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superbad@reddit

I go to a local independent theatre. It seems like people that go there care more about movies. At least, I don’t see that kind of bad behaviour there.

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bgroins@reddit (OP)

They didn't continue to offer that, it was a covid thing.

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hardhatgirl@reddit

That little independent theater is closed now. But tickets were 9.00 I think.

They didn't continue to offer that, it was a covid thing.

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old_namewasnt_best@reddit

Wait, you can rent out a whole movie theater for the price of a ticket, a small popcorn, and a Coke?

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azgolfing@reddit

If you're Elvis

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SillyImprovement9398@reddit

🤣🤣🤣🤣

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hardhatgirl@reddit

It was a small independent theater, and covid was new. I dont know that they kept up the offer.

$150, Bay area, CA. I think at $200 kr 250, they just hand you the cords and let you do whatever the heck you want.

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Hyperion1144@reddit

The problem is Los Angeles.

Not AMC.

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Wil-low@reddit

Yes. I live about an hour outside New York City. The theaters nearby are generally a decent experience. The few times I went to showings in Manhattan it was like going to a club that happened to have a movie playing.

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druidcitychef@reddit

Yeh..I always go "over the mountain" to the suburbs for movies. I go at least once a month , rarely any issues. The one time there was -the staff dealt with it, escorted them out, apologized, then gave everyone free vouchers.

Alternatively, I also tend to go to the first showings of the day. It’s guaranteed the theaters are clean, less people are there, and the ones who are tend to be a bit less self centered and aware of others around them.

Best is when you go to a movie and zero people are there. Recently made the mistake of feeling nostalgic and wanting to see a campy horror film, and wish now I didn’t know what they did last summer. (That was about the worst movie I’ve seen in a very long time). But I was glad we were alone. We were yelling at the screen a lot.

I like my setup at home and went full Sonos. Arc, mini sub, and a pair of era 100s, but it’s just not the same.

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Whole_Craft_1106@reddit

I was wondering where you were. It got bad for awhile in my area, but its been getting better.
My favorite time to go is early dinner time on the $5 Tuesday. Less people.

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Straight-Tune-5894@reddit

Yeah amc ad universal seems to have a better behaving crowd, probably because of the tourists. When you buy your tix online they email you a $5 parking voucher. Plus they serve alcohol.

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Sparklemagic2002@reddit

I was going to suggest you check out the Arclight theater on Sunset Blvd. I went to Google to double check the spelling and saw it closed in 2021. That is a real bummer. We went there to see a movie when we were in town for vacation several years ago. Classiest theater I’ve ever been to by a mile.

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No_Detective_But_304@reddit

I was in…Los Angeles.

That’s not just CA. Much of America is that way now.

No state screams “it’s all about me” more than TX though. What’s worse is the level of hero complex that goes with their me, me, me.

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Agent7619@reddit

Thank you Toby Keith

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benjtay@reddit

Go to a film in Utah. We were at Deadpool 2 and a couple gen Z families were there with all their kids. A baby cried during the whole thing.

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FaithlessnessRich490@reddit

Its the same in Memphis TN, I think the theater model of release for movies is completely broken and should be abandoned by Hollywood.

The last movie I went to was Top Gun Maverick, and the lady in front of me kept rubbing super powerful tea tree oil on her forehead. It was so bad it the vapor was burning her eyes.

I've had the same experience. Horrible behavior in a metro area - great experience in a smaller town.

Metro - woman next to me explaining in loud voice to 5 year old because the movie was rated R and was all about the dialogue and nuance. When I looked at her and asked her to lower her voice so I could hear the movie, her man jumped up and threatened me physically, including putting his finger 1 inch from my nose. My husband then stood up and said, please stand back from my wife in a calm voice. Then the guy pushed my husband!

Needless to say, we left the theatre and asked for a refund. The management pulled the other family out as well. We were told we could press assault charges but then they would have our home address. That's probably a bad plan so we chose not to do that.

The next year we moved to a smaller town and never looked back. People are generally friendly and have never had a bad theatre experience here. Also, the drivers are generally more courteous! Retail clerks are generally nicer. Wait staff is generally more attentive and seem generally interested.

unintentionalfat@reddit

A woman in the row in front of me took a call. I took her phone off her and threw it over the railing. She said she was going to tell the staff what I'd done.

Only she came back. Her and a scowl.

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Competitive-Sale-673@reddit

I’m using that phrase - Covid turned everyone feral. It’s sooooo accurate and I never thought of it that way before.

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TwinFrogs@reddit

Today's young people came of age during the lockdown and are a bunch of poo-flinging gremlins.

