Can you tolerate going to the movie theatre?

will52

will52

CAGiversary!
Because I can't stand it. Am I alone here or is this pretty common? I drove by the local movie theatre tonight and it was so busy, people had to park on the road and on side streets.

I find it to be overly expensive to see a movie. The tickets aren't bad, but forget about getting a snack or drink. I guess ideally you can smuggle stuff in.

But even once you get past that, its the people that ruin the experience for me. This is a typical trip to the movies for me: I go in, pay for a ticket, get robbed at the concession stand for some popcorn. Enter the theatre a little early and scope out a seat. Floors are disgustingly sticky from years of spills. Sit down and wait for movie to start. People begin to fill the theatre. 8 foot tall guy sits down directly in front of me, ruining any chance of seeing the movie unobstructed. A few seats down from me, couple sits down, both chatting on their cell phones. Wow, I hope they turn those off before the movie begins.

The lights dim and the previews begin to play. Now if the movie you are going to see is a comedy, 2-3 people (generally men) are going to laugh obnoxiously at advertisements that either aren't comical, or that everyone and their mother has seen about a hundred thousand time before on TV. It wasn't funny then, and it isnt now. STFU already. So the movie finally starts and once again, if this is a comedy, prepare for a few bottom-feeding douchebags to laugh at the opening credits or the initial sight of the main character. Also, if this is a typical Comedy, quite a few of the funny moments have been revealed on commercials or trailers. This however will not make the douches laugh any less, if anything, more. I really don't understand this behavior. Do these people think to themselves, "Hey, if I laugh, people will think that I get the jokes and that I'm really funny too! Maybe Seth Rogen will spot me laughing loudly at his movie and then want me to be his friend." Wrong douchebag, fucking wrong. Everyone thinks you are retarded.

Once you get past that, you have the people who narrate the movie to either themselves or people around them. If you feel the need to narrate, wait for the movie to come out on DVD and watch it in the comfort of your own home. Then you can narrate all you freaking well like. You can even pause to narrate. And if you are narrating because you have no idea whats going on in the plot or someone else around you doesn't, you are too retarded to be inside the movie theatre.

If you are alive after all of this insanity, you still have to contend with chair kickers, late comers, overactive bladders (have to get up 15 times to go the washroom), 12 year olds (first time allowed out in public without mommy and daddy), wrapper noises, and cell phones.

I've prolly forgot something but thats all I can think of now. Having a big screen LCD and PS3 is so worth it now. Can get high quality picture and sound, and no annoyances. Anyone else have any other interesting movie experiences, or agree/disagree with me?

This (old) video pretty much summarizes my view, in the form of a metal music video. It is shown before Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters, and performed by Mastodon. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vf3VzVbrXU
 
That about sums it up.

I only go to really top priority movies. Otherwise, I can wait for the Blu-Ray. I think I have been to the theater 4 or 5 times in 2009, and I'll probably go maybe 4 or 5 more times, if that.

I just can't see spending $10 / per ticket to see it once (so, before snacks, I've already spent almost enough to buy the movie outright....), usually with distractions, when I can pay ~$25 on Amazon and get the Blu-Ray around release day and can then watch it as many times as I want, in the comfort of my home on my beautiful 56" HDTV.
 
the opening to Aqua Teen is hilarious... but I have a theater near me where NO ONE GOES... it's awesome...

but I have also gone to the theater in Astoria, Queens... wow... what a fucking mess of a place... it's the worst.

Bottom line... if I NEED to see a movie the night it opens (Bruno, Star Trek).. I'll go.. if I can wait (Terminator Salvation, Wolverine)... I'll watch it on Blu-Ray on my awesome home theater system.
 
Depends how badly I want to see the movie. I go a few times a year to see the "can't wait" ones, which is probably not very much compared to most.

I have experienced a lot of obnoxious people at the theater, so if it's something I'm not really looking forward to I get it on blu-ray and watch it at home. Plus you can do stuff at home you can't at the theater, at least without potentially being arrested. :censored:

And you save money, and we're all about saving money right? Like someone before said for a night at the theater you can get the blu-ray.
 
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movie theatres in general suck. drive ins are fun if you can find one and adult movie theatres are cool too but pricy ( they serve full meals and alcohol). going to the theatres used to be an event now its now with the prce of tickets and concessions its more of a hassle than its worth.

i dont think they will be completly phased out until they find a way to add new movies to ppv but i wouldnt be surprised if they were losing money steadily.
 
I agree bro, the only theater I go to is this one called Silver Screen that serves beer. It's not the greatest theater but it doesn't have all the annoyences. Our big arena seating theaters by Rave are incredibly bad.
 
