Still a bit p*ssed off about the latest Batman flick, though – it was certified ‘12A’ in this country, which meant that anybody over the age of 10 (8? I could be wrong) accompanied by an adult could see it. Personally, I think it should have been a 15. Not that I’m so worried about ickle darlings’ minds being frazzled by the themes, just that it would have improved my viewing experience.

…the parents tend to want to come to school concerts and walk out after their little angels have finished their number and not care that they are being disrespectful of everyone else after them by walking out before any intermission.

I read that and thought that just PROVES that people having kids is all about them and not about contributing to society.

I agree with Feh but I would extend it to any time anyone is ruining your movie experience. It isn’t just the children who are making all that noise.

At the other theaters, you take your chances. You’re not even guaranteed a pleasant time at the movies if you go to late night showings. I’ve seen kids in the theater at 10:00 PM, and teenagers at midnight showings whom, according to curfew laws, should have had their behinds at home.

A few years ago, a couple of theaters instituted a “mommy and baby” time where parents could come in with their kids. It appeared the only parents who could take advantage of this (it took place in the mid-mornings and early afternoons) were stay-at-home moms. If such an event can be scheduled, then why can’t an “adults-only” time at the movie theater take place? I asked the theaters in questions, but they have yet to get back to me.

I think a good, though slow acting, solution would be that if you are in an adult rated film, and it is ruined by children, you demand a refund EVERY TIME. If enough people do this, cinemas will have no choice but to actually enforce/develop policies to keep children out of ADULT RATED FILMS, like they used to.

We have here a theatre that you can order dinner and watch a movie. You sit either two to a table or at a counter. The seats are like executive office chairs – comfy!

We went to Ironman on Sunday afternoon. Out of the WHOLE AUDITORIUM, the one couple with a YOUNG boy of maybe 4 or 5, they had to sit next to us! I told my boyfriend it’s like cigarette smoke and a non-smoker. For some reason, it just waftes over to the person – as is famblees with kids. He chuckled. Then I wondered if parents who bring their children sit next to women, specifically, because they think that women wouldn’t mind? As if it is just some reflex thought they have? I dunno. But it’s annoying. I hope I don’t “look inviting” to have a kid around me. Ultimately, we moved. I didn’t want to risk hearing the kid. Even if he would try to whisper. I don’t know how he behaved, but atleast he wasn’t loud because we didn’t hear him.

This theatre also sells alcohol. But since they serve food, I guess people think it’s ok. A 21 and over theatre would be awesome.

BTW, as to the comment of going early Sunday mornings. Well.. we don’t get up that early. We’re late people. And quite frankly, I’d really like to be able to go whenever I want. It is true: watching a movie at the theatre is a whole experience. And who wants to go out on a date Sunday morning? Some of us are still recovering from Saturday night. LOL!

I know one can watch movies on-line – and I have done but it’s not the same. I love the whole atmosphere of watching a big-screen film/movie – and I love the Friday night/Saturday night movie night feeling. Sans kids of course. There are some films that simply have to be seen on the big screen – especially the IMAX – even if I’m going to watch it on DVD afterwards, which I often do. Between my hubs and I we have over1200 DVDs… so we will often just wait for the it to come out on DVD anyway. I think they need to enforce the ratings… not let anyone in who shouldn’t be there and dare to piss off the bad parents. At least we’ll actually enjoy what we paid for.

Last year, we went to see the 3rd Pirates of the Carribean. A mother had brought her two children to the film (it was late enough, 9 or 10pm)- we are talking about a 4 and 6 year old here. The youngest one cried, obviously traumatised at what she saw on the screen, which I forget because the film was so bad but was inappropriate for her age. My sister and I must have given the mum lots of turn-around dirty looks everytime she tried to comfort them. I think we even told her twice to go out and sort her kids out, to no avail. I am sure I muttered “for fuck’s sakes” a few times too, but no reaction.

We were so ticked off at the end (and, to be honest, appalled at the film’s mediocrity) that we went to the customer service booth and demanded a refund because the trio ruined the experience for us. That in itself was an amusing encounter because I just demanded three passes and then just stared the clerk down. I’s funny how when you refuse to speak any further and leave, the silence is really intimidating to the customer service rep and they eventually just give you what you want to make the discomforting silence go away.

Yeah, I would love a CF zone. I also know there are repertory theatres here in the city who do mothers and tots at the cinema, which is also a great idea. Everybody could win if you just organised things properly.

xx
AM

I absolutely agree with Sarah. If a film is rated, then that’s the minimum age to get in, and you should have to provide ID if you’re asked. That was always the way it worked when I was growing up, and it worked well.

Mark is absolutely right in that parents can’t be trusted to make reasonable decisions, they’re all so self absorbed and entitled that they just do what the hell they want anyway. There is a reason that someone has recommended that kids under a certain age don’t see this stuff – get a clue and choose something more appropriate, or leave the kids with a sitter.

By the way…anybody been to the swimming-hall during weekends?? It makes cinema look like heaven and gives some insight to the life of “happy” parents..

Normally, I don’t mind teenagers, but I have lost count of the films (most recently SATC) which have been ruined by groups of them talking non stop, throwing popcorn and generally being a nuisance. I think that if you’re too immature to sit still and show some respect to the other viewers, as well as the staff, then you’re too immature to go to the cinema. It’s not a teenager thing, because I am one and I could always stay quiet. I’d be in favour of childfree screenings, but really, it shouldn’t be necessary. Parents should actually parent.

I’d be thrilled at theaters that keep kids out of all showings except for kiddie or family movies, but I’d also like them to block cell phone signals in the theaters, too. Most times I don’t mind cell phone addicts but I don’t want them on their phones in the theater!