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NarwhalRadiant7806@reddit

Makes me glad we actually went out and found friends while our old friends were sitting at home policing everyone’s behavior. Zero regrets that I didn’t “go along.” My young adult kid is normal, social, and knows how to behave.

ZookeepergameWild776@reddit

80s and 90s... Great movies from the 80s yes, but great movies came out in the 90s too..

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thepokemonGOAT@reddit

you lived through the 1960's? that's amazing!

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Samwill226@reddit

This sound morbid but....I hope when you die you get to live in your best memories forever. If that was true I'd spend 70% of time between 1980-2000. Outside of meeting my wife and our kids, nothing has been very fun.

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LassieMcToodles@reddit

Your comment is interesting to me because I never married nor had kids (although I wanted both) and I've often wondered if those who did are living in a different world than I am... like everything continued to be wonderful for them in their own little family units.

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Samwill226@reddit

I think its different for everyone, but I think the truth is every person has a 10 to 20 year period where they were the happiest. I mean I talk so so many people and it's kind universal. It's like that 10-20 years you're living your best life. Not money or love, just a time where you were at your peak socially.

brandi_theratgirl@reddit

If it means anything, I go often and last time I had an issue with someone was during opening night of The Rise of Skywalker.

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hapster85@reddit

Wow. I encounter the occasional extremely rude person at the movies, but that sounds like a total cluster fuck. 😯

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AshDenver@reddit

I haven’t gone to a movie theater since probably 2016. I miss what it used to be. I have no interest in what it has become — preselecting seats not knowing if The Obnoxious Family is in front/behind, a linebacker blocking my view. And the prices? No thanks.

I keep saying I want to go back to the theater to watch movies, but then I see posts like this and I'm reminded that I have everything I need to watch anything I want at home.

Yes, I recognize that people like me are probably going to be part of the reason theaters finally fail and completely shut down, but the activities posted by the OP are also to blame. No one wants to deal with that crap while they're trying to enjoy a movie - not to mention that $50 concession stand expense on top of the cost of the movie tickets. (I'm one of those that used to sneak snacks & drinks into the theater in my baby's diaper bag...or a big damn purse.)

I have no problem asking people to behave better. A phone call? Out in the lobby. A screen bright enough to distract other people? No. Once my kids were old enough, I started taking them to theaters and taught them better. I'm more likely to pull out my phone. It's as dim as possible, on silent, and I sit in the back row where nobody is behind me.

Someone won't adjust their bad behavior for fellow customers? The staff will do something if you ask them to.

We, as a society, don't need to put up with this behavior. People do it because nobody expects them to do better and too many people are afraid to speak up.

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Appropriate-Profit93@reddit

This must be a city thing. I've been to Alien Romulus and Final Destination and had a great time both times. Aside from the high prices, the theater was clean, seats were comfortable, popcorn was awesome, and people were respectful.

Basically, like raising kids and all other things in life, your experience will vary based on your location.

Enjoy that home theater system, but know, there’s still some good theaters out there that do care to some sort of degree.

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xxMalVeauXxx@reddit

This is basically what its like out in public. Common public courtesy is dead. People would step over you while you died of a heart attack while looking at a phone, unless someone screamed, then they might take a picture and send to their friends and the keep walking.

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Maleficent_Meet8403@reddit

This is why movie theaters will go out of business.

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Direct_Sheepherder61@reddit

When I went and saw the third Guardians of the Galaxy movie, I had a very similar experience. A family of friends of mine, brought an adult autistic nephew I'd never met before. They sat him right next to me. I didn't fuss about his behavior during the movie, because I didn't think he was acting out on purpose. Afterwards, I told my main friend that if he chose to bring his nephew again, to please sit him as far opposite from me as possible. That movie experience was completely ruined for me.

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wellbloom@reddit

Crying babies, shared armrests and people who can’t eat popcorn civilly. Hard pass!

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New_Gazelle3102@reddit

So Americans?

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One-Knowledge-@reddit

You guys are turning into boomers lol

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MaximumJones@reddit

gif

I love going to the movie theater. Been once a month on average since they reopened after COVID and I haven’t seen a single person behave anything like this. Most of the time the theater is 20% full.

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Indisia@reddit

I feel like carrying a small water pistol to the movies and squirming these people would likely get me banned from the theater, but would also be a way of taking corrective action....and fun.

It's either that or screaming at full volume in these people's faces.

[sigh]

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disgruntled_pie@reddit

I used to go to the movies all the time, then stopped when my son was born for a long while. My wife would take him to movies, but I never really had time.

This past year, I’ve been making an effort to be a more present parent, so I’ve been to the theater about a dozen times lately.

It’s a fricking madhouse in the theater now. The worst 5% of experiences I ever had in a theater before 2020 are now just the average experience at a theater.