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[quote name='lokizz']i dont think they will be completly phased out until they find a way to add new movies to ppv but i wouldnt be surprised if they were losing money steadily.[/QUOTE]
theatres make a ridiculous amount of money (box office records being broken every year it seems) and that's not gonna change in the foreseeable future

plenty of people, like me, much rather see a movie with an enthusiastic crowd than with a small quiet group in private.. plus the sound systems cannot be beat. i prefer comedies and horror movies in theatres because the crowd's reactions make it more enjoyable, and i prefer action movies in theatres because size/sound matters. i'd gladly pay $12 to really enjoy a movie in a theatre than $6 to watch it at home, and obviously millions of others share that sentiment or we wouldn't have theatres..
 
To me, even though the moviegoing audience is, on the whole, more obnoxious than they were twenty years ago, it really comes down to three factors:

1.) What you see.
2.) Where you see it.
3.) When you see it.
-- a.) The time of day/night.
-- b.) The day of the week.
-- c.) The proximity to the movie's release.

For me, it's very feasible to see a cineplex movie with a mostly civilized crowd. But again, it goes back to the confluence of the factors I listed above working in my favor.
 
No, no I can't.

[quote name='ohboy10451']sometimes thats the only place you can get a female alone.[/QUOTE]

Seriously... wow. lol Wouldn't recommend doin that here...
 
[quote name='jollydwarf']To me, even though the moviegoing audience is, on the whole, more obnoxious than they were twenty years ago, it really comes down to three factors:

1.) What you see.
2.) Where you see it.
3.) When you see it.
-- a.) The time of day/night.
-- b.) The day of the week.
-- c.) The proximity to the movie's release.

For me, it's very feasible to see a cineplex movie with a mostly civilized crowd. But again, it goes back to the confluence of the factors I listed above working in my favor.[/QUOTE]





Exactly, if you hit Transformers 2 on opening day, your screwed. But if you catch it a week or two later on a Tuesday, you're good to go. Any movie really on a Friday or Saturday night at a big cinema is gonna be trouble.
 
[quote name='Koggit']i prefer comedies and horror movies in theatres because the crowd's reactions make it more enjoyable[/QUOTE]
while i wouldn't say i prefer theater over home viewing this brings up the fact that they really are different experiences. if you're in the mood for the theater experience, it is very different from what you get at home, and not only in negative ways. there are many good things to be said about watching a movie at a theater that is unique to the locale.
 
[quote name='ohboy10451']sometimes thats the only place you can get a female alone.[/QUOTE]

Are you twelve? Be creative, man!

I do hate going to the movies, for most of the reasons stated by the OP. Mostly the people the wont shut up is what gets to me. Yes, we all know that bitch shouldn't go in there. You don't have to shout it out.

I've only seen two movies in the theatre this year, Watchmen and Dragon Ball. Both experiences were hampered by a bad audience. People were bitching that watchmen was too long and didn't have enough action (WHY did you see it at midnight if you didn't know what it was about?!) and that Dragon Ball was stupid and didn't have enough Vegeta (...valid point, but did you have to interrupt the movie?). I guess this comes from the natural inclination for people to force their opinions on others. I just think it's rude.
 
[quote name='Koggit']theatres make a ridiculous amount of money (box office records being broken every year it seems) and that's not gonna change in the foreseeable future

plenty of people, like me, much rather see a movie with an enthusiastic crowd than with a small quiet group in private.. plus the sound systems cannot be beat. i prefer comedies and horror movies in theatres because the crowd's reactions make it more enjoyable, and i prefer action movies in theatres because size/sound matters. i'd gladly pay $12 to really enjoy a movie in a theatre than $6 to watch it at home, and obviously millions of others share that sentiment or we wouldn't have theatres..[/QUOTE]

I agree, in theory. I guess going to the movies is like a comparison of society in general; The ignorance of a few ruins the experience for many. Not unlike many things in life. Kind of a pessimistic outlook.
 
I very rarely go theaters anymore, for much of the above reasons but also due to another problem. It used to be a big social thing to get together for a movie, go to dinner afterwards and talk about it. But at my age I find most of the people I used to do this with are now married with children, which greatly limits their adults only social time, or they've moved to other regions. I'm not inclined to go to a movie alone, so this leaves very little inducement to go to theaters anymore. It's a lot easier to get together for watching a disc or recording.
 
