that were laughing throughout the entire movie and saying things back to the characters on screen...just obnoxious all around. Finally one guy got fed up and told them to shut the F*** up and one of the kids yelled back, "really?" It's times like that when I really don't feel like paying $10 to go see a movie.
I miss drive-in's! Does anyone still go to those anymore?
Posts: 731 | From: Racine, WI | Registered: Dec 2003 | Site Updates: 0
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quote:Originally posted by Helen_S: No Logan, I meant I don't experience any of that.
Ah, I see! I Just read back what I wrote - it sounded like I was snapping - I wasn't.
I'm very surprised you don't have the talking / texting thing when you go the cinema. I see it almost every time, which is why I hardly ever go anymore. The funny thing is, without fail, whenever people talk throughout movies they end up saying something like, "that sucked" when it ends. Morons.
Posts: 3383 | From: England | Registered: May 2003 | Site Updates: 21
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posted
my wife and i only go to matinees now. and we stay away from the big movie chains and go to smaller theaters showing harder to see movies. it works well for us.
if we want to see a bigger film, we like to go to the first showing of it on that day. so far so good.
Posts: 675 | From: Miskatonic University | Registered: Jul 2008 | Site Updates: 0
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posted
I am a horrible movie goer. I talk...not so much a conversation..but that person who says things like "who is that" "oh god what's around that corner" and I do it to my friends...and it's their first time seeing the movie too! So I sometimes go with friends, and they make me sit alone! But hey...whole buttered popcorn just for moi? Ok!!
There is simply nothing to do in my town. Other than bars and movies! I choose to see movies! And drink in the comfort of my home!
Posts: 155 | From: Today Indiana....probably tomorrow too actually! | Registered: Feb 2009 | Site Updates: 0
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aTomiK
.... has green eyes as well....
Member # 6575
Is it worse than the past? Maybe not. The magic of going to the cinema has certainly reduced for young people, so maybe they don't respect it anymore. They're saturated in movies from all sides, how can seeing one be that special? .
Very good point, Logan.
The last movie i saw in a movie theater was probably Ghostbusters 2 Posts: 7054 | From: Finland | Registered: Feb 2008 | Site Updates: 7
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kevdugp73
He's eating after dark again....
Member # 5978
posted
I loved going to the movies as a kid/teenager. Like anything back then, at least for me, getting to go to the moives or out for dinner was a real treat...cause it didn't happen very often. Now it seems parents throw money at their kids to get them out of their hair...and going to McDonalds is a 2-3 times a week occurance, along with a movie once a week.
I still love going to the movies...usually a date night with my wife when our folks babysit, or once in a while with friends....a $40 date to go to the movies by the way...admission, pop and popcorn...certainly one of the most annoying things about the theatres now...the prices.
As noted above, I always avoid Friday and Saturday nights...that's when the movies are packed with teenagers, most with no manners, who go simply to socialize.
It continue to be a great treat for me....popcorn is my fav treat...now they have root beer slushies.....all = heaven to me. Of course, like Crash said...I'm from Canada ehhh...what could possibly go wrong? Posts: 2148 | From: Nova Scotia, Canada | Registered: Aug 2007 | Site Updates: 0
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kevdugp73
He's eating after dark again....
Member # 5978
posted
I remember going to see Mystic River in the theatre, and their heating system was broken, so it was basically like a sauna. I'm already a walking heating pad and any type of heat is like a small form of torture. Made it through...and they gave everyone a free movie pass as we were leaving....
Good point to remember....if you have a genuinly bad movie going experience for any of the above noted reasons, a small complaint will typically get you your monay back or free passes...at least where I live. Remember....the prices are crazy, so if you don't get what you pay for...make it right!
Posts: 2148 | From: Nova Scotia, Canada | Registered: Aug 2007 | Site Updates: 0
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posted
I will admit it....I sneak in foods. Arrest me if you want...but if I take my daughter, its 10.50 for me, 7.50 for her and 7.00 for a popcorn. All to see a kids movie, during the day, with a bunch of other loud kids. So I think I deserve a little snack sneakage. I don't drink pop, except on special treat nights, we don't eat candy..well only to cure crankiness, and anything else gives me an upset stomach. So I pack a small bag of grapes, a bottle of water for us to split and sometimes some carrots...if i think we can get away with the crunching sound!
Posts: 155 | From: Today Indiana....probably tomorrow too actually! | Registered: Feb 2009 | Site Updates: 0
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Helen_S
Hiding behind the shower curtain.....
Member # 5804
posted
one cool thing about the theater we go to, they let us bring in any food we want.
there are tons of food places in the same plaza as our theater, like subway, charlie's steakery, rubios, jamba juice.. and more. and the theater let's you bring in food from those places.
i still have to have popcorn though. i agree the prices are insane. that is why we go early when it's 10.00 for just 2 tickets, plus whatever food we want. we usually spend from 20.00 to 25.00.
we usually sit high, in aisle seats. i like to get up and not have to walk in front of people, having to say 'excuse me'.
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Kash
Kash : Aha! He'll save every one of us...
Member # 297
quote: there's always 10-20% of people who ruin everything because they haven't any intention of actually watching the movie. Scum.
Well said
Kicking seats and loud chatter, the rest I can more or less live with.
Posts: 2041 | From: The Ice Planet Hoth | Registered: Jul 2001 | Site Updates: 0
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posted
I love it how on Seinfeld Kramer gets caught smuggling in an outside drink and the usher is like "Whadda ya got there, one of them cafe latte's."
It's classic because how the hell does he know what the drink is, like smuggling in latte's is a growing fad. It also pokes fun at how seriously people taken themselves. Great show.
I wish they did another 9 years.
Posts: 2586 | From: Defrauding the company from abroad | Registered: Jan 2010 | Site Updates: 24
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Well said