The last movie I went to had people talking loudly, unbelievably bad body odor, and trash left everywhere. Then three adults showed up to watch a kids movie with no kids around. One guy and two women. The guy was being physically affectionate with both. Not like… the kind of behavior that would get you arrested, but it kinda seems like these three adults were in a relationship together. Which… whatever, I don’t care. But can you not do this in the theater at a kid’s movie? Then one of the women got mad and started yelling at the man and the other woman, then the man started screaming back at her. After shouting over the movie for a solid minute, the two of them stormed out while their other lady friend sat in the seat for a few minutes before following them. Naturally, they left all of their trash on the chairs.

calbearlupe@reddit

You might live somewhere ghetto. I go every couple of weeks and most people are pretty respectful. I’d never tolerate someone taking a phone call. Video them and go tell management. They will remove them.

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ChafterMies@reddit

Why is there so much engagement for a post that is obviously bullshit. The clue is the statement about employees walking by and not caring. No cinema has enough employees to patrol theaters during movie showings.

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Traditional_Listen28@reddit

The last movie I saw in the theater was over 2 years ago and I was literally the ONLY PERSON in the theater. I saw Super Mario Bros in 3D.

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BPCycler@reddit

I wait for steaming. Can't stand going to the theater anymore.

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AngelHeart-@reddit

I have been to a movie theater twice in recent years.

I saw two documentaries; Three Identical Strangers and Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist. I smoked my weed before I went in the theater. There were no issues; probably because of a more mature crowd.

Back in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s my father used to smoke weed in the movie theater. He said he would see people looking around but they never suspected it was old man.

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Tall-Lead-351@reddit

I go to the theater quite a bit. In fact, just on Saturday evening I was at the regal in downtown Pasadena. It was a great experience! I've rarely seen bad behavior.

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imrickjamesbioch@reddit

OP, what getto ass movie theater did you go to? I goto the movies all the time, in a major city to multiple different theaters. None of that shit ever happens when I watch a movie.

I've been to the movies 7 times this year (near Toronto) and have never seen anyone do anything but sit silently in the darkness and watch the movie. I think one time an old lady behind me shit herself though. Smelled nasty. No light or noise, ever, however.

Where are y'all finding these people?

This is why I now wait a few weeks after a movie is released and then go to the latest showing available.

Went to an 11.55pm showing of the new Jurassic Park a couple of weeks ago with my partner and we had the screen to ourselves.

I find if you go to a movie 2 or 3 weeks after it came out, most of the d-bags have been and had their fun already. It's generally ok then.

I also avoid the Friday/Saturday night sessions.

It is possible to have a pleasant experience.

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hertz_donut2000@reddit

It has to be a movie I really want to see - I hate the bs that takes place in theatres. Try hitting up the mid day matinees - they are the least busy. One of the last movies I went to - the woman in front of me was looking at her phone. Instead of asking her to put the phone away I just started kicking the back of her seat. She got mad, and asked me to stop. I told her I would if she out the phone away. Her husband had nothing to say - I guess he was pissed off too.

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zilsautoattack@reddit

I’d imagine your parents said similar about your generation

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We go out to movies often - if there’s any way to pay the maximum for adjustable seats and larger screens, we do, because we never see this ugly behavior. I’m sure I’ll have someday but so far so good - I DO remember when I lived in downtown San Diego I would see this type of behavior quite often in the 90s and early 2000s…

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Downtown_Setting318@reddit

I’ve been going to regal . It’s really nice, it’s clean , they have recliners, and you can buy alcohol at the little bar Really miss Martinsville though they had $5 admission $3 popcorn

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chrissb34@reddit

In my hometown, there seems to be a monopoly on theaters. Or so it seems. Just like yourself, both me and my wife also love movies and would often talk about going to the cinema to see one, from time to time. Well, we eventually did and yes, i 110% agree with you and your sentiment. People are assholes, nowadays. If you don’t have your “Let me take a call” person then it‘s the “Let me whisper at full voice” gang. Or maybe those who thought it best to bring their infants for a 3 hours screening of a film and be naive enough to think they’d be quiet.

Good_Habit3774@reddit

I'm glad you've come to the realization that going out to do anything besides make money is a gamble. People have no home training and are the rudest on earth

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WW1_Researcher@reddit

I haven't gone in decades. I've considered going a few times because I've really wanted to see a movie but in the end decided to wait for the dvd. Also read reports of bed bugs at local theatres so now I'll never go

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Internal_Finding8775@reddit

Quit going when idiots couldn't stop kicking the seats, so a long time ago.