I also dislike going to the movies. It's way too damn expensive. Still, I go about once a month with the girlfriend to watch a "must see" movie. This month was UP, next month will my boyfriend's new movie: Harry Potter. So yeah, I spend about $25-30 a month to enjoy about 2 hours at the movies. :)
 
I go to movies maybe once every few years. I always go in expecting maybe it'll be a pleasant experience but it always gets ruined somehow. Either by the guy that sits in front of you when there's 100 open seats, or guy with cackling laughter that finds every mild joke to be rip-roaringly hilarious.

Fortunately I don't encounter the rarest theater denizen as often anymore, such as Asshole On Cellphone, Seat Kicker, Loud & Chatty Thirtysomething Female Duo, Little Kid Sitting 180 Degrees In Seat Staring At You, or Black People That Literally Run Up The Aisle Screaming With Laughter Like On fucking Def Comedy Jam.
 
What pisses me off more than anything is parents who refuse to get babysitters and bring their young children and BABIES to R films. They're usually talking through the film, asking about everything, running up the aisles, and completely BAWL when something freaks them out. And when they do start cry, their parents don't take them out of the theater. WTF.

I only go to theaters for must-see films. I much rather stay at home.
 
What I found was fun recently, If you actually address most people to what they are doing, they stop. They get embarrassed. They have been getting away with it for so long that someone saying something is a new thing for them.

" Watch the movie or get out" usually works.

But op, I totally agree. People are so inconsiderate and its annoying having to police others when they should do it our of courtesy themselves.
 
Ya know, I've experienced all of this crap and it's never really turned me off from the theaters.

I think the only thing that got to me was at midnight showing of Spiderman 3, there was a 13/14/15 year old white kid in an oversized knee-length hockey jersey that was drinking those long cans of beer. And it reeked. I'm not a big drinker anyway... but the smell of any beer just freakin' repulses me. So I had to sit through the whole movie like that with this little turd on humanity's cornhole killing my olfactory senses because I wasn't about to let him screw me out of the money I paid to see the movie by siccing a manager on him. Plus he left his beer cans on the floor and surrounding seats and little puddles of spilled beer on the floor. After the movie, however, as he's staggering down the escalator and into the square outside the theater, I kinda hinted to the closest police officer that a certain minor might be intoxicated and might be escorted home.

You know, come to think of it, I might have saved that bastard's life. Kept him from wondering into traffic or wandering into the wrong alley or whatever.
 
I don't really understand people who say that going to the movies is way too expensive because they're factoring in the cost of snacks they buy at the concession stand. If the movie theater popcorn or soda is too expensive (which it is) don't buy it. Is it really that hard to sit in a dark room for 100 minutes without shoving thousands of calories down your gullet?
 
Haha this is tough to read. I don't know why, seeing as how I share most of the bad experiences you've all listed on a regular basis, but I go every chance I get. I absolutely love going to the movies. Most movies turn out to be not worth it but I still enjoy going. I still buy a lot on blu-ray and obviously won't go if there's nothing at all worth seeing in the slightest, but hell I even volunteer to see shitty kids' movies with my friends' kids if they offer to pay.
 
You had me until you started railing about people laughing during comedies.

If that annoys you, DON'T GO.

But it sounds like you have people issues OP.
 
[quote name='crunchb3rry'] I always go in expecting maybe it'll be a pleasant experience but it always gets ruined somehow. Either by the guy that sits in front of you when there's 100 open seats, or guy with cackling laughter that finds every mild joke to be rip-roaringly hilarious.
[/QUOTE]

This exactly. Don't get me wrong, if its a comedy, please laugh. But it always seems that the person with glass shattering laugh finds the dullest joke extremely funny and feels the need to hyperventilate about it.
 
I started going to the theater a ton after a moved to the small city of Delaware, OH. It's an old theater with three screens and tickets are $6 for students and only $4 on Tuesdays and early showings. The seats are a little uncomfortable, but I can't beat the fact that it's within walking distance and is only $4.
 
I find the experience less and less enjoyable.. ticket prices are insane and a drink (even if you share) and box of candy and bag of popcorn will run the movie up to $40 easy on a date. I appreciate the audience atmosphere as well, but can't stand sitting next to someone I don't know because I'm something of a bigger guy and I need to stretch my legs/arms if I'm sitting for 2 hours. And then teenagers that treat it like a social venue instead of a movie viewing ruin it as well.. running around the theater and texting (small lcd screens lighting up all over the place is distracting).

I agree, it can be fun but only on an off peak night.
 
[quote name='road3283']I usually wait a couple of weeks from the opening to let the crowds die down and hit up a matinee.[/QUOTE]
^This.
 
[quote name='Lice']What I found was fun recently, If you actually address most people to what they are doing, they stop. They get embarrassed. They have been getting away with it for so long that someone saying something is a new thing for them.