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In_Unfunky_Time@reddit

Last flick I saw in the theater was that shit Boyle “28 Years Later” thing. Where did I see it? Greenfield, MA at the Garden Cinemas…which is a GREAT place to see a flick. Movie sucked but the film going experience was satisfactory as always. Maybe W Massholes who go to the movies are a bit mo’ chill? Dunno. Must be said that it was opening weekend and the theater was mostly empty so…?

banksy_h8r@reddit

That sounds awesome.

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badger_breath@reddit

Our town has a pinball arcade room with some arcades but it's mostly a bar and a monthly membership. People tried to revamp an arcade room but the asshat gangster twits took over and closed them down. Us gen x, getting close to retirement. I'm shocked no one has bought a mall and started to convert it to a nastolgic place for us...

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MooPig48@reddit

Someone will. Most of us are still 10 years out or so from retirement. Some wealthy Gen Xer is going to do us right

Agree. I went to the theater last week by myself, hoping to focus on the movie. NOPE. Couple next to me had snuck in dinner. Sub wrappers crinkling, even during the quiet scenes. The man in the couple felt compelled to clean up extensively, making sure he crumpled his wrapper into a ball. Group of dudes wanted to comment, not exclamations, like loudly state their opinion of the scene.

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Hoffafiles@reddit

I haven’t went to a theater since before Covid, and I have no plans to ever return.

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NoBonus6969@reddit

You always gotta pay extra for the balcony, vip, assigned seats, relax Max, Dolby, whatever the gimmick. If you just roll into an open seating theater lowest ticket price you're gonna have a bad time.

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Big-Sheepherder-6134@reddit

This is why I have a home theater too. I avoid this completely or go to movies when they have been out for a couple of weeks. Then I can go midday and it’s empty. People are inconsiderate assholes. They talk, the look at their phone (at least turn the brightness off) they get up to get drinks (really?!).

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Themoosemingled@reddit

I’m almost exclusively going for special anniversary showings of old movies and cool imax things.

People are there to watch the movies.

BrotherQuartus@reddit

It’s coming out in September!

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roadtwich@reddit

I have not been in a theater for 20+ years since I went to see the LOTR trilogy. I do intend to go to see The Long Walk. It is my favorite SK short - I really hope they do well by it.

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SomePeopleCallMeJJ@reddit

I saw it a couple of days ago. First movie I've seen in a corporate theater since the last Star Wars, IIRC.

On the plus side, there were only a handful of other people there (it was a matinee) We were all mostly fellow Gen-Xers or older and knew how to act in a movie theater.

Not a masterpiece by any means, but I wouldn't have enjoyee anything in that setting.

M

O

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Professional_Hour445@reddit

I don't understand why anyone would go to a movie theater now? Besides the exorbitant prices, there are just so many streaming services now.

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Just saw a similar post in a local-to-me subreddit. I am on the edge of that sub, and they were complaining something fierce. Where I am, no problem, everyone behaves as they should. Lucky, I guess.

Where are you that it is such a problem?

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Tired8281@reddit

Pro tip: if you're above a certain physical size, you can yell at people to knock it off, and they will. Sometimes it's nice being a big burly man who doesn't really care about social cues. :)

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MeepingSim@reddit

My wife and I watch one movie in the theater a year, on Halloween. We time it so we can catch dinner first, see the movie, and maybe dessert or straight home. Unfortunately, we live on a dead end street that doesn't get trick 'r treat'rs. We gave up years ago.

It's been a nice tradition. Sometimes we watch a horror movie. A couple years ago The Nightmare Before Christmas was playing. The theater was completely empty. Totally different from when we saw it the first time at college. There have only ever been 2-5 other people any other time. I don't think I'll see a new release in the theater ever again.

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Hyperion1144@reddit

I am truly amazed at how many redditors live near/only choose absolutely shitty movie theaters.

We go to movies all the time. We have good theaters. We never experience any of this.

We really didn't go to the movies for a long while - between the cost, people being dicks, and the AMC in our old town just generally kind of sucking it wasn't worth it. That said, we moved and our new town has a smaller (like 5 or 6 screen, I think?) theater run by a regional chain that just rocks. Haven't had any issues with dickheads in the audience, and tickets are (unbelievably) $5.

We saw the new Jurassic World a couple weeks ago and with a large popcorn and a couple drinks, we were asses-in-seats for like $20.

Luder714@reddit

You remember rocky horror picture show? Yeah, we decimated a couple theaters back in high school. Not proud but we were assholes in the movies too

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Safe-Database9004@reddit

Rocky horror is supposed to be audience participation though… not really at all the same standard.

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ProudBoomer@reddit

I won't go to a theater for love or money. People have lost all consideration for others watching the movie. The rude behavior is just astounding.

ricperry1@reddit

The seats are disgusting.

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Sawathingonce@reddit

That's why, when we go, we go to the 10am showing. Kids in school and the adults that are there are mostly same age group with every intention of having a peaceful viewing.