" Watch the movie or get out" usually works. [/QUOTE]

This- the rare times I go the the movies (normally twice a year, although more these last couple years due to the Deathnote showings) I'm with people who don't mind telling others to shut up, and don't mind leaving to find management to complain to if they don't... sure, it may be purpose-defeating to leave a movie you want to see, but if you can't enjoy it anyway- why not at least get the fucker thrown out?

'Course, it's never really come to that, because the people I go to movies with are early matinee viewers... cheaper tickets and less crowds (no one goes to movies at 10 am on a Tuesday). I agree that concessions are overly pricey... but you know anywhere else I can get a tub of movie popcorn? We usually just sneak in Dollar Tree candy (they sell the big theater boxes and everything) and buy just popcorn/drinks... and we always get the big-ass tub with the free refill, becuase my family's popcorn junkies and we take the refill home. ;)
 
I used to hate going, but over the last two years I have gone quite a bit. The crowds have been surprisingly civil, but even if they aren't I have no problem telling someone to shut the hell up. Considering my height I never have a problem. I used to be Mr. Nice Guy, but I am starting to break out of that.
 
[quote name='Koggit']if you don't like theaters dont go

two problems solved[/QUOTE]

lol +1 you dont like people laughing in the theater? wtf... i bet you would hate the awesome theater i go to where people shout and talk throughout the movie
 
It sounds like some of you just don't like people in general and have a problem no matter where you go, movie theater or not. If you don't like the crowds, DON"T GO ON WEEKENDS. It's a very simple solution. If you just HAVE to see a movie opening weekend then suck it up and deal with it. If someone is being a disturbance then do something about it. Don't just sit there and sulk, get a manager, tell them to shut up, do something.

[quote name='NeoFrank1']I don't really understand people who say that going to the movies is way too expensive because they're factoring in the cost of snacks they buy at the concession stand. If the movie theater popcorn or soda is too expensive (which it is) don't buy it. Is it really that hard to sit in a dark room for 100 minutes without shoving thousands of calories down your gullet?[/QUOTE]

Well said. I have no problem taking in my own candy if I want some since theaters are price gouging.
 
[quote name='Lice']What I found was fun recently, If you actually address most people to what they are doing, they stop. They get embarrassed. They have been getting away with it for so long that someone saying something is a new thing for them.

" Watch the movie or get out" usually works.

But op, I totally agree. People are so inconsiderate and its annoying having to police others when they should do it our of courtesy themselves.[/QUOTE]
You would think that works. But at least around here, it doesn't. In this town you have two extremes. You have people who are super "considerate" who would never offend a soul. And you have the predator who takes advantage of these people. And the super douches who take advantage of the nicer folk are so used to people just bending over and taking their crap up the rear that they are just overwhelming asses about it if you bring up their behavior to them. So around here, if you try to correct someone it usually gets worse, not better (but I feel it's still incumbent upon you to do something about it). It's a product of the too common belief in permissive parenting around here. I can't believe the way parents around here let their children walk all over them. I think that's the main cause of douche-baggery today (at least in these parts).

And a word to those of you who are "longsuffering" or overly "kind". You're not being considerate or nice. You're just as bad as the a-holes if you don't speak up because you become an enabler by letting them walk over you. Then it's just that much easier for them to do it to the next "nice" person. STand up for yourselves and those around you!

[quote name='keithp']You had me until you started railing about people laughing during comedies.

If that annoys you, DON'T GO.

But it sounds like you have people issues OP.[/QUOTE]

Me too. I'm annoyed by everything else the op said. But laughing in a comedy movie irks you? Really??? I mean, I hate it when I go to a movie for the first time and some losers with no life RECITE the movie verbatim before it happens. Or when I go to Nacho Libre and the three guys right behind me yell "NACHOOOOOOOOO!" every two seconds for the whole movie. And these guys giggle like little school girls the whole movie long, even when nothing humorous is going on. But extreme laughter is usually the rarest annoyance. And you didn't specify extreme situations. It sounded like almost any laughter is your main complaint. That's just ridiculous.

On the other hand, I have not been to a movie in the past decade where someone near me wasn't texting the whole time or the person behind me wasn't putting their feet on the back of my seat or people are talking the whole time. Those are real annoyances. But you can't get away from that in society in general. Heck, in school I have to sit through lectures where people are talking on the cell phone or the ass behind me is slouching down, bringing their knees up and pressing their shins against my seat. And it doesn't help to say something to them. They are such selfish whores that they just yell back at you to mind your own business, unless you are a big person like myself or Guile up there^ and stand up and peer down at them after they start mouthing off. But that is ridiculous that you actually have to physically threaten these psychological/emotional bullies that are so pervasive in society today.

In the end, you can't avoid hateful, selfish pricks these days. And when you encounter them, you have a responsibility to throw their behavior back in their face, even though it often won't help. But almost always when you do try to stop someone's jerky behavior, the hundreds of previously silent onlooking morons around suddenly back you up. Everyone knows these people should be put to sleep like a rabid dog, it's just everyone is too "nice" to say anything. I wish people would stand up for themselves. It would make everyone's lives a whole lot easier/better.

I know this was a long post. but selfish people extremely both me. And people who remain silent only make it worse...
 
[quote name='crunchb3rry']I go to movies maybe once every few years. I always go in expecting maybe it'll be a pleasant experience but it always gets ruined somehow. Either by the guy that sits in front of you when there's 100 open seats, or guy with cackling laughter that finds every mild joke to be rip-roaringly hilarious.

Fortunately I don't encounter the rarest theater denizen as often anymore, such as Asshole On Cellphone, Seat Kicker, Loud & Chatty Thirtysomething Female Duo, Little Kid Sitting 180 Degrees In Seat Staring At You, or Black People That Literally Run Up The Aisle Screaming With Laughter Like On fucking Def Comedy Jam.[/QUOTE]


Thank you for saying it where i go to the movie theater Same thing with the black people but it's a lot of them like a bunch of loud monkeys (Not a racist remark)God they don't even watch the movie they just talk
 
we were once at a movie where the person immediately behind me had a timex-type sport watch with alarms. that fucking thing went off for 60 seconds every 5 minutes and the motherfucker never pushed the cancel button or whispered an apology or anything.

another time we went to see an R-rated movie (don't remember which one) but it was a 10-ish PM show and there were kids young enough to need strollers. the little bastard behind me was probably 5-6 years old and was with a parent that had not seen the movie before. the kid felt the need to narrate the movie " DADDY, THIS IS THE PART WHERE HE DOES THE THING!" "MOMMY LIKE THIS PART!" i was like SERIOUSLY, WTF the kid was kindergarten-aged. ugh.

I hate people. we rarely go to movies these days because of the reasons you mentioned combined with the ever-increasing prices. We're in NY and $15/ticket for a movie isn't uncommon especially if it's either IMAX or 3D.
 
I also wanna add, the best reason to go to theaters are if you are seeing something like Jackass, and you get hammered before and go... the best two times out I've ever had at a theater were Jackass and Grindhouse... very memorable theater going events.
 
I don't necessarily like watching comedy movies in the theater because there are always blatant roars of laughter after every punch-line that you don't find quite funny. It gets old half-way through the movie. Especially the ones that find the moment so funny they feel the need to stomp on the sticky floor and slap their knees. I enjoy the more serious movies in public... unless someone answers the phone in the middle of it.
 
All the theaters I usually go to have stadium seating (avoiding the tall person in front of you issue), are well maintained (rarely have sticky floors), and are easy to smuggle food/drinks into (avoiding the concession stand). I also just go to movies a week or two after they are out and at times tickets are cheaper to avoid overcrowded theaters. Maybe one in ten times I go someone SLIGHTLY annoys me by texting or having their ring tone go off once or twice. I try to see as many movies as I can in theaters.

I don't know where these hell hole theaters you all go to are, but all the theaters I've been to in the Midwest have been at least reasonable. Even the old dollar theater I went to had nice screens and the crowds didn't bother me (although yes it had incredibly sticky floors).
 
I always hope that going to the theater will be an enjoyable experience, but the last few times I have always ended up frustrated. Went to see Watchmen a few months ago and a group of kids sat right behind us. One of them started talking on his cell phone during the movie. Went to see Star Trek and the lady behind had to keep asking questions because she wouldn't pay attention to the movie. My setup at home is good enough that I don't mind waiting for the DVD release.
 
1. I am that 8 foot giant and hate going to packed theaters. Concerts are rough too.
2. My friends get a kick out of doing all that stuff except kicking peoples chairs. They think it is funny to be loud and obnoxious. I hate just being around them in theaters.
3. If you go to drive in theaters you avoid most the mentioned problems. You still have to deal with people leaving their lights on or arriving/leaving.
 
[quote name='will52']This exactly. Don't get me wrong, if its a comedy, please laugh. But it always seems that the person with glass shattering laugh finds the dullest joke extremely funny and feels the need to hyperventilate about it.[/QUOTE]

You know what's funny, the last movie I went to where there was a guy like this was Gran Torino. Considering 80% of the jokes were laced with bigotry, it made the experience twice as annoying.
 
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