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lvbuckeye27@reddit

I haven't been to the theatre since Rogue One dropped, and that was nine years ago. The two assholes behind me talked, loudly, the entire time. When I finally lost my chill and asked them to please shut the fuck up, they just looked at me like I had three heads, then continued talking.

One of the most amazing places I've been to is Alamo Drafthouse. Not only will they bring great food to your seat, so you can watch a movie with beer or wine and fairly good food--but they have the "this is a no talking zone" rule where they will eject you for talking during the movie. And apparently if you're a repeat offender they will ban you.

And they tell other members of the audience to press the 'order' button to let them know someone needs to be ejected for disrupting the movie.

Where does this happen? Geez.

I have the bad luck of people talking during the movie or on their phones sometimes and I've seen people vaping form time to time but it's not usually that bad. No one is talking on the phone.

SynthwaveDreams@reddit

went to see naked gun and a young black man made a phone call a row in front of me and after a couple minutes decided to start rapping while still on said phone. I had to say something and he did stop once I did but my god do people act self absorbed and entitled. I honestly didn’t know if he was going to stop or give me a verbal confrontation over it.

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TucsonGal50@reddit

I still love going to the movies. Had a blast seeing Sinners in one of the only 15 perf IMAX locations in US opening weekend and the audience was there for it. That was an event and reminded me of years past.

BamBamWowzer@reddit

Basic people with no class or etiquette seem to be the minority. They are breeding and multiplying.

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redfoxblueflower@reddit

The last couple of times I went to a movie theatre was during a normal workday (it was right after a layoff). I was the only, or one of the only people in the theatre. I've got a great 360 video before the lights went off of all the empty chairs around me, LOL. The most interesting thing - and this was at the same chain of theater, but in two different locations - I walked right in. No checks, no one cared. I don't know if they were watching me and knew only a handful of people belonged in the theater and it checked out that I was in there, but I couldn't believe that I walked in, bought popcorn and a soda, walked to the theater, and sat down. Absolutely no human interaction other than buying my food.

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jacky4u3@reddit

I have a home theater at home. I haven't been to the movies since before covid. I have no plans to ever go to a theater again.

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j_grouchy@reddit

I see complaints like this all the time, but I have literally - in 50 years - never experienced that in any theater. I'm honestly skeptical it actually happens and I feel like it's just a put-on meant to illicit upvotes and responses

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pheo69@reddit

Alamo theater in Texas don’t play. You do that, you are tossed. Plus they bring you food.

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queentracy62@reddit

I quit going for years for all those reasons. I think bc people stream so much at home now and talk, use their phones, whatever, they take that to the theater.

Myself and a friend started going mid week right after work. Never any problems then. Back in the day when my kids were small we always went and it was ok but in the past decade or so it's gotten bad.

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TurtleTimeOkay@reddit

My husband and I saw a movie during Christmas time, and a lady was wearing loud jingle bells on her shoes. She took at least 3 bathroom breaks, jingling loudly along the way. Just sitting in her chair they made noise with any slight movement. And this was one of the places that has a food menu and service in theater, so you better believe she used her cellphone flashlight the entire movie.

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darklordjames@reddit

Yeah, I don't do movie theaters anymore.

The last thing I went to was the Taylor Swift concert film, which was a great, noisy time where the audience was expected to dance, sing, and be disruptive. Before that was Fast and Furious 9, where I rented out the entire theater for my friends during COVID.

I don't think I've been to a regular movie since like 2018. It was already a horrible experience by them, and I can't imagine how abysmal it is today.

Oh! Wait! The exception: Find your local, single-screen independent theater. A) The people going there will care about what they are watching, and B) the employees will take anyone misbehaving, drag them outside, and beat them like the dog they are.

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Snugrilla@reddit

I remember going to see TS and thinking, oh man I am way too old to go to this theatre full of teenage girls singing and dancing.

There were 6 people total in the theatre.

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darklordjames@reddit

Mine was full and had good audience participation, like two weeks after it came out. It wasn't the craziness of the launch weekend showings, but it was still good fun.

You want a great time? Go hang out outside of an open-air stadium during a Swift concert. That was an incredible experience. Almost as good as the concert itself that I saw the night before. 70,000 people inside, with another 30,000 people outside having a party. :)

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anonymousblep@reddit

I just went today with my dude and there was a total of 4 people in there. It was nice compared to what I was used to seeing.. Granted the last time we went was about 7 years ago.

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JunglePygmy@reddit

I’m at AMC’s all the time, so throughout LA and I’ve never had this problem. People have been respectful, and if anybody “took two phones calls at full volume” they would have been dragged out of there.

Finding it hard to believe your experience was that intense. You must have an awful fucking theater

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No-Valuable-3834@reddit

I've gone to a few movies recently, and there is always somebody dicking around on their phone. And if it's a phone call,oh boy! Last time somebody screamed TAKE YOUR CALL OUTSIDE OR I WILL PUT YOUR HEAD THROUGH A WALL. His words brought a tear to my eye. I miss my dad.

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Djpillz17@reddit

As a millennial, I love vaping weed at movie theaters. Also I bring chipotle with me so that has a smell too.

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Zealousideal_Draw_94@reddit

I only go to afternoon showtimes, because they are cheaper and have less people going to them.

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AsaCoco_Alumni@reddit

Report the arseholes, demand a refund.
The manager will soon crack down upon it.

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Alg0mal000@reddit

The last film I saw in theater was Parasite in 2019. I specifically chose a weekday matinee in a wealthy suburb, thinking there’d be fewer people and maybe they’d have some common courtesy. Wrong! Two well dressed 70ish ladies came in and sat right behind me and talked, ate loud snacks, let there phone ring without silencing it, and ignored me when I asked them to be quiet. I walked out and was given a refund for the tickets. Never again!

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highwire_ca@reddit

A couple of our local theatres have bedbugs, so there's that too. One of the extra-cost theatres with VIP seating is so run down the "leather" seats barely have any "leather" left on the seat bottoms, seat backs, and arm rests. Also somebody threw a drink at one the screens and the stain was never removed. There was one theatre hall with a blown speaker that rattled incessantly. Never again.

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phillymjs@reddit

I’ve been to a movie theater three times since the pandemic, and it’s about 50/50 between me wanting to not deal with inconsiderate assholes and that the studios are pumping out next to nothing I’m interested in seeing.

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DanDanDan0123@reddit

I only go to the first showing. It’s been a while I since I had issues.

I live in Japan and it clearly states on the big screen before every movie that if you're talking, making too much noise, or on your phone during the movie you'll be kicked out.

R/C Theaters took over our Regal and made fantastic changes. Dolby Atmos, Buttkicker subs under the seats—and the seats are power recliners with heat. We usually skip the concession stand because the prices are astronomical, but the movie experience is top notch with the latest equipment.

Oh, we go during the week and there’s hardly anyone there.

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TotallyFarcicalCall@reddit

Yeah it's really sad what's happened to society.

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garcher00@reddit

I don’t go to the movie theater anymore. They need to make cellphone free theaters. It seems like the moment the movie starts, some idiot whips their phone out and starts waving it around.

I think it’s a psychological thing. There has to be some level of defiance at play when the sign to put your phone away and stop talking comes on the screen.

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MeowMeowCollyer@reddit

Visiting Canada last week, my hubs and I went to the movies for the first time in over 10 years. It was lovely.

I had been expecting a crowd exactly like the one you described and was pleasantly surprised that you could hear a pin drop throughout the entire movie.

Thanks Vancouver, you’re a terrific movie city!

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ptracey@reddit

Don’t even need to read any comments to guess this happened in Cali. In Texas, never experienced this in my ~20 years of going to the movies. Just saw Superman last week and the worst thing anyone did during the movie was clap when the credits started rolling lol.

There must be something in the water because the stereotype of Californians acting “strange” compared to native Texans is sadly not just a weird edgy joke. It’s kind of sad people there can’t act decent at least. I’d be upset if I spent $15 to go to the movies and had your experience.

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MikeDPhilly@reddit

We have a pretty good string of art house cinemas in Philly (the Ritz chain) where you can see first run international and domestic films (usually Sundance and Cannes award winners). They serve herbal tea, artisanal sodas and chocolates, and a full line of kombucha. Sometimes there's a local film lovers group to discuss the piece afterward. Expensive but worth it.

Compare that to the regular theaters where people bring in McDonalds, yell at their side pieces, watch TokTok, act out beefs and generally bring their shitty home lives out with them.

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Ferrindel@reddit

I go to movies a few times a month. The last time I experienced anything like this was years before Covid.

But I also rarely go to the movies the day they come out, it’s usually like a week later and the theater is much quieter.

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The_Original_Miser@reddit

I sail the high seas with my sailboat.

Then I enjoy movies at home and have to worry about none of that.

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NorthP503@reddit

That’s wild. I go to the movies 4-6 times a month and in the last few years I’ve only had issues a couple times. Your theatre sucks

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Technolog@reddit

I was already annoyed by smartphones in cinemas before COVID and I mean just light of the screens.

But maybe there's going to be a reaction. I can imagine screenings where phones are banned just like on some shows, you need to put it in special pouch. Also obviously no loud talking allowed. This would create two kinds of crowds, one just like OP described and the other strict about no distractions.

I can imagine that screenings with phones would look more like watching a game in a bar than cinema and if that would work for people, then I'm fine with that if I could choose my peaceful option. This could bring back people to cinemas.

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HeavyTea@reddit

The amount of talking through the whole thing is insane.

These people are room-dwellers

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ThirstyWolfSpider@reddit

These are not normal theater actions. As I've used those $99/year passes for a couple of years to watch a movie a day for no additional cost, I see 1-2 movies each week and haven't seen a phone out during a movie. I'm also in Los Angeles (metro).

Either try to fix the theater by telling management or switch to another theater that gives a damn.

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Astrossaysuckit@reddit

Gee what do these “bad experience” movie theaters have in common? I can guess!

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Affectionate_Bid5042@reddit

We now go to the earliest showing on Sundays. Used to be 10 am, these days it seems to be 11 am or noon for most movies. Always hardly anyone else there and then we can grab lunch on the way home.

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urbangirlpdx@reddit

I support (have a membership at) one of around a dozen really great independent theaters where I live. It's 100 years old this year. They play the craziest mix of movies from first run to the 1940s. Sci-fi weeks, all night horror events, stuff like that. Lots of 70 mm and 35 mm versions. Many are free admission and always free popcorn for members. It's $9 admission for the ones that aren't free.

There are no commercials except for local businesses (just fliers up on the screen before showtime), and the crowd is composed of movie fanatics with a lot of love for the big screen. The enthusiasm is palpable. I really enjoy being there.

I haven't been to a corporate chain theater since at least 2017, though.

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CentralOhio879@reddit

I ONLY go to the first showing of a movie on a given day.

Never have an issue.

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Writingtechlife@reddit

100% There are no independent or high scale cinemas in my city, so I much prefer watching at home. It also means I don't have to leave my elderly mother home alone for a few hours.

I used to live in a 3 bedroom house that had a 3 car garage. We turned the 3 car garage into a media/entertainment room. 128 inch 16:9 screen, 1080p projector, 7.2 high-end sound system.

Now, I live in an apartment and I have neighbors below me and to one side. This building was made in the 1930's. The walls are paper thin. I hear every argument word for word from the neighbors.

Suffice to say that I don't get to enjoy any "home theater" at this apartment.

I miss the old days when I could blast things at an incredibly high volume, with rumbling subwoofers, etc...

Even then, I might have been bothering a few neighbors, but not like I would if I was trying to watch a movie with decent volume in my apartment.

I'm probably going to be a forever renter, so I don't see any solution to this in my future.

I suppose my only hope is that one day I can afford one of those little cottage apartments that have their own 4 walls that don't share walls with anybody else. Right now, those type apartments cost about $500 more per month than I'm currently paying

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illinoises@reddit

I’ve never had an experience as bad as yours. Sometimes people playing on their phone for a bit, that’s it.

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No_Assignment_9721@reddit

Yep!

No such thing as ushers nor holding people accountable anymore.

And theaters wonder why they can’t doll seats

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dccabbage@reddit

The cinemark down the road is the only theater (chain or indepent) for a large swath of my side of town. As a result opening weekends for large movies are full of feral mouth breathers treating the shared space like their living room.

Every one of those was good. sinners was great. All original content (life of Chuck is an adaptation).

In the next couple weeks I'm planning on seeing the new Ethan Coen movie "honey don't" and the new Darren Aronofsky movie Caught Stealing and the movie Weapons.

If you think all that's out these is comic book movies and horror films, that's on you.

Just like it's on the OP for going to a horrible movie theater and blaming society.

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battlesong1972@reddit

I go a lot to my local Cinemark and, while I see some of this periodically, it’s not rampant. You either had bad luck or live in an area of assholes

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bgroins@reddit (OP)

I think a combination of both.

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Jordangander@reddit

I think that is more where you live.

Yep, it sucks. It sucks just about everywhere. The only saving grace I have experienced was back in LA (pre-covid) when there was an excellent chain that actually had people monitoring each theater. They would warn ahead of time and stop any disruptions during.

Unfortunately, it folded during covid.

https://wikipedia.org/wiki/ArcLight_Cinemas

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BasketBackground5569@reddit

For what we pay, my man would walk up to them and loudly confront them on behalf of everyone. Homey don't play that. 😡

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I hate that all the theaters in my town have assigned seats now. And you're not allowed to select which seat, only a section and they auto assign a seat for you

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Slumunistmanifisto@reddit

Wait I can vape weed now....

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bonesofborrow@reddit

I’ve been going again lately to AMC and have not seen one single case of phone use, talking or any disruptive behavior.

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tattooedlabmonkey@reddit

Landmark in our city (Canadian one) has separate pod like seating, recliners, buttons to heat the seat, arm rest that lift is you are with your SO. Co-worker of mine won’t go anywhere else after experiencing that. Told me his wife even takes a blanket and small pillow lol

Directorshaggy@reddit

You went to a theater with people??? Ew. Seriously, if I do decide to go see a film away from my set up, I go at 11:30 am on a Tuesday. Maybe another weirdo like and some quiet retirees. This is the way.

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Natas-LaVey@reddit

The theater is so much better now, you buy your ticket and pick your seat so you don’t have to run to try and get a decent seat, the seats are recliners and the speakers are in the seat so you can hear the movie, you order food and drinks through the app and they bring them to your seat, and best of off you order alcohol and they bring it to your seat! Want another beer, order it and they will magically bring it to your seat! My 5 year old will never know the pain of running to get a decent seat then putting sweatshirts on seats to try and hold them for your friends. Having to secure seats and then sending one person to get all the food so you can have someone watch the seats, the crappy upright sitting position, having to miss a part of the movie if you wanted another soda or candy. The theater is now actually enjoyable.

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Key_Proposal8124@reddit

Why would someone pay $15+ for something only to scroll through their phone and take a call and not pay attention to what they paid for?

A waste of money.

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aburena2@reddit

I go occasionally with my wife. While I do see some on their phones, no one does anything to interrupt the enjoyment of the movie. One of things I like now as opposed to before is that you can reserve your seat.

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srg_24@reddit

My local theater is great. No major issues. Seems like you need to find a new theater or better yet go see adult oriented movies and not movies that tend to attract kids and teens with short attention spans.

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Happy to say this isn't my experience when I go to the movies. I'm in the Bay Area, go to the local Cinemarks, the Alameda Theater, The Alamo and the Roxie and no one pulls this shit.

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SoundMedal@reddit

Gotta get on that matinee schedule

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Grimjack2@reddit

You went to a bad theater. Some of the ones near me wouldn't put up with any of that - not even for a moment. Any lights from a phone, and the usher rushes down to tell the person they need to bring their phone outside. A phone rings and the person answers it, they are made to leave.

I go to movies several times per year. It's very rare that a phone goes off and I've never heard people playing videos on their phone.

OP, where do you live

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YouMustBeJoking888@reddit

I go to independent and art house cinemas, and film schools. People there are interested in teh film and behave accordingly.

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TheNeonCrow@reddit

I have no problem calling people out in a theater. I usually say something along the lines of, “I paid my money like you did. But the price of admission doesn’t include your narration!” I got thanked by half a theater once LOL!

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SpySeeTuna1@reddit

Sunday morning, first screening. This is the way.

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nottodayautoimmune@reddit

Our last several theater visits were ruined by a gaggle of girls talking loudly and giggling throughout an entire show, people dressed in cosplay goofing around with their toy lightsabers during a Star Wars throwback movie, and people who brought a toddler to a movie that was definitely not intended for young audiences, so the toddler threw a tantrum for the greater part of two hours.

If Congress actually wants to do something useful they should pass a law that forces theaters to say what time the movies are actually going to start.

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I-used2B-a-Valkyrie@reddit

We went and took our 5yo to a local theatre on a Thursday early evening showing (the new Lilo & Stitch) and it was fun. There were other little kids there but nothing really aggravating.

High off of that win, we took her to go see Elio while on vacation. Same thing. Had a great time, everyone behaved nicely and no disturbances.

I don't ever encounter that and I go to movies quite regularly. I find assigned seating amazing, no more showing up and all the good seats are gone, most people have their phones on until the previews start but then they turn them off, and I feel like the theaters are so much cleaner these days.

In the last few years I have only one memory of someone being loud and the people behind them immediately shushed them.

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KOVID9tine@reddit

Whoa! I hope that was a one off for you. I go to the movies about once every other month and have never experienced that.

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RonnieJamesTivo@reddit

I really still enjoy the experience of seeing a film in the theater. I mostly stick to our local arthouse and independent theaters though where people behave. I have Movie Pass, $20 a month, and a membership to the non-profit theater, which makes it more affordable than the regular ticket prices. The last time I went to a Regal theater, the people next to me brought their very small baby to a horror movie and then proceeded to allow the baby to crawl into my lap. Good times.

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the_Snowmannn@reddit

Jeez. I've experienced a few rude people over the years, but nothing like that.

redhawkdrone@reddit

Stadium seating, leather recliners, surround sound and a 120 inch acoustically transparent screen was worth every penny….it gets used several times a week over the past 14 years. I love my home theater and outside of a new Star Wars movie, I will never step foot into a public movie theater again.

I appreciate the OP taking the hit so I don’t get tempted to make a similar mistake.